Submissions

All submissions in these formats please: .pdf , Kindle, or print copy. If in print copy, I would appreciate it if the book was autographed by the author. I am not doing books that have a deadline at this time, unless the author wants to use my review to appear on the book itself. Please send all requests to: norachipleybarteau@att.net . If sending through snail mail, email me for my home address. Thank you!

October 25, 2011

Twenty Twisted Tales by R.B. Clague


Twenty horrid tales that will leap from the page and twist their warped fingers around your mind!
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My Review:

Twenty Twisted Tales
by
R.B. Clague

This is the first short story that has come across my desk for read and review and I was a bit skeptical but as a critic, I never turn down a review no matter the genre or type. I found each story short with a slight 'twist' in the end. I find myself normally reading horror and paranormal with a lot of graphic horror and strong sexual content. That is why I found the first few stories a little bland for my tastes, but I did not judge. I will not give a review without first reading the 'full package'. I did find the first several quite amusing and food for thought. The one with the female author who wrote a vampire book which turned into a movie, it peeked my interest and I found it a bit amusing, even likable even though I pretty much seen what the ending would become.

In Effigy I was intrigued by it because of the magical quality of it, but in the end, I wondered to myself, before they did what they did, was the face removed from the effigy before being thrown into the water?? Food for thought and I guess you will have to find out for yourself. *grin*


Trapped, I had seen such scenarios in the movies but with this one I wanted it to go into a longer story, maybe what was donated, somehow he was to see life again, and ironically maybe his own family. Hoping this is not a spoiler, I am trying to be careful.

Heist was a very amusing story and I enjoyed it. Like the others, the only thing I dislike only a small bit is I can predict the outcome of each story. I can do the same thing with movies though, from years of watching them I guess. I can sit down to a movie and within the first 30 mins. I know how it is going to turn out. Yes, this takes the fun out of it, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the movie or the book.

This book is a great and must have to sit around and get your fright on during Halloween! It is a book that can be enjoyed pretty much by anyone, with any genre. Do not misunderstand my review, it was not negative, I was merely putting in my points of view. This book is well written. The author has a great imagination and creative mind and I am honored to have been able to read and review Twenty Twisted Tales by R.B. Clague.

I recommend this book and give it four stars ****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

**********

About the Author:




R.B. Clague

R.B Clague was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria. He attended Heidelberg Technical School and studied social sciences at Monash University. R.B's employment in a variety of fields throughout his career has included Health Care, Child Protection, Forensic psychiatry, Juvenile Justice, Community Outreach and Youth Residential work with several non-Government Agencies.

R.B. spent seven years, employed in various states and Territories around Australia as a Probation and Parole Officer, including three years in Central Australia, where he worked with tribal Aboriginal people on remote desert communities.

R.B. currently resides in Grafton New South Wales, where he writes full-time.
R. B. enjoys 
Writing, writing and more writing.


October 21, 2011

RHA Presents Sunrise at Sunset by Jaz Primo

RHA proudly presents Sunrise at Sunset by Jaz Primo as part of the Romancing Your Dark Side paranormal book blog tour hosted by Book Reader Addicts and The Virtual Book Tour Cafe.

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  Trade Paperback, 432 pages, ISBN: 978-0-9828613-0-1, Retail $13.95
eBook (Kindle, iBook, and ePub), ISBN: 978-0-9828613-1-8, Retail $4.99
Taken from the back cover:
“We vampires are focused and tend to shape our own realities.”
My name is Katrina Rawlings, and I am a vampire. I declare that with neither pride nor ego. I am simply nature’s most dangerous predator. On occasion, it’s a very valuable quality. It helped me protect Caleb Taylor one day when he was very young. But that single, traumatic day is behind him now; wiped from his memory, or so I hope.
Caleb has finally matured into a rather striking young man, and believe me, I like what I see. I’ll readily admit that there are issues for us to confront and overcome, though a sense of mutual commitment  isn’t one of them. I’m feeling hopeful for our future together, in fact. But an adversary from my past has returned to haunt me, and she’s trying to get back at me through Caleb. That was her first...and last...mistake. I’ll protect my Caleb at all costs, and I’ll make her regret the day she was born.
So, I suppose that I’m not just a vampire. I’m about to become someone’s worst nightmare!
**********


**********
My Review

Sunrise at Sunset
by

It was nice to come across yet another author who writes in my favorite genre, the paranormal, and uses my favorite character, the vampire. I was very intrigued with this book and it was easy to get into. I did find it a bit frustrating on two counts though. One, although as the reader the book does hint to a sexual relationship between Caleb and Katrina, but never goes into detail about the passion they share. The only clue they ever made love was that they held each other and cuddled afterward. I do not understand why the author did not enhance or go into depth about their sexual relationship, but it was a little disappointing especially when in almost every vampire book I have read, always shows the passion the vampire emits with his or her partner. So, I did find this disappointing. The other thing I found to be a little irritating was the fact throughout the entire book, I kept looking at Caleb like a small child. Katrina treated him throughout the whole book as 'the boss', 'the protector', 'the dictator' and more like a mother to him than a life mate. I know in the beginning when she first met Caleb he was a small boy who helped save her life, but even after she met him again as an adult, she continued to treat him as that small boy. That would have been a little more tolerable IF their love making would have gone into detail. And Caleb always allowed Katrina to treat him as such, except in certain areas of the book where he 'tried' to stand up for himself. To be honest, I wanted him to be turned so he could be a man, stand on his own feet and maybe Katrina would treat him like a man instead of a helpless child.

Now, with that all said. I loved the book. It had a great story behind it, and it was written well. The author shows a great deal of imagination and creativity and it kept my attention. I was pleased to see when I finished reading the book there is another one coming after it called A Bloody London Sunset. So, I hope the author will allow me to read and review it. Although Sunrise at Sunset disappointed me in two areas, I can't wait to find out where Jaz is going to take Caleb and Katrina next. Hopefully the author will open up a bit and allow the intimate part of their relationship to come forth and have Caleb grow a 'set'. *grin*

I give Sunrise at Sunset four stars ****

Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********
About the author taken from his web site*


Hi, I'm Jaz.
I've been a fan of vampires, fantasy, and sci-fi forever, or at least for the small portion of forever that has constituted my life to this point. Nevertheless, in addition to reading, I love creative writing. That was a hobby that began when I was in elementary school, and which has been refined through many years of practice, as well as continued education through my Associates, Bachelors, and Masters degrees. So, it's a bit of a lifelong dream to both write and publish a novel. Sunrise at Sunset is the product of character and storyline development that has bounced around my imagination over the years, and was finally refined into a cogent, linear story. Fortunately, the characters and setting are so vivid and rich in my mind that I see a number of developments taking place in the future.
My life has been a satisfying blend of personal, professional, and educational experiences. I am very blessed to have the support of family, friends, and professional associates to encourage and share in my literary journey. Finally, I'm so very happy to have a presence on the Internet because it allows me to reach out to others with similar interests. And hopefully, it will allow me to reach out to my current and future fans, as well. For additional information about me, please check out the Jaz FAQ section.
Thanks for being part of my journey. I hope that you enjoy the ride as much as I already am!

**********
My Interview With Jaz


 iResponses for Nora Barteau
"A Paranormal Lover's Point of View" Blog
For Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Romancing Your Dark Side Paranormal Blog Tour

Hi, Nora! Thanks so much for hosting an interview of me on your blog.

Where are you from?

I'm a native Oklahoman, and my wife and I currently reside in central Oklahoma.

Tell us your latest news?
Just this past week I was nominated for a position on the Paranormal Romance Guild Board of Directors for the 2011 - 2012 term. With a little luck, perhaps I'll be elected by the membership!

When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing as a child because I felt the need to express ideas and stories that were floating around in my imagination. In some respects, it was almost like keeping a journal of my imagination's developments. *chuckling*

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Ever since I wrote my first short story, I have considered myself a writer. However, I didn't consider myself an "author" until my first novel was published in October 2010.

What inspired you to write your first book?
The characters of Katrina and Caleb were so realistic and compelling in my imagination that they felt like real people or personalities. I simply felt that their story had to be told.

Do you have a specific writing style?
Thus far, I write in third person. Most of my paranormal romance peers seem to write in first-person, which I find intriguing, actually. I also like to reveal the inner thoughts of primary characters in a scene, so I italicize the text to set it aside from actual events or dialogue.

How did you come up with the title?
I'm a big fan of puns, so selecting a title that was a play on words (Sunrise at Sunset) seemed catchy and something that might resonate positively with prospective readers. Each title in the Sunset Vampire Series will have the word sunset in the title.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Well, I didn't write my novel with that intention, but in the end I would have to say that a couple of messages have risen to the surface. First, it's important people understand that they can overcome tragedy or abuse in their lives if they only try hard enough and have proper support. Second, I believe that my novels challenge the traditional gender roles in literature. My novels declare: "Women can successfully serve as the dominant role players in relationships in a healthy manner, as well as be the heroines who save the men they love."

How much of the book is realistic?
That's a good question. I suggest that my approach to adult characters who have suffered abuse during childhood is relatively realistic. I have also tried to present the romantic relationship between Caleb and Katrina in a realistic manner, as well as the issues faced between a human and vampire who seek to maintain a relationship together.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Oh, no. I never try to use my own life or people who I know (or have known) to be depicted in my novels. I feel the need to keep my own reality separated from the stories and characters that I write about. I take the word "fiction" very seriously when it comes to my fantasy writing! *laughing*

What books have most influenced your life most?
That's an excellent question, and one that I haven't been asked before. *pondering an answer for a moment* I have been impacted by literature in some form or fashion throughout my life. As a teenager, I was emotionally impacted by books written by James Herriot, author of All Creatures Great and Small and All Things Bright and Beautiful. Having seen the British television series, I knew that I wanted to read the novels. They're set in Great Britain just prior to World War II, and they have a lot to say about the quiet, everyday heroics of an individual. While also extolling the circle of life, the stories delve into the complexities and value of relationships. The biographies of historic figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin compelled me to base my Master's thesis on them and other figures who took part in the American Revolution. I've found that through biographies a person can live vicariously through the lives of others.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
That's an interesting question. I suppose one person would be L.E. Modesitt, Jr., author of the Saga of Recluce series and other excellent fantasy fiction series. His style and excellent character development skills are impressive. He has heavily influenced my own writing craft, in fact.

What book are you reading now?
Earlier today, I finished reading Halfway to the Grave (A Night Huntress Novel #1) by Jeaniene Frost. What an amazing read that was! This week, perhaps even this weekend, I plan to start reading Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires Novel #1) by Rachel Caine.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
What a great question! In the past year, I have met some wonderful authors, a number of whom are just getting started in their writing careers. I'm highly impressed by a paranormal romance author named Jamie Magee, who writes the Insight series. She's one of my peers on the Romancing Your Dark Side Blog Tour. Another burgeoning author, Tom Barczak of the fantasy Awakening Evarun series, uses a wonderfully unique style of prose. I hope to add other authors to this list once I have a chance to read their work.

What are your current projects?
As far as active writing, I'm between projects right now. I'm taking a break as I gear up for the release of my third Sunset Vampire novel in January, Summit at Sunset. I plan to start writing again next spring.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My virtual friends and fans. I have met the most wonderful and supportive people in Facebook since I was first published last October.

Do you see writing as a career?
Well, it is a part-time career, of sorts. If you mean, "can I make a living as an author," then the answer is a definite "no" at this early stage in my career. Currently, I have to maintain a full-time career to keep the bills paid. So, I write when I can shave some time out of my day (or night!).

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, I don't think so. I believe that A Bloody London Sunset develops my main characters in precisely the manner that it needs to for this stage in the series.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Oh, yes. I wrote creative short stories to read to my class since I was in fifth grade in elementary school.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I'll share something that nobody except my editor and my proofreaders have read to this point. Here's an excerpt from my soon-to-be-released Sunset Vampire novel, Summit at Sunset:

    On a cool mid-April night, Caleb Taylor carefully maneuvered through the thick undergrowth of the forest. Despite the oppressive darkness from all sides, it was a beautiful moonless night for a hunting excursion. Caleb paused at the edge of a break in the trees to appreciate the evening's gentle breeze.
    Enough to mask my exact location, he speculated.
    He had learned not to let the prey’s scent be acquired too easily by the predator, or else the hunt ended rather quickly. Glancing at the illuminated face of his new watch, he calculated the span of time that had passed since he had entered the forest.
    Always fighting the clock.
    Despite his preoccupation with quietly navigating his way through the pitch-black terrain, he took the time to breathe in the fresh scent of the forest. He attempted to gauge his location against the preliminary reconnaissance he had conducted prior to sunset. As he stepped past a tree and under one of the overhanging branches, he pivoted his body closer to the ground and heard a small tearing sound. With a quick tug and a sharp scrape against his left arm, he felt a stab of pain as needle-like brambles raked across his skin.
    “Damn,” he muttered under his breath, tentatively probing his left arm. A closer inspection of his fingertips revealed a small trace of blood.
    Glad I’m wearing older clothes, he absently credited before quietly proceeding on his way.
    A minute passed before he heard a small shuffling sound not far from his location. He froze, grasped the trunk of a nearby tree, and scanned the area in the direction of the noise. His heartbeat increased slightly, and he momentarily closed his eyes to concentrate on calming himself.
    Peaceful forest, calm forest, peaceful forest.
    As his mantra ended and he opened his eyes, he was more at ease and continued to sweep the area visually. His eyes widened with sudden recognition as he stared between the tree trunks across a distance of approximately sixty feet at what appeared to be two small orbs of bright green. A predator’s eyes.
    Realizing that all pretense of stealth had been lost, he turned and fled in the opposite direction through the bushes and tree limbs in a race against time. An image of a rabbit running from a fox flashed in his mind.
    Barreling like a bullet through the darkened forest, he heard the sounds of his closing pursuer. The ground dropped sharply before him, and he half-tumbled down an incline, barely managing to keep his balance to the bottom. He righted himself and turned to run, but was startled by a whooshing sound from above. A dark image leapt over him and landed beside him with a heavy thud. He staggered backwards with surprise at the towering presence before him, crowned ominously with glowing green eyes.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Well, to this point my Sunset Vampire Series has presented the inner thoughts of characters as italicized type. I feel that it's important to reveal key thoughts of those characters for the reader to gain insight into them and further their development. However, it's a struggle to ensure that a reader isn't overwhelmed or confused by mixing the character's "thoughts" with the dialogue. Some readers can't adjust to this style of writing because most paranormal novels are written exclusively in first-person, so you only get the thoughts and perspective of the main character.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
My favorite writer is L.E. Modesitt, Jr., who I mentioned earlier in this interview. The manner in which he artfully and realistically explains and utilizes magical or psi-abilities in his books takes my breath away. The characters in his novels are so tangible and believable, and they're each emotionally approachable to readers. You sympathize with his characters, and there's NEVER an occasion where you frown and say, "Hey, why did that character suddenly do that? That seems entirely contrary..." His consistency and creativity in world building is noteworthy; an essential quality for a successful fantasy or sci-fi author.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I would love to do some research traveling for my novels. However, both my wife and I have busy full-time careers, so we aren't able to travel as much as we would like. Most of my research is Internet-based or from my personal experiences visiting a location that I write about.

Who designed the covers?
I have to be one of the luckiest authors in the world! My Sunset Vampire Series cover art is done by Al Slark, a world-class veteran Canadian cover artist who is well-known for his beautiful Harlequin Romance novel covers. Al is a genuine creative genius and an amazing, talented artist! He has designed Harlequin covers for over fifteen years, but has also created artwork for westerns, thrillers, and some paranormal art. Rather than a mere graphic artist, Al has a heralded background in classic art, including traditional oil paintings. One of the real boons for me is that I had the opportunity to purchase the web rights to use his artwork as "fan images" to promote my vampire series. Those are images that were not selected for the actual Sunset Vampire novel covers but still looked amazing in their own right. And since the cover models were also the individuals that appear on my novel covers, they visually and accurately promote my characters and the continued publicity for my novels.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part is promotion and publicity! I'm not a public relations kind of person. Most authors aren't, in fact. I like to sit at my keyboard and create new stories and novels. Once it's written, I'm ready to move on to the next novel rather than promote what I just wrote. Oh well, that's a luxury that only the most famous or successful authors have. Most of us are mid-list to low-list authors who have to fight and claw to either gain some visibility or grow our readership in the marketplace. It's simply amazing how many novels are being published and/or released on a weekly basis!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned two key things: First, that the easiest part of being an author is writing a novel. There's just so many layers to the publishing process...it's like drinking from an ocean once you get started, actually. Second, I learned that, while you may expect that not everyone will enjoy reading your novel, there are a number of people who feel the need to write scathing reviews if they didn't like it. It's almost as if they're attacking you for having written it; as if they were insulted that they were "duped" into reading your work. Wow, you really have to have self-confidence and a thick skin as an author. I like to cite the following quotation to authors (and myself) following receiving a horrible review: "You're rarely as good as your best fans proclaim, but you're NEVER as bad as your worst critics accuse."

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Absolutely. Never doubt that you have a worthwhile story to tell. Make sure that you have a number of proofreaders to review your work BEFORE you send your manuscript to your editor or agent. (And make sure those are people who aren't afraid to provide honest feedback to you about your writing.) They're invaluable to you! Finally, never...never...never give up on your writing endeavors. It's a journey of both personal and literary growth that shapes you into a better person, as well as a better writer.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Yes, I do. Thank you, dear readers, for your kindness, support, and fellowship! Half of my pleasure in being an author has been getting to know my readers at a personal level on Facebook, Twitter, and via blog postings. You have all enriched me personally and made me a better person by meeting you!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Nora. This has been a sincere honor and pleasure!
th Jaz

October 18, 2011

Erra and Erra More by Poppet

Sarah bumps into Dustin, and is instantly smitten.

Erra wants her, and won't back down, finally revealing his true identity.

Caught in a love triangle with cosmic repercussions, Sarah represents all woman when she decides to let her heart make her choices.

Love is the sweetest suffering. This is a quest, of truth, to the heart of everything.
**********
My Review

Erra
by
Poppet


What can I say my dear friend Poppet? This book had me at wow from the very first page! Most of the books I read have very erotic scenes in them, but Erra, I felt I needed a dozen cool showers for several chapters! It took me away from where I sat and put me into the story and I was with the characters and I could feel it within myself. It was a wonderful escape to experience and it lasted through the entire book. I have never had this experience with any other book I have read. Don't get me wrong, I love the books I have read along with the wonderful authors who wrote them, but each one has their own special signature on their work, each giving a part of themselves. Poppet reached way down and gave her all in this book. She gave her heart, her imagination, creativity, compassion, love and understanding, along with her wonderful talent to bring it all together in what you see in front of you, Erra.


This is a wonderful love story that is like none I have ever read before and I do not say this lightly. The setting for this story, the characters have a background that makes the reader actually stop and think, could this have really happened? Could it have actually occurred this way? It makes you look at life through totally different eyes, and yes it puts questions in your mind, if even for a second, that maybe, just maybe this is how we really came into existence and how things really are. And to know that a woman is truly the center and all to it All. The love story tore at my soul several times, not really knowing who I wanted Sarah to be with, Dusty or Erra. Both were different yet the same. I am still torn, and I am glad there is another book right behind this one so I can continue with this wonderful and brilliant piece of art my good friend and author Poppet has been so gracious to write and share with all of us.


