Queen of the Night Reviews: Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on D.N. Simmons' Desires Unleashed Virtual Book Tour. Please make sure to leave a comment or question below to let D.N. know you stopped by. You can fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter her tour wide giveaway.

◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊

Guest Post - D.N. Simmons

My name is D.N. Simmons and I love to write about sexy, dangerous and powerful beings. If you're a fan of vampires and shifters, enchanting characters, danger and sex, then it's a very good chance you'll thoroughly enjoy my series; The Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. The KOTDC, (as I like to call it) is a multicultural dark urban-fantasy series in which the supernatural live openly with the humans. Needless to say, the two species don't always get along and there’s plenty of conflict as they struggle to find common ground. With each new book, the characters evolve as well as their relationships. Also, there's not a second where there isn't something going on. The KOTDC is riveting, scary, dark, sexy and bold. I really wanted to give readers something original and exciting to delve into in the dark urban-fantasy/paranormal romance genre.

Here's a little tidbit about me, D.N. Simmons. I've had a love of the supernatural ever sense I was a little girl watching "Fright Night" and falling in love with Jerry Dandridge. There was something about him that was completely alluring. He was as lethal as any predator could be; killing indiscriminately every night. He was handsome and full of lust and passion that made him quite drool-worthy. I dare say that some of my vampires, Darian in particular, share some of those fascinating qualities. I honestly believe that's what makes the vampire such a popular and addictive fiend. Wouldn't you agree? :D

◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊

Desires Unleashed
Knights of the Darkness Chronicles, Book 1
by D.N. Simmons

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Buy Links:

Amazon Print Kindle

Barnes & Noble

Blurb:

Desires Unleashed is the first novel in the riveting, highly-addictive and sexually-charged Knights of the Darkness Chronicles.

Experience the heart-pounding thrill of the chase in this electrifying page-turner as you uncover the mystery behind the series of gruesome killings that have been terrorizing the citizens of Chicago.

When a grisly decapitated corpse pops up on a Chicago Street, drained of blood, the highly-trained, government-funded special police force assigned two of their best detectives to the case. S.U.I.T. Detectives Warren Davis and Matthew Eric delve deep into their investigation to discover just who or what is leaving mutilated bodies in public places. They soon realize that the killer or killers is one step ahead of them and if they are going to stop the menace before another innocent human is viciously attack, they are going to need help.

Natasha Hemingway liked her life just the way it was... normal and supernatural-free. The vampires and shape-shifters were just where she wanted them to be--far away from her. All was going well until an unfortunate accident landed her in the hospital. It was then that she discovered she had an ability that could help her save countless lives. All of a sudden, she finds herself thrust into the dangerous and alluring world of the supernatural and into the arms of two very sexy and deadly vampires.

Original, gritty and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor and wit, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won't forget. You don't want to miss out on this amazing series! This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release.

Excerpt:

“Shhhh, quiet. You’ll die tonight, but you die as the chosen. Fear not, you are lucky to die by a vampire’s kiss,” he whispered into Anthony’s ear, repeating his most clichéd vampire quote.

He began enforcing his silent command-coaxing Anthony to remain calm. Once Xavier felt the other man’s muscles relax, he leaned closer to the pulsating artery underneath the smooth, soft skin of Anthony’s neck. Xavier’s mouth opened, fangs extending for the feeding. Anthony gasped, his back arching as Xavier’s fangs broke through his skin. Xavier began to feed; audible sucking noises filled the room, adding to the sexual atmosphere. Low moans were coming from the two men, both enwrapped in

pleasure, sharing this special union. Darian watched closely. He enjoyed watching the “vampire’s kiss” in motion. He delighted in watching other people enjoying pleasure in all forms, even if it was their last time.

Anthony let out a long shivering moan. His body twitched once, then twice, falling limp as Xavier continued to feed, draining the body completely. He savored the warm, delicious, thick fluid as it filled

his mouth, flowing down his throat. He could not, would not give this sensation up for anything in the world. He tilted his head slightly, widening his mouth to capture more of the blood that warmed him. It

excited him; he could feel the warmth spread throughout his limbs. His body tingled as though little electric shocks where bursting over him. He had grown hard during the feeding, as all vampires did, and he felt his passions rise to the crest.

Xavier was disappointed when the blood stopped flowing as he was enjoying his feast. He pulled away, letting Anthony’s corpse slip from his hands. The world seemed to disappear as he relished the sensation the blood was giving him. He sat there, head leaned back, eyes closed, full-shaped lips slightly parted as he ran his hands down the length of his torso, past his stomach, to caress his aching groin. His body twitched as he massaged his penis relieving some of the pressure. Darian smiled, waving John out

of his office. John nodded and scooped up Anthony’s corpse, throwing the body over his shoulder before exiting the room.

Darian walked up to Xavier, peered into his gray eyes and smiled. He squatted beside his lover, arms encircling the other man’s chest. He held him against his torso with one arm, while his right hand slid up Xavier’s chest to caress his throat. He grabbed Xavier’s chin, held his face up to his. Darian’s tongue darted out licking the spilt blood from Xavier’s lips. Their tongues met in a passionate kiss. A low groan escaped from Xavier as Darian began to caress him. He slid a hand inside his shirt, fingers seeking the firm nipples and gently rolled the delicate flesh between his fingertips, sending shivers through Xavier’s body. Darian’s other hand slid further down to caress Xavier’s crotch, massaging the hardness through the denim material. Ragged, panting moans filled the room as Xavier began to feel his climax. All sensations stopped when Darian released him and rose from the floor.

Confused and disappointed, Xavier looked up, a questioning look on his face. “Why stop?”

Smiling wickedly, Darian leaned close to Xavier’s ear and whispered.

“An eye for an eye, my beautiful inamorato. Tomorrow night, we’ll share each other’s passions, but not until then.”

He walked out of the room, leaving Xavier completely unsatisfied.

Payback can sure be a bitch. Xavier thought as he remembered interrupting Darian’s seduction of Annette earlier.

◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊

BIO:

D. N. Simmons lives in Chicago IL., with a rambunctious German Shepherd that's too big for his own good and mischievous kitten that she affectionately call "Itty-bitty" Her hobbies include rollerblading,
billiards, bowling, reading, watching television and going to the movies.

She has been voted "Rising Star" and nominated at Love Romances and More, winning honorable mention for best paranormal book of 2006. She has won"Author of the Month" at Warrior of Words. She was voted "New Voice of Today" at Romance Reviews.

To learn more, and have the opportunity to speak with the author personally, please visit the official website and forum at dnsimmons.com . D.N. is always interesting in meeting new and wonderful people.

ONLINE LINKS:

· Website http://www.dnsimmons.com

· Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000552496587&ref=tn_tnmn

· Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/DNSimmonsKOTD

· Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1396694.D_N_Simmons

· Youtube http:

◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊

My Review

Shapeshifters, Vampires, and humans co-exist in a tenuous relationship in D.N. Simmons' Desires Unleashed. From the first page the well developed characters, good dialogue, and political and social aspects of this story grabbed my attention. Ms. Simmons' world building, while typical for this genre, was well developed and the action in the story kept the plot's pace moving and entertaining.

In a world where the supernatural have been exposed and live among mankind, rules are considered a necessary evil to keep the peace. Humans, declaring themselves as the top of the food chain, so to speak, have enacted laws in order to protect themselves. It's up to the Supernatural Unit Investigation Team (S.U.I.T) to carry out the laws. No human ever thought the organization would be infiltrated by a supernatural passing as a plain, ordinary human.

At the beginning of this series, we are introduced to S.U.I.T. officers Matthew Eric (human) and his partner, Warren Davis (Wolf Shapeshifter), who are assigned a grisly murder to solve. A decapitated human body, with very little blood, was found. With little to no clues, it soon becomes apparent that the crime was committed by at least one supernatural, though the lack of blood suggests it's possible more than one is involved. While Matthew is aware of Warren's true nature, no one else on the force does. Will having Warren as a partner help or hinder Matthew as he works the case?

At this same time, the political situation among the supernaturals is in flux; the vampires and shapeshifters are still divided over their exposure to humanity and with the reaction their existence has created. While both groups have laws limiting their hunting and expansion, the vampires appear to be capitalizing on their "rock star" appeal and creating a financial windfall for themselves. Especially Darian and Xavier, who several of the more prominent clubs in Chicago. While lovers, these two vampires also have an open relationship.

Meanwhile, the shapeshifters are caught up in old world politics among the different packs and prides. Adding to the stress level is the somewhat forbidden attraction Elise, the Queen of the Leopard pride, has for Darian, the top vampire in town, and the on again, off again romance between Warren, and Adrian, the son of his Alpha.

Adding to the mix are two humans caught in the crossfire of action between all of the players; Annette Balfour, one of the dancers in Darian and Xavier's club, and Natasha Hemingway, her best friend and roommate. As events unfold, both women play a larger role in this story, with Natasha becoming of primal importance to the vampires involved.

As everyone works to keep peace between the humans, vampires and shapeshifters, they'll have to solve the case of the serial killer bent on destroying the peace. Ms. Simmons' world building and character introduction was well done and I was able to follow all of the action taking place. We get just enough character development to know the main players and see things from each of their viewpoints. Adding in a few twists I didn't see coming, kept the action hopping and the mystery fresh and intriguing.

Will Matthew and Warren be able to solve the mystery of which supernatural is behind the murders? Will Natasha be able to accept the changes in her life getting involved with two vampires will bring? And will the peace between the vampires and shapeshifters continue? You'll have to read Desires Unleashed to find out. I enjoyed it and think it's a good beginning for the series. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Simmons' work.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars