Laurie London ~Sweetblood/Iron Portal author {guest post-giveaway}

Today I am excited to have a guest post from Laurie London author of the paranormal romance series Sweetblood. She is going to share her new novella Assassin's Touch (Iron Portal series) and talk about things that go bump in the night. Enjoy and then be sure and enter to win a paperback copy of Seduced by Blood and an eBook copy of Assassin's Touch. 

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, which is probably why I write about vampires and things that go bump in the night. I’ve always been fascinated by what lies unseen just beneath the surface.

Those Thirteen Steps to Hell purported to be hidden in an old neighborhood cemetery. A secret tunnel joining two popular lakes, so when a person drowns in one, their body shows up in the other. A secret, whispered in a dream, that turns out to be true. A shadowy figure, warning you to take another road home, the same road where a fatal crash occurs just minutes later.

Yes, I’m fascinated by stories like these. That if only you knew where to look, you’d see a whole new world—either externally in our communities, or contained within ourselves.

Another world, separated by hidden portals is the focus of the Iron Portal series. For generations, horrible secrets have been kept from the public in order to perpetuate a long-running feud between the realms. Some believe that monsters slip through the portals to eat children from the other side. Others say these portals are just a figment of a world obsessed by the supernatural.

In ASSASSIN’S TOUCH, the first book in the Iron Portal series, an assassin captures a valuable member of the army. Soon, secrets between the worlds are exposed and everything begins to unravel. Unable to deny the intense chemistry between them that makes no sense in either of their worlds, Rickert and Neyla fall in love.

A world of vampires veiled within our own society is the premise of the Sweetblood books. These killers walk among us, are our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends, but the average person has no idea that vampires exist…although a sweetblood human may have some inkling that their life is always in danger.

In SEDUCED BY BLOOD, the fourth book in the Sweetblood series, when a traitor threatens to expose their secrets, Santiago, the leader of a group of vampire enforcers, must work with the one woman he can’t read—the beautiful, mysterious Roxanne.

What are some of your favorite paranormal stories that involve secrets and hidden worlds? Do you have any real life ghost stories you want to share? ~Laurie

I love London's Sweetblood series and cannot wait to read Iron Portal. Take a moment to check them out. 


The Sweetblood series:

Bonded by Blood
Sweetblood # 1
Read my review

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she's cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life. For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her….

Embraced by Blood
Sweetblood #2
Read my review

The second novel in London's dark, sensual vampire paranormal Sweetblood series. Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy--Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors. Alfonso Serrano is a hunted man. For months he's managed to elude the Darkbloods, vengeful foes who won't rest until he's dead. But he still craves one dangerous temptation: Lily DeGraff, the sexy Guardian agent he'll risk anything to protect. Lily is a wanted woman. Her talent for tracking Sweet—a rare blood type that's addictive to vampires—makes her a prime target for enemy capture. Her only hope is the stealthy vampire operative who stole into her bedthen left her in despair. Danger aside, Lily won't let Alfonso near her heart again—until an irresistible hunger threatens to draw them back together… and into an assassin's snare

Tempted by Blood
Sweetblood #3
Read my review

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two Vampire coalitions:Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors….He might be known for his effortless charm, but Guardian Jackson Foss is hiding a terrible secret. For months, he has battled the emergence of his dark nature—deadly urges that threaten to consume him. And those cravings only intensify when he meets Arianna Wells, the human he's been assigned to protect. Smart and perceptive, Arianna doesn't seem like a dangerous temptress. Yet she awakens in Jackson an unstoppable need that, if left unchecked, will brand him a traitor…a crime punishable by death.But soon their bond may be Arianna's only hope. For stalking her in the shadows is a merciless enemy—one who will stop at nothing to claim her completely….

Seduced by Blood
Sweetblood #4 
Read my review

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors... Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface-a power that serves him well as the Guardians' region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can't read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories. Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side-and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both...

Now check out Laurie's new book in the Iron Portal series:

Assassin's Touch 
Series: Iron Portal #1
Publication date: November 1, 2012
Genre: Paranormal romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

Two worlds. Two enemies. 
Haunted by loss, Cascadian assassin Rickert D’Angelus is on a mission of vengeance. Determined to stop the Pacifican army from finding a portal to his world, he leads a group of warriors into New Seattle with one goal—to kill all Pacifican soldiers. Neyla Trihorn had the perfect life until a deadly accident revealed her latent para-abilities. Now, the former fashion designer is the Pacifican army’s hottest commodity in their fight against the invaders. When Rickert discovers a beautiful, unconscious soldier on a cold mountain ledge near the portal, he realizes she’s a Protection-Talent and cannot be killed. To prevent the army from using her skills again, he takes her as his prisoner instead. One fated touch…But when he pulls her into his arms, a sexy and compelling vision appears, awakening something inside him. Something he can’t ignore. Torn between duty and passion, Rickert must decide if the vision is a Talent trick designed to foil the enemy or the answer to his deepest desires..

Now for the Giveaway:

(open to US/Canada address)

Laurie is giving away a paperback copy of 

Seduced by Blood  and an eBook copy of Assassin's Touch

enter rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Things That Go Bump in the Night is Upon Us!

For the entire month of October I am excited to be bringing you

 reviews, excerpts, awesome giveaways

 and guest posts about 

Things that Go Bump in the Night

Scheduled posts, reviews and giveaways*:

Ten by Gretchen McNeil*
The Unfailing Light by Robin Bridges* 
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga*
The Hiding Place by David Bell*
Rua by Miranda Kavi *
Beyond by Graham McNamee*
Taking on the Dead by Anne Walls*
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones*
Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman*
The Shining by Stephen King*
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens*
Darkness Rising by Lis Wiehl with Peter Nelson*
Pretty When She Dies by Rhiannon Frater*
Pretty When She Kills by Rhiannon Frater*
Mystic City by Theo Lawrence*
Absolution by Susannah Sandlin*
Velveteen by Daniel Mark*
All You Never Wanted by Adele Griffin*
Your House is on Fire, Your Children All Gone by Stefan Kiesbye*
Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter*
Phantom by Laura DeLuca*
Kiss of the Butterfly by James Lyon*
Foretold: 14 Tales of Prophecy and Prediction edited by Carrie Ryan*
Sweetblood series by Laurie London* 
The Twelve by Justin Cronin*
Spooktacular Blog Hop*
Rot & Ruin by Johnathan Maberry
Mystery Book Giveaway*

*indicates a giveaway for this post

I want to thank the following authors and publishers
 for supporting this event and providing some of the lovely giveaways:

Random House Children's Books, Gretchen McNeil, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Little Brown Books,  Darydra Jones, Jody Gehrman, Penguin Publishing, Amanda Stevens, Susannah Sandlin, Laurie London, Miranda Kavi, Anne Walls, Random House, James Lyon

I will also be hosting a read-a-thon 

Link up for Fraterfest and join the fun :)


Grab the button and join in the fun:

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Seduced by Blood by Laurie London

Seduced by Blood
by Laurie London
Series: Sweetblood #4
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: July 24, 2012
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors... Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface-a power that serves him well as the Guardians' region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can't read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories. Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side-and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both....(synopsis from Goodreads)

Seduced by Blood is the fourth book in Laurie London’s Sweetblood series.  Each of these books can be read as a standalone and focuses on one member of an elite team of vampires who protect humankind from the Darkbloods.  This novel brings us Tristan Santiago and Roxanne Reynolds romance. As they search for a spy among his team, this undercover couple finds more than they bargained for. I consumed this in one evening as London quickly took me back to the Pacific Northwest and the headquarters of the Guardians.

The battle over humans continues as the Guardian’s fight to protect humanity and keep secret the existence of vampires. The Darkbloods continue their fight to rule and hunt mankind. Santiago and his team have a problem; every attack or mission seems to be compromised. To add insult to injury, Roxanne Reynolds a tracker instructor, uncovers a Darkblood nest within miles of the region’s command center on her way into town. She is in town to cover classes for her former student while she spends some much needed R&R with new boyfriend. Constantly trying to market Sweetblood (a particularly delicious and rare type of human blood) the Darkbloods are becoming bolder and someone within Santiago’s trusted team is giving them insider information. The team decides that Roxanne should go undercover as Santiago's girlfriend and use her talents to determine who the mole is. The tale that unfolds is smoking hot, intense, action packed, and gave me one heck of a ride.

Santiago is the Guardian regional commander. He takes his job seriously and will do anything to protect his team. He can be hard, crass and down right intimidating. He isn’t looking for any long term commitments with the ladies. His father was a womanizer and he believes it’s in his DNA. He never wants a woman to be hurt like his mother, so he keeps things light.  He totally tries to avoid Roxy and her hippie ways. Despite this he cannot help noticing her tone athletic body. Roxy is headstrong, centered and one heck of a tracker. She was once a guardian, but after her partner died at the hands of DarkBloods she moved to teaching the Guardian’s elite. Roxy isn’t sure she likes Santiago who seems to have an attitude problem, but she can appreciate his fine sculptured body and long eyelashes. When he smiles, her knees turn to jelly.  The interaction between these two was hilarious. He wants to step away and she is all in his face. Of course that is exactly what he needs. I quickly became caught up in their tale.

I love the world London has created and enjoy visiting. It’s a saga of good verse evil and each installment has fresh storylines that draw you in. There is substance to these mysteries that I enjoy. I like putting the pieces together and I love getting to know each character. While we get updates about other characters, I like how each book focuses on one character, a new problem and their love interest. London captures your attention on page one as you are immediately drawn into a confrontation with Darkbloods. The romance she spins is hot, believable and exciting. All of the men are complicated and completely swoon worthy. She keeps you engaged as she takes you from one action packed or steamy scene to another. Forget catching your breath, once you enter this world you are there till the last page, the last sentence..only to find you want more.

I highly recommend Seduced by Blood and the entire Sweetblood series to fans of paranormal romance and mystery. If you love tales of good verse evil, smoking hot vampires and epic love stories you will love what London has to offer. Laurie London is on my auto-buy list and I cannot wait for the next Sweetblood tale.

I want to thank Harlequin and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 5 coffee cups out of 5.

My reviews of the rest of the Sweetblood series:

Bonded by Blood #1

Embraced by Blood  #2

Tempted by Blood  #3

Embraced by Blood (Sweetblood #2) by Laurie London

Embraced By Blood
by Laurie London
Series: Sweetblood #2
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: June 21, 2011
Adult-Paranormal
*sexual content

My review of Book 1- Bonded by Blood
My review of Book 3 Tempted by Blood
Buy: Barnes and Noble /Amazon /Book Depository

The second novel in London's dark, sensual vampire paranormal Sweetblood series. Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy--Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors. Alfonso Serrano is a hunted man. For months he's managed to elude the Darkbloods, vengeful foes who won't rest until he's dead. But he still craves one dangerous temptation: Lily DeGraff, the sexy Guardian agent he'll risk anything to protect. Lily is a wanted woman. Her talent for tracking Sweet—a rare blood type that's addictive to vampires—makes her a prime target for enemy capture. Her only hope is the stealthy vampire operative who stole into her bed then left her in despair. Danger aside, Lily won't let Alfonso near her heart again—until an irresistible hunger threatens to draw them back together… and into an assassin's snare (synopsis from Goodreads)

Embraced by Blood is the second novel in Laurie London’s Sweetblood series. I first got into this series when Laurie asked me to review the third book in the series and I absolutely loved it. While reading it, I purchased books one and two for my Nook Tablet. Above you will see the links to both of those reviews. London’s books have some key elements that I love in paranormal romances; suspense, an awesome plot and swoon worthy heroes. All of her books can be read as standalone since each deal with a particular couple. To fully appreciate the fight against the Darkbloods, I recommend reading them in order.

Embraced by Blood picks up sometime after book one ended. The novel focuses on Alfonso Serrano. He was agency tracker, Lily DeGraff’s, informant in the first novel, Bonded by Blood. He is slowly healing from his wounds and has separated himself from his family and Lily. While undercover in the Darkbloods organization he was forced to give a blood oath, and now they know he survived the blast that killed their leader. He is a hunted man, and will not put those he loves at risk.  He is laying low and trying to replicate his childhood home on a cliff by the shore. Only when he is working with his hands can he forget all that he has lost. One night while out looking for a light snack, (a little o-positive) he runs across Darkbloods and learns about a computer game and a huge party offering Sweetblood. (This is a rare blood type that is highly addictive) Later, at the hardware store he runs into the agency’s Regional Commander, Tristan Santiago.  Santiago wants him to come back to the agency. They are short handed with Alfonso’s brother Dom out of the country and the Darkbloods are causing problems. He refuses, but advises Santiago about what he has discovered.  When Santiago informs him that Lily is back with her daughter, his fears go into overdrive.  The Darkbloods are looking for trackers to find Sweetbloods and Lily is the best there is. He begins following her and her trainee partner.  When he is satisfied that she is protected, he slinks back to his home, and thoughts of Lily fill his mind. What he doesn’t know is that Lily is having problems tracking and she fears that her days in the agency may be coming to an end. The tale that unfolds is action-packed and kept me captivated.

I love the characters London has created. Alfonso is swoon-worthy, loyal and misunderstood. I found myself rooting for him from page one. Lily is sharp and independent. The thought of losing her skills makes her unsure of herself and her identity. Alfonso’s rejection cut her to the core, and yet she still wants him. Santiago has issues, but never doubts Alfonso. If only Alfonso’s brother could see; that all he has ever wanted is family. The romance is hot and at times quite steamy. London has a knack for creating sizzling love scenes that are mostly implied.

The world-building is fascinating and focus on good vs evil. The Agency is sworn to protect humans and keep vampires hidden from them. The Darkbloods want to rule the world and view humans as nothing more than dinner. The cast of agency hunters and their partners intertwine in each of the novels, and I  connected with them. I am excited about whose story will be told next.

I highly recommend Embraced by Blood and all the books in the Sweetblood series to fans of paranormal romance and suspense.  All of these books are available in eBook and paper. Laurie London is on my auto-order list.

I gave this novel 5 coffee cups out of 5.

Laurie London

Website

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Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood #1) by Laurie London

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she's cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.

For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her….(synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

Bonded by Blood is the first novel in the Sweetblood, paranormal romance series by author Laurie London.  This dark adult-fiction offers romance, mystery, sexy vampires and a struggle between good and evil.  London’s tale grabbed me from page one and I enjoyed the ride.

In the Sweetblood series we have two groups of vampires.  There are vampires who live among the humans. They follow society’s rules and drink donor blood. The second group known as the Darkbloods believe in the old ways. Where killing and turning humans is their right. The Agency is a military type vampire unit established to protect the humans and keep the vampires existence a secret. Recently the agency has noticed an increase in activity among the Darkbloods and have sent units to investigate.  One of their goals is to protect humans nicknamed "sweetbloods". These humans have particularly sweet blood, which can make a vampire lose himself. They often end up killing the human and the blood gives them a high.  Eventually the vampire becomes addicted craving more and more sweetblood. The agency notices an increase in the illegal sale of sweetblood and believes the Darkbloods are behind it.

While on a mission, agent Dominic is shot with silver bullets.  He manages to hide himself in a dark cemetery before sunrise.  Photographer and biker chick, Mackenzie-Foster Shaw believes she has found the perfect location for a film project. She jumps of her bike, and begins taking photos.  As she moves through the cemetery she thinks she hears someone moaning, "Help me'. Suddenly she stumbles upon Dominic, half hidden in a pile of leaves.  At first he thinks he will borrow her phone to get help, but then he smells her – a Sweetblood. He tells her to run, but Mackenzie wants to help, she bends down to look at his wounds……………..the next thing she remembers is waking up with a headache in her own bed. Dominic is back at the agency, but is concerned for Mackenzie. He wants to make sure the darkbloods can't find her. He finds himself thinking about her..a lot.  The tale that London tells, unfolds at a dizzying pace and I loved every suspenseful, steamy, intoxicating, minute of it.

London creates characters you can’t help but fall in love with. I really liked Mackenzie, she is grounded, responsible, and talented.  She rides a motorcycle, teaches art and works as a scout for films.  She can be a kick-ass and has a witty sense of humor. A family curse has kept her from getting to close to anyone.  There were a few scenes where her behavior had me giggling.   Dominic, is a tortured soul, who is determined to seek vengeance. He has suffered great loss and despite the tough guy exterior, he is really a romantic at heart. He is protective, loyal, smart and uber sexy. We meet some of the other vampires in the agency and I look forward to reading their stories. London has given them all unique personalities and I was drawn to each of them. The romance between Mackenzie and Dominic was hot and intense. I loved the banter between them, and how Mackenzie goes from fearing him to trusting him with her life. I must warn my more delicate readers, that while this is a mainstream romance it can get pretty steamy. 

The tale itself was intense and believable.  I love how London gave us Dominic’s back-story and weaved it into the present making the tale more suspenseful. There were scenes that had my heart racing, as I wondered how Dominic and Mackenzie would survive. There is villain to hate, and a traitor to feel sorry for.  London provides details and characters that give this tale endless possibility as a series. I like that while the tale of Good vs. Evil will continue, Dominic and Mackenzie’s tale is complete.

I highly recommend Bonded by Blood to fans of paranormal romance and suspense.  Next month I will be reviewing book two of the Sweetblood series, Embraced by Blood.  Bonded by Blood and the rest of the books in this series are available in both paper and eBook formats.  Laurie London is on my auto-buy list.

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out of 5. 

Author's website:Laurie London

Pick up your copy here:

Barnes and Noble:Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood Series #1)

Amazon:Bonded by Blood 

The Book Depository:Bonded by Blood

Tempted by Blood (Sweetblood #3) by Laurie London

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two Vampire coalitions:

Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors….

He might be known for his effortless charm, but Guardian Jackson Foss is hiding a terrible secret. For months, he has battled the emergence of his dark nature—deadly urges that threaten to consume him. And those cravings only intensify when he meets Arianna Wells, the human he's been assigned to protect. Smart and perceptive, Arianna doesn't seem like a dangerous temptress. Yet she awakens in Jackson an unstoppable need that, if left unchecked, will brand him a traitor…a crime punishable by death.But soon their bond may be Arianna's only hope. For stalking her in the shadows is a merciless enemy—one who will stop at nothing to claim her completely….(synopsis from B&N)

Tempted by Blood is the third novel in the Sweetblood series by Laurie London.  An adult paranormal novel filled with suspense, mystery and a smoking hot romance. I haven’t read the first two in this series and I had no problem whatsoever. Each book shares the story of one of the Guardians. I will tell you that when I was about, one hundred pages in, I stopped reading and ordered books one and two for my Nook. Tempted by Blood offers a fast paced, action packed romance that I quickly absorbed in two sittings.

In this installment we learn about Guardian Jackson Foss.  Known as a playboy by the team, we learn he is hiding a terrible secret. He has been having intense cravings from his dark side and he worries that he will lose control. These cravings only intensify when he meets spunky, Adrianna Wells.  Jackson needs to protect her and her cousin from the Darkbloods.  I loved Jackson, despite presenting as a player, he really has a heart of gold and deep seeded fears and feelings that torment him. Arianna awakens things in him he doesn’t understand. The chemistry between them was intense and the way they interacted and surprised each other had me giggling aloud. 

The storyline is fast paced and the other key characters add depth and believability to the plot. The whole good verse evil concept between these two branches of vampires while not a new concept was fascinating and had a few creative twists. London’s writing draws you quickly into the tale and keeps you till the last page……leaving you wanting more.

Tempted by Blood had all the key elements I enjoy in a paranormal romance.  Fans of vampires, romance and suspense will enjoy this novel.  I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Tempted by Blood will be available in paper and eBook formats on February 21, 2012. Which gives you plenty of time to read Bonded by Blood and Embraced by Blood, books one and two of the Sweetblood series.  I have added London to my paranormal author’s list. 

I want to thank the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 5 cups of coffee out of 5.              Kimba    

Authors website:Laurie London

Add Book to Goodreads

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Buy it Amazon here: