Shrimp and Grits and Vampires – “Charleston Past Midnight” by Christine Edwards @ceerotica @BookieNookie #blogtour #NewRelease #Review

Charleston Past Midnight by Christine Edwards

Description:

How much fight does one woman have inside?

Calla Hart has never relied on anyone. The fierce West Virginian learned the hard way to be self-sufficient, that is until she is viciously attacked late one night by two thugs. Her luck turns when, still fighting for her life, she is rescued from her attackers by a preternaturally strong stranger. She is stunned to discover that Severin Beauvais is not your typical alpha male hero. Although her pre-med student mind vehemently resists the notion, Calla must soon accept that he is a vampire, one who has stalked the historic grounds of Charleston, South Carolina, since the mid-eighteenth century. Their desire for each other is intense, yet as much as she'd like to envision happily ever after with Severin, too much stands in their way. Aside from her fragile mortality, there is Severin's extremely dominant personality coupled with his unending feud with the ancient Russian vampire Valdon, who has so far proved invincible.

And Valdon has set his sights on Calla ....

When it comes down to the wire, what would you sacrifice for the love of your life?

Review:



Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	3.5	Solid vampire romance with a good heroine and plenty of old Charleston charm. Think Interview with the Vampire with Sleeping With the Enemy type undertones, but a whole lot less angst.
Fantasy World	4	I love Charleston, and Christine Edwards paints a lovely setting which reminds me of many enjoyable vacations there. Some suspension of disbelief is needed to believe a modern vampire mansion is built in the low country under a plantation ruin.
Tingle	5	Scorching sex scenes including light BDSM. Christine Edwards has not lost her touch when it comes to the erotic parts!
Characters	3	Calla is a tough girl who fights for what she wants, and doesn't whine. You go girl! Severin is a chivalrous vampire who doesn't want Calla to lose her humanity. He doesn't quite pine for his lost humanity, but he does seem very connected to his food. Bad guy has lots of potential, but doesn't get much page time to be as evil as he wants to be.
Story	3	Flashbacks are well done. Story could use a bit more depth. Why does Severin value humanity so? Why did Calla fixate on being a doctor as her measure of success? Plot also includes insta-love.

Summary

Firstly, I have to come clean on my vampire story prejudices. I've read A LOT of paranormal vampire stories, and I'm probably become a bit jaded on the whole genre. I'm even afraid to read Ann Rice's new book for fear it will ruin my happy Lestat memories from 1991. I like to dive into my stories, and really relish the details. I also like vampires who embrace their new lives with abandon, and go for broke – sex, blood, gore, etc. “Charleston Past Midnight” is more romance and less gore. It's a story for those who prefer licking the icing out of an Oreo story, where I'm more of a Merlot and bloody filet mignon type reader. Despite my aforementioned prejudices, I enjoyed the story a lot and hope the author continues her paranormal adventures. This was a light read which left me happy and satisfied. I'm tired of my vampires suffering, being depressed, and otherwise becoming angst ridden bags of blood.

“Charleston Past Midnight” is good vampire tapas, but is a little pricey at $5 for 208 pages. If you're looking for a good book that will lighten both your mood and your iron count, it's definitely recommended.

Enter to Win! 

• 1 of 3 digital copies of Charleston Past Midnight in mobi, epub or PDF
• 1 of 3 Digital Copies of Nordic Lessons
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Erotic Romance Author Christine Edwards grew up in the Deep South on Hilton Head Island, SC. At an early age she developed a passion for the arts that led her to earn a bachelor's degree in Art History from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Christine has a special place in her heart for reading and writing erotic tales. She continues to publish stories that immerse readers in exotic and realistic geographic settings amid interesting subcultures of adult life.

Charleston Past Midnight is her sixth novel and the first book in the Past Midnight series. Within the vein of BDSM romance, her main focus is on loving, multi-faceted relationships involving intense alpha males and feisty heroines. She adores snow skiing, traveling the world, and spending time with her amazing family. Christine currently resides in the sleepy coastal town of Beaufort, SC.

Please visit Christine Online: www.christineedwardsauthor.com

Facebook: Christine Edwards Author

Twitter: @ceerotica

Social Links:  

Website ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Goodreads ● Fanny Press  

Buy Links:
Amazon ● B&N  

Tour Coordinator:

Please check out the other stops on this tour:

View the entire schedule of the tour HERE.

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#CoverReveal "Kick" by Carmen Jenner @CarmenJAuthor @RSofRomance

Presents

COVER REVEAL!