I highly recommend this book, and without hesitation give it five stars *****


Reviewed by


Nora Chipley Barteau

http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********


Erra More - The Sequel to Erra.

When things turn sour between Sarah and Dustin, Erra steps in to intervene, encouraging Sarah to get the keys of heaven.

Seven angels hide the keys.

It becomes a journey saturated in muscled arms and brilliant lights when Sarah is forced to take back the keys, before Dustin's anger destroys again.

Taken to Hel, embroiled in wild parties and a love dynamic nothing could prepare her for, Sarah finds the holiest ring of all.
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 My Review:
 Erra More
by
Poppet

Erra More is a book that smolders while you are reading it. You can see the smoke and steam escaping between your fingers as your eyes stay glued to the sexual, erotic, totally hot sex scenes! Oh if I could be Sarah for a day! She has all the gods at her fingertips, and learns in order to get the keys, she has to sleep with each one because she gave each one a key long long ago and the only way to get them back is to sleep with each gorgeous, muscular, drop dead specimen of a man! Oh poor Sarah, what is she to do???? Sorry taking showers won't work for her because they'd follow her into it, because these Sibitti love and adore her and refuse to give up.  And the scene with her and Ark, touches me because he gave up a very high rank in order to be near Sarah when Erra kept he captive. Each god/angel/Sibitti love and adore Sarah in their own way, for their own reasons and it's an astounding and awesome opportunity to read love story after love story. After each encounter, Sarah feels he is the one she wants to spend her time with, no one else. But each time she shares herself with a new one, it changes.

I want to go on and on about Erra More, but I am stopping here because I cannot do it justice. Erra and Erra More go hand in hand and you need both to truly enjoy the full grasp of the passion, creativity, imagination and heart Poppet has put into these books. Sarah takes on a life of her own with the aid of her precious gods/angels/lovers. This is a love story to top ALL love stories. There are so many love stories in this book of 259 pages and it tugs at my heart strings. I want more from Erra and my dear sweet friend Poppet. Her talent and light shines through in these two books and if you have not done so already, I HIGHLY recommend these books to all of you who love the paranormal and intense love stories.

I have absolutely no problem in giving Erra More five stars ***** and my personal stamp of approval as a critic.

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
**********

 About Poppet the author

 Poppet

Poppet lives in her own little world, and suffers from an intense crush on Cupid. So much so she’s taken up archery to impress him. She’s currently giving up her addiction to sarcasm by going cold turkey, loves jelly beans, and has a closet Lamborghini fetish. She also thinks planets rock, because they take up space.


Her novel Darkroom is signed and published with Wild Wolf Publishing, and she’s having poetry featured in SNM Horror Magazine monthly. She wrote two stories and designed the cover for the anthology Under A Harvest Moon.

Exploits was signed by Rebel e Publishers however Poppet chose to not get published with Rebel for personal reasons. Exploits is now signed with Night Publishing. She achieved a gold star for her novel EXPLOITS on Authonomy.
Seithe and Fey’s Adventures are published as eBooks, and she recently was included in the anthology Deadication published by Panic Press.

Poppet is currently turning her attention to her supernatural / fantasy / thriller books, of which there are many, looking to get them published next. She enjoys writing horror and edgy romance fiction.
**********

October 15, 2011

RHA Presents Pulse of Heroes by A. J. Sweeny

Reviewers Helping Authors and Romancing Your Dark Side Book Blog Tour is happy to present A. J. Sweeny's Pulse of Heroes as part of our tour!

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Michelle used to feel that she was behind in everything, especially schoolwork and relationships.
Her great aunt from the old country says that she is like a bland meal, “no salt or pepper”. But in junior year, everything changes. Her father takes a position on the Town Council, a popular boy in school becomes interested in her and, most importantly,
the Hekademos Learning Center, a private school for ‘troubled’ students, moves into her neighborhood amidst the protests of the entire town.
 

After
seeing the School Regent out with a group of young guys just before Christmas, Michelle is convinced that there is something odd about them. Her curiosity gets the better of her and she embarks upon a mission to figure out what is really going on. After an embarrassing fall over the school wall, Michelle meets Elliot and her ordinary ‘bland’ life changes its course forever.Elliot is no ordinary human. In fact, no one at the Hekademos Learning Center is. Beautiful and fierce, they have survived throughout the millennia by weaving in and out of human events. Through them, Michelle learns that history and myths from around the world are dotted with references to their kind. Michelle falls madly in love with the ever-striking and mysterious Elliot and, as much as he tries to fight it, he develops strong feelings for her as well. Although Elliot carries numerous painful memories from his many pasts, he disregards his own better judgment and the advice of his friends, and finds himself falling for Michelle‘s offbeat personality. Their feelings grow in intensity, but when History catches up with them, the difference between their life paths threatens to destroy any future that they might have had together.Michelle learns that there are infinite shades of gray between black and white, and has to deal with the bundle of contradictory emotions called love. After some unexpected twists during a family trip to Europe, she has to trust her intuition in order to face the danger and uncertainty of being drawn into Elliot’s wondrous world. Ultimately, it is up to Michelle to make the split-second, life-altering decision that will either tear them apart forever, or give them another chance

**********
My Review:

Pulse of Heroes
by
A. J. Sweeny

As most of the people who are familiar with me at all, know that my favorite genre is horror/paranormal and my favorite character is the vampire. I have read many vampire books by various authors and you would think that 'I had read it all' and 'how can anyone possibly come up with anything I had not already read or any scenario I hadn't seen played out as 'a typical for a vampire story'. A lot of area has been covered by a lot of different writers, who created 'Dracula' and what was to follow from that idea to Bertena Varney's  Lure of the Vampire which consisted of in depth research in all aspects of the vampire as was Charles E. Butler's The Romance of Dracula.

As to my surprise, I was spellbound with A. J. Sweeny's book Pulse of Heroes! I found from page one that I could not put this book down, and with it being over 500 pages long, well, let's just say, I didn't get a lot of chores done. But I am lucky because my life mostly consists of me and my 23 old disabled son. I was swept away into another world with POH, and often felt the emotions and circumstances the characters went through and experienced. It was a much welcomed escape into another world with different people and different problems.  It satisfied my need for drama, suspense, romance and mystery. And it didn't lack in any of these areas. I just kept finding myself wanting more, so I was grateful the book was longer than the ones I usually read. It was a nice surprise when I found the book to be exploring the history of the immortals, transporting the reader backwards through time and across the world. Her imagination and creativity to detail when telling the reader about different places such as Russia and Transylvania which were vivid and as the reader, could actually see them as if I were there.

As far as the characters, Elliot and Michele I found them to be mature and strong in all the situations they went through. Especially what Eliott had to endure in his years past. I feel this molded him into what he was when he met Michelle. I do not want to give a lot of the book away, but wanted to tell enough to wet your appetite. I feel very honored and privileged to have been able to read and review Pulse of Heroes and can't wait to read more!

I highly recommend this book to anyone and if I could give it more than five stars I would! If you love vampires, paranormal, and love stories with drama, heartaches and struggles, this book is for you! I look forward to reading a lot more of A.J.'s work!

I give Pulse of Heroes five stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
 *********
About the Author: * Information used from author's web site

A. J. Sweeny

have been writing and storytelling ever since I was able to hold a pen. When I spent time working as a teacher with children of varying ages I was fascinated by the awesome power of words to excite and inspire the young mind. The art of Storytelling is what makes a good teacher great.

My degree in History with an emphasis on Ancient Near East, and my personal interest in world myths, combined with my fieldwork in archaeology have inspired my research and development of many elements in the story.
I also remember what it was like to be a girl myself and have often wanted to share my own thoughts, fears and dreams during that age with others. I read many books during my teenage years and some of them were essential in helping me make it through that time, and helping me become the satisfied person that I am today. I want to be able to return that favor to all the readers out there.
 **********
 My Interview with A. J.

Where are you from?  
Marin County CA 
Tell us your latest news?
Well the second book in The Pulse- my series will be available this coming Halloween.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing as a way to express feelings that I didn’t want to , or couldn’t share with others. It was a way to deal with my emotions.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Once I actually started writing with a project in mind, rather than just doodling a few poems and journal enteries.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My love of ancient history and mythology, mixed in with my love for young adults.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I don't know yet. Pulse Of Heroes is my first novel. Some reviewers say that it has a certain lyrical ambiance?
How did you come up with the title?
I thought of mythology and what those immortals were, They were all heroes and I saw my characters as so. “The Pulse” is an actual theme that runs through the entire trilogy.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes! Learn and awake your mind, because not all that you see or know is as it seems.
How much of the book is realistic?
All the Historical content is researched and the coming of age story of Michelle  is based on real teenage girls I know, and knew.(myself included).

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
They are purely fiction besides the history I bring in.
What books have most influenced your life most?
The Shakespeare plays, The Bible,  Peter Pan, The Scarlett Letter, Interview with a Vampire
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I don’t have one but William Shakespeare in my mind is a genius of words and multiple meanings.
What book are you reading now?
At the moment none. While I write it’s very difficult for me to give a book the attention it deserves.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes! Jay Asher, Beth Fullaway, Kristine Cheney, J Sterling and so many more….
What are your current projects?
Just getting Of Blood And Pulse out the door and into reader’s hands.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Jenn Ster and God of course ;)
Do you see writing as a career?
I’m not really sure yet… but so far people seem to really enjoy my story telling.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Bigger margins, more white space, and have 10 people edit it, not 6 because there are still a few mistakes in it.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Self expression and love of reading.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?  
Well this is the first ever blurb about Of Blood And Pulse:
Of Blood and Pulse picks up Michelle's and Elliot's story where Pulse of Heroes ended. After getting a fairly rocky start, Michelle and Elliot's relationship seems to be teetering on a nothing but a few fraying strings despite the great love that they both feel towards each other.
Haunted and scarred by the events of the past yea, they both suffer traumatic consequences.
To make things even more complicated, someone who knows just a little too much about Elliot, shows up unexpectedly and reveals mysteries that even Elliot has a hard time grasping. These newly exposed details only add another strain to their already fragile relationship.
However, before the couple can remedy and mend their love, they must first cure themselves...
Join Michelle and Elliot on an adventure that will take them far and wide in search for the key to their everlasting love.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, it’s long and I have too much to say ;)
 Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I am just starting to- I hope I like it.
Who designed the covers?
I do the desgin and have graphic artists and photographers help me with the rest.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hours and sleepless nights. Once I start It’s hard for me to put the manuscript away and I write till my hands are in pain. The other problem is the isolation, because I have to be alone to write.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
More editing and less repetition (
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing and let others read your work. Take criticism with a well balanced approach.
 Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I love them!
*********







October 10, 2011

RHA Presents Katrina by Elizabeth Loraine

 As a Vampire being hunted was nothing new. Finding out that I had to save those that were hunting us was!
Katrina, a young royal blood vampire, chronicles her story from the 1800's when she was seventeen forward in the series Royal Blood Chronicles
She has received extensive training in sword play and self defense at the insistence of her father Fredrik. Now she understands why.
Katrina is thrust into something she never could have imagined growing up in the aristocracy of Europe. Once the fashion of the day and girlish gossip filled Katrina and her new friends days, but their lives changed the instant their race was threatened and they were chosen as the Five, the protectors of not only the vampire race, but all the peaceful races of the world!
If you are looking for a new, exciting vampire series, you've found it in Royal Blood Chronicles. It starts here with Katrina, The Beginning!


**********
 *After you read, For Your Viewing Pleasure, Chapter One, you will find my review of Katrina and all about the great author Elizabeth Loraine*



 For Your Viewing Pleasure 

Chapter One



I sat very still, staring straight ahead just as I was told. Being asked to sit for a portrait to be displayed in the Sanctuary’s grand library was a great honor. My name is Katrina Von Dracek, and I can’t believe how long it’s been—almost one hundred thirty years. Now I’ve been asked to chronicle my journey from the beginning.


