Padme's Library: 🌈Happy Pride Month 2022🌈: Top 20 LGBT Vampire Reads Part 3

Thursday, June 23, 2022

🌈Happy Pride Month 2022🌈: Top 20 LGBT Vampire Reads Part 3

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Here at Padme's Library I feature all genres but followers have probably noticed that 95% of the posts and 99% of my reviews fall under the LGBT genres, so for this year's Pride Month I am showcasing 20 of my favorite M/M vampires in no particular order. Vampires of all sorts perfectly blended with romance, drama, mystery, humor, and heart, creating unforgettable reads.

One Last Note:
Some of those on my list I have read, reread, & even listened/re-listened so I've included the review posted in my latest read/listen. Also, those that are read/re-read as a series the latest review may be an overall series review. If any of the purchase links included here don't work be sure and check the authors' websites/social media for the most recent links as they can change over time for a variety of reasons.

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Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 4

Halloween Angel by JP Bowie

Summary:

When Eddie Gillespie, recovering from an abusive relationship, meets a handsome stranger, Joshua Reynolds, in a local bar, an instant attraction flares between them. There's just one problem - no one else in the bar remembers Eddie being with Joshua.

Invited to a Halloween party by Hollywood's sexiest male star, Sam Peterson, Eddie arrives dressed as an angel, and is both startled and delighted to meet Joshua again. Their moment together is shattered by Sam who tells Eddie that he and Joshua are estranged brothers, and that Joshua is a dangerous liar who will only use and hurt Eddie. But Eddie is already captivated by Joshua's allure and the two leave the party together.

After a night of love and passion, a revelation from Joshua makes it seem as though Sam was right. Eddie can't believe his bad luck. To run from the threats of an abusive boyfriend into the arms of a vampire – could things get much worse?

Well, yes they could – but perhaps with the help of Cassandra, a good witch, Eddie's bad luck can be transformed into an experience that will change his life forever – and for the better.

Original Review October 2015:
A great little story of finding your true place in the world despite what others think. Eddie and Joshua are a perfect pair but that doesn't mean it's easy. Watching them find their place is a true gem and a great addition to my paranormal library.

RATING:

Emperor of Dragons by Davidson King
Summary:

Black Veil #2

Peace has descended on Black Veil once more, and hope is on the horizon.

Until a new threat arises…

Emil is the head of security, first line of defense for Cain and Black Veil. He takes great pride in his job, is fully prepared to sacrifice everything in order to keep everyone he cares about safe and the world from crumbling. But the Tritons and Sirens have approved a treaty, and the dragons will most likely agree to allow vampires to use their blood for sustenance and protection once again, so all is as it should be. Then Emil meets the emperor of dragons, and his life goes from calm to chaotic in the blink of an eye—loyalty and love now battle for dominance in his head.

Aldrich is the emperor of dragons, and he cannot afford to make mistakes. He and his clans enter Black Veil in the hopes that The Blood Boss will join them in the fight to save his family. Aldrich is ready to lay down his life and for anything else thrown his way—except the crystal-eyed vampire who immediately captures his interest. Emil is everything he has always wanted and would never dare dream of, and when all he holds dear is threatened, it’s Emil who keeps his dragon grounded.

When unimaginable dangers swarm into Black Veil, the vampires and dragons join forces and call upon every living creature in Black Veil to defeat the enemy. While love blooms, lives perish, all to fight a war against the darkness threatening to consume the world. Will Emil and Aldrich claim victory and have their happily ever after, or are they doomed to an eternity apart?

Original Review May Book of the Month 2021:

She's done it again!

From the very first page, Davidson King pulls you in to this paranormal world she has created. You find yourself so hooked that if you looked up you expect to see vampires, dragons, witches, oh my! Each character has burrowed in and won't let go until they are done telling you their journey.

I don't want to spoil anything, even the minutest detail because experiencing this journey is pure magic and not just in a paranormal way but in a "Holy Crap! Where did that come from?" kind of way. So this review won't be touching on any specifics plot-wise but more on an overall emotion grabber. When reading paranormal/fantasy, there is obviously a level of reality that doesn't even begin to enter one's mind but at the same time, when that fantasy world does begin to spark a flash of realism into one's soul, you know that you have found a winning gem.

And simply put, that is exactly what Davidson King's Emperor of Dragons has done: feels real.

As for the characters? Once again we see Cain and Jayce navigate and rule over Black Veil(so Cain is the one in charge of the territory but come on! We all know Jayce has a level of control where Cain is involved). This time around, the threat at large is not openly directed at their vampires but at the dragons which is where Aldrich enters the picture. Emil, one of Cain's top security vamps finds himself drawn to Aldrich and Aldrich is vice versa. Will they get the opportunity to become what it meant for them? You know my answer to that one: read for yourself.

Oh but the fun you will have finding out. I just finished reading this minutes ago but I know I wish I could experience it for the first time again.

Back to characters. There are new ones, there are returning ones, there are ones you will love with every fiber of your being, there are ones you will absolutely hate with a passion, and then there are those that will probably be a blend of each. I already have a couple of them that I think will be front and center of future entries and even though I just finished Emperor of Dragons, I'm already on tender hooks waiting for the next Black Veil adventure.

I know that Davidson King is all about the HEAs, the romance, and the heart but she is Queen of mayhem and danger too. I've read and watched plenty of fiction that involve world building universes, character driven drama, emotional battered heart and some are poorly done, some are well written, and then there are those that are exceptionally crafted. It is the exceptionally crafted ones that are storytelling at it's finest and Davidson King's Black Veil universe belongs in that category. To create something that can't possibly be real, that not only entertains but leaves the reader feeling lost when the final page is closed because they are no longer living in that world, well that's a whole other level of talent very few reach.

A final note: Some might say The Blood Boss and Emperor of Dragons can be read as standalones because they feature different couples, tackle different dangers, I honestly can't say that. For me, they have to be read in order. Not only are there characters from Blood that play a huge part in Emperor but I can't help but feel there is a larger picture at play here and each entry has a part in the complete adventure(hopefully there will be many layers to the complete picture because I am in no way ready to say goodbye to Black Veil). The author lets you in on things from book 1 so you wouldn't exactly be lost but I truly believe you'd be saying "huh, I wonder what happened there?" more than once. Not too mention, The Blood Boss is brilliant and was my personal choice for Best Paranormal Read of 2021.

RATING:

The Given and The Taken by LA Witt
Summary:
Tooth & Claw #1

Levi finally persuaded his wolf clan to allow him to bond to Ian instead of his predestined female mate. The catch? They have to spend a year apart after the bonding ritual. Then Ian must—using only their newly-forged spiritual connection—seek Levi out, proving the bond actually worked despite Ian being human.

Now the year is over, and Levi is desperate to have Ian back in his arms, but there’s one problem—Ian’s changed. In a moment of weakness during that agonizing year apart, Ian cheated… with a vampire. Now Ian himself is a vampire, and a devastated, furious Levi wants nothing to do with him.

That is until he learns his clan wants Ian brought to justice for desecrating their most sacred ritual. If they find him, they’ll learn he’s a vampire, and kill him. Afraid for Ian’s safety, Levi rushes to find him.

Darius, the vampire who converted Ian, tries to take him someplace safe, but when Levi catches up, all hell breaks loose. Now Ian’s on the run with a dead wolf’s blood on his hands, and the only way Levi or Darius are going to get near him is to work together.

They need to get to him before the rest of the clan… assuming they don’t kill each other first.

Original Review May 2018:
When Levi and Ian agreed the year separation after the bonding ceremony they knew it would be difficult but they had no idea it would be as difficult and life-changing as it was. Upon reuniting, Levi finds Ian changed. Ian is now a vampire and Levi wants nothing to do with him. When he returns to his pack and learns what their plan for Ian is, Levi rushes to reach him first . When Levi finds himself having to work with Darius, the vampire who changed Ian, to save Ian's life will they reach him before they kill each other or will the attraction they feel win out? And where will that leave Ian when they find him?

WOW! There is no other word that will better describe the awesomeness of The Given and the Taken. Just brilliantly WOW! One of the things that I appreciated the most was that these men live in a world where people know about vampires and werewolves, where they are more than just myth and legend. It probably occurs more than I think but not nearly enough for my liking so when I realized that humans knew about the vamps and wolves I loved this story even more.

As for the characters, I love them all, well not the pack elders but the four main characters were just awesome. Sure I wanted to kick Levi's butt for awhile but let's be honest if we were in his shoes you know you'd be quick to judge Ian too and then have to spend the rest of the time fixing your mistake, so I can forgive him for that😉 Ian makes some mistakes but he was human after all, was being the operative word. Darius may be a deadly vampire but I found him absolutely lovely and adorable. Selena, Levi's best friend and would-be-mate if Ian hadn't come along, was honest and in-your-face, not letting Levi get away with his shoddy treatment of Ian not to mention making sure Levi and Darius don't kill each other. What a great cast of characters.

I don't do spoilers but I have to say that I found Levi's faith in the pack laws evolving from trust to despising to be very believable. Unfortunately, at some point we all lose faith in something or see what everyone else has been telling us so I was able to really connect with Levi in that instance. Just brilliantly done from beginning to end and I can't wait to read parts 2 & 3 of the Tooth & Claw trilogy.

RATING:

Kingdom Volume 2 by RJ Scott

Summary:

The three books in this volume were previously published titles available separately. There have been no changes to the stories. Previously known as the Supernatural Bounty Hunters series.

The Demon's Blood #4

When Simeon, a mountain lion shifter meets Asher, a blood demon, there is instant attraction. But, how can they act on the way they feel when there is an entire kingdom at stake.

Asherkan Iblis is a blood demon, a slave to elves and a soldier. He keeps the fact he has royal elvish blood a secret. His half brother returns to broker peace but reveals he is actually there for much more and Asher faces a decision that could lead to his death.

Simeon Blue, brother of the leader of the Feline Guild, mountain lion shifter, is tasked to accompany Phin on a mission over the Red Mountains and into the Second Kingdom. He has to talk to the Guild but all they want to do is stay in isolation and his mission is fraught with danger.

When Simeon is wounded Asher hides him and suddenly, next to a kings death, a cousin's hate, and Ludvik's black magic, love falls on the agenda.

The Incubus Agenda #5

When Nicholas Tarrant sees a broken and bloody Brody Lennox dragged into the Werewolf Coalition he has to decide. Stay under cover or help the incubus live. His decision is simple.

Nicholas Tarrant has worked hard for his position on the Werewolf Coalition. Having access to whatever is happening inside the Coalition is important to the Underground and he's good at blending in.

Brody Lennox is sent to Glitnir to broker talks of peace but is dragged broken and bloody into the Council chambers. Ludvik wants him killed as a traitor.

Can Nicholas save Brody? Or is Brody too broken to be saved?

The Third Kingdom #6

The story that began as a simple Retriever case, has become the tale of the fight against a thousand years of evil.

The wolf shifters have Niceros to take down. The Vampire Twins have to deal with Cassius. The Second Kingdom is in disarray and Simeon, Asher and Phin are desperate to calm the unrest.

An alpha needs to accept his role, a blood demon has to become the King he was meant to be, and the Vampire twins have to end the war.

Against all this, Reuben and Ethan, lovers separated for a millennium, are thrown back in to a war to end the poison that is Ludvik Peitrol.

In a battle on the barren fields of Arberfan is where this story will end.

How can love survive the evil that is another's hate?

