JenB’s the lucky one to read Kathryn Smith’s latest, the second book in her Nightmare Chronicles series.  But the rest of us are not totally left out! Take a gander at this exclusive excerpt of Dark Side of Dawn and then tell me you won’t be running down to your local bookstore. I dare you!

Life can be a Nightmare – literally…

Dawn Riley saved herself and her boyfriend Noah from a Night Terror bent on crossing over into the real world. You’d think she would be safe now, but now there’s a price to be paid. The Nightmare Council claims she’s broken their laws and is threatening to have her ‘unmade’ And as if that’s not bad enough, there’s a real world villain whom Dawn needs to find before he finds her. At this point the best Dawn can hope for is not to die in her sleep.

The Warden had cold green eyes, complete with black rims, but instead of being spidery, the line was thick and bold, as though someone had drawn it there with a magic marker. Weird. Her hair was bright copper, and hung down the back of her violet robe like a ripple of flame.

She was scary, and she knew it. I lifted my chin as she joined us at the table and fixed me with a cold gaze. I held her attention, and though I wanted to look away, I refused to give in.

“So you are the one named after Eos,” she half asked, half accused in a tone that was as scorching as her hair. “The daughter of Morpheus and a human.” She said human like it was some kind of disease.

“Yes,” I answered with a slight incline of my head – all the acknowledgment she would get from me. I’d be damned if I’d be ashamed if what I was.

The Warden’s peach lips thinned. She could have been a beautiful woman were it not for the bitterness etched in every feature, every aspect of her being. “You have been brought before this council on charges of willful endangerment of the realm, wanton disrespect for our rules and reckless disregard for the safety of our kind.”

I scowled. Hell, I glared. “I haven’t done any such things!” The only way I could have sounded more indignant would have been if I’d had an English accent.

Clearly the Warden didn’t like being talked back to. She drew up to her full height – which was a little taller than my own – and shot daggers at me with her eyes. Thankfully, she didn’t try to conjure real daggers. “You endangered this realm by bringing a human into it. A human who was fully aware of this world and totally cognizant of his time in it.”

That was Noah. I had brought him through a portal into the Dreaming when we’d realized Karatos had stolen his ability to dream. “I didn’t know it was wrong,” I replied. “I only wanted to help him.”

She was unmoved. “Your ignorance only proves your disrespect for our customs and rules. Had you taken the time to learn these things, you would have known better, but apparently twenty plus years of knowing what you are hasn’t provided you with adequate motivation.”

She was such a bitch. I managed to keep my mouth shut, even though I wanted to defend myself – and tear a strip off of her. Nothing I could say could change the fact that she was right. I should have learned more about this world. If I hadn’t turned my back on what I was and what it meant, I would have known that it was wrong to bring Noah into this realm.

I would have known that I shouldn’t be able to bring Noah into this realm, which was really what this was all about. I scared them. Well bully for them. They scared me too.

“And your involvement with that same human put him directly in harm’s way,” the Warden continued. “Something every Nightmare has sworn not to do.”

I knew that harming humans was against what the Nightmares stood for. We were protectors. “I haven’t sworn anything,” I retorted, ignoring my father’s shaking head. “I never asked to be half of this world and half human. I never asked to be a freak. I may have broken your rules, but it wasn’t my involvement with Noah that got him hurt, it was the fact that a Night Terror, working for people in this realm, decided it wanted to cross over into the human world and chose Noah to be his body. If I hadn’t stopped that Terror, you’d have bigger problems right now than me.”

I was mad – nostril flaring mad – and the Warden looked at me like I was a bug on her shoe. “You claim that the Terror called Karatos acted on the orders of another?”

I took a deep breath, forcing my temper down. “I don’t claim it. Karatos told me him…itself.” I had to remind myself that the thing that had tried to kill me and Noah wasn’t human.

The Warden lifted her chin defiantly. “Did the Terror reveal the name of his benefactor?”

That was an odd way to put it, since there had been nothing good about what Karatos had done. “No.”

She looked far too pleased. “Then you have no proof.”

I lifted my chin as well. “You don’t have any proof that I acted out of disregard for this realm either.”

I had her there, and from the dislike shining in her creepy eyes, she knew it.

“Indeed,” she replied frostily. “And so we have this inquiry into your actions. The council plans to watch you closely, Lady Dawn, and discuss your past behavior. If you are found to have acted out of good intent, without lasting effect on this realm, then you will be found innocent and no further action will be taken against you.”

Okay, so this didn’t sound so bad. I hadn’t done anything wrong, so there shouldn’t be any ramifications. So why did I have this sinking feeling in my gut?

“However,” the red-headed witch continued, “if it is determined that you acted willfully, with the intention of harming this realm and what it stands for, then I will have no choice but to pass judgment upon you and see that punishment is carried out.”

“P…punishment?”  I sputtered like a stuttering kid on a bad sitcom. “What kind of punishment?” And why did Morpheus look so pale? He was king here, damn it, and I was his daughter! I don’t care how spoiled I sounded, but I was this realm’s Paris Hilton, and the worst punishment I should get was a few days without cable.

The Warden actually smiled at me, but there was no warmth in it, just the opposite. “To disregard the rules of this world is akin to treason.  And the penalty for treason is unmaking.”

Thank God Verek chose that moment to take my arm again, because I might have fallen flat on my ass at that moment. Oh shit. I was in such trouble.

The equivalent to unmaking in the human realm was death.

JenB’s review of Dark Side of Dawn by Kathryn Smith
Paranormal Romance released by Avon 24 Nov 09

I loved Before I Wake, the first book in Kathryn Smith’s Nightmare Chronicles, so much that I placed it in my top 5 books for 2008. I bought copies for friends and practically forced them to read it, and I’m pretty sure I frightened the author with my fangirl squeeing.

In Before I Wake, Dr. Dawn Riley had to face her past and come to terms with the fact that she couldn’t escape who–and what–she was. She met a man who needed her–and several creatures who wanted her dead, she was reacquainted with her absentee father (who just happened to be Morpheus, the god of dreams), and she was forced to use newly discovered powers in a world she hadn’t visited much since childhood. No pressure, right?

Dark Side of Dawn is a direct continuation of Before I Wake, taking place only a few weeks after the close of the first book. For this reason, I highly recommend reading BIW before DSOD (you won’t be sorry!). As DSOD opens, Dawn is interrupted from training with her sexy dream-world mentor Verek when her new boyfriend Noah tells her a terrible thing has happened to someone from his past. As this person is important to Noah, Dawn reluctantly agrees to help, despite her own conflicting feelings.

In the midst of training in the dream world with Verek, searching out the bad guy, learning to reconcile her dream-warrior side with her human side, and feeling out her growing romance with Noah, Dawn also learns her acts from the previous book have made even more enemies for her in the Dreaming. Prominent members of the governing body want her unmade, which basically amounts to death. And did I mention Dawn has some family drama to deal with in the human world as well?

We learn a lot about Dawn, Noah, and Morpheus in this second installment of the Nightmare Chronicles. Dawn’s powers are constantly growing and developing and surprising everyone around her. Noah has some interesting powers of his own. And Morpheus has a past that he hasn’t shared with his half-human daughter.

Ms. Smith really outdid herself with this book. Any complaints I had about the first book are completely cleared up in Dark Side of Dawn. Most importantly, the name-brand dropping is nearly nonexistent this time, which makes Dawn much more likable and real. Noah has hidden depths, and I’m really hoping they’re developed some more in the third installment. I also want to know more about sexy Verek. I found myself completely surprised at the resolution of nearly every plot thread in this book. I consider myself a pretty cynical reader, so I really admire the author’s ability to pull one over on me without resorting to cliches or bringing out the good ol’ deus ex machina.

Without a doubt, Dark Side of Dawn is the most captivating book I’ve read all year. In fact, so far, it’s my favorite book of 2009. I’ve already read my ARC twice, and I still plan to buy a copy of the paperback on November 24 for my keeper shelf. Yes, it’s that good.

Grade: A

Life can be a nightmare. Literally.

On the surface, it might seem like I, Dawn Riley, have it all. I’ve got a great job, a boyfriend who loves me . . . but my family life is a different story.

As the mortal daughter of the King of Dreams, I have an ability to exist between both worlds . . . which is terrifying to some. Now the Nightmare Council claims I’ve broken their laws and is threatening to have me “unmade.” And if that’s not bad enough, I need to track down a vicious criminal responsible for several savage attacks—before he finds me.

I’m lucky enough to have Noah by my side, and he’ll do whatever it takes so that we can have a future together. In the end, though, this is my battle. The fate of a world rests upon my shoulders, and it seems the best that I can hope for is not to die in my sleep . . .

Read an Excerpt

You’re in for a treat today! Welcome to Duck Chat!

Ohmyohmyohmy!  Squeeeeeeeeeeeee!  Kathryn Smith is here!!!!!

As most of you know, Kathryn’s vampire series, Brotherhood of the Blood, is a favorite of fans everywhere, but the really big news lately is that she’s writing straight historicals once again, and Kathryn will be talking about that and so much more today.

So no more lollygagging! Let’s chat!

DUCK CHAT: Kathryn, of course, the big news, the happy news for your fans is that you’ve returned to writing historical romance. Was it just time? Did something specific happen to prompt you to write that next one?

KATHRYN SMITH: The simplest answer is that yes, it was just time. I’d been writing a lot of paranormal, and even though most of it was historical, it wore on me. I loved my vamps, but they couldn’t go out in the sun! Actually, the sad truth is that historical paranormal just does not sell like contemporary paranormal and while I had some success, the move didn’t really help my career. It was upsetting to say the least, but historical was always my first love and it took me back with welcome arms.

DC: If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.

KS: Where do you get your ideas from? Only because I never know how to answer it. It’s not like I have a magic hat or anything! My ideas can come from anywhere.

DC: And fans will not get just one new historical from you, but an entire series. Lots of happy dancin’ is going on out there! Tell us about the new series, please.

KS: Thank you! I’ve dubbed the new series a ‘Victorian Soap Opera.’ I’m introducing lots of recurring characters that will appear in some or all of the books, and there will be secrets and intrigue afoot. There’s even a gathering place – a hub – where all the characters go to be social, much like Ruby’s on General Hospital. I even have a ‘love to hate’ character that I hope readers will embrace. It’s going to be difficult keeping track of everyone, but I think I’m up for the task.  The series begins with a trilogy, and after that I’m treating it as a world rather than a series. That way I don’t feel locked in to write books about specific characters. Anyone could have a book! And just like on soaps, a new character could arrive on the scene at any time.

DC: I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?

KS: Yes! I’m mostly a plotter, but I like to leave room for my characters to express themselves. That sounds slightly psychotic I’m sure, but once you’re in their heads, writing from their POV, you start to understand what they’re all about. That’s when they surprise you.

DC: Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing? Who usually wins?

KS: No. I trust them to do the right thing. LOL. I let them do what they will and if it doesn’t work, I do it my way. There’s no arguing because either way I win.

DC: The first book of your new series is When Seducing a Duke and it will be released later this month. Would you tell our readers about Grey and Rose and how their story came about?

KS: Grey and Rose are a little bit Phantom of the Opera and a little bit Luke and Laura. He’s a little older, jaded and a little tortured. He’s had an awful past that haunts him still, and he doesn’t want the taint of that to touch her, but it’s going to just by association. He promised her father he’d look after her and to him that means NOT giving in to his feelings for her. Rose on the other hand is determined and slightly naïve. Part of her is convinced that if she can make Grey confront the attraction between them everything will magically be wonderful.

I have no idea now where the idea for them came from! I’ve always loved the kind of hero who has been ‘rode hard and put away wet.’ Grey is definitely one those. He feels awful for his past, but he also knows he’d still be the same if not for the event that changed his life. He didn’t change willingly, and he’s not sure what kind of man he is anymore. I think Rose is a little bit like me – she thinks if she wants something bad enough and works at it hard enough, she’ll get it. That doesn’t always work out for the best! It’s a ‘be careful what you wish for’ situation.

DC: What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?

KS: Email. Phone calls. iTunes. YouTube. Twitter. Cats. Shiny things.

DC: How’s work coming on the second book in your Victorian series? May we have a little sneak peek?

KS: Currently I’m working on revisions for When Marrying a Scoundrel, the second book in the series. It’s about Jack Friday and Sadie Moon. He’s a self-made man with a secret and she’s a tea leaf reader – with a secret. The secret is that they married when they were very young, but then Fate tore them apart. Now, the two of them are reunited and neither one of them is very happy about it.

DC: What has been your favorite book cover from all of your releases and why?

KS: Wow, what a difficult question. The lovely man who runs the Avon Art Dept is one of my favorite people in the entire world. He’s been so very generous with me over the last few years. I’ve always loved the cover for Into Temptation painted by Diane Sivavec. More recently I think the cover for Dark Side of Dawn, which comes out in December – but that might just be because of the gorgeous nekked man on the cover!  Of the Brotherhood covers I think Let the Night Begin is my favorite. I love the golden color of it and the fact that she’s going for his neck.

DC: How about your least favorite cover? Why?

KS: Wow. I’ve never had a cover I hated. I’ve been very lucky. Although if I had to choose it would be In Your Arms Again. I’m not a fan of the pose where the hero is behind the heroine and she has her skirt hauled up. Not sure why. And then, if you don’t look closely it looks like the hero isn’t wearing pants – just a belt and boots. His trousers are almost the same color he is. Still, I’ve seen much worse.

DC: How do you feel your male or female characters have evolved over your career? Do you think you write them differently now than you did when you started?

KS: Oh yeah! I think my heroines have gotten more realistic. They’re not entirely good little girls. Nothing interesting in that. My heroes have changed as well. I used to think I had to write Alpha guys, but I’m not good at that. I like guys who can be both tough and sweet. Real people have uncharitable thoughts, absurd thoughts, insecurities and vanities. That’s what I’m interested in writing now.

DC: Your Nightmare Chronicles is also a fairly new urban fantasy series, one book out last year and the second due out in November. Would you tell us about the series over all and and then we’ll talk about each book.

KS: Dawn Riley is the half-mortal daughter of Morpheus, God of Dreams. That’s the crux of it. Dawn is able to walk between both worlds, something no one else can do. It makes people fear her. The veil between the dream realm and our world is thinning, strange things are happening. And no one is sure if Dawn is the solution to the problem, or the cause of it.

DC: First in the series was Before I Wake, which was out last year, and next month Dark Side of Dawn is being released. Would you give a look inside each book, please?

KS: In Before I Wake, Dawn has repressed who she is. She’s working in a sleep center and crushing on one of her ‘clients,’ Noah Drake. One night Noah is attacked in his dreams and somehow Dawn gets pulled into that very dream. She becomes the target of a Night Terror and the only way to stop it is to accept what she is and use her abilities. This means reconciling with Morpheus and her mother. It also means telling Noah the truth about who and what she is.

In Dark Side of Dawn, Dawn is working on honing her abilities and dating Noah. But then someone close to Noah is attacked and Dawn has to use both her professional skills as a psychologist, and her skills as a Nightmare to help. But this puts her in the path of another monster – an earthbound one this time. She’s also in trouble with the Nightmare Council for something she did in book 1. Dawn just can’t catch a break, and if she doesn’t do something fast, she might not live to stand trial in the Dreaming!

DC: Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try?

KS: Hmm. Young Adult. Historical. Paranormal. Urban Fantasy. I think I’ve written everything I’ve wanted! Actually, I would love to write mysteries, but I don’t think I’d be very good at it. I really want to do more Young Adult. I had two historical YAs out in 2001-2002, and I’ve wanted to do more ever since. So, while there’s not a genre I would like to try, there certainly is one I’d like to do more in.

DC: What advice would you give to your younger self?

KS: Don’t date him. LOL. Actually, I think everything we’ve done has led to where we are, so I don’t think I’d encourage myself to do anything differently. I might, however, tell myself to have more confidence and not take quite so much attitude from other people.

DC: If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

KS: She’s a big girl with a big mouth and an even bigger heart, but does she have what it takes to make the big time?

LOL. That’s so corny, but it’s the best I can do without sounding totally bollocks.

DC: What would be your “voice’s” tagline?

KS: Realistic characters. Fantastic passion. I’d actually have a ‘wink’ after that too. I have a hard time talking myself up.

DC: Your vampire series, The Brotherhood of the Blood, is a favorite with readers. There’s five books in the series so far, with Night After Night being released earlier this year. First would tell those one or two people who aren’t familiar with the series what it’s about?

KS: The Brotherhood was originally six mercenaries who found what they thought was the Holy Grail, but it was actually the Blood Grail, made from the silver paid to Judas, infused with the essence of Lilith. When they drank from it they were turned vampire. 6 centuries later the group who originally had the Blood Grail wants it back – and they want the Brotherhood as well.

DC: Is the series evolving as your originally envisioned it?

KS: Yes. It played out exactly as I’d planned book-wise. I had an arc and I followed it. Success wise, I have to be honest and say that I was much higher hopes for it. Maybe someday paranormal historical will become what I’d hoped it would be and I can give fans of the series some new books.

DC: Please tell everyone about Night After Night.

KS: Night After Night was Temple’s story. He was the leader of the Brotherhood of the Blood once upon a time. In Be Mine Tonight, you discover he’s gone missing, and throughout the series the mystery of what happened to Temple runs through every story. This is also the book that reunites the Brotherhood. It is a romance, however. Temple meets Vivian, who is far more than she seems – more than she even knows. And she’s part of the group that would see the Brotherhood destroyed. That’s conflict, huh?

DC: Are there more books planned in the series? What can we expect next?

KS: As of right now, there are no more books planned for that series. That story line ended with Night After Night. If I do anything in the future, it will be with a new group of vampires or other supernatural creatures.

