Coffee & Characters Presents~ Margo Bond Collins's Sanguinary Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Welcome to my post on Margo Bond Collins' Sanguinary Blog Tour & Giveaway presented by Coffee and Characters.


From College Professor to Vampire Slayer (or at least Vampire Writer)

How does a college English professor end up writing urban fantasy books about vampires?

That’s a question I get more than I expected when I first started this fiction-publishing journey.

In some ways, my interest in bloodsucking fiends is unsurprising. My academic specialty is the British eighteenth century, and the period is full of vampires, starting with the great vampire debate of 1732 (are vampires real?) and continuing through a number of stories, poems, and plays—enough to fill a book, and then some (and I've done just in an edited collection entitled Beyond the Count: http://bookShow.me/B00KNKOQIY)

Moreover, the eighteenth century saw the development of gothic literature, starting with Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto—and we can trace the influence of that gothic literature pretty much through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and right up to today’s urban fantasies.

So I can certainly point to some nicely academic reasons for writing a book like Sanguinary.  And as my edited collection of early vampire stories illustrates, my interest in vampires is a long-standing one. 

But honestly? I wrote this book because it’s what I wanted to read. 

I love urban fantasy. It’s my favorite escapist fantasy. 

But when I started writing Sanguinary, there weren’t nearly enough of the kinds of vampires I wanted to read about. The thing is, I like my vampires to be brutal and bloodthirsty—as much as I enjoy the recent trend toward sexy vampires (because YUM), I think there’s a reason that we, as a culture, keep coming back to the kinds of vampires who are absolute monsters. Both kinds of vampires—those we want to devour and those who want to devour us—are the expression of the human id, that part of us that is unsocialized, that wants what it wants without thought of consequence. The hot vampires of paranormal romance allow us to fantasize about one kind of unsocialized behavior. But the murderous vampires allow us to explore even darker fantasies. 

The vampires in Sanguinary don’t have a sparkle among them; they are definitely more beast than beauty—and that’s what I like best about them.

I’d love to hear from other folks, too. Tell me: What do you like best about vampires and vampire fiction?

Blurb:

Only fifty years left before vampires rule the world. 

When Dallas police detective Cami Davis joined the city's vampire unit, she planned to use the job as a stepping-stone to a better position in the department. 

But she didn't know then what she knows now: there's a silent war raging between humans and vampires, and the vampires are winning. 

So with the help of a disaffected vampire and an ex-cop addict, Cami is going undercover, determined to solve a series of recent murders, discover a way to overthrow the local Sanguinary government, and, in the process, help win the war for the human race. 

But can she maintain her own humanity in the process? Or will Cami find herself, along with the rest of the world, pulled under a darkness she cannot oppose?

Margo Bond Collins is the author of urban fantasy, contemporary romance, and

paranormal mysteries. She has published a number of novels, including Taming the Country Star, Legally Undead, Waking Up Dead, and Fairy, Texas.

She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets.

Although writing fiction is her first love, she also teaches college-level

English courses online. She enjoys reading romance and paranormal fiction of

any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about heroes, monsters, cowboys, and villains, and the strong women who love them—and sometimes fight them.

Connect with Margo:

Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com 

Amazon Author Page 

Website 

Blog  

Twitter: or @MargoBondCollin

Google+ 

Goodreads Author Page  

Facebook Author Page  

Pinterest  

The Tour Wide Giveaway: 

$20 Amazon GF

A paperback copy of the book

Swag 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Schedule:
http://www.coffeeandcharacters.com/tour/blog-tour-opportunity-sanguinary-by-margo-bond-collins-paranormal/

~~Author Wednesdays-Amy Lee Burgess~~

 © Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images  

Thank you for stopping by toady, it's Author Wednesday and my guest is Amy Lee Burgess. Thank you for being here Amy.

Title: Blood Gate

Series: The Circle Book Two

Length: 297 pgs

Blurb:

Vampire Claire finds herself caught in the middle between her Master, Parker, and her Trigger, Andre. Little love is lost between the former friends, but somehow Claire must build a bridge between them when they are sent to Edgewood to settle their differences. The cost of her failure will be deadly.