New Release Overall Series Review July 2017:

Micah and Connor are definitely a handful which makes them perfect for each other. Declan has met his match in the incubus Levi. Joseph finally gets some happiness if he & Phin finally let each other in. Asherkan & Simeon make for an interesting pair. Can their attraction be enough for Nicholas & Brody to overcome their differences? Reuben and Ethan have been given another chance after nearly a thousand years, but will it turn our any differently the second time around? These leaders and members of the Resistance want to change their corner of the world to make things better for all supernaturals but will they be able to find happiness for themselves along the way?

The series may have been given a new title along with a new presentation but the story arc is just as good as when I originally read it nearly 2 years ago. I loved how each story was another piece of the puzzle, I do love a good puzzle, and when everything and everyone comes together in The Third Kingdom, all the details start to fall into place. The finale is amazing and brings a conclusion that will leave you feeling every emotion out there but completely satisfied when you hit the last page.

Generally, when a series centers on a different couple for each installment I have a hard time connecting with each new one because the first couple reached my heart so completely but RJ Scott has a way about her that it never becomes an issue. I love them all equally. If you are someone who only reads paranormal tales in October as Halloween approaches, be sure to pencil Kingdom in your calendar because it is so worth it but if you are like me and can enjoy them anytime, don't wait another minute to give these guys a read, you won't regret it.

Original Overall Series Review October 2015:

This is an overall series review as you really can't read just one. Each book may center on a different couple but each is just another piece of the puzzle that is Supernatural Bounty Hunters. The mystery behind the vampire twins, Joseph and Micah, quest for peace leads us on a journey of blood, deceit, death, and love. Another great world created by RJ Scott that brings you a little bit of everything and makes for a great Halloween read. Who am I kidding? It makes for a great read anytime of the year.

RATING:

Jack Addison vs. Asexual Vampires by KA Merikan

Summary:

Jack Addison vs. A Whole World of Hot Trouble #6

“Are you planning to sleep with every type of creature you encounter?”

The popular monster hunter Jack Addison is on his way to Transylvania to participate in a vampire festival and meet up with the coven elders. But no matter how thrilled he is to see the elusive creatures of the night in the flesh, he is far more excited about traveling alongside his frenemy/crush Roux. When the pretty chat invited him on the trip, Jack had hoped that perhaps the skittish creature would finally yield to his charm, but Roux is even more irritable than usual.

There are plenty of vampires to go around at the festival, and Jack had never been close enough to an undead creature to consider his curiosity satisfied. But when Roux’s behavior changes from annoying to alarming, it will be up to Jack to help his friend, no matter how many pairs of glinting canines beckon him closer.

This serial, first published on the K.A. Merikan PATREON, focuses on Jack Addison, a young venator aka monster hunter, who learns about compassion, love, and the flexibility of his sexuality during exploits all over the globe.

📢POSSIBLE SPOILERS:📢
Themes: pride, dreams, self-discovery, tolerance, fame, monster hunting, interspecies relations

Genre: M/M romantic erotica, horror-comedy
Erotic content: Scorching hot, explicit scenes

💥WARNING: This story contains morally ambiguous characters and scenes of sex that might be considered taboo.💥

Original Review April 2019:
Something is up with Roux Chat-Bonnes but will he let Jack in or continue to push his adversary/friend away? I don't know what I can say that I haven't already touched on with the other entries in Jack Addison vs. A Whole World of Hot Trouble, but I'll try.

Asexual Vampires is definitely worthy of the "out there" sub-genre we've come to expect from Jack Addison but it really is so much more. The growing friendship between Jack and Roux is finally moving forward but whether Jack continues to put his foot in it to set it back is something you'll have to read for yourself.

Again the blend of erotica, humor, horror, fantasy, and friendship is spot on. This serial isn't for everyone but I highly recommend giving it a try because I fell in love with Jack, Roux, and the bed of growing creatures quickly even though its not my goto brand of "out there". And if you think Jack Addison is all about the bedding of the creature world then think again because with each new entry you see a new facet of his personality emerging and that his heart has more than just sex in mind, don't get me wrong, sex is still a driving force in Jack's world but we start to see its not the only factor.

One last note: if you are wondering if this is a series/serial you need to read in order then I definitely say yes! Sure each entry has Jack seeking a new creature but as I hinted at above, Jack is maturing and to fully appreciate that side of him as well as his adversarial bromance with Roux, A Whole World of Hot Trouble should be experienced in the order written.

RATING:

Halloween Angel by JP Bowie

Eddie Gillespie raised his head slowly from his pillow and blinked at the sunlight that was beginning to filter through the bedroom window blinds. Gingerly, he put his fingertips to the side of his face, feeling the puffiness there. He knew, without getting up to look in the mirror, that he was going to have one helluva bruise under his right eye.

Idiot, he thought. Why had he let that moron back into his life after all the shit he’d put up with before?

“You are such a sucker, Eddie,” he muttered, struggling out of his bed. He trudged through to the bathroom, flicking on the light so he could peer at his reflection. It was even worse than he had imagined. His cheekbone under his right eye was contused and discoloured, the white of his eye was a bloody red, and his bottom lip was torn and split in two places.

“Jesus…” His eyes filled with tears as he stared at himself. “Bob, you bastard…why?” Only last night, against his better judgement, he’d agreed to meet his ex at the Blue Moon bar on Santa Monica. He’d been worn down by Bob’s constant whining on the phone about how much he missed their time together, and how he’d really changed, and how fuckin’ sorry he was for all the things he’d done and blah, blah, blah… And Eddie had fallen for it.

“Idiot!” he yelled at his reflection in the mirror. “You stupid idiot!” Because of course he knew Bob hadn’t changed. He couldn’t change—he was rotten through and through. A narcissist with a cruel and mean streak he could not control—especially after a couple of drinks.

Eddie shuddered as he remembered the look on Bob’s face when he’d refused to have him back at his apartment. That cold look of anger had so quickly morphed into an uncontrollable rage then the slapping had begun. It wasn’t as if Eddie couldn’t defend himself. He could. He wasn’t a big man, but he worked out regularly, and at five nine and one-hundred-and-sixty pounds, he was slender but sleekly muscled and strong. He just wasn’t a violent man. The thought of hurting someone made him wince. He had never been able to understand why anyone would want to beat up on another person—especially someone they purported to like—love even.

Well, that was the end of it. He would never allow Bob to get close enough to punch him in the face again. Any phone calls or emails would be ignored. He’d be damned if he was going to be that stupid again. Even if it meant staying home so he wouldn’t run into Bob at any of their old haunts.

Fortunately, he did have something to look forward to. Halloween was just a week away, and he’d been invited to one of the biggest parties in LA. Sam Peterson, the movie star, had invited him, personally. Eddie cut Sam’s hair every two weeks, come rain or shine. He’d even been flown out to a couple of on-location sites when Sam was unable to get back due to his heavy work schedule. Sam was one of the most beautiful men Eddie had ever seen—the total Hollywood package. Tall, dark and handsome, with the bluest eyes and the whitest teeth, a hard chest, ridged abs and a narrow waist—together it had all made him People Magazine’s Sexiest Man three years running. Too bad he was straight or Eddie might have had a chance of dancing with the star.

Problem was…what to wear to the party. Sam had already told him he was going to be a vampire so that was out, and ghouls and zombies were so darned unattractive. Chances were there would be quite a few hot young men there, bound to be one or two gays, and Eddie didn’t want to take the chance of scaring any of them away. So what were the options? Viking, gladiator, cowboy…? All done to death every year. And he wasn’t about to do drag. Wearing heels all night was not his idea of a fun time.

He took another look at his face in the mirror and hoped the swelling would go down before the party—otherwise, only monster makeup would hide all the bruising. Damn you, Bob! Eddie’s head turned in the direction of the living room as he heard his phone ringing. For a moment, he was tempted to let the answering machine pick it up. If it was Bob—and he had just enough cold nerve to call him even after what he’d done—he didn’t want to answer. But it might be Randy or Jenny. He ran to the phone wishing he had caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Hi, sweetcakes.”

“Jenny. How’re you?”

“I’m good, but I heard what happened last night with that bastard Bob.” Anger edged her voice as she continued, “Randy called this morning and told me. Why don’t you set the cops on the son-of-a-bitch?”

Eddie sighed. “The cops aren’t going to do anything about two fags having a bitch fight, Jenny.”

“But that’s not what happened.”

“I know that, and you know that, but the cops really don’t give a damn. Anyway, I don’t want to talk about Bob. Wanna get some lunch later? I have the day off.”

“That’s why I’m calling. Randy and I want to take you out for lunch. Get your mind off the nasties of this world.”

“That’s sweet—but we’ll go Dutch.”

“Uh, uh. Our treat…and Eddie…” Jenny hesitated for a moment. “Why can’t you fall in love with Randy?”

“What?”

“He adores you. He was so mad about what happened…”

“I know, and he got himself a fat lip for trying to interfere.” Eddie chuckled. “I think Bob got a big surprise when Randy got in his face in my defence.”

“You two would make a great team. He’s cute—”

“Jenny, stop with the matchmaking. I love Randy. He’s my best friend. And that’s the way I’d like to keep it. Sex just fucks up everything.”

Jenny giggled. “Isn’t that the idea?”

“Cut it out,” Eddie growled. “So what time’s lunch?”

“One, at Ricardo’s.”

“I’ll be there—and thanks.”

Eddie put down the phone, shaking his head. Jenny was singing that same old tune again. Ever since she’d introduced him to Randy Cox, close to six years ago, she’d been trying to push them together in a very unsubtle way. Even after Eddie had met Bob, she’d kept up the ‘Randy would be so much better for you’ routine. Just as well Bob was too into himself to ever catch on.

Emperor of Dragons by Davidson King

CHAPTER ONE

Emil

The storm currently raging outside the estate wasn’t the only indication the emperor of dragons was arriving today. There was a tornado named Jayce rushing about, making sure everything appeared as perfect as it could. I watched from the top of the stairs as he tutted over the choice of floral arrangements that Cain, The Blood Boss, had chosen.

My job was to guarantee all security was in place and the estate was secure. Oh, and that I wore the ridiculous five-piece suit Jayce had asked me to wear.

When Jayce’s life had been in danger a little over a year ago, Cain made the ultimate choice to change him into a vampire. Add into play that Jayce was the son of the deceased Queen of the Sea, Asherah; and a star god, Rigil; and he had a lot going on in his DNA. The power he held inside his tiny body wasn’t fully known, and there were days I found myself hoping that when it all reached its peak, it would be to our benefit.

“Emil, are you going to stand there all day? They’ll be here in minutes, and you’re daydreaming. Why are you staring?” Jayce smacked Cain on the arm. “Why is he not answering me?”

“Jayce, my love, please. It will be fine. All is in order, and Emil is staring because he is old and wise and knows there is no answer that will be suitable.”

Jayce looked at me with raised brows, and I simply nodded. Cain was right; silence was best.

“Fine…okay. I’m sorry, I’m nervous. I mean, this guy is the emperor of dragons. That’s huge, right? That’s a big deal?” Again, his frantic gaze flitted from Cain to me and back to the vampire he loved.

“Aldrich is very powerful; he holds more magic than any of us would know what to do with. I have met him only the once, but he was kind and respectful. I think he will find you quite endearing.” Cain pressed a kiss to Jayce’s forehead. “How about we go sit in the library and await news of his arrival?”

“I can let you know.” I took the rest of the steps down to the foyer. “And, Jayce, I haven’t met Aldrich ever, either. We’re in the same boat.” I leaned closer to him and lowered my voice. “Just let Cain do all the talking, and smile and nod a lot.”

That earned me a chuckle. “I can do that…I think.”

Once the two of them were out of sight, I went in search of Petru. He and I always oversaw all security and safety procedures. We dealt with humans and other creatures who broke laws in Black Veil and would be the ones torn apart if this very important meeting went south.

I found Petru outside, under the large awning, speaking with the guards. I held back and waited until he was done and once they all dispersed, I approached.

“Everything in order out here?”

“Yes.”

“Inside is good as well. You will be outside when the emperor and his entourage arrive; I will be in the foyer with Cain and Jayce.”

“Understood.”

“Due to the weather Cain wants the meeting to take place in the library, but they are to be shown to their rooms to relax and settle in.”

Cain needed this visit to go well. We were all surprised—not only when the dragons accepted the invitation to talk, but that the emperor himself would be in attendance.

“Is the staff not doing that?” Petru asked.

“They are. I’m just telling you the order of things, big guy.” I patted his arm. “Nervous?”

“No. I do not like dragons.” Petru wasn’t a talker. His Russian accent sometimes made it hard for others to understand him, but I’d known him for a ridiculously long time and had no issues.

“I’ll admit, I wish this whole thing was over already. But it should only be for a week. We listen, watch, and let the boss do the talking—at least we’re not him.” Petru nodded in agreement.

I didn’t envy Cain in this endeavor. Getting the dragons to come back on board with sending some of their own over twice a year, so we could all feed from them, was going to be tricky. Since the merfolk had started attacking anyone or anything in the seas trying to get to Black Veil, the dragons had broken their agreement to assist. Now that a treaty was in place with the new king of the sea, we were hoping Aldrich would revert to our original agreement.

Honey, Cain’s newly acquired assistant, approached Petru and me. “I received word the dragons have entered Black Veil. It shouldn’t be long now.”

“Thanks, Honey.” I faced Petru. “Would you update Cain?”

“Yes.” He stalked off toward the library while I did one more sweep of the bottom floor.

I wasn’t nervous like Jayce, nor was I irritated like Petru. I didn’t have an opinion of the dragons. They’d gotten the call hundreds of years ago like the rest of us that this world needed our help. They’d answered it, and without them it would have crumbled. We all had jobs to do and needed to work with each other. I could understand that.

What I wasn’t happy about was how pretentious they were. I’d held congress with quite a few dragons in my life, and each thought they were the best of all creatures. They sneered at anyone not born of dragon blood and never had a good word for humans. This visit would be very interesting; I could only hope Aldrich was as kind and respectful as Cain said he was.

The kitchen was bustling when I went to check on the staff. The dragons’ appetites were plentiful and specific, keeping the cooks on their toes and causing a lot of chaos. I left them to it and went to double-check the rooms the dragons would be using.

“I gave the largest guest room to the emperor.” Mancy opened the first door. “I was told his sister, Aubrianna, would be in attendance as well; her room is beside his.”

“Very good, Mancy. And the others?”

“Directly across the hall. I figured they’d like to be close to each other. It also gives them the feel that they have a whole wing.”

“Well done. Let Honey know if you need any extra help up here during their stay. It can be arranged.”

“Thanks, Emil.” Mancy hurried off, likely to complete last-minute duties.

“Emil, they’re ten minutes out,” Honey said when I reached the foyer.

I went to the library to inform Cain and retrieve Petru. “Sir, they’ll be here soon. Petru, take position.”

“Jayce, would you like to stay in here and be introduced when we come into the library?” Cain gathered Jayce’s hand in his. There was no hiding Jayce’s nervousness.

“No…no, I can do this.” He stood and, hand in hand, Cain and Jayce left the library.

Petru took a few vampires with him outside and I waited with Cain and Jayce. Honey was by the door, and we were ready for our guests.

As stoic as ever, The Blood Boss waited for the emperor of dragons, and I remained vigilant for any outcome that would present itself when those doors opened.

The Given and The Taken by LA Witt

It was unusual, to say the least, for wolves and humans to be as compatible as we were, but Ian and I were perfect for each other. Absolutely perfect. He’d seen me in my wolf form, but unlike other men I’d dated, he never batted an eye at being physically intimate in my human form. Nothing had changed between us the day I told him what I was.

The rest of the pack said Ian was a distraction. He kept me from being around the other wolves as much as I used to. He was the reason I’d leave the pack’s farm for days at a time. They were all convinced we were just a couple of sex-obsessed lovers who’d eventually get it out of our systems.

They didn’t have a clue. It would have stunned them to learn we spent hours on end just lying in bed and talking. Of course we had a scorching-hot sex life, but it was the long, intimate conversations that kept me in his bed until all hours of the night. I loved his dry sense of humor. I loved the way he couldn’t keep his hands off me while we talked—fingers in my hair, along my arm, across my cheek. I loved everything about him.

But maybe that wasn’t enough.

Please, Ian, don’t leave me out here.

An hour passed. Another.

My pants legs hissed against the three-inch snowdrifts on either side of the path I’d tramped down, brushing powder free and adding a whisper to the rhythm of my boots on the frozen ground as I continued pacing. I considered going somewhere else, somewhere I could warm the feeling back into my hands and feet, but I stayed put. If Ian did try to track me down, it’d be easier for him if I stayed in one place. Following such a sense had to be alien for him, and if I moved beyond just wandering around this clearing, it would only disorient him. Humans weren’t as accustomed to following senses besides sight and hearing, navigating based on a nebulous “feeling” must have been confusing as hell.

I stopped pacing. The base of my spine tingled as that sense of Ian grew stronger. Holding my breath, certain it was my imagination, I homed in on that pull. On him. It was indeed stronger now than it had been earlier, so he must have been closer. And moving. Drawing closer by the minute.

Relief warmed my veins. Maybe he would show up after all.

My heart pounded. Restlessness and the need for warmth got my feet moving again, and I resumed pacing. Back and forth. Back and forth. Minute after minute, step by step. Back and forth. Another hour inched past as Ian inched closer to me, and all the while, I searched the air, tasting it for the first hint of him.

There. Relief turned to anticipation. Closing my eyes, I drew in a deep breath, savoring that scent that had been lost to me for one long, long year. I opened my eyes and paced even faster, desperate to ease this nervous energy, this tension that had me tempted to break into a run. He’d be here soon. Very soon. I’d waited this long; I could wait a few more minutes. He had to find me. Then this would all be over.

Stronger. Closer. It was all I could do not to start toward him, dragged like a powerful magnet by an unseen and undeniable force. My nerve endings tingled, as if electricity crackled across my skin, ready to arc from me to him as soon as the distance—

I stopped in my tracks, one foot suspended mid-step. My blood turned colder than the wind around me. Something in the air was off. Wasn’t right.

I wasn’t alone. Ian was closer than before, much closer, but there was someone else.

I took another deep breath, and my hackles went up.

A vampire.

The scent was unmistakable. Not like death or decay like many would expect, perhaps not even an actual smell. It was more of a disturbance. Like an itch. An irritation. The tickle in the back of the throat that demanded a cough, the sting in the nose that warranted a sneeze.

What I didn’t smell was blood. Not even the faintest hint, which meant it probably hadn’t fed recently, and there were few things more dangerous than a hungry vampire.

Panic surged through me. Wolves could sense vampires from a safe enough distance to avoid them. Humans couldn’t. Ian wouldn’t know it was there until he could see or hear it.

And nothing outran a vampire.

Fuck the ritual. I didn’t lead Ian out into the middle of nowhere to be hunted.

I lunged out of the clearing, sprinting across the slick ground with practiced agility, cursing the snow that crunched loudly beneath my boots and the ice that threatened to send me to the ground. I was faster and stealthier as a wolf, but the transition took precious seconds I couldn’t afford to waste.

Every breath of cold air I dragged in burned my nose and lungs. My boot caught on a snow-covered root, and I stumbled, then slid on the snow before grabbing a tree to right myself. I paused, eyes darting around in the darkness until I was doubly sure I’d oriented myself to him; then I was off and running again.

My every sense thrummed with Ian’s presence as it drew me toward him, but even that powerful, electric pull couldn’t stop my skin from crawling beneath this intensifying itch. My eyes stung, but I couldn’t tell if it was from the wind or the vampire. Either way, I wasn’t stopping until I got to Ian, and come hell or high water, I’d get to him before that bloodsucking creature did.

Slipping and sliding on icy leaves and moss, I rounded another bend. A silhouette stood out against a gray backdrop of moonlit snow, and we both stopped, facing each other.

“Ian?” I whispered.

“Levi,” he breathed.

“Oh, thank God.” I hurried to him, threw my arms around him and held him to me. Closing my eyes tight, I forced myself to stop panting and freaking out long enough to draw in a deep breath of him through my nose and—

I opened my eyes. Released my breath. Drew another.

Shoving myself off him, I staggered back and stared at him, narrowing my burning eyes so I could make him out in the darkness.

“You didn’t.” Panic laced my voice. “Ian, tell me you didn’t. Tell me you aren’t.”

He dropped his gaze.

Oh, no. No. Please, no.

But too many pieces fell too easily into place. The sudden disappearance and reappearance on my radar. The change in the way I sensed him. The fact that he hadn’t come to me until after sundown. The burning in my eyes and nose.

I finally found enough breath to whisper, “Why?”

He shifted, the frozen ground crackling beneath his feet. “It wasn’t…” Rubbing the back of his neck with both hands, he turned away.

My heart dropped. Curling and uncurling my hands at my sides, I was torn between reaching for my lover—my bonded soulmate, for God’s sake—and refusing to touch the creature he’d become.

“Who did this?” I asked.

He lowered his hands but didn’t turn around. “A…friend.”

The world listed beneath my feet. Forcing back the lump in my throat, I said, “A friend did this to you?” My heart sank deeper. “You let him convert you, when you wouldn’t let me?”

Ian faced me now, and though he was mostly eclipsed by shadows, the light from the moon and off the snow illuminated just enough to reveal his set jaw, his gaunt cheeks, his exhausted eyes. Looking him up and down, I realized he’d lost weight. Even the heavy jacket couldn’t mask that, and when he reached up to sweep some of his long hair out of his face, his hand was bonier than I remembered.

Becoming a vampire hadn’t done that to him. If anything, most people looked rejuvenated after they converted. They were the very picture of robust health; appearances were certainly deceiving when it came to these vile creatures. It took years for anything to take a noticeable toll on a vampire, but Ian looked a decade older than when I last saw him. Thin. Exhausted. It wouldn’t have surprised me if he was pale too.

What’s happened to you?

I inclined my head. “Ian…?”

“He was a friend.” He pushed his shoulders back and looked me in the eye. “I didn’t ask for this.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. “He converted you against your will?”

Kingdom Volume 2 by RJ Scott

The Demon's Blood #4

“I didn’t offer you a role because what I want you to do means I need to share something with you that I have to be certain you won’t reveal to another soul, and only you alone can know.” Joseph looked deadly serious.

Simeon felt himself frown. Where was the openness now? A team, any kind of team with secrets, was destined to implode. Especially a team who didn’t all sleep together.

“I don’t like secrets,” he said firmly. Declan had said the same thing this morning. Declan, whose scent wasn’t as irritating as Connor’s, and his incubus lover, Levi, along with Brody, were off making contact with the bears at the foot of the Trent Forest. Why it took two incubi to deal with bears, Simeon didn’t understand, but he didn’t question Joseph’s intentions. The vamp had magic running through his veins and Simeon at least respected the ancient power that resided inside Joseph, even though he didn’t understand it.

The door opened and Reuben came back in the room with a whoop and a clash of knives and body armour. He looked faintly ridiculous when you saw him sitting at ease, but Simeon had watched the ancient warrior at practice with his sword and even he had to admit Reuben was pretty good with the sharp stuff.

Simeon had even attempted to ascertain whether Reuben liked males, but for some reason his normal instincts evaded him whenever Reuben joined him in the room. Probably something to do with the fact Reuben was eight hundred or so years old, and that he had been imprisoned by magic. Reuben sat in the seat opposite Simeon and next to Joseph. Simeon instantly felt like he was under interrogation. What was Reuben doing being part of this whole secret sharing thing? Simeon straightened in his seat, but not before he saw Joseph cast an irritated look at the manner of Reuben’s entrance.

“Why is Reuben here then?” Simeon asked. “If this secret is so damn special?”

“Because I have to know everything,” Reuben announced grandly.

Joseph frowned and glanced at Reuben. “That isn’t exactly accurate, but he has a point,” he began. “Reuben is here to record the details I’m giving you into the Vampire Book of Days.”

Simeon looked for paper or a pen, or anything that indicated this information would be put to record, but all he could see was a smirking Reuben tapping his forehead. Simeon remained uneasy at the thought Reuben could trap information with his freaky, enchanted book-brain.

Simeon was also suspicious. “Why does what I do, a member of the Feline Guild, need to be recorded in some ancient book of blood suckers?”

Reuben scowled and made a move towards Simeon. Joseph stopped him with a hand across his chest.

“Bring it,” Simeon snarled in response.

“Not worth it,” Reuben replied disinterestedly.

Joseph sighed and suddenly appeared very tired. “Firstly, so we can track if you break the agreement to secrecy. Although what Reuben wants to do with that information if you do break the agreement, I dread to think.”

“I’ll kill him,” Reuben said with a sniff before snarling with his fangs drawn. He stabbed a knife into the wooden desktop.

Simeon merely raised an eyebrow in dismissal. “You don’t scare me, vampire.” He laughed.

Reuben stood and leaned over the table and, in a movement so quick it blurred, he had Simeon pressed against the stone wall, Simeon’s legs dangling and Reuben’s hands around Simeon’s neck.

“Stop!” Joseph ordered. “For pity's sake, Reuben, sit down.”

Reuben tightened his hold momentarily and Simeon simply stared at him. His breathing was compromised, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to show it. Finally, Reuben released Simeon, then sat back down.

“You break your word, cat, I will find you in that instant, connected to the magic in this promise, and I will use my sword to split you in half.” He flicked a fang with his nail as if to emphasise the point.

Joseph continued immediately, as if Reuben hadn’t just threatened death and mayhem.

The Incubus Agenda #5

Nick Tarrant took a careful step back and leaned against the large oak chairs around the outside of the room. He had to be more in shadow and less in the middle of the heated discussion that already had one council member threatening to kill another. Newly elected, he finally had his place of the Werewolf Coalition but he wasn’t willing to put his neck out just yet to say what he thought. He had his own ideas that would remain hidden inside him until they needed to be turned into proper plans.

“This rebellion has to be stopped,” Cassius shouted over the noise of the arguing, which grew more violent and exponentially louder by the second. Cassius was the Head of the Vampire Clans Council and he was here, it seemed, to do nothing more than rile up the Wolf shifters and incite them to war. Given wolf shifters never did anything by halves and with the council split over the matter of Glitnir, Nick was waiting for his fellow wolves to shift and tear off into the forest looking for the rebellious Underground.

Only Niceros sat quietly to one side much as Nick did. His expression was guarded but Nick could swear there was the faint hint of a smile on his face. He was the big wolf in the Coalition now. Not only did he have twenty Retrievers under his control but he was cozied up to Cassius. Seeing the vampire and the werewolf together never failed to send shivers of apprehension down Nick’s spine.

“Glitnir has done nothing for us,” a new addition to the rank of Retrievers snarled. Nick couldn’t recall the shifter’s name, such was the turnover of Retrievers at the moment. Two other wolves pulled him to one side and proceeded to pummel him into the ground. Snarls and growls and sudden silence made Nick think that the Retrievers were going to be one short now. What the fuck was happening here? Everything was out of control.

“Does anyone else have anything to say?” Cassius shouted over the noise to make himself heard. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down from his height to the shorter wolves. Nick could see how this was going. Over half of the Coalition was behind this vampire, which put the vamps and the wolves squarely on the side of Glitnir in this crap. Not exactly the outcome that Nick was hoping for but he wasn’t saying a thing to the contrary of general opinion. His job was to stay quiet and get the intelligence he gathered to Joseph without getting caught, nothing more, nothing less. Silence fell over the room.

This closed Coalition meeting was anything but. Not only was Cassius here in his flowing black floor-length cloak that screamed pretentious, but Ludvik freaking Peitrol was outside in the ante room after asking for audience to talk. Nick couldn’t recall the last time that a vampire was allowed to address a full meeting of a werewolf council, but add in the fact Ludvik was fae and suddenly anything like tradition was being shot to pieces.

Not one wolf spoke up against Glitnir but a few looked at the prone body of the dead Retriever and the blood that pooled under his torn throat. It was so easy to kill these days, no one stopped a murder in the name of pushing down the rebellion.

“Then we’re agreed?” Niceros finally spoke up. Everyone in the room turned to him with expectation on their faces. He stood and Nick had to admit he looked every bit a big bad wolf. “Do we need to put this to a vote?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “I put forward the motion that the Werewolf Coalition forms an alliance with the Vampire Clans Council and puts our support solidly behind the Fae and Glitnir.”

Silence.

Then each of the Retrievers that were left lifted their hands and as one each shifter in the room, even Nick, copied the gesture.

The Third Kingdom #6

Reuben stumbled over loose stones and wet grass in his hurry to get down into the space at the bottom of the incline. Methulan was here, standing in the centre of the destroyed space and waiting for him. Sudden doubts forced him to an abrupt halt when he reached level ground. Was this a trick? Some old magic that gave the illusion of the other half of his heart standing so lost and lonely in the very place of the last battle—the spot where Methulan died and Reuben lost his will to live?

“Methulan?” he called uncertainly. He hoped to hell Brody and Nick weren’t watching this epic uncertainty. They would surely think him one hell of a coward for not striding forward and damning the consequences.

The figure held out his hands. “Reuben,” he said.

That was Methulan’s voice, his beautiful face. The only thing that was different was his hair: long and white-blond, it framed his features. Reuben pushed aside his fear that this was all some kind of cruel revenge from a past foe. Someone like Lekland the Kappa—or Ludvik as he was known now—a creature bent on becoming a god in his own lifetime and not letting anyone stand in his way.

Reuben took a step forward, then another, faltering over discarded rocks, evidence of the battle that had once been fought on this sacred earth. Soon his walk grew into a steady run. Methulan moved towards him and suddenly he was right up to Methulan before he could think of any more reasons why this was a bad thing. He fell into Methulan’s arms, a cry of wonder passing his lips as Methulan embraced him and held him steady. For long minutes they held each other, and Reuben fought back the emotion that threatened to push him to his knees.

“Reuben,” Methulan was saying over and over. “Reuben. My love. I thought you were dead.” Methulan tightened his grip and Reuben grabbed at his jacket and held tight, the supple leather wrapping around his fingers. The feel of him, the scent of him, every part of Methulan was here. This was no apparition.

Methulan pulled away and Reuben could see the agony carved into the other man’s face. “Too long,” he murmured.

Reuben shook his head. “I don’t understand,” he said. “You died. I saw you kill yourself because of me. I don’t…” He couldn’t think of the right words, let alone utter them in a coherent fashion. Instead he released his hold on the leather and cradled Methulan’s face. He stared directly into silver eyes, one flecked with blue, the other green. Then, before he could question anything, he kissed Methulan, at first a soft reconnection, then forcefully enough to have them both gasping for air. It was always like this, incendiary, instant, a passion so quick to ignite it burned them both. They kissed again, but this time Methulan gentled the taste and twisted his hands into Reuben’s long, unruly curls. Anchored this way they kissed for the longest time, with Reuben desperate for more.

They pulled apart at some unspoken agreement, and Reuben glanced at Methulan’s plump lips, swollen from their kisses. His lover hadn’t changed much apart from his hair, which used to be dark and thick and short. Other than that he hadn’t aged and there were no scars, so he looked as perfect as the very last minute before he died. His white-blond hair made a veil around his face and his beautiful eyes focused only on Reuben.

“Where are your friends?” Methulan asked softly.

Reuben cast a look up the side of the incline. “You knew I came with someone?”

Methulan nodded. “The incubus I sent to Joseph and the wolf I showed the name of this place to. I knew their curiosity would mean they’d accompany you, and I could see you.”

Reuben felt an irrational burst of temper. “You’ve been watching me,” he stated with heat. “How long? Where have you been? Why couldn’t I see you?”

Methulan gripped his hands tight—he looked broken, devastated, and so sad. “Please don’t be angry with me,” he pleaded.

“Why didn’t you find me?”

“I can’t help the connection we have, but it’s the only thing that kept me here for a thousand years.”

Methulan wasn’t answering the question at all. In fact he was being deliberately vague about everything.

“I saw you die,” Reuben repeated.

Jack Addison vs Asexual Vampires by KA Merikan

“Tough night?” he asked, placing his pistol back into the holster.

The vampire choked, his face showing tension caused by the lingering pain, but there was true beauty hiding beyond the scowl. If Roux didn’t want Jack in the compartment, perhaps he should find a more eager companion for the remainder of the journey?

“Aren’t you going to chase them?” the vampire asked.

Jack smirked. “The train won’t stop until morning. Plenty of time to make the arrest once my partner wakes up.”

The vampire watched him with wariness. “You do know there are laws to protect us vampires, right? Hunting was outlawed years ago, during the Third European Night-Day Summit in Cracow.”

Jack frowned. “I am a lawman. Why do you think I’ve pulled out my gun on those three?”

The vamp’s shoulders slouched. “Oh. I could have handled them myself.” He cleared his throat and pushed back his long black hair. “Since I’m a vampire.”

Jack snorted. Something was off about this one, and he knew it, despite never having the pleasure of talking to a member of his kind before. “I’m sure. Maybe you’re just having a bad night. Jack Addison,” he introduced himself yet again, charming a smile out of the vampire with one of his own. “It’s both my job and pleasure to regulate interspecies relationships. If humans give you any trouble, you’ll know who to look for.”

“Vasyl Gorgonov. You say it’s a pleasure?”

Jack stepped closer, eager to test the waters with the vampire. Was his body cold? Would it take forever for Vasyl to get it up, or would it be the opposite if he could control his blood flow? “Of course. It is my job to ensure everyone’s safety. Especially a handsome vampire’s,” he said with a wink.

Vasyl swallowed, his eyes paler than a normal humans, with an odd, reddish sheen that Jack found exotic and attractive. “Are you heading for the Blood Moon Festival then?”

JP Bowie

J.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.

Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.

After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.

J.P. loves to hear from his readers.

Davidson King

Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

When she's not writing you can find her blogging away on Diverse Reader, her review and promotional site. She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she'd tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you're afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

LA Witt
L.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters. Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.

RJ Scott

Writing love stories with a happy ever after – cowboys, heroes, family, hockey, single dads, bodyguards

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott has written over one hundred romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.

She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing. The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

KA Merikan

K.A. Merikan are a team of writers who try not to suck at adulting, with some success. Always eager to explore the murky waters of the weird and wonderful, K.A. Merikan don’t follow fixed formulas and want each of their books to be a surprise for those who choose to hop on for the ride.

K.A. Merikan have a few sweeter M/M romances as well, but they specialize in the dark, dirty, and dangerous side of M/M, full of bikers, bad boys, mafiosi, and scorching hot romance.