The Furies – 2011 Year-End Q & A

1. Favorite Book:

Poena: Tie - Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston & Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews. Oh...just rabid fangirl squee!

Arai: Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennet. It's so good that I almost wish I would have found it a few years from now when I would have more books in the series to blow through in a haze of pure indulgence.

Maniai: Lonely Werewolf Girl by Martin Millar (it's not a romance and it really just kind of wanders all over the place, but characters! OMG the characters!). For romance, though, Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley.

January Book Releases

Title: A Demon Does It Better Series: Demons #2 Author: Linda Wisdom Release Date: January 1st Bestselling author Linda Wisdom, with 13 million category romances sold, is working to build her single title audience with the hottest new area of the romance category– sexy demon heroes. Lovely witch Lili Carter takes a job at a paranormal hospital where patients have been disappearing. There she encounters Jared, a dangerously sexy demon on a mission that gets Lili into a world of trouble. Lili can't avoid Jared for long and soon they find themselves creating a whole new kind of magick...

Title: Midnight Reckoning Series: Dark Dynasties #2 Author: Kendra Leigh Castle Release Date: January 1st Two separate worlds . . . One passion that binds them Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn-if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title. One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity . . . just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith-and Lyra and Jaden's love-may never recover from the deadly blow . . .

Title: Hold Me If You Can Series: Soulfire #3 Author: Stephanie Rowe Release Date: January 1st Stephanie Rowe is an acclaimed author whose high-octane romances are attracting a growing readership. The third in a paranormal romance series packed with danger, sensuality and clever twists features Nigel Aquarian, a warrior with an artistic bent, and Natalie Fleming, a chocolatier who has a new lease on life. But her freedom comes with a dangerous gift she doesn't want. Nigel and his fellow warriors have only just escaped imprisonment when an even worse threat emerges. Natalie is the only woman who can help Nigel—but she's also the one most likely to bring him down.

Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Title: I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)
Author: Pittacus Lore
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Heat Index: 1 out of 5
Release Date: August 3rd, 2010
Word/Page Count: 440
Format: Purchased

Now a major motion picture starring Alex Pettyfer

In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I Am Number Four is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT.

Review: Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez

Title: Gil's All Fright Diner
Author: A. Lee Martinez
Genre: Horror (Humor)
Heat Index: 1 out of 5
Release Date: June, 2006
Word/Page Count: 268 pps
Format: Purchased

Bloodier than Fried Green Tomatoes!
Funnier than The Texas Chainsaw Massacre!

Welcome to Gil's All Night Diner, where zombie attacks are a regular occurrence and you never know what might be lurking in the freezer. . . .

Duke and Earl are just passing through Rockwood county in their pick-up truck when they stop at the diner for a quick bite to eat. They aren't planning to stick around--until Loretta, the eatery's owner, offers them one hundred dollars to take care of her zombie problem. Given that Duke is a werewolf and Earl's a vampire, this looks right up their alley.

But the shambling dead are just the tip of a particularly spiky iceberg. Seems someone's out to drive Loretta from the diner, and more than willing to raise a little hell on earth if that's what it takes. Before Duke and Earl get to the bottom of the diner's troubles, they'll run into such otherworldly complications as undead cattle, an amorous ghost, a jailbait sorceress, and the terrifying occult power of pig Latin.

And maybe--just maybe--the End of the World, too.

Gory, sexy, and flat-out hilarious, Gil's All Fright Diner will tickle your funny bone--before ripping it out of its socket!

Review: Kiss of Twilight by Loribelle Hunt

Title: Kiss of Twilight (Dark Bonds #2)
Author: Loribelle Hunt
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: Dec. 26, 2011
Word/Page Count: 88,000 words
Format: Netgalley

Dupree Jackson is everything a senior soldier of the Order of Templar should be. Cold. Unbreakable. A master at arms in the fight against demons. But as a hybrid, Dupree is beginning to lose himself to the demon half of his soul. One woman has the power to save him. If he lets her.

Kara Stone wants two things in life: to be merged with a demon so that she can become a full member of the Order; and Dupree Jackson. She knows they are meant to be together, if only Dupree would love her back.