  From this vantage point atop the castle’s west wall I could see the entire valley. The breeze was cool, but no longer held any threat of winter.
What would the rest of my life be like, I wondered? All young girls, I supposed, want love, but I also wanted adventure, to travel the world, to make a difference in some way. It would be a long life, I knew, for vampires live a very long time.
I appraised my surroundings. The night was breathtaking. With my vampire gift of acute hearing, I heard a stag in the woods nearby. There was no moon tonight but my enhanced vision made the darkness as clear as the day.
            I remembered from my history lessons that back in time, the earliest known vampires could not tolerate the sun or control their lust for blood, but just as all creatures have evolved through the centuries to survive, so have we, although some of the clans prefer, as they call it, to stay true to their heritage. Vampires are mostly born now, not made. Blood lust has been tamed by the hunting of animals and the use of crimson, blood from our human watchers mixed with an ancient elixir which vastly multiplies a small amount of blood and enables it to stay fresh indefinitely.
            Just as I turned to leave I saw a shadow, too fast to be human, streaking across the field toward the front gate. I had been up on the wall for hours, and although vampires can easily move very quietly, I had neither seen or heard anyone leave the castle.
“I have to find Quinn,” I said to myself.
Quinn is my Watcher and my friend, one of the seven Voss brothers who watch over us. The Watchers are the personal human gaurd of the vampires, men who have dedicated their lives to the well being of their vampire families, none more loyal than the Voss.
I turned and rushed toward the stairway leading to the entrance courtyard just as Quinn was coming toward me.
“Oh, there you are Quinn. What has happened?”
            “A courier has just arrived. The whole council is to meet in Salzburg, and to bring along young royal representatives from each family. You will be joining your father. Come with me now, for we must prepare to leave. The journey is long and the Council is to meet in just fourteen days.”
            Quinn, always wanting what is best for the family. He and I had become so close that my father sought to warn me. “Katrina,” he said, “Quinn is your Watcher and must stay just that.”
            I told my father in no uncertain terms that Quinn was also my friend, just my friend, but I found myself wondering if that was still the truth. Had I started to feel something more? No, he was my friend, and of course I cared for him, yes even loved him, but as a friend, only a friend. Right? I guessed that I would need to sort this out, but that would have to wait, for tomorrow we must travel north and east, a journey full of danger. The unknown is always both the most frightening, and the most exciting part.
            With the clans being represented by their royal families’ most worthy young members, the royals going to Council would number in the hundreds, all traveling with their Watchers, servants, and numerous wagons for provisions and gifts for the leaders, especially the High Regent.
            “Katrina, you look weak. When was the last time you fed? Did you drink anything today at all?”
            Quinn was right; with everything that was going on I hadn’t had crimson or been out to hunt for days. I realized I could have gone dormant in my sleep, a kind of hibernation if you will, which saves us when we have to hide, heal, or survive when food either is not available or is tainted. This dormant state can last hours, days, weeks, or even years. I had no time for that, but now that Quinn brought it up, I felt too weak to hunt. Why hadn’t I paid more attention? Suddenly my vision started to fade, and the last thing I remembered was leaning against the wall to steady myself from the feeling of dizziness. When I awoke, Quinn was wrapping a cloth around his wrist.
            “You must be more responsible.” he chided me. “I can’t be in charge of your feedings too!”
            He was angry, so angry his face was turning red, and though I had never bitten a human, the vein bulging on his neck was making me feel something I had never felt before, blood lust. It didn’t help that he was so handsome, and as he kept ranting about how I was ignoring my training, my studies, and everything else, I couldn’t help admiring the ruggedness of his jaw and the way his dark brown hair flopped onto his face, his beautiful face.
            “Katrina, Katrina! Are you even listening to me at all?”
Snapping out of my trance was almost painful; I would have liked to remain in that reverie just a little longer.
            “Katrina,” he said as he walked toward me.
            It took all the strength I had to stop myself from throwing my arms around his neck, his very inviting neck, and kissing him passionately.
            “What is wrong with you Katrina? We have no time for this!”
            I had to turn away just so I could gather myself, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, tears filled my eyes.What was wrong with me? Quinn placed his hands on my shoulders and turned me towards him. When he saw the tears in my eyes, he froze for a moment; then his face softened and I thought I saw something new there, but then he hardened again and said, “You must be more careful.”
            He turned and strode away, leaving me feeling empty and alone.
            I walked to my room in a daze, suddenly tired again.
            Pulling the door open even seemed difficult. Once inside, I was so pleased to see the bed turned down and sweet bread, butter, and a glass of wine on the table. Thank goodness for Sarah, my handmaiden and confidant.
I ate the bread quickly and savored the wine. Then, too exhausted to put on the dressing gown left out for me, I lay down on the bed and the last thing I remember was picturing the look in Quinn’s eyes and wondering what it meant. Though it had been fleeting, it had been there, hadn’t it? And with that thought I slept.


 Quinn:

My mind was racing and my heart was pounding so loud I was sure everyone in my compound could hear it.
            What had just happened? I had seen something different in the way she looked at me. I was sure it wasn’t just because I had yelled at her. I had never had to hand-feed her before; was that it? Was it the fact that I had cut myself and let her feed directly from my wrist? But she hadn’t woken up until afterwards, so she didn’t know I had given her blood from my arm or that she had actively engaged in direct feeding.
            I knew of course that it was strictly forbidden for a Watcher to give blood directly, but when she fainted it was clear that she was about to go into a dormant state. So I acted, thinking only of getting fresh blood into her to revive her quickly. As my knife opened the vein on my wrist, the scent made her nostrils flare and the same instincts that had kept vampires alive for centuries kicked in. She grabbed my arm and began to feed like a newborn baby at her mother’s breast The movement was so swift and powerful I wasn’t sure I could have stopped her even if I’d wanted to.
            The feeling I’d had while she was feeding was pure euphoria and only the sound of my brother coming up the stairs made me break the bond. Then I carried her to a side room to recover. “Break the bond.” Why had I thought of it that way? Was that it? Had that short feeding changed everything?
            Entering the courtyard of the Watcher compound, I found three of my brothers, Thomas, Simon, and Avery, seated around the roaring fire. The smell of venison and red cedar firewood made my mouth water. Only then did I realize I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. I needed to take my own advice, especially when I and my brothers were also giving and storing blood for our charges. Baron Von Dracek would surely also hunt along the way, but there might not be game in the high country, and added strength would definitely be needed. Extra blood to mix must be stored; nothing gives strength to vampires like human blood.
            As I sat by the fire to eat, I heard my oldest brother, Gunter, approaching.
            “We missed you at training today,” Gunter told me. “Don’t let it become a habit. None of us can be the weak link.”
            I was the youngest of seven brothers, something the other six never let me forget. It was exciting to think I would now have a chance to prove myself on this journey. I was bound to protect Katrina no matter what might happen, even if that meant giving my life for hers, as many of my family had done for generations.
            “Quinn,” said Gunter, “we have decided that four of us must accompany the Baron and Katrina on this trip, and we feel you may be too young and untried in battle to be one of the four.”
            I jumped to my feet, pulled my sword, and with anger I didn’t know I possessed, looked Gunter straight in the eye and said through clenched teeth, “I dare any of you to try to keep me from my duty. Nothing is going to stop me, including you, Gunter. If you have any doubts, let us settle them here and now.”
            Gunter gave a surprised look to Thomas and slowly rose from the seat he had just taken by the fire. Looking around at the others seated, he shrugged and said, “All right, little brother, let’s see what you’ve learned.”
            As I backed into the open part of the courtyard, Gunter drew his sword. The fire reflecting off the blades made them seem alive. We circled first right and then left. Gunter lunged, his sword held high. Though moments before I had felt tired and weak, I was now invigorated by anger and the thought that my brothers would try to leave me behind.
            I countered Gunter’s move, our swords clanking in the night. Out of the corner of my eye I could see servants and the other brothers gathering. Guards were yelling encouragement from above.
            “That’s it, lad, don’t let Gunter push you about!”
            Gunter was strong, but my speed easily made up for his extra years of training. I had always been a fast learner. Although Gunter had trained all of us brothers, I could see surprise in his eyes, for there was something in me he hadn’t seen before: pure rage. With the rage, I felt stronger, quicker, and more alert. When Gunter made a mistake, I seized my chance. As he lunged, I easily jumped aside. As my brother went by me, I whacked him on the back of his head with the hilt of my sword.
            Gunter turned and swung for my head, but I ducked and hit him in the gut with my fist, using all the power I could muster. He bent over in pain and shock, and as I backed away the crowded courtyard erupted in cheers and laughter.
             “I guess your little brother showed you a thing or two, Gunter,” a guard said from above.
            Gunter raised his head, his hands still on his knees, and yelled, “Don’t you all have work to do? Be gone, for tomorrow comes quickly!”
            Still breathing hard, I remained in an attacking stance, ready to continue if I must and capable of taking on all of my brothers, if need be. I would not be denied. This was my destiny, now more than ever.
            Gunter slowly stood and put his sword back in his scabbard.
            “Well, little brother, you’ve learned well and I have obviously misjudged your skill. You have just earned the right to join us. So it will be the two of us plus Thomas and Simon. Be ready, we leave before dawn.”

