After Twilight

This is my first time reading Amanda Ashley & Rhonda Thomson, but definitely not my last! Both are now that greatest of all finds--new favorite authors! I can't remember the last time I read a collection of short stories, but I wanted to sample these authors in hopes of finding more paranormal romances to enjoy. I'm new to this genre, the closest I came was Rice's vampire series, now seen as incomparable in excitement, sensuality, and satisfaction. I've seen the future & it's not Rice or her Lestat.Thomson's Werewolf story is the most believable, moving and romantic of its type, unique as incredible as that seems, for this wolf-man is almost too human, & sexy is an understatement. I may never go back to mere human romances again. I hope this author keeps her unique edge and continues to breathe life into such marvelous character-driven stories.Amanda Ashley creates a female antagonist, Leanne, who is a bit too incredible & perfect to believe in fully, plus annoyingly reluctant one minute, accepting too much too soon the next. Jason, not an imaginative name for a vampire from Europe, & Leanne go back & forth constantly--vowing to never see each other again, only to fall back into each other's arms repeatedly--a tiring plot design of crisis & fulfillment that keeps irritatingly interrupting the reader's escape into the story. This seems a lazy, template-driven way to create tension to me. Still, this is a sensual fantasy fairy tale that will satisfy almost any appetite, though the climax may seem effortful once it's over. Ashley delivers on her promises predictably--I'm still hoping to find an author who will surprise me with an unpredictable ending in this genre. I will peek at Ashley's other paranormals to see if she's a worthy new favorite author to explore fully. Feehan satisfies completely with another fantastic book from her "Dark" series. Dark Dreams features a powerful ancient Carpathian guardian of his people, about to walk into the sun & end his existence. He has given up in his search of the Light lifemate who could save him from becoming the very evil he hunts & destroys. Same exact plot, just different names and details. We get exactly what we expect in Feehan's Dark series, and the climactic moment, while even thrilling at times & eventually satisfying, gets as stale as monogamy in a loveless marriage after awhile. What makes up for that predictability is Feehan's expert character development which makes us care about & love them like we would a chosen family. The humor is perfectly blended and laugh-out-loud hilarious. The romance & sensuality more fulfilling, detailed & REAL than any other in this genre. Still, the laziest phrase authors use in ALL of these novels, though gratefully Feehan uses it less than most, "he deepens the kiss", turns me off like a cold shower. Please authors & EDITORS, delete that phrase from your stories--it adds nothing to our knowledge of the characters or story, and is just un

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Masquerade by Amanda Ashley (originally published 1994) Jason Blackthorne is the stuff of nightmares...and fantasies. He is a vampire, doomed to an eternity of darkness and feeding on human blood to survive, until he meets Leanne, the sunshine to his darkness. She is a singer/dancer, to whom Jason finds himself inexplicably drawn. From the moment Leanne meets him, she is convinced he is the man she has waited for her whole life. But Jason is terrified to reveal his secret; convinced Leanne would be repulsed by the truth. Will they overcome the curse binding him to a lonely darkness forever, to be together? Ms. Ashley writes another stunning vampire tale. Her characters come alive, in spite of the novella length of the story. One will feel the agony of Jason's lonely life, along with him, as well as the bittersweet joy he finds in Leanne; and will be cheering them on to a happy ever after. But be forewarned, reading this tale will give the reader great desire to listen to Phantom of the Opera. Dark Dream by Christine Feehan Falcon is an ancient Carpathian, sent out by his prince Vladimir, over 1000 years ago, to hunt the evil vampires. He has been alone and without a lifemate for so long, he is in danger of turning vampire himself. Falcon decides to return to his home in the Carpathian Mountains one final time to see his new prince, Mikhail, and the Prince's once human lifemate, Raven, before destroying himself by meeting the dawn. In the last leg of his journey, he meets Sara Marten and is shocked to discover she is his lifemate. Sara discovered an ancient diary many years ago, which drew her for some unknown reason, to a mysterious dream man. She has since been running from the vampire that murdered her family She is surprised to meet this dream man in the flesh... at first mistaking him for the vampire she has been eluding for the past 15 years. Sara is therefore not surprised to discover his secret. But before they can be happy, they must defeat the vampire, enlisting the aid of Falcon's Prince Mikhail, his brother Jacques, and their lifemates, Raven and Shea. Will they conquer this evil nemesis to find eternal love? Ms. Feehan has done it again! She has created incredible characters, who will live on in memory long after the story is finished. Her best-selling Dark saga only improves with age and each new tale. This novella is every bit as fulfilling as one of her full-length novels. This is not a story to be missed. Midnight Serenade by Ronda Thompson Rick Donavan is a country veterinarian, who lives in isolation, separating himself from everyone. For he suffers an ancient curse, having been bitten by a werewolf and becoming one himself. Stephanie Shane is a wildlife advocate, who is trying to build up support for wolves in the wild, trying to make all aware of their importance and beauty. She has been tracking a wolf pack and happens upon some farmers trying to kill a wolf, but only succeeding in

After Twilight is sooooooooo HOT. All of the three sensual stories invite to you share in forbidden, sensual love.Masquerade was written by Amanda Ashley a few years ago. Now it is included in this wonderful, exciting anthology. Jason Blackthorne is a very old vampire. For three hundred years, he has wandered the world alone. Now, he is very tired. Tired to exist only in the night. That is, until he sees a performance of Phantom of the Opera and Leanne. Her resemblance to his first and only love was uncanny, arousing forth emotions he had long thought dead. Dangerous emotions . . . Is Leanne strong enough to embrance the dark side of his existence or will the purity of her love free him for all eternity????? The second story is Dark Dream written by the very hot Christine Feehan. This story deals with Falcon, a very old Carpthian who is sent out by Prince Vladimir (Mikhail's father) to become a guardian of the Carpathian people. Each of the choosen warriors willingly give up any chance at life. All give up on love, on happiness in order to insure that their people are kept safe. For many, many centuries Falcon has been utterly, totally alone. He has grown in power and in strength. He also knows that the beast in him is equalling strong, clawing for dominance. For this reason, he is headed back to his homeland wanting to see for himself his Prince (Mikhail) and his human lifemate who has been successfully converted. Before ending his existence, he longs to look upon something good and pure, longs for reassurance over the many, many kills he has made in his centuries of existence. Unexpectedly, he encounters Sara Marten who has "seen" Falcon in her dreams. She recognizes his handsome face right away, knows of his vulnerable and lonely soul. He is her Dark Angel . . . Her Dark Dream.This story was incredibly, beautifully written. Falcon has an unwavering sense of loyality and devotion. Nothing or no one could ever prevent him from his duty to protect. He willingly sacrifices his new found happiness in order to fulfill his obligation. Christine has written another Carpathian to die for. Oh and an added bonus - several favorites make an appearance, too. EXTREMELY recommended!! I can't get enough of these Carpthians . . . :)The third story is Ronda Thompson's Midnight Serenade. It is an incredible "moving" lovestory about a curse, werewolves and the redeeming quality of love. The characters were beautifully written. Their torment and longing for peace and love drew the reader into the story. Simply outstanding!! This story alone proves that love truly does conquer all. I couldn't put it down. Simply breathtaking. So, fellow readers, if you seek to explore the dark side of love, RUN and grab yourself a copy and allow yourself to be swept away by the forbidden. ENJOY!

After twilight is a magical anthology from some of the best supernatural writers around. Redemption, love, and sacrifice are the main themes. Very HOT love scenes, especially in "Dark Dream. For those of you who love supernatural lovers and stories of love/sacrifice, this book is for you!"Masquerade" by Amanda Ashley: "Phantom of the opera" singer, Leanne, is drawn to the cop who watches the show every night. Jason Blackthorne has lived for 300 years an unwilling vampire. He is drawn to Leanne who resembles his long lost love. Will he choose death to save her from his hunger? or will she redeem his soul?"Dark Dream" by Christine Feehan: This author just keeps getting better and better. "Dark Dream" is the latest installment of the Carpathian/vampire series Christine Feehan writes. This time, Falcon, a Carpathian 1000 years older than his prince, is finally coming home to look on the prince's human converted lifemate. Falcon wants to know his life, deadicated to hunting down true vampires, has not been in vain; that their is hope for the Carpathian race. On his way, he comes across a human female that is being hunted by an ancient vampire. Can he save her? Or will she save him?"Midnight Serenade" by Ronda Thompson: Stephanie shane, wildlife researcher, rescues a large wolf from illegal hunters. In the process of saving the wolf, she is bitten. Tracing the blood, she comes to Rick Donavan's home..and no site of the wolf. There follows an internal struggle for Rick. He must choose to end his life to save her, or to take her as his lifelong were-mate. What will he choose?Enjoy!