The Nightlife: New York by Travis Luedke

Author: Travis Luedke

Title: The Nightlife: New York

Series: The Nightlife Series, Book 1

Publisher: Travis Luedke

Release Date: August 18, 2012

ASIN: B0090P1MIU

Author's Site: twluedke.com

NOTE: This book contains graphic language, erotica, and violent situations. Recommended for readers 18+

Several years have passed since I've read a story by a male author in my beloved vampire genre. I believe Polidori, Tieck, Goethe, and Le Fanu were the last male authors who penned vampire fiction which I appreciate. I usually sway in another direction from male authors who write romance stories because sometimes they're just too crass and simply don't get it. But then I happened to come across fellow Texan, Travis Luedke who had positive ratings by both women and men, had a pretty amazing book series cover (that's right, I judge books by their covers!!) and he mentioned that his first story in a series was online for free. I figured I 'd see what I missing out on. He didn't disappoint... until the end. But let me explain: It's me, not him... you'll see.

Luedke was able to write for both the ladies and men in his first book which isn't easy for many authors to accomplish. We're introduced to Michelle who is classically French, blonde, beyond beautiful, and a seductress who knows exactly how to get what she needs when she wants it. Score one for the guys.

Then there's Aaron who is adorkable, kind, strong, sexy but doesn't know it and someone who get's to be molded into that perfect man. Score one for the girlies.

I know vampires are supposed to be vengeful, corrupt, and evil, but I liked that Miss Vampire Michelle was torn internally as how to live with her new companion. Her past is terrible and one she tries not to impose on Aaron. She feeds to survive. She teaches Aaron lessons on survival, not corruption. Oddly enough, the humans they cross paths with are vile and unscrupulous. Touché, Mr. Luedke.

The foundation laid for Michelle and Aaron's upcoming adventure with unruly detectives is spot on. I kinda sorta already knew what to expect and which way the outcome of their confrontations was going to sway. But the story and time leading up to their brawl is well-paced and I found myself cheering for those bloody vampires.

Another aspect of the story I enjoyed was that the story kept going. Yup, you read that right. The author actually kept writing after all the hoopla and we get a little more closure in book one. However, it's the ending which caught me completely off guard and made me, um, uneasy? Some pretty graphic stuff happens. I'm a pansy when it comes to reading and "seeing" those words in my head become an imaginative reality. No me gusta. That happened a couple of times throughout the book, but the ending sealed the deal for me to not continue the series. Like I said, it's me, not him.

The writing, the story, the plot, the characters... everything was cohesive and fell into place. I read the synopses for his follow up stories and I'm pretty content that ending my relationships with Michelle and Aaron right here is the appropriate thing for me. I'm not much of a stickler for bondage, sexual enslavement... that sort of thing. But if you are, then by all means read and continue!

Rated 4/5 owls

CRUSH by Lacey Weatherford

Author: Lacey Weatherford
Title: Crush
Series: Crush Series, Book 1
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Release Date: October, 19, 2012 (Paperback, 332 pgs)
ISBN: 1479398772
Author's Site: http://www.laceyweatherfordbooks.com/

Alright, so I've had this book on my TBR list for quite some time now. The reviews and stars were so positive I assumed it was going to be another fantastic series I would instantly fangirl over. I was so, so, so wrong. I'm a bit confused as to who the author is writing for? The characters are very one dimensional and everyone is so polite and cordial. Saying 'thank you', 'please', and 'I'm sorry' after every sentence. I mean, nobody constantly thanks someone for liking them all the time right? 

And this seventeen year old teenager, Cami, is so open and loving towards her parents. No disgruntled, hormonal teenager yelling and slamming doors ever. So that makes me think it's targeted for middle school readers. But then! there  are make out scenes left and right. On the football field, classrooms, bedrooms, living rooms... Then I think, 'Alright, this is for high school readers.' There's also talk about drugs and a drug war, the love interest is a pot head (among other things) and justifies his drug use. Stahp!

Furthermore, there is this dark looming secret that Hunter, the love interest, has and can't tell anyone about it. This secret is talked about to death but isn't proclaimed until the book is almost over. Oh, oh, oh! I almost forgot about the creepy best friend whom Cami always professes her love for as a brother only. Really, she keeps telling this mentally crazed kid she loves him, she loves him, she loves him, but can only be his best friend and nothing more. So annoying!! THAT IS WHY IS STALKING YOU and kisses you every opportunity he gets, Cami. Bleh. 

The writing itself is subpar and pretty straightforward. Pretty shocking since I did a little more research on Weatherford and she's produced several series books. I appreciate the time spent to write a book, even more so, a series. But honestly, how the author is able to pen additional books in this series is beyond me. The characters are tiresome, conversations are dragged out too long, and there were even grammatical errors throughout the book. I'm just glad I've finished this book and got it out of the way. I really was disappointed. I guess it's obvious I will not continue with the series, huh? 

Rated 1/5 Owls

ENSHADOWED by Kelly Creagh

Author: Kelly Creagh

Title: Enshadowed

Series: Nevermore Series, Book 2

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Release Date: Aug. 28, 2012 (Kindle), Aug. 27, 2013 (Hardcover, 448 pgs)

ISBN: 1442402067

Author's Site: http://www.kellycreagh.com/

Some part of me knew which way this book was going to go before I even picked it up, but I'd put that thought aside and hoped I would be proven wrong. Unfortunately, the story swayed as I originally thought it would. But that's alright, I suppose, because there has to be a final chapter to this three-part series. 

I first have to say that I was recently introduced to NEVERMORE by accident while browsing around Amazon deep into the late hours, as usual, and I'm so glad I did. (The cover swayed me too. I mean, you HAVE  seen Varen, right? Also, who are those models?) I purchased NEVERMORE (Book 1) and it arrived a day later. To my surprise, the book was hefty; five-hundred pages of a newfangled tale and genre that I don't recall having ever read. At first I was reluctant to begin such a long story but by the end of the day, well, night (2 am), I read NEVERMORE in it's entirety. I had to have more immediately. And so I immediately searched on Amazon, tweeted Ms. Creagh, and snagged my Kindle to purchase the second part of Isobel's and Varen's digital story.

I digress. Sorry. So getting back to ENSHADOWED… I must exclaim that I enjoyed every page of this book! Talk about a page-turner. It's face-paced, mesmerizing, suspenseful, and I found myself holding my breath and forgetting to breathe. ENSHADOWED is the second book in a three-part series that continues with Isobel's search to find her dear Varen. We see Isobel change drastically, but who wouldn't with Nocs and other disturbing creatures visiting you randomly, both in reality and the dream realm?

Without giving away too much Isobel finds herself battling with who she once was, who her parents want her to be, and who she needs to be to find Varen as she promised. She's confronted by her teacher, her parents, brother, new bestie, and now people from Varen's life. It's all so consuming and her struggle to figure out if she's in the dream world or not is finally making more sense to her… and to me. At times, I have to re-read parts and try to make sense of it and make mental notes of sequences, places, phrases, and even body language. 

There are questions answered from NEVERMORE but even more unanswered questions in ENSHADOWED. There are even surprises that arise and then later I think, 'Well, yeah. That had to happen because…' 

If you can't wait until August 28, 2013 for the hard/paperback, then grab your eReader and purchase this months early digital release to continue on Isobel's quest to find Varen. 

Rated 5/5 Owls

Haven't read the first part of this alluring tale? Click to purchase your copy of the first part of Isobel and Varen's eerie love story, NEVERMORE.

Calling all Morganville residents!

Thanks to the brave Rachel Caine who wrote our story about those we've lost to vampires, she's now trying to film a visual account about Morganville but she needs our help! Whether you're currently a resident of Morganville or decided to make a break for it, let's get our story heard! Let's back Rachel and help fund this project. WE ONLY HAVE THREE DAYS LEFT!! You can donate as little as one dollar - it really adds up. But if you're feeling generous, unlike the reprehensible Oliver, you can donate much more.

Simply click on Rachel's Kickstarter page to go through the levels and prizes. The latest I heard was that you can swipe Myrnin's bunny slippers. Not sure why Claire never snagged them? So let's support The Glass House gang because who doesn't want to see our favorite friends and foes come to life in weekly webisodes?

____________________

Rachel Caine is one of my favorite authors who introduced me to Morganville, Texas and her awesome  fifteen-part vampire series. She's also the screenplay writer for the TV Web Series if all is successfully granted.

Blake Calhoun, a Texas filmmaker, will be directing this project bringing the citizens of Morganville to life. He's experienced in web series productions so the townspeople are in good hands.


UPDATE: (7.11.13)
The Mornganville Web TV Series has surpassed their goal and production will begin in the coming months! I'm so excited as are the rest of the Morganville community. Hooray!