Blood Bar: A Vampire Tale

I have been told that Blood Bar is Twilight for adults. Well, Bella is a real puss' compared to Kim Bennett and true vampires don't sparkle. Kim is an amazing woman that everyone wants, but once they have her. They really don't know what to do with her. She is strong, athletic, sensual, smarter than the average man and more than just a pretty face. I like her. The story is well written and the conversations are real. It's fast paced and I loved the details of the locations. I felt that if I went to the different places mentioned, that I would recognize them. The coolest thing about this book, is that to me, it's the pivotal point of the whole series, past and future. It explains why Kim is the way she is, what happened to her to form her personality and what the future could hold. Except for one incident, you never really feel sorry for her. It's more of a, oh wow, she survived and became stronger because of what she went through. I truly enjoyed the book, the characters and can't wait for the next one. Melanie Robel actress

Kim Bennett rises to the occasion again in Blood Bar, the 3rd book in Norm Applegate's thriller series. Of all three incredible, thrilling, suspenseful, erotic stories, Blood Bar is my favorite. You get so caught up in the world of vampires you begin to learn the history and question page by page if this world is real. You want to be Kim discovering for yourself the intrigue and uncontrollable lust for blood and sex. Maybe I am a vampire? I look forward to #4 Mr. Applegate!!!

George Clooney wouldn't have a clue how to handle Kim Bennett, Norm Applegate's sensual heroine in this, the third edition of the Kim Bennett series. The story is fast-paced and entertaining. Mr. Applegate's writing has truly developed into a unique and original style that instantly captures the reader's attention, draws you in and keeps you there, turning pages. The story and characters develop quickly and Mr. Applegate's skill at painting the scene, complete with visuals, scents and inner thoughts is masterful and won't leave you wishing for more. His description of a main character's descent into hell would make Dante jealous. Throughout this book, you really feel you are there, experiencing everything with the characters. This is most evident (and fun) in his depictions of the sexually oriented scenes - Norm doesn't disappoint there, either. Blood Bar is a fast read, a very entertaining story and something refreshingly unique and original in a world of trite literary "repeats". You're not likely to ever say, "Been there, done that" while reading this book! It's very appropriate that David Hagberg and other authors are "...looking over their shoulders..." watching out for Norm Applegate. He'll be replacing them on the best-sellers lists everywhere before you know it!

This not your father's vampire story - no cofins and no bats. It makes the characters in "Interview with a Vampire" seem like Seasame Street's muppet the Count. Mr. Applegate intertwines present day with actual historical events which masde me think of the Rolling Stones' song, "Sympathy for the Devil". The book explores the internal conflict of mortals and immortals. Kim's "blood line" is long and scary. Blood Bar was a quick and fun read but it is not a bedtime story...

If you thought Norm Applegate's first two Kim Bennett books (Into the Basement and Into the Spell) 'weren't yo' momma's thrillers, well, buckle up if you want to know what Kim gets into next. This book is not for the faint of heart. There are graphic scenes, both violence and sex, but all are in the context of the story. Kim Bennett, San Francisco madam and first class Dominatrix, gets a call from Rose Nicholls, who was part of the last Bennett adventure. She tells Kim that her boyfriend Drach has been murdered and she is a suspect, and asks Kim for help. Kim was introduced at the end of the last book, Into the Spell, to vampires and blood bars. Blood bars are kind of underground places where vampires and their 'donors' come to feed and be pleasured. The non-vamps have razor rings they can cut a willing participant and drink from them. Not a 'Cheers' type place!! Kim comes to Rose's aid, and finds there is a 'Black Testament' that was written by Jack the Ripper - it's been divided in several pieces for protection, but somehow the major vamp players know Kim Bennett is right in the middle of this mystery... Norm Applegate is a masterful writer and if you have never read things about Dominatrixes and graphic sex, well, be forewarned. You WILL however read what a thriller should be - dark, scary, sexy, tense and taut with action and character driven by strong people - starting with Kim herself. Applegate's first novel Into the Basement is being made into a movie, and I for one will be the first to buy a ticket - The Kim Bennett series is well written and plotted - Blood Bar is Applegate's best to date - An excellent read!