Though his desire for Kara is undeniable, Dupree's need to protect her is stronger. Not wanting to see her merge, to face the internal struggle he deals with every day, he refuses to bond with her. But when Kara becomes a target and uncovers a dark secret about her past, Dupree may no longer have a choice...

Flavor of the Week - Dec. 26

Aaron Eckhart

There is just something about the blond, All-American good looks that works.
But I have to say that it has been recently, with roles in The Dark Knight &

Battle Los Angeles, that has really made him Harem material (IMO) :).

Review: Touch of Power by Maria Snyder

Title: Touch of Power (Healer #1)
Author: Maria Snyder
Genre: YA
Heat Index: 1 out of 5
Release Date: Dec. 27, 2011
Word/Page Count: 394 pgs
Format: Netgalley

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Merry Christmas! and Free Gift from Ilona Andrews

Merry Christmas!

or in our house...
What else did Santa bring me?

I come bearing an awesome gift! 

Review: The Dragon Who Loved Me by G. A. Aiken

Title: The Dragon Who Loved Me (The Dragon Kin #5)
Author: G. A. Aiken
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: Sept. 6, 2011
Word/Page Count: 383 pages
Format: Purchased

I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I've earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it's the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.

So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don't care if he's fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He's having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I'm going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways. . .

Review: Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langlais

Title: Bunny and the Bear (Furry United Coalition #1)
Author: Eve Langlais
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Heat Index: 4 out of 5
Release Date: Aug. 11, 2011
Word/Page Count: 41,000 words
Format: Purchased

What’s a poor bear to do when all he wants is some sweet, bunny pie?

Bears and bunnies aren’t supposed to mix, or that’s what Chase keeps telling himself when his bouncy new neighbor won’t stay out of his business—and his mind. However, the more he gets to know his overly perky neighbor, the more he craves her—naked in his grasp—a desire worse than his addiction to honey and pie.

Miranda’s on a mission for the Furry United Coalition, and it involves secretly guarding one grumpy ol’ bear. Staying focused on the job isn’t easy when all she can think about is turning his frown upside down, a task made harder when she gets a glimpse of his passion. When she hears about his theory on woodland creatures and predators not mixing, she thinks all is lost, but she didn’t count on a bear’s curious nature—and possessive need.

When an evil force abducts Chase, Miranda unleashes her bunny in order to save him, but the revelation of her shifter side puts her in danger. Is one ornery bear enough to save her from a mad scientist? And if he does, can a bear forget her woodland creature status long enough to love her and make her his mate?

Warning: Pies were harmed in the making of this story and naughty references made about honey that might offend some readers

Showing Some Love

The holidays are upon us...like zombies!

 I blatantly stole that from Sarah at SBTB

It does feel like a holiday infestation, doesn't it?
Maybe I should start my xmas shopping.
Eh, there's always tomorrow!

• The brilliant, brilliant Sarah at SBTB came up with some last minute gift guide. (Note: the pasties for a cause are freakn' awesome! LOL.)
• Jane at Dear Author posted some terrific deals from Avon and Sourcebooks. 
• Romance at Random has Fabulous Food & Fantastic Fiction + giveaway.
• Therese Walsh and Michelle Diener are over at Magical Musings with a giveaway
• Misty Evans is doing a guest post and giveaway at Book Lovers Inc.
  

Review: Because of You by Jessica Scott

Title: Because of You (Coming Home #1)
Author: Jessica Scott
Genre: Military Romance
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: Nov. 14, 2011
Word/Page Count: 224 pages
Format: Netgalley

Keeping his men alive is all that matters to Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison. But meeting Jen St. James the night before his latest deployment makes Shane wonder if there’s more to life than war. He leaves for Iraq remembering a single kiss with a woman he’ll never see again—until a near fatal attack lands him back at home and in her care.

Jen has survived her own brush with death and endured its scars. And yet there’s a fire in Shane that makes Jen forget all about her past. He may be her patient, but when this warrior looks her in the eyes, she feels—for the first time in a long time—like a woman. Shane is too proud to ask for help, but for Jen, caring for him is more than a duty—it’s a need. And as Jen guides Shane through the fires of healing, she finds something she never expected—her deepest desire.