DC: If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?

KS: I’d be a rock star. Actually, I once wanted to be a makeup artist. I love makeup.

DC: Who’s your favorite author(s)?

KS: I have so many. I love Julia Quinn, Laura Lee Guhrke, Connie Brockway. Sherry Thomas and Meredith Duran are two new authors that I do not feel worthy of when I read them! Lorraine Heath is another favorite, along with Jenna Petersen, Sophie Jordan, Sabrina Jeffries, Loretta Chase, and Liz Carlyle.

DC: How about a favorite book or two?

KS: Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas. Love that book. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke is a current fave, as well as When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn. Those are the first that come to mind.

DC: What else is on the horizon for Kathryn Smith?

KS: More Victorian soap opera books. I’m currently outlining the third, which I’ve tentatively titled When Tempting a Rogue, but that will probably change to better suit the story. I’m hoping to perhaps continue on with the Nightmare Chronicles, and I do have a little something else I’m working on, but I’m keeping mum until I see what happens. That makes me a tease, doesn’t it? Sorry!

Lightning Round:

- dark or milk chocolate?     – milk
- smooth or chunky peanut butter?     – chunky
- heels or flats?      – heels
- coffee or tea?      – both
- summer or winter?      – Actually, autumn
- mountains or beach?      – beach
- mustard or mayonnaise?     – mayo
- flowers or candy?      – flowers
- pockets or purse?      – Purse – anyone who knows me is laughing at this, because they know I collect purses.
- Pepsi or Coke?     – Coke
- ebook or print?     – Print – but I want to try an e-reader.

And because folks still like seeing the answers:

1. What is your favorite word?    – friend
2. What is your least favorite word?     – nourishing
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?     – nature
4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?      – willful ignorance
5. What sound or noise do you love?      – the sound of Steve’s voice
6. What sound or noise do you hate?      – a cat coughing up hair balls.
7. What is your favorite curse word?     – I don’t curse! Right. I say fuck a lot, but I’d like to use the word twat more. I can’t believe I just admitted to that.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?     – makeup artistry. Maybe teaching.
9. What profession would you not like to do?      – anything where I’d have to put my hand in another person.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?     – “I’ve read all your books.”

DC: Kathryn, it was such a pleasure to have you here today! Thank you so much!

Lawson’s review of Night After Night (Brotherhood of Blood, Book 5) by Kathryn Smith
Historical paranormal romance released by Avon 27 Jan 09

The fifth and final book in Smith’s Brotherhood of the Blood series follows the leader of the group of knights, Temple, who has been in hiding so he can protect the grail and his vampire brothers. There was mention of Temple in the last two books, Let the Night Begin and Taken by the Night, having to deal with his being in hiding to possibly having been kidnapped by the dastardly Order of the Palm. And so the story opens, with Temple in a cell…

Temple has been in the cell for awhile, as his captors have been feeding him blood laced with drugs, but they no longer take effect and he has a clear head and knows he has to escape. He knows the Order of the Palm is behind his capture, but he doesn’t know why or who is in charge of the operation. What he does know is they want him alive for a reason. When he hears someone coming he feigns being drugged to catch them off guard and hopefully learn something about what has happened while he’s been away from the world.

His jailer, or at least the person bringing him blood, is Vivian, and Temple can tell there’s something different about her. But he is able to learn some small information, bite her and take some of her blood, which hasn’t been laced with a drug, and makes a quick escape out of his prison, but not before finding out the identity of the leader of the Order of the Palm and getting Vivian sent to follow him.

Vivian is uneasy with Temple, though he doesn’t treat her like everyone else she knows, even her friend and guardian Rupert Villiers. When Rupert sends her after Temple to keep an eye on him, she makes her way to a remote island off the coast of Ireland, where she not only finds Temple, but the secrets to her past, and perhaps her future. That is, if she realizes that everything she’s ever known has been a lie and Temple is one who will tell her the truth. And will they be able to protect each other from Rupert Villiers and his dastardly plans?

Vivian is a strong, able woman, but one can’t help feeling bad about her life and the fact that she’s been lied to, or at least not told the full nature of things, all her life. Being a tall, strong woman who can easily beat up a man had her father treating her very poorly and being saved, of a sorts from her father’s ill treatment by Rupert Villiers. He educates her and protects her, but he never tells her the truth of why he did save her. Even then, she’s always grateful to Villers and it takes more than Temple to open her eyes to the facts about Villiers and what he ultimately has planned for her.

Temple is a born leader, but he gets a bit arrogant with it, as well as obviously careless, as he does get captured by the Order of the Palm. Even though he escapes, his plans end up playing into the hands of the Order, and even though he works to get Vivian to trust him, he doesn’t trust her himself, until he really is forced to. While the rest of the Brotherhood, Reign, Saint, Chapel and Bishop, follow what he plans, he realizes his mistakes in keeping them at a distance and not having any contingency plans in place if a group such as the Order ever got close enough to what ends up happening in the book.

Temple and Vivian do seem to complement each other well, even if she does seem to give in to him physically rather easily (and in a thunderstorm too) and the physical part of their relationship is pretty steamy. The other parts take longer for the deep trust to build between them.

As this is the end of the series, all the other characters from the other books, and the one short story, make an appearance and have an integral role in the final scenes and resolution to this series. Though it was a full resolution to all the stories of the Brotherhood, it just seemed a bit too short and a little unsatisfying as compared with how much trouble they’d caused in the previous books.  It’s a good series though, and I would recommend it for anyone who likes some history with their vampire stories.

Grade: B

Read more reviews and info on this series by following its tag.

Summary:
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I am Temple, Guardian of the Blood Grail…
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Centuries ago, this magnificent chalice sealed my fate as a vampire, and now I am its protector. Many have hunted me for it, but only Vivian has accomplished the task. Strong, lovely, haunted … I am more attracted to her than I should be, yet her loyalty lies with a man determined to bring about my destruction. But I am not so easily locked in a cage, and now the captive has become the captor.
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Though her stormy eyes tempt me, there is too much at stake – not merely my life, but the lives of my vampire Brotherhood. And I am not above using Vivian to achieve my goals, even if it means denying my own heart. The battle to end all battles is just beginning, and I must fight … if I could only let my desire be damned.”
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

As I was putting together a list of books I wanted to review (not the list PamP was asking for but hey a list *g*) I noticed a few odd things

Yes first is the fact, I do plan to start reviewing again.  Well that isn’t odd to me since I had hoped to start in January, if the Topamax would let me.  (If you wonder what I mean by that look up that side effects) To borrow a phrase from my neuro more on that later…

The thing that *I* found most shocking was there are so many books coming out on January 27 (yes that is today) that I thought were rather awesome books. Since it must be in celebration of my birthday (yeah it was the 22nd but really it is close), I thought I would use the 4pm review spot to make a list! Well and because I can *g*

The Sins of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter – I was going to put this review up today at 4pm, I know isn’t it like so cool how I just change the rules for myself (generally 4pm is older book reviews ) but tis a duckies choice to change her mind and I decided to showcase all the releases today.  And it should be NO shock that I adored this book.  For historical fans you really need to get your feathers on down to the bookstore and get this, or download it or whatev.  Easterbrook demands to be read.  Trust me on this.

ETS: if you didn’t already know this… Madeline has joind the ever delightful women over @ The Goddess Blog

(almost didn’t put this summary cuz is SO doesn’t fit IMHO)

Only a desperate mission could bring Leona Montgomery face-to-face with the scoundrel whose dangerous sensuality once sent her fleeing from his arms. But she has under-estimated Christian, Marquess of Easterbrook. As irresistible as ever, his past swathed in mystery, Christian has his own plans for the woman he has waited seven years to claim. Yet once desire reignites, bringing a dangerous secret into the open, Leona will find herself bound to the seductive nobleman in ways she could never have imagined. Seven years have changed nothing: this man can tempt her to ruin with just one touch. With Leona’s reputation and hopes for her family’s salvation in tatters, she must follow the only course left to her…even as each step brings her closer to a shattering truth and a passion she can no longer live without….

Montana Creeds: Logan by Linda Lael Miller – wasn’t sure if I should include this or not but it does show ‘in stock’ at amazon. It is the first in a back to back trilogy from HQN. I read all three books around the end of December beginning of Jan and adored them all (Dylan the next was my fave). LLM is an old fave of mine who is very hit or miss so it was a delight to read three books in a row that were really all hits. It is a contemp western trilogy with three very estranged brothers. It is a great mix of what I loved in LLM older novels and what still is wonderful in her recent work without slamming any doors. And she does some great men, Holly you really need to read these and tell me what you think .

Descendants of the legendary McKettrick family, the Creeds are renowned in Stillwater Springs, Montana—for raising hell…

After years of wandering, Logan Creed, a cowboy with a dusty law degree, has returned home. To put down roots, to restore his family’s neglected ranch…to have kids of his own proudly bearing the Creed name.

