The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires ~ Audiobook

 

Patricia Campbell had always planned for a big life, but after giving up her career as a nurse to marry an ambitious doctor and become a mother, Patricia's life has never felt smaller. The days are long, her kids are ungrateful, her husband is distant, and her to-do list is never really done. The one thing she has to look forward to is her book club, a group of Charleston mothers united only by their love for true-crime and suspenseful fiction. In these meetings, they're more likely to discuss the FBI's recent siege of Waco as much as the ups and downs of marriage and motherhood.

But when an artistic and sensitive stranger moves into the neighborhood, the book club's meetings turn into speculation about the newcomer. Patricia is initially attracted to him, but when some local children go missing, she starts to suspect the newcomer is involved. She begins her own investigation, assuming that he's a Jeffrey Dahmer or Ted Bundy. What she uncovers is far more terrifying, and soon she--and her book club--are the only people standing between the monster they've invited into their homes and their unsuspecting community.

BBNYA2022 Blog Tour ~ Cursed in Love

In a magical race around the world, there can only be one winner.

My powers weren’t enough to save my mother from an excruciating death. But I won’t stand by and watch anybody else I love suffer.

The spells I need to protect us all are locked away, sealed by a magic I can’t break. The only key is conning my way into the magical elite and winning their deadly competition.

I can’t do it alone.

Levi has my back. He’s a strong witch, my best friend, and fiercest protector.

Raphael might be my ex, but his vampire powers give us an edge.

And then there’s Isak. Dragon shifter, with his own secrets and reasons to win.

But in a competition full of witches whose powers outweigh my own, dangers arise from every corner of the globe.

Until one thing becomes clear.

We aren’t just playing to win.

We’re playing to live.

Cliff's Descent

 

Every mortal who works at network headquarters knows that vampires reside below them. They were the first to surrender to the powerful Immortal Guardians who hunt them. And they did so, hoping they can be saved, that the doctors and scientists the Immortal Guardians employ can halt the progressive brain damage that robs all vampires of their sanity. Though curious, Emma never thought she would meet any of the vampires who remain under heavy guard several stories beneath her office. Then mercenaries strike, bombarding the building with heavy artillery. The vampires are freed to join the fray... and Cliff saves her life.

From that moment on, she can't stop thinking about him regardless of the restrictions placed on interactions with vampires. When Emma discovers a way to speak to Cliff at network headquarters, she becomes even more fascinated by him. He's smart, charming, and honorable to his core despite the darkness that lies ahead. And he seems to crave her company as much as she does his. Aware of the eyes that watch them, they keep their encounters innocent, limiting them to those of mere acquaintances. Nevertheless, their attraction grows and she soon falls in love with him even as the madness begins to claim him.

Cliff realizes his future is dark. As one vampire friend after another succumbs to insanity, hope that network doctors will be able to find a cure in time to keep him from meeting the same fate begins to dwindle, leaving him little to look forward to... until he meets Emma. Just speaking to her brings him a happiness and contentment he hasn't experienced since before his transformation. And when they finally find a way to be alone together, everything changes. Emma burrows her way right into his heart and quiets the voices. She sparks dreams of a future with her that strengthen his determination to beat back the madness. But as time passes, the voices grow louder and insanity begins to chip away at him until he fears it will eradicate every part of him she fell in love with.

Will the two of them find a way to defy the odds and find their happily-ever-after? Or will Cliff's descent consume him?

Cliff's Descent Blitz

I'm excited to share with you that the next novel in Dianne Duvall’s best-selling Immortal Guardians series is AVAILABLE NOW! Grab your copy of Cliff's Descent: A Vampire's Tale in eBook, audiobook, and paperback formats at your favorite online retailer today! 

Cliff's Descent Spotlight

Cliff's Descent: A Vampire's Tale, the next novel in Dianne Duvall’s best-selling Immortal Guardians series, releases on July 27th, 2021 in ebook, audio book, and paperback formats everywhere! We are thrilled to help celebrate this highly-anticipated story by participating in the blog tour today. Find out more about this book and grab your own copy below. Happy reading!

Legends Rise

In the third installment of the Venators series, Rune, Grey, and their companions Beltran and Verida have set off together to save their mentor Tate from the gladiator games. As their group struggles to stay together under the strain of their situation, Rune's twin brother Ryker is falling more surely into the clutches of Zio the sorceress, who has her own plots for the future of Eon, and the Venators.

A Vampire's Promise

Book source ~ ARC. 

My review is voluntary and honest.

A Vampire's Promise

Vampire's Promise, #1

Carla Susan Smith

5 June 2014

Paranormal | Romance

272 Pages

Dawn in Damnation

Book source ~ NetGalley

Dawn in Damnation

Dawn in Damnation, #1

Clark Casey

31 October 2017

Horror | Western | Fantasy

288 Pages

Dracula: The Company of Monsters, Vol 1

*Book source ~ Library

Dracula: The Company of Monsters, Vol 1

Kurt Busiek

1 February 2011

Graphic Novel | Horror | Paranormal

112 Pages

Makin' the List

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided

in exchange for an honest review.

Makin' the List

A Vegan Vamp Christmas story

Cate Lawley

21 November 2017

Paranormal | Holiday

41 Pages

How to Discipline Your Vampire

*Book source ~ NetGalley

Title ~ How to Discipline Your Vampire

Series ~ DommeNation, #1

Author ~ Mina Vaughn

Publisher ~ Pocket Star

Published ~ 19 August 2013

Genre ~ Paranormal | Romance | Erotica

Pages ~ 252

FanFic Friday

Erotica ~ Mature 18+

WoWwA ~ Skin Game

*Book source ~ Purchased at Audible

Title ~ Skin Game

Series ~ The Dresden Files, #15

Author ~ Jim Butcher

Narrator ~ James Marsters

Publisher ~ Penguin Audio

Published ~ 27 May 2014

Genre ~ Fantasy | Paranormal

Length ~ 15 hrs 49 minutes

WoWwA ~ Cold Days

*Book source ~ Purchased at Audible

Title ~ Cold Days

Series ~ The Dresden Files, #14

Author ~ Jim Butcher

Narrator ~ James Marsters

Publisher ~ Penguin Audio

Published ~ 27 November 2012

Genre ~ Fantasy | Paranormal | UF

Length ~ 18 hrs 50 minutes

WoWwA ~ Small Favor

*Book source ~ Purchased at Audible.

Title ~ Small Favor

Series ~ Dresden Files, #10

Author ~ Jim Butcher

Narrator ~ James Marsters

Publisher ~ Penguin Audio

Published ~ 14 January 2009

Genre ~ Fantasy

Length ~ 13 hrs 50 mins 

Walking on Weds w/Audios ~ Dead Beat

*Book source ~ Purchased at Audible.

Title ~ Dead Beat

Series ~ The Dresden Files, #7

Author ~ Jim Butcher

Narrator ~ James Marsters

Publisher ~ Penguin Audio

Published ~ 6 April 2010

Genre ~ Fantasy

Length ~ 15 hrs 14 min

Rating ~ 5 bites

Narration ~ 5 bites

Halloween is right around the corner and Chicago is experiencing some really weird things. Weird and bad. Murphy goes out of town for a little R&R and Harry gets sucked into the bad happenings in his town when Black Court vampire Mavra demands Harry bring her the Book of Kemmler or some incriminating photos of Murphy killing defenseless ‘humans’ will be sent to the police. While looking for the book though Harry finds out something big and catastrophic is going down on Halloween night and it’s up to him to stop it. Since when is Harry’s life ever easy?

My Guest Reviewers:

A ~ my 16-yr-old daughter

T ~ my 14-yr-old son

K ~ my 13-yr-old son

This series continues as a favorite. Everyone loves the magic and the humor as well as many of the characters. This book talks about necromancy and they enjoyed learning about how it works in the Dresden universe. The plot was a good one with twists, turns, new far-reaching plot points (such as about the War and info about the Erlking and the Wild Hunt) and imminent peril to Harry and it was extremely enjoyable to listen to. As far as narration goes, James Marsters has reached his stride and we would have a very hard time listening to another Dresden book if he wasn’t narrating it.

