Review of "Her Vampire Husband" by Michele Hauf

Quick note: You can still enter the giveaway for a gift card to Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com (Winner's choice!) just scroll down to the guest blog by paranormal romance author Frances Stockton, and follow the rules listed at the bottom of the post!

I've been interested in getting my hands on a copy of this since I first saw it mentioned in the blogosphere. A vampire in an arranged marriage with a werewolf? And I was so excited to get the chance to read it!

Disclaimer: I, the reviewer, was originally given this book as a loaned egalley from the publisher, thanks to Librarything.com's Early Reviewers Program. I received the book in exchange for a review. I have also been informed that I have won the book at a contest as well, so I will be receiving a copy to keep.

Type: Paranormal Romance

About the book: " She may resist his bite, but she can't resist his charms...

Werewolf princess Blue Masterson won't allow her seductive vampire husband to consummate their marriage with his bite, marking her forever. Alone in a secluded estate with her sworn enemy, Blue curses the marriage arranged to bring their rival nations together, especially since Creed Saint-Pierre calls out to her most feral desires.

When Blue uncovers her pack's secret plot to destroy the vampire nation - and Creed - she is forced to confront her growing feelings for her sexy undead husband. Will she choose the only life she's ever known or accept his vampire bite? " (Description copied from Amazon.com)

Originally I was a little upset with the netgalley site where I was to get my e-copy of the book to read and review, since I would only be allowed to keep the book for sixty days. And I'll admit, that made me a little hesitant to read it. Putting me on that sort of deadline, as well as telling me the book will just be taken away made me a little unhappy, to say the least. But I was determined to read it, and I'm glad I did. Even more so when I was informed today that I won another e-copy - this one I can actually keep! A big thanks to the author Michele Hauf for offering the giveaway, and the folks at Suburban Vampire for hosting her!

And on to the review... I'll admit it, I didn't like Blu at first. She got on my nerves, and seemed a little too.. punky for my tastes. But she really grew on me, especially once I learned that she had a motive for everything she did. And considering her past, which is discussed several times in the novel, I can definitely imagine her throwing up the sorts of walls she does. And I really loved the fact that she wore a lot of wigs, changing them depending on her outfit. I'm not talking regular wigs here, I'm talking about the flashy colored kind. The colors I remember mentioned - Blue, violet, white, peach, etc - I'd love to actually see them on her, I think it would be fascinating. And I enjoyed reading Creed's reaction to her ever changing colors, as well as sympathized when he was curious about her read hair color.

And speaking of Creed, I want to give some brownie points to the author in regards to him. Not just because he's sexy, but because she gave him a real human moment, well.. for a vampire. Sometimes just little things that other authors would ignore can really make a character seem real. I have one specific example in mind - when Blu and Creed are in a room together, the author writes that Creed is reclining in a chair, with one leg stretched out, propped up on the chair infront of him. I know that is something so small, but sometimes it's the little things that really make the character relatable. I'm sure this is something a lot of people glanced over, but it gave me pause. I'm sure there have been things like this in plenty of other books I've read, and I just happened to notice it this time, but I'm glad I did. As I said, it's a small thing, but the little things can be important too. And another thing about Creed, you can really follow the change in him, and see how Blu has affected him. He seemed so stiff and formal, but with Blu in his life, there are, at first, subtle changes, words he starts using, how his speech goes from old world-y to a little more modern. Along those lines, however, he does begin to feel a little too modern at times, and unlike a centuries old vampire. I lost that feeling at the climax near the end - he went back to that ancient vampire I knew he was, and yet, still changed enough.

That said, I will say this - sometimes Blu and Creed's talk was a little too sickeningly sweet for me. While I'm all for some lovey-dovey talk, sometimes I had a really hard time imagining an older vampire like Creed saying some of the things he did to Blu. Which is why there were a few moments where he just felt too.. modern day.

I also enjoyed her version of the paranormal creatures. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I enjoyed it enough that I will have to check out more, especially if they deal with this world. I liked her version of werewolves - with female weres being very uncommon, the weres being able to partially shift, as well as the pack dynamics. And I certainly liked the scene from Blu's first full moon with Creed. Quite an interesting one, I can only imagine going through that for the rest of their lives together.

All that said, I really did enjoy "Her Vampire Husband" by Michele Hauf, and I hope to check out further books by this author in the future. As for a rating, I'm going to give it a FOUR POINT FIVE out of FIVE. There were some aspects I really loved, and I enjoyed the plotline as a whole.

Happy Reading, and please check out "Her Vampire Husband" by Michele Hauf!
~!~ Morning Glow

You still have time to enter the giveaway!!

Don't forget you can still enter the giveaway Frances Stockton is offering on my first ever guest post!! Find it at http://glowsnoveladdiction.blogspot.com/2010/04/guest-post-by-paranormal-romance-author.html The contest is running until tomorrow (Sunday, April 18th), closing at midnight. Just read the rules at the bottom (comment, include your email address please!!), and I'll announce the winner here, and you'll receive an email sometime on Monday.

Guest post by Paranormal Romance author Frances Stockton! (And Giveaway!)

Hello everyone!! Please help me welcome author Frances Stockton. And to celebrate, she's offering a giftcard giveaway to one random winner - just read the rules at the bottom. And here we go!!


Greetings everyone!
My name is Frances Stockton and I write sensual Paranormal Romance for Ellora’s Cave Publishing/Cerridwen Press. With three books published in my Panthera series, the books feature an ancient race that can shape-shift into panthers, leopards, lions and tigers, oh my! But while I’d love to tell you more about the books, I’ve been invited to post on Morning Glow’s blog about a number of different things, including my writing process and getting published.

First, let me tell you a little about getting published. I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to know that my books were contracted and published for Cerridwen Press. But it honestly took a very long time to get to that point. Starting at age 13, I was that kid in Middle School that seemed to get teased. While I wouldn’t say I was ‘bullied’, the teasing made me withdraw some and opened my mind to storytelling. In fact, I wrote my first manuscript in the 7th grade, falling in love with writing in the process. Now the story I’d written wasn’t very good. I didn’t know anything about POV, GMC, HEA or descriptive, sensual romance. What I did know is that I had more stories to tell and wanted to write more. So the heroine was a cross between a contemporary Laura Ingalls Wilder and Nancy Drew, who happened to be dating the oldest Hardy Boy. I’d no idea about description, narrative, or how to even describe a passionate kiss. Someday, I’ll share with readers how I got around the passionate kiss description. For today, let’s just say I’ve grown up a lot since that first book.

Since then, I’ve written a lot of manuscripts, many of which remain in my basement under lock and key, never to see daylight. But with each book I’d completed, I’d learned something more. I finished High School, went to college (admittedly I went to a few until I found a major that I really loved), and worked a variety of jobs. In the time since graduating High School, I’d been a college student, cashier, a Pharmacy Aid, a nanny/housekeeper, and a Veterinary Technician. I’d also become involved in a local community theater, primarily a ‘techie’, where I worked behind the scenes on plays and musicals and dance theater productions. It was a blast! All of it, the jobs, the theater, and life experience, helped me to become a better writer. Believe it or not, eventually I earned a degree in History/Secondary Education and taught 6th and 7th grade Social Studies! Ironic that I’d come full circle from that first manuscript that still gathers dust in my basement. The one thing that remained consistent in my life was the need to write. Eventually, I would move to New England with my family and started to write full time.

Once I did that, I joined RWA and my local RWA chapter. I can’t tell you how important it is to join a writer’s organization. Without my fellow chapter mates, I wouldn’t have learned about transitions between POV, how to create believable GMC, and a Happily Ever After to cheer for. I know, that’s a lot of initials, but they were important to learn. Combined with taking workshops, attending conferences, using my degree in History, and my genuine love of animals from 12 years of Veterinary Technician experience, I created the Abcynians, an ancient race of irresistible men and courageous women, capable of longevity, swift healing, great strength and enduring, passionate love. For within this little known race are the Panthera, those who share their souls with a panther and can transform themselves into their panther half. What makes the Panthera different from other shape-shifter/paranormal creatures is the way they convert. Conversion is a gift, an essence of life that is given to either save a life or make a life. Unlike vampires, there’s no blood exchange. Instead, it’s a life-force that enters another through a bite and transforms into whatever the receiver needs. If it’s healing, the recipient grows calm, allowing the body to mend quickly and succinctly. If given during lovemaking, the essence becomes an aphrodisiac. Now, of course, there are rules that the Abcynians must obey. To find out more about the rules visit my website http://www.francesstockton.com and click the ‘books’ link along the header of any page.

Set during my favorite eras throughout History, each novel features elements that made that era unique and inspiring, while having a hero and heroine that readers can fall in love with and cheer for. Book in the Panthera Series 1: Seductive Persuasion features 450 year old Garrick Forrester, Earl of Danford, and his mate, a gifted healer named Aisley Reeves. And it is set during the Late Medieval period. If you’d like to learn more or read excerpts, visit the following links: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-6809-seductive-persuasion.aspx and http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419918780.htm. Book 2 in the Panthera series: Rhiannon’s Pride follows the story of a female Abcynian who has lost her way and her memory and had been the unknowing captive of a brutal nobleman until she runs away to Florence, only to find her destined mate in the form of artist Dante Luciano. Please check out: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7223-rhiannons-pride.aspx and http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419920103.htm to find out more about life during the Renaissance. For the third book, Sea Captain’s Ghost, I went jumped head first into the Golden Age of Piracy, creating a dark sea captain with a mysterious past, known as El Fantasma or ‘The Ghost’, by sailors who say Captain Don Adriano de Montoya has been sailing the seas for hundreds of years and never grows older. But Adriano is not a ghost; he is Panthera, capable of becoming a full grown lion, but his need for revenge might cost him Jocelyn Kincaid, the woman he loves. For more on Book 3 in the Panthera series: Sea Captain’s Ghost, follow the links provided: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7751-sea-captains-ghost.aspx and http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419923647.htm to read blurbs and excerpts.

Now that you’ve read a little about my books, let’s go back to talking about writing. I’d like to stress the importance of joining a writer’s group. I know I mentioned this before, but if you’re into romance, find out more about RWA or Google writer’s groups in your area that concentrate on romantic fiction. Go to your local Barnes and Noble and find out if they have any writers groups that meet there regularly. I know my B&N has several signs advertising for writers groups and the dates/times that the meetings are held. This might be a great place to start honing your craft. And, of course, if you’re a reader, you can pick up a new book. I’d also recommend checking out Amazon.com or any brick and mortar bookstore for research books on writing. The Idiots Guide books and the Dummies books are fantastic! They are easy to use, easy to follow, and packed full of information. Also purchase the latest Writer’s Digest Books. These are amazingly helpful on discussing the industry, publishers, agents and editors. Lastly, read, read and read! The more you read, the more you learn about plotting, GMC, POV, HEA and how to write a great book.

With thanks to Morning Glow for inviting me to post on her blog, it is my hope that this entry was both helpful and inspiring. I’d love to know what you think. I’ll be checking back throughout the day to respond to comments and questions about writing or my books. And, simply by stopping by and commenting your name will be placed into a drawing for a gift card, with the winner’s choice between Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.
Sincerely written,
Frances Stockton
The Panthera: Seductive Persuasion, Rhiannon's Pride, and Sea Captain's Ghost
Available from Cerridwen Press
www.francesstockton.com

Wow! And thank you Frances for dropping by!! As stated, Frances will be checking back throughout the day to respond to any comments and questions, so don't be shy!

To enter the giveaway: Leave a comment, and please include your email at the bottom so we have a way to notify you.
Contest ends Sunday night, April 18th.
Winner will be drawn and notified on Monday.
It is winners choice whether the gift card be for Barnes and Noble, or Amazon.com, and when we contact the winner, we will ask which he or she chooses(BN or Amazon.com).
Thank you!

Check back Friday - Guest Blog and Giveaway!!!

Hello everyone!!! Regular posting/reviews will continue shortly, I just wanted to let you all know that this Friday (April 16th), I will be having my first guest post EVER! Paranormal Romance author Frances Stockton will be posting, and coming back at later moments in the day to read any comments and answer any questions.

And as a treat for us all - she's offering a giveaway as well! Comment and you could win a giftcard to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble! Just follow the rules (they will be listed at the bottom of the guest post) and one of you lucky people could win! Winners will be announcing this coming Monday.

Wanna read up on Frances Stockton before the guest post so you can ask questions? Or just curious in general? Her website is: http://francesstockton.com/

Happy Reading, and please - be sure to check back!
~!~ Morning Glow

Review of "Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side" by Beth Fantaskey

Look how good I'm doing! I'm actually regularly posting reviews! Or.. at least more often. Regularly suggests a schedule, and schedules? Pft, I scoff at them! Right, right, tooting my own horn for actually posting isn't the reason for this post.

Disclaimer: This book, "Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side," was purchased by me, the reviewer. I was not given this book, nor any other forms of compensation, in exchance for a review.

Type: YA fiction, Paranormal Romance

From the back of the book: " Marrying a vampire definitely doesn't fit in to Jessica Packwood's senior-year "get a life" plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth and he's her long-lost fiance. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But Jessica has never even been kissed - how can she possibly commit herself to a long-term relationship? Or an eternal relationship, for that matter? "

I'm sure by now readers have noticed I'm a sucker for a lot of things. Covers with shirtless men, wrongly accused heroes... Well, I have another one here for you - Arranged marriages and/or marriages of convenience. I just like the idea of two strangers being tossed together, and to see how they deal with the situation. I'm sure in reality there would be a lot of unhappy people. But that's why I like fiction. Plenty of Happy Endings for all.

First off, let's start with the author's version of vampire lore - I like it. Vampires aren't turned, or so it seems, but are actually born. They are an evolved, superhuman race. Vampires can go out in sunlight, their fangs are hidden except in times of extreme emotion.. And probably my favorite part, because it's so interesting, is that girls don't fully come into their vampirism until a male bites them. For example, Jessica can feet her jaw ache and her teeth start to shift, but her teeth won't come in until she's bitten. I thought that was an interesting spin on the vampire myth, one I've not heard of before.

I enjoyed the characters as well. I felt very close to Jessica, and when she felt sad, mad, jealous, etc, so did I. And I really felt for Lucius, you could tell that he was finally let himself experience really freedom, and what it meant to be a real teenager in the United States, despite his upbringing and the task he was sent there to complete.

Part of me wants to start comparing "Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side" to "Twilight," but I won't. Mostly. I will say this book is a lot less creepy, since Lucius is actually near Jessica's age, and isn't over one hundred years old and yet keeps going back to highschool. Just throwing that out there. And that I think it beats Twilight hands down. Just saying.

***Possible spoilers!***
The one thing I didn't like about this book, and the reason the rating will be less than perfect, was Lucius' little dalliance with the highschool's resident bee-otch. I almost understand why the author did it, but I think there could have been better ways of getting the characters to that point. And since the author made me feel so close to Jessica, I felt her pain when Lucius was.. dabbling with the other girl.
***End spoilers***

I'm going to give "Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side" a FOUR POINT EIGHT out of FIVE. Yes, I'm aware I've never given a 4.8 out of 5 before, but I'm torn. I really enjoyed the book, I felt connected to the characters, and I know this is something I'll be suggesting to people in the future, but the issue covered in the Possible Spoilers paragraph just irked me enough to drop the rating down.

All that said, please check out "Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side" by Beth Fantaskey, and come back and share your thoughts! Or, if you've already read it, tell me your opinion!
Happy Reading, and enjoy your week!

~!~Morning Glow