Divorced mom Briana Grant has heard the stories about her gorgeous neighbor. So Logan’s kindness with her young boys is a welcome surprise, especially when her ex reappears. And when an unknown enemy vandalizes her home, Logan shows Briana—and the folks of Big Sky country—just what he’s made of.

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis – One of Jill’s best contemps yet and grand fun. You can step over to Book Binge and get some an awesome look at the book with some excerpts, reader questions answered by THE Jill and reviews already done by Holly and company.

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl – working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that – and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed – that part defies explanation…After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he’ll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie’s killer smile triggers something deep in his gut…among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a check book is the biggest rush he’s ever felt – and an adventure Katie’s wishing would never end…

Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann – OUT TODAY and I admit I have gone back and forth with reviewing this cuz you people scare me. I am a spoilerwhore. I have read like oh three of these books. I liked Dark of Night, ask holly *g* who I texted repeatedly while reading it cuz I KNEW she would lurve that heeeee. But I am guessing what happens is gonna get a whole hellalot of omg how could SUZ!?!?! And I was just too dumb to be upset cuz I wasn’t invested enough to be… ::shrug:: and uh was that a spoiler?

Badly shaken after the loss of one of their own, the men and women of Troubleshooters Inc. go up against their most deadly opponents yet —- the clandestine organization called The Agency. Blackmail, extortion, murder: The Agency’s black-ops sector will apparently stop at nothing to achieve their objective. But this time they’ve gone too far and hit too close to home.

Led by former Navy SEAL Lawrence Decker, a team of investigators —- from FBI agent Jules Cassidy and former CIA operative Dave Malkoff, to Troubleshooters Sophia Ghaffari, Tess Bailey, and even receptionist Tracy Shapiro —- band together to uncover the truth, and bring the killers to justice.

But the stakes are raised even higher when Decker barely escapes an attempt on his life. It soon becomes clear that the hunters have become the hunted —- and the Troubleshooters are no longer just solving a crime -— they’re fighting for survival.

also out today I am currently reading for review but can’t rec one way or the other cuz I am not far enough into so buy at your own risk:
Highland Warrior by Monica McCarty
Sandy’s first Duck Chat Author!

I have just started this so I can’t say much about it yet.  So no need to start worrying yet Monica .

Night After Night by Kathryn Smith – This is the last of Brotherhood of the Blood series and I am pretty sure I have read it but the time I got the ARC hits about the time I was in the hospital so before I review it I need to reread it. Yes better living through chemicals. (this would be why I spent most of Nov and Dec rereading older romance novels but that is a list for another time)

My Man Michael by Lori Foster

I know many here do not care for Lori Fosters books but I do so have a soft spot for her.  I have loved this series and really enjoyed the last book.  I am only a chapter or so into this so can’t at all say if this one will work for me or not.

I am sure there are more books coming out today.  Like the SEP (that I really should make sure got to the reviewer it was suppose to go to… see my memory not so good) So what are you looking forward to that hit the shelves today? What have you read that you want to shout about that came out today? What did you write that comes out today? Feel free to pimp… it you know you wanna

And now, some winners of our various giveaways.  If you didn’t win, no worries, there are more opportunities coming your way!

Bingeaduckia Excerpt: Unlaced, an anthology by Jaci Burton, Jasmine Haynes, Joey W. Hill, and Denise Rossetti–Parts One, Two, Three and Four

• Lori T wins a copy of Unlaced! Email redwyneATgmail.com with your mailing info.  Put “Unlaced Contest Winner” in the subject line.

Bingeaduckia Excerpt: Night After Night by Kathryn Smith

• Pam and Lori Ann win an ARC!  If you haven’t already,  please email katewriterATgmail.com with your addresses.

Bingeaduckia Excerpt: Holiday Seduction, by Jaci Burton and Lauren Dane–Parts One and Two

• KrisJ and KristinM win copies of Holiday Seduction and The Perfect Gift by Annmarie McKenna , Maya Banks , MacKenzie McKade , Kate Davies and Stacia Wolf. Email redwyneATgmail.com with your mailing info. Put “Holiday Seduction Contest Winner” in the subject line.

Congratulations!!!!

EXCLUSIVE! We have an excerpt from Kathryn’s Smith’s Night After Night, the final book in the Brotherhood of the Blood series. This one doesn’t come out until February 2009, so get a sneak peek now! I’ll be awarding an ARC of Night After Night to two commenters on any post dated December 17. Read on!

“Centuries ago, this magnificent chalice sealed my fate as a vampire, and now I am its protector. Many have hunted me for it, but only Vivian has accomplished the task. Strong, lovely, haunted . . . I am more attracted to her than I should be, yet her loyalty lies with a man determined to bring about my destruction. But I am not so easily locked in a cage, and now the captive has become the captor.

Though her stormy eyes tempt me, there is too much at stake—not merely my life, but the lives of my vampire Brotherhood. And I am not above using Vivian to achieve my goals, even if it means denying my own heart. The battle to end all battles is just beginning, and I must fight . . . if I could only let my desire be damned.”

Excerpt

Brownie was smiling like a baptized whore seeing the light of God. “Please let me know if you need anything at all, Miss Vivian.”

“I’d like some clothes,” came the quick reply. Temple choked back laughter. He admired her spirit, damn her pretty hide.

His friend didn’t even glance at him. “I believe your belongings are in the laundry. Anything else?”

“We’ll let you know,” Temple replied before Vivian could speak. Brownie was going to make Vivian suspicious with all this bowing and scraping. “Thank-you for breakfast.”

Vivian murmured her thanks as well, and Temple took Brownie by the arm, steering her toward the door so quickly she had to run to keep up.

“Try not to treat her like the second coming,” he growled as he practically shoved her out of the room.

Brownie wasn’t the least bit sorry. “You cannot expect me to treat her like any other person.”

He scowled. “You treat me like any other person.”

She waved a dismissive hand. “You are.”

He bared his fangs, reminding her rather dramatically of just how wrong she was. His reward was seeing her press a hand against her throat as her heart pounded like a scared rabbit’s. Now he had frightened his only ally.

“Please, Brownie,” he said softly, taking her chilled hand in his. “I need you to show some restraint. At least for a little while. I don’t think Vivian knows what she is, and I don’t want to tell her until I know for certain the part she’s to play.”

Brownie sighed. “I understand. Please don’t hiss at me like that again.”

Temple squeezed her fingers. “I won’t.” He released her hand. “I need a favor. Can you send these telegrams for me?” He handed her the small stack of papers sitting on the table beside him. They were messages tovarious acquaintances around Europe – people he knew his friends would go to.

By now Chapel would have discovered his former hideaway in England. He had been taken before he could speak to the other vampire, but there was plenty of evidence left behind. Chapel had to know something bad had happened. He would alert the others. By now at least one of them had to have received the medallions he had sent.

They would come. They wouldn’t walk into whatever trap Villiers set for them in Italy. Together, the five of them would plan and launch their own attack against the Silver Palm. This was going to end. Temple tried not to think about what would happen to Vivian when that final battle came.

To her credit, the little woman didn’t even glance at the letters. “Of course. I need to send out some correspondence myself later on this afternoon.”

Temple thanked her, told her he would talk to her later, and closed the door. When he turned, it was to find Vivian watching him closely as she broke apart a flaky croissant and stuffed the chunks into her mouth. For a moment he was somewhat saddened, knowing this time alone with her would soon end.

“So,” she said, tearing off another piece of pastry. “Are you going to have something to eat?”

He thought of her thigh and how delicious it looked earlier. And then he flashed her a broad grin, full of fang. “Yes,” he replied, slipping the deadbolt into place. “I believe I will.”

copyright 2008, Kathryn Smith

Devon’s review of Before I Wake (Nightmare Chronicles #1) by Kathryn Smith
Urban Fantasy released by Avon 29 Jul 08

What is it about Urban Fantasy that lends itself to first person point of view? Something to ponder. Before I Wake joins the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost and the Aisling Grey series by Katie MacAlister (among others), as part of a new trend: books which straddle the line between urban fantasy and romance, told in the first person from the heroine’s point of view and following the same group of characters. Although some readers may be frustrated by the lack of a traditional HEA, I have rather enjoyed this new trend, and Before I Wake is no exception. Despite having some issues, I found this to be an entertaining and compelling read.

Dawn Ryder is a 28 year old New York City psychologist who also happens to be the daughter of the God of Dreams, Morpheus, born of his illicit relationship with a human. When one of her patients at the sleep clinic is threatened with danger, Dawn has to re-enter the Dream Realm, to face her estranged parents and accept her abilities as a Nightmare.

I have never read anything by Smith before, but I’m pretty sure this is her first book with a present day setting. She has a very good contemporary voice. Dawn emerges as a fully fleshed out, sometimes sympathetic, sometimes annoying character, in that way that all people are. The problem with first person point of view is that you don’t get a break from their inner monologue, so they start to seem too much after awhile—too snarky, too angry, too whatever. That does happen sometimes here. Also the head to toe descriptions of Dawn’s make-up, hair, and fashion choices got too be a bit much. But overall, the pop culture references were spot-on, and Dawn felt like a twenty something urbanite, trying to overcome a difficult past and make a normal life for herself.

