Book Review: Tales of the Blood Kissed

Tales of the Blood Kissed

By:  Seleste DeLaney

Publish Date:  December 7, 2015

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Urban Fantasy Romance

Series:  .05 in Blood Kissed series; Book 1 ~ Kiss of Death, Book 2 ~ Kiss of Life

First Impression:  Sexy, fun, and sparks curiosity about the series.

Synopsis:
Every story has a beginning, and the legend of the Blood Kissed began long before Jocelyn was born. Discover how Jocelyn first became involved in the vampire world, how Max and Chad wound up as her dichotomous duo of protectors, and Remy's views on far too many things. You'll even get his version of how vampires came into being and why there is always a seat on the council for one known only as Remus.

Start this saga from the beginning, and remember, those who don't learn from the past are destined to repeat it.

Includes "Of Course I Try" and "The Ghost of Vampire Present", formerly available as separate ebooks.


Purchase At:
Amazon 


My Thoughts and Summary:
*I read this book for my own enjoyment.


Fun, sexy stories with characters I have enjoyed. We learn a history of Jocelyn, Max, Chad, and a touch more of Remy and his personality. The stories all made me smile, for different reasons - love, magic, humor, personal touches of the characters, and more.

There is a suggested order of reading the novellas in this book and the novels so you can get a feel for the characters as you go through the novellas, but you don't have to read in that order.

These are smexy stories. So going in expect to read hot scenes. I have enjoyed the intimate scenes Seleste writes. They fit well with the characters, even in such short segments. There are a few small typos, but the fun I had with the characters covers those few.

Part One: The Story You Know...
Of Course I Try:
Oh I forgot how much I loooove Max. Chad is cute, but Max is my favorite.

This story is in flashes, as Jocelyn remembers things with Max. And leaves him. And returns to Max. In this short story we see how Jocelyn met Max and how she met Chad. If you've read the novels, you know both men are important to Jocelyn and in her life.

Max seems like a drug Jocelyn tries and tries to give up, but finds her way back to his loving, warm embrace. Yet there is always something missing... He's always gone when she wakes and she's weak from love making and always a vague memory loss. Deja vu, we've done it again. Jocelyn feels the need to leave as this is not her home even though told she is always welcome

Jocelyn never seems to get to say goodbye, but does get to do something else instead. Good girl.


The Cost of Love:
This short is from Max's view as Jocelyn arrives that one last day, needing to talk to him. Oh I do love him. But aside from the love I have for him, there is a hint of something else going on. We heard Max tell Jocelyn he was keeping her safe in the first story, now we see him think it. What is out there that Jocelyn needs to be kept safe from? And Why?

We know from reading Jocelyn's side of the story that Max has some sort of Magic. We learn of that here from Max's thoughts as well. Magic through words and touch, a push. He's afraid to push to far, for her to forget their time together yet a hint of some other worry with it as well. He wants her to remember, that he loves her.

We hear his thoughts at this very important moment with Jocelyn.

What Have I Done:
This one is extremely short, but we see Jocelyn work to get over what she's done.


The Ghost of Vampire Present:
This is a longer novella. One where we meet Jocelyn's grandmother. Oh, she's a special case of her own. lol.

The feel of the three ghosts in the way of the three vampires. The last vampire that could be considered the future vampire, could be one we'll see in the novels. ;) Oh this novella is a very interesting and sexy Vampire twist on A Christmas Carol.

Oh the hints in this novella! There is something special about Jocelyn. What? It has something to do with what these three vampires want from Jocelyn.  Max is remembered, and I'm curious how he manages to do this (as I really do think it's real). The current boyfriend, that cute guy named Chad from the dance in Of Course I Try...yeah it's him. Yum.

Jocelyn has been trying to be stronger since Max. She's started self-defense classes and fighting better along with becoming more physically fit than she ever has.

I have to say I love the description of the ghost.  Yes, it's someone she knew.
"She's the antithesis of the fairy godmother I'd always wished for.  All she needs now is a lit cigar between her fingers to totally bastardize that particular childhood fantasy."

In the morning Jocelyn gets ready for Christmas at her mothers and waits for her boyfriend. We see clues that last night might not have been a dream... but then things change and answers aren't connecting with what happened, so maybe it all was in her mind after being out with the girls drinking and all.

I'm left curious as to what was real and what was a dream. I think it's all real, but there is more than real and not here, there's secrets. This story can lead you in to read the first novel, Kiss of Death to learn more about the secrets you start to see here.

This is definitely a romance, with intimate moments.


Part Two: In The Very Beginning...
Birth of the Vampires
Remus, Remy, shares a story with us. Well, with children. It's not really a story for children, but it's not so terrible for them. It's a twisted tale of Romulus and Remus. And we are left with the impression that Remus is our Remy.

Of course we see Remy hitting on a lady. What a feel we get for Remy here.


Part Three: Becoming Heroes
Devil's Bargain:
This story is how and why Max is made into a vampire. Did Max really know what he was getting into? Not really. But it starts the relationship Max has with Remus.


Christmas in Chains:
Max has spent years as a slave and being tortured on Christmas as his makers hands. On Christmas his special gifts were of a cruel nature that were meant to teach a lesson. This Christmas, Max will get a Christmas miracle.

This story has a twist to Remus's cruel actions toward Max. They are meant to teach. One example we get is how people feel when they are feed from without glamour used.

This story brings someone into Max's life. Someone who could return at any point demanding a favor or any proportion. Something I'd be curious to see. And then there's the question of who sent this person.


Never Underestimate a Bored Vampire:
Remy is watching the riots in Detroit, bored. He's been waiting here watching the Cooper line for the Blood Kissed prophesied one, which he'd made sure Max had meet Analise without Max knowing.

Oh Remy. He knows more than we could have suspected! He knows of the Blood Kissed and Cooper blood line. Remy even has a way of influencing Max's actions, who thought he got away from Remy and who Remy had formed into a warrior.

We see Remy work a little magic as well. And how Remy has a hand in maneuvering things for what he wants, even if it is to keep him from being bored.

This story shows how Chad got dragged into the vampire world. Seeing Remy involved in Chad's turning...now I'm curious what Remy is up to. What's his ending game plan?


Part Four: Remy Says
Remy Says: Top Ten Ways to Annoy the Council of Elders
Remy does a blog post! This quick section highlights Remy and his fun games with the Council of Elders. Well, a quick list of ten ways he enjoys annoying the council. You get a feel for Remy's personality in each item.

Oh you would be so in trouble if you did these things, but Remy doing them... yea, they would be irritated and Remy would be smiling. lol.

Remy Says: Guide to Demons
Remy talks about Demons, whether they exist or not. We also get a small mention to werewolves and fae along with incubi. These are a few beings we'll see in the stories. But demons...

Remy Says: Killing Vampires for Fun and Profit
Remy tells of the vampires to go after and with what equipment would work best. But... it sounds like it's a rough battle no matter what. I better rally my friends and ready for the war.

Boy does Remy have a strong personality. He shines through in each post.

Remy Says: Must Love Pets
Remy on pets. This article strays from the pets we know to the pets he knows, and enjoys. Maybe his pet can take care of an animal pet...

Remy Says: Sex with Vampires
Just reading this title, I know Remy will love this post. And I'm curious what will be said by Remy...

And we get Remy's natural grace as he lets us know what to expect when having sex with a vampire (or more than one).

I can just hear Remy so calm and sexy talking to us about all these items.



***If you found my thoughts helpful, please click yes at Amazon. Thank you!

Book Review: Kiss of Life

Kiss of Life

By:  Seleste DeLaney

Publish Date:  March 2, 2015

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series:  2nd in Blood Kissed series; Prequel #1 ~ Of Course I Try, Prequel #2 ~ The Ghost of Vampire Present, Short Stories ~ 0.1 ~ Christmas in Chains, 0.2 ~ Devil's Bargain, Short Story 0.3 ~ What Have I Done, 0.4 ~ The Cost of Love, 1st Book ~ Kiss of Death

First Glance Feel:  Paranormal Romance of one woman learning of what she is, growing stronger, and choices to make to try and save her followers.

Synopsis:
The vampire’s curse has been awakened, and Jocelyn has no choice but to accept her destiny as the Blood Kissed—the one destined to destroy the vampires…or rule them. While Max and Chad want to help her reach her full potential, not all of the supernaturals share their plan.

The Council of Elders, a crazed sorcerer assassin, and a vampire hunter out for revenge have driven Jocelyn into hiding. She and her ragtag army have holed up in the forests of Michigan’s upper peninsula to get ready for the fight. If training is any indication, they should be ready for war by the time she turns fifty.

But no one is going to let her wait that long. War is nigh, the death toll is rising, and when Michigan’s most famous harbinger of doom shows up on the scene, the army of the Blood Kissed is hoping for a miracle, praying to be graced with a little kiss of life…

First Sentence:
Into every life a little rain must fall - though at this time of the year, snow was more likely.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jocelyn has been training for 7 months, and raising an army of separate groups of supernaturals. She's also been avoiding Chad and Max, and they have been behaving and working hard as her generals. A supernatural war is on the horizon along with so much more in the works. The newest member of their cause, the Nain Rouge. But is it good or bad to have him on their side? Remy, a rock star elder vampire, has his own plans which stirs things up faster. The sorcerer Jocelyn, Chad, and Max tangled with before wants his revenge. Someone is attacking those close to Jocelyn to draw her out in the open.

The first third or so of the book is from different point of views. I didn't feel invested in anyone fully until about 35% into the book. Another thing I felt was the author seemed to be pushing to tell us there were characters up to no good and direction others like puppets. A few comments would have been good, then let it shack out for the reader, which it did do after the beginning.

Then something clicked for me and it took off. All ironed out and flowed smoother for me. The characters started to come together, in good and bad ways, and I started to want to read the characters more and what was to come from the attacks and the pending war. I wanted to see each side as to if they would live, find love, and what would happen next to drive them over the edge.

The different point of views we get are from Remy, Jocelyn, Chad, Max, Dominick (a Vampire Elder), Pierre Maisson (an assassin among the supernatural), Logan (a werewolf on Jocelyn's team), and Vianco Nago (A Hunter of vampires). All these characters show all the works and strings that each player in the story is pulling to drive the world and characters. So many events in the works.

Don't let this discourage you. This is a great way to see it all as it's happening. And you'll want to know. The small quirks that I felt early on in the story will NOT stop me from continuing with this series. I love the world and the romance here in Jocelyn's story.

Each character has their own personal baggage along with the supernatural baggage of the world where different beings don't easily blend and work together. Things are moving forward and Jocelyn is trying to pull as many elements into her army as possible to fight the powerful Elders of the Vampires. This draws a bigger world of supernatural and beliefs by bringing these beings together and seeing how they react.

There is romance here, a blooming one along with the heat of those familiar. Jocelyn is still battling herself in need to make a choice. Events bring her closer to her men, then also pull her away. It's hard in a time of war and conniving others work against her for their own benefits.

At the end... oh my! Where the characters end... Gah! I am curious and want to see what is next with all of them. ALL of them. lol.

Mythical Monday: The Nain What?

It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

This week we have:

Author Seleste DeLaney

Talking of the Nain Rouge.

I've read the first book of this series, Blood Kissed series, and enjoyed the romance and story here. Now Seleste has the second book coming our way. Kiss of Life is now available! And to share about the book, Seleste has a Mythical post for us to day.

The Nain What?

If you didn’t grow up around Detroit, you’ve probably never heard of the creature known as the Nain Rouge. Honestly, I’ve lived here most of my life, and until I started researching local legends for Kiss of Life, I’d never heard of him either. Once I did, however, I knew I needed him.

Nain Rouge translates literally to “red dwarf” or “red gnome.” Variations on the legend consider him either a protector of the city or…a harbinger of doom. And really, just because something bad happens doesn’t mean it wasn’t ultimately for protection. So, I try not to judge the guy.

Some examples of things the Nain Rouge has been blamed for:

• The loss of Cadillac’s fortune (Cadillac was the founder of Detroit)
• Battle of Bloody Run
• 1805 fire that destroyed much of the city
• The 12th Street Riot in 1967
• Great storm in March 1976

Basically, the stories say that if he shows himself, bad things are coming.

Now, Michigan has its share of weird legends including the Michigan Dogman, the Ridgeway Monster, the Leelanau Lake Monster, the Paulding Light, and even supposed sightings of Bigfoot. (There are probably more, but that’s just a brief example. The Dogman is probably the most famous of the list.) But you see, the thing is, I wanted something different. A dogman is really just kind of a werewolf. And Leelanau is a whole lot like Nessie from what I can tell (also…water kind of limits its use). But the Nain Rouge…when you’re talking about ancient supernatural beings and war, a harbinger of doom is just too good an opportunity to pass up.

So, if you happen to see what looks like a little person dressed in red and black fur (possibly with horns), be careful not to offend him. The Nain Rouge tolerates much, but a single offense will change the course of your life.

Plus, fans of the series will be more than a little excited to find out exactly who he’s in cahoots with ;-)

About Kiss of Life:

The vampire’s curse has been awakened, and Jocelyn has no choice but to accept her destiny as the Blood Kissed—the one destined to destroy the vampires…or rule them. While Max and Chad want to help her reach her full potential, not all of the supernaturals share their plan.

The Council of Elders, a crazed sorcerer assassin, and a vampire hunter out for revenge have driven Jocelyn into hiding. She and her ragtag army have holed up in the forests of Michigan’s upper peninsula to get ready for the fight. If training is any indication, they should be ready for war by the time she turns fifty.

But no one is going to let her wait that long. War is nigh, the death toll is rising, and when Michigan’s most famous harbinger of doom shows up on the scene, the army of the Blood Kissed is hoping for a miracle, praying to be graced with a little kiss of life…



About Seleste:
At a young age, Seleste deLaney discovered the trick to not being afraid of the monsters under the bed was to turn them into heroes. Since that time, she’s seen enough of human monsters that she prefers to escape to fictional worlds where even the worst demons have to play by the rules and the good guys might end up battered and bruised (or dead), but they always win. And really, isn’t that the way it should be?

She resides in the Detroit area with all her favorite monsters (nice ones—some are furry and the others call her Mom) and is hard at work on her next book. In those rare moments when she isn’t battling terrorists, vampires, or rogue clockworks, she can be found all over the Internet, where she loves to interact with readers.


Find Seleste:
Her Website:  http://selestedelaney.com/
Twitter:  @SelesteDelaney
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/seleste.delaney


Purchase the book (& the first) at Amazon:

Book Review: Kiss of Death

Kiss of Death

By:  Seleste deLaney

Publisher:  Mundania Press

Publish Date:  August 2012

Format:  207pgs

Genre:  Romance, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Series:  1st in Blood Kissed series; Prequel #1 ~ Of Course I Try, Prequel #2 ~ The Ghost of Vampire Present, Short Stories ~ 0.1 ~ Christmas in Chains, 0.2 ~ Devil's Bargain, Short Story 0.3 ~ What Have I Done, 0.4 ~ The Cost of Love

Recommendation:  Mmm, Yes, a complicated romance with vampires and action.  There is something very special about Jocelyn...

Synopsis:
Too many years of killer vamps have triggered the curse of the Blood Kissed.  They've awakened the bloodline that can alter their world, because her blood has the power to control them all - even make them destroy each other.

Jocelyn thought her troubles with vampires were over when she drove a stake through her boyfriend Max's heart two years ago.  Even though she's engaged to Chad, she's never really forgotten him.  Now Max is back, and Chad is taking her into the heart of the vamp community - and they're the ones trying to keep her alive.  The ones who love her and each seek to claim her for their own.  Because once the elders know who she is, they're going to want her...or want her dead.

First Sentence:
The alley wasn't the cleanest place in the world, but none of the women tonight had seemed to mind.

Purchase At:
Amazon   /   Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Max is watching over Jocelyn, his love, who "killed" him.  At Christmas he made a promise to not bother her but to only come when she was in danger and needed him.  Max knows Jocelyn is in trouble with the vampire world, eventually they will find her.  And she doesn't know it.  Max keeps to the shadows, watching and learning about her new boyfriend, until the day Chad takes her openly into a vampire club that could be her death.   Jocelyn feels she is losing her mind since Christmas with the ghost of her grandma visited, and still visiting, and the strange dreams of three vampires visiting.  But she still dreams of it in her nightmares and worries.  Kidnapped by her past love, thought to be dead, Jocelyn's mind breaks down and tries to put the pieces together, which is dangerous to her as well as who is after her.  Jocelyn doesn't realize how powerful she is and by coming out in the open she has vampires, vampire hunters, and a magic yielder after her before the weeks out.

First, this is a romance read with a story full of paranormal happenings.  There are a few intimate scenes as well.  So if you like romance and love with a story line  this one is it.  Definitely an adult read with sex scenes present.  And there is a love triangle as well.

Max is a curious one to me.  For some reason he's stronger than others his age, like elder strong.  And for this he has to be careful the Elders don't find out.  Oh when I read the one novella, I thought his and Jocelyn's relationship might have been a touch abusive, but in this story I see it in a whole new light.  And I think he's my favorite of them all.  Chad...well, he's a keeper too, but he's still a little young yet.  Young in the way of knowledge of vampires ways, naive in a way.  Then there's Remy.  Ahh, he is powerful and flamboyant   The other elders don't much care for him.  But, I get a feel he has a bigger plan in the making here.  He is gently pushing people into things by helping in other ways.  No magic there, but he is a manipulator and very talented at it.  And we have Jocelyn, who is a bit close-minded for a while.  Her grandmother even comments on it while giving her cryptic hints to what she needs to know.

We get to see different sides of the story with point of views from Max, Jocelyn, Chad, and the elder Dominik.  And I like getting all this information to know what and why things are happening.

I really enjoyed this story and meeting these characters.  These characters really stood out to me.  So different.  And I felt they really blended and clashed in a genuine manner.  I really was taken by them all!  There is a blend of action and romance here.  My only thing is I'm not sure how Jocelyn is to 'control' the vampires yet.  We learned about her blood and the history, but I'm not sure how it will work to take control.  Making a stronger soldier, yes, but I think she might have something else that she's not aware of yet.

I do look forward to reading more of Jocelyn, Max (sigh), Chad, and Remy as well.  Great combination of characters and personalities.  Really enjoyed relaxing with this one, and flipping the pages.

Do you have to read the short stories and novellas before reading this?  No, I don't think so.  But you will learn all the back story that leads into this and why things are so confusing to Jocelyn.  The poor girls mind has been scrambled more than a few times.  The relationship connections that you read in the short stories and novellas are made here, but you could get the feeling up front and get to see more of those events transpire if you read them.  At least the short stories are free, go ahead and give them a try.



***I read this book for an honest review from the publisher.
***This review is a collection of my person thoughts while reading.

Book Review: The Ghost of Vampire Present

The Ghost of Vampire Present

By:  Seleste deLaney

Published By:  Decadent Publishing, LLC

Publish Date:  December 10, 2010

Format:  eBook, 36pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy Romance

Series:  Prequel # 2 in Blood Kissed Series; Prequel #1 ~ Of Course I Try, Short Stories ~ 0.1 ~ Christmas in Chains, 0.2 ~ Devil's Bargain, Short Story 0.3 ~ What Have I Done, 0.4 ~ The Cost of Love

Recommendation:  Oh yes! Love this sexy vampirian take on a Christmas Carol!

Synopsis:
Jocelyn has finally found her knight in shining armor in Chad, and ghosts are the last thing on her mind.  Even when one shows up in her bedroom on Christmas Eve...

First Sentence:
I've dreamt of Max almost every night since I killed him.

Purchase At:

Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jocelyn dreams of Max almost every night, but last night was different.  It's Christmas morning and last nights dreams weigh heavy on her mind as she waits for her visiting old college room mate to wake to talk to her.  First a ghost, here crazy grandmothers ghost, warning and wanting to help her, then three visitors after that and not all were welcomed guests.  Past, Present and Future men collide in one night.

Oh this novella is a very interesting and sexy Vampire twist on A Christmas Carol.

Oh the hints in this novella!  There is something special about Jocelyn.  What?  I'm curious.  Max is remembered, and I'm curious how he manages to do this.  The current boyfriend, that cute guy named Chad from the dance in Of Course I Try...yeah it's him. Yum.

Jocelyn has been trying to be stronger since Max.  She's started self-defense classes and fighting better along with becoming more physically fit than she ever has.

I have to say I love the description of the ghost.  Yes, it's someone she knew.
"She's the antithesis of the fairy godmother I'd always wished for.  All she needs now is a lit cigar between her fingers to totally bastardize that particular childhood fantasy."

The telling of this story starts with Jocelyn waiting for Kait then when she comes out we get the front row seat of the happenings as we are there with her.  Then we are back to the morning and Kait leaves and Jocelyn gets ready for Christmas at her mothers and waits for her boyfriend.  We seen clues that last night might not have been a dream... but then things change and answers aren't connecting with what happened, so maybe it all was after being out with the girls drinking and all.

I'm left curious as to what was real and what was a dream.  I think it's all real, but there is more than real and not here, there's secrets.  I want to know what they are.  There is something special about Jocelyn, but I'm not sure what exactly it is.  I'll definitely be reading the first novel, Kiss of Death very soon to figure it all out.

This is definitely a romance, with intimate moments.



**I read this novella for my own enjoyment.
**The thoughts shared in this review are of my personal opinion.

Book Review: Of Course I Try

Of Course I Try

By:  Seleste deLaney

Published By:  Decadent Publishing, LLC

Publish Date:  August 2010

Format:  eBook, 15pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy Romance

Series:  Prequel # 1 in Blood Kissed series; Short Stories ~ 0.1 ~ Christmas in Chains, 0.2 ~ Devil's Bargain, Short Story 0.3 ~ What Have I Done, 0.4 ~ The Cost of Love

Recommendation:  Yes, to see the haze Jocelyn lives in while remembering how her and Max meet and the strong woman underneath it all.

Synopsis:
Love is a wonderful thing.  Unless you don't get a choice in the matters of your own heart.

Jocelyn has loved Max since the day she met him.  Even when he scares her enough to leave, she can't resist going back.  No matter how many times she tries to break free from him, she ends up in his arms and bed again.

Not this time.  Jocelyn needs to be free, and Max isn't going to stop her from walking away -- no matter how hard he tries.

First Sentence:
When I came to his house tonight, I'd come to say goodbye.

Purchase At:

Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jocelyn visits to say goodbye, but the time turns private and heated between them and the reason she came flies from her mind.  Jocelyn wakes to a love note from Max on the pillow along with a blank in time.

We go with Jocelyn with all intent and purpose of breaking it off with Max, then things turn intimate and forgotten.  Jocelyn remembers how she meet Max and even though he has the bad boy look, Jocelyn finally learns he's more inside and maybe someone for her, her type after all?

Then we jump to a time when Jocelyn has left Max two weeks prior and is on a date, but can only think of Max.  The date sounds like a dud, but another man asks her to dance, and he sounds like a possibility.

Max seems like a drug Jocelyn tries and tries to give up, but find her way back to his loving, warm feeling embrace.  Yet there is always something missing in her memories.  He's always gone when she wakes and she's weak from love making and always a vague memory loss.  Deja vu, we've done it again.  Jocelyn feels the need to leave as not her home even though told she is always welcome

Jocelyn never seems to get to say goodbye, but does get to do something else instead.  Good girl.



**I read this novella for my own enjoyment.
**The thoughts shared in this review are of my personal opinions.

Book Review: Blood Kissed short stories 0.3 & 0.4

What Have I Done

By:  Seleste deLaney

Publisher:  Seleste deLaney on her site

Publish Date:  March 13, 2011

Format:  Blog, I read online

Genre:  Romance, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Series:  0.3 Short Story in Blood Kissed series;  0.1 Short Story ~ Christmas in Chains, 0.2 Short Story ~ Devil's Bargain

Recommendation:  If you are going to read the novella's and novel, yes, this gives you a great view into it.

Synopsis:
In the aftermath of the events in Of Course I Try, Jocelyn was destined to feel something.  This story tells exactly what that emotion was.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jocelyn has just left the house and her feelings of what's happen bubble to the surface.

I read this short story before the novella Of Course I Try.  You learn what she did in the novella, but you want to know what transpired to bring her to that point.

