Vampire Noir

Mix together 1 part true crime, 1 part detective noir, 1 part romance, 1 part Jekyll and Hyde, and 1 part vampire tale and what you get is the amazingness that is Nocturne.

Hired by the family of Elizabeth Short, PI Victor Callahan tackles the Black Dahlia case, not knowing that it will turn everything he knows about life on its head. Initially, all evidence in the case points him in one direction: towards Lena Reid, Elizabeth's friend. He finds himself plagued by blackouts and hours of lost time as well as a burgeoning obsession with a certain sultry singer.

But nothing about the case, or Lena or even Victor himself is as it seems. Before long, Victor and Lena are dealing with their growing attraction to each other while dodging mob enforcers and mysterious, powerful Europeans.

I love how Karina Halle deftly wove vampire lore with a true story of crime and decadence in 1940s Hollywood. And how fiercely Lena and Victor protect each other? *chef's kiss* And the cameo of another notorious criminal in the epilogue? Chills.

A Tale of Female Empowerment

Emily's life is falling apart. Her parents died in a car accident a few months ago and her boyfriend, scratch that, ex-boyfriend, wanted to sell off her inheritance to pay off his student loans. Needless to say, she dumped his selfish ass and decided to start over.

She moves into the old brownstone her parents left her and opens up her home to an ecclectic, inspiring group of women. Her new roommates inspire and cheer her on as she embarks on journey of self-discovery.

Emily's new roommates/friends are awesome and supportive and definitely help her grow a much needed shiny spine. She's eventually able to stand up to her ex, to pushy developers and to the FWB who tried to screw her over.

Editing Emily is not a romance, so there's no grand gestures, no grovel, no HEA with the perfect man who will support her and give her endless orgasms. It's just Emily, finally settling in to a life that brings her friendship, happiness and fulfillment, without having to compromise. And that's a pretty happy ending, in my book.