She has really good reason to be a bit angry and snarky. I found the relationship between Dawn and her parents to be very compelling. As a child Dawn was close to both her parents, but the relationship with her father grew strained as she realized how different her abilities made her. Then her mother went to join Morpheus in the Dream Realm while her body remains in this world in a comatose state. Dawn has to watch her half-siblings and the man who raised her mourn and fret over her mother, while suffering the guilt of being the only one who knows what really happened to her mother, and being able to communicate with her when the others can’t. She loves her parents, but can’t forgive their selfishness.

I was ambivalent about Noah, Dawn’s love interest. The fact that he started out as her patient is a little weird for me. And Noah, an artist and powerful lucid dreamer, is mysterious, in kind of a sketchy way. He’s very reserved, and some of his secrets are hinted at, but there’s gonna be more to that story, methinks. There was also a charming side to him, and he genuinely seems to respect and appreciate Dawn. There was some good chemistry between them, but I’m not sold. I’ll have to reserve judgment.

Things started off a bit slowly for me, but once it got going, I was hooked. The world of dreams and what they mean to people was very interesting. The villain was disturbing, and very threatening. The ending felt a bit abrupt to me, given all the build-up. Wasn’t sure why she just didn’t do that sooner. But the story of Dawn coming to terms with her parentage, her powers, and who she is, really kept me hooked. The romance felt a bit secondary, but I’m looking forward to seeing what develops.

Grade: B

The Summary:

You may call it a dream job…

And in some ways, you’d be right. I actually get paid to study people’s dreams. It comes much easier than my employers at the Sleep Center suspect; after all, I, Dawn, am the daughter of the king of the dream world, and I can roam the dreams of others, battling the nightmares that plague them.

I call it a nightmare…

Honestly, I could use a good night’s sleep. But ever since I met Noah Clarke, I’m even more torn between the two worlds: smart, sexy, and able to control his own dreams, Noah could be my perfect man, except he’s being stalked in his sleep by an unearthly evil, hell-bent on destroying him … and the entire world.

Read an excerpt.

Well, it’s taken me a week to recuperate and get back into the swing of things since I got home from San Francisco.  Was it all worth it?  Damn straight!

I was supposed to be at the RWA National Conference as a writer.  I started writing only a year or so ago, so I was really looking forward to learning more about the craft.  But who was I trying to kid?  I was 99.9% reader in San Francisco.   I couldn’t help myself.  Everywhere I looked were authors I’d been reading for years, authors who I just discovered, and even newer authors who I hadn’t yet discovered while at the conference.   And the books!  You’ve all seen my TBR mountain.  You all know how bad my addiction is.  There was no way in hell anyone could have kept me away from the books in the city by the bay, no matter how they tried.  So while I did learn a little, I had a dream of a week just schmoozing and staring in awe the majority of the week.

I had some wonderful highlights during the hustle and bustle of the conference.  The first was meeting two of my all-time favorite authors, who have also become friends.  First is Sandy Blair.  I started reading her books because of the time travel elements that appear every so often in her Scottish historicals.  But I joined her fan club because she’s one of the nicest, sweetest ladies I’ve ever met.  So it was a thrill, indeed, to meet her in person.  We had lunch together a couple of times, had drinks together, just chatted, laughed our tails off — she’s a great storyteller even outside of her books — and I enjoyed my time with her immensely.  I will remember each and every one of those moments forever.

Added to all that, I found some friends to get re-acquainted with while schmoozing with Sandy B.  It was great to meet author Tracy Garrett since getting to know her when I interviewed her online last year, and soon-to-be-published-I-just-know-it Suzy Welsh from the Romance Bandits is a hoot and a half and it was nice to chat with her outside Sandy B’s group.  I also met author Jo Davis, who just had her debut book, Trial by Fire, released last week.  You know, I started talkin’ with a southern accent after spending time with all those Texas ladies!

My next highlight came when I met author C.L. Wilson.  We’ve been chatting online for the last year or so after the release of her first two books, Lord of the Fading Lands and Lady of Light and Shadows.  Her series of Fae and magic and flying jaguars has captured not only my imagination, but the world’s.  It was so enjoyable meeting this lady who has such a lyrical voice when writing, an imagination that takes you away into fantasy so that you never want to leave.  Cheryl is a delight.  She’s so friendly, open and honest, and getting to know her was a pleasure.  She also joined Sandy B. and me for lunch on our first day in San Francisco. Let me tell you, I haven’t laughed so darned much and so darned hard in a very long time.   Author Susan Edwards also joined us at lunch, along with several other friends, and a good time was had by all and another wonderful memory was made.

If you haven’t read Cheryl’s books yet, you should.  There’s very few authors out there who can string ordinary words together and make them sing like Cheryl.  The next two books in the series, King of Sword and Sky and Queen of Song and Souls,  are being released this October and February 2009, respectively.  Start now and I guarantee you will be mesmerized and anxiously awaiting those new release dates.

Then there’s the Goody Room that’s a highlight at every conference.  My heavens, what an oasis and/or cacophony, depending on how you look at it and when you were there, of activity and goodies that was.  And everything there was free!  Books, buttons, bookmarks, candy, ink pens, CDs enticing you with book excerpts, business cards and flyers advertising anything and everything, and so much more filled table after table throughout the room.  You had to be quick in that room too.  No thinking you can come back later and pick up whatever you were looking at.  No guarantees whatsoever.  You had to make quick decisions and stick with them!

The Literacy Signing on Wednesday night was almost ovewhelming.  500 authors just waiting for you to walk up, chat for a minute, and buy a book.  What reader wouldn’t be in heaven while in that room?  I met more authors there who I’d corresponded with online or had gotten a thank you for reviewing their book:  Melissa Mayhue, Nancy Haddock, Lorraine Heath, Jill Shalvis, Lisa Kleypas, Kresley Cole, Kathryn Smith, Lynda Sandoval, just to name a few.  Then there were the authors that I’d read and loved for so long and newer authors who have given me hours of reading pleasure: Shana Galen, Jennifer Ashley, Shana Abe, Susan Crandall, Marianne Stillings, Christina Dodd, Julia Quinn, Gena Showalter, Elizabeth Hoyt, Bonnie Edwards and the list goes on and on.  And so many more than I’ll ever be able to remember!  It was a spectacular night and all topped off quite nicely when we learned the next day approximately $60,000 had been raised for literacy.  Good show!

There were other book signings the last days of the conference, and I had been warned to take large totes, rolling and handheld, and to be prepared to ship box after box of books home.  Pffft.  We were able to drive to San Francisco, who needs to ship the books back home?  I did.  Four of them.  Four big, big boxes of books.  I’m glad I took all the advice given to me. I definitely went prepared and I’m sure I was a sight lugging all those books across that big old hotel for two days!

My last huge highlight was meeting author Melissa Mayhue for dinner at Bubba Gump’s on Pier 39 our last free night of the week.  What a lovely lady!  Not only is she a wonderfully talented author, Melissa is one of the sincerest, kindest people I’ve ever met.  And there’s something about authors and humor.  Twelve women together with writing in common and we laughed and laughed.  And laughed.  For several hours.  I made a few more new friends that night and hope to keep in touch in the future.

In fact, I made new friends throughout the entire week, even some from my area.  It was a great time to share experiences and knowledge and I’m so glad I was part of it.  It was a time in my life that will never be forgotten, even when I attend another conference in the future.  The first time is special and the people I met will always have just as special a place in my heart.

Oh, the writer in me?  Yes, I did go to workshops and I did learn some.  So maybe the next time I’ll have more percentage points on the writing part of it all.  I have a feeling, though, the reader in me will emerge once again because she just has to be part of the fun.

Liviania’s review of Weddings from Hell by Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey, and Kathryn Smith
Paranormal romance anthology released by Harper 27 May 08

I enjoy anthologies because they are a good way to get a feel for an author’s work. This made me more excited to read Weddings from Hell because of the four contributors, I had only read Terri Garey’s work previously. I knew nothing about Maggie Shayne, but I have wanted to try both Jeaniene Frost and Kathryn Smith. Together the four created a fairly solid anthology with an even tone.

‘Til Death by Maggie Shayne

When she was seven years old, Kira MacLellan witnessed the strange death of her mother. Now her great aunt Iris has died, leaving her a fortune – if she marries Ian Stewart within the week. Doing so could mean Kira’s death due to the family curse.

‘Til Death works very well as a ghost story. There’s a dark atmosphere, some creepy occurrences, and a conclusion that could be more coherent but still makes sense. As a romance, I didn’t quite buy it. I’m not big on love at first sight, which is pretty much the basis of Kira and Ian’s relationship. They have no time to get to know each other before they are married and breaking curses. I liked both characters and felt they had chemistry, but I didn’t feel their relationship had a solid foundation.