Flavor of the Week - Dec. 19

Richard Armitage

The English may be culinary challenged, but they sure

grow them nice across the pond. If you still have 

doubts about Armitage, watch BBC's production of 

North and South (nothing to do with the Civil War). 

If that doesn't win you over...well, SHUN! LOL

Poena's Top Ten for 2012

To be honest, I had to think long and hard about this list and most of the books I found by accident. Of course, once I started looking...well, ya know how that goes. LOL.

Exogene

The Seduction of Phaeton Black

Nightshifted

Fair Game

Born to Darkness

Iron Wyrm Affair

Discount Armageddon

Firelight

A Rising Thunder

Bear Meets Girl

Honorable Mentions (or w/o covers):
G.A. Aiken - How to Drive a Dragon Crazy
Ilona Andrews - Gunmetal Magic
Nalini Singh - Tangle of Need
Eve Langlais - Claiming Her Geeks

Review: Lesserblood Lies by Ainsley Davidson

Title: Lesserblood Lies
Author: Ainsley Davidson
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: Dec. 6, 2011
Word/Page Count: 81,000
Format: Netgalley

To protect her children from the despotic Trueblood, Merianne defied them by taking her girls and fleeing the planet. Even though Merianne's daughters are Lesserblood, they have the Talents. The Trueblood would train her children to use their dangerous gifts, but their methods are cruel, and Merianne would never see her girls again.

Merianne tries to give her girls a safe, quiet life, but when they befriend Thorne, a brilliant scientist, she finds herself drawn to the kind and captivating man—despite his uncanny resemblance to the Trueblood.

Thorne wants to help the girls control their emerging Talents, and he's intrigued by their mother. But just as Merianne finally accepts Thorne's help, two of her children are seized. To rescue the girls, Merianne and Thorne must risk death at the hands of the Trueblood, who will kill to protect their lies.

Review: Unclean Spirits by M. L. N. Hanover

Title: Unclean Spirits (The Black Sun's Daughter #1)
Author: M. L. N. Hanover
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Heat Index: 1 out of 5 (On-Screen Kissing, Off-Screen Sex)
Release Date: December 2nd, 2008
Word/Page Count: 357
Format: Purchased

In a world where magic walks and demons ride, you can't always play by the rules.

Jayné Heller thinks of herself as a realist, until she discovers reality isn't quite what she thought it was. When her uncle Eric is murdered, Jayné travels to Denver to settle his estate, only to learn that it's all hers — and vaster than she ever imagined. And along with properties across the world and an inexhaustible fortune, Eric left her a legacy of a different kind: his unfinished business with a cabal of wizards known as the Invisible College.

Led by the ruthless Randolph Coin, the Invisible College harnesses demon spirits for their own ends of power and domination. Jayné finds it difficult to believe magic and demons can even exist, let alone be responsible for the death of her uncle. But Coin sees Eric's heir as a threat to be eliminated by any means — magical or mundane — so Jayné had better start believing in something to save her own life.

Aided in her mission by a group of unlikely companions — Aubrey, Eric's devastatingly attractive assistant; Ex, a former Jesuit with a lethal agenda; Midian, a two-hundred-year-old man who claims to be under a curse from Randolph Coin himself; and Chogyi Jake, a self-styled Buddhist with mystical abilities — Jayné finds that her new reality is not only unexpected, but often unexplainable. And if she hopes to survive, she'll have to learn the new rules fast — or break them completely....

Review: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

Title: Grave Witch (Alex Craft #1)
Author: Kalayna Price
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Heat Index: 1 out of 5
Release Date: December 16th, 2010
Word/Page Count: 325 pages
Format: Purchased

Not even death can save her now.

As a grave witch, Alex Craft can speak to the dead-she's even on good terms with Death himself. As a consultant for the police, she's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why...

Flavor of the Week - Dec. 12

Did someone order Italian?

Raoul Bova

Why yes, yes I did.

Review: Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay

Title: Dead on the Delta (Annabelle Lee #1)
Author: Stacey Jay
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Heat Index: 1 out of 5 (Has some illicit kissing)
Release Date: May 31st, 2011
Word/Page Count: 389 pages
Format: Purchases

Once upon a time, fairies were the stuff of bedtime stories and sweet dreams. Then came the mutations, and the dreams became nightmares. Mosquito-size fairies now indulge their taste for human blood—and for most humans, a fairy bite means insanity or death. Luckily, Annabelle Lee isn’t most humans. The hard-drinking, smart-mouthed, bicycle-riding redhead is immune to fairy venom, and able to do the dirty work most humans can’t. Including helping law enforcement— and Cane Cooper, the bayou’s sexiest detective—collect evidence when a body is discovered outside the fairy-proof barricades of her Louisiana town.

But Annabelle isn’t equipped to deal with the murder of a six year-old girl or a former lover-turned-FBI snob taking an interest in the case. Suddenly her already bumpy relationship with Cane turns even rockier, and even the most trust-worthy friends become suspects. Annabelle’s life is imploding: between relationship drama, a heartbreaking murder investigation, Breeze-crazed drug runners, and a few too many rum and Cokes, Annabelle is a woman on the run—from her past, toward her future, and into the arms of a darkness waiting just for her. . . .

Review: Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett

Title: Kindling the Moon (Arcadia Bell #1)
Author: Jenn Bennett
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: June 28th, 2011
Word/Page Count: 358 pages
Format: Purchased

Meet Arcadia Bell: bartender, renegade magician, fugitive from the law. . . .

Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn’t easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia “Cady” Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she’s carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.

But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can’t clear her family name soon, she’ll be forced to sacrifice her own life . . . and no amount of running will save her this time.

Arai's Ten Books for 2012

I was looking through the book release dates on FictFact the other day, marking down when my books for the series that I follow are coming out. It was then a downward spiral of, "ohh, this book looks interesting," and, "wow, I have to add that to my TBR pile."

Needless to say, this site is a black hole of wonder.

In this spirit, I decided to make a list of the top ten books I'm currently looking forward to in 2012. I say currently because, unfortunately, FictFact might have a new book that I stumble across tomorrow and I might end up being fickle. But, I promise, these are still going to be up at the top of my list.

Showing Some Love for Maya Rodale

Showing some love for Maya Rodale

Review: Slip Point by Karalynn Lee

Title: Slip Point
Author: Karalynn Lee
Genre: Science Fiction
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: November 7th, 2011
Word/Page Count: 35,000 words
Format: NetGalley

From childhood, Shay had one dream—to join the Space Corps with her best friend and sweetheart, Jayce. When the Space Corps reveals that the father she thought was dead is actually an infamous pirate and rejects her application, the dream dies and she leaves the planet without saying a word to Jayce.

Ten years later, Shay is a pirate herself. She captains her own ship and has earned a reputation as one of the slipperiest pilots around. That's why she's recruited for a dangerous secret government mission. But the cargo she's assigned to smuggle turns out to be a woman with a government bodyguard—Jayce.

Jayce never thought he'd see Shay again, and when the mission forces them together on her ship, he isn't sure he can forgive her for deserting him; but their desire for each other is stronger than ever. Jayce knows he wants to be with Shay, but how can he trust a woman who's both a pirate and the girl who broke his heart?

Review: Bearded Women Stories by Teresa Milbrodt

Title: Bearded Women Stories
Author: Teresa Milbrodt
Genre: Short stories
Heat Index: 1 out of 5
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2011
Word/Page Count: 250 pages
Format: NetGalley

Welcome to the contemporary Freak Show! A woman trying to have a child has a parasitic twin, an extra lower torso, and set of legs named Bianca - should she have "Bianca''s Body" removed to improve her chances at conception? A bearded lady considers coming out of the closet about her hirsute nature, while carrying on a battle of wills with an overeating patron in "Mr. Chicken." A woman with four ears gets a chance to make extra money as the mascot of a tattoo parlour, and encounters a middle-aged, cookie-baking stalker who believes she is a sign that the end of the world is nigh. Meet the "freaks"-they''re mothers, wives, and lovers: all of them trying negotiate a world that is quicker to stare than sympathize.

Flavor of the Week: December 5th

Did someone order a space cowboy?


Malcolm "Captain Tightpants" Reynolds
(otherwise known as the geektastically yummy Nathan Fillion. You're welcome!)

Review: If You Dare by Kresley Cole

Title: If You Dare
Author: Kresley Cole
Genre: Historical Romance
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: Aug. 2007
Word/Page Count: approx: 349 pages
Format: Purchased

High in the Pyrenees, a band of mercenaries led by Courtland MacCarrick wages war for General Reynaldo Pascal. When Court turns on the evil general, Pascal orders him killed but Court narrowly escapes and exacts revenge by kidnapping Pascal's exquisite Castilian fiancée.

Can she deny her passions?

Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente despises her towering, barbaric captor almost as much as she does Pascal. Her inexplicable attraction to the Highlander only fuels her fury. But nothing will stop her from returning to Pascal -- for if she doesn't wed him, she signs her brother's death warrant, as well as her own.

Can there be love between them?

From the moment Court discovers that Anna's prim façade masks a fiery, brave lass, his heart's ensnared, and he dares to defy the curse that has shadowed his life -- to walk with death or walk alone. But Pascal vows that he'll hunt the two, never stopping until he's destroyed them both.

Review: All of You by Rhian Cahill

Title: All of You
Author: Rhian Cahill
Genre: Erotic Romance
Heat Index: 5 out of 5
Release Date: Sept. 2011
Word/Page Count: approx: 38,000
Format: ARC

Claire Jones never dreamed the fantasies she'd been having about the young guy next door would ever become reality, but after a push from her best friend and one encounter involving dirty laundry, she's getting more reality than one woman should be allowed. But with reality comes emotion, and Claire finds herself falling deeper and deeper under Ryan's spell.

Ryan Doherty wants in Claire's pants, but he soon discovers hot sex isn't all he's after. She makes him happy in a way nothing and no one else ever has, and if he has to use their amazing chemistry to stay in her life, he will. Because having more of Claire isn't an option. It's the only choice.

Can Ryan and Claire bridge the age gap to find the love of a lifetime, or will what others think destroy the best thing either of them has ever found?

Review: Demons Like It Hot by Sidney Ayers

Title: Demons Like It Hot (Demons Unleashed #2)
Author: Sidney Ayers
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Heat Index: Didn't get that far.
Release Date: December 1st, 2011
Word/Page Count: 384 pages
Format: NetGalley

Serah SanGermano runs a successful catering company in a Midwestern town. After she inadvertently helped her friend unleash a legion of demons, she's been trying to hide her own newly discovered powers. Matthias Ambrose, a mysterious demon mercenary sent to protect her, has his own secret— one that will embroil them both in the scandal from hell.

Review: Midnight's Daughter by Karen Chance

Title: Midnight's Daughter (Dorina Basarab #1)
Author: Karen Chance
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Heat Index: 2 out of 5
Release Date: October 7th, 2008
Word/Page Count: 373 pages
Format: Purchased

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir-half human, half vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Now Dory's vampire father has come back into her life. Her Uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula), infamous even among vampires for his cruelty and murderous ways, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare to put him back there.

Vampires and dhampirs are mortal enemies, and Dory prefers to work alone. But Dracula is the only thing on Earth that truly scares her, so when Dory has to go up against him, she'll take all the help she can get… ...

Review: Hot Zone by Catherine Mann

Title: Hot Zone (Elite Force #2)
Author: Catherine Mann
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Index: 3 out of 5
Release Date: December 1st, 2011
Word/Page Count: 384 pages
Format: NetGalley

Master sergeant Hugh Franco lives only to save others, until he plucks beautiful attorney Amelia Bailey from the wreckage of an earthquake and finds himself embroiled in ways he never expected. On the run from kidnappers, Hugh must call on all his training to protect them. But Amelia's fiery touch threatens to crack his world—and his heart—wide open.

Review: Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Title: Dearly, Departed (Gone with the Respiration #1)
Author: Lia Habel
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Heat Index: 1 out of 5
Release Date: October 18th, 2011
Word/Page Count: 470 pages
Format: NetGalley

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.