A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton (Gods & Monsters 2)

I really enjoyed "Darkness Becomes Her", the first book in this series about a post catastrophic Hurricane New Orleans called New 2.  Ari found out that she is a 'god-killer' or Gorgon at the end of book one.  Her best friends and everyone of the Nine controlling families now know what evil lurks inside her.  Some want to use her for protection from the evil Athena and as a bargining chip in a politically fueled duel between the Goddess and the Families.  Ari wants revenge on Athena for her mother's death and desperately wants to rescue her little friend Violet and her Father.  She is unsure of how Sebastian feels about her anymore since he hasn't spoken to her since the show down with Athena.  Ari is sure he feels she is a monster.  But Sebastian continues to feel drawn to Ari, himself a misfit as a half vampire-half warlock, and he helps her on her mission for revenge. 
Ari is granted permission to search the secret library that only the council knows about for any information to help remove her curse or free Violet and her Father from Athena.  Henri, Sebastian, and Ari manage to get into Mt. Olympus by following one of Athena's minions to a magic doorway.  After stumbling into a banquet right in front of Athena, herself, the three must a way to rescue their friends and themselves. It is a roller coaster reading ride that you will be unable to put down.
This series is like nothing I have ever read.  Keaton does a wondrous job of creating a fantasy New 2 that is based in real life.  She also makes a mythological villian, the Gorgon, an identifable and courageous heroine.  The story is action, romance and coming of age in a world that is seeped in mystery and magic.  This is an incredible series for anyone that enjoys paranormal and highly recommended. 

More Than Magic: Semester Abroad By Elizabeth Kirke

What if you went out to stargaze while on a cruise and saw someone get pushed over the side of the boat?  This is exactly what happens to Jennifer one night on her Semester Abroad Program.  Needing some air, she decides to come up to the deck to watch the stars and sees a group in other students talking and horsing around.  Suddenly, one gets pushed off the side as a joke.  Jennifer rushes foward when nobody acts to help the student.  They try to convince her she didn't see anything and when Dani, the student suddenly vaults back onto the deck, Jennifer is stunned.  The next day, she is followed from class to class by different members of the group all day long.  They won't tell her what is going on until they met with Jon, their boss.  After Jon determines that Jennifer is a witch and all of the students in the group are magics of different types.  As Jen is introduced to a world that she didn't dream exsisted, there is suddenly a danger on the ship: a vampire.
Jennifer is immediately submerged into a wonderous world learning about magic and magical creatures.  She is able to bond with the others and becomes one of the tight group of friends.  Jennifer and her new friends are tested by having to face the horror of a vampire roaming the ship creating dhampirs and killing students.  Jennifer faces grave danger because her blood is changing as she gets in touch with her magic.  Witch blood is 3x as potent as a humans and makes Jen a target. 
Semester Abroad immediately engaged me and drew me into a world of magics.  At first, I was a little frustrated with Jen as her questions went unanswered.  But soon answers are revealed in a manner that slowly builds a believable fantasy.  I loved Jen who is somewhat niave but believable to me because I was just like her.  Dani, Charlie, Thomas, TS and Mariana became my friends as I read about them and learned their stories.  The adventures they have both fighting the vampire and going on trips at the ports was well told and a roller coaster ride of emotion.  The only thing that would have made this more perfect was more romance.  I can't wait to see where this goes in the next book.  This story would be a good read for even younger teens who enjoy paranormal but I highly recommed this for fans of Harry Potter and the Paranormal.  This was an excellent read and so worth the price. 

Destined to Die (Briar Creek Vampires 3) by Jayme Morse and Jody Morse

Destined to Die is the third in an interesting new vampire series from sisters, Jayme and Jody Morse.  I was excited to read this installement after the cliff hanger of the last book where Austin rescues Lexi and is shockingly alive.  Lexi finds out Lexi and Gabe have been working together and Austin was turned right before his parents tried to kill him.  Gabe has been having visions and in almost all of them end in Lexi's death at the hands of the vampires in Briar Creek.  Lexi has been declared the suspect in a murder so she must hide in order not to be turned into authorities by the well-meaning public.  In order to hide, Gabe and Austin take Lexi and enroll in Huntington High a Vampire Hunter school in the nearby town.  Lexi finds out that the "Hunters" were a line of vampire hunters and she might be too.  But also at Huntington is the slutty vamp that made Gabe and wants him back.  After Lexi catches them in a compromising position, she seeks solace in the arms of an old flame. 
The main reason I didn't give this 5 stars is I didn't understand why Lexi would just go to Craig.  Craig is a character that I have never been able to believe as a love interest for me he is just sort of creepy.  I can't explain it really but I don't see him and Lexi as a couple.  Because of this ackwardness, part of the story is hard for me to fully get into.  It seemed like Lexi just immediately turned to Craig instead of mourning her relationship with Gabe.  She didn't really seem that upset about it--no sleepless crying nights.  But I still enjoy the unique storyline.  Briar Creek is a wonderful new paranormal vampire romance series that I would highly recommend.

Malevolence (Kilkenney 2) by Devyn Dawson

Malevolence is the continuing story of Abel Casey, a phophesied "Great Wolf".  Abel is growing into his role as Alpha of the Phelan pack.  Dolly has taken over the pack after the General's death while Abel is learning about his powers.  Dolly and Pru have taken off to track down the General's killer while Oakley and Abel are dealing with a sudden increase of "bitten" new werewolves near the Farm.  Abel and Oakley find a girl with amnesia who was left in a field with some cans of soup and a note for her to go to the Phelan Farm.  She doesn't know who bit her or who she is and Abel has to explain to her that not only do Werewolves exsist but she is now one of them.  Bitten werewolves have difficulty not going feral and with shifting back to human.  They will soon have to decide wether these werewolves are able to be saved or must be destroyed. 
Dolly and Pru are hunting down leads to the General's murderer when they stumble upon Allie, Abel's Sister and the self professed King of the Vampire's Pascale in Paris.  Pru calls the Pack for back-up when the vampires threaten to expose their secret exsistence to the world and a hit is placed on her mother. Abel and Oakley fly over and are joined by members from the Kilkenny and Maine Packs. 
Malevolence is a great follow up to 'The Legend of Kilkenney'.  Abel's journey to become the great wolf continues as he gets used to his new powers and sense of commanding the pack.  Abel is a natural for the Alpha.  Abel is such a cool and sexy character.  I would have loved to see more romance for Abel.  *hint, hint*  There are a few scenes between him and Crissy his girlfriend but I am a sucker for romance and want MORE :).  Oakley and Pru don't disappoint in the romance department but Pru has a new sexy bodygaurd, Gus and the chemistry between him and Pru cause some ripples in Pru and Oakley relationship.  The best part of the whole novel is the end when Abel literally becomes a kick ass Wolf.  It will have you cheering like any awesome action movie.  I can't wait to see what will happen next in this series.

The Legend of Kilkenney by Devyn Dawson

The Legacy of Kilkenney is a fresh new young adult paranormal romance.  Abel Casey is an average guy in a small town near OK city, when Pru Phelan moves into town.  While this seems like the reverse of new mysterious guy, let me assure you that is the only similar theme in Legacy.  Pru is a beautiful red head that has drawn the attention of everyone when she attends the FBLA meeting just to meet Abel.  Abel is shocked when she comes over to him afterwards because hot girls just don't befriend him.  Pru and Abel quickly hit it off.  The alternating POV allows the reader to get real insight into Pru and Abel.  I was immediately drawn in and immersed in the world that Ms. Dawson has created. 
Pru befriends Abel because she believes he is the prophesied Great Wolf who will be the Alpha of all the packs.  Pru is the pack shaman and has been assigned to train Abel and help him get his soul in tune for his first shift.  Not only does she need to gain the trust of Abel but has to explain that the monsters of myth and legend are real and he is one of them.  Abel is such a cute guy and I really liked that he takes everything very cool and doesn't freak out.  Pru and Oakley, another pack member assigned to train and protect Abel, begin to train Abel in fighting and coming into his own senses. 
This story is multi-layered and beyond his relationships to Pru's Dad, General (current Alpha), Dolly (Pru's Mom), Byron and other pack memebers, Abel has to deal with his sister becoming a pawn in the war between the vampires and werewolves.  Becomming the Great Wolf means that while everyone will revere him, his friends and family will be targets of not only other supernaturals but rogues and other packs who want Abel's power.  Not to mention the girl he has a crush on has eyes for another. 
This was such joy to read.  The story flows and draws you into a complete world created by the author.  These characters will have you thinking about them even after you put the book down(if you can put it down).  It is really hard to summarize Legacy into a review because I don't feel I can really do it justice. There is just so many plots and subplots and I don't want to ruin the natural unfolding of the story for anyone. I highly recommend The Legacy of Kilkenney to anyone who enjoys the paranormal!  It has some sweet romance, Hot shifters, and a great start to a series that will keep you capivated and checking the publishing date for book 2.

Last Breath (Morganville Vampires 11) by Rachel Caine

Rachel Caine never fails to provide a roller coaster of action.  I always know when I sit down with a Morganville Vampire book I am in for a ride.  Last Breath starts with the engagement of Eve and Michael.  The town is torn by the impending engagement because the last Vampire-Human Marriage ended badly.  There is also a surge of Human Pride that is shunning Claire and Eve as traitors.  Prejudice tempers the climate in Morganville but this is not the only danger brewing.  There is something coming that has even the most ancient and powerful vampires scared enough to run away from it.  Shane almost gets killed just because he and Claire were in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Claire feels betrayed by the vampires she trusted most.  Vampires and Humans alike are vanishing and stores and businesses are being forced to close.  Morganville is like a disaster zone after an apopcolypse. 
I honestly don't want to say much more because that would ruin the ride.  If you are a Morganville fan, this book will shock you to the core.  Any fans of Urban Fiction will love this series.  This is one for the keeper shelf.

Thicker than Water (Briar Creek Vampires 2) by Jayme Morse and Jody Morse

I was so glad to be able to read Thicker than Water right after finishing Kiss of Death.  I actually liked this book better than the first.  This one was 602 pages and felt less hurried than the first one. If you haven't read the first book, stop reading right now and go read it as I am going to try not to spoil but because the story picks up after quite a cliffhanger in the first book, it will have to be given away a little bit.

At the beginning, Lexi is having a dreamlike experience where she sees her Mom and Austin.  Both have been issuing clues and warnings.  Lexi wakes in the hospital and pretends she has amnesia about the events leading up to the accident.  She hides her true feelings about Dan but also tries to avoid dating him anymore.  Her Aunt and Uncle seem to treat Lexi better immediately after the accident.  However, her aunt insists that Lexi goes right back to work which seems strange but then Violet is a total wack-job.  Gabe is missing from the accident scene and although Lexi is glad he's alive she can't help but feel he tried to kill her.  She begins getting helpful hints from an anonymous friend.  Lexi knows about Gabe being a vampire and suspects others but this book begins to unravel the secrets of Briar Creek. 
Dan is still around and Lexi tries to avoid him.  Aunt Violet insists that Dan drive Lexi to and from school.  Everyone at school wants to be her friend and talk about the accident.  All the guys she meets seem fascinated with her and ask her out.  Lexi is wary of everyone and her instinct tells her that they are lying.  She is alone and has no one she can trust.  The story continues to build until Halloween Night. 
Gabe reappears and is shocked to find Lexi lived through the crash.  Lexi immediately confronts him.  Gabe is in hiding from the rest of Briar Creek and he has to be careful about anyone seeing him.  He manages to meet with Lexi and most of the story unravels thanks to Gabe.
Thicker than Water has me sold.  I enjoyed Kiss of Death but loved this one.  I can't wait for the next one.  The Morse Sisters do have a wicked sense of a good cliffhanger which leaves you immediately wanting the next installment.  This is an awesome series and I can't wait to read more.

Kiss of Death (The Briar Creek Vampires 1) by Jayme Morse and Jody Morse

I found Kiss of Death as an Amazon Suggestion. The synopsis looked interesting and I admit it the cover is pretty. The story drew me in immediately and had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing which is hard to do.  The only reason I didn't give this five stars was because certain parts of the story felt like they happened too quickly such as parts of the romance. But I would recommend this for anyone who likes vampire romance with mysterious storylines.
Lexi Hunter and her Mom come home to Briar Creek after years away for Lexi's cousin, Austin's wake.  Austin was supposedly killed by a wild animal to Lexi this just doesn't add up.  As her Mom and her stay with her Aunt Violet and Uncle Tommy, Lexi asks around about Austin's death.  Everyone in Briar Creek is odd and there are so many secrets that keep you glued to the book.  Dan, Austin's best friend, shows interest in Lexi but so does the mysterious Gabe from across the street. On the night before, Lexi and her Mom as planning to go home, Lexi gets attacked and Lexi's Mom is killed.  The autopsy says that Lexi's Mom died from E.Coli but since she was a vegetarian, Lexi is sure her Mom was murdered.  Her Aunt and Uncle become her Gaurdians and become very controlling.  Lexi is frustrated by her Aunt's lies and insistance that she date Dan.  Although she likes Dan, Lexi feels swept away by Gabe who her aunt forbids her to see.  Gabe and Lexi still manage to connect here and there but to me it seemed as though Lexi just suddenly climbs in his lap and is all over him.  Dan is very creepy to me and the fact that her Aunt makes her date him made me root for Gabe.  But you can never really tell who is on Lexi's side.  Aunt Violet continues to control Lexi's life by grounding her, not turning on her internet, shutting off her cell phone, and forcing her to work and give them all her money. 
I really don't want to give too much away except this is an excellent read and be sure to buy the next book, Thicker than Water because there is a heck of a cliffhanger.  I was glad to be able to go on.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Demonglass is the second book in the Hex Hall series.  This book takes place about 6 months after the first book ends at the end of the school year.  After killing her great-grandmother who was a crazed demon, Sophie finds out that she is a quarter demon and that her powers actually come from being a demon and not a dark witch.  Because demons can be fine for years but then lose it one day and kill everyone, Sophie has decided she wants to ask the council for removal of her powers.  The removal could kill her and her father wants her to come to London and get to know her demon heritage before making a decision.  Sophie agrees as long as BFF Jenna can come along.  Her father also insists on bringing Cal who happens to be Sophie's betrothed. 
In London, Sophie meets the council and is suprised by a couple of other demon teenagers, Daisy and Nick.  Daisy and Nick can't remember who made them or where they came from.  They have been living at council headquarters under protection from the EYE.  Sophie's escaped demon hunter love, Archer Cross has also been seen in London.  Fate puts Sophie in Archer's path where Archer actually saves her life again.  Archer reveals all of his secrets and boy are they good ones.  Archer shows Sophie that someone is raising demons at Hex Hall and trying to use them as weapons.  Before Sophie can really tell her Dad, Archer is captured with Sophie and Daisy and Nick completely Demon out.  Because the council has captured Archer, the Eye attacks Thorne Abbey where the council is staying.  The second half of this book is action packed that leads up to a huge cliff hanger making me eagerly awaiting the next book.
Sophie and Archer have hot chemistry and I was glad to see her stay loyal to him.  However, I found myself waiting for Cal to reveal more of his feelings for Sophie which I felt are there.  It was frustrating that nothing big really happened between them.  I really love Cal's character and want him to fight for her.  Don't get me wrong I love Archer but something about the quiet reserved Cal makes me think their is a loyal tiger under there.  I really enjoy the world that Ms. Hawkins has created and both books are easy to identify with and get into.  I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!!!

Bleeding Hearts (Drake Chronicles 4) by Alyxandra Harvey

Alyxandra Harvey writes another great Drake Brother romance with Bleeding Hearts.  This romance gives the reader more insight into Conner Drake and my Favorite, Lucy.  Cristabel is also introduced as a love match for Connor.  Cristabel is Lucy's cousin whose Dad died and her Mom's coping mechanism is alcohol.  Lucy's Parents therfore, have Christabel move in with them.  However, no one wants to tell her about the Vampires, Hel-Blar, or Helios-ra.  Although Christa thinks Lucy's parents are way overprotective about curfew and other rules, she follows them.  The story centers around the coming Blood Moon festival that vampires are gathering for and the fact that the Hel-Blar's leader Saga emerges and wants a seat on the council.  Saga decides she needs some leverage for her agenda and decides to kidnap Lucy but gets Christabel instead.  Connor being the hot Drake brother that he is decides to rescue her.  It is during this captivity that she discovers the secrets.
Lucy and Nicholas are also central to the story which brings us many hilarious chapters from Lucy's point of view.  I just love Lucy as she is sassy, fearless, and self-confident.  Nicholas and Lucy are one of my favorite couple so it is a delight to see them as a part of this story.  Solange is also in this story but is definitely acting weird and I can't believe the cliffhanger of this book.  It will leave you going---What?  No Way!!!   I hate waiting for the next book in a favorite series.  But with the Drake chronicles it is always worth the wait.

Blood Like Poison: For the Love of a Vampire by M. Leighton

M. Leighton creates an enticing sexy romance between Ridley and Bo.  This isn't your average vampire romance but creates a new mythology that I haven't encountered before.  Bo is the most amazing hero who is intense, romantic and protective.  Bo takes Ridley's life by storm upsetting her carefully planned escape from her life where she is just biding her time until she can escape her small town to Stanford.  Ridley's life is very pretend and she seems to just keep going through the motions with her home and school life.  Bo makes her feel again and draws her in on a complete soul level.  Their romance is intense and will make your heart flutter and swoon.  This pair of soul mates will keep you reading and wanting the next book to continue their story right away.
Ridley is the captian of the cheerleaders and looking forward to college.  She has a steady boyfriend, Drew, and belongs to the 'it' crowd.  Suddenly she notices and is drawn to Bo who is a new transfer to Harker High.  Ridley discovers Bo's secret and is caught up in his dangerous world.  Since losing her sister in a car accident 3 years ago, Ridley has been going throught the motions.  Her mother is a drunk and her Dad is out of town more than home.  Ridley is on her own.  Bo shows her love and understanding that has been missing in her life.  However Bo has revenge on his mind.  He is killing vampires to find and revenge his Dad's death.  Together Bo and Ridley must discover the underground world of their small town and try to keep their love alive.

Almost Final Curtain by Tate Halloway (Vampire Princess 2)

Almost the Final Curtain is the second book in the St. Paul Vampire Princess series.  I enjoyed the first book which introduced Ana as a half witch/half vampire who walks between two warring factions of paranormal society.  In this story, Ana is identifying with her vampire side more.  In this particular story, Vampires were brought over across the veil between worlds by witches who enslaved them with a talisman of sorts.  This special artifact was stolen and the spell was undone thus freeing the vampires.  However, vampires can only live on witch blood so the witches want to enslave them because they are blood suckers and sometime killers and the vampires want to be free but must drink witches blood to live. 
At the beginning, Ana has a hot true witch rocker boyfriend, Nik who happens to be from a long line of Vampire hunters.  But Nik is love with Ana and doesn't see her as a vampire.  Ana is afraid of what will happen if Nik passes his last rite to being a full fledged hunter and what will happen if the talisman resurfaces and the enslavement of the vampires will do to her.  Ana is also accidently engaged to Elias her father's vampire knight who regularly visits her to court.  Ana's father is trying to keep his kingdom free and his power.  Ana's Mom is revealed to have more power than first thought and the power struggle between her and Ana's father is causing Ana to be torn apart.
This story is very complex in the struggle presented for Ana.  At times, my heart really was torn but I really love Nik and was frustrated with the story between the two young lovers but like the way it ends.  The end of this book feels a little like a wrap up so I am wondering where or if it will continue.

Crave by Melissa Darnell

Crave drew me in and made me hungry for more.  Set in the small town of Jacksonville in East Texas, Crave is a paranormal romance for teens that takes a new twist.  Most of the area is controlled by the Clann.  The Clann are descendants of Witches and Warlocks.  They have powers and are in control both politcally and socially.  The kids of the descendants rule the school especially Golden Boy, Tristan Coleman who is the son of the Clann's leader.  Tristan is a football star and Savannh's secret crush who is totally off limits.
Savannah Colbert is a normal teenager with a close group of friends.  She and the Clann kids have grown up together and used to be friends until 4th grade.  At recess, Savannah and Tristan pretended to be getting married but the next day Savannah was shunned as a freak.  Since then, Savannah has gotten used to the teasing and bullying that happens by the Clann but never really understood what happened.  She becomes ill and finds she is part Vampire and part Witch or a Dhampir.  She is the only known child of a vampire.  Vampires and the Witches have an age old hostility and her parents violated rules to be together.  Both societies are afraid of Savannah's powers or that she will tip the scale for the other side.  Savannah begins to have strange symptoms that she cannot control.  She afraid to ask her Dad about anything because he reports to the Vampire Council who practically want her dead.  She is afraid someone will attack her Mom and Nanna if she exhibits too many powers and is strictly forbidden to do magic or consort with the Clann.
Tristen is also drawn to Savannah but knows his parents strictly forbid him to be around Savannah.  Tristen is sweet, romantic, and protective of Savannah.  Savannah tries to stay away from him but Tristen is everywhere and decides he wants to see her.  He even starts showing up in her dreams.  There romance will make your heart swoon with the flutters of first love.  At times, their relationship seems so starcrossed and hopeless but just meant to be.  Crave will leave you wanting more and I can't wait to continue Savannah and Tristen's romance in Covet.

Fate Fixed: An Erris Coven Novel by Bonnie Erinna Wheeler

Fate Fixed opens as Lexie is moving to a small town in Maine with her new blended family.  Lexie's real father died about a year ago in a car crash where she was driving.  Since then, she has been drowning in guilt and trying to break through her little sister's anger.  Her Mom, Ruby has remarried after falling in love with a Romanian immigrant through eHarmony.  Dragos has 3 sons: Maxim, Alix, and Nikolai.  The move is a big change and Lexie is trying to get used to her new brothers.  Lexie's family is at best creepy and unusual.  The mystery around her family continues to build until the action explodes.  Ms. Wheeler does an excellent job at building the mystery and creepiness of Maxim.  Alix is social and friendly building a comradere with Lexie.  Both brothers seem to be at times too posessive and attracted to Lexie.  Shortly after the move, Lexie's Mom begins to change and has mood swings that are unlike herself.  She turns off Lexie's phone and internet which further creates a isolated strangeness about her new family.
Torin is a mystery that I don't want to give too much away about because that is part of the fun. There are four fine cousins with Torin being one, Teagan, Cian, and Braden rounding out the group.  Braden has completed the change and is the "older brother" personality of the bunch.  Teagan is the ladies man, Cian the devoted boyfriend and Torin the brooding and tortured soul over what he will become.  When Lexie the girl of his dreams, turns up in Erris, he immediately knows she is his other half.  But before Lexie and Torin can get too comfortable, there are animals being slain and gruesome finds in the woods surrounding the town.  The cousins are trying to piece together the mysterious slayings before they get exposed or someone gets hurt.  Torin and Lexie must fight to put together the mystery before it rips them apart or kills those they love most.  This isn't your usual teen paranormal romance where everyone is "good" deep down.  In this world, monsters do exsist.

Reading the summary for Fate Fixed intriqued me so much that I downloaded it from smashwords for my Nook and began reading it almost immediately.  The story is told from different points of view- Mostly Lexie and Torin but also a mysterious wolf.  The story starts slow and really takes some time to build.  This is the first in a series so much of the first half is world and character building.  I'll admit that I am a romantic sucker for the whole fated love thing which is why I wanted to read this in the first place.  But Torin and Lexie seem to connect instantly but it didn't feel forced to me.  The connection and romance is beautifully written on a soul level.  It was like a beautiful symphony coloring the air.  What really makes this book unique is the action that starts about two-thirds and doesn't stop.  Secrets are exposed with some unique twists that I think will take most readers by surprise. I wouldn't recommend this book for younger teens as there are some mature graphic killings.  I fully enjoyed this and read it in about a day.  I love indie authors some of the best reads I have read lately have been indie.  The next book is coming out in Fall 2011 so hopefully it won't be a long wait!

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

This is the first ARC I ever won *Squee*~  I absolutely loved "Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side" which I am kicking myself for not reading sooner.  I admit it:  for some reason the title kinda turned me off.  I don't know why.  Maybe it wasn't lyrical enough or too plain but the story is top notch and fresh.  After reading "Dating" I went to Beth Fantasky's website and found an awesome novella of Jessica and Lucius' wedding.  If you haven't read it, you definitely will want to read it before reading "Rules".  I only wish I could put it on the Nook. :)
This book takes place after Jessica and Lucius have been married.  Jessica is trying to adjust to being a princess and ruling over the elders.  Jessica is really adverse to the violence and power that is now a part of her world.  Lucius loves her very much and is supportive and trying to help her adjust. There interactions are just as intense as before.  But before Jessica can find her inner strength, Claudiu, Lucius' Uncle is murdered and Lucius' stake has his blood on it.  Because of the law, Lucius must be held in custody in the dungeon of the castle with no blood and only bread and water.  No blood will slowing make Lucius weak and desolve into madness that some vampires never recover from that is if he isn't destroyed for murder first.  Jessica is left to rule by default.  Lucias' cousin, Raniero comes back to protect Jessica and help solve the murder mystery.  Jessica isn't sure she can trust Raniero as uncovers his past as a vampire assasin.  Mindy, Jessica's BFF comes to help support Jessica.  Mindy and Raniero have a history from the wedding novella which is why you should read the novella first.  Raniero is a CA beatnik surfer who Mindy feels will never amount to anything like her deadbeat Dad.  But underneath, trust me, Raniero is all hot Romanian Vampire.  Jessica's only remaining family, Uncle Dorin and Cousin Ylenia also lend support and advice.  There is a lot of action and intrique in this book that keeps you reading and wondering what will happen next.  I refuse to spoil the mystery but can say I personally had a feeling about it.  Fantaskey's hunky Romanian Vampires are back and just as attractive.  My only complaint is that I personally would have loved to have more interaction with Jessica and Lucius but because of the storyline this was impossible.  Fantaskey did give me the honeymoon flashback which I craved after the Novella.  Lucius' quirky sarcastic wit that I loved in "Dating" is back but this time it's between Lucius-Raniero as email/note exchanges.
This is a well rounded original story and if you read "Dating" you will love the sequel.  If you haven't read it--what are you waiting for?! 

Captured Sun (A Highland Home Novel) By Shari Richardson

Captured Sun is the 2nd book in the Highland Home Series. Again the beginning of the book had a twilight-y plot feel to it. But I love the genre so this doesn't bother me, however if you want a completely different type of vampire plot line you may want to make a different choice. That being said, I was so glad I stuck with it as I really enjoy the characters. Captured Sun again follows Matthias and Mairin who having defeated the demi-god in the last book are happy and in love. Mairin still is having prophetic dreams but this time it is of a vampire she cannot quite see killing people in East Hampton. The problem is that by the time she dreams of it and alerts the panther pride, it is always too late. Mairin is unable to sleep and can only sleep when Matthais sneaks in her room and holds her through the night. Let's face it--isn't that every girl's fantasy. This book introduces quite a few new characters such as Alfred who is the vampire that rescued Matthias and guided him so he feels as though Matthias is his son. Alfred's Maker Serina comes looking for him as it seems the bond between maker and vampire can actually create a strong almost slave like blood bond. She ends up capturing Matthias as a prize to keep Mairin and her family safe. She takes him to England to torture him as a slave. Mairin has dreams of his torture and defiance. She gets Alfred to help her go to England to save him. She almost dies for his freedom. When they come home Matthias does the whole you will be safer without me and leaves. What I really appreciate is that although brokenhearted. Mairin is mad and doesn't mind letting her feelings known to Matthias. I think this is much more realistic a reaction than Bella's just forgiving him right away. Also in this book, Kerry who is Mairin's little sister takes a much bigger role as a supporting character along with her boyfriend Xavier the leader of the pride. My only complaint is that I want to know more about Kerry and Xavier. Maybe a companion book or a couple of chapters from their point of view! I enjoyed the read and I am sucker for a happy ending. Also, it is hinted that Kerry and Mairin have big things in their future and are not quite human which continues to peak my interest.
I would recommend this for fans of the first book and fans of the Twilight series.