Kiss of the Vampire (Warriors of the Rift) [Mass Market Paperback]

Cynthia Garner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2012 | Series: Warriors of the Rift (Book 1)

Warriors of the Rift

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.

Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .

Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Quick, witty banter between the three protagonists, intrigue and multidimensional characters make Kiss of the Vampire a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Garner's Warriors of the Rift series." (USA Today on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"Garner introduces her intriguing new Warriors of the Rift series. Garner provides both a cool premise and interesting characters. One to watch!" (RT Book Reviews on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"Cynthia Garner's new series is unforgettable!" (Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author of Immortal Rider on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"THREE STARS! This is Cynthia Garner's debut novel and the author shows great promise. Various characters in the story have complex, yet compelling, backgrounds that kept the story intriguing to me as I read. As for the ending, AWESOME! I wondered if something similar to it would happen, but did not really expect it. I closed the cover of this book while wishing that the second title was available for me to dive immediately into." (http://www.huntressreviews.com/ on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE
)

"A deliciously dark and scorchingly sexy treat for fans of paranormal romances." (Chicago Tribune on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"The first Warriors of the Rift romantic urban fantasy is a refreshing look at the origin of vampires, werewolves and other myths. Fast-paced, the romantic and police procedural subplots deftly balance a strong storyline that starts off with an Arizona newspaper editorial condoning the killing of a vampire and never slows down as Cynthia Garner provides a fascinating take on the supernatural."
(Harriet Klausner on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE
)

"An inventive spin on supernatural mythos draws readers into this fast-paced paranormal series launch...Garner (a pen name for Sherrill Quinn) shows promise with great characters, constant action, and steamy sex." (Publishers Weekly on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE
)

"With interesting back stories and even more interesting futures ahead Garner keeps the readers wanting more. Tobias and Nix's relationship is passion filled with hot love making and even hotter story lines. I will eagerly be awaiting the next addition in this new series." (Goodreads on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"KISS OF THE VAMPIRE is an amazing debut with a fresh spin on how paranormal beings came to earth. Ms. Garner's world is peppered with strong fascinating character who come alive between the pages." (FreshFiction.com on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"4 STARS! I cannot wait for this series (Warriors of the Rift) to continue. Garner seamlessly combines paranormal romance and romantic suspense that has you on the edge of your seat." (anoveladdiction on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"I can't wait to see what Ms. Garner has coming up next!" (www.nightowlreviews.com on KISS OF THE VAMPIRE)

"Makes for a thrilling and exciting read. Just remember to keep the light on." (www.SfSite.com)

About the Author

Cynthia Garner discovered her love for writing when her sixth grade teacher told the class to write a story that began "It was a dark and stormy night . . . " With that Cynthia's love for all things paranormal was born. When she's not working her day job as a mostly mild-mannered human resources manager, she's on her laptop writing or playing way too much Solitaire. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Cynthia now lives in the desert Southwest.

You can learn more at:
CynthiaGarnerBooks.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cynthia-Garner/254199854599157
Twitter: @CynthiaGarner.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Forever; 1 Original edition (February 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446585114
• ISBN-13: 978-0446585118
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.9 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #927,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My interest in writing got an early start when my sixth grade teacher told us to complete the following sentence: "It was a dark and stormy night..." With that my love of all things paranormal was born.

I didn't start writing with an eye toward publication until 1999. I had a few short stories win some contests and get published in now defunct publications. A move to Arizona in 2000 and a new job put my writing on hold. In early 2005 I couldn't keep the stories inside any longer, and made the decision to focus on a writing career, beginning with electronic publishers. Under the pen name Sherrill Quinn, I signed my first contract in September 2005, and my first novella was published in March 2006. In 2009 the first of three Kensington Brava books was released.

I'm very excited to have my Warriors of the Rift series find a home with Grand Central. You'll get to meet vampire Tobias Caine, half-demon Nix de la Fuente, werewolf Victoria Joseph, human cop Dante MacMillan, demon Finn Evnissyen and fey princess Keira O'Brien.

By day I'm a mostly mild-mannered Human Resources Manager for a local non-profit organization. I'm originally from northeast Ohio and fled the snow over ten years ago to live in the heat of southeastern Arizona.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Preternaturals and their issues March 2, 2012

By Elf2060

Format:Mass Market Paperback

3 1/2 stars
"Kiss of the Vampire" by Cynthia Garner is the first of her series about the preternaturals (pejoratively known as Extra-dimensionals/EDs) who have come to Earth from another dimension through a rift which usually opens every 73 years. Beings such as vampires, fairies, werewolves, shapeshifters and demons take possession of human bodies and confer their various powers upon the shell whose owner is dispossessed. Nix de la Fuente has the distinction of being a demon/human hybrid whose mother is a specialized demon known as a succubus. She works as a liaison with the regional Council of Preternaturals and investigates various crimes by working with Detective Dante MacMillan, one of the few humans who knows that she isn't completely human. An investigation into the horrific murder of a vampire who she knew personally brings her into contact with the vampire who broke her heart five years prior. Tobias Caine is a vampire who has been tracking the assassin who killed his people's leader for many years. His decision to break off the relationship with Nix five years ago was one of the hardest things he has done in his long life and he is not sure whether he will have the strength to resist her when they are forced into close proximity while investigating the series of crimes on behalf of the council. There are many factors impeding the investigation but undermining by their own support system is not anticipated and may cause the final irreversible end to their relationship if they don't learn to trust each other.

This was an interesting new twist on the origin of paranormal beings, the difficulties they could face when dealing with humans and the distrust and discrimination that being different engenders. The apparent strength and other benefits that come with paranormal powers can also cause handicaps and Nix has an interesting solution for controlling excess emotion with the use of tai chi. The sizzling carnal relationship between Nix and Tobias is contrasted with the rare bonds that Nix has formed with the human Dante and her friend Rufus and all is set against an intriguing murder investigation. A good start to an imaginative series that will continue with the tale of another colleague, Council Liaison Tori Joseph, in "Scent of the Wolf".

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulatastic Paranormal Suspense!!! March 3, 2012

By ReviewsByMolly

Format:Mass Market Paperback

This was a fabulous story! Cynthia Garner is a new to me author and I'll definitely be checking out more of her work in the future! Her writing style is highly unique and she instantly captivated me with her preternatural world. She takes the paranormal realm and twists is up with vampires, shifters,demons and other beings being from another planet, crossing over the "rift" and stealing the bodies to live among us. Definitely a new twist for this reader!

Nix de la Fuente is a demon-human who is helping to solve the many crimes arising from the humans and supernaturals. Only one person she knows, knows of her demon-human life, and that's her close friend and partner Dante. Together they are working to solve the unrelenting crimes of the world. But, when a vampire friend is murdered, her world turns upside down. There's a new vampire in town. And it's not who she expected.

Tobias Caine is the newest vampire investigator on the scene of his murdered friend and he comes face to face with the one person he never expected to see again: his ex, Nix. Seeing her again brings back all the emotions he thought he could get over. Turns out, he was wrong. But, there's a murderer on the loose and he has to find out who's behind it before it's too late to tell Nix the truth.

This is an excellent new paranormal romantic suspense novel that's overflowing with amazing characters and a plot line that will make your head spin! I loved the complexity of the issues at hand in the preternatural world, and passion that sparks between old lovers is absolutely fantabulous! This is a 5 Book worthy and beyond start to yet another wonderful paranormal series that will be high on my recommendations list! I absolutely can't WAIT to Dante's story in Secret Of The Wolf!!! It will be on the top of my wishlist, for sure!

This review originated at Reviews By Molly in part with a blog tour.*This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review*

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous urban fantasy/romance June 26, 2012

By VK

Format:Kindle Edition

In Kiss of the Vampire Cynthia Garner introduces her imaginative and sexy take on paranormal CSI. Her preternaturals (vampires, werewolves, demons) are exiles from another dimension who have to make their way in the world.

Half-human, half-demon Nix has an especially hard time, and things don't get any easier when the vampire who jilted her, the only guy to really get under her skin, becomes her partner and makes it clear exactly what's NOT going to happen between them.

Kiss of the Vampire is a great read, full of sexual tension and imaginative world building. Nix is tough and competent (never whiny!) and Tobias is so hot at times I think my pages steamed. Can't wait to get the next in the series!