Welcome to Laurie London, Caridad Pineiro, Michele Hauf and Alexis Morgan, who are talking about their new anthology, A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS (available now from HQN books) on the #VampXmas blog tour.   The stories in the festive and hot collection range from charming to seductive (you can read Abigail’s review of this anthology here).  Also, we have a cool giveaway package involved! See details below.

Thanks, Abigail, for hosting us for the #VampXmas blog tour. Hi Everyone!

The anthology, A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS, was just released and all four authors are here today, answering the same question. Stay tuned at the end for a chance to win a cool prize package.

Question: Tell us about the heroine of your short story in the anthology A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS?

Title: A Vampire For Christmas Author: Caridad Piñeiro, Michele Hauf, Laurie London, Alexis Morgan Series: Sweetblood #2.5 Cover Art: N/A Genre: Paranormal Romance Excerpt: Yes Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Abigail Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (October 18, 2011) ISBN-10: 0373776446 ISBN-13: 978-0373776443 Sexual Content: See each story Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

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Hush, Hush: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 by Becca Fitzpatrick 

(Click to enlarge) Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description: Hush, Hush is the story of Nora Grey, a studious sixteen-year-old girl from Coldwater, Maine. It has been a year since her father's murder and she is not interested in much other than her schoolwork. Then she meets Patch, a bad boy—and fallen angel. Though unwisely attracted to him, Nora finds herself caught in a battle between the fallen and the immortal. Choosing the wrong side could cost Nora her life. Becca Fitzpatrick is delighted to have her book brought to graphic novel form. "Hush, Hush was my first book, and it's so thrilling that it has been embraced by so many readers. I'm delighted to be working with Sea Lion to tell Patch and Nora's story through graphic novel format!" Sea Lion Books shares the delight in working alongside the bestselling author on the adaptation, and feels that Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series is a fantastic addition to its graphic novel line. Hush, Hush #1 is scheduled to debut in winter 2011. The creative team on the project will be announced at a later date. No Author Comment Available.

Series: Hush, Hush: The Graphic Novel #1 Artist:  Jennyson Rosero Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Sea Lion Books Release Date: October 2011 Source: A Cupcake and a Latte
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Messing with any cover as beloved as the original HUSH, HUSH is dicey business, but I feel like this cover art does a great job reminding me of the original while still switching to a decidedly graphic style.  I’ve never read these books, however, what do Patch fans think of his new look?	I have read them and I like it very much.  Nothing will ever come close to James Porto original, but this is so dark and delicious…I think it’s an excellent look for this medium.

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Embrace Me at Dawn by Shayla Black 

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Description: This is the fifth book in Shayla Black's sizzling paranormal "Doomsday Brethren" series, featuring Lucan and Anka. No Author Comment Available.

Series: Doomsday Brethren #5 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Shelley Bradley, LLC Release Date: February 2012 Source: Wanton Thoughts & Wicked Scribes
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
The teal and pink color palette don’t do it for me.  This cover looks more like Erotica than Paranormal Romance for me, but it’s hard for me to pin point why…	The color palette is bugging me too.  And it does have an erotic vibe.

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Darkness on Fire by Alexis Morgan 

(Click to enlarge) Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description: A warrior in need of a battle he can fight . . . Penn has struggled for years to overcome a devastating injury to his sword arm.  He’s been forced to sit on the sidelines and watch his friends fight and die while all he can do is watch. Then Devlin offers him a mission: a mysterious woman called to warn them that someone is threatening the stability of the barrier near the Yellowstone caldera, which could destroy both worlds. Penn packs his guns and his sword and heads for Wyoming to assess the situation. Jora b’Larths parents brought  her to our world as an infant. She  has spent her entire life living in fear of being discovered by her people’s enemies, the Paladins. But now the stakes are too high to worry about her own safety. Penn and Jora join forces to face a common enemy.  To save their worlds, they’ll risk their lives—and their hearts. “Everyone, meet Penn Sebastian!” – Alexis Morgan

Series: Paladins of Darkness #9 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: N/A Release Date: N/A Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I love how mainstream handsome this cover model is, huzaaah for giving this guy a t-shirt and jeans!  The leather duster looks a little over the top (in my head I’m re-dressing him with a regular leather jacket, *happy*), but I guess we needed something to indicate Urban Fantasy…	I’m just thrilled they ditched the shirtless, sleeveless vest.  Huzaaah to that!

Previous Covers in This Series

     



  

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins 

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Description: Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted. Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident. Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late? “Once again, the amazing people at Hyperion have hit it out of the PARK, if you ask me.” – Rachel Hawkins

Series: Hex Hall #3 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Hyperion Book CH Release Date: March 13, 2012 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I really enjoy how the images in this series hint at the content.  I particularly love that this one has paranormal elements “in the real world” and it’s her reflection that looks mundane.	These covers are always fun.  I didn’t even notice that they had switched which end showed the normal girl for this cover…I really need to start reading this series.

Previous Covers in This Series

     
 

Shadow’s Edge by Maureen Lipinski 

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Description: A new series shimmering with danger, romance, and otherworldly magic. Sixteen-year-old Leah Spencer didn't mind being a natural-born Shaman to the Créatúir. Until she broke Rule #1 and traveled to the Other Realm, where she quickly lost time. Like, a whole year of time. She missed out on everything—holidays, school, her sixteenth birthday, the boyfriend who ditched her. So Leah swore to leave all things magical behind her and lead the life of a normal high school girl. But when a mysterious dark force starts offing the Créatúir, both Light and Dark, Leah must choose between her new life and "getting all CSI" on the Other Realm murder spree. With the help of her three sisters (each with their own magical gift), and three gorgeous guys—who may or may not be part of the evil magic—Leah must vanquish an ancient dark force that is connected to her family in unimaginable ways. No Author Comment Available.

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Flux Release Date: January 8, 2012 Source: la femme readers
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
Love this cover model’s face, she looks very striking and individual.  The graphics that sweep across her eye give her expression a little something mysterious, and the background details work well together.	Yep, yep, and yep.  I’m a little leery of the ‘getting all CSI’ line from the description, but the cover works.

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Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne 

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Description: Girl, Interrupted meets Beautiful Creatures in this fast-paced thriller When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn’t expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she’s going crazy. Fast. But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she’s come home. She’s even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red. Faye knows she’s the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can’t trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her—and the rest of the world too. Rich, compelling writing will keep the pages turning in this riveting and tautly told psychological thriller. No Author Comment Available.

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Putnam Juvenile Release Date: February 2, 2012 Source: la femme readers
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
*LOVE*  This cover reminds me of a tarot card, all hidden meanings and hints.  Perfectly compliments the title, this image is rife with portents.	Tarot card was my first thought too, but I wish there had been more details, more hidden items relating to the story.  Still pretty, though.

Previous Covers in This Series

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The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers 

(Click to enlarge) Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description: Jocelyn’s twin brother Jack was the only family she had growing up in a world of foster homes—and now he’s dead, and she has nothing. Then she gets a cryptic letter from “Jason December”—the code name her brother used to use when they were children at Seale House, a terrifying foster home that they believed had dark powers. Only one other person knows about Jason December: Noah, Jocelyn’s childhood crush and their only real friend among the troubled children at Seale House. But when Jocelyn returns to Seale House and the city where she last saw Noah, she gets more than she bargained for. Turns out the house’s powers weren’t just a figment of a childish imagination. And someone is following Jocelyn. Is Jack still alive? And if he is, what kind of trouble is he in? The answer is revealed in a shocking twist that turns this story on its head and will send readers straight back to page 1 to read the book in a whole new light. No Author Comment Available.

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens Release Date: February 14, 2012 Source: la femme readers
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I don’t think the happy waving guy is necessary to indicate that the house on the bottom is the “nice” one, but I like the light and dark dichotomy in these reflections.	You think he’s waving?  It looks to me like he’s reaching for help…but I agree the light/dark houses are an interesting touch.

Previous Covers in This Series

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Radiant Desire by Inara Scott 

(Click to enlarge) Not Yet Available for Pre-Order.

Description: The object of every man’s fantasy just lost her wings… Kaia Verde is one of the four Faerie Handmaids of Zafira, Queen of the Fey. To redress an ancient wrong done to Zafira by a human king, the Handmaids make sport of mortal men, seducing and humiliating them. When Kaia sets out to seduce Garrett Jameson, but ends up being the one surrendering to pleasure, Zafira is furious. Kaia’s punishment is simple: make Garrett fall in love with her by the summer solstice, then break his heart, or face eternity without her wings—or her soul. To make the task harder, Zafira tells Kaia she cannot use her faerie magic or charm to lure Garrett into her bed. …and now she’s losing her heart… Kaia thinks her task will be relatively easy—as a faerie, she understands lust, and can love be much different? But once she is living among the humans, Kaia discovers the race she once disparaged is far more complex and beautiful than she imagined. More… No Author Comment Available.

