Raphael by: D.B. Reynolds -- Featured Reviewer

Rating: 4/5
Origins: Provided by the Author
Format: Trade Paperback
Release Date: 15 April 2009
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
Synopsis: Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

Review in Five: Fast-paced and Easy to Read.

Review: I love that the main characters in this book are strong willed and independent, they both have everything they already need out of life. Cyn is independent and strong in both her personal and business life. Raphael is a handsome, strong vampire who requires absolute obedience from his prodigy and his associates. I loved Cyn in this story far more than I liked Raphael, he is very distant and cold, almost as you would expect an actual vampire to be, and Cyn is actually quite clever.

The plot in this book is action-packed and fast paced. There was one thing I noticed in the story that brought up questions in my mind;  Cyn just shoots a guy for checking in with his boss, I think that was a tad bit extreme. Take the phone, punch him, throw him out the door, why shoot him? Who does that?

Anyway, this is pretty good book for a great paranormal romance lover and an action romantic suspense lover. There are some great scenes, some unique word usage, and great characters in this book. D.B. Reynolds's debut is definitely worth the read, as I am sure the other books in this series will be as well.

Series: Vampires in America: Raphael (1), Jabril (2), Rajmund (3)

Featured Reviewer: Monica from The Bibliophilic Book Blog

If I Was a Vampire...I would listen to.

The Soundtrack of the Undead...

No not really. But these are some cool bands that have vampire in the title...

An all time favorite Indie...Vampire Weekend can be listened to gothed out and sipping on pina colodas on the beach. It is a weird mix, but it works.

A little In-Your-Face rock ballad...



Oh did I have a thing for Marilyn Manson. Call me weird...sigh.



And finally... these song was always big for me, but the Interview with the Vampire movie nailed it home for me. This is the GNR version, because that was the one in IWTV.

Let's Talk Vamps...

...It's Vamp Talk, darlin'.

The BWB girls chime in and talk vamps for today's feature.

Vamps do seem to be a hot ticket these days, from the soon to be released Eclipse, to the smokin' hot CW series, The Vampire Diaries. But, if you, my dear readers, are anything like the BWB ladies...we've been liking these particular paranormals for a very long time. Let's talk shop, we'll let you know what we think...but more importantly we want to know what got you into vamps, who gets you going, and what are your thoughts on some current vampy topics.

TINA:  Vampire Mullets and Celebrity Boneheads

The first time I saw a vampire was when I was fifteen. Pale, beautiful and sporting a really bad mullet, I fell in love with the dark and evil vampire that would be David (Keifer Sutherland) from The Lost Boys. I must of watched that movie 100 times, now granted the movie was a little old when I saw it and to watch the movie today is borderline ridiculous, but who can resist David's devilish charms or Michael’s icy blue eyes?  Vampires in any role usually please me; I can handle the dark, ugly vampire, Dracula’s evil, seductive vampire or my favorite the relatable, tortured trying to be a good guy with lots of skeletons in my past vampire…… AKA…Angel, Spike, Eric, Edward, Damon, Stephan, Bones, and the list go's on and on……………..Nowadays the biggest vamps are of course The Cullen’s and while I love the Twilight books as much as those crazy women on the Oprah show, I hate what the Twilight franchise has turned the story into. No longer is Twilight about Bella and Edward, or even its author Stephenie Meyer, its about are Robert and Kristen dating!!! Who cares!!! I mean it’s everywhere in your face, to the point of becoming overdone and irrelevant. I can’t even open my email homepage without a blurb…this just in about the Twilight Saga….and while some Twilight celebrity stuff is fun to read, most of it is rumors and speculation and frankly these people are celebrities not Gods.

Most of the celebrity stuff out there I ignore, especially when I really like an actor’s movies. Sometimes though they say something publicly that just makes them jerks or they openly bash something you care about, for example Kristen Stewart’s latest comments in Elle Magazine really bothered me. If you didn’t read or hear, she compared herself to a rape victim due to the pictures taken of her by the paparazzi. WHAT!!! Are you kidding me Kristen Stewart, what an ignorant and disrespectful thing to say! I’m sure rape victims everywhere compare their horrendous experience to that of a picture. Kristen has since apologized, almost immediately for the comment to People Magazine and stated that violation would have been a better word and I understand the comparison she was trying to make, but her choice of words were just tacky. Nothing is more annoying than listening to a celebrity whine about their lives. Don’t get me wrong, famous people need privacy, they need to get a cup of coffee without idiot photographers and psycho fans bothering them, but their famous and isn’t it just a given if you’re a famous actor your life will be in the spotlight? I’d say Kristen if you are that depressed and pissed off, take a break, you want to be that small Indie actress before Twilight but unfortunately you never will be............perhaps moving to France like Johnny Depp did will help you get away from the horrid fans and the paparazzi.

EMILY: Prom Dresses and Tasty Words

The moment I realized I was hooked on vampires (and UF/PNR in general for that matter) was as I was sitting, by myself, in Barnes and Noble for the midnight release of Breaking Dawn.  There were all kinds of activities going on as it was a prom-themed event, but I kind of sat in the sci-fi and romance sections looking at other books and stumbled, accidentally, on the Sookie Stackhouse books.  I'd seen them mentioned on Amazon and a few other places but had always said, "eh, who'd want to read about THAT?"

Well, I've been eating those words ever since, although the words in the books I discovered on that fateful night, surrounded by prom dress wearing Twilighters who were getting ready to throw down over which guy would emerge victorious (I pointed out that the series would kind of not make sense if Jacob had won Bella over and was given a dirty look by my conversation partner while her grandmother just looked confused.) I know we're focusing on vampires this week and for sure that was my foray into the world of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, but there was and is so much to explore from there.  Just when I think I've found my favorite book or the be all end all of series, I find something else! Does the fun really ever stop?

JULIE:Bad Acting and Lectures

Excited Over Eclipse?
Am I excited for Eclipse the movie ?? If you asked me this question 2 years ago, I would be jumping up and down and finding the time to see the movie. This is one of my favorite books because of the bedroom scene and the tent scene. Those were my must haves in the movie. But since Summit changed Victoria's from Rachelle to Bryce, and I wasn't a fan of Kristen's acting since the first movie --with the blinking and lip biting. I don't know..and this is an Edward fan.

 

I might do what I did last year with new moon. I bought the movie and mocked it at my home. I did a date night with my DH instead of seeing the movie opening weekend.  Yes I do want to see it ..but I will wait til the crowds die down a lot or wait till it ats the cheap movie location in town. Now if they did a movie from Edward's POV--I'll be there :)

 

Thoughts on Kristen's Stewarts "Rape"

I think that she misspoke , but if you are actress in the business and in a big blockbuster movies that have made you millions of dollars. Please either don't talk at all or listen to the PR person, because the fans made you popular and you can go back to doing Indie movies.

 

I understand that she gets nervous in Interviews, but you have been acting for a long time. It should be easy for you by now. Look at Dakota( your co-star), she doesn't get all foot in mouth syndrome. If you don't want the paparazzi following you around , then you are in the wrong business. Go to college or stay away from the spotlight. The press will build you up and then knock you down.

RACHEL: NKOTB and Series Pimping

My first foray into Urban Fantasy was way before I even knew that terminology. It was with a tattered book that I found in a box at school. The Vampire Lestat. I didn't even know it was a series. I read it from cover to cover in a few days when I was in 8th grade.  It was a wonderful transition period for me. I had torn down my NKOTB posters and was looking for replacement obsessions. So became my paranormal obsession. Watching Lost Boys later for the first time, cemented that obsession. Form then on I didn't open a YA book again (until recently) it was adult, horror, mystery, science fiction... and it all started with Anne Rice. Mrs. Rice and I parted ways probably around The Body Thief, I continued to read the series here and there, but some authors just have to know when a series is over. These endless series are a thorn for me, when is enough enough? The Anita Blake series ended like SOOO long ago for me, but here comes LKHs latest, BULLET. Is she just beating a dead horse, racking up on a few loyal fans? The Sookie Stackhouse series, I've read some reviews where fans aren't to impressed, is this one that should be ending soon...or will it just drag along especially now that the TV series is so hot?

Chime in and let us know about your vamp obsessions and opinions on what we talked about. Also don't forget to enter the Nancy Kilpatrick giveaway that we are hosting. Let us know if you prefer a Mature Vamp to a Teenage Vamp (it seems votes are heavy for the mature man!). Also, we hit 500 last night. Thank you so much to all our followers, this little "project" has taken on a life of it's own. So much so, we might be in need of a little help soon (email me if you want to pitch in :))

Monday will start a HUGE BWB contest...tons of books, tons of fun - on numerous numerous blogs. 

Here are some questions for you guys to chime in on!

1. What hooked you on vamps.
2. What qualities do you like in your vamps?
3. Edward or Bones?
4. Thoughts on Kristen Stewarts "rape"?
5. Excited Over Eclipse?
6. Buffy, Moonlight, or The Vampire Diaries?

Adult Vamps vs. Teen Vamps...

...Or Edward vs. Bones. How do you like your fanged?

Do you like your boys young, or do you like mature? Let's break down what exactly sets our YA vamp boys apart from their mature UF & PNR counterparts.

BWB Message: Don't forget to join in on the Vamp Week contest by entering the Nancy Kilpatrick giveaway. Also if you haven't noticed we are about to reach 500 followers. This means BIG contest. This will be on Monday. We can't wait! Vamp Week and 500 Followers! Also...grab a Teen Vamp vs. Adult Vamp button if you want. It might get you a few points in the contest on Monday. Enough of this rambling let's get to the good stuff, who do you prefer???

1. The Personality

TEEN VAMPS: Turned at an early age, like Edward at 17 or our young Stefan from the Vampire Diaries, our teen vamps seem to be a bit tortured with their other-worldliness.  They only come to grips with their vampiric curse in the arms of their true love. Whom they latch on to in a kind of obsessive way. Our teen vamps have most likely killed, usually in fits of teen angst or rebellion, and those deaths torment them.