Katrina:

I rose with a start, not even sure what day it was. My head throbbed, and just as I was about to ring for Sarah, into the room she rushed, a full breakfast tray in her hands.
            She dragged me out of bed, peeled me out of my rumpled dress, and helped me wash, all the while bemoaning the state of my beautiful hair. While I ate, Sarah told me about a fight the night before between Quinn and Gunter. What started it she didn’t know, only that Quinn had seemed to win and that everyone had survived intact.
            By the time I had finished my huge breakfast, surprisingly eating every last crumb, plus a large goblet of very fresh crimson, Sarah had finished braiding my hair back away from my face.
            I rose and dressed myself in a simple but tasteful traveling outfit of the softest lambskin leggings, riding boots, and a beautifully embroidered emerald green over tunic. Sarah then pushed me in front the mirror, a gift from my father on my seventeenth birthday. Had it been so long since I looked at myself? I hardly recognized the girl in the mirror. The tall young woman looking back at me looked surprised too!
            I had to admit, as Sarah often told me, I was pretty. My golden brown hair shone in the candlelight, and my green eyes full of wonder complemented my outfit perfectly. I felt strong and ready for whatever I would face.
            Because of the changes in our lifestyle over the past centuries, starting in our seventeenth year we begin to age very slowly. For the next hundred or so years only subtle changes would take place, leaving me looking more mature but essentially the same, unless of course I kept forgetting to feed properly. I would have to apologize to Quinn. I also wanted to ask him about the fight. Maybe I should let him bring it up, I decided.
            It was May in Germany, and the mornings were still cool, but the wind was sweet with hints of jasmine in the soft mountain breeze. The birds were already awake, singing and going about their business. The beginnings of sunrise made the eastern sky glow with soft bands of pink and orange.
I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. In my mind I could still hear my father’s voice asking, “What do you ‘see daughter?” When I was small I didn’t understand what he meant, but soon it became so clear. With my sense of smell I found I could “see” almost everything—humans, vampires, and animals alike—and was able to discern their numbers.
            Later I could identify individuals, as each being has a unique scent (not always pleasant). I could tell if there were horses, dogs, sheep, goats, and the like. When outside the grounds, I could add my acute hearing to my sensing, to tell not only the kinds of animals or people, human or vampire, but also how far away and in what direction. If I was patient and practiced, Father said, “it would become a very useful gift.” I quickly learned that once I “find” and identify a scent I will never forget it.
“Katrina,” I now heard my father call as he walked towards me. Tall and regal, he looked handsome in his all-black attire, which included a hat and a cape. His slightly greying hair fell to his shoulders.
            “Yes Father?” I replied as I hastened to meet him.
            “Are you ready? Did you have gifts packed for everyone?”
            It was customary to give gifts of friendship to his Lordship the High Regent and his wife the Lady Margarite. But I had also ordered Sarah to pack extra trinkets and sundries in case we needed them along the way.
            “Yes Father, everything is in order.”
            It must have taken all night to complete all the preparations, I thought.
            “Then let us be on our way. The journey is long and we know not what awaits us. Why his Lordship chooses such secrecy I don’t know, and I’m anxious to arrive early and have some time to seek council with others before everyone else arrives.”
            “Yes, Father.” I felt as if I were rushing behind him like a young puppy, but I couldn’t keep up with his long stride.
            Then I spotted Quinn and my heart started to pound. He was standing by the horses, my beautiful bay mare and his dark grey gelding, their manes fluttering in the early morning breeze. He was talking to Thomas and hadn’t noticed me yet. Why was I reacting to him this way? He’d been my Watcher for a year now, and after all, we had grown up together. It was just Quinn, my Quinn. My Quinn? Where had that come from? He’d always been just Quinn. I was drawing closer now and just as I stepped within a few feet of him, Thomas stopped talking and looked over. Quinn then turned and our eyes met for a moment before he looked away.
         “My Lady,” they both said at the same time, and made a slight bow of their heads. My Lady? Not, “Good morning, Katrina,” or “Why are you late?” This was all too strange and I was determined to get to the bottom of it soon, but just as I was about to remark on their new attitude the castle guard yelled out.
            “Caravan approaching!”
            Count Philepe Bistodeau, his son Gerhardt, and their entourage cantered through the west gate.
            “Oh, good, Fredrik. I was afraid you would already be gone,” said the Count.
            “We were just about to depart, Philepe,” Father said.
            “Excellent, we can travel together. There’s safety in numbers, and we can talk along the way.”
            Then Philepe turned his eyes to me.
            “Ah, is this Katrina? How beautiful you have become. You remember my son Gerhardt don’t you?”
            I did. A pompous, spoiled, self-absorbed peacock, as I remembered; but I said, “Yes, of course. How are you, Gerhardt?”
            “I’m getting better all the time. I look forward to a long journey together.”
            Oh how marvelous. The thought of listening to him for days on end talk about how great he was made me nauseous.
            Quinn brought over my horse, Nulla, and helped me mount. After I was safely in place he gazed up at me and said in a low voice so only I could hear, “Don’t worry Kat; I’ll always be here to save you.”
            Then he winked at me and went over to his horse.
            I smiled and turned Nulla toward the east gate, Quinn on one side and Simon on the other, so Gerhardt had to ride with someone else.
            I turned to Quinn to say thanks, but he was looking straight ahead, a wry smile on his face, I wished I could hear his thoughts.
            I was relieved when finally Gerhardt rode by us and joined our fathers. I had endured hours of his trying to engage me in conversation. It was a small victory but a very satisfying one.
            For the next three days there was no privacy and no chance to speak with Quinn alone. We would arrive in Salzburg the day after tomorrow, about which I felt both excited and fearful. To have all the young royal vampires together had never happened before. We had met only briefly with the other European clans to discuss rogue vampire killings or other clan business. Most of the other clans I’d never seen. Of course Father had visited all of them, helping whenever help was needed, and knew well those members who had been sent to Council. Along the way I had heard my father speaking to Philepe about how on edge all the clans have been. The council is keeping the peace for now, but rivals are arguing amongst themselves over a new territory across the sea in the New World. Such things I cared nothing about usually, but the thought of younger vampires from several of our clans starting a new coven in this New World, was exciting. I knew I wanted to go. Now all I had to do was convince my father.
            Where will all this lead, I wondered. Was it true they intended to send us off to that New World they talked about? The Viking vampires had been going there for hundreds of years and had sent an expedition two years ago. I hoped they would be telling us all about what they saw.
            Finally, we were in sight of Salzburg, which was stunning. I had no idea a place could be so grand, so beautiful. We were headed through the city to the Regent’s palace, not too far outside the city gates. We had no time to linger now, but passing the shops, seeing the lovely outfits adorning the women and the couples having lunch, made me wish I had time to stroll the streets and explore all the wonders that abounded there.
            “Daydreaming again?”
            Quinn’s voice jerked me back to reality.
            “Yes, and I wish.…” Then I realized these were the first words he had said to me for days, and I wondered where Thomas and Simon were.
            He said, as if reading my mind, “Thomas and Simon are consulting with Gunter about how best to guard you and his Lordship while in the Palace. What were you about to say?”
            I paused. “Nothing.”
            My heart sank. I hadn’t been alone with him all this time, and now that I did have a chance, I couldn’t think of anything to say. What a fool I was!
Quinn turned to me, and the look on his face showed me that he couldn’t think of anything either.
            “You’d be coming with me? That is, if they really are sending us to start a New World coven, I mean.”
            “Nothing is sure, Katrina. What we’ve all been hearing is just speculation. The High Regent may have called the Council together to tell us something completely different. He may even forbid anyone to go to this ‘New World’ as you put it. But I will say this: whereever you are, that’s where I’ll be until I am no longer.”
            Then he looked ahead, as did I, to see that Thomas was returning.
            He did love me. I was sure of it now.


