Blood Royal - Vampire Novel Review

Royal Blood
by Rona Sharon
Kensington (April 1, 2009)

[Reviewed by Patricia]

In the year 1518 Tudor King Henry VIII sits on the throne of England and Catherine of Aragon is still his beloved queen. Knights from across the realm gather for the annual Order of the Garter celebration with its exciting and dangerous jousting tournaments. From Ireland comes the devastatingly handsome Michael Devereaux representing the house of Tyrone to which he is heir. Unfortunately only a few weeks before he leaves for court he falls severely ill with a sweating sickness from which he never completely recovers. Only the draught made for him by the castle healer gives him the energy he needs to face each day.

From France comes the smart, willful, and beautiful Princess Renee. She has been sent to Henry's court on a mission to find the whereabouts of the mysterious "Ancient". Renee and Michael eventually meet. In Tudor England there is plenty of intrigue. Our hero and heroine become involved with one another as well as with the many dangerous conspiracies.

Renee and Michael feel an immediate attraction, but Renee is never sure whom she can trust and thus keeps Michael at a distance, for awhile anyway. Tensions for everyone increase when two women - one a harlot and one a lady-in-waiting to the queen - are murdered, each drained of blood. Michael is asked by Cardinal Wolsey to find the perpetrator. During this investigation Michael begins to discover his own true origins.

Author Rona Sharon atmospheric description rings true, even down to the Tudor style language. The pace is languid but never boring and when necessary the pace does pick up. The two main characters are engaging and the minor ones, often true historical persons, are quite believable. I won't give away the ending but there could definitely be a sequel. It's one I would be happy to read.

This compelling historical romance subtly reveals its paranormal element. For this reason I believe that those who usually shun anything to do with the paranormal, or in this case vampires, might want to give Royal Blood a try.

Would-Be Witch - Review

Would-Be Witch
By Kimberly Frost
Berkley Trade (February 3, 2009)

[Reviewed by Melissa A. Palmer]

This is a cute book, the first in a new paranormal series. Tammy Jo comes from a family of witches but she really hasn’t had much of her own power, yet. She begins to cast spells after a family locket containing a family ghost is stolen. She has varying levels of success with the spells. Tammy Jo becomes hunted by werewolves and is caught in a romantic quandary between Zach, her ex-husband, and Bryn, a wizard/lawyer. Her main sidekick is Mercutio, an Ocelot kitten. As an owner of a Savannah cat, Mercutio won my heart immediately. There were also good supporting characters in this book, most notably Steve, the security guy, and the odd couple of Johnny and Rollie.

This book offers a lot to readers. It has action, mystery, romance and the paranormal angle. For the paranormal fans, it offers witches, vampires, werewolves and ghosts. The characters are well written and readers will care about them immediately. This book, while almost 300 pages, was a quick read; I did not want to put it down. It flowed well. The cover is eye-catching too. Tammy Jo is a striking, red head and there is Mercutio on the cover as well. I have already ordered the second book in this series Barely Bewitched Berkley Trade (September 1, 2009); I am a fan!


Reviewed by Melissa A. Palmer

Melissaenglish72@yahoo.com

http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com

Contest and Q&A with Georgia Evans/Rosemary Laury

The contest portion is closed. Thanks to everyone for participating.

To celebrate the publication of Bloody Right (book three in her WWII vampire trilogy) Georgia Evans aka Rosemary Laurey is opening herself up to questions by PVN's readers. Read her bio. Ask about the writing life, her books, her thoughts on vampires or the paranormal, anything as long as it's polite.

For each question asked your name will be entered in a drawing for a copy of Bloody Right.

Linking this contest to another site also gets an entry. Be sure to tell me where the link is. Also make certain I have access to your email.

The contest ends on August 6, 11:59 Hawaii time.

There will be two winners!

Need more ideas for your questions? Check out these sites!

The contest portion is closed. Thanks to everyone for participating.






Review of Bloody Good (Book 1)











Bloody Awful (Book 2)








http://aftermidnightfantasies.com/georgia.htm

http://www.brytewood.co.uk/

http://www.rosemarylaurey.com/html/home.htm

http://www.rosemarylaurey.com/html/other_books.htm

Upcoming event - Contest and Q & A with Georgia Evans

Georgia Evans has recently published a fascinating trilogy set in England during the Second World War where the inhabitants of a small village come together to fight off vampires working with the Nazis.

To celebrate the publication of the book three of her WWII vampire trilogy, Bloody Right, Georgia Evans, who also writes vampire romances as Rosemary Laurey, will answer any questions you wish to ask her - within reason of course.

Get your questions ready! Two lucky commenters will win a copy Bloody Right, the final book in the trilogy.

Georgia has also made the following offer:

If anyone would like a book mark and/or signed book plate. Please send an SASE to

Brytewood Book Mark/ Book Plate
Po Box 6548
Columbus, OH 43206

July Book Contest Winner & August Prize

The winner of the July book contest (for email subscribers) is tanya!

Congratulations! You have won a copy of Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson

tanya, please send me your mailing address at paltner@verizon.net








The August contest prize is Song in the Dark (Vampire Files, No. 11) by P. N. Elrod

Read a review