Favorite characters besides Harry:

A ~ Ramirez, Bob and, of course, Mouse. She was disappointed Michael was not in this book.

T ~ Lasciel, Ramirez and Mouse

K ~ Sue and Mouse

Favorite moment:

A ~ Butters thought Harry was gay and there’s a part towards the end with Bob and Sue that I won’t mention due to spoiler avoidance

T ~ The whole part with Sue, Harry’s threat to Mavra

K ~ The whole part with Sue

While there were many to choose from we whittled it down to a tie for favorite quote:

“We are not going to die.”

Butters stared up at me, pale, his eyes terrified. “We’re not?”

“No. And do you know why?” He shook his head. “Because Thomas is too pretty to die. And because I’m too stubborn to die.” I hauled on his shirt even harder. “And most of all because tomorrow is Oktoberfest, Butters, and polka will never die.”

“What's with that?' Butters screamed, his voice high and frightened. 'Just covering his head with his arms? Didn't he see the lawyer in the movie?” 

Cherry Stem

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Title ~ Cherry Stem

Author ~ Sotia Lazu

Publisher ~ Sotia Lazu

Published ~ 23 April 2013

Genre ~ Paranormal | Romance

Pages ~ 328

My Rating ~ 4 bites out of 5

Cherry Stem is a vampire, but she was a model and an upcoming porn star before the whole undead thing derailed her not quite career. When she meets hot detective Alex Marsden at a bar, she hopes for a quick meal and some not so quick sex before she erases herself from his memory. As many things have gone before in her life, that isn’t quite what happens. Instead Alex discovers she’s a vampire and then they work together to find some missing girls who seem to have a connection to Cherry. The more they find the more confused Cherry gets about her turning. What on Earth is going on?

This is a funny and hot vampire story that has a bit of a mystery going on. I love Alex, but Cherry…well, there were times when I wanted to smack her upside the head. She’s funny and plucky, but she has ex-boyfriend issues even though she has hot Alex to take care of all her needs. Cherry’s head, meet my hand. Multiple times. The story ends, but not everything is resolved, so I hope we’ll see more of hot Alex and funny Cherry. Plus, you know, Constantine sounds quite yummy and he’s not in a relationship. Just sayin’.

RABT Tour ~ Blood Lovers

Check out the tour schedule here.

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Title ~ Blood Lovers

Author ~ Jophrael L. Avario

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Publisher ~ Carnal Passions

Published ~ 5 April 2011

Genre ~ Paranormal/Erotica/GLBT

Pages ~ 121

Amazon | B&N | Publisher

My Rating ~ 3 bites and a nibble

Kicked out of his home by his parents for being gay Tamir Sadin has survived selling his body on the streets. Deciding it would be better if he were dead he goes to the top of a building and begins cutting his arms in the hopes of bleeding out. However, drawn to the scent of blood, Vidar Gentson happens upon Tamir and saves him. Stopping the blood loss and taking him to his home, Vidar slowly seduces Tamir without telling him what his true nature is. How long will it be before their cozy little bubble collapses?

A great vampire m/m love story. Tamir is gutsy at heart especially when he has someone to appreciate him and not run him down for being gay. While Vidar is older, stronger and scary to the employees of his home, Tamir isn’t afraid of him. In fact, he stands right up to him, something Vidar isn’t used to and yet he finds himself allowing it from Tamir. They spend months getting to know each other and falling in love and then disaster strikes. The whole situation they find themselves in is far-fetched in my opinion which is why I didn’t give this book a higher rating. All-in-all though if you want to read about vampire m/m love then this is a great way to pass the time.

The Zillionaire Vampire Cowboy's Secret Werewolf Babies

*Book source ~ Picked up for free on Amazon.

Title ~The Zillionaire Vampire Cowboy's Secret Werewolf Babies

Authors ~ Juniper Bell, Meg Benjamin, Kate Davies, P.G. Forte, Kinsey Holley, Kelly Jamieson, Skylar Kade, Erin Nicholas, Sydney Somers

Publisher ~ Smashwords

Published ~ 27 May 2011

Genre ~ Parody

Pages ~ 116

My Rating ~ 4 bites

Rock Fangsworthy is a vampire, a zillionaire and a cowboy who owns The Double Fang ranch in Bloodsuck Texas. He’s also a daddy to twins though that’s something he doesn’t know. Yet.

Buffy Van Pelt is Rock’s neighbor and has inherited The Best Little Winery in Bloodsuck. She’s also a werewolf and broke. If she can’t pull the winery up by it’s grape vines she and her twins will starve or be forced to sell to Rock. Neither option is pleasant.

Rock and Buffy once shared some hot times together. Will they be able to put the past behind them and come together as a family? Or will an inept vampire slayer nip any happiness they may create in the bud before it gets a chance to bloom?

The title alone drew me in and I picked it up for free awhile ago. Then I needed the ‘Z’ for an alphabet challenge, so I figured it was high time I cracked this bad boy open. Oh.My.Lawd. Bless the authors’ hearts for creating an entertaining read. Nine authors took turns writing a parody about the book community's current infatuation with cowboys, vampires, werewolves and billionaires. Though they made Rock a zillionaire which is even funnier. The writing is hilarious because it’s so exaggerated. They put everything a writer shouldn’t do in this and made it highly amusing. I had many moments of snorts, giggles, snickers and outright guffaws. If you need a pickmeup I suggest picking this one up. 

Walking on Wednesday w/Audios ~ Death Masks

*Book source ~ Purchased at Audible.

Title ~ Death Masks

Series ~ The Dresden Files, #5

Author ~ Jim Butcher

Narrator ~ James Marsters

Publisher ~ Penguin Audio

Published ~ 29 October 2009

Genre ~ Fantasy

Length ~ 11 hrs 21 min

My Rating ~ 5 bites out of 5

Narration ~ 4 bites out of 5

Harry Dresden, wizard and PI, is hired by Father Vincent to find the Shroud of Turin. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing on Harry’s plate. The Red Court has sent Ortega to Chicago to kill Harry, either outright or in a duel. It’s Harry’s choice, but if he doesn’t agree to the duel then Ortega sees nothing wrong with killing anyone Harry cares about. Of course Harry agrees to the duel. All three of The Knights of the Cross are in town looking for the Shroud and trying to keep Harry away from it because they believe he will be killed, his girlfriend Susan is back, but not for the reason she tells Harry and the Denarians are also sniffing around Chicago. Poor Harry. When it rains, it pours.

Guest reviewers:

A ~ my 16-yr-old daughter

T ~ my 14-yr-old son

K ~ my 13-yr-old son

Ok, there is a lot going on in this book, but everyone is still loving the series. Big surprise there. Not. :D The humor continues to entertain and is a big part of why this series is a favorite. The plot had several things going and we worried Harry would drop one or more of the balls he was juggling. With help he manages to not only stay alive, but return the Shroud to the Church. How could we have doubted him?? Everyone agreed that it was nice of Harry to give Marcone the ultimatum at the end and they didn’t doubt that Marcone would comply.

New faces won approval: Kincaid, The Archive, Butters, Sanya, Shiro, Molly and even Ms. Gard. Old faces have returned: Bob, Susan, Murphy, Thomas, Michael, Marcone, Ebenezer (phone appearance) and Mac from McAnally’s. Oh, and Anna’s favorite…Mister. Can’t forget him. Some new faces were not liked such as Ortega (though we saw him very briefly in Grave Peril), all of the Denarians, but Nicodemus in particular and we’re on the fence about Martin.

Everyone thought the duel was pretty cool and that Ortega was a liar liar pants on fire. They loved meeting the other two Knights and Ebenezer impressed the crap out of them with this little thing he did at the end. I won’t say what because that would spoil it, but it’s frickin awesome. The fight for the Shroud at the end was pretty good and what’s a helicopter swooping in to fight without Ride of the Valkyries playing? Which is actually a pretty funny inside joke that will come up in a later book. K & I laughed since we’ve read the books.

Favorite quote:

“…The next time I opened my eyes, I was in the morgue. This, all by itself, is enough to really ruin your day. I was lying on the examination table, and Butters, complete with his surgical gown and his tray of autopsy instruments, stood over me.

‘I’m not dead!’ I sputtered. ‘I’m not dead!’”