**********
My Review


Katrina
by
Elizabeth Loraine


I am again fortunate enough to read and review a work by Elizabeth Loraine, and as with Phantom Lives- Collier, she did not disappoint me. And Katrina is the first in a series, so I am thrilled to death! As if that was not great already, this follows in the path of my favorite character, the vampire.


Katrina is set in a different time period which is refreshing. In this era, Elizabeth has created a world with drama, action, romance and enough thrill to keep you turning those pages. This made this book a fast read for me, and left me wanting more!


I invite you into the world and love of Katrina and Quinn but be forewarned, there are twists in this love scenario and a third party pops his head up. I do not know if this pleases me or not because by Quinn's description, he is a hottie! 


Elizabeth handles it all with great care, creativity and imagination that pulls the reader in. I felt as a reader, I was a part of that world and experienced the things the character feels. There were times I felt very frustrated at the pace or the direction the book was going, but I hung in there. I am confident with the next ones in the series will help bring it all together. =)
I recommend this book to all who love the vampire/paranormal, but who also just want a terrific read! Give Elizabeth Loraine a chance, you will not be disappointed!!


I give Katrina by Elizabeth Loraine five stars *****


Reviewed by
Nora Chipley Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

**********
About Elizabeth * As told herself from her web site


Hmmm. I've always been creative, art, music, decorating; all life long passions.  I married my high school sweetheart a talented General Building Contractor and raised a son and a daughter who are very 
  creative in their own rights. I've worked in the business world, became a decorative painter and longed for 
  an outlet for my other artistic talents.

I have been a lifelong fiction fan, and  for  years I knew I was supposed to write a book; I just didn't know about what.  I did, however, envision characters that were strong , independent young women as heroines.

Since I was very young  I have been fascinated by vampires from Dracula to the present day. Although I love all the  books where the settings are high schools and the characters are young,  I always wanted to 
  know more. What had they done in the centuries before? Where had they been? What had they seen
  and lived? I wanted to fill in their time line, their history. From that curiosity, those questions, is where
  these books come from. These long lived vampires have hundreds of years of history and I plan to
  chronicle that. So, start here with Katrina, enjoy the vampire past and look forward to the vampire future.

I write fantasy books for YA and their moms. Every time my sister and I were looking for books in that isle of the book store others our age were right there with us.
My first series is a vampire series called Royal Blood Chronicles chronicling the journey of Katrina, a young royal blooded vampire and the chosen leader of the Five, the protectors of the races. Evil is all around them and she is called upon to save us all. Join us.

I write these chronicles (Now five} because I love vampires and their magical and powerful friends and enemies. I can go with them around the world and through time to places both in my imagination like the Elf sanctuary of Sangustae or to the catacombs underneath Paris and now you can follow Katrina, a young Royal blooded vampire from a very old vampire family on her journeys to fight the evil in the world joined by wizards, witches, warlocks and magical races of elves and fairies. There is romance, intrigue, betrayal and tears. Join us to help protect the peaceful races of both worlds.

********** 

Royal Blood Chronicles: