Book Review: One Soul to Share by Lori Devoti

Here is my review of the paranormal romance novella One Soul to Share by Lori Devoti:

A different story concept, not quite emotionally involved enough for me

I had quite high hopes for this novel, since the story was a little different to what I have come across before. I enjoyed reading it, and it didn’t take long to read either, but I did not feel drawn in as I would have expected. The characters seemed distant, perhaps intentionally due to their nature, but I just could not sustain that personal connection that I like to develop when I read a book. I probably identified best with the vampire Nolan, but I feel that overall the book could have done with a little more description in places, just to draw the reader in more closely. Still, I intend to try out some of the author’s other books, so it wasn’t that bad in the end!

Painful Passion in Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I am returning to my debut novel, and today I offer an excerpt from Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), with a scene from the beginning of this passionate and powerful love story.

I led Jack into the small storeroom and then through the adjoining door into my kitchen.  Once inside I turned back to Jack, trying not to throw myself at him.  I crossed my arms and leaned against the cupboards in front of the window.  He looked at me with those piercing blue eyes and then his gaze dropped to my neck.  In a quick stride he was in front of me, gently moving my scarf and reaching out to touch the bruise with fingers that were cold.  How had he seen the bruise?  I was sure I had fixed the scarf properly this time, and Liz said she couldn’t see anything under it.  I winced, more from the coolness of his touch than from the pain.  
“Jessica, I am so sorry, I didn’t realize how rough I was with you.” he said, voice taut with emotion.  
I shook my hair back and blinked slowly, then looked into those amazing eyes.  
“It’s fine honestly.” I said, “I didn’t even feel it until this morning.  So why are you here?”

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!

Guest Author Feature: Alexandra Anthony and The Vampire Destiny series

Today I welcome a friend from the Hump Day Hook author group, Alexandra Anthony, to talk about her new book in the Vampire Destiny series. Take it away, Alexandra!

"I’d like to thank Catherine Green for having me on her blog today.  I’m here to discuss the launch of my newest book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend.  It’s the fourth book in the series…and I’m excited to answer a few questions and reveal a small excerpt from the book."

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m rather boring outside of my little writing world.  I’m a mother to a wonderful nine-year-old that keeps me on my toes.  I’m also a vampire fan girl (along with having tiny obsessions with Alexander Skarsgard and Norman Reedus).  Ok, maybe tiny is an understatement.

What book are you reading now?

You’ll laugh.  The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories.   It’s research for a stand-alone novel I’m working on.  I also happen to love conspiracy theories, so it’s a win-win.

What motivates you to write?

I suppose it’s just the enjoyment of writing.  It’s the freedom to create your own world and be in total control of fates, lives and love.  It’s almost a power trip!

What was your inspiration for your latest book?

Ascend is the fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series.  My inspiration is Stefan (my hero of the series).  I enjoy “seeing” him in action!

What are your favorite type of scenes to write?

I’d like to say dialogue, but I’d be lying.  My favorite scenes to write are the sexy, smutty scenes.  I enjoy writing reactions and drawing the reader into the story.

Who is your most popular character? Why do your readers like or dislike this character?

I’d have to say Stefan is probably a favorite.  I also think a few fans would be partial to Nick Hart from my other series, The Dark Hart Chronicles.

What are your current projects?

I have a lot on my plate.  I’m working on a novella from Stefan’s POV (due out late summer), Book 2 of The Dark Hart Chronicles, Book 5 of The Vampire Destiny Series, and I’m working on a non-paranormal, erotic thriller.  It will be a stand-alone book with a kick-ass female!

Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)


Did he regret that I'd no longer be so fragile?  Would he miss the small remaining human part of me…my blood, my heart beat?

"Never."  He vowed, reading my unspoken worries.  He tilted my head back to gaze into my eyes.  His face was streaked with pink tears, standing boldly out against the paleness of his handsome face.  "I was terrified that you would not wake. I could only sense your pain in the bond until you touched me.  You were a complete void to me."

I felt my lips tug up at the corners.  "As if you could get rid of me so easily.  You're stuck with me, Stefan.  Forever."

His face relaxed and the soft smile he reserved for me relaxed the
tenseness of his lips.  "There us nothing I want more than that.  Jag alskar dig."

His large hands smoothed my hair away from my face as his bright blue eyes searched my face.  "I did not think it would be possible for you to be more beautiful.  Yet you are."

His soft words made me smile, and if I could have blushed, I would have.  Looking up at him through my eyelashes, my vampiric eyes took him in.  I saw details I couldn't have seen before with my much weaker human vision.  He was more beautiful than my human eyes and mind could ever comprehend.  The flawless skin of his face glowed, the intense blue of his eyes sparkled.  The prominent arch of his high cheekbones tapered to the sharp square of his jaw.  My fingers traced the contours of his face, relishing the satin of his skin under my fingertips.  My thumb dragged across his lower lip, aching to feel the powerful sensation of his mouth against my own.

