50 Shades? Why that isn't enough!

Recently I ventured into the world of Mr. Christian Grey and  read the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy by E.L. James. Without the regular magnetic pull of the undead to suck me in, I was amazed to find myself complete engrossed into 50 Shades' world. I must admit this was the first series in a LONG while that had me consistently counting down the hours until I could flip the Kindle on again.  It didn't matter if I was awake or asleep, Grey was there, haunting me -reminiscent of vampire stalking its prey---just incase you were dying for an undead tie in.

Speaking of tie ins, throughout the books I could not help myself but to find comparisons between that of the charming and slightly unhinged Grey to some of my all time favorite vampiric heroes.  Taking a moment to let that thought seep in the blood stream,  it dawns on me I can pretty much make a legit comparison of Grey and each one of my undead gods. So where to begin?  Angel, Edward, Eric, Lastat, Lothaire...ooh how Grey you cover them all...50 shades baby, 50 shades.

Rumor on the blog vine is 50 Shades was originally a Twilight fan fiction spin off. Of course, when Ms. James decided to give the full blown real world author-dom a go, the names of the characters and story lines had to be moved around and changed to make the story her 'own'.  Even with the subtraction of  the obvious Twilight core facts- good bye vampires, weres, teenage angst and abstinence- not much of the concept has changed:  innocent inexperienced girl finds herself unbelievably and uncontrollably in love with a damaged and self proclaimed baby boy. Hey, if I'm going to hell....  Edward and Bella meet grown up you- Christian and Ana.

If Edward would actually grow a fang and be the Dominant we all secretly desire him to be, (Vampire the fuck up, Ed!) he would be Christian Grey. Grey is who  EVERY  vampire fanatic would give her juggler for. Sexy as fuck, into the kinky fuckery, and dominate down to the very fiber of his being. Oh hunny, you know you want an Alpha! After all isn't that the whole point of the vampire craze? Overbearing, overpowering, sexy, let's live forever, while I suffer from a paralyzing gaze induced coma making me weak in the knees and gladly handing over the vein.... gah! I blush! Rather than bore the 3 of you who actually read this blog with a 2 page blog post comparing Christian Grey to a vampire, I'll just stop my vampire lusting at a brief ramble...

Maybe it was the fact that with every trip into the Red Room of Pain, I secretly hoped Grey would finally confess his secret immortal identity. Maybe it was the was the uncanny resemblance to Twilight with a more adult feel. Seattle, you are the new Forks.  Maybe it was my ever growing hatred for Ana, --Grey, pick me I could do Sub up to par--just as I grew to hate Bella---Edward, Bella's not your life now...I am! I am coming to terms with never knowing  which shade it was that drew me in. What I do know is 50 Shades of Grey is an excellent and addictive series, one that I strongly recommend each of you loyal readers get out there and read.  I guarantee you will find yourself a guilty pleasure with Mr. Grey.

Much Ado About Nothing

It has come to my attention it has been over a year since my last published review. As I sit back and ponder upon the reasoning, a few thoughts came to mind;  was I not reading all this time?; what books have I read in the past year? Reading is a part of my everyday life and thought that I have not picked up a book in one years time is just preposterous. Perhaps the true reasoning behind my year long departure is in the quality of the works I had picked out. Thinking of the numerous Kindle reads I have acquired over the past year, the vast majority have been utter literary crap. Honestly I should have known going into them because of the price tag. Note to all readers out there, if a Kindle read is free, DO NOT DOWNLOAD. I promise you, you will be filled with disappointment and at times anger. I think of how gut wrenching some of the reading experiences were in order to just get through a chapter or two. I have never been the type of reader to not finish a story, but some were just so unbearable that the thought of continuing on felt like an entire waste of existence. After a few gut wrenching experiences, I gave up on the whole idea reading for a brief moment in time. I could no longer find the experience pleasurable.


This posting is an affirmation of sorts, saying to you my loyal readers-pretty much my own inner monologue and  a select few friends I have recently advised "I write a blog, so read it"- my hiatus is over. I've gotten my groove back. The dust has been brushed of the Kindle and my electronic reader is back to use.  That being said, the cherry popping, I'm back, first novel to be discussed is the ever growing in popularity and Mommy Porn classic (is it too soon to classify as a classic, yes? no?) 50 Shades of Grey. Yes, I know it is not paranormal romance, HOWEVER, being the pro that I am, I can already find a few comparisons to my undead lovers I am more than ecstatic to share with my loyal fan base.


Now don't get your panties in bunch, the review will be coming shortly. I have decided since this book is part one of three, it only seems right to write the review once all three have been read. Book one only took 2 days-should have only been one...Damn  you work! Why must you get in the way of my erotica?! I figure with tomorrow's paycheck I can have the entire trilogy finished by the end of the weekend! EXCITING! Now quit squirming! :)

"Heart of the Dragon"

Title: "Heart of the Dragon" -Atlantis Series Book 1
Author: Gena Showalter

Synopsis (taken from the back of book): 

Grace Carlyle's world was about to change . . .

Deep in the jungle on the trail of her missing brother, Grace never expected to find a secret world populated by mythological monsters -- nor guarded by a sword-wielding being whose beauty put mortal men to shame.

Darius en Kragin belongs to a race of shape-shifting warriors sworn to guard Atlantis and kill all travelers who stray within its boundaries. Yet when Grace stumbles into his realm, he finds himself tempted to betray his centuries-old vow.

Now their forbidden love will either bring their worlds together -- or tear them both apart. 

Steph's Summary and Thoughts:

The main reason why I started this series belongs to the fact that I am already a Gena Showalter fan. I first discovered Gena's work though a story compilation hardback that featured one of my favorite paranormal romance authors, Kresley Cole.  I figured if anyone was good enough to share a book binding with Kresley, then should give them a try.  Saying Gena has lived up to my expectations is an understatement.  She is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors of the genre, especially with each novel in "The Lords of the Underworld" series I divulge in. 

I knew going into the Atlantis series not every book was going to have vampires in the lead roles. I'm ok with that. The fact that they even exist is comfort enough. At my core I am a paranormal junkie. All things supernatural fascinate me-vampires just make the deal so much sweeter. ;)  The first book in the Atlantis series introduces a supernatural race I have never encountered-dragons. You might ask, 'How the hell can a dragon be sexy' or 'what do you mean you've never heard of dragons?' I will enlighten you. I have never dealt with the dragon shape-shifter race. I've been exposed to the likes of lycans, demon shifters, were animals, but never a dragon shifter. The dragon in Atlantis is a mythical race of people, that look just like you and me except when enraged their bodies become that of a dragon-wings, scales, tail, fire breathing and all. Interesting concept, yes I do believe so! Just the thought of something extraordinarily new excited me before even reading the first page. 

"Heart of the Dragon" tells the story of Darius, the Dragon King and Guardian, and Grace, a curvy little red head aching for an ounce of excitement and adventure in her life. Set up starts with a bit of a background  on the dragon race and their responsibility to Atlantis. Dragons are the guardians of the mist-the portal between the surface and Atlantis. Darius is selected as a young child to become the guardian of the mist and protector of all Atlantians after the death of his entire family at the hands of an outsider. As Guardian, all who try to pass through the mist must die-this includes women and children.  

On the other side of the portal we find Grace Carlyle. Grace is on an adventure of her own. Looking for her brother Alex in Brazil, Grace finds herself lost and deserted in the middle of the jungle. All she has with her are the clothes on her back and medallion her brother sent her along with a letter explaining his fascination with Atlantis and his search for the long lost city. Grace's mission is to meet up with brother and supposedly help him with his quest.  Through her wandering, she stumbles upon-well is more like drawn to- a cave. The deeper she travels through the cave, the more drawn and mysterious it gets. What would you know,  Grace finds herself in the middle of a mysterious mist with a sword pointed at her neck. 

Right away when Darius and Grace meet there seems to be a sexual tension happening. Darius finds himself shaken and feeling emotions he has not felt in over 200 years since becoming Guardian. You guessed it, these mixed and stirred up emotions to do not leave the dragon a happy camper. Instead of doing his duty and killing Grace on sight, Darius does the only logical thing possible-take the sexy red head back to his room.  Lock her up! That will show her for stepping through the mist! Taking the girl as prisoner always leaves her wanting for more....well it does in Grace's case. Grace can't help herself but be drawn to this alpha male beast. I have always been a sucker for an overpowering alpha, taken charge and proclaiming to all that I am his! Say the words 'She is Mine' and I go weak in knees!  Not to mention, it doesn't help that he is perfectly bronzed and walking around shirt less with a unique dragon tattoo sprawled nicely over his rippling chest. Just one envisionment of this dragon and I am already having a hard time catching my own breath! 

As we journey through the world Darius and Grace paint, we are exposed to both sides mixed emotions, reeling from the highest highs to the lowest lows. First hand we witness Darius' battle within himself between his duty to his people and the duty his has to his heart. "Heart of the Dragon" is an action filled adventure, with enough sexual tension that could be cut with a knife! The more I read, the more I didn't want the story to end. I, myself, was falling in love with Darius en Kragin! This first book in the Atlantis series has me eagerly awaiting more. "Heart of the Dragon" does what a series starter should-engulfing its readers entirely, leaving them craving for another dose for the world they step into with each page that is turned. 

Rating: 5 stakes or this time around should I say flames! What ever the symbol, "Heart of the Dragon" gets the best of the best. Once again Gena Showalter does not disappoint. Atlantis has me hooked and wanting to find my own portal.  Stay tuned for the rest of the series-I can't get enough of these Atlantians! 

"The Bite of Silence"

Book: "The Bite of Silence"
Author: Mary Hughes

Synopsis (taken from back of book):
Times Square on New Year's Eve. A million partiers chanting the final seconds. This year, it's a countdown to death.

My name is Twyla Tafel and I've uncovered an insane plot to unleash berserk vampires on those unsuspecting revelers. I have to stop it, armed only with my great admin skills, my useless art degree—and Nikos, a severely hot vampire who I'd love to photograph as a Spartan king roaring his muscular challenge at the Persians.

But Nikos has issues, if you know what I mean. Roadblocks in his psyche that say stop when all I want is go-go-go. See "severely hot", above.

Although if I finally break through Nikos's reserve, I may get more than I bargained for. He's seriously big, seriously built, and more than just a tad dominant. Still, it's time to push my limits and find out who I really am, so I'm willing to try...I think. I'm sure. I'm mostly sure. Until he starts stalking me with those sable bedroom eyes and long, sharp fangs?!

Steph's Summary and Thoughts:

Finding "The Bite of Silence" was purely random. I wanted a quick vampire fix and sure enough this Kindle freebie look like it might just hit the spot.  I had no idea that this book was actually more like a short novella.  Considering the style, The Bite of Silence picks up momentum fast.  Right away we are thrown into Twyla's world. I honestly felt trapped in a bit of a whirlwind. I kept thinking to myself maybe I was missing a previous book and was reading a series out of order-so not the case. Twyla tells the story from her perspective and I must say its refreshing to read a story in first person-not normally the case in this genre. 


Right away we are on a plane; Twyla's on a trip to New York and sees the mysterious Nikos. What threw me off a bit Twyla already knows him. From where- no idea, but she knows who he is and that he is a vampire, yet she is completely obsessed and MUST sit by him at all costs on the plane. Through various maneuvers Twyla weasels her way into sitting next to Nikos for a bit on the plane, however, Nikos is not amused and ignores her the whole time. Somewhere along the line, she is shuffled about and is reseated next to a sexy blonde eye candy type of model named Klaus. Once again the pace of the novel throws me for a loop, and we are standing in the middle of a Klaus, Twyla, Nikos love triangle.  Klaus, in my opinion is giving off major vampire vibes, especially since Nikos seems to know him and is pissed about his sexual fascination with Twyla. 


Once again in I'm lost in how we got from point A to point B. In an unseen character move, Nikos drags Twyla into a cab and is dropping her off at her cousin- the reason for her visit to NYC. I'm blind sighted by Nikos immediate sexual desire for Twyla. One minute he won't even speak with her and the next hes got her stripped naked and his fangs between her thighs. Giving Twyla a few moments of pleasure seems to be the main reason behind Nikos' entire trip to New York, let alone be the defining characteristic of this god like vampire. Nikos' business is in fact to keep an eye on Twyla and the mischief that she may get into this New Year's Eve.  Now I'm lost. Where is all of this coming from....still moving awful fast, keeps going faster...


We arrive at Twyla's cousin's, find out hes a bit of a nut job, and that he knows vampires exists and plans to expose them. Uh oh. I guess this would be the pivotal plot turn...dun dun dun.  Ever since their back seat cab affair, Twyla's self proclaimed vampire boyfriend is the only person (undead might be a better term), that she can trust. Instead of wanting to get to root of the problem and stop the vampire massacre, all Spartan general, Nikos, can even think about doing is fucking hardcore his new lady friend. 


The rest of the book is a downward spiral from here. The colors yellow and red trigger vampire madness, the Ball Drop is the ticker to the end, Klaus and Nikos are now buddy buddy, oh and lets not forget that Twyla is a fierce strong warrior now-if only because she screwed a Spartan. Too much emphasis is placed on Nikos' junk. We keep being told over and over how badly hung he is and how poor little tight Twyla just can't cope with his manliness. Sex scenes get a bit graphic, not that I'm complaining, but they are a tad bit rushed and underdeveloped. Just like everything with this story they come out of nowhere. Oh and just to seal the deal and throw another left fielder, Nikos is in love with Twyla and wants to marry her! WTF! Main point to take away from this novel, let's hit every genre stereotype possible. Gag me. 


Rating: 1 stake and thats pushing it! If anything its only getting a stake because of the graphic sex scenes, they may have been short but it didn't keep me from blushing! 

"Kiss Me Deadly"

Book: "Kiss Me Deadly"
Author: Michele Hauf

Synopsis (taken from back of book):
Death cocktail is what the vampires call a witch's blood. It's poisonous--a drop will destroy a vampire within minutes. Nikolaus Drake is the rare vampire who has survived his first taste. Now he's on the hunt for the witch who almost brought him to his demise-- Ravin Crosse.

A witch who spends her nights hunting vampire tribes, Ravin has three obligations to fulfill to set her soul free. One of those obligations--crafting a love spell-- twists her world upside down when Nikolaus draws the spell from her veins. Natural enemies rarely make the best bedfellows--but is it possible their intentions are really, truly the same? Can Nikolaus's tribal loyalty survive if he surrenders to desires far darker than his own?

Steph's Summary and Thoughts:

Alright, sounds interesting enough, right? Right away what drew me in just from reading the back cover was the star crossed lover aspect-vampire vs. witch.  I'm thinking definitely give this a try, I love me a good 'we are mortal enemies but I can't help myself but I wanna jump you' kind of story line. Usually leads to a good build up for the oh so exciting moments ;) So right way Kiss Me Deadly starts with Nikolaus' rage towards the witch race. Mr. Drake fills us in on a bit of history and how witch's blood is pretty much poison in the disguise of tasty late night snacks aka a nice juicy neck.  We soon find out that Drake is attacked by witch blood causing him to die-literally burn to ash. But here's the kicker, some how he survives, becoming what the vampires know as the phoenix (rising from ash-get it ;) ). A phoenix vampire is the most deadly and powerful because they have escaped death. Now good old Niko is on the rampage ready to kill the witch that cause his death and resurrection. I dunno, if you ask me sure I would pissed that I was killed, but coming back as the most powerful vampire out there, yea that deserves a bit of thank you. 

