Vampire Hunter D: The Stuff of Dreams #BookReview #Paranormal #Steampunk

 

TheStuffofDreamsIn a world where even the smallest and most remote village is being terrorized by the monsters that stalk the night, there is a hamlet, prosperous and peaceful, where mortals and vampires have lived in harmony for years. It is there that seventeen-year-old Sheavil Schmidt has slept, neither waking nor aging, for thirty years since first receiving the vampire’s immortal kiss. The mysterious Vampire Hunter D is lured to the tranquil oasis by recurrent dreams of the beautiful, undying girl bathed in an eerie blue light and dancing in a ghostly chateau.

I’m a HUGE Vampire Hunter D fan, and I love the whole series. However… I feel this one lacked the energy I’m accustomed to. Ugh, it sucked to type that. 😦 Sorry Mr. Kikuchi! *bows*

In this novel, D was still as sexy and mysterious as ever. The main heroine, Nan, was of course smitten by him. What re-blooded woman wouldn’t be smitten by the devilish dhampir? The pace was a bit long-winded, which is not a big problem since it flows nicely with Mr. Kikuchi’s writing style.

Because this story is wrapped around a dream within a dream, certain parts were difficult to follow, but once I caught on, I was engaged.

After she was attacked by a noble, a young girl finds herself suspended in an eternal sleep and trapped within a dream. As a result, she lures others into the dream and the only one who can rescue her is Vampire Hunter D. Only problem is, once she pulls him into the fantasy created in her mind, he can’t escape until he does the one thing she desires.

I enjoyed the premise, even though it dragged along a bit.

I’m excited to read the next installment in the series.

The Devil is in All of Us #PennyDreadful #Showtime

This is by far the coolest ad I have ever seen! It’s darkly beautiful an extremely artistic. It builds my excitement for season 2 of Penny Dreadful, which in my opinion is long overdue.

This ad embodies everything the show represents. When you bind the demon within, you may find yourself consumed by what you fear most.

“The light and darkness lives within us all. Which one dominates your soul?” ~ Yvonne Nicolas

Thanks for swinging by! 😉

What will you watch during this #Halloween week? #ASMSG #HorrorMovies #HorrorShows #anime

While I perfect my special Halloween martini for my drunken Halloween night with my neighbors, I have several movies and shows that are a must-see every year.

ALIENS:

This movie hypes me up every time I watch it and it never gets old. Private Hudson’s epic melt down will forever be one of my favorite scenes. I don’t know how many of you watch Phineas and Ferb on the Disney channel, (Sue me, I have kids) but during their recent Halloween special, one of the characters—Buford—reenacted Private Hudson’s melt down. I could not stop laughing. 😀

I AM LEGEND:

How could you not love the realistic freakiness of this film? A deadly pathogen created while scientists sought out a cure for cancer turns the test subjects into vampire/zombie-like hybrids. And that’s not all. The pathogen becomes airborne and turns the majority of the population into those creatures. One man, who is immune to the disease, (Will Smith) takes on the task of finding a cure, and he has to do it before the creatures get to him. This film will always be one of my faves.

GOTHIKA:

This is considered a thriller, but it falls in the category of horror for me. This story is wrapped around one spirit’s need for old fashion revenge. Of course, the big mystery in the tale shrouds that underlying vengeance in a brilliant way. This story was well told, and at the end, it leaves you with the satisfying feeling for the one who sought the revenge, because they got it.

WHAT LIES BENEATH:

This one leaves me with chills. It’s yet another story about revenge, where the mystery in the plot clouds “what lies beneath.” << Hahaa, see what I did there? 😉 I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve seen this movie. The storyline was enthralling, but the last 30 minutes were gripping. I have an intense moment during those last 30 minutes every time I watch it. *shudders*

RESIDENT EVIL:

For some reason I’mma sucker for this film. It’s not a “Great” movie, per se, but I find myself watching it every time it airs on the movie stations. The gore, the zombies, the psychotic security system that takes the form of a little girl, and the kickass heroine… It’s an entertaining flick.

INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE:

I was instantly drawn to this movie when it came out. First of all, the cast was phenomenal, which is one of the main reasons why this flick was so successful. ‘Til this day, Tom Cruise IS Lestat. He was so convincing in that role. In my opinion, it was one of his best performances. When I read the book, I saw his face as Lestat. That aside, this story was excellent. I thank Anne Rice for that.

WORLD WAR Z:

This movie freaked me the hell out, yet I keep watching it. Not only because it stars the handsome Brad Pitt, but because this film introduced a new kind of walking dead—zombies that could move fast as hell. They were leaping on people like frogs and creating huge zombie mountains to scale over incredibly high walls. It was crazy! If you got bit by one of these things, you would transform into a zeek within seconds. I admit, the ending was a little soft, but it’s still a really good film.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY (TV Show):

This is one of my binge watch shows. I used to watch it when it aired, but there are so many shows on my view list that I just don’t have the time watch them all. As twisted as this show is, it keeps you entertained. I couldn’t get enough of Angela Bassett last season. Aww man… She was flawless and dominated every time she was on the screen. She portrayed the deadly voodoo witch, Marie Laveau, like no other. I can’t believe she hasn’t gotten an award for that role. Honestly, she’s the reason I watch AHS. And she’ll be the reason I continue to watch.

THE WALKING DEAD (TV Show):

Oh my goodness, where do I start?! This show is easily one of my guilty pleasures. Though, I must admit I can’t binge on it like I do other shows. My heart can’t take the pressure. I have to watch one episode at a time. And at the end, I have to catch my breath, wait until my heart rate normalizes and then have a drink. I have invested my emotions in most of the characters on the show. It’s difficult not to because some of them are so loveable, like Daryl. Because my emotions are involved, I’m afraid for their lives. It shows the actors are doing a damn good job.

ATTACK ON TITAN (anime):

Another guilty pleasure for me! I’ve watched AOT Season 1 more times than I’d like to admit. This anime is so unique, gory and highly entertaining. What I like most about it is, it’s unpredictable and you never know who’s going to die. It’s like the Walking Dead in many ways, but in some cases you find yourself rooting for the giant zombie titan. Not all of them are mindless, and not all of them are slow. You just never know what you’re going to get. That’s what keeps me locked in.

Here are a few other shows and movies I like to watch in the spirit of Halloween. These are in no particular order.

  • Knights of Sidonia (anime)

  • Final Destination

  • Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (anime movie)

  • Carrie

  • Queen of the Damned

  • Hellsing (anime)

  • Penny Dreadful (TV Show)

  • Blue Exorcist (anime)

  • Death Note (anime)

  • Christine

  • Sleepy Hollow (TV Show)

  • Sleepy Hollow

  • Constantine

  • Blade

  • Warm Bodies

  • Wolf

  • Underworld

  • War of the Worlds

  • The Wolfman

What movies and/or shows do you find yourself watching for Halloween?

For those of you who are following my Halloween free read, I’ll post another chapter this week. I was supposed to post one this weekend, but my youngest samurai came down with a cold, so I didn’t get to do any writing. Never fear though, I promise not to leave you hanging for long. 😉

**Click on the image below to begin reading CRIMSON DAYS**

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Artist Spotlight: Recognizing Raw Talent, Kyle Chaney Jr. #Artist #FantasyArt #Monsters #StarWars

Today, I’m spotlighting my friend, Kyle Chaney. Many of you may recognize his name. The reason is, he’s my color master, the artist who colored the characters from The Dragon Queen Series.

I met him on Facebook some years ago. We immediately clicked and became friend. I have to tell you, he is one of the sweetest guys I have ever met. He is also one of the most talented. I must admit watching him work astonishes me every time. He just keeps getting better and better.

Today, I’m sharing some of his amazing artwork. And get this… they are all created with color pencils.

PEN-CILS!

Recognize this man’s raw talent!

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**If you click on any of the images it will take you to his Deviant Art page.**

Check out his Marketable Monsters set!

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Star Wars

Did I mention these were all created with color pencils?

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Inspired By A Character. #Sketch by @KiaPeya #DragonQueen Series #ian1 #asmsg #art

Happy Hump Day, people!

I have a stellar sketch to share with you today! This wonderful piece was created by the very talented artist, Takeia Marie.

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For those of you who have read The Dragon Queen Series, you know this sassy chick is Sharayna “Rayne” Piers, the all-powerful Dragon Queen. Takeia managed to expose Rayne’s saucy demeanor and hidden strength in this sketch.

Isn’t this beautiful?

This feeds my desire to see the Dragon Queen series as a graphic novel, or manga. 😉

Stay tuned! I have an absolutely wicked drawing of Maurisio Bithanos, also created by Takeia Marie, to share with you later. 😉

Bare your throat, my lovelies.

This dark fantasy series will suck your passions and leave you anxious for more.

(Click on the image to score your kindle copy)

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“Evil has the habit of nesting in the most unlikely places.” ~ Demetri Bithanos

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Winter Giveaway! Win New Release and Amazon Gift Card! #ASMSG #DEC #Vampires #ParanormalRomance

Happy Friday the 13th, people!

Today is the start of my Winter Giveaway! Yeeyyy!

I’m doing this Winter Giveaway to celebrate the release of the paranormal romance novel, SHIFTING DARKNESS, Book 2.5 — due to release December 20th 2013!

This is how it works. I’m going to post 5 questions pertaining to the Dragon Queen Series. The first 3 people to drop the correct answers in my FB inbox wins!

Before I post the questions, check out the goodies that could be yours.

The 1st person to answer correctly will win:

The 2nd person to answer correctly will win:

The 3rd person to answer correctly will win:

Now, let’s get this party started!

**If you know the answers to the questions, don’t post them here, drop a message into my FB fan page inbox and I will reply to let you know I received it. https://www.facebook.com/yvonnenicolasfanpage

  1. Where was Sharayna “Rayne” Piers born?

  2. What’s the name of Demetri’s sword?

  3. Demetri’s brother, Maurisio, is the head alpha of the Chalvaiz clan, which consists of many different animal shifters. What animal does he shift into?

  4. What are humans with supernatural abilities called?

  5. In Scarlet Moon, what are the names of the two priestesses who are appointed to follow the half-bred wizard, Vincent?

Now if you can’t answer them all, that’s okay, give a go anyway. I may take 4 out of 5. 😉 I will name the winners on Friday, December 20th.

Good luck!

THE DRAGON QUEEN SERIES

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SHIFTING DARKNESS Available on December 20th 2013

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SILENT SCREAMS is nominated for the 2013 Book of the Year over at the Talent Cave Reviews! To say that I’m elated and honored is an understatement. 😀 If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time! http://thetalentcavereviews.weebly.com/

I’ve Been Seduced by #Dracula and I Loved It. #NBCDracula #Vampires

Dracula3Friday night was the premiere of the highly anticipated NBC thriller, Dracula, and I was tuned in, with many other vampire lovers. I must say I was not disappointed.

**WARNING: This post contains spoilers.**

The show opened up with the vampire hunter Van Helsing resurrecting our beloved Dracula from the dead. His reason for bringing the dark prince back to the realm of the living was simple. Balance. There’s a dark order of puppet masters running things in London—the Order of the Dragon—and the only one who can stop them is Dracula, aka Alexander Grayson.

Dracula also has his own agenda. Revenge. But he’s thrown off course when he meets Madam Mina Murray, a woman who happens to be the splitting image of his late wife. His wife was murdered by the Order of the Dragon, hence his need to bleed them all dry.

Right after his blood-consuming resurrection, we were gifted with smoldering body shots of the insanely gorgeous, Jonathan Rhys Meyers. This man oozes sex appeal. Many of us were reminded why we tuned in, and why we watch the seasons of Tudors over and over again. Plainly put, JRM is freaking hot! He brings a dynamic sexuality to the character, one that’s difficult to ignore.

The direction of the story was a little choppy and slow at points, but Mr. Meyers makes it easy to overlook those things. His eyes, the way he gazes, the way he speaks, his body language… Even the way he crossed his legs is sexy. He draws you into the moment, making you wish you were there with him. He is a master of seduction.

I like the fact the writers didn’t shy away from the old vampire myths. Because of that, it gives the show a classic flair. Also, I like that Dracula is not invincible. Aside from the natural vampire weaknesses—like sunlight, garlic, crosses, etc—he can be hurt, both mentally and physically.

If you watched the show, hopefully you noticed the steampunk elements within the storyline. That was a brilliant touch. It gives the show a bit of an edge over the other time period shows.

Now, I’m dying to get to the sexy scenes, and I know you’re dying to hear about them.

When he approached Mina after she walked out of class, I was holding my breath. He eased up on her so smooth-like with that I want to eat you look in his eyes and she didn’t even know he was there! Even when he circled her, like a lion stalking his prey, she only felt a whisper of his presence.

That was epic smoothness!

I don’t think anyone else could’ve pulled that scene off like JRM. He nailed it!

Oh, and the oblivious women who gave him the flirty smile afterwards. She had no idea how worked up he was, or that he was the prince of darkness. Nevertheless, she was the meal to calm the beast, and from the looks of things, she loved it.DraculaVictoria

Next, the opera scene… DAYUM. We all know that scene was definitely too hot for TV. When he put his hand up her gown, I knew we were in for a treat. She moaned and I moaned. Seriously, it was a special moment.  JRM seduced me through the television as he stroked Madam Victoria to a panting orgasm, as I’m sure he did many women across the US. *grin*

I’m still shuddering from that scene.

Given the reputation of the writers who spun the show Tudors, and Jonathan’s special talents, we’re going to get more of that too hot for TV action. I can hardly wait.

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Blood Buffet #ParanormalRomance #ASMSG #Oct #InterracialRomance #Vampires

SilentScreams_ebook_final_smallUnable to focus on anything but the scent of the aroused blood bags in his bed, he rolled onto his stomach and pushed up on all fours. More blood. More… His vision was blurry. However, his other senses were keen. He could hear them calling to him, moaning his name, seductively taunting him.

Demetri ran hands along the silk sheets, until his fingers brushed a foot. He grabbed the woman’s ankle and dragged her across the bed. Her playful shriek invigorated him.

On her stomach, the woman, drew up onto her knees. She bowed her back, hiked her bottom in the air, and spread her thighs, her manner to offer her pussy for the taking.

Oh my… If he were in a calmer state of mind, he’d take the time to enjoy the lovely image of eroticism she presented. This was the same position Sharayna displayed to him in her moment of untamed desire. Growling in need for his dark angel’s essence, he palmed the woman’s backside. He drew in a deep inhale of her wanting sex and shoved the full length of his cock into her inviting sheath.

Her scream held such sweet ecstasy.

The scene wavered in the back of his mind as if it were a mere hallucination. Yet, he knew this moment, as well as this woman, was real. His vision clouded, his fangs lengthened.

That’s when something became very clear. Their blood was tainted with an alien substance. I’ve been poisoned. The realization came to him too late, and was useless now. The monster had taken a hold of him and its only desire was to be fed.

Fisting the woman’s hair, he plunged his engorged member in and out of her body with no tenderness, no emotion, and certainly no mercy. Her shrill cries bounced off the walls, and rippled the water surrounding his bed.

Desperate for a release that was lost to him, he yanked the woman up against him and sunk his elongated fangs deep into her jugular.

Her blood was a little sweeter than the others, pussy a little tighter. She was corrupt and utterly delicious.

He drew from her, slowly, savoring her thick, vital elixir, bucking feverishly into her gushing slit. Her screams drowned out the pounding in his head.

Her life was fading, but he couldn’t stop heaving into her body, devouring her spirit. The sliver of sin in her soul had him locked onto her, digging into the very core of her life force. Demonic madness!

From behind, another woman embraced him and pressed her full breasts into his back. Her body was hot, scorching his cold demon flesh. “Don’t forget about me,” she cooed into his ear.

He released the frail soul in his clutches and teleported her before he could claim her life. Dipping his head back, he roared. He despised this uncontainable sensation, this need to fuck and feed on anything with a pulse.

Goddamned this inner demon!

He exhaled a harsh breath as he attempted to steady his mind, and gain control of himself, even if it was futile. He reached behind him, grabbed the delightfully scented woman by her neck and threw her on her back. “More blood,” he groaned.

“I got plenty for you right here, baby.”

He shook away the cloudiness and gazed deeply into a pair of enticing, chocolate colored eyes.

This one was a pure blood shifter, and she was not the least bit frightened of what he intended to do to her.

No fear? He felt inclined to change that.

As his eyes wandered over her soft honey toned flesh, he dug his fingers into her dreads. The course tresses massaged his hand, pulling a chuckle out of him. It felt nice. With her hair fisted in his grip, he rammed his cock into her pussy, grinding their groins together on impact.

She latched onto his shoulders and braced against him, clenching her teeth, growling, refusing to gift him with the high-pitched song that stroked his demon’s desires.

“Oh you will scream for me.” Intently watching her, he surged into her sopping, wet channel, listening to the flow of her blood. Her plump, round globes bounced to the pace of his unrelenting thrusts. The second her body bowed and her mouth stretched wide to sing that song he oh so adored, he struck, claiming her throat in animalistic passion.

Fear revealed itself and coated her blood as it gushed into his mouth and down his throat.

Score your copy of SILENT SCREAMS Book 1 today!

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A brand new installment to The Dragon Queen Series will release soon. Stay tuned for special snippets and excerpts from the anxiously awaited novel, SHIFTING DARKNESS Book 2.5.

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‘Sleepy Hollow’ star Nicole Beharie: Kerry Washington ripped open ‘hole’ for black actresses

A wonderful interview with one of the stars of Sleepy Hollow, Nicole Beharie.
I especially enjoyed the comment she made about Kerry Washington and Shonda Rhimes.

 

She believes Washington’s accomplishments enabled the prospect for her in this new role.

“Absolutely, without a doubt,” says Beharie. “She just literally, her and Shonda Rhimes with Scandal, just ripped open that hole…They made it known to the industry that this is possible. I’m really glad and I’m totally rooting for her. I love, love, love her work.”

 

I’m sure many of us agree with Nicole on that. 🙂

#SleepyHollow, New Favorite Series for Paranormal Fans

Is it a new favorite series for paranormal fans? Or am I speaking too soon?

I rarely watch a show when it airs. My friends call me the DVR queen, and for good reason. I DVR almost everything, or I watch it on On Demand. *grin* I can’t help it. The majority of shows I want to see come on when I’m busy writing, and breaking my writing schedule to watch a show will only upset my muse.

Okay, so even though I DVRed Sleepy Hollow, I was so anxious to see it, I actually watched it when it aired. *snicker* Truth is, I was having brain farts with my story, so I decided to watch some TV. No regrets on that. This show did not disappoint. While watching it, I found myself waiting for something in the storyline to curve my interest, or some poor acting to make groan. None of that happen. I literally enjoyed it from the moment it started to the moment it ended.

AND I WANT MORE!!!

I’m hoping and praying this is not one of those shows that start off great, then dwindle away into utter confusion and nonsense, like The Following. Yeah, I tried to be a “Follower”, but it didn’t work out. *smh* Such a disappointment. That aside, I still love me some James Purefoy. 😉

Okay, back to Sleepy Hollow…

If you’re a true Horror/Paranormal fan, then you remember the gothic movie Sleepy Hollow released in 1999, starring the handsome, yet weird Johnny Depp and the absolutely adorable Christina Ricci. This was before she starred in Black Snake Moan, which totally ruined my image of her. *shudders*

Depp and Ricci made a great team as the characters Ichabod Crane and Katrina VanTassel, and their romantic interest sparked a flare that made this dark twisted tale even better.

I’m hoping for the same flare in the TV series. 😉

The banter between the main characters, Ichabod Crane and Abbie Mills was not only cute and funny, it was spot on. The two actors Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie have amazing chemistry and it bleeds through the characters they portray.

I love Crane’s witty, sarcastic personality. He awakens in a different era, 250 years later, and he’s tossed back into a battle he thought he’d left behind when he supposedly died. An ancient evil is threatening the existence of mankind and he still has his humor, not to mention good looks. I can’t help but love that!

Abbie Mills, beautiful and quick-witted, is battling her own demons of the past, but she is not without honor and compassion. I immediately fell in love with her character. It was the way she interacted with Crane. She doesn’t want to believe him, but given what she has seen and been through, she has no choice.

Although she doesn’t admit it, she’s fascinated with Crane, almost as much as he is fascinated with her. You can clearly see it when they look at each other. That aspect alone opens so many wonderful possibilities.

You can’t see it, but I’m wiggling my eyebrows suggestively. *grin*

Sleepy Hollow is a refreshing Horror/ Paranormal series with a unique plot. I like the fact that they tied the storyline of the headless Horseman into the scripture of the Book of Revelations. There are so many avenues they can take with this.

I’m glad to have another series to add to my list of paranormal shows like, Supernatural, Being Human, and hopefully the Originals. (We’ll see how that one pans out when the series starts.) Team Klaus all the way, baby!!! I’ll take a hybrid vamp over a regular vamp any day. 😀

I would’ve added the Vampire Diaries to the list, but to be honest, I’m straddling the line with that one. I can’t figure out if I still kind of like it or if I want to just give it up. *sigh* I hope it gets better.

Who will be sitting in front of the television on Monday night eager for her dose of the witty Ichabod Crane and the sassy Abbie Mills?

*points thumbs at self* THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE!!

Read SLEEPY HOLLOW synopsis here