 

 

 

 

Kick

by Carmen Jenner

Book Title: KICK (Savage Saints MC #1)
Author: Carmen Jenner
Publisher: Carmen Jenner
Genre: Adult, Dark Romance
Cover Designer: Cover It! Designs

Add Kick to your TBR list on Goodreads!

RELEASE DATE: January 26th, 2015

 

Cover

Blurb

When I was ten, my father indoctrinated me into the family. A brotherhood who would fight, protect, and give their lives for one another. A club whose ties ran  thicker than blood, murkier than the dirt and grime that tainted my soul. Stronger than the bonds that connected me to my own family. A band of brothers where loyalty was kept and paid in a currency of blood. When I was twenty-seven, I betrayed that brotherhood. I’ve spent every day since running, avoiding paying back that debt. My name is Daniel Johnson, and I have betrayed everyone I ever loved. This is my story—if you’re screwed up enough to want to read it.

Warning: KICK contains graphic violence, profanity, drug use, and explicit sexual situations of a taboo nature. Intended for an 18+ audience only. Not intended for pussies.
 

Additional books by Carmen Jenner

Welcome to Sugartown
Amazon, B&N, iTunes

Enjoy Your Stay
Amazon, B&N, iTunes

Greetings from Sugartown
Amazon, B&N, iTunes

Welcome to Sugartown Website:
http://www.welcometosugartown.blogspot.com.au/

About the Author

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA TODAY Best Selling Author, doctor, pilot and CIA agent.  She's also a compulsive, flagrant prevaricator who gets to make things up for a living.

While Sugartown may not technically exist, Carmen grew up in a small Australian town just like it, and just like her characters, she always longed for something more. They didn't have an Elijah Cade, though.

If they did, you can be sure she would have never left.
 
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Hunka Hunka Burning Love! – “Burn for Me” by Ilona Andrews @ilona_andrews @HarperCollins #Review #NewRelease #urban fantasy

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	4.5	Mix the powerful, scheming families of “The Other Bolelyn Girl” with the class sensibilities of Jane Austen, and genetic based enhanced abilities of “Alphas”.
Fantasy World	5	Fabulous new world to explore and enjoy. Very real, lots of details. Nobody does it better than Ilona Andrews.
Tingle	3	Urban fantasy not erotica so there's attraction, but a kiss is as hot as it gets.
Characters	4	Nevada and Mad Rogan have potential. There are echoes of Kate/Curran from Ilona's Kate Daniels series which they need to get past. Nevada's family is reminiscent of Ilona's Edge series. Fun to read – need more individual development.
Story	5	Good thriller. Had no idea where it was going for most of book so hung on for the ride.

 Summary

The Hidden Legacy series is still finding its feet, but if you like Ilona Andrews' other series, you'll like this book too. It has the same supernatural thrill qualities, quirky characters, and witty writing. It needs another story or two to distinguish itself and grow into a fully fleshed new universe of characters though. So many of the successful urban fantasy series are coming to a close (Night Huntress, Hollows), and others have run out of steam (Anita Blake) so it's wonderful to see a new one with potential taking off.

At $5-$6, buying “Burn For Me” is a no brainer. You'll pay twice that for a movie which won't be half as good. That's also very reasonably priced for a successful urban fantasy author. Only indies dish it up cheaper.

Favorite Quote

“Some people stand their ground no matter what. In my line of work, a stint at the hospital, coupled with a bill you can't pay because you're not working, cures that notion really fast.”

Availability

Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo

Blood, Sex, and Adrenaline – “The Nightlife San Antonio” by Travis Luedke #nightlife #review @travisluedke @twluedke

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	4	New characters, same world, same great energy. A paramedic is dragged into not only paranormal world, but also drug underworld when he answers a call to treat a shooting victim.
Fantasy World	3	We get a brief introduction to border issues and drug trafficking in Texas. More detail would be even better. Lots of medical jargon. Procedures sound so real I could almost hear the heart monitor's beep.
Tingle	5	Mostly M/F action with a unique twist a la Jessica from “True Blood”. Action is as hot and wild as expected.
Characters	4	Adrian wavers between destiny and determination as he tries to choose between soldier and paramedic. His patient with amnesia is so damaged she is instinct only, and must slowly regain her connections to humanity via Adrian. Drug dealers, sleazy neighbors, and corrupt cops round out the cast.
Story	4	Good pacing. Resolution is wrapped up a bit too quickly, but battle descriptions are delicious.

Summary

“The Nightlife San Antonio” by Travis Luedke is a new offshoot of the The Nightlife series, and contains the same non-stop adventures full of sex and violence. There are echoes of “Blow”, and “Traffic” as the police, the feds, and Mexican gangs circle Adrian and his patient as they desperately try to figure out the mystery of who she is.

This is a stand alone read, although once you become familiar with the Nightlife world, you probably won't be able to stop at just one book. The $3.99 price isn't bad for 193 pages. Grad it today and enjoy the ride!

Availability

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Kobo

You Can't Choose Your Family – “Bloodline” (Whyborne & Griffin #5) by @jordanlhawk #NewRelease #Review

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	5	Another fabulous book in series. Stunning, new revelations accompany both sweet and scorching moments.
Fantasy World	5	Widdershins is so real, I can smell it. Author continues to expand town with further details.
Tingle	5	Make-up sex! Wahoo! Victorian sensibilities on display, but still hot action.
Characters	5	Usual cast plus Percival's sister returns from England with cousins in tow. The cousins are outrageous, and we see a new side of Percival.
Story	5	Author builds on details from previous books in unexpected ways which simmer into a savory story.

Summary

Author Jordan L. Hawk continues to deliver a “Sleepy Hollow” on steroids storyline with book 5 in the Whyborne & Griffin series, “Bloodline”. This series is a long way from becoming repetitive or boring. Story arcs which started in book one, “Widdershins”, are concluded, and new arcs begin. As usual story is chock full of Gothic themes, monsters, and arcane magic.

If you haven't started reading this series yet, call in sick and get started. This book is more than worth th $5 ebook price. I highly recommend buying the whole series, and putting future books on pre-order. Neither series nor author disappoint.

Availability

Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo

"Temporarily Employed" Author @VickiBatman vs. Margo in a Battle Royale! The Purse-Off!

To celebrate the release of her new book, "Temporarily Employed", author Vicki Batman is joining me today for a bit of fun. Here on Margo's Red Light Fiction District, I mostly talk about books, but that's not my only hobby/addiction. I also have unholy love for handbags in general, and Kate Spade in particular. Vicki loves handbags so much she features a new one on her blog each week. If you haven't checked out her blog or her Pinterest page, I highly recommend doing so. She's not just a great author. She's also got fabulous taste!

 From Vicki Batman:

When Margo invited me to her blog, we decided to post about something we love: handbags.

I adore handbags and have acquired many over the years. I have vintage, handmade, and designer ones. But mostly, I look at vintage. For a while, the designers were churning out the same ol’ style: large garbage bag. That was so not buttoned-up, nice, value-conscious me. And I would much rather buy a whole passel of bags for $100 than one. Of course, it depends on the bag.

So Margo and I came up with three categories: Best Bargain; Most Over-the-Top; and Least Practical. I doubt Margo can top mine. LOL

LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE!  

If you have a favorite amongst these handbags, don't be shy - let us know in the comments.  If you don't, how will we determine a victor?

Vicki's Handbags

Best Bargain: This is a lovely rectangular, green kid leather bag, definitely vintage, and I can’t read the manufacturer. The handle is short which I like as shoulder bag handles fall off my shoulders. The catch is plastic with a fun gold latch. Surprisingly, it does hold many items. But I bet you are wondering how is this a best bargain? I paid $3.00 for it at a flea market. Go me!

I’ve purchased many a vintage bag and some have never been carried. Surprising—right? So that makes them brand new in my book. But if it had been carried, wouldn’t it be lovely to think of that bag belonging to someone special who had been given it by someone special or picked out for a special occasion.

Most Over-the-Top: Many of you will recognize this sparkly embellished with everything from the kitchen sink handbag from the sixties. It’s an Enid Collins. Collins of Texas opened its doors in Medina, Texas in 1959, producing whimsical, happy handbags. Enid Collins, owner and designer, operated the company until 1970, when it was purchased by the Tandy Leather Corporation. Each purse was decorated by hand with paint, sequins, and rhinestones in themed designs. They were intended to be good quality, fun day handbags.

Mine is entitled “Cable Car.” And in case you are wondering, I do have six more Enid bags, all different (and two papier mache brooches). I probably paid about $70.00 for this lovely one. A lot of things fit inside. It does get a tad heavy as the bottom is wooden—rare nowadays!

Least Practical: Sometimes, when I go out, I carry a party bag. This little pink box with a very long chain was gifted to me by my sister. Being small in size, I can get my phone, a couple of cards and cash, and a small lipstick in it. The case is plastic covered in a pink Parisian themed fabric. Can you say A-DOR-A-BLE!

I have no idea about the cost as this one was a gift. However, what I like about handcrafted handbags is they are handcrafted. And sometimes, you can work with a designer to create a unique piece.

But for every day wear, yeah, not practical. Sometimes, I like to carry a small needlepoint project and that wouldn’t fit; yet, I wouldn’t be taking a needlepoint project to a concert. LOL

 

 

Margo's Handbags

Best Bargain: This pink Coach beauty ended up costing me a grand total of $27. I bought it at a fabulous site for like-new clothes and accessories called Thred Up. I used a coupon for new customers, and scored big. It's the perfect size for me to be able to carry everything I need, without being so big that I end up with shoulder/back pain. I love a big purse, but it doesn't always love me back. It's a little plain, but I have plans to fix that by next spring. I'm thinking of adding a flower garden to the front flap to really make it pop. Yes, I'd be defiling a Coach bag, but it was so inexpensive I don't care. If I screw it up, I'll replace it.

Most Over-the-Top: I have a confession. I'm a Pinterest junkie with a crochet addiction. Sometimes I see fabulous designer bags, and I think to myself  "I could make that." Especially when the designer bags cost over $2000. So I decided last winter to put my hook where my pins are. I bought a basic leather handbag from Amazon, and some black size 3 crochet thread from Michaels. I found a free pattern for a modern type of fan lace on Pinterest, of course, and got to work. It had to re-do the lace several times to get it the right size/shape, and glueing it on to the purse took several tries. Finally I bought a gold bracelet, and broke it apart for the gold embellishment. The links are individually sewn on to add a touch of bling. Sewing through leather is tough! This purse may not be completely over the top in appearance, but it sure is in effort.

Least Practical: I found this salmon-pink, snakeskin beauty on sale at Franklin Covey. Who knew they sold purses? I didn't, but I was happy to take this large handbag home at a bargain price. It was supposedly big enough to hold all my stuff including a 14 inch laptop, and had all kinds of little pockets in it for phones, pens, lipstick, etc. Perfect right? Not so much it turns out. The only laptop which actually fits in the purse is too small for me to actually do any work on. Also, if I do stick a laptop and all my purse contents in the bag, it's too heavy for my shoulder. The shoulder strap is painful to use when the bag is fully loaded, and is not attached to the bag well enough to actually support the weight. Using it for any time at all results in a big pull in the side of the purse. Good idea and looks practical, but does not deliver.

Author bio:

Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm--the list is endless, giving her plenty of material for her writing.

Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories to TRUE LOVE, TRUE ROMANCE, TRUE CONFESSIONS, NOBLE ROMANCE PUBLISHING, LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS, MUSEITUP PUBLISHING, and THE WILD ROSE PRESS. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.

Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

Find Vicki at:

Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ipdLkv

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman

Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=116288777&trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Google+: bit.ly/1zUggDF

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vickibatman

Plotting Princesses: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com

Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/o1515093723

Email: vlmbatman@hotmail.com

Puritanical Cleaner Reforms Bad Ass Biker – "Reaper's Stand" by Joanna Wylde

Book Scorecard

	**Stars**
Overall	3	Business as usual at Reaper's MC (motorcycle club) – sex, blood, parties, and bikes. Plenty of memorable quotes which help balance out shudder inducing cleaning details. "Sons of Anarchy" fans will enjoy.
Fantasy World	3	Wild parties are mostly abandoned for trips to the dungeon. Gritty details are not spared.
Tingle	3	Picnic is too well behaved, and London's constant squeamishness is a buzz kill.
Characters	2	London is neither likable nor admirable. She's a helicopter mom on steroids who treats her niece like a small child instead of a new adult. Picnic abandons previous outrageous behavior to accommodate her prissy views.
Story	4	Villains are lacking. Plot is overly focused on London's maternal urges instead of romance or club intrigue.

Summary

Reaper's Stand by Joanna Wylde is the story of Reaper's Club President Picnic Hayes and a sanctimonious, prudish cleaning lady. Saint London is overly proper and reading her say “heck” even in her own private thoughts was annoying. How is this woman even remotely a match for Picnic, the man who lives by his own rules? I was very much looking forward to Picnic's story, and I can't help but feel let down. It's always fun to visit the Reapers, but previous books were much more enjoyable. I can see the author was trying to introduce us to a different side of Picnic, but softening him up didn't do either him or the reader any favors.

Reaper's Stand is worth the $5 -6 cover price for 336 pages, but just barely. It can be read as a stand alone book, although I recommend starting with the first book, “Reaper's Property”. I love this series, and hope upcoming books get back into the outlaw MC mindset.

Favorite Quote

“Nice. Fucking bitch thought I was nice. If she thanked me for being her friend, it was over. I'd have to go on a killing spree.”

Availability

Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo