Hunger Undone by J.A. Saare e-Book Publisher: Amira Press Available: Oct. 1, 2010 Genre: Paranormal Romance

Three months ago, jaguar shifter Marshall Mackenzie met his mate. Sultry witch Mira Jones is beautiful, smart, and everything he wants — there is just one problem. Their introduction was orchestrated by his employer, which meant Marshall was forced to break Mira’s trust in order to uncover the secrets of a magical coven responsible for killing innocents. Mira fled from him when she learned the truth — both angry and afraid — but Marshall’s determined to teach the alluring female that while she can run from the hunger that now consumes her, she can never hide.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Quick Rundown: Mira Jones is a witch and on the run. She has taken a job as a stripper when sexy Marshall Mackenzie finally catches up with her and they have some unfinished business between them.  Mira is Marshall’s mate but when Marshall was forced to betray Mira in the interest of justice Mira hit the road before she had the full story.  Marshall is ready to claim his mate and make things right between them. 

 

First impression:   I felt as though I was arriving to a movie a little late but was able to catch on and get with the program with no trouble at all.  I settled right in and enjoyed.

 

The Hero: A Texas cowboy jaguar shifter?  Very sexy and very alpha.  Do they have jaguars in Texas?  I don’t know but I like cowboys and I loved Marshall. 

 

The Heroine: A witch on the run who is determined to avoid the hand that fate dealt her.  Not only is she avoiding Marshall but she’s got a badass warlock on her tail. 

 

What worked: Although this was a short story it felt fairly well rounded and had a nice conclusion.  I could feel Marshall’s need to claim his mate and make things right between them.  He was forceful yet a gentleman, and I really like that, it’s very sexy.  Of course I wanted more story, but that’s just a sign that I liked it. 

 

What didn’t work: At times the sex scene was a little too descriptive for me.  Although it was erotic, it felt like too much and sometimes I’d rather imagine certain things rather than read them.  Here is an example:

She could feel the hot gush of wetness that signaled her release and was too swept up in the moment to be embarrassed of the loud slurps that accompanied it.

Final conclusion: A short story that packs a very sexy punch.  If you’re looking for a very quick read that will warm you up in a hurry, grab this one, I think you’ll enjoy. 

 

Favorite Quote:

But I can promise you that the only big gun you’ll meet tonight”—he yanked her close, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her against him, until they were hip to hip and she could feel the hard outline of his notable erection—“will be this one right here, darlin’.”

 

 

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author’s Website

Purchase Link: Amira Press 

J.A. Saare would like to give away an ebook copy of Hunger Undone and an ebook copy of A Kiss Before Dying.  Just leave a comment on this review and please indicate which book you’d like to win.  Open to all.  Open until Oct. 20, winner announced soon after.

A Kiss Before Dying  by J.A. Saare  eBook – Short Story Publisher: Amira Press Available: 2009 Genre: Paranormal Romance Book received from: Author

Katja Morgan has committed the ultimate taboo in the life of a blood slave; she has fallen in love with her master. Vampire Lord Sebastian Arsov is everything she has ever wanted – gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, kind. As their time together nears an end, she carefully constructs the ruse that will allow her to belong to her shellar in both body and soul.

But sharing an evening with her beloved comes at a high price – the cost of her life.

Disguised as a bed slave, Katja enters Sebastian’s chambers to experience the pleasures she’s been long denied. Including the bite that will ultimately kill her – what slaves refer to as a kiss before dying. As the night fades into the day, will Sebastian discover Katja’s true identity before it’s too late? Or will he lose the slave he’s come to love above all others?

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Quick Rundown: Katja is a blood slave who has fallen hopelessly in love with her vampire lord.  She believes this love is worth dying for so she devises a plan that will allow her to finally become his lover if only once.   

Impressions after the first chapter:  Beautifully written, flows nicely, a style I’ve come to expect from J.A. Saare.

The Hero: Sexy vampire lord with a heart who has a secret. 

The Heroine: Blood slave who has done what is forbidden to her; she has fallen in love with the vampire she serves.

What worked: As always it’s the writing that impresses me when reading J.A. Saare’s work.  Even in this very short story, she manages to create very sexy, romantic ambiance.  J.A. Saare does a good job creating characters to cheer for even within the constraints of a short story. 

What didn’t work: Nothing really.  I really enjoyed this short story and the one niggly thing that ruffled me a bit was explained in the end.  Still not a fan of this certain scenario, but it worked in this story.  I really can’t go into detail without spoiling, sorry. 

Final conclusion: A Kiss Before Dying is a very romantic, and sexy story.  Although because of the story’s length there was not time to fully develop the characters, they are still likeable and interesting.  If you have not read J.A. Saare, this story is a good way to sample her style and get a good idea of what you can expect from her in other works.  I enjoyed this very sensual love story and would have loved for it to have been longer.  (That’s always my complaint for short stories and novellas I like.) 

Favorite Quote: “One day in our future, I’m going to go by the gentlemanly adage,” he told me a hoarse voice, “ladies first.”

 

Purchase a copy of A Kiss Before Dying

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author’s website

Crimson Moon  by J.A. Saare   Paperback: 350 pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Available: June 25, 2010 Genre: Paranormal Romance Book received from: Author 

Trueblood vampires. Those set apart from common’s by right of blood. Graced with extraordinary abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition – they are the most powerful and feared among their kind. The secret lies within, a legacy evolving from the truest form of magic, and their living bloodlines are the key.

An average morning is what Emma Johnson envisions when she visits Joe’s Café for a steaming cup of coffee. But the world isn’t the place she imagined it to be, and neither is she…

After Emma is rescued from a horde of bloodthirsty creatures, she discovers she is the daughter of a powerful Vampire from the House Deviard, her rescuer, Caleb, having been sent to see her safely home. For Caleb is also unique, a werewolf procured to protect the royal Vampiric bloodlines from harm – but nothing more.

Soon, the undeniable connection Emma and Caleb share evolves beyond attraction into something unexpected. When she is forced to make a choice, what path will she take – vampire or wolf?

Emma is a young woman who is basically on her own.  She doesn’t know her father and her mother died when she was young so she was raised by her grandmother who is now incoherent most days due to her failing health.  Her life is not that of an average 18 year old but certainly certainly mundane to say the least. That’s all about to change with one visit to a local cafe.  A former classmate from school spots her and stops to say hello.  When Emma gets a strange vibe from him, she makes a polite but quick retreat.  That’s when her world is changed forever.  She finds herself being chased down by a gang of semi-human creatures.  In the process she is abducted by two men who claim they are they are there to protect her.  They tell her she is the daughter of a powerful Trueblood vampire and her life is in danger.  In a matter of minutes, Emma is thrust into a dangerous world of vampires and werewolves.   

Caleb is a werewolf who is part of a unique group that has been hired by the Trueblood vampires for protection.  This is supposed to be just a job but it doesn’t take Caleb long to realize Emma is much more than a charge he’s bound to protect.  In the process of their journey together, Emma finds herself inexplicably attracted to Caleb, and he appears to feel the same way about her.  Fate seems to have put them together, however it is now about to tear them apart. Emma must leave Caleb to go to her Vampire family to make a choice that will forever change her life. 

Crimson Moon reads almost like to books combined.  In the first half (the werewolf half) we experience Emma and Caleb’s developing romance. Knowing they will have to eventually part ways it’s a very emotional build on their romantic relationship.  When the time comes for Emma to leave and go to her vampire family,(the vampire half) we’re introduced to Trent, a vampire that has been watching Emma for years.  He’s been watching out for her on orders from her father.  He acts as mentor to her when she is introduced to her vampire family, guiding her and teaching her in vampire ways and laws.  He also has a romantic interest in Emma which she resists, but due to her circumstances, things become very complicated. 

I found myself very torn in this love triangle which I didn’t think possible.  Caleb is certainly a swoon worthy hero and he captured my heart right away.  When Trent entered the picture I was immediately suspect of him and never dreamed I might be tempted to the vampire side. However I found myself to be quite fickle in my affections for the heroes in this story and a bit torn in how I feel about the ending.  I most certainly look forward to the next book in series, in hopes that all the heroes I loved in this book will find their happily ever after.  

I really only have one tiny complaint with this story and it’s one I can’t discuss fully without spoiling.  So, I will put it this way: I was not fully convinced at the reaction one of the characters had to an epic betrayal.  Although this particular character seemed to take pretty much everything in stride, the betrayal was major and the reaction just didn’t seem inline with the offense and it felt glazed over.  I wish I could go into more but that’s really all l can say without ruining a major plot twist, sorry. 

J.A. Saare has written a wonderfully romantic story in Crimson Moon.  The characters are emotionally authentic and the writing is crisp with with an exciting plot that is sure to pull you in and keep you captivated with every page.  If you like stories with sexy, romantic heroes, strong, quick witted heroines, and intriguing plot twists, then you’ll want to read Crimson Moon.  

 

Note: I usually put my favorite quote from the book in this spot.  I was so engaged in this story, I forgot to pick a favorite quote.  O_o 

 

Purchase: a copy of Crimson Moon at Amazon

Purchase Crimson Moon at Wild Rose Press

Other reviews on GoodReads

Visit J.A. Saare at:

Website | Blog |Twitter |GoodReads

****GIVEAWAY****

J.A. Saare has generously offered a signed copy of Crimson Moon to one lucky reader.  Your comment on this review or your question for Ms. Saare is your entry for the giveaway.  If you’d like to comment but don’t wish to be entered, please indicate that in your comment.  Giveaway will run until July 3 and this time it’s open to US and Canada only. 

Please note that I must be able to contact you via email in order for you to claim your prize.

I’m pleased to be chatting with author J.A. Saare today. 

FV: Tell me about J.A. Saare.

JAS: That question is so hard, because I so want to be the “cool” person everyone wants to talk to. Unfortunately, I’m just me – a stay at home mom with four growing rugrats and a constant stream of madness consuming her household.

When I have me time I love to read, write, listen to music, shoot pool, eat Girl Scout Cookies, drink imported apple cider, and watch horror movies.

FV: You also write under the pen name Aline Hunter. Tell me about that.

JAS: The Aline Hunter pen was something that occurred over confusion in regard to my stories. When I started out, I wrote what was supposed to be a YA romance (Crimson Moon is now a paranormal romance, which will release in June). At the time, I was a wimp and refused to write any kind of sex. Then, after I wrote Dead, I started exploring sexier themes and wrote Eternity and a Day (the first in an erotic paranormal series). However, even then, the sex was pretty tame.

One day, I decided it was time to get over my fear of writing sex. The result is a batch of short stories and novellas at Amira Press (A Kiss Before Dying, Moon Kissed, Soft As Moonlight, and Lick Of Frost). For the first time, I wrote with sex being a focal point versus a component. The reaction was good, so I took Eternity and a Day, rewrote all of the steamy scenes with Runa and Eric, and created my first full-length erotic paranormal romance.

The trouble was people were attaching the J.A. Saare name to erotica, not urban fantasy, which created a problem when I started trying to promote and get some kind of networking started. People saw the cover for Dead and immediately asked, “What kind of story is this, exactly?” A few explanations later, and the decisions to create an alias was all but cemented. Since the stories at Amira were the only ones I’d written so far (and only rate as spicy, not hot), I decided to keep them under my original name and create a new pen for my “naughtier” side.

FV: Now that you’ve ventured into the world of Erotic Romance will Urban Fantasy remain your main focus or will you balance between the two genres.

JAS: I’ll rotate, definitely. There is something positive to be said for both.

Believe it or not, writing erotica challenges me in a ways UF never does. For some reason my brain was always comfortable writing about gore, death, and the depravity of humanity. Yet, when I tried to write a sexy scene, there was something “wrong” about it.

It’s really perverse, when you think about it. Violence is a socially accepted norm. But don’t discuss people making love or their “kinks”. It’s time to kick the taboo!

FV: What character from Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, would you most like to spend an afternoon with and what would you like to do.

JAS: I’d want me some Disco time, although my CP, Cari, would probably fight me over it (she’s informed me he is hers). I’d ask him to take me to the park and share a few of the stories he’s collected in his lifetime. He’s the one character I misunderstood when I started writing Dead, but forced me to truly “see” him for the gentleman he is and cut him some slack.

FV: Where do you tend to find inspiration for the books you write?

JAS: Anywhere and everywhere. It can be a glimpse of an image I see in my head, a scene in a movie, the stanza of a song, a catchy baseline… The muse strikes anywhere and everywhere. The tiny composition pads I carry in my purse are a testament to it!

FV: Tell me about your current work in progress.

JAS: Aside from the second story in Rhiannon’s series, The Renfield Syndrome? *grin* I have several projects on my plate, but I’m focusing on one in particular.

Omega Mine is a shifter story of a different kind. It’s about Diskant Black, the Omega of all the shifters in New York City. Blessed with the ability to shift to any form, he also protects the races by pooling their strength and bringing them together during times of crisis.

One night after meeting with the Alpha of a local pard, he comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress – who just so happens to be his mate.

It’s going to be penned under the Aline Hunter moniker, so you can expect some super-smut to take place.

FV: What are you reading right now?

JAS: March Misfit by Barbara Stremikis. A YA story about life, death, and second chances (available at The Wild Rose Press).

Since I started writing in the e-pub industry, I’ve made it a point to purchase from them as well. There are so many outstanding authors who, due to the congestion in the market, have ventured into smaller press publication to see their dream come to life. If you’ve not checked out books from some of the smaller presses, I highly recommend them. There is some great material to be found, and there are a multitude of voices you’re sure to love.  <—I agree!

FV: I understand you are a Nine Inch Nails fan. Tell me your favorite NIN lyric and what it does for you.

JAS: Again, so many! Let’s see…

From Something I can Never Have: I still recall the taste of your tears…

Gives me goose bumps, every single time! There is something so powerful in that, tasting someone’s grief. It can be taken literally or figuratively, which I love.

FV: Does music inspire you when you write?  Do you use play lists? 

JAS: I have several playlists, and depending on what I’m doing, one is always on. I have a constant loop of all my M83 for editing, romance scenes, or revisions. (It’s truly fantastic for those) I also have my heavy metal music, my musical scores and soundtracks, and just about any other thing you can imagine.

Normally, the iTunes goes on random. I love getting a variety of music when I work. But sometimes I’ll get a hankering for something specific and I’ll adjust accordingly.

FV: Quickfire: Don’t think, just answer! Prep or Punk? Punk

French toast or Pancakes? French Toast

My Chemical Romance or Fall Out Boy? My Chemical Romance

Emo or Goth? Goth

Jacob Black or Edward Cullen? Jacob

Shaken or Stirred? Shaken

MTV or VH1? MTV

City or Country? Country

FV: Thanks so much stopping by www.FictionVixen.com today. 

JAS: Thanks for having me on the blog! And for allowing me to share! It’s great to meet everyone and to get to know new people!

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

~~GIVEAWAY~~

Ms. Saare has generously offered a signed copy of her book, Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between. 

To enter, leave a comment here, and tell Ms. Saare why you’d like to read Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between.  (pssst…her birthday was yesterday so if you want to wish her a happy birthday that’d be cool too)

You have until March 20 to enter, I will announce the winner the following day.  Thanks to Ms. Saare the giveaway is open to all! 

Dead, Undead Or Somewhere In Between by J.A. Saare  Paperback: 244 pages Publisher: Eternal Press Available: February 7, 2010 ISBN-13: 978-1770650220 Genre: Urban Fantasy Book received from: Author

One bad corpse can ruin your whole day.

No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy. She left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her—until now.

The deliciously good-looking vampire, Disco, knows her secret. When he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, Rhiannon discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no.

But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.

Have you ever picked up a book, read the first line, and knew right then you were going to like it? 

“Rhiannon’s Law #27: When you’re working in a gentleman’s club and one of your dancers takes off those heels, alert the big guns, an ass kicking is on the menu.”

This is the first line in Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between.  Yes, I knew I was going to like Rhiannon right away.  She is a bartender in strip bar otherwise known as a gentleman’s club.  She’s also a necromancer, which means she can see spirits that linger in this realm for one reason or another.  But she’s not your run of the mill necromancer. Not only can she see the dead, she can see the twice dead, meaning she can see vampires who have been killed.  This makes her quite a hot commodity in the vampire world.  Being human and coveted by vampires can be very beneficial, or quite dangerous to a girl’s well being, depending on who’s coveting you.

When vampires start dying, the head of a local vampire family decides it’s time to find out who’s killing them and why.  It’s not easy to kill a vampire and the fact someone has the power to do so has set the vampire community on edge.  When Disco, realizes Rhiannon can see the twice dead, he seeks her out to help find out who is killing vampires.  That’s something she’s not all too thrilled about.  The idea of hanging out with vampires is not her idea of a good time.  However, Disco is pretty easy on the eyes and he might just want Rhiannon for more than a little vampire sleuthing. 

I fell in love with the two main characters in Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between right away.  Rhiannon is tough, and yet a little vulnerable.  She has a tragic past but in no way does she wallow in it.  She’s a sharp both in wit and intellect and her point of view is fresh providing many laugh out loud moments.  Disco, is a super sexy vampire that knows what he wants.  He’s large and in charge and the only thing that can hold him back in lack of an invitation.  So if you’re not feeling Disco, don’t invite him in.  What I loved most about him is his gentlemanly nature and his respect for Rhiannon.  As a very powerful vampire he can have most anything he wants but at no time does he ever take from Rhiannon what she is not willing to give. 

There are several secondary characters in this story but there are a couple that stood out among the crowd and really captured my attention.  Paine is a vampire and a lifelong friend to Disco.  He has a unique talent—or  curse, depending on how you look at it—that allows him to see flashes of someone’s past and future when he touches them.  So, it is possible for him to know the circumstances of someone’s death. That’s quite a burden and a huge obstacle in developing relationships and therefore he seems to be quite a lonely soul.  And then there’s Goose who is human and also a necromancer that becomes both a mentor and friend to Rhiannon. I found him intriguing because he is a human who has pledged fealty to Disco’s vampire clan.  He also uses his necromancer skills to help people who mourn the loss of loved ones find peace.  He seems to be the quintessential good guy and I hope that we’ll hear more from him in future books in this series, and perhaps his own little romance? 

Ms. Saare knows how to write a villain.  Although the true villain is not revealed until very late in the story, once revealed the story took on a much darker edge leaving Rhiannon face down an evil far beyond what she could have thought possible. 

I enjoyed Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between with it’s colorful characters and sexy romance.  Although it didn’t offer a whole new take on vampires, it did offer several unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages. The ending was bittersweet for me, as Ms. Saare lead me down a fairly obvious path to conclusion and then tossed in a very unexpected surprise at the end.  I’m more than ready for the next book in series, The Renfield Syndrome.

 

 

Purchase a copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between

Other books in the series

The Renfield Syndrome (TBA)

GoodReads

Visit J.A. Saare at: Website | Blog |Twitter | GoodReads

Stop by tomorrow for a fun interview with J.A. Saare and a giveway!