"I love you too," I whispered.  He was always perfect to me, but he'd never looked this stunningly gorgeous. Studying his face even closer, I could see more than the light blue of his eyes; there were tiny flecks of green that I'd never seen before.  I noticed the feathery laugh lines that seemed more prominent.  His flesh was smooth, his once hard body pliable under my hands.  I placed my fingers against his cheek and smiled as he leaned into my touch.

"You are back with me.  The way it should be." He touched his lips to mine, slowly, tentatively.  I melted against his powerful body, my lips working in tandem with his.  Wrapping my legs around him, I squeezed him closer and heard him grunt softly in pain. “You are stronger now.  Unbreakable.”

“Unbreakable?”  I echoed, loosening the grip my legs had around him.  My mind whirled into overdrive as I thought of all the things I no longer had to fear.  No illness could touch me and I’d walk away from a car crash literally unscathed.  No human death could take me away from him.

“Yes.  You are unbreakable.”  His mouth began a slow descent down my neck.  His tongue circled over the now silent pulse point.  “And you are perfection.”

A moan slipped from my lips at his words.  As his mouth continued to nip at my throat, his hands roamed over my clothes, lingering over the heaviness of my breasts.

“You know what I want, Stefan.  I want you to take your time with me…I want you to show me what you’ve been holding back from me.”  I laced my fingers through his and squeezed his fingers around mine, tightening his hands around my breasts.  My head rolled back and hot desire clawed at me, sharp and begging to break free.

[END]

Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4) is available from:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords

Other ways to find Alexandra Anthony

E-mail: alexandraanthony80@gmail.com

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Guest Author Feature and Book Giveaway

I am happy to announce another guest author feature on Romancing the Book, along with a competition to win a copy of my latest book, Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel). Go and check it out now!

http://romancing-the-book.com/2013/06/guest-contest-catherine-green.html

Join Me in Nantwich for Rendezvous Business Networking!

I am jumping onto the business networking wagon again, and this time I am heading over to Nantwich, Cheshire, just up the road from where I live. I will be attending the Rendezvous Business Networking event on Friday 28th June from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. The event is organized by Mhari Oakes in association with Business Update Magazine, and there will be plenty of exciting and interesting people to meet.

My special announcement is that I will use the event to formally showcase all three of my Redcliffe novels now that I have published the trilogy. This is by no means the end of the Redcliffe story, far from it! These novels simply introduced us to Jessica Stone and the Mason brothers, but now their lives have taken on whole new meanings, and they have lots more adventures and experiences to share. I just have to find time to write the books around being a mother with infants!

Anyway, if you would like to come and see me, see my books, and talk about all things writing related, being an author, or even get some advice on publishing and networking, then come along to the event. Or if you are a small business owner in the local area, and you want to reach out to people, we would love to see you there. Aside from the presence of your favourite local author, there will be a jewellery demonstration from the prestigious Stella and Dot brand as showcased by Mhari Oakes.

So don’t forget, Rendezvous Business Networking, on Friday 28th June 2013, from 4:00p - 6:00pm. See you there!

A Vampire Kiss in 'The Darkness of Love' #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I am preparing for publication of my fourth novel later this year, and so here is an excerpt from The Darkness of Love. This story is set in Victorian England, and is a tale of vampire tricks, power games and lusty encounters…

Amelia smiled and gestured to Gregory as she spoke.

            “My good friend, Lord Stockton,” she said, “requires sustenance, Martha.”

            The maid nodded and turned towards Gregory awaiting her instructions.  She kept her head down, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.  Gregory sat up straight in a smooth, fluid motion, and he fixed his intense gaze on the young maid.

            “Come closer, child,” he said, “let me see your face.”

            Martha moved slowly closer to the sofa, clearly nervous but too frightened to object.  She stood still, trembling slightly, as Gregory cupped a finger under her chin and raised her face to his.  She stood transfixed by his hypnotic gaze, her arms falling loosely to her sides.  Amelia moved to stand beside the maid, watching Gregory.

            He gently tilted Martha’s head to one side, revealing the unblemished, delicate line of her youthful neck, and the beating veins beneath her skin.  He opened his mouth, revealing fangs, and slowly moved in to bite the maid.  She cried out, her body stiffened, and then she fell limp in his arms, swooning with shock as he drank her blood.  Amelia raised the girl’s arm, revealed her wrist, and broke her skin, licking the blood sensuously, fixing her eyes on Gregory as she fed.  The two vampires watched each other as they sucked the rich, warm blood of the helpless servant.

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 

*Vampire image courtesy of The Black Hat Society 

*Free Novel* - Review Request for Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)

I have decided it is time for another book giveaway, but this time I do have an ulterior motive. I am offering a free PDF copy of my third novel Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel) in return for honest reviews on websites including Goodreads, Shelfari and Amazon. If you are interested, please contact me directly and I will supply you with the book. I am also happy to do return reviews for other authors on request.