Grade: B-

Happily Never After by Jeaniene Frost

I know enough about Frost’s work to know that this novella connects to her main series through the character of Bones. Greta calls upon her former companion Bones to rescue her grandson Frazier and to help her granddaughter Isabella escape her engagement to Robert “Robbery” Bertino, a small-time mob boss. Pretty soon Isabella has fallen in love with Chance, whom Bones sent to take care of the problem.

I’m a sucker for mob stories. Throw in a basically amoral vampire hero and you’ve got me hooked. Isa’s a tough woman who can think on her feet and Chance likes to put down his opponents with extreme prejuidice. They’re likeable characters and the plot is solid and moves quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Isa get out of her predicament with Chance’s help. This story has the most violence of the four, but it is more of an urban fantasy than a paranormal romance.

Grade: B+

Ghouls Night Out by Terri Garey

This novella features Nikki Styx, the heroine of Garey’s main series. Nikki agrees to be a bridesmaid in her cousin Debbie’s wedding, not knowing she’s replacing another girl. However, Michelle is still around – or at least her ghost is. Nikki must set Michelle’s spirit to rest before Michelle will leave her alone.

I was not that fond of Garey’s novel Dead Girls are Easy, and I think her entry was the weakest. It’s supposed to be a bit more light-hearted and comedic, but most of it feels mean-spirited. Nikki makes cruel comments about her family, even though she learns some of her impressions were wrong. The story picks up once Michelle’s revenge is in full swing, but until that point I just felt disgusted by the heroine.

Grade: C-

The Wedding Night by Kathryn Smith

Vampire Payen returns to England to discover his lover Violet is getting married to another man, one who belongs to the Order of the Silver Palm. As the Order opposes both vampires and Templars, it gives Payen a reason to stop the wedding besides his jealousy. Unfortunately, his actions may put Violet in danger.

This story, unlike the others, is a historical. People who know a great deal about the Templar knights might want to avoid it, but I don’t know enough to be bothered by any historical inaccuracies. It’s a fairly simple tale, and I would like it more if I understood what was so desirable about Violet. There is one good scene where she tells off her ex-fiance, but it feels uncharacteristic of a woman of the time. (Of course, Violet is unlike her female peers even physically.) The story worked fairly well, but the characters fell flat.

Grade: C+

Overall grade: B-

Some marriages are made in heaven . . . Some are not.

What happens when “the happiest day of your life” turns into a nightmare? Forget the drunken best man or the bridesmaid dresses from the ’80s . . . none of these wedding day disasters can compare to a cursed bride determined to make it down the aisle, or a vampire who is about to disrupt your wedding.

Join New York Times bestselling authors Maggie Shayne and Jeaniene Frost, USA Today bestseller Kathryn Smith, as well as Terri Garey in four unforgettable tales of unholy matrimony . . . where the grooms are dark, dangerous, and mostly dead, and to love and cherish till death takes on a whole new meaning.

Lawson’s review of Let the Night Begin (Brotherhood of the Blood, Book 4) by Kathryn Smith
Historical romance released by Avon 24 Jun 08

When I read Taken by the Night, I have to admit that Saint was a wonderful hero, but I didn’t like Ivy too much. What intrigued me, though, was the mention of Reign and is estranged wife and I really wanted to read their story. Reunion stories are something that I like, and the short mention in Taken by the Night was great. Not that I’ve read the first two in the series. . .hmm. . . I do have the first one around here, I’ll have to make time to get to it.

Olivia Gavin returns to her husband, Reign Gavin’s life after a 30 year absence. Someone has found out what she is and has kidnapped her nephew. The ransom is to trade Reign for her nephew, James. Since Olivia is carrying hurt toward Reign, she’s willing to trade his life for her nephew’s. The only problem is convincing Reign to help her without him getting suspicious about her motives for reappearing in his life. Which doesn’t really work, as Reign is smart and doesn’t trust anyone easily, even his wife.

Reign goes along with the plan so that he can keep tabs on Olivia and also so that he can keep close to her. When Olivia reappears Reign is so very happy that he agrees to the scheme just so he can stay in her company. Reign has never stopped loving his wife, even though she ran out on him and has carried the guilt for her desertion. Getting to know each other again and dealing with the secretive nature of James’ kidnappers puts a strain on Olivia. She falls for Reign all over again, and ends up having to make a choice between her two loves.

The first half of the book, Olivia is remarkably childish and carries her bitterness about her wedding night to Reign (when he turned her into a vampire) so close to her that she ends up nearly losing her life. This started off by turns as annoying and understandable. Her one moment of idiotic behavior, though, is acknowledged by her and her honesty with herself about her actions up to that point fully redeem her as a character. The choices she makes after that event, even being a powerful vampire, show someone that can be true to themselves and feel comfortable relying on another person.

Reign is a great hero. He’s upfront about what he wants, is open about his emotions, and is very accepting of Olivia’s faults as well as her redeeming characteristics. He’s also patient in waiting for her to be honest with him about everything, and still manages to throw her off balance more than she does him. Which leads to some very steamy, sexy scenes between the two, both when they banter and when they have their clothes off. It’s more than steam coming off the page, it’s that carryover to the warm tingles that spread throughout the body. Yep, it’s some hot stuff.

Spectacular chemistry, a good plot, believable characters all help this romance, as well as the choices that Olivia makes at the end with shows so much (realistic) growth of her character from the first page to the last page of the story. If she’d dealt with things differently she wouldn’t have been the kick ass, compassionate and caring character she was. By the end, it was so easy to see what Reign loved about her. I’ve got to go read the first two of this series and I’ll be waiting rather impatiently for the last in the Brotherhood of the Blood series, which is Temple’s story.

Grade: A

A Vampire Will Not Rest Until He Satisfies His Hunger…

And what I, Reign, hungered for most of all was Olivia Gavin. I have never met a woman more beautiful, more tantalizing, and so I made her my bride. She promised me her heart and soul . . . in return, I plundered her flesh, and bound her to me for all eternity. Then, terrified of what I’d made her, she fled.

Now she has returned, desperate for my help in saving her beloved nephew. But my assistance comes at a price: She must share my bed once more, for the feel of her soft skin, the heat of her kiss, excite me still. And I know she desires me, even as she resists her own heart.

Yet, as we rediscover the passion that brought us together, an enemy waits to destroy us both…

If you remember, Kathryn Smith is giving away two copies of the ARC of Let the Night Begin, which doesn’t hit stores until June 24, 2008. There were some great comments on the contest and thanks to everyone who wanted to try to get a copy of Let the Night Begin.

A Vampire Will Not Rest Until He Satisfies His Hunger . . .

And what I, Reign, hungered for most of all was Olivia Gavin. I have never met a woman more beautiful, more tantalizing, and so I made her my bride. She promised me her heart and soul . . . in return, I plundered her flesh, and bound her to me for all eternity. Then, terrified of what I’d made her, she fled.

Now she has returned, desperate for my help in saving her beloved nephew. But my assistance comes at a price: She must share my bed once more, for the feel of her soft skin, the heat of her kiss, excite me still. And I know she desires me, even as she resists her own heart.

Yet, as we rediscover the passion that brought us together, an enemy waits to destroy us both . . .

Congratulations go out to the following:

Mandy C

and

Christine

You each get an ARC of Let the Night Begin. Be sure you email Sybil at redwyne @ gmail .com with your physical address so your prize can be mailed to you. Congratulations again and many thanks go to the wonderful Kathryn Smith.

I’ve only read one of Kathryn Smith‘s Brotherhood of the Blood series, but it was very good. And it made me really want to read this book, Let the Night Begin. It’s the story of Reign and his estranged wife and I can tell it promises to be a great read.

Luckily too, Kathryn Smith is a wonderful author for she’s giving away two ARC’s of the book, which is due out June 24, 2008. How do you enter? I’ll tell ya. . .

     A Vampire Will Not Rest Until He Satisfies His Hunger . . .

     And what I, Reign, hungered for most of all was Olivia Gavin. I have never met a woman more beautiful, more tantalizing, and so I made her my bride. She promised me her heart and soul . . . in return, I plundered her flesh, and bound her to me for all eternity. Then, terrified of what I’d made her, she fled.

     Now she has returned, desperate for my help in saving her beloved nephew. But my assistance comes at a price: She must share my bed once more, for the feel of her soft skin, the heat of her kiss, excite me still. And I know she desires me, even as she resists her own heart.

     Yet, as we rediscover the passion that brought us together, an enemy waits to destroy us both . . .

So you wanna read this book now after that great summary? I know I do. And to win and ARC you need to respond to this post by 6 pm CDT Wednesday June 4, 2008 for a two lucky random winners will be chosen from the comments. Please answer one of the following questions:

Has there ever been a time in your love life that you found out something that could make you run away? Or did you stay? Tell us why!

or

Explain which is your favorite scene from any Kathryn Smith book and why.

Go, comment away! Good luck and have fun!

We’re on a roll here, and here’s another contest of which a winner is needed. And how exciting that Kathryn Smith is giving away two copies of this book to two lucky winners? This series sounds very interesting and it’s not her only book coming out this summer. Go here to read an excerpt.

The winners for the Nightmarish contest are:

Wendy

Ing

So I was a little vague on the time frame for the entry deadline, but that’s ok, since we’ve got these two lucky winners anyway. Totally my fault and I do apologize for any confusion. Congratulations to the winners who need to email their physical address to Sybil at redwyne @ gmail .com to get their prize sent to them.  Be sure to put ‘IT’S NOT A NIGHTMARE” in the subject line.

For whatever reason we’ve been sitting on this for far too long. This is definitely raw, and something that should have been posted long ago, but at least everyone is getting it now! Don’t forget there is a Nightmarish Contest and you do still have time to enter. This excerpt comes from Before I Wake, the first in the new series called The Nightmare Chronicles.

Kathryn Smith… Raw and Unedited…

E-X-C-E-R-P-T

The Nightmare Chronicles

“You’re a Nightmare.”

Diet Dr. Pepper half way to my lips I paused, staring at the old man standing beside me at the Duane Reade checkout. My heart nudged hard against my ribs. “Excuse me?”

His face was the color and texture of a worn piece of leather and his hair was a mass of tight, frizzy gray curls. But his eyes were as sharp as a child’s. “You’re a Nightmare, girl. What’re you doin’ here?”

I glanced around to see if anyone else in the drugstore had heard the old fella’s surprising — and very vocal — accusations. If anyone had, they were pretending they hadn’t.

He was just a crazy old man. No need to panic. No need to do anything. “Sir, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You are not of this plane,” he insisted, doing this weird little stomp with his foot that made me wonder if he had to pee. “You shouldn’t be here.”

I took a step away just in case his bladder gave out. It was instinct, driven by pure self-preservation. One thing living in a city the size of New York teaches you is that some people just don’t have the same boundaries as the rest of us.

Also, he creeped me out.

“Uh, okay. I shouldn’t be here.” I twisted the cap back on to my Dr. Pepper as the cashier started scanning my items. Just a few more moments and I’d be out of there. I should have gone straight home after work, but I needed tampons.

“You do know, don’t you?”

I had hoped that agreeing with him would end the conversation. Apparently, I was wrong. “Know what?”

“What you are.” He was staring at me now with a look of wonder. “Shee–oot. I bet you don’t even know how you got here.”

“I walked.” I would not, however, be walking home. God, I hoped I’d be able to hail a cab pronto once I left the pharmacy. I never wanted to be somewhere else quite so badly in all my life.

He did that foot thing again, only this time his face twisted in annoyance. I took another step away. “I don’t mean here. I mean here. On this earth.”

I swallowed. My throat felt like I’d just swallowed a piece of carpet. “Sir, I was born here. Same as you.” Maybe it was all the years of psychology classes, or maybe it was a little fear, but I needed to bring him back to the real world. This one.

He peered at me — a little too closely for my liking. “You may have been born here, girlie, but you don’t belong. I wonder how you managed to slip through.”

I wanted to get the heck out of there. What the hell was he talking about? “Just luck, I guess.”

He stared at me with eyes that were slightly rheumy, but keen. “Luck, nothing. How old are you?”

“Sir, I’m not going to tell you that.” Next he was going to ask my weight and I’d have to kill him.

“Twenty-eight.”

His voice rang in my head like a gong. He was right. If I was creeped out before, I was ten times that now. It could have been a lucky guess, but I doubted it.

“You’re mature,” he informed me. “At your full potential. No tellin’ what havoc you might wreak.”

That was it. I threw some money at the clerk. I hadn’t heard the total, so I could only hope it was enough. I grabbed my bag and started for the door, grateful for once that most of my five feet ten inches was leg. The clerk didn’t yell after me, so I assumed I had given her enough to cover my bill.

I miraculously hailed a cab right outside and jumped in. As we drove off, I looked out the window to see the old man standing on the sidewalk near the door, watching me. He was drinking a bottle of Brisk — bought with my change I bet. He waved as the cab pulled away, and he yelled something. I couldn’t quite hear the words, but to my paranoid ears it sounded as though he yelled, “YOU. DON’T. BELONG.”
I knew I didn’t. The question was, how the hell did he?

Kathryn Smith has not one, but two books coming out this summer and is part of an anthology. The Duckies are very lucky to offer a great contest to two lucky winners who will win an ARC from her new series called the Nightmare Chronicles, the first book is called Before I Wake. So what do you have to do to win one of these wonderful prizes? I’m glad you asked…

Book info:

         You may call it a dream job . . .

     And in some ways, you’d be right. I actually get paid to study people’s dreams. It comes much easier than my employers at the Sleep Center suspect; after all, I, Dawn, am the daughter of the king of the dream world, and I can roam the dreams of others, battling the nightmares that plague them.

     I call it a nightmare . . .

     Honestly, I could use a good night’s sleep. But ever since I met Noah Clarke, I’m even more torn between the two worlds: smart, sexy, and able to control his own dreams, Noah could be my perfect man—except he’s being stalked in his sleep by an unearthly evil, hell-bent on destroying him . . . and the entire world.

What the Duckies would like to know is what do you dream about?  What is the scariest? Most realistic? Your recurring dream or nightmare? Most emotional? A dream that inspired something in real life?

Or if you really want to be daring tell us your weirdest dream and then analyze it for us. It’s okay, channel your inner Sigmund Freud and see what it means.

Be sure you comment on this post before 12 noon CDT Tuesday May 21, 2008. The two winners will be chosen from the comments on this post only and be sure to be honest, elaborate, and even be dramatic, for the most interesting dream sequence could just get you the prize.

So have a nice relaxing lie down on the couch and tell the duckies your dreams.

Lucky Gwen.  I have no clue what all she took with her as I was too busy petting the cover of the Ward book I just got in the mail.

Duck Flash* from Kathryn Smith…

• Historicals are once again on the horizon for Kathryn – darker and sexier than ever before. A new Victorian-set series based on a club that resembles an indoor amusement park will be the backdrop for all new characters. Continuing characters will appear in each book, but be on the lookout for new players when you least expect it. Possible first release late 2009 by Avon.
• Don’t forget Kathryn’s new Nightmare series’ Book 1, Before I Wake, to be released August 2008.
• The Brotherhood of Blood to be wrapped up in 2009. Let the Night Begin (Book 4) release is June 2008. Temple’s book will close it out in 2009.

Consider yourself flashed.

* What’s a Duck Flash? It’s short, up-to-the-minute news from the Ducks out in Romancelandia.

Kathryn Smith – cupid, author, and frequent (and very appreciated) contributor to TGTBTU - shares a Valentine story with us. 

Don’t forget to catch her anthology, Weddings From Hell, releasing 27 May 08.

Okay — I have a Valentine’s story–

The first Valentine’s my husband (then boyfriend) and I shared came about when we were both in our mid-twenties and poor. We didn’t go out to dinner or anything fancy, but we did exchange cards and small gifts. I still have the card Steve gave me. It was pink and white and said, “The only thing better than Chocolate on Valentine’s Day is…” And when you opened it up it said, “Sharing it with THIS guy!”

Originally inside the card there had been a black and white photo of a very buff, shirtless guy wearing nothing but low-slung jeans. However, there was a not-so subtle difference in the card my sweetie gave me. Steve had put a picture of his own face over top of the model’s. What’s worse — in a good way — was that Steve’s pic was color, a few years out of date (I believe he had a slight mullet) and totally goofy. I laughed so hard I thought my bladder was going to explode.

Is it any wonder I kept him? And to this day he can still make me laugh like nobody else.

Kathryn Smith

What about you, readers?  Have any stories of gifts, gifting, and re-gifting that make you laugh to this day?

A favorite author of our, Kathryn Smith (author of the Brotherhood of the Blood Series), shares her favorite holiday movies.  Share yours in the comments – we’ll see if Ralphie, the Grinch, or Scrooge wins a popularity vote. 

1. Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas

2. Muppet’s Christmas Carol

3. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

4. Elf

5. Scrooged

6. A Christmas Carol

7. A Christmas Story

8. Mickey’s Christmas Carol

9. A Charlie Brown Christmas

10. The Nightmare Before Christmas

11. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

12. The Year Without a Santa Claus

Be sure to check out Kate’s 2008 releases…

Weddings From Hell (Anthology w/ Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, and Terri Garey) in late May ’08, Let the Night Begin (Brotherhood of the Blood, Book 4) in late June ’08, and Before I Wake in late July ’08

Kate Smith shares some hard-won experience with TGTBTU’s readers.

12 Pieces of advice for aspiring or brand new authors…

1. Get an agent.

2. Never say ‘yes’ before reading a contract.

3. Be humble — but not a door mat.

4. Know your own worth — no one else will.

5. Realize that there is always room for improvement.

6. When a book is done, leave it alone.

7. Pick your battles wisely.

8. You do not have to defend your work.

9. Without readers you are nothing but a pretentious quack.

10. Respect your editor.

11. If asked for title/cover input, give it.

12. The publishing world is really The Matrix.

Kathryn Smith shares with us some literary dreams.  Many of the book covers lead to some terrific deals from Amazon.com – just in time for stocking stuffers!

 

Top 12 authors I wish had a book in 2008…

1. Sidney Sheldon

2. Jane Austen

3. Charles Dickens 

4. Oscar Wilde

5. Charlotte Bronte

 6. Thomas Hardy [Ed.: Cover links to an UNABRIDGED (Bev) audio book of "The Return of the Native," read by Alan Rickman (be still my heart - his voice could melt an iceberg).]

7. Henry Fielding [Ed.: How can you not like a guy with a pseudonym like "Captain Hercules Vinegar"?]

8. J.R.R. Tolkien 

9. Lewis Carroll

10. Kate Chopin

11. Hunter S. Thompson

12. Brothers Grimm

Okay, so these are true stories. Honest. I’m from a long line of Englishmen and Irishmen. I believe in ghosties and things that can’t be seen. Otherwise, life would be no fun.

—

When I was very young we had a neighbor who had a serious drinking problem. One night my sister woke up and saw flames coming from his house. Turns out that he had been drinking, turned on the gas stove, lit a cigarette, and then fell asleep on the couch in his dining room. (Clarification — I grew up in rural Nova Scotia where it was common to have a sofa, or ‘chesterfield’ in or around the kitchen. Don’t ask me why.)

Anyway, this old fella used to look in our windows and come to visit when he was alive and I guess he saw no reason for that to discontinue just because he was dead. To this day I refuse to sit in front of a certain window in my old house at night because I’m convinced he’s looking in.

One night, shortly after the fire, my mother and I were alone in the living room watching TV. The kitchen door was locked and when I heard the knob rattle I went to see who was there. Only no one was there. And we hadn’t heard anyone come into the porch — or leave.

Around the same time my mother saw a shadow pass across our kitchen. The shadow was the same shape as our deceased neighbor, and she swears it was definitely a man. She said the dead man’s name and two glasses on opposite ends of the sink flew together and smashed. My mother told her guest “that’s enough, now” and he went away.  Ghostly Wail

—

Years earlier, when I was about three years old, I was chasing my grandmother’s fat tom cat (ironically named ‘Tiny’) through her house. I chased him to the bottom of the main stairs, beside what was originally the front parlor. This house was of the Victorian era and my grandparents bought it in the ’70′s when they moved back to Nova Scotia from Toronto — so it had a history long before they arrived.

When Tiny and I reached the foot of the stairs, he looked up — and every lick of fur on his back stood straight up on end. I looked up the stairs and saw two women in long dresses coming toward me. I still remember what they looked like.

It would be another twenty years before I saw them again — in an old photo my mother showed me. It was taken around the early part of the 2oth century in front of what was to become my grandmother’s house. The photo was black and white but I knew which woman was which and the hair color of each — even though I’d never met them. My mother was able to confirm it, because my grandmother had identified the women to her. Both of them died before I was born.

—

One more about my grandmother’s house. When I was in my teens, my grandmother (long since widowed) decided to go away for a week. My mother and I were asked to check in on the house. Since it was only 1/4 of a mile away, I’d often walk down to water plants and make sure everything was okay.

One day while I was standing in her sun porch, at the foot of the stairs that led to what we called ‘The Kitchen Chamber’ (a large room above the kitchen, oddly enough), I felt a ‘presence’ on the stairs behind me. The hairs on the back of my neck bristled and the flesh there tingled. I remember my palms went moist and my heart was in my throat. I just knew that if I turned around there would be someone there watching me, and I was terrified of who it might be.

Obviously, whoever it was didn’t think I should be there without my grandmother home. So, I said aloud, “Nan’s away. I’m just here to water the plants. It’s all right.” I’m not sure how long I stood there, too scared to turn around, but eventually the feeling passed and I braved a glance over my shoulder. Nothing.

Nevertheless I didn’t waste anymore time there than I had to. I practically ran all the way home, my legs shaking. When I told my mother what had happened she just nodded and said, “My brother said he saw an old woman in there one night, but mom accused him of being drunk.” See, the funny part is that my grandmother never had experienced anything strange in that house. If she did, she never said anything. It was only those of us who didn’t ‘belong’ that ever saw or heard anything.

My grandmother died a couple of years ago and her house sold. Shortly after he bought it, the man put it up for sale again. Most people believe it was because of financial difficulties, but there are others who claim he saw a ghost. Joke or not, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had, although I can’t imagine any spirits in that house, a place that holds such wonderful memories (like Nan’s sugar cookies) could ever be malevolent.

Now, who wants to tell me a ghost story? One of your ghost stories will be picked to win a signed copy of my first two books in the Brotherhood series: Be Mine Tonight and Night of the Huntress.

Happy Hallowe’en!
Kathryn Smith
Ghost Mistress

UPDATED: Join us tomorrow, November 1st, 2007 for Kathryn’s Guest Author Day. YAYAAY! We are planning way ahead these days . And yes that will be fixed by this weekend. Honest!

Lawson’s Review of Taken by the Night by Kathryn Smith
Historical/Paranormal Romance by Avon released on October 30, 2007

This is the third in Smith’s Brotherhood of Blood series about a group of Victorian vampires. The first book in the series is Be Mine Tonight released June 27, 2006 and the second is Night of the Huntress released January 30, 2007. 

Saint has returned to London and the safe house of the Brotherhood at a bad time. Though only intending to stay one night as he travels elsewhere, Saint knows he has to help those of the Maison Rouge. Two of their own have been brutally murdered and Scotland Yard is not getting on the case due to the type of people the two victims were. Maison Rouge is a safe house for the Brotherhood, but it is also an upscale brothel run by Madeline Dearing. Madeline’s daughter Ivy helps her run the house and see to their “special” guests from time to time.

Saint wants to keep moving, but his sense of duty to the house and the safety of its residents keep him in London to solve the crimes. Saint doesn’t count on his attraction to Ivy Dearing, even though she doesn’t trust him or how desperate Ivy is for vengeance to find the killer of her two friends. Using his talents as a vampire Saint searches London by night for clues to the case, but the girls continue to be targeted.

Ivy knows that Saint is the one person that can give her the justice she craves. But she also wants to be part of the investigation and she’s frustrated when Saint doesn’t let her go with him. Even worse is she begins to want Saint for more than his ability to protect those that she cares about. Ivy knows what she wants, and knows how to get it, but as the killer continues his terror Ivy and Saint begin to fall in love and become embroiled in more danger than their love can survive.

This is my first Kathryn Smith (though she signed one of her backlist for me and Syb brought it from RWA) and I have to say that I loved Saint. He was witty, flirtatious, charming, sexy and. . .probably lots of things a hero should be. Though he claims to want to be alone and not lead people, he’s very loyal and has leadership qualities that are needed in the murder investigations.

Ivy is a different story. I didn’t get her for much of the book. She says she’s honest to a fault, but she’s not honest with herself about what she feels for Saint, as well as the other people in her life. She’s a photographer, but she really doesn’t seem to see people. As she begins to trust Saint, she stops trusting herself and doesn’t understand her own feelings. Why Saint sticks around is a bit of a mystery to me because Ivy seemed more a woman of the 1990s rather than the 1890s. Her independent streak was vastly out of historical place.

Even though Ivy wasn’t very likeable (at least to me), she and Saint had some marvelous chemistry. I suppose their personalities complimented each other enough to lead to lots of sparks in the bedroom. There were a couple of times those sparks may have caught Saint on fire, and that would be a bad thing for a vampire. Smith’s dialogue and connection during “the act” for these to characters was spot on.

Smith also uses lots of fun little details to put one in the period very well. I had fun fact checking, (yes, I’m a history nerd and like to fact check and learn new things) and seeing how life progressed in the 1890s with some of the technology we take for granted today. The use of things such as the telephone and photography worked well in the story not only has historical detail, but as plot devices.

One aspect that could have used work was the murder plot line. It was mixed with some of the vague conspiracy theories of Jack the Ripper, which were oversimplified and played up a little too much, though they are interesting historical tidbits. It made some things in the plot a little too convenient. And made the villain easy to spot and overly contemptible because even Saint says something along the lines of “Anyone that agreeable must be up to no good”. Yep, I would have to agree.

The secondary characters, Ivy’s mother, Ezekiel (Saint’s source of information) and some of the Maison Rouge girls gave some good depth and helped give dimension to Saint, and though Ivy is too independent, she’s kept in line by Saint, even if she does a couple of things that are TSTL. I wonder though what the Brotherhood’s real names are, since they go by Bishop, Chapel, Saint, Temple and Reign. . .has that been explained before, or will it be discussed in later books? I suppose some more research is in order and going back and reading the first two books which I have been remiss and not read yet.

Grade: B-