Okay, now.  I'm curious what Jocelyn did to be so distraught.  Did she really do what she said she did?  And Why?

This short was like reading a flash short fiction.  It makes me curious for the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Cost of Love

By:  Seleste deLaney

Publisher:  Seleste deLaney on her site

Publish Date:  March 13, 2011

Format:  Blog, I read online

Genre:  Romance, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Series:  0.4 Short Story in Blood Kissed series; 0.1 Short Story ~ Christmas in Chains, 0.2 Short Story ~ Devil's Bargain

Recommendation:  Yes, but after the novella Of Course I Try so you get to see Max's thoughts.

Synopsis:
Most of my readers know the events of Of Course I Try from Jocelyn's point of view, but if you've ever wondered what went through Max's mind when she walked through his door, this story is for you.  Warning: This contains spoilers for Of Course I Try.

My Thoughts and Summary:
What runs through Max's mind as Jocelyn shows up at his doorway that fateful night.

This one I would definitely read AFTER Of Course I Try, which is what I did do.

We know from reading Jocelyn's side of the story that Max has some sort of Magic.  We learn so here from Max's thoughts as well.  Magic through words and touch, a push.  He's afraid to push to far, for her to forget their time together yet a hint of some other worry with it as well.  He wants her to remember, that he loves her.

We hear his thoughts at the very moment with Jocelyn.




You can find both of these stories and two more (review to come today as well) at Seleste deLaney's site under Free Reads.


**I read these short stories in preparation for the novellas and novel for my own enjoyment.
**This collection of thoughts is of my person opinions as reading.

Book Review: Blood Kissed Short Stories 0.1 & 0.2

Christmas In Chains

By:  Seleste deLaney

Publisher:  Seleste deLaney on her site

Publish Date:  March 13, 2011

Format:  Blog, I read online

Genre:  Romance, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Series:  0.1 Short story in Blood Kissed series

Recommendation:  Oh yes, quite a collection of history to learn of these characters, before or during reading the novellas and novel.

Synopsis:
Becoming a vampire doesn't come with an instruction manual, and learning isn't always an easy path.  Sometimes, it's one you have to deviate from in order to live.  Combine that drive with a Christmas wish, and Max gets exactly what he wants.

My Thoughts and Summary:
In this place Christmas is celebrated with a torture to remind him he's a vampire; of the pain he could inflict and something stronger... the sun.  With the decorations appearing, Max realizes it must be another Christmas arriving.  Max's thirteenth here in chains under his maker.  But there could be a Christmas miracle out there for him...

This free short read can be read before any of the novella's, book, or other short stories without giving anything away in the story.  And could very well introduce you to one of the main characters.

Oh goodness, poor Max.  He's chained, and dare I say abused.  And a vampire.  But on this Christmas, after all these years where Max learns to hate the holiday, he might get a miracle, but at what cost.  I'm curious about this Janiqua and what Max will have to do for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Devil's Bargain

By:  Seleste deLaney

Publisher:  Seleste deLaney on her site

Publish Date:  March 13, 2011

Format:  Blog, I read online

Genre:  Romance, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Series:  0.2 Short story in Blood Kissed series

Recommendation:  Oh yes, quick collection of history to learn of these characters, before or during reading the novellas and novel.

Synopsis:
Every story has a beginning, and the Blood Kissed series started long before Of Course I Try.  To understand Max, you need to know both how and why he turned.

My Thoughts and Summary:
How and why Max is turned into a vampire.

Not much more description can be given without giving away this free short read.  But we see why Max wanted to keep living, the prayer he repeated and was answered.  All for one other.  We see who his maker is and that he has to spend time with him.

I liked the Max I meet here.  He seems like a good guy after this read.  One I could feel for.



You can find both of these stories and two more (review to come today as well) at Seleste deLaney's site under Free Reads.


**I read these short stories in preparation for the novellas and novel for my own enjoyment.
**This collection of thoughts is of my person opinions as reading.

Teaser Tuesday (141)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

The muscles across max's back bunched, making him look bigger somehow.  When he turned, all pretense of calm had disappeared; Chad stared into the eyes of a man who would kill without mercy or regret.

Kiss of Death
By:  Seleste deLaney
80pg