Unwrapping a Review of EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill

Okay, I admit it. I love paranormal romance and I know some of my darling readers don’t, but hear me out…not all PNR is the same! Some are dark and dangerous but some aren’t, and no more so than with Sandra Hill’s Deadly Angels series. I’ve reviewed many of this series and begged you to try them out. Well, what would you think of a vampire who smells like rich chocolate and who only bites if you want him too? Come on, try out EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES by Sandra Hill…I did, and I had a great time because it's funny, sexy, and definitely happily ever after romantic.

***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review

Blurb for EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES:

New York Times bestselling author Sandra Hill delivers a sizzling new entry in her Deadly Angels series, as a Viking vangel's otherworldly mission teams him with a Navy SEAL who's more than his match— she's his predestined mate . . .

The fact that vampire angel Harek Sigurdsson was a Norseman in his mortal life doesn't make thawing out after exile in Siberia any easier. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camille Dumaine, a human who thrums with sensual energy that can mean only one thing: she's the mate Harek's been seeking for centuries . . .

The SEALs call her "Camo" for her ability to blend into a crowd—yet Harek's intense blue gaze singles Camille out like a white-hot spotlight. The security wiz was hired to help bring down a ruthless band of international kidnappers, but Camille senses an unspoken agenda—besides Harek's bold declaration that she's his "destiny." Just Camille's luck that the sexiest man she's ever met may also be . . . a vampire!

Vikings, Navy SEALs, Viking vampire angels, oh my!

Harek Sigurdsson is in trouble with Michael…that’s the Archangel, Michael. But then, what’s new…Harek always seems to be in trouble with Michael. Harek has been ordered to create a heavenly website, and still hasn’t and does entirely too much online shopping. His sin of greed gets him banned to Siberia far too often even for Harek. But when Michael sends him to work with the Navy SEALS in California, he is most happy to oblige. He didn’t expect to meet a brash, tough, and strangely unique woman like Camille Dumaine as a member of this elite team though...one who just might be his mate.

Camille is a SEAL, first and foremost, even though her intellectual parents think she’s foolish on insisting to continue this career path. She’s not particularly interested in a relationship with any man since the last man in her life got her best friend pregnant while engaged to Camille. Then she is introduced to a very tall, very handsome, very charming man who, despite his designer hair, sets off sparks when he touches her, and a whole lot more.

Now with her fellow SEALS, including Harek’s brother, Trond, and a few extras provided by the FBI and CIA, Camille and Harek work toward a successful mission to save innocent girls from the hands of international kidnappers, and Lucipires.

What are Lucipires, you ask? Lucipires are Satan’s demon vampires and the only ones who can stop them are God’s angel vampires - the vangels.

Okay, I know a lot of you see Paranormal Romance and you immediately hold up your first fingers and make the sign of the cross to ward off any thought to reading one. But there’s one thing I can tell you about Sandra Hill’s Vangels that make them different from anything you might think of as Paranormal Romance…they are the farthest thing from scary, bloodthirsty fangers who sneak around biting innocent victims in the dark of night…actually, they ask first.

My point is this…even if Harek and his brothers were not angel vampires, they would still be the most endearing, funny, save the day heroes, and these Deadly Angel stories would still be so much fun to read. The fact that these big, burly, ancient men who still think and act like Vikings also have to deal with celibacy, fangs that emerge when they get turned on, and slimy nasty demons, just makes them the most fun ever.

EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES by Sandra Hill started out a little slow for me. I thought for a moment that my favorite Vangel wasn’t going to get a very good story but then my darling, Harek, and his creator, Sandra Hill, proved him to be the sweetest, the sexiest, and certainly, the most charming of these sinfully sexy Viking men. Camille is his perfect mate and match. By the time, I finished reading EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES, I wanted both more story and some chocolate…and I don’t necessarily mean a Hershey bar.

As always, humor infiltrates the danger and action of a Deadly Angels story and in EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES, we are up-to-date in current world events, reminding us of the true evil that exists in our very real world. I’m just glad we have Harek, Camille, and the brave Navy SEALS to protect the innocent and righteous in the world.
     I highly recommend reading EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES, book six of the Deadly Angels series by Sandra Hill to everyone who enjoys a truly fun read with sexy men, brave heroes, a steamy love story, and a happily ever after…forget that it is Paranormal Romance…go on…try it…you might like it. 
    Come on, darlings, I know you probably saw Twilight and these guys are far better. 

Happy Reading Everyone!

About the Author:

Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.

EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill, Avon Romance, release date – August 25, 2015, print and ebook formats available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information, remember even pennies per sale using my links help keep this blog alive. Thank You.

   

Unwrapping a Review of CHRISTMAS IN TRANSYLVANIA, a Deadly Angels novella by Sandra Hill

I love the Vangels – those are the vampire angels in the Deadly Angels series created by Sandra Hill. So when she released CHRISTMAS IN TRANSYLVANIA, a Deadly Angels novella, I knew I had to read it.

***copy purchased for my own personal reading but of course, I’m sharing my honest and unscripted review with you.

Blurb for CHRISTMAS IN TRANSYLVANIA:

For the first time ever, the leader of the Viking Vampire Angels, Vikar Sigurdsson, has been talked into celebrating a traditional Christmas! The tree has been decorated, the gifts have been wrapped, and the stockings have been hung. And that's mistletoe, not cobwebs, hanging from the ceiling of the creepy castle full of vangels … really!

The icing on the vampire cookie comes when vangel Karl Mortensen rescues Faith Larson, a battered young waitress, from her abusive boyfriend and hides her in the castle amidst the Christmas chaos. But what Karl thought was a frail young teenager is actually a very tempting woman. And she thinks his fangs are sexy!

But a strange "Christmas visitor" at the castle and demon vampires up to their old tricks could threaten the budding romance between Karl and Faith. It's an impossible match—a human and a vangel—but Christmas is a time for magic.

Karl and Faith don't stand a chance … 

*                 *                  *                  *                  *

Karl Mortensen is a young vangel and when he died, he had a wife who he hadn’t seen since before he died in Vietnam. There are rules to being a vangel and one of them kept him from his wife who only recently died never knowing he was reborn to fight demon vampires and take care of the innocent. When he discovers a young waitress at his favorite diner needs rescuing, he doesn’t worry about the rules but instead, brings her home to the castle in Transylvania – that’s Pennsylvania, not Romania – hoping to keep her protected until he can figure out what to do with her to keep her truly safe.

Faith Larson finds herself in a very strange place with a sexy man she finds more attractive than scary even though she swore she saw fangs in his mouth on more than one occasion. Battered and bruised, she’s embarrassed and wants to get out everyone’s hair as soon as possible until those in the strange castle make her feel more welcome here than ever before anywhere. The castle is huge but slowly coming to life with all kinds of Christmas activity, and it reminds Faith how much she loves Christmas. She also likes Karl, the man who rescued her – a lot.

CHRISTMAS IN TRANSYLVANIA by Sandra Hill is an adorable novella and whereas it isn’t as exciting or even as humorous as the full-length novels of the Deadly Angels series, it was quite enjoyable and a wonderful lead in to the Christmas season. I did enjoy the interaction between the characters we’ve come to know and love through the first four books. Seeing Vikar and the other Vikings doing all the Christmas things that Alex wants done even through grumblings is quite fun – even Lizzie Borden gets into the act and gets carried away with the rum.

Whereas, this is a cute departure from the demon fighting, sin redeeming Vangels we’re used to, Karl is a wonderful hero and the way he’s so sensitive to Faith’s needs is quite romantic and sweet. It would’ve been nice to know Karl a bit more, his past, and his sin, along with how Michael brought him into the fold but it’s only a novella, and there just isn’t time so I understand that.

If you’re looking for a quick, sweet, romantic and a totally Christmas immersed read to get you into the mood for the holidays, I do recommend reading CHRISTMAS IN TRANSYLVANIA, a Deadly Angels novella by Sandra Hill. Oh, even if you’re not into paranormal, vampire angels, and demon fighting, it’s okay because this one is mostly about Karl and Faith, and Christmas with the Vangels – they even volunteer to sing in a choir and fill in for the characters in a Nativity Scene. They are angels after all. Who knows, after reading this one, you may fall in love with the Vangels as I did and decide to go back and read the series. They are really hot Vangels.

Happy Reading Everyone!

CHRISTMAS IN TRANSYLVANIA, a Deadly Angels novella by Sandra Hill, Avon Impulse, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. (print coming Dec 9th)

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information, remember even pennies per sale using my links help keep this blog alive. Thank You.

   

Unwrapping a Review of KISS OF WRATH, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill

KISS OF WRATH is the fourth Vangel book in the Deadly Angels series by Sandra Hill, and it’s very possible this one will touch the heart harder and with more angst than any has so far.

***I purchased this one in print for my own personal reading and am sharing my honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for KISS OF WRATH:

No wicked wenches or wild rampages…it's been centuries since Mordr the Berserker was turned into a Vangel-a Viking Vampire Angel-as punishment for his sin of wrath, and he's been frustrated ever since. It's not so bad being stuck in modern-day Las Vegas. What better place to slay Lucipires, or demon vampires, than the original Sin City. But then Mordr Sigurdsson's mission is expanded to a new assignment: protect lust-worthy Miranda Hart.

Miranda's well-ordered life turned into chaos when she unexpectedly inherited her late cousin's five children. Now, her cousin's dangerous husband is about to be paroled, and she needs a miracle to keep them all safe.That miracle arrives on her doorstep in the form of a very buff, handsome man with a very strange name. Mordr wants nothing to do with a red-haired wench or children. Miranda wants nothing to do with gorgeous hunk who claims to be a Viking.

As Miranda and Mordr give in to temptation, they must decide if they fit in each other's worlds-before their enemies close in on them.

*                  *                  *                   *                  *  

Miranda Hart never expected to become a mother overnight and certainly not to five rambunctious children – three boys and two girls. Now she’s got a full house, and has just discovered the children’s dangerous father is about to be released from a prison halfway house. She also needs a new nanny for the kids, preferably one who can keep them safe as well as well-behaved. So far, none of the candidates has been the answer to her prayers, at least until she comes home to discover a gorgeous Viking ruling the house with an iron hand.

Mordr Sigurdsson is not a happy Viking Vampire Angel. He hasn’t been a man of good humor since he came home from a-Viking to discover his village destroyed, and his children brutally murdered. Seeking vengeance, Mordr allowed the Sin of Wrath to swallow him by way of his grief, and so Michael the Archangel gave him the chance to become a Vangel and work off his sin or head straight to Hell and into the clutches of Satan. Mordr, along with his six brothers, decided to take on the mission of the VIK, but now Michael’s given him a new mission – Miranda Hart. Not only is he supposed to protect a woman who has sparked his libido for the first time in over a thousand years, but she also has five children who remind him every moment of his beloved own, and their brutal deaths. He’s wondering how he’ll survive it all even as he begins to care about the sexy redhead and her five bratlings.

Sandra Hill brings a sense of intense grief to Mordr, which immediately has us wanting to hug him and give him comfort in his loss of his darlings, Kata and Jomar, but which also helps us understand his Sin of Wrath. His grief for them is so strong he carries it even as he tries to deal with the five Jessup children – touching them, especially little Linda, makes him feel faint. Yes, faint.

KISS OF WRATH by Sandra Hill is a wonderful addition to the Deadly Angels series featuring the sexiest Vangels, or Vampire Angels, to grace the pages of a book series. Even with the angst of grief, the fear of children in danger, and Mordr’s Sin of Wrath, which he uses to battle the Lucipires or demon vampires, Sandra gives us humor and levity to offset the touchingly sad aspects of Mordr Sigurdsson’s story. The cast of characters in this Deadly Angels novel goes beyond the usual and even the unusual. The children are the funniest, most annoying, delightful, and lovable kids ever and it’s not difficult to understand how both Miranda and Mordr fall head over heels in love with them all.

I highly recommend KISS OF WRATH, book four of the Deadly Angels series by Sandra Hill to all who love paranormal, to all who are fans of Lynsay Sand’s Argeneau series, and to anyone who hasn’t dipped their toes into the world of the slightly fantastic but still true to life reality, created by this talented author. Even if you aren’t a fan of paranormal, or have never tried any, check out the Deadly Angels series and do yourself a favor by falling in love with the sexiest Viking Vampire Angels ever, and learn their stories – sin by sin.

Happy Reading Everyone!

KISS OF WRATH, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill, Avon Romance, available in print and ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information, remember even pennies per sale using my links help keep this blog alive. Thank you.

   

Blurb Tour Spotlight: KISS OF TEMPTATION, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill

Welcome to the first day, and my stop, on the Tasty Blurb Tour spotlighting KISS OF TEMPTATION by Sandra Hill - book three in the Deadly Angels series. If you've been paying attention, you know I have already read and reviewed book one - KISS OF PRIDE - and book two - KISS OF SURRENDER. I was very excited when Avon Romance offered up a chance to read an eARC of KISS OF TEMPTATION by Sandra Hill, releasing March 26th.
Be sure to check out the other blogs on the tour - some will be giving away copies of this delightful paranormal. Click HERE.

***eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest and unscripted review

Blurb for KISS OF TEMPTATION:

Is it lust?

Ivak Sigurdsson is dead . . . well, sort of. Guilty of the sin of lust, he's been given an unusual penance: spend eternity as a Viking vampire angel, or vangel, fighting Lucipires, Satan's vampire demons on earth. Now sequestered in Angola Prison as a "spiritual advisor," Ivak is finding all these centuries of celibacy depressing, to say the least. But then, along comes southern belle Gabrielle Sonnier. Is she a reward for his good deeds, or a temptation sent to rattle his lustsome brain?

Or is it love?
Gabrielle, a lawyer, begs Ivak to help get her brother out of prison. Aided by the Cajun LeDeux family and their chief looney bird, Tante Lulu, Ivak reluctantly agrees. And while he alternately tries to seduce and save Gabrielle before the Lucipires run rampant, they both begin to wonder if it's really only lust, or something more.

                                *                  *                   *                    *                   *                    *

Ivak Sigurdsson, one of seven Viking brothers who have lived over a thousand years as penance for each having been guilty of one of the Seven Deadly Sins, has been sentenced to work at Angola Prison in Louisiana as a vicar - not the best situation for a Viking vangel - vampire angel who is guilty of the sin of Lust. Thinking his life has been made simple by St. Michael the Archangel. Ivak has been sent to a place to protect the innocent and ward off Lucipires (demon vampires) where he would hardly be tempted to have lustful thoughts, but Ivak's life suddenly becomes very complicated when Gabrielle Sonnier appears on visitation day to see her brother.

Gabrielle is working hard to free her brother from an unjust sentence. It isn't that Leroy is innocent, not at all. He did commit the crime for which he was originally incarcerated, but he did not commit the crime for which his sentence has been extended. Gabrielle believes him and so does Ivak. Ivak knows he must help Leroy and in turn protect Gabrielle. Leroy has already been targeted once by a Lucie but Ivak manages to save him. Now it doesn't take a genius to realize that Gabrielle would make a great target to use against both, Leroy and Ivak. Ivak's problem is that Gabrielle is not one to take orders and he's not about to allow her out of his sight, which means that inevitably, he's thrown together with her a lot and so a lot of lustful thoughts - and dreams - run through his, and her mind.

Excerpt from KISS OF TEMPTATION:

That night he swived the Irish maid, and she was sweet, especially after having been bathed. It was not an entirely satisfying tup, though. The girl was too willing. He kept seeing her husband’s face as he was dragged away. No doubt Ivak’s distaste would fade eventually, but tonight he had no patience for it, especially as she begged him to be permitted to stay. Instead, he sent her away after just one bout of bedsport, wanting no more of her for now.

He drank way too much mead then, which only increased his foul mood. That was the only excuse he could find for his seeing Asta slinking along one of the hallways and motioning him with a forefinger to come to her bedchamber. Another round-heeled woman with the morals of a feral cat. He knew for a fact that Serk was serving guard duty all night.

Mayhap he should tup Serk’s wife and then explain to him in the nicest possible way on the morrow what a poor choice he had made in picking this particular maid for his mate. He would be doing his friend a favor, he rationalized with alehead madness.

Asta was riding him like a bloody stallion a short time later, and while his cock was interested, he found himself oddly regretting his impulsive invitation. Bored, he glanced toward the door that was opening, and there stood Serk, staring at them with horror. This was not the way he’d wanted his friend to discover his wife’s lack of faithfulness.

“Ivak? My friend?” Serk choked out.

“I can explain. It’s not what you think.” Well, it was, but there was a reason for his madness. Wasn’t there?

At the stricken expression on Serk’s face, Ivak shoved Asta off him, ignoring her squeal of ill-humor, and jumped off the bed. By the time he was dressed, his good friend was gone. And Asta was more concerned about having her bedplay interrupted than the fact that her husband had witnessed her adultery. To Ivak’s amazement, she actually thought they would resume the swiving.

Ivak searched for more than an hour, to no avail. It was already well after midnight and most folks, except for his housecarls, were abed. His apology and explanation to Serk would have to wait until morning. Without a doubt, Serk would forgive him, once he understood that Asta was just a woman, and a faithless one at that. Oh, Ivak did not doubt that Serk would be angry, and Ivak might even allow him a punch or two, but eventually their friendship would be intact.

Still, he could not sleep with all that had happened, and he decided to walk out to the stables to check on a prize mare that should foal any day now. What Ivak found, though, was so shocking he could scarce breathe. In fact, he fell to his knees and moaned. “Oh, nay! Please, gods, let it not be so!”

Hanging from one of the rafters was Serk.

His friend had hung himself.

What have I done? What have I done? She was not worth it, my friend. Truly, she was not. Oh, what have I done?

Ivak lowered the body to the floor and did not need to put a fingertip to Serk’s neck to know that he had already passed to Valhalla. With tears burning his eyes, he stood, about to call for the stablemaster in an adjoining shed when he heard a noise behind him. Turning, he saw the young Irish blacksmith, husband of the red-haired maid he’d bedded, running toward him with a raised pitchfork. Vadim and his crew were supposed to depart at first light. The man must have escaped his restraints.

Before Ivak had a chance to raise an alarm or fight for himself, the man pierced his chest with the long tines of the pitchfork. Unfortunately, he used the special implement with metal tines that Ivak had purchased this past summer on a whim in the open markets of Miklegaard, also known as Byzantium. Why had he not been satisfied with the usual wooden pitchforks for his fine stable? So forceful had the man’s surge toward him been that he pinned Ivak into the wall.

“You devil!” the man yelled, tears streaming down his face. “You bloody damn devil! May you rot in hell!” 

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Author Bio:

Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.

If you'd like to learn more about Sandra Hill and her books, please visit her website, Avon Romance, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

My Thoughts: 
KISS OF TEMPTATION by Sandra Hill surprised me. Having enjoyed both of the previous books, I expected to like this one right off the bat. Well, it took me a while to cotton up to Ivak, as we say in the South, because, at first he came off as a real wolf, a horn dog, and cad! Yes, his sin is Lust but really now, he came onto Gabrielle like a sleazy chain-wearing swinger in a disco club and I didn't like him at all. Then he calmed down and started realizing that his attraction to Gabrielle might be something more than lust, and he changed. He changed for the better, and I fell in love.

Sandra Hill treats us to a cast of characters in KISS OF TEMPTATION that will hold you captivated throughout once you meet Tante Lulu LeDeux, Charmaine LeDeux Lanier, and Tee-John LeDeux. Crazy Cajuns if ever there were some. Their antics, their humor, and their love for Gabrielle, Ivak, and Leroy make this a wonderful love story that goes far beyond the incredibly sexy dreams that are shared by Gabrielle and Ivak. A wonderful switch from the near-sex that usually happens with vangels. Wild sex dreams that allow our couple to experience each other without breaking any real rules. I think Mike is getting soft towards his VIKs, although even he's rather shocked by what occurs at the end. Not saying a word, you'll have to read this one to find out.

I highly recommend KISS OF TEMPTATION, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill if you've read the first two or not - it's a wonderful stand alone, so you can easily start here but I do recommend the series as a whole. If you love Cajun crazy antics, action - great battle against the evil Dominique and her Lucies - romance, and sexy dream sequences that will have you reaching for sweet tea to quench the fires, then you want to read this Deadly Angel novel.

Happy Reading Everyone!

KISS OF TEMPTATION, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill, Avon Romance, release date - March 26, 2013 in print and ebook formats. 

                                                                                        

Unwrapping: Review of KISS OF SURRENDER, a Dark Angels novel by Sandra Hill

Back in April of 2012, I reviewed the first book in the Deadly Angels series, KISS OF PRIDE, by Sandra Hill, and introduced you to the Vangels. The Vangels are a humorous group of seven Viking brothers who have each been found guilty of one of the seven deadly sins. The first was Vikar, whose sin was Pride. As soon as the second book in the series, KISS OF SURRENDER, was released last November, I knew I had to read it. My reading schedule finally allowed me the chance and because book 3, KISS OF TEMPTATION, is releasing at the end of March and I had to be caught up. More on that one another day.

***Print copy purchased for my own personal reading but of course, I'm going to share my thoughts with you.

Blurb for KISS OF SURRENDER:

It’s not easy being a Vampire Angel

No one knows that better than Trond Sigurdsson. In the centuries since he last went out drinking and wenching with his Viking buds, Trond has been a gladiator, a cowboy, a ditch digger...even a sheik. But now he’s the baddest of them all: a kick-butt Navy SEAL kicking butts of terrorist immortals with the help of his hotter-than-Hades female partner, police officer-turned-Special Forces operative Nicole Tasso—whom Trond dearly hopes to “partner” with very shortly in a whole different way.

It’s not easy being a Vangel’s lover

The “cop” part of Nicole tells her there’s something bizarre about her gorgeous godlike teammate. But her “all-woman” side can’t help wondering how great it would be to have a virile Viking in her bed. Trond has secrets galore, but Nicole feels certain she can dig them out—and really get to the heart of this powerful, unnerving stranger whom she may be risking her soul to love.

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Trond Sigurdsson is a Vangel and his sin is sloth - that's being lazy. He was so lazy when he was alive over a thousand years ago that he allowed the village under his protection to be attacked and innocent villagers slaughtered because he couldn't be bothered with getting out of bed. It's because of this sin that he's been made a Vangel, or vampire angel, and must spend his life, as it is, fighting Lucifer's evil minions - Lucipires, or Lucies as the Vangels refer to them. His current mission is to infiltrate the Navy S.E.A.L.S. and locate any members who might be tainted by Jasper's Lucies. What Trond doesn't expect to have to deal with is a nosy female S.E.A.L. or W.E.A.L. as they're called in this book. (This is fiction.) When push comes to shove and she ponders a most sensitive question - is he gay? - he takes it and runs with it. Better for her to believe he's gay than know how attracted he is to her and the truth about what he is ... or is it?

Nicole Tasso is suspicious by nature. She supposes it's the cop in her but it also may have to do with the distrust she has for most seemingly arrogant men like the handsome Viking, Trond, who manages to rub her the wrong way at every turn. Having survived and escaped an abusive marriage, Nicole has very little patience with a man like Trond but can't ignore her attraction to him. She knows he has a secret and she's determined to discover what it is. Having him admit that he's gay wasn't the secret she thought he had, but now her disbelief that this all man, man is gay has become a challenge to an all woman, woman like Nicole. Pushed together on an important mission, Nicole discovers more than she expects about Trond, about her attraction to him, and about the world which isn't as simple as she thought.

KISS OF SURRENDER by Sandra Hill is an adventurous story filled with humor, albeit sometimes corny, action, adventure and salvation. The Deadly Angels may not be for everyone but for those who enjoy a twist on vampires, this heavenly twist is one I believe you'll enjoy. Unlike some vampire series, this isn't as dark which I think might appeal to some who steer clear of paranormal because of the darkness in most. This series is fun and upbeat even when you're dealing with the demons. KISS OF SURRENDER provides that fun and upbeat feeling, including an unexpected friendship between Vangel and Lucipire. I do recommend that if you're interested in reading this paranormal romance or any of the Deadly Angels series that you start at the beginning with KISS OF PRIDE and then continue forward. It will all make much better sense if you do. If you read KISS OF PRIDE and enjoyed it, then you'll surely enjoy this one.

I recommend KISS OF SURRENDER by Sandra Hill if you're a fan of Sandra's, if you're a fan of humor filled paranormal romance, and by all means if you already read and enjoyed the first book in the Deadly Angels series.

Happy Reading Everyone!

KISS OF SURRENDER, a Deadly Angels novel by Sandra Hill, Avon Romance, available now in print and ebook formats. 

                                                                                                 

Unwrapping: Review of KISS OF PRIDE by Sandra Hill

I apologize for not bringing you this review yesterday as planned but illness kept my brain from giving me the concentration it took to write it. Since TODAY is the actual release date for KISS OF PRIDE - a Deadly Angels Book by Sandra Hill, it's only fitting that I give you the review today. Fate has a funny way of leading us in the right direction, doesn't it? Or perhaps it's a guardian angel or vangel as in KISS OF PRIDE from Avon!

Blurb for KISS OF PRIDE:

Some men are too bad to be true . . .

Is he really a Viking with a vampire's bite? An angel with the body of a thunder god? A lone wolf with love on his mind? Alexandra Kelly, his prey, thinks Vikar Sigurdsson is either flat-out crazy or he's trying to maneuver her into his bed—which is hardly where a professional reporter should conduct an interview, tempting as that prospect might be.

And some men are too good to be true . . .

Until Vikar does something a teensy bit unexpected, and Alex begins to wonder whether her mystery man could really be everything he says he is: a Viking Vampire Angel on a thousand-year-long mission with his pack of sinful brothers—and a man who's finally found the woman of his dreams. By then, Vikar is already wrapping his chiseled arms around Alex's body . . . and sinking his wicked fangs right into her neck. If this is sin, why does it feel so good?

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When I received this book in my goodie box from Avon, I was doubly excited. One, it's a book by Sandra Hill and no one does Vikings like Sandra Hill. Two, it's a new paranormal series about Vikings by the author who does Vikings with more flare, fun and sex appeal than any other.

Vikar Sigurdsson is a brawny, extraordinarily handsome Viking who died over a thousand years ago but is now taking up residence in Translyvania, Pennsylvania. Yes, you read that correctly. Vikar and his six brothers were found guilty of each committing one of the seven deadly sins - wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. Vikar's sin was pride. Sentenced to do penance as a vangel (vampire/angel) and acting as God's warriors against Lucifer's Lucipires (vampires) with Michael the Archangel as their general, they have been traveling through time to protect innocents from being bitten by Lucies and taken to Hell before they have a chance to repent.

Vikar has been brought to present day Pennsylvania and ordered by Michael to restore a castle in Translyvania (a small town who has redesigned itself as a the home of the vampire totally unaware that real vampire/angels now live and walk among them). The last thing Vikar expects is to have a reporter show up on his doorstep who has the distinct smell of sin about her. Instead of turning her away, he invites her in, bites her neck and proclaims she must stay until the cleansing is complete. Simple, right? Not for poor Vikar. He's drawn to this modern woman who is unlike any woman he has ever known and who has brought back to life thoughts and desires that he has fought for too long and that has already cost him too many years added to his sentence.

Alexandra Kelly is looking for a story to keep her occupied both physically and mentally. Her mind is on the trial of the two evil men who killed her husband and daughter. Her thoughts run to murder if she doesn't get justice through the courts. When her boss sends her to this silly town that lives and breaths vampires, she sees it as a good opportunity to distract herself from her own evil thoughts. Believing she has an appointment to interview Lord Vikar, the man said to be restoring the rundown castle on the outskirts of town into a grand hotel, she finagles her way to the front door. When someone finally answers her persistent attempts to gain entrance, she is greeted by the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen - ever.  Even more surprised after learning that this Adonis is Lord Vikar Sigurdsson, is being surprised at having this Viking god bite her neck and then claim he is a vampire/angel or vangel as he and his brother vangels refer to themselves.

As Alex struggles to understand what kind of weird cult like situation she's fallen into, Vikar struggles with his desire for this headstrong redhead. Sex is forbidden for the vangels and so he and Alex resort to near sex or acting like horny teenagers. While fighting their feelings for each other, each struggles with their own demons. For Alex, those are the demons that dwell within her broken heart and for Vikar, they are real life demons who threaten Alex, himself and his family. As each slowly begin to acknowledge their feelings for each other, Alex's demons begin to wane and Vikar begins to understand the consequences of his original sin - pride.

Sandra Hill writes with humor especially tongue in cheek humor which abounds in this unique departure from her usual. A blending of her virile Vikings with vampire and angels makes me very happy. KISS OF PRIDE is the first in the series, Deadly Angels, and I am looking forward to the rest after reading the first.

KISS OF PRIDE by Sandra Hill is a humorous, quirky, and yet adventurous story with action, sexual tension abounding, laugh out loud moments and times when you just say, awww.  If you're a fan of Lynsay Sand's Argeneaus (btw, UNDER A VAMPIRE MOON is now available, too) you'll fully appreciate this series. If you haven't read anything by Sandra Hill yet, start here and have some fun! If you already love Sandra Hill's sense of humor and her Vikings then, please do, try out this uniquely fun and intriguing new paranormal series. Even if you're not a big fan of paranormal, these Vikings will have you smiling in no time and not minding the demons too much. I highly recommend anyone looking for a fun read with sexy, quirky Vikings, read KISS OF PRIDE by Sandra Hill.

Happy Reading Everyone and Happy Release Day to all the authors with new books today!

KISS OF PRIDE, A Deadly Angels Book by Sandra Hill,  available now from Avon Books in print and ebook format.

                                                                

Unwrapping: Columbus Day

It's Columbus Day or rather the government holiday for Columbus Day so that a long weekend can be had by those fortunate enough to have it off. October 12th is traditionally Columbus Day but as with many holidays that have been moved out of convenience, the real date seems to have been forgotten. I personally don't forget because it's also my father's birthday - he'll be celebrating 91 yrs young.

    

     Christopher Columbus is attributed with the founding of the Americas in 1492.  Think of the excitement, the fear and speculation that he and his crews might never have returned. After all, it was still believed the earth was flat and that they would sail directly off the edge if they went too far.  We keep with the tradition that it was Columbus and his men that first set eyes on the Americas. Of course, he landed in Central America, not New York City.


     Many forget that it was the Vikings who first landed along the northeastern coast of North America nearly 500 years earlier. Of course, it wasn't as well documented or sponsored so perhaps that's the real reason we don't call it Leif Erikson Day instead of Columbus Day. However, yesterday - October 9 - was actually Leif Erikson Day and many, especially among the Scandinavian people of North America, do celebrate it. He represents the first Scandinavian to set foot on what is, today, American soil.

     I grew up celebrating Columbus Day. We told the story of how in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue in three ships,  The Niña, Pinta, and Santa María. Even today, there are parades in some of our biggest cities and of course, a three-day weekend for government employees. But what if it had been the Vikings who were given the real credit? Would it have made a difference to us?

     Perhaps if the Vikings had been given credit, we'd be drooling over great Viking statues rather than those of Christopher Columbus. Of course, I doubt that any of them were really as good-looking, sexy or as clean as Alexander Skarsgård's Viking Eric Northman in TRUE BLOOD which is based on the SOOKIE STACKHOUSE Series by Charlaine Harris, but it wouldn't be hard to deal with, would it?

    

      

     I have noticed there are a lot of romance novels featuring Viking themes with huge Viking heroes capturing the hearts of young beautiful Nordic women but why aren't there any about swarthy handsome Italians who explore and discover far off lands? I wouldn't mind a story centered around some tall, dark and Meditteraneanly handsome hero, would you?

     Oh well, until someone pens it, ... hmmm ... doesn't sound like a bad idea actually, perhaps I will. Until then, we're happy with our Vikings, aren't we? Romance Novels featuring Vikings, I mean -  like in Sandra Hill's newest release, THE NORSE KING'S DAUGHTER or perhaps in Connie Mason's VIKING!

         

 

     Regardless of whether you're of the school that the Vikings were the true discoverers of the New World or a traditionalist who believes Columbus should have the credit ... aren't you glad somebody had the courage, incentive and flat out GUTS to cross that huge ocean and see what lay beyond?  Thank you Vikings and Christopher Columbus ... Happy Columbus Day! 

     Happy Reading Everyone!

                                                        

Unwrapping: Get Ready to Unwrap

Get Ready to Unwrap some new Romances. I'll be openly reading my selections in paperback as I'm not quite ready to switch to an e-reader but with the creation of e-readers, there's no excuse anymore not to indulge openly in your love of Romance Novels. For the rest of you who still hide it behind a magazine or other more respectable book ... come on ... read proudly.

Which of these new releases do you have your eye on and will you proudly read it unwrapped?
     
Avon Release Day!!

                                       SEXIEST VAMPIRE ALIVE by Kerrelyn Sparks 

                            IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER by Stephanie Laurens

                                           WHAT A DUKE WANTS by Lavinia Kent

                                                HELL TO PAY by Wendy Corsi Staub

IN TOTAL SURRENDER by Anne Mallory

EVERY SCANDALOUS SECRET by Gayle Callen

THE NORSE KING'S DAUGHTER by Sandra Hill

Reprints
DESERT RAIN by Elizabeth Lowell
BLACK LYON by Jude Devereaux
CONFESSIONS OF A SCOUNDREL by Karen Hawkins

Shop at Amazon.com!

Happy Reading Everyone!