Deep in the cellars of Edgewood, a game of sexual bondage unleashes unexpected dangers, twisting open, loving Andre into a secretive virtuoso of manipulation. Is this just another part of the game, or is he losing his mind? Parker will take desperate steps to protect his apprentice, but he won’t be dragged into the game with them.

Can Parker set aside forty years of bitter rivalry, or will he sacrifice Andre to save Claire?

Buy Links:

Amazon: Blood Gate (The Circle Book 2)

Barnes & Noble

Loose Id

Kobo

Excerpt:

The miniature rosebush had a few struggling red petals, but most of the green leaves had withered or fallen off. When I touched the soil around the roots, it was dry as chalk. I picked up the cheap plastic pot and went back inside.

“Parker, what was this doing on the balcony?” I thrust the rosebush between his face and the damn laptop screen.

He feigned surprise, but a smile lurked in the corners of his seductive mouth. “Huh. How’d that get there?” He gave the plant a closer look. “Looks about ready to die. Better pitch it in the trash.”

“It just needs some water,” I said, taking it to the kitchen sink. “And some plant food.” Almost as soon as the words were out of my mouth, I saw the small package of rose fertilizer on the counter. My mouth dropped open.

I watered and fertilized the plant and then returned to the living room.

Parker seemed very into whatever the hell he was doing on his laptop, but when I pushed the lid shut, he set it aside on the coffee table and looked at me.“You want to make a speech, I take it?”

“Why’d you do this? Bring me a plant. You hate them. You think it’s crazy for a vampire to grow flowers.” My throat was so tight I could barely force out the words. Jesus, if I started to cry, he’d kill me. He hated showing emotion unless it was sarcasm or contempt.

“I do. Notice I got you the most pathetic plant I could find. The one most likely to die,” he said.

“You did it so I’d have something to save. This is better than something healthy and big, and you know it. You…you actually put some thought into this, you sonofabitch.” Tears burned my eyes, and I knew if I blinked it was game over. “Why did you do something like that?”

“Maybe to screw with you.” He shrugged and reached for his laptop, but I got between it and him so he couldn’t.

“You’re not screwing with me. You wanted to give me something meaningful. Like a…a gift!” My voice twisted on the last word. “You heard what I said about Andre’s Christmas present, and you wanted to give me something too. Something I wanted versus something you wanted to give me. This is the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me, damn you.”

“If you’re going to cry about it, I swear I’ll pitch the damn thing over the railing,” he said, and he wasn’t joking. “Don’t ruin this or read something huge into it. I saw the stupid thing wilting away in the store when I was buying milk for your goddamn coffee, and I thought you might like it. End of story.”

“You bought me milk?” I gaped at him. “You bastard!”

Author Bio:

Amy Lee Burgess lives and writes in Houston, Texas but her heart belongs to New England – especially in the autumn. Ruled by two dachshunds and addicted to Irish breakfast tea and the Walking Dead, she loves to write about vampires, wolf shifters, gargoyles and other assorted paranormal creatures. Amy loves to travel to places like London England, Edinburgh, Scotland, Paris France and Providence, Rhode Island where she stalks the coziest Irish pubs she can find. She writes to trance and house music by candlelight and welcomes email from her readers – especially if they want to talk about the supernatural.

Links to reach Amy Lee Burgess:

Website

Twitter:    @AmyLeeBurgess 

Email: Amyleeburgess99@gmail.com

Make sure to go to Amy's website and check out her books! Thanks again Amy for taking time to be here today.

Please stop by next Wednesday when JoLynne Valerie will be here!

~~Review for Immortal Confessions by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Immortal Confessions

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/ Romantic Suspense

Publication date: September 2, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-61235-691-4

ASIN: B00EXCQR6W

Length: 256 pages

Book Series and number: Promise Me Book 5

Rating: 4 1/2

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4 1/2, Scorching

At the turn of the 19th century, former aristocrat turned lowly vampire Devlin Dalcon gets by on his supernatural charms until he meets bride-to-be Annabelle. Smitten by Anna’s forthrightness, intellect, and bravery, Devlin risks his life to spirit her away to Fontainebleau, France. There Devlin begins his ascent to power in a desperate bid for wealth and social standing for himself and Anna.

Forging alliances with other supernatural leaders, he usurps the vampire Lord of Fontainebleau, amassing many enemies during his brief reign. Within a few years, he and Anna are again forced to flee for their lives to America. Living in hiding, Devlin is determined to amend his ways. But when tragedy strikes, Devlin’s dark side, never fully extinguished, emerges rampant, securing him the bloody throne of America even as his malevolence and loneliness consumes him.

My Review:

This is Devlin's story, told from his POV. There were times while I was reading, that maybe Devlin felt remorseful for how he had acted in certain situations. I felt Devlin wanted to show his emotional side but didn't really know how, so he didn't. It was great to learn that he could actually have friends.

Devlin could also be a charmer and very loving when he wanted to. On the flip side, he could be merciless and unforgiving as well. I grew to like Devlin somewhat and understand how his past had molded him into the man he became. But he still scares the beegeesus out of me at times.

Ms. Fox tells Devlin's story with a lot of emotions and character surprises. The book is fast-paced, full of adventure, danger, unexpected twists and turns, and has a lot of sexual tension. I loved the secondary characters, they were well written and were full of depth and dimension.

I feel like I know Devlin a little better now and understand some of his motives and actions. After all I believe he only wants to make things better for the Vampires around him.

Immortal Confessions helped to fill in a lot of the hows, whats and whys of Devlin and a little bit for Danial. This is an important part of the story arc and should not be missed. I really enjoyed this book.

Buy Link:
Amazon: Immortal Confessions (Promise Me Book 5)

~~Review for Surrender To Me by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Surrender To Me

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Romantic Suspense

Publication date: September 23. 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61235-232-9

ASIN: B005TLPVCC

Length: 28 pages

Book Series and number: Prequel to the Promise Me series

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Spicy

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Spicy

Former aristocrat turned lowly vampire Devlin Dalcon gets by on his supernatural charm, swindling others for money and goods. When Devlin encounters bride-to-be Annabelle—another potential victim—he finds the tables have turned as he falls in love with her.

** I'd like to mention first, that Surrender To Me was written before the Promise Me series was created. The short story is taken from the full length story in Immortal Confessions.

My Review:

Being a vampire isn't all it's cracked up to be. Devlin Dalcon is tired, hungry and angry with himself. He uses humans to bilk them of their money. Devlin is supposed to be making plans for how to steal a dowry shipment, not looking for romance. But instead he falls in love with a woman about to be married.

Following Devlin into the woods, Annabelle doesn't notice she's about to be attacked by a bear. Devlin comes to her rescue just in time, but he's lost a lot of blood and needs to replenish it. He drinks from the bear, and Annabelle finds out that he's a vampire. Thinking she would be repulsed by him, now she is more intrigued and then one thing leads to another, and Devlin is making love to a virgin.

The two decide to run off together, despite the many obstacles in their path. They plan to use her dowry money to live on and are almost on their way when the gypsies arrive. A scuffle ensues and Annabelle is badly hurt. Will Devlin be able to save her?

Surrender To Me by Tara Fox Hall is written from Devlin's point of view which already makes it different. I was quickly drawn in on page one and wanted to keep turning the pages long after there were no more pages to be turned. I wanted to read more and more. Devlin and Annabelle's story is a true love story that is very well written. Devlin was turned into a vampire centuries ago, he still has trouble controlling his rage. The story is short and there is a lot packed into it, emotions, danger, surprises, and a few twists. Devlin is a handsome man, and he uses women to get what he wants, money and sex. His character seemed to change right before my eyes. I didn't get to know Annabelle very well, she seemed to know what she wanted and wasn't afraid to fight for it. I liked the world Ms. Hall created for her characters and I will continue reading The Promise Me series.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Surrender to Me

~~Review for Taken for His Own by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Taken for His Own

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Publication date: May 25, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-61235-623-5

ASIN: B00CZ4IGC8

Length: 316 pages

Book Series and number: Promise Me Book Four

Rating: 4 1/2

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4 1/2, Scorching

After learning Theo is alive, Sar immediately embarks on a mission to find him. Reunited, the lovers return to New York, Danial, Terian and Theo uneasily combining forces to protect Sar from Al’s assassins who still seek her. But when Sar is taken prisoner in an all-out attack, only one man can save her—her old adversary, Devlin.

My Review:

Sar shows her impulsiveness and selfishness in this new book. At least that's what I thought about her. If I were in her situation, I guess I'm not sure I wouldn't do the same thing. She's so convinced of her love for Theo. I was surprised at how quickly they got married.

Danial's reaction wasn't what I expected either. I will say that over the series, his character has grown a little more mellow in some situations, and just as intense in others.

I did like that Terian is given a bigger role to play in this book. I also like that the bad guy image he once had has been changed to a more likable character.

Sometimes I just think Sar has the worst luck ever. There's always something bad happening or just about to happen to her.

Ms. Hall writes a lot of action in this installment of the series. Danger abounds and is never far away. Sar is accosted in the restroom of a restaurant she and Theo are in. The culprit is a complete surprise. Alphonse is still after Sar after her insult. A new threat had made itself known, Theoron's safety is in jeopardy.

Sar gets into more trouble when she is kidnapped by Al's goons. Danial and Theo are away on business and that leaves Devlin to come to her rescue.

I want to give Devlin the benefit of the doubt, but I can't help thinking about his 'vampire justice' scene which would make it doubly difficult to ever trust him. I was totally shocked at what happened with Sarelle and Devlin.

There are things that Sar learns when Theo was held captive in those years he was away. I wanted to cry at all he had to endure. I just want these people to be able to have lots and lots of happiness in their lives.

Taken for His Own is another fast and furious emotional ride that leaves the reader breathless and needing a cold shower after all the smoking hot sex going on in the pages.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Taken For His Own (Promise Me Book 4)

~~Review for Taken in the Night by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Taken in the Night

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books, LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Publication date: January 28, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-61235-544-3

ASIN: B00B97RBGO

Length: 194 pages

Book Series and number: Promise Me Book Three

Rating: 5

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

5, Scorching

When Theo disappears, Sar is left bereft, the uncertain guardian of Theo's newly born werecougar daughter, Elle. As months pass, clues emerge about Theo's disappearance, yet the twisting trail ends repeatedly without answer. In her grief, Sar turns to Danial and hesitantly begins to build a life with him and Elle.

My Review:

Sarelle, Theo and Danial leave for Europe when a woman Theo who was Theo's long ago lover is about to have his child. She has a very rough delivery and soon dies. Danial and Theo are also in Europe for business and when that business turns into something more devious, Theo disappears. Everythingg points to Theo being killed, only Sar won't believe it. Sarelle and Danial and Theo's newborn daughter. Elle leave for home.

Taken in the Night is very compelling, a definite page turner and hard to put down. Once again, there is nothing but action and one situation after another to be dealt with. I was happy when Sar agreed to go back and live with Danial for hers and Elle's safety. I think watching Elle grow brought Danial and Sar closer together.

Sar tells Danial she loves him even though she won't Oath or marry him. She even agrees to try and give him a child. She endures a lot through her pregnancy and I think that shows she is a strong woman. She's lived through a lot of pain since helping Danial. After their son, Theoron is born, Sarelle and Danial learn she is very close to being turned.

Ms. Hall has continued the Promise Me series with another book that is thrilling, scary, full of unknowns, very hot sex scenes and a lot of suspense. I fall in love with Danial more with each book even though his brother Devlin scares me senseless.

I can't say enough good things about this series, I love it and totally surprise with each new book that is released. The last sentence of the book left me with my mouth hanging open! Was so not expecting that. If you ever get a chance, read the Promise Me series by Tara Fox Hall. You won't be sorry you did. It's wonderful.

Buy Links:

Amazon: Taken in the Night (Promise Me Book 3)

~~Review for Broken Promise by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Broken Promise

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Contemporary/Romantic Suspense

Publication date: September 23, 2012

ISBN: None

ASIN: B009JQRJYQ

Length: 221 pages

Book Series and number: Promise Me Book 2

Rating: 5

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

5, Scorching

Shocked at Danial's betrayal, Sarelle returns to her old home to consider her options. Yet even as Sar plans a reconciliation with Danial, Terian arrives, confessing his desire. When Theo witnesses Terian and Sar kiss, he angrily confronts Sar, leading to startling consequences. Will Sar's heart choose Danial, Terian,…or Theo?

My Review:

Wanting to continue reading the wonderful Promise Me series with Broken Promise, I kept wondering what could Danial ever do to betray Sarelle? The starts off with this betrayal and I never would have guessed what it was.

Ms. Hall writes her characters with such a grasp of reality that they could be your neighbors. They are honest, emotional, deceptive, and flawed. I like that about them and can relate to the mistakes, passion, happiness and sadness they all feel.

Danial is just so gorgeous, he's also arrogant and a little selfish. When Sarelle decides she needs some time to think, I just want to shake her and say, "What the heck?" She has a man who adores and cherishes hers, why would she throw that away. As you can see I'm a lot partial to Danial. I didn't like how Sar behaved sometimes but I kept reading hoping to find a reason for the way she acted. Ms. Hall does a fantastic job throwing her characters into all sorts of difficult situations. I think she rather enjoys it!

Terian is hopeful that maybe there might be something between them now that Sar is no longer at Danial's. Now add in one furious were cougar, Theo to the mix and it makes for a rather interesting situation.

The action is a non stop wild roller coaster ride with a lot of unexpected turns and twists. Broken Promise has just a little darker edge to it than Promise Me. One particular scene between Devlin, Sar, and Danial. And I couldn't believe that what I was reading was going to happen. I was definitely shocked to the core so much so that I read and re-read it to make sure I wasn't missing anything. The book also has some lighter plot points as well, I like a little smart alec humor sometimes and Broken Promise has that too.

Overall I really enjoyed this book even though the characters had me wanting to scream at them at times, but I think that's why I liked it so much.

Buy Link

Amazon: Broken Promise (Promise Me Book 2)

~~Review for Vampire Highland Fling by Cornelia Amiri~~

Title: Vampire Highland Fling

Author: Cornelia Amiri

Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Fey/Contemporary Erotic Romance

Publication date: August 8, 2012

ISBN: 9781419941627

ASIN: B008VS64C6

Length: 46 pages

Book Series and number: Dancing Vampires Book Two

Rating: 3

Heat Rating: Hot

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 3 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

3, Hot

Murdina, a dark vampiric fey, hunts the Scottish Highlands for a man, but not for blood, Murdina wants love. She spots Cameron playing the bagpipes, and when a strong wind lifts his kilt, she takes a good look and decides he's the one. When Cameron meets a beautiful, mysterious woman who dances the Highland fling for him, his blood boils for her. Soon Murdina and Cameron are doing more than dancing. Wrapped in each other's arms, they discover true love, but their time together is limited before Murdina's fey sisters cross the portal to steal her back and probably kill him. Is their love strong enough to overcome the threat her sisters pose to Murdina's heart and to Cameron's life?

My Review:

Vampire Highland Fling is another quick sexy read when you don't have a lot of time. The story has a good plot and contains some Scottish mythology and it was fun to learn a little bit about it.

Murdina wants what her sister Sorcha found, love. She doesn't know what love feels like but she's willing to find out. Only able to underhill when the stones of the ancient cairn are disturbed, Murdina sneaks out without her sisters knowing.

After playing the bagpipes at a wedding, Cameron comes upon a beautiful woman who begins to dance as he plays for her. He's immediately enchanted by her graceful movements. Murdina is delighted that this man is so muscular and handsome. They are instantly attracted to each other and Murdina wants to stay with Cameron.

Murdina is determined and goes after what she wants, I liked that about her. Cameron is also very likable, immediately trying to think of a way he can support her. He was very unselfish in that respect. I wanted to see them be together so they could be happy.

I know Ms. Amiri doesn't have much influence on the art that goes on the cover, but this cover is somewhat misleading in that the story contains female and not male vampires. As a reader first and a reviewer second, it's really frustrating when the cover has nothing to do with the story. I still found Vampire Highland Fling a pleasant and enjoyable read.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Vampire Highland Fling: 2 (Dancing Vampires)