Teen vamps tend to be reserved, cultured, witty but restrained. They simmer with anger under the surface, but reflect a cool exterior. They are sweet and giving to the ones they love, but are vicious to their enemies.

ADULT VAMPS: Our adult vamps tend to be a bit more secure in the their fanged lifestyles. They have had a little more time to mature. Adult vamp characters such as Bones, Eric Northman and Lestat might make moral choices not to kill innocents, or drink actual blood (TrueBlood) but if they have killed in the past it really doesn't bother them that greatly. They might play god and weed the sickly or sociopaths from the herd, instead of feasting on innocent.

Adult vamps are snarky, cocky, tough and highly protective of their friends, family and loves. They have tempers and aren't afraid to show them. The come off very tough and almost a bit scary at first, but once you get past their exterior they are still pretty tough in the inside...

2. The Look

TEEN VAMPS: Boys tend to grow and mature until they are 21, our teen vamps haven't had a chance to fully mature. They are forever young, trapped in their "almost adult" bodies. These vamps are slim and slightly muscled. Pale and sparkly (well one of them). They have hair that is overly style and dress metro-sexual. Because they are transitional, being changed at an early age, they don't get stuck in a time period, so they tend to dress with the time period they are living in.


ADULT VAMPS: Bodies of a lustful god can usually describe adult vamps. Mouths water at the thought of these fully matured manliness. The shoulders have broadened to perfection, the abs have been masterfully chiseled and all the hair has grown in the appropriate places.  Adult vamps might get stuck in an era though.  Vamps changed in earlier centuries might dress a little more flamboyant than others, preferring their silk and lace to jeans and cotton.

3. Finances

TEEN VAMPS: Even though they are young looking, doesn't mean they don't have a diverse portfolio.  Long years to dabble in the stock market tends to increase anyone's net worth.

ADULT VAMPS: Neck and neck on this one ;) Adult vamps can be just as financed as those teen vamps. Vampirism and money seems to go hand in hand.

4. Their Pasts

TEEN VAMPS: With not a lot of life experience, teen vamps tend to stay more wholesome in their vampire lives. They might date a bit, but most of them usually don't fill their closets with skeletons.  A nasty ex might pop up here and there. But nothing too drastic.


ADULT VAMPS: Something about turning vamp in the later years, but it usually leads these adults vamps to a more promiscuous lifestyle. These boys sure know how to pile up the exes.

5. Love

TEEN VAMPS: The teen vamp boys tend to be a bit possessive and obsessive about their lovers. They pursue their women in stalker fashion, and where most girls would report this type of behavior to a police officer (sneaking in their room and staring at them while they sleep, following them around town, spying on their friends) their incredible good looks win over their lady-loves and they dismiss this crazy behavior. Even after the chase is over and the vamp has sufficiently committed themselves to their love...they do act a bit possessive. Death threats to rivals, buying them expensive bullet-proof cars, locking them in their rooms, etc.

ADULT VAMPS: Adult vamps like the seduction, they like to win over the women with their devilish charms. Sometimes kidnapping and bondage is involved, but it is always done with only the best of intentions. They usually go by the motto, "The End Justifies The Means" and have no qualms about lying, cheating and stealing to get what they want. Once they fall for their girls, they are also quite possessive and will beat down anything or anyone that threatens their girl/boy (adult vamps like to spice up their sexual repertoire a bit).

So who do you think wins this VS battle? Do you like those teens or prefer you man to be a seasoned vet?

And Begins Vamp Week...

Blog with Bite has the pleasure of doing Vamp Week! We love the fanged and we are here to celebrate their uniqueness.

Our featured author for Vamp Week is Nancy Kilpatrick, known as Canada's "Queen of Vampire Fiction", the fabulously fanged make up a large amount of her writing, but it is not all she is capable of. Ms. Kilpatrick is also a teach and editor. She pens stories of ghosts, serial killers and most of the things that go bump in the night. We are greatly honored to feature this prolific author...and give away two of her books today!

Bloodlover by Nancy Kilpatrick


It's London, England, in the 1960s and anything goes. Julien has been around for almost 500 years, and most of that time he's been alone. To Jeanette, in her shallow world, Julien is just another man to be manipulated. Two of the most popular characters in the vampire series "Power of the Blood" meet in this novel of passion and violence, intrigue and revenge.



 The Vampire Stories of Nancy Kilpatrick by Nancy Kilpatrick

In this collection of stories by Nancy Kilpatrick, Canada's Queen of the Undead, we are exposed to the secret world of vampires. These stories reflect the dark side of humanity including our desires for passion, longevity, power, creativity and control. Nancy Kilpatrick has been likened to Anne Rice and is enormously popular and widely published writer, one of the leaders in the genre.

Rules & Regulations:

• Must be 18 or older
• Must be US resident
• Please no PO Boxes
• You must be a follower of Blog with Bite
• Contest Ends June 11th Midnight CST
  

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