Award-winning author Dawn Thompson

Drake's Lair - new cover

2011-11-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Release January 2012
Dorchester Publishing
Tradesize and e-book

Drake's Lair

new cover for Under the Faery Blue Moon

2011-11-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

New cover for Ravencliff Bride

2011-11-05T12:43:00.001-07:00

Dorchester has create a new version of Raven Cliff Bride for Trade and e-book release.

Dawn's foreign covers - Spain

2011-10-16T12:52:00.001-07:00

These are the Spanish translation covers - the top one is for Ravenscliff Bride and the bottom one is for her MacTavish penname, The Privateer. Dawn would have loved them.

Does piracy of books hurt? It destroys lives.

2010-10-14T07:32:00.001-07:00

Does piracy of books hurt? It destroys lives.

I knew a lovely lady. She became one of my closest friends. Our friendship was formed on the internet. Likely, we would have never known each other without that magic connection. But that link, while bringing the world to your home, also offers you a mask. Dawn hid herself from the world. Few knew Dawn Thompson was a paraplegic. She could stand, take a step or two, but otherwise, she was trapped in a wheelchair, day in, day out, for the last years of her life.

It was always Dawn’s dream to be an author. The power, the gift of storytelling was in her heart, in her soul. Dawn would have written even if she never was published because the magic was a part of her. Just as she was about to make it in publishing, she was nearly killed in a car accident. It left her with legs that no longer served her, and hands that had not been properly cared for during hospitalization, thus were curled back, useless. She only had use of her index fingers and her thumbs. But oh did she make use of those remaining digits! Dawn wrote dozens of books, most were published by Kensington Books and Dorchester Publishing.

While it was her dream to be published, it also was her necessity to sell her novels. It was one of the few ways left to her where she could raise money to support herself. She was left with a very small disability check, not enough to allow her to survive. She needed that money that would come from her books. In 2007, Dawn was on the verge of being a bestselling author, and her plans were not to buy a second home in Florida or Hawaii, nor buy that yacht we laughingly hear so much about. Dawn’s plans were to have a roof over her head, an apartment in a reasonably safe neighborhood, food for her and for her cat and medicine, the basics that many of us―most of us―take for granted. In the final years of her life, she expanded that drive to want to protect her sister. Her younger sister Candy is also disabled. Dawn thought she could write, sell lots of books and she, the cat and Candy would get by. Nothing fancy, just to be safe, have medicines and decent meals.

My heart broke when I called Dawn one day and she was crying. I finally got the story out of her―what the proud Dawn was trying to hide―just how dire her situation was. She barely had money for food, a condition that had been going on for months. She knew if she could make it until the end of the year, the royalties from her books would actually be giving her the means to survive. She was crying because she was rationing her tea. Tea was a luxury she couldn’t afford, so she allowed herself ONE teabag each Sunday as a treat for herself. Dawn had a helper supplied by the government that came in for a couple hours five days a week. And the aid just went into the kitchen, helped herself to the last tea bag. Dawn wouldn’t have her tea on Sunday. I sat and cried. One teabag per week? How sad was that?

Dawn was so close to making it, but because of the lack of good food she grew weak, and after a long day of work finishing a book, she collapsed as she tried to move from the wheelchair to the bed. As she battled for her life in hospital, she took steps to protect her sister. She gave Candy several of her remaining unpublished books outright, and assigned the rights and royalties of the ones already published to Candy. If the worst came, she wanted Candy taken care of.

The worst did come. We lost Dawn in February 2008, but she died with the belief Candy wouldn’t face the horrible circumstances of choosing between medicine and food, that her pain and hard work would provide the means to take care of her sister. Only Candy is not secure. Her fate is very dire, as bad as what faced Dawn. Maybe worse.

Sad, you say, but how does this relate to piracy?

Simple. Dawn wrote for two publishers, but the one that has control of most of her books is Dorchester Publishing. Recently, they informed the public they were restructuring their business, dropping the mass market line, and moving to only e-book and trade size. Why? Because they are not selling mass market paperbacks on a level to stay in the black. Why should people pay for books, when they can get on the net and enter a name of a book or author and find dozens, hundreds of places where they can download books free. Illegally. People are giving away books, or even more heinous, selling them. They are making money off the hard work of others. When I put in Dawn’s name in a search engine, I shall find her books listed on so many pirate sites it’s sickening. One place selling one of her books illegally had over 4800 downloads. Just ONE book on ONE site. Yes, all those downloading the book might not have ever bought it. But many probably would have. People who professed to love her books would have bought her next book, and her next. Now, why should they pay, when it’s minutes to locate a novel, second to download? To steal it.

These criminals ―yes, THAT is what they are ―make money off Dawn’s works. They are stealing. Dawn used to arise at 7am and would work all day and night and finally struggle into bed around 1am. SEVEN days a week. The whole time she was in agony from metal rods and pins in her body, along with sitting in a wheel chair eighteen hours a day. Those thieves are making money off her agony. The money venues/handlers such as PayPal are making money off Dawn’s pain.

And now they are stealing from Dawn’s sister. They say they aren’t hurting anyone, justifying their criminal activities, because each book is only the “price of a cup of coffee.” But multiply that by two dozen books, multiply that by thousands of downloads, multiply that by dozens, maybe hundreds, even thousands of sites stealing from Dawn’s sister. Suddenly, you are talking about a lot of money. Candy is on very limited means. She gets disability, but is too young for Medicare so she has no medical treatments for dangerously high blood pressure and arthritis. She cannot drive, cannot walk but a few steps with a walker. Currently, she is rooming in a place, and the situation is dangerous to her health. Every penny matters to her simply surviving.

So the next time someone says they can get a book offline cheap, and they aren’t hurting an author because, after all, they all live in big, fancy homes and have a yacht, think again. You are stealing food from people, medical care, a decent place to live. You are stealing people’s hard work. The next time you search out your favorite author on a torrent, before you push that button know you are stealing from people’s children, and you hurt people’s ability to support themselves. Ask yourself, if you would work at your job when people refused to pay you and yet expected you to perform anyway? Could you survive in a job where you might not get money for months, years?

You are stealing. Plain and simple. There is no justification for that. You are hurting people, and none of the blithe rationalizations can whitewash that bald fact.

Dawn's first and last gets a 4 star

2010-02-28T22:09:00.000-08:00

	RENEGADE RIDERS by Dawn MacTavish RT Rating: Category: HISTORICAL Setting: Post-Civil War Arizona Publisher: LEISURE Published: March 2010
Published posthumously, this was actually MacTavish's first novel. It's a rugged tale in the tradition of Zane Grey, complete with an honorable cowboy, a headstrong woman and a cast of wonderfully detestable villains who fulfill western readers' fantasies. Summary: Trace Ord is a renegade rider, a wrangler for hire sent to reclaim rustled horses. When he finds someone stealing his horse, he shoots and asks questions later. The thief turns out to be a woman. Mae Comstock is fleeing her ruthless husband when she comes upon Trace. He vows to help her, not knowing how much she will change his life. Determined to get back to her family in Kentucky, Mae teams up with Trace to expose Comstock as a killer and a rustler. Drawing him into her life and without meaning to, they fall in love. With help from old and new friends, they find not only the means to justice, but a way to a new life. (LEISURE, Mar., 300 pp., $7.99) HOT *—Kathe Robin*

Remembering Dawn....

2010-02-08T00:58:00.000-08:00

Today is 2nd Anniversary of the passing of Dawn Thompson. We who loved her quietly keep her memory close to our hearts. It's still very hard to believe she is gone, hard to believe it's two years.

Her last wish was for us not to forget her.

We remember, Dawn. Every day we remember....

Romantic Times review of Counterfeit Lady

2009-10-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

COUNTERFEIT LADY
by Dawn MacTavish

RT Rating: ****
Category: HISTORICAL
Setting: Regency England
Publisher: LEISURE
Published: November 2009
Type: Historical

MacTavish switches gears from her most recent adventure romances to craft a charming, lighthearted Regency. She takes a simple plotline and charms readers with the mayhem that ensues. It's truly a joyous read.

Summary: As companion to Lady Clara, Alice agrees to attend a masked ball masquerading as her mistress to ascertain if the man Clara's sponsor wants her to meet is as hideous as the rumors say.

One dance and Nigel Farnham is entranced. But the lady flees before the unmasking, fueling his determination to uncover her identity. Though Alice is to pose as Clara for one night, Clara's disappearance forces her to keep up the charade and pushes her into Nigel's arms. Then a rival for Nigel's affections steps forward and Clara returns, determined to win Nigel and destroy Alice's reputation. But nothing can stand in the way of true love. (LEISURE, Nov., 320 pp., $6.99) HOT

—Kathe Robin

Cover for Renegade Riders

2009-10-14T20:10:00.001-07:00

Coming March 2010 from Leisure Books - the only Western Dawn ever wrote.

Renegade Riders by Dawn Mactavish
[mass market paper: Leisure Books; March, 2010; $7.99; ISBN: 0843963220; ISBN-13: 9780843963229]

Prisoner of the Flames - Best Historical Nominee 2008

2009-08-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

Dawn's sister Candy was informed that The Ravening had one the Romantic Times Award for Best Shapeshifter Romance.

She was so thrilled, as we all were. Dawn had three wishes 1) to be a bestselling author 2) win a RITA Award and 3) win a RT Award. She's accomplished two of these, though sadly not here to see her victories. The Counterfeit Lady will be the first of Dawn's books to have "Bestselling Author" on the cover and The Ravening was the RT Awards. She said of Milosh the hero, "If they don't fall for him, then I will give up! He's a hero for the ages!" Well, Milosh got 4 4 1/2 stars, TOP PICK and Milosh got the KISS Award from RT for being one of those heroes we cannot forgot. Sadly, the RITA has evaded her.

However, there was a small victory that was overlooked. Her MacTavish book, Prisoner of the Flames was also nominated by Romantic Times Magazine as one of the Best Historicals Romance of 2008. Dawn would have been so thrilled over this. She once confided that she knew this was one they would never publisher -- the hero's face was scared and the heroine was blind, and it was more old style historical fiction than historical romance. She was so thrilled with Chris Keelser bought it for Dorchester, but I am certain we would have been over the moon knowing it was selected for this honor. So while not a win, Dawn would have cried knowing her Prisoner triumphed through the flames!

Dawn Thompson Memorial Haunted Hearts Contest

2009-08-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

August Contests

**Dawn Thompson Memorial Haunted Hearts Contest

Sponsor: RWA Gothic Romance Writers

Fee: $15 for Goth Rom Members; $25 for Non-Goth Rom

Postmarked Deadline: August 1, 2009;

E-Mail Receipt: Midnight, August 1, 2009

Eligibility: Not published in last 5 years by an RWA-approved publisher; not contracted by deadline.

Entry: First chapter (25 pages max), synopsis (one page max); must include Gothic elements.
Categories: Historical Gothic and Contemporary Gothic.
Final judges: TBA.
Top Prize: Certificate. FMI,

http://gothrom.net/contest.html or Lise Horton, lhorton@fkks.com.

new cover for Counterfeit Lady

2009-06-10T14:59:00.001-07:00

Lord of the Dark featured on Publishers Weekly

2009-03-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Barbara Vey at Publishers Weekly Blog. They just showcased it today

http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288/post/1220041522.html

Lord of the Dark by Dawn Thompson

Read by Marie

Gideon was the greatest Archangel of the Arcan Gods until he was banished and punished for lusting after a mortal woman. Now cursed and forced to live with his sin for decades, Gideon can’t hide his wings and he can’t fly with becoming painfully aroused with no way to ease the pain without punishment. Rhiannon was on her way to her betrothed when was shipwrecked just off the coast of a desolate island. After washing ashore, she made her way to what appeared to be an abandoned cave, since there was no one inside or any where around the area she took advantage of some of the items stored inside. After bathing in the cave's pool, she came face-to-face with a towering naked man with massive silver wings.

I loved this book. Dawn has written compelling characters in this series of banished heroes. The pages sparked with fire. I laughed the first time I saw the warning label on the back, but I found out quickly that it was appropriate. This is the second book in the series but my first by this author and I will be going straight away to pick up the others. I was very saddened to hear that she left us last year. She was a magnificent storyteller.

Romantic Times Award for The Ravening.

2009-02-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

The Romantic Times magazine just informed Candy that Dawn received the award for Best Historical Shape Shifter 2008.

From RT:

Our Awards Ceremony will be held in Orlando, Friday, April 24, 2009 form 4:30-6:30pm at the Wyndham-Orlando Resort and we will include Dawn in the Awards Presentation portion of the Program and also in the Awards Power Point Presentation which we are currently working on.

Dawn’s name will be in the Awards Program and will appear the June issue of RT BOOKreviews magazine as an Award Winner. It will also appear on our website awards' archives as a 2008 winner.

Candy is so very thrilled and honored that Dawn's book is receiving this award. Romantic Times gave this book 4 1/2 stars (they don't give 5 stars), was a TOP PICK and received the KISS Award from them for her hero Milosh. Milosh was likely Dawn most beloved hero, so this would please her so much.

Remembering Dawn......

2009-02-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today is the first anniversary of the death of Dawn. It's a hard day, because you reflect how empty the world is without this special Lady.

We remember Dawn.......

Miss Fuzz saying hello....

2009-01-06T15:51:00.001-08:00

Miss Fuzz checking in....

As you can see I am doing well. I eat several small cans of very expensive cat food each day, I get bottled water and I am sleeping on a king size bed wiht my big fluffy king size feather pillow.

I am not sure why DeborahAnne is sticking a flashy thingie in my face, but she insists I must say hello...

Rape of the Soul nominated for Best Horror 2008

2009-01-06T14:55:00.001-08:00

Dawn would be so happy!

Dawn's epic saga - RAPE OF THE SOUL has been nominated for Best Horror novel 2008 at the P&E Awards.

You can vote for her book

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelh.shtml

Barnes and Noble

Call your US Senator to see unemployment extended please

2008-11-18T10:23:00.001-08:00

Date: Nov 18, 2008 12:06 PM Subject: Call your US senator to see unemployment extended Body: Unemployment Extension Legislation Update before US Senate
November 17, 2008:

The National Employment Law Project is asking for assistance in getting the Senate to pass an unemployment extension. They suggest calling 1-800-473-6711, asking to speak with your Senators’ offices, and telling them that unemployment is a national crisis and that you need them to pass the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008.

I personally know people who have been on uneployment and it's running out. They will be facing no Thanksgiving and maybe eviction from their homes in Decemeber unless unemployment is extended.

PLEASE CALL. - the number is US Capitol, ask for the senator of your state - you don't need to know his name - just your state. His office will answer.

Tell her to have the senator vote for unemployment extention as soon as possible, so families will have a safe holiday season.

5 hearts review for Lord of the Dark

2008-11-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Pub. Date: August 2008
ISBN-13: 9780758221803
304pp

Gideon, Lord of the Dark, Prince of the Air, winged arch angel that had fallen from grace because of his l

ust, was now cursed. Cursed to be eternally aroused, the slightest touch to his wings would about make him mad with need, a need to sink himself deep within a woman. That was also part of his curse, he was allowed no women in which to relieve himself, and the lightening bearing watchers/harpies of the gods made sure of that, striking him down if he even came close. A fallen angel, alone in the world without his soul mate but constantly aroused is about to pull one over on the gods…

Rhiannon was unwillingly on her way to meet her betrothed when their ship crashed because of the angry sirens song. Shipwrecked in the ocean and not a strong swimmer, Rhiannon did all that she could think of; pray to the gods. Washing ashore, she found a small cave and entered taking the liberties of a bath only to be surprised by this beautiful winged man. He was amazingly gorgeous, even when he tried to frighten her away, it awakened cravings neither had ever known before. Rhiannon still an innocent and virgin, Gideon Lord of the Dark, frenzied with need… the watchers hadn’t seen her, so could he keep her? After that first kiss, he knew he could never let her go, but there are other powers and entities out there that must be overcome. Fate can be a cruel and evil thing.

Lord of the Dark by Dawn Thompson is an enthralling erotic historical that will awaken the need in every woman! I’m telling you this book was on FIRE! The sexual scenes were intense but tasteful, there was not a moment that went by that Rhiannon was not getting into trouble, strong willed, or falling deeper in love with Gideon.

I can not express how enamored I am with Dawn Thompson’s Lord of the Dark. I know there are more books in the series, this was the second. I have to have those other books! I know Da

wn is not her with us, but her words will continue to live on. I really loved this book! 5 Hearts - Crystal Book Reviews

Purchase any of Dawn Thompson’s books on Amazon. com, Barnesandnoble. com, or at your local bookstore.

Book 3 of The Elements, Coming December 30, 2008

Book 1 available in bookstores and online, in it's second

printing

Romantic Times - 4 1/2 start and TOP PICK for Prisoner of the Flames

2008-11-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

PRISONER OF THE FLAMES
by Dawn MacTavish
RT Rating:**** ½ - TOP PICK
Category: HISTORICAL FICTION
Setting: 1562 France
Publisher: Leisure
Published: November 2008
Type: Historical

MacTavish melds the dark and sensual mood of Phantom of the Opera with the historical detail and intrigue of Les Miserables to deliver an enthralling, non-stop read. Looking for depth, emotion and history? You'll clamor for more.

Summary: Scarred by fire when he was an infant, Robert Mack, the Laird of Berwickshire, wears a mask to hide his deformity. He believes that the famed healer Nostradamus could cure him, but that means traveling to Paris, where intrigue runs high and a civil war looms.

In Paris, he rescues Violette Cherier, a blind flower girl, from attackers and makes some powerful enemies. Trying to navigate the labyrinth of politics while keeping Violette safe and his dreams of a new life as a whole man alive is difficult, and one false move means imprisonment. Soon Robert learns that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder, it's in the heart.

(Leisure, Nov., 380 pp., $6.99) HOT—Kathe Robin

Romantic Times mention of Dawn and her books

2008-11-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

The Romantic Times has a nice spot about Dawn and her works.

It was a reader asking questions about the status of Dawn's series The Elementals. (Click on the image at left and read the articlce with comments from Kensington editor, Hilary Sares.)

Here is the current information on Dawn's remaining works:

Rape of the Soul (Highland Press) was released in July 2008 - this is not Dawn's current style of writing, as it's Historical Suspense - Horror, not Romance. It's an amazing saga, of evil, passion and and the quest to understand the past. And Epic novel.

Lord of the Forest - (Kensington Aphrodisia) will release the third and final work in The Elementals Janurary 2009.

Lord of the Fire was proposed, Dawn outlined it completely from her hospital bed, but it was never full started. Kensington elected to publish the third book in the series, but returned the rights of Lord of the Fire. There are hopes by Dawn's family this book someday may be written for Dawn as an honor to Dawn's hard work right up to the time of her death.

Prisoner of the Flames -- with her writing at Dawn MacTavish, was just released by Dorchester's Leisure Books. It's currently out and selling very well. It's not a true Romance, but Historical Fiction. This was the first book Dawn wroter after her car accident, that left her confined to a wheelchair for the next 11 years. Amazing work of historical period writing.

The Bride of Time (Dorchester Love Spell), possible Dawn's best romance, this time travel is an amazing work. It was release last month by Dorchester.

Reprints of Children of the Wind and Odin's Daughter will be done by Highland Press and out in 2009. These were books that Dawn had done in small press, and saw very limited release. Odin's Daughter is currently selling for $500-800 by collectors. Hang on and do not pay that! They will be reprints by Highland Press under the Legacy Imprint.

There are still remaining books to come:

Ranks of Death - and IRA novel

The Counterfiet Lady - a Regency Romance - from Leisure Books, Sept 2009

Drake's Lair - a Regency Paranormal Romance

Renegade Rider - a Western - from Leisure Books, 2010

Besides the books contracts before Dawn's death, there remains a missing box of typed manuscripts that her sister hopes will turn up as they sort of out Dawn's personal belongings in storage. We will keep you posted on that status of releases as they are firmed up.

Prisoner of the Flames is released!

2008-10-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE: This is Historical Fiction (with paranormal elements) not Historical Romance

Publisher: Dorchester Publishing Company, Incorporated

Pub. Date: October 28, 2008

ISBN-13: 9780843959826

336pp

I recall Dawn speaking about the writing of this books. It was the first book she wrote after she had nearly died from the car accidently eleven years ago,which left her confined to a wheelchair and only partial use of her hands. She would go to the local library to do her research, and as they grew to know what she was doing, they requested more and more books for her. It paid off. The historical period is rich in detail and understanding. A masterpiece of historical fiction.

A note to Dawn's fans: This book is NOT a Romance novel, as many of her other books were, but a work of Historical FICTION. There is a romance in the book, but it's very small compared to the tapestry of the sweeping historical saga. Please read it with that in mind.

the sad tale of Dawn Thompson and her sister Diane

2008-10-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

A Tale of Two Sisters.

The sad story of Dawn and Diane Thompson of New York, USA.

Today is Poverty Awareness Day (October 15th) and I cannot think of a situation that brings this closer to home that the life and death of Dawn Thompson, and what is now facing her sister, Diane.

I won't address the many hard knocks that hit the Thompson sisters through the years. Life tends to visit death, loss and unfortunate circumstances upon us all. It's their later life―and death of Dawn―that touches my heart and mind on this day meant to bring world consciousness to the ugliness of poverty.

Eleven years ago, Dawn was hit in a car accident that left her unable to walk. She could barely take more than two or three steps, dragging one leg. She had rods in her arms, and due to improper care in hospital, she lost the use of the last three fingers on her left and right hand. They were curled back and could no longer respond for her. From that point on a wheelchair was her only means of moving about. There was a settlement for the accident, so she was able to get along.

The government provided her $565 per month in disability (I have no idea why so LOW), meaning she would have had no means of existing without the settlement. They originally provided her with an aid in the morning to help bathe and get her dressed. Another came in the afternoon to do errands such as pick up medicine, fetch groceries and do laundry. A third came in just before bedtime to help her undress and get into bed. Three years ago, they decided Dawn was getting too much aid, and cut her aids for afternoon and evening. Afternoons were difficult, but the night aid really was missed most of all. It was very hard for Dawn to get out of the wheelchair after sitting in it for 12 hours straight. Sometimes it took her an hour of battling just to get into bed. This was a woman in her late sixties and riddled with pain and arthritis. Each night was dangerous on her heart.

Dawn's plight became more acute at the end of 2005. She had an accident that nearly killed her―the wheelchair malfunctioned and tossed her into the dishwasher, ripping open her thigh. She was lucky she didn't bleed to death. Medical expenses mounted. Yes, she had Medicare. But co-payments and so many medicines she needed were not covered by the government support saw her money from the accident settlement eaten up by these expenses. She was forced in the spring of 2007 to sell her pre-paid funeral policy just to pay her rent. She had to choose between food and a roof over her head. Things grew so grim, that I began sending her food and cat food. Author Rowena Cherry was another who sent money to help Dawn, as well as my dear friend Monika Wolmarans. Monika is retired and on very limited means herself, so her giving to help Dawn really touched me. I thank both ladies for their caring about Dawn's plight.

Dawn fell had to be hospitalized, and things spiraled out of control. People couldn't understand how a woman with over a dozen books out for two publishers didn't have plenty of money. Well, sad fact, new authors don't make big bucks, and often you have to wait 2-3 years before you are seeing money from your books. The money those books would earn would came way too late to help Dawn.

During her final days, her younger sister, Diane, stayed with her as much as possible. She was a driver-education instructor and basically the only person there for Dawn in her final days. She requested family emergency leave, and was refused. Then she requested vacation time – time she would spend easing her sister in her final moments. The hard-hearted boss refused to give her vacation time. Instead, she was forced to choose between obeying her boss and being there with Dawn in her final moments. I am eternally grateful she chose to be there for Dawn. I do not want to imagine how horrible it would have been for my friend had she faced dying alone.

Only, the problems started for Diane. Diane―called Candy by her friends―was fired by her hard-hearted boss. She is sixty-one, has trouble walking without a cane because of arthritis in her knees. She was forced on unemployment, which barely paid her rent. What money she had in reserves went for food, electric and phone. Very quickly, she was facing little food in the house, losing electric and phone service. Unemployment was extended three months. We are hoping they will extend it another time, but so far that hasn't happened. Things are getting grim for her, and once again, I am sending food shipments. Once again Monika, who has so little, is sending money to help.

Candy is sixty-one. Recently, she went in for a job interview and the lady took one look at her slow gait and told her not to bother applying. Candy doesn't own a car, doesn't live near buses (couldn't walk to them if they were near), and is in an area too far from anything that might provide a job. Even if she could get to a job, it would have to be one where she could sit down. She just cannot stand all day. Within a few weeks she is going to be facing some ugly decisions if she doesn't get some help from somewhere. There is a period of about seven months before she can get Social Security. She might qualify for disability, too, but she would spend months, even years getting that. She needs help NOW.

What are the answers? I don't have them. I do know the American government allows their seniors to live on next to nothing. Rent subsidy for New York is only about $350. WHERE can you live in New York for that? The answer from the social worker ― "You can't. You will have to go into a group home, but you don't want that as it's nothing but drug addicts." Candy was denied medical aid. This woman NEEDS medical care and cannot get it. She checked into Meals on Wheels and was told sure they could add her, but the meals came with a fee. A fee? She cannot afford anything. She is facing winter afraid of losing heat, electric and being thrown into the streets.

There are untold of Dawns and Dianes out there. Too many. The government just bailed out the economy, gave out rebates earlier this year to everyone. But nothing to help those who really are in need. Both Diane and Candy worked all their lives, paid their taxes and Social Security. Yet, when they needed help it was and isn't' there. How can this United States sentence their elderly to this sort of humiliating and life threatening circumstances?

Someone needs to care. We all need to care. Time ran out for Dawn. Time is running out for Candy. How many others are facing the same sort of scary, grim circumstances as the holidays approach? When you sit down to your turkey dinner come Thanksgiving, take a moment to consider those who won't have the comfort of family, a safe place to live, and food on the table.

Don't say how sad. DO SOMETHING. Demand of your representative to ensure better care for our elderly; look around you, see how you can help. Millions are being collected for the poor in other countries, which is perfectly fine, but who is looking after the poor and sick and helpless in the USA? "Family and friends" should come first before we pour money into other countries. Is a sad state of affairs. We are always ready and willing to donate money to a good cause. Help is needed right here at home. It should be made easier for people to qualify for funds, red tape should be cut. It is very humiliating to apply for welfare or for help, it takes far too long to receive funds and the deserving cases are getting nothing, or have to fight over and over and have to wait until it is too late.

And on a more personal note we all need to do more to help family and friends - shame on those who turns their back on their family and friends when they need help. Bad Karma will come visiting you one day!

http://blogactionday.org/js/312bc7750aa90de5c19ef7155cd69721150fdd1a

Excerpt from Prisoner of the Flames - Coming Ocober 28th

2008-10-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE: This is Historical Fiction (with paranormal elements) not Historical Romance

Publisher: Dorchester Publishing Company, Incorporated

Pub. Date: October 28, 2008

ISBN-13: 9780843959826

336pp

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Prisoner-of-the-Flames/Dawn-MacTavish/e/9780843959826/?itm=1

She groped the cobblestones at her back without finding it.

“No, no—by the cart, lass…there, see? A half-pence.”

“I cannot see, monsieur, I am blind,” she sobbed.

Robert had wondered why she hadn’t seemed to notice his helmet. For a moment he stared at her. Then his posture sagged, and he ground out a bitter laugh as he picked up the coins in question.

“There is no harm in being blind, monsieur,” she said defensively.

“No, there is not, lass, forgive me,” he said.

“Were you with them, then?”

“Hardly,” said Robert, righting her cart. “In my country, men do not abuse young lasses—blind or otherwise.”

“You speak the language well enough for a foreigner,” she observed. “Where do you come from, then?”

“I am Robert Mack, of Paxton, Scotland, Laird of Berwickshire. I was tutored in French as a child, but not nearly well enough in manners. I beg you forgive my want of conduct. I have come in search of Michel Eyguem, seigneur de Montaigne, of this city. I have a letter of introduction from my uncle, a monk at the abbey on St. Michael’s Mount.”

“Ahhh,” she breathed. There was great relief in the sound.

“What are you called, lass?”

“My name is Violette Cherier, and I am in your debt, my lord. Those men…they were quite rowdy, and would, I fear, have had their way with me if you had not intervened.”

“I think they were a mite too drunk for that,” he said, amused at her drama. “If you were sighted, you would have seen it.”

“You have saved my coins. What of my flowers? Have they ruined them?”

“Some still remain,” he said, frowning toward the scant few that hadn’t been trampled. Stooping, he retrieved what was left of the blooms and placed them back into the cart somewhat clumsily. “You will have to sell them quickly,” he informed her. “All the water has been spilt…unless you tell me where to fetch more?”

“I will fetch more water, my lord. I have detained you long enough. I know of seigneur de Montaigne. He is known, and loved in the vendor’s quarter, as he is everywhere in Paris. His chalet lies on the western fringes of the city. If you had but turned to your right when you stepped off the bridge, and not become involved with me, you would have nearly reached it by now.”

Robert was following her directions with his eyes, when all at once the two gendarmes who had been watching him since he left the docks, took hold of him from behind. Resisting, he cried out in protest as they shackled him in irons, groped the doublet beneath his cloak for his coin purse, and relieved him of the sword and dinner knife sheathed at his side. One of them opened the purse and probed its contents, stirring the coins inside. Juggling it in his hand, he assessed its weight, discarded the letter of introduction Aengus had given him, which floated to the ground, then tightened the thong cord again, and thrust it beneath his own belt.

When the other grabbed hold of his helmet, Robert fought back with a well-aimed foot that found the man’s genitals beneath his codpiece doubling him over, and the other reached around to remove the device himself, loosing a string of blasphemous oaths, while the first man recovered himself.

“Please!” Violette cried. “This man is a foreign noble, come seeking seigneur de Montaigne. He has done nothing wrong. He has papers. He…he saved me from rowdies who laid hands upon me and upturned my cart!”

“Keep silent, wench!” barked the gendarme who still had the power of speech. “He’s done something now. He’s attacked an officer of the French Police, papers or no, and he goes to the Bastile, your foreign noble.”

“She speaks truth.” Robert thundered. “Do not remove the helm. Do not, I say!”

But the injured gendarme was on his feet at last, and between them they yanked it off his head.

“Mon Dieu!” cried the first, reeling away from the sight. “Plague!”

The other let Robert go, meanwhile wiping his hands on his tunic, and Violette rushed forward kicking air, until she found the man’s shins at which point she gave them a healthy drubbing with the toe of her shoe.

“Jean-Claude Geneaux, you lout! I know your voice,” she accused, “and you also, Henri Flammonde. I will report you! This man has done nothing.”

The one called Henri, still soothing his genitals, pulled her off the other shoving her aside roughly, and she stumbled and fell to the cobblestone street beside her flower cart.

“Garboneaux can deal with this,” said Jean-Claude, slapping the helm back in place on Robert’s head. “Bring him, and be quick!”

“No!” Violette shrilled.

“Keep still, unless you want to join him,” Henri warned her.

“I have no plague, you fools,” Robert insisted. “I have been burned. The helm spares such as you the sight and me embarrassment for it. If you will but loose these accursed irons, I will show you my credentials.”

But they paid him no mind, nor did they head the girl’s cries as they hauled him quickly away.

Cover for Dawn's last Kensington book - Lord of the Forest

2008-09-05T04:19:00.001-07:00

Coming December 2008 from Kensington Books. Book 3 - The Elementals

5 Star review - Rape of the Soul

2008-08-29T16:56:00.001-07:00

Mystery, murder, lies, and evil all lie within the Cragmoor mansion. Jane Maitland was searching for the truth of her ancestory, and when she met the good vicar Marshall, she was about to discover more than she bargained for.

Colin Chapin was a young forgotten child when his father sent the vicar Elliott Marshall to stay with he and his sister while a new chapel was being built. Elliott witnessed much more than his heart could take while staying at Cragmoor and watching Colin and his sister Mary grow. Elliott was enamored with Mary although she practiced witchcraft, and for the rest of his life he would regret not telling her of his feelings.

One evening Mary was accosted and raped, leaving her mind unsettled as well as with child. The child Malcolm, was the devil himself. From the day of his birth he was doomed to darkness and as he grew, so did his hatred for his Uncle Colin and the good vicar as well as anyone else that got in his way. A number of unspeakable acts alongside of setting a chapel on fire were only the tip of the cliff when it came to Malcolm’s darkness. When he returns after being sent to the states, he would bring with him something that will bring devastation and death to all.

There are still mysteries and secrets hidden inside of Cragmoor mansion, and with Jane and the vicar Marshall some truth long ago buried is about to resurface. Would Colin really sign that document that could seal his fate? What was Malcolm’s dirty plan once he discovered the child growing in his wife’s womb?

Dawn Thompson’s Rape of the Soul is a historical suspense that will make you sit on the edge of your seat, you are enthralled in the story and once you start reading it is impossible to stop. This story was written over 20 years ago, and was thought to never be published, well world… HERE IT IS, GO AND GET IT!! I swear this was a page turner that I will Never forget! Ms. Thompson may no longer be with us, but with her written word, she will always be here in spirit. 5 HeartsPurchase Info: Highland Press
Isbn: 978-0-9815573-2-8

Crystal Adkinswww. bookreviewsbycrystal. blogspot. com

Drum role please........and the winner of the contest is.........

2008-07-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Candy has closed the contest and will shortly post the winner's name and give details how to claim your books! Thank you to everyone who posted to Candy.

Review for Lord of the Dark

2008-07-27T01:07:00.000-07:00

Reviewer Name: Susan Moore

Author: Dawn Thompson
Book Title: Lord of the Dark
ISBN: 9780758221803
Publisher: Aphrodisia
Price Print Book: $ 12.95
Author Website: http://www.dawnthompson.com/

Genre: Historical Fantasy Erotica
Date: July 14, 2008

Score: 4.5

Gideon is Lord of the Dark, Archangel to the Arcan Gods, and the appointed prince to the Dark Isle when he was cast out of the Arcan Otherworld as punishment for lusting after a human woman. He is cursed to live in constant arousal and is forbidden to find any release from his sexual desires. The slightest breeze or touch to his wings arouses him and his 'watchers' are always hovering about with fireballs to throw if he seeks any sexual release.

Shipwrecked and washed upon an island, Rhiannon finds herself an unwelcome guest on the Dark Isle and a temptation that Gideon cannot resist. Powerful desires link their souls and now Gideon must find a way to keep Rhiannon even if it means fighting all the Gods of the Otherworld. Dodging fireballs and other mythical creatures is just the beginning of the difficult trial they must endure and conquer in order for them to stay together. How will Gideon find the life he longs for with this mortal woman who has captured his heart?

Dawn Thompson has created a mystical world that captivates the reader in erotic pleasures and with the extraordinary characters she will keep you entrenched in this fantasy tale of lovers facing insurmountable odds. Constantly challenging Gideon are the mythological creatures and lore that enhance the plot with their various evil or naughty natures as his quest becomes even more deadly to his mate. The secondary characters are pivotal to the plot and I am hoping they will have their own story told in a later novel. This is a thrilling novel and a pleasure to read. Although Ms Thompson no longer lives in our world, she will forever live in our hearts with the worlds and romance she has given us through the years. Lord of the Dark is a definite keeper and one that I will treasure as I add it to my bookshelf.

5 Star review - Rape of the Soul

2008-07-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

Product Details
ISBN: 0981557325
ISBN-13: 9780981557328
Format: Paperback, 392pp
Publisher: Highland Press FL
Pub. Date: June 2008

20 years ago the late Dawn Thompson began writing an epic saga, about the struggle between good and evil. Thompson went on to produce the story as a play in New York her sister Diane, even starred as the heroine, Jean Fowler Chapin. This story is that ‘book of the heart.’ Thompson is widely known for her amazingly detailed Regency Historical Romances and her Paranormal stories that ranged from Vampires to shapeshifters to the erotic fantasy world-building Lord of the Deep and Lord of the Dark. This book will be a departure to her fans, but they will get to see Dawn Thompson at her very best.

The book was written when authors had a bit more freedom in length, when the style of storytelling was given to wonderful sagas. During the years when her books were selling so strongly, she could have cut this book and sold it. Instead, she held on to it, determined to see it printed as she originally intended it to be told. It’s actually two books in one, but the point where the book would break would see one small book and one large one, so this is printed as she wanted¯in a single volume.

From page one, I was hooked. Thompson clearly shows just what an amazing talent she was by instantly giving you a dark, suspenseful tale of horror. She described the book as “Anya Seton meets Stephen King” and that is a fair assessment of its style. I would also say she added a touch of Daphne du Maurier and Arthur Quiller-Couch. Rape of the Soul is one of those books that will linger on bookshelves, and be read again and again.

Jean Maitland comes to England searching for answers. She wants to know what happened to her ancestor, Jean Fowler Chapin. The man with the answers wants the past to stay buried, but Jean is determined. She has no idea the evil that she will unleash when she enters the abandoned mansion on the cliffs, how in opening the door to the past, she conjures and evil into the present. Legend says Jean Chapin was murdered, along with her husband, Malcolm, by her husband’s uncle, Colin. Only, Jean feels there is more to the story. She has no idea the menace from the past hadn’t ended, but has been waiting for someone to set it free.

Thompson delivers on all levels. When Jean Maitland enters the abandoned glass house of Craigmoor, you have a Hitchcock style, ‘dark at the top of the stairs’ foreboding that pure evil can exist and can reach from the past to destroy the future. Thompson delivers with this spellbinding tour de force, her legacy to her fans. It’s a keeper. This is one I fully expect to see made into a movie.

Paranormal Romance Reviews

win a copy of all four of Dawn's Aphrodisia books!!

2008-07-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the release of Lord of the Dark you can win a set of all four books Dawn wrote for Kensington Aphrodisia. Just leave a comment and her sister, Candy, will pick a winner at random!