Now we get to Ravin, our witch of the hour. Ravin we soon find out is a vampire hunter, sworn to hunt those filthy blood suckers, avenging the death of her parents over 200 years ago. Can we say but over dramatic?  Ravin will pretty much do anything to destroy the race, so she makes a pact with the devil (this time we get to know him affectionately as Himself), allowing her to have the Sight-ability to see a vampire via the aura- in returns for her soul. Our witchy friend has three obligations to fulfill in order to get her soul back. Sounds like a pretty decent trade off right? Not really. Himself does the calling, Ravin does the bidding. Done and done.  My thoughts are really, you made a deal with the devil and you think you'll get your soul back-ha! Ok keep dreaming my dear, this can you get good...  So obligation number two is to create a love spell for Himself. We are never clued into what the first obligation is, but I guess it really doesn't matter at this point.  Anyhoo, love potion number 9 is in the works.

Now here's were it starts to get good. Just as Ravin is making a batch of the love potion, Nikolaus comes busting through and kicks the shit out of unsuspecting Ravin. Knowing, he can not die again from the witch's blood, he takes a long drag. Meantime, the surprise attack causes the potion to fall all over Ravin, soaking into her system. Now do you see where this is going? Yep, good old Mr. Drake is instantly in love. 

To me this is where the story starts to get weak and pretty fast. Drake professes his love continuously to Ravin, begging to bed her. My thoughts, your a vamp-be dominating! What's stopping you? Most powerful vampire in the world and you can't take control...just do it already!  Ok so, eventually Niko does start to listen to my internal lecturing I am giving his character and just takes control forcing Ravin into a very dirty situation. ;) Just like any girl being seduced by a very sexy vampire, she can't resist, even though she knows it totally wrong. Through the rest of the story its the constant inner battle within Ravin over a weeks time of realizing her true feelings for the vampire and her quest to set her soul free.  The story moves pretty rapidly from here on out.  They both fall in love, the spell is lifted, Nikolas hates her once again, Ravin doesn't know what to do, their feelings are tested...yadda yadda yadda. 

My overall thoughts: not enough character build up. The story has a great foundation. Could do wonders if executed properly. The biggest issue, the emotions happen so fast. Yes, I know a love spell is all apart of the equation, but after a weeks time Ravin just suddenly knows that Mr. Drake is it after 200 years of vampire hatred? Yea, I don't buy it. Personally I just am afraid that she doesn't want to let a nice lay go. As soon as the spell is lifted (Which we all knew was gunna happen-big turning point in the book- gotta have one of those right?), Drake is on instant hate, but for only seems like a brief minute before he realizes that even though there was a spell he would have always loved Ravin. Right? Not buying!  The introduction of Himself into the whole mess is entertaining, however, reasoning behind his obligations makes no sense. We find out the spell was to always have been used to bring Ravin and Nikolaus together, AND that the third and final obligation would alway be to possess their first born. Wow, big buzz kill there. To me the whole story just started getting campy and quick. Not to mention extremely over the top. After one week and being under the influence they both know that they are meant to be, get married, and start popping out babies. Interesting. Too bad most vampire/witch romances don't have that much luck. Over all, it was entertaining to say the least. Sure, I rolled eyes a few times and had a few what the hell moments, but still it was a good read. I did feel over all that the story was a bit rushed, but hey I guess a love potion will do that to ya.  

Rating: 3 stakes (my lucky version of stars, gotta fit the vampire motif!) If you are looking for something extremely light hearted and doesn't take much brain power to get through, this is it. 

A Re-Vamping

I am posting to tonight to inform everyone that the nature of my blog will now change focus. Starting with the next post I will be reviewing my escapes from reality-vampire and paranormal romance novels. Each blog post will give a brief summary and my personal opinion of the novel. I am very excited to take my love of vampire/paranormal romance to my newest level of obsession by sharing with my avid readers (few and far between you might be!)!  Stay tuned for the first novel to be review-Kiss Me Deadly.