Review: Blood Guard by Megan Erickson

Blood Guard by Megan Erickson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary:

Enter a world of immortal danger and desire—and discover an incredible fate borne of blood.

Tendra:
One minute, I’m a bartender in gritty Mission City; the next, I’m whisked away by a vampire named Athan who tells me that I’m the lifeblood of his clan. It sounds unbelievable, but he’s got evidence I can’t deny. Turns out, Athan belongs to an underground society of vampires who feed only on humans with their consent. Their enemies have no such qualms, and they want me dead. The only thing standing in their way is strong, sexy Athan. And the closer we get, the more tempted I am to let Athan feed. . . .

Athan:
How could I have known when I snatched this snarky, beautiful human off the streets that she would change my destiny? As a loyal soldier, I must deliver Tendra to our future king—my brother. Empowered with the blood of ten generations of the Gregorie breed, she is fated to rule as our queen. But there’s something between us that’s so intoxicating, so carnal, I can’t help wanting Tendra for myself . . . even if it’s treason. (thank you GoodReads.com)

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed Blood Guard. The world building was done very well, not overly wordy or descriptive but the vision was clearly seen through the authors words. These two were just made for each other and had a hard time fighting their attraction...until they didn't. I thought this was an excellent version of the vampire world and enjoyed the uniqueness of it all. Great job to the author and I look forward to more for sure :)

Legally Undead (Vampirarchy #1) by Margo Bond Collins + EXCERPT

Legally Undead (Vampirarchy #1)

by Margo Bond Collins

A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.

Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she’ll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.

But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire sucking the blood from her fiancé, Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs—not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.

As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire’s heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning to face them, Elle realizes Greg’s body is gone—and her perfect life falls apart.

Published May 27th 2014 by World Weaver Press

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About the Author: 

Margo Bond Collins is the author of Legally Undead, first in an urban fantasy series coming in 2014 from World Weaver Press, Waking Up Dead, first in a paranormal mystery series from Solstice Publishing, and Fairy, Texas, a YA paranormal romance series (also from Solstice). She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, several spoiled cats, and a ridiculous turtle. She teaches college English online. She loves paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and other monsters. 

Visit her at www.MargoBondCollins.com, email her at margobondcollins@gmail.com. 

Like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter: @MargoBondCollin and @vampirarchy

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Excerpt:

 The worst thing about vampires is that they're dead. That whole wanting to suck your blood business runs a close second, but for sheer creepiness, it's the dead bit that gets me every time. They're up and walking around and talking and sucking blood, but they're dead. And then there's the whole terminology problem--how can you kill something that's already dead? It's just wrong.

I was twenty-four the first time I . . . destroyed? dispatched? . . . a vampire. That's when I found out that all the books and movies are wrong. When you stick a wooden stake into their hearts, vampires don't disintegrate into dust. They don't explode. They don't spew blood everywhere. They just look surprised, groan, and collapse into a pile of corpse. But at least they lie still then, like corpses are supposed to.

Since that first kill (I might as well use the word--there really isn’t a better one), I've discovered that only if you're lucky do vampires look surprised before they groan and fall down. If you're unlucky and miss the heart, they look angry. And then they fight.

There are the other usual ways to kill vampires, of course, but these other ways can get a bit complicated. Vampires are notoriously difficult to trick into sunlight. They have an uncanny ability to sense when there's any sunlight within miles of them, and they're awfully good at hiding from it. Holy water doesn't kill them; it just distracts them for a while, and then they get that angry look again. And it takes a pretty big blade to cut off someone's head--even an already dead someone--and carrying a great big knife around New York City, even the Bronx, is a sure way to get arrested. Nope, pointy sticks are the best way to go, all the way around.

My own pointy stick is actually more of a little knife with wood inlay on the blade--the metal makes it slide in easier. I had the knife specially made by an old Italian guy in just about the only ratty part of Westchester, north of the city. I tried to order one off the internet, but it turns out that while it’s easy to find wood-inlay handles, the blades themselves tend to be metal. Fat lot those people know.

But I wasn’t thinking any of this when I pulled the knife out of the body on the ground. I was thinking something more along the lines of “Oh, bloody hell. Not again.”

 

review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last ~ J.R. Ward

4 of 5 stars

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one. (thanks GoodReads.com for the summary)

My Thoughts -

**This may contain spoilers - sorry ahead of time** 

OMG - about time. We've been waiting for like ever for this to happen. And whoo, did it happen. Several times.

As always with the BDB books, there are multiple story line in correlation with the main HEA focus. There's Qhuinn & Blay, Layla & Xcor, Assail & Sola and the other characters are here and there. Here's my opinion on all it.

First off, I really hate how Layla was treated by Havers. I wanted to kick his ass for treating her like she was nothing, seriously. I applaud Quinn for his behavior when they made the return trip.

Xcor, could you just please get over yourself and live in the now? I understand that in the Old Country you're used to sleeping on a stone floor and pillaging for whatever, but you're in America now - adapt and progress. If you weren't such a fucktard, you could have had your chosen. I liked Layla's line where she says something like "Do you have to be their enemy?" - just shows his stupidness.

Assail and Sola - interesting. Assail, you better pick a side a stop the crap with the Lessers. That shit is going to get you killed for treason. For reals. I liked their dynamic and think their story will progress quite nicely...if he can find her.

Luchas - just Holy Cow. That's it.

Trez and Selena - I want it to happen.  So much. Oh so much.  I like the Shadows and want them to end up with a HEA.  And what about iAM?

OK - Qhuinn and Blay.  Finally. So, so hot. I understand where both of them were coming from. Blay should have said something sooner, but then so should have Quinn.  I know Quinn tried, but Blay didn't listen, the dumb ass.  Communication is key people.  These two were just meant to be together and you could really feel the heat and passion between them.  The glimpses into their lives was interesting and really made me like these guys so much more.  I loved the part with Blay's family - they were just awesome.

In some aspects I really feel like too many issues were left hanging. (see above thoughts). I am disappointed that I only recall seeing one VERILY, but the other formal language made up for it I think.  I so enjoy Ward's writing. Not overly full of description and great dialog.  Definitely must read in order with the other books.  Great addition to the series and I will most assuredly read the next one.