Series: Handmaid’s Seduction #1 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Entangled Publishing Release Date: October 2011 Source: Entangled Publishing
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I love her butterfly wings, but spent a lot of time staring at the flip of her skirt on the right.  And I’m not crazy about the title font, it looks very cutesy.	I like it, but as with the cover last week, I thought it was YA…is it just the wings?  Are there any adult faerie books that look adult?

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   Siege by Rhiannon Frater 

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Description: As the survivors continue to seek stability in their lives, forces both inside and outside the fort walls move them toward a final, climactic conflict between the living and the dead.  Jenni, Katie and the others discover that they are not alone, that there is another enclave of survivors whose leaders plan to take over the fort. Faced with a series of difficult decisions, each choice they make could lead to the deaths of those they love or, if not careful, their own demise. Meanwhile, an army of the dead is descending on the fort. Soon, the living will face their ultimate fear... ...a siege by the dead. But they will fight to the end to survive... As the world dies.   “Isn’t it amazing?  I really love it.  I feel it goes perfectly with the previous two books.” – Rhiannon Frater

Series: As the World Dies: A Zombie Trilogy #3 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Tor Books Release Date: 2012 Source: Author’s Blog
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I love Jenni and Kate in the foreground with so much fire and chaos in the background.  Great staging.	I like it too…not gonna read it…but the cover is cool

 

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      No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper 

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Description: England, 1888. The trees are green, the birds are singing, and in 200 years demons will destroy it all. Unless Joan, a rough-around-the-edges assassin from the future, can take out the dark magician responsible. But to get close to her target she'll need help learning how to fit into society. Simon has his own reasons for wanting to destroy Alex Reynell, and Joan may be his perfect revenge. But as each day passes, Simon is less sure he wants her anywhere near Reynell. Because no spell in the world will save his future if she isn't in it.   No Author Comment Available.

Series: N/A Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca Release Date: September 1, 2011 Source: Babbling About Books
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
At first glance, with that dress and title, I thought this book was all Historical Romance.  Once my eye caught that tattoo however, I started noticing the knot work in the background and the sweep of the hair… very subtle Urban Fantasy hints.  Absolutely love it.	This description is nuts…in a good way.  It will be interesting to see how well all these genres blend.  I do think the cover does a good job of teasing us a little with the historical and paranormal elements…just wish the Sci-Fi had been in there too.

 

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     Havoc by Jeff Sampson 

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Description: Emily Webb thought life would return to normal after the death of the man who attacked her and her fellow “Deviants.” Or as normal as it could be, after discovering that she has nighttime superpowers . . . and she’s a werewolf. But when Emily awakes one night to find an otherworldy Shadowman watching her, she knows the danger has only just begun. So Emily and her pack-mates set out to find the people who made them what they are, and why. But as they get closer to the truth, they realize they aren’t the only ones in town with special powers: The most popular girls in school might just have a secret of their own–and they might just have it out for Emily. With shadowy beings stalking them, a mysterious company doing all it can to keep the truth hidden, and the secrecy of her new identity in jeopardy, life threatens to spiral out of control for Emily. Soon these dangers will come together in one terrifying confrontation that may force her to make the toughest choice of her life . . . so far.   No Author Comment Available.

Series: Deviants #2 Artist: N/A Goodreads: Link	Publisher: Balzer + Bray Release Date: January 24, 2012 Source: The Bookologist
Julia’s Thoughts	Abigail’s Thoughts
I’m not saying I don’t understand how this complements the first in the series.  I’m not saying I didn't appreciate the change in her posture or how she  is poised to run.  But, good heavens, I can’t possibly be the first person to point out that having a virulent green cloud of gas around the waist of a heroine is *never* a good idea, I don’t care how it ties in with the first book’s cover.	Julia!  What can I possibly say after that? LOL

 

Previous Covers in This Series

  

And our picks for Best & Worst…

Best	Worst

Which are your Best and Worst?