Book Description
JUST ANOTHER NIGHT IN SIN CITY

Candace Steele is as tough as she is alluring. For her, killing vampires isn’t just a job–it’s personal: She’s still haunted by erotic memories of an all-consuming affair with Ash, a seductive vampire who thrilled her–and then nearly destroyed her. Now, working undercover in a Las Vegas casino, she seduces the most powerful undead–right before she drives a stake through their unbeating hearts.

When hot-ticket singer Temptation McCoy sweeps into town for a major concert, Candace is tapped for security. But after meeting Temptation, Candace feels the cold, tingling sensation that can mean only one thing: There’s a vampire in the diva’s entourage. To complicate matters, Ash suddenly appears in Sin City, vowing to do anything and everything to draw Candace back into his arms. Overwhelmed by desire and suspicion, she lets down her guard . . . a move that could cost Candace her life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

A light book to pass the time
I'm not going to talk about the plot because the summary that Amazon provided was the same as to the back cover of the book and at that, it's as good a summary as it goes. I'm just going to talk about the book, which is an interesting read. Is a book that's not heavy, it's a simple read that re tells the classic tale of romance between human and vampire giving it some new additions. Some reviewers say that they found it boring and not a keeper. I think this is the kind of book that you read, enjoy while reading it... maybe get bored by some parts of it... and then forget completly what the book was about. What I'm trying to say is that this book doesn't stays with you once you have closed the back cover. You just simply put it away and go on for the next one. It makes no big difference.

Passionate Thirst (Mass Market Paperback) by Cameron Dean
Really enjoyed this book.It was very interesting and was exciting to read.Great vampire book if you love storys like that .Alot of juicy details that kept me all in the book and made it hard to put the book down.

A promising debut, but plot doesn't hang together well.
Passionate Thirst has all the typical contemporary paronormal elements.The starcrossed, or stake-crossed, lovers are: Candace, a beautiful vampire slayer with a active libido, and Ash, a mysterious gorgeous undead hunk.As much as Candace loves Ash and also hates him for trying to turn her, it doesn't seem to keep her from finding 'comfort' in the arms of other men.The romance between Ash and Candace is handled in flash backs and is a little creepy. After she discovers Ash's true nature, she becomes sort of an abused hor d'oeurve.I found my feelings for Ash vacillating, between thinking that he really really loves Candace and thinking that with a PhD in Psychology that Candace should recognize that she needs major therapy.

I also had problems with several plot pieces. The first- we discover rather dramatically what activity Candace has chosen for therapy when she slays her first vamp. Just a little later when talking about a friend who is a vamp she makes the statement that essentially vamps have the same personality in death as in life, so they aren't inherently evil. I found it disturbing that the author had Candace take out the first vamp without establishing that he was truly evil. We know that he was out for blood, but Candace knows first hand that vamps don't have to kill. So the scene just didn't seem to fit into the story and the world well in retrospect. Another major disconnect for me was why Ash left Candace bleeding to death, when she got cold feet and asked him to stop in the middle of trying to turn her. The whole way through Ash was so possessive that I can't imagine him just giving up like that, when true death is so final. It seemed out of character.The last problem I had with the plot was with the whole evil super-vamp twist. Why is this vamp out to get Candace?It didn't make a whole lot of sense.

So, I had mixed feelings about Passionate thirst, but several of the secondary characters and their relationships were interesting (and I found all three books in this series at the thrift store) so I will give Candace and this series another try.

Super Reader
Candace Steele has multiple things to do. Serve cocktails, assist with the security of a pop star, and kill the odd vampire in her part time.

An encounter with a man in her past that she fell for was more than she thought, when it turned out he was a vampire. His little love bites give her vampire detection powers and appear to have enhanced her just a little above a normal human. No zombie summoning or wereleopard control.

Set in Vegas, said old lover returns, causing a few issues.

This is very much in the Laurell Hamilton plot lite variety, without getting quite as silly.

Lots of shagging, with things finished in a rush at the end, apart from the vampire lover part of course.

Good Prospects
This isn't a particulary heavy book and while it was an entertaining easy read Ms. Dean hasn't really been able to make her series stand out from a slew of other paranormal romances that share the same theme.

Candace Steele, or Dr. Candace Steele, has her Phd in Psychology and is working undercover security in a Vegas casino. Most think she is a cocktail waitress. She specializes in killing any vampire that may want human blood, no questions asked. Though only she, her bestfriend who is sleeping with the casino owner, and her direct supervisor know that vamps actually exist.

Candace knows because a year and a half ago she was in love with a vampire and left him. Half way through his turning her in an elevator, she chickened out and pushed herself out of the elevator where Bibi, the bestfriend, saved her life. If she hadn't encouraged him to change her she wouldn't have almost died, but that is a part the character glosses over. Anyway now both women have run from Ash, the vampire. They've gotten new lifes ( though they didn't bother to get new identities) and since the bungled turning Candace has developed what are obviously some vampire senses. She knows when one is near and has reflexes that are a little to goood for a normal human.

Just as a vamps headless corpse is found off the strip and her ex rolls into town Candace is placed as the only security detail for a very famouse pop star playing the casino, Temptation. Intrigue apparently surrounds the starlett as Candace & Bibi plot to keep her safe even from her manager/boyfreind who is draining her. While it had it's moments of fun the book was pretty predictable. I'll reserve judgement and see if the next book in the series is any better. ... Read more

Book Description
HE’LL GIVE HER A NIGHT SHE WILL NEVER FORGET.

A vampire killer with a Las Vegas beat, Candace Steele has risked everything to vanquish the forces of darkness–and to resist her own passionate desire for Ash, a dark and seductive vampire. But suddenly the stakes are raised. Candace has been attacked by a member of the Board, an ancient, powerful, and secret vampire sect with a vendetta against Ash. Now the only way she can save her life is to give herself to Ash–body and soul–and become a vampire.

Lusting for blood and starving for Ash’s embrace, Candace is pulled deeper and deeper into his world. She no longer trusts his promise that she will not have to remain a vampire forever. And as the hunger threatens to overwhelm her, it may be too late for her to leave the darkness behind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

No Happily ever after, but the best of the bunch.
I general don't like spoilers, but in this case since I was prepared for the worst, I was not devasted by the ending like other reviewers. Candace is far less conflicted in Eternal Hunger and it is far more romantic than the rest of the series. Although the little orgy thing in the middle was wierd. Candace finally accepts Ash's love and he finally begins to trust her with the truth. While Ash's motives were not alway clear throughout the series, for someone who has lived as long as he had to promise to always love Candace spoke of his depth of feeling.Ash always loved Candace enough to allow her to choose, and he continues that here without explaining the cost that choice would carry. To have finally had his love returned, made it worth his sacrifice.

Bad Ending!
I sat and read all three of these books within a weeks time, I just could not put them down. But let me tell you the way she ended the story was just awful, yes I know it was the "right" thing to do, but come on, I am reading a romance and I want a romantic ending... What a let down. I hope she writes another one because Ash, Candace and us as readers deserve better than that.

Had it's moments...
First of all I want to say I really liked this series.All three books were hard to put down.I liked Candace and I liked Ash.The sex scenes were hot and so was the action.Everything that happened in this author's vampire world seemed plausible to me.That being said I have to say I really HATED the ending.I also hated that whenever Ash & Candace split up she always slept with other guys.What's with that?!I rushed to read Eternal Hunger because I couldn't wait to see these two finally together.I figured the only way was for Candace to bite the bullet (or should I say vein?) but so be it.I knew they loved each other and I wanted them to have a happy eternity. Well it didn't happen and I am PO'd!
I don't really care if she felt his "presence" at the end.He wasn't there!!! I assume since this is a trilogy that this is the last.What a letdown.Was this suppose to be a romance.Not to me when the lead character is left alone in the end.I doubt if I will read anymore of this author's work.Too bad since I thinks she writes well but I just don't like to be strung along and wind up ending depressed.I kept thinking Ash would come back as Thoth's right hand vampire or something.
Anything to bring them together.Sorry if I give to much away but I just want to warn you this doesn't end up all warm and fuzzy.

Why Did I Bother?
So, really the only thing good that can be said about this series in the end is that it was a quick read. The ending truly was awful for anyone who is a romantic, and let's face it that's going to be most of Ms. Dean's target audience as this was marketed as a romance. This series isn't a romance. You have an only semi-likable character in Candace, to be frank she always thinks she's right and isn't very likable. The hero waits patiently for her for over two years at great cost to himself, gets used for her own purposes, and eventually murdered.

The writing in between characters was hardly any better. And whenever the author seemed in doubt as to what to write she just through another sex scene in. Candace has to have been the slutiest leading lady I've read about, far far surpassing even Anita Blake.

The series had moments when you honestly were curious to see what would happen, but nothing ever really pans out. The casino con in book two is the best part and after that I wouldn't bother with any of the books in hind sight. I borrowed these books from a freind and boy am I relieved I didn't foolishly spend the money to buy them!

And the ending sucks
WARNING! if you like concrete or happy endings you really do not want to read these books.
I first have to say that I am an avid reader and have had my share of bad books, but this one has to have the worst ending of all the serial books, or even stand alone books I've ever read. I very much enjoyed the first two books and most of the last but the ending is so vague and unhappy that it actually made me angry for reading them.I'm very disappointed in the author.She has a wonderful writing style and good pacing in her novels, but I it's almost like she couldn't think of a good ending for her story line and went for the vaguest possible way to end it to make up for it.
I would love to have an explanation as to why she did this and whether or not she plans to expand into another series or not. ... Read more

Book Description
WHERE’S THERE’S BLOOD, THERE’S PASSION

Sexy vampire killer Candace Steele is back on the Las Vegas strip and determined to steer clear of Ash, the seductive vampire whose smoldering allure begs her to surrender to the dark side. But determination may not be enough when Candace’s job at the glitzy Scheherazade casino drives her right into the center of Ash’s deadly domain, for there are rumors of a New Year’s Eve vampire assault on the casino, and only Candace can stop it.

With the clock ticking down to the fateful night, Candace isn’t sure if she can resist the overwhelming desire she feels for Ash, but she has run out of choices. She must go to Ash for help; even though she knows that the price he’ll expect in return is nothing less than her body and her soul.


From the Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Great Series!
I love this series!It's like Buffy the Vampire slayer with adult content.Very fun.I can't wait for more of the series.

Ash's point of view could have been interesting...
In Luscious Craving we get a peek into Ash's point of view in the flashbacks.This could have been an incredibly effective way to give us a better understanding of how his relationship with Candace developed and why he felt such a connection to her.Instead it was just a way to introduce another plot thread, that wasn't really all that interesting.

Since Candace is still fighting her attraction to Ash, she's off trying to "feel and not think" with some other guy. But she still manages to fit in a night of passion with Ash in between quickies. Candace doesn't kill too many other vamps here, just her evil clone, and picks up a new ally. Actually the "Vampire Killer" label is a misnomer, since her focus is her Security consultant job at a Casino and she does more chasing vamps off because the try to cheat the house, than killing them because they are bloodsuckers.

Luscious Craving was a quick, lightweight read, nothing too memorable, but since I alreadyhave the next one in the series,Eternal Hunger (Candace Steele, Vampire Killer, Book 3) I will finish the series before passing them on. These are not keeper quality, but enjoyable enough to be worth buying at the thrift store.

Like Ice Cream & Pickles
This book is entertainging but light. If your looking for more of a Laurell K. Hamilton style introspective work it may fall short for you. However if that's just the kind of thing you shy away from you may love this. Other reviewers are right when they say that this second installment is better than the first. The mystery is more complex(though parts are still a "duh!"), the sex scenes are hotter, and additional characters and storylines come into play. That's the good part. For me the bad part is that Candace and all of her relationships feel stilted, cold, somewhat undeveloped. I don't care enough about anyone to get that enthralled by the book.

The premise is that it's six months after the original book in the series. Candace is still working security in Vegas, Ash & she still have a disfunctional relationship full of baggage, and the casino where Candace works is about to host a huge poker tournament in the face of a possibly huge con going down. But none of the characters seems to know everything that's going on. Truthfully, Candace seems to spend most of the book between the sheets or mad. She's not the greatest slueth in the world. But like I said, it is somewhat entertaining. I just expected still more.

Great Read!
I had my doubts when I first heard of this series, but now I'm a believer. Cameron Dean's storytelling is addictive.The characters have flesh and dimension.I can't wait to see what happens next.

Phenomenal vampire book.....
Vampires and con artists haunt Candace Steele's life as she works security for the Scheherazade casino and hunts vampires on the side.Since nearly being turned into one herself by Ash Donahue, Candace is able to sense whenever a vampire is near and luckily the head of security at the casino believes her and uses this to great advantage to prevent vampires from bilking the casino with their powers of rapport.Rumors are swirling about a possible con at the casino in the midst of a highly televised poker event.Meanwhile, she is distracted by the sexy poker player, Michael Pressman.Will Candace be able to withstand her LUSCIOUS CRAVING for Ash and save the casino from utter financial ruin?

Cameron Dean exceeds all expectations with her second book in the phenomenal trilogy featuring vampire hunter, Candace Steele!Many secrets are revealed that add depth to the overall storyline as Ms. Dean incorporates flashbacks into Ash's perspective on the situation two years ago when he nearly converted Candace into a vampire.The change in character viewpoint flows seamlessly as the secrets gradually unfold.In fact, after reading LUSCIOUS CRAVING, this reviewer actually has an even greater love of the first book, PASSIONATE THIRST, as the pieces are all beginning to fit together in an extraordinarily clever pattern.LUSCIOUS CRAVING can be a stand alone novel, but this reviewer highly recommends reading them in order to fully appreciate the very unique plot concocted by Ms. Dean.

LUSCIOUS CRAVING is the breakthrough book that truly sets this series apart from others in the genre.The entire scenario with the Board provides an entirely new perspective to the characters and sets the stage for what should be a spectacular conclusion to the trilogy.LUSCIOUS CRAVING is a book that vampire lovers will relish!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES ... Read more

Product Description
He'll give her a night she will never forget. ... Read more

Product Description
"Sexy vampire killer Candace Steele is back on the Las Vegas strip and determined to steer clear of Ash, the seductive vampire whose smoldering allure begs her to surrender to the dark side. But determination may not be enough when Candace's job at the glitzy Scheherazade casino drives her right into the center of Ash's deadly domain, for there are rumors of a New Year's Eve vampire assault on the casino, and only Candace can stop it. With clock ticking down to the fateful night, Candace isn's show if she can resist the overwhelming desire she feels for Ash, but she has run out of choices. She must go to Ash for help, even though she knows that the price he'll expect in return is nothing less than her body and her soul. ... Read more

Product Description
Oringinally prepared in 1949 by Cameron D. Deans for the Division of Men's Work as an aid to the Church Officer Training Program. Revised and printed in 1956 at the request of the Assembly Men's Council. evised in 1964 by the Staff of the Division of Men's Work: E. A. Andrews, Fred C. Holder, Paul O. Hudson. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Depths Included
Commentary

I usually am one to read relationship/unrealistic novels such as The Outsiders or Catcher in the Rye, but after falling in love with the movie "Aliens" when I was seven I thought reading the book may be fun to. I have to admit, I have read this before, but not since the third grade so picking it up again was not a problem because I had lost all memory of the tale. The thing I like about reading books based on movies is that you get a whole new idea of what each character is feeling when something happens. For instance although Sigourney Weaver is a truly talented actress, when Ripley is trying to get Newt (AKA Rebecca Johnson) to drink the hot chocolate in the movie you don't get the same essence of her emotion towards the child as you do in the novel. I appreciate Alan Dean Foster because he has a tendency to go over what is expected and dive into the depths of a character, making them more distinguishable and easier to get to know. This book is truly one of the only books that makes reading it before or after you see the movie a fun ride. Plus there's a lot of swearing, that's always a plus.

Aliens hasn't gotten this good!
Great book! Like the movie is was suspenseful, action packed, and scary. The first book wasn't as good as this one though. The best parts are the end, and the part where Ripley is trapped with the facehuggers, and withoutweapons!

Good attempt at capturing the movie
Aliens is a fantastic movie and is one of my favorites.There is no doubt that it makes a great novel.The story is suspenseful and action-packed, and the marines are some of the best characters I have seen.The onlyproblem would bethe toning down of the language in the book.

Decent attempt
Decent attempt to capture the brillance of James Cameron's masterpiece.ADF toned it down for young readers and in the most climatic scene in the movie (book), he has Ripley uttering to the Alien Queen, "Get away from her, you!" as opposed to "Get away from her you bitch!".What's the big deal with the b word?They use it in Prime Time TV!

Alan Dean Foster's ALIENS
Okay, I would first like to state that I am not a Sci-Fi freak with Leonard Nimoy-like features; If you are (and I'll bet 9 out of 10 of you who are reading this are), please go to the nearest bar (or mall if you still suffer from acne-eruptions) and try to at least TALK to a member of the opposite sex. NOW, with that said, here's my review: It's Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!!!!! (ala Tony the Tiger) Now get to the mall kiddos, PRONTO!! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

the "New" paris review
funky and astute might be appropriate adjectives to describe Open City mag., which is more than a literary portrait "of New York City and the city in general." with writing not merely urban(e) or cynical (consider the dense, nature-themed poetry of Rodney Jack and the quirky yet illuminating work of Catherine Bowman in #18), here is the intelligentsia--artful and heartfelt, in a format as original as the visions it collects. ... Read more

Product Description
a candace steele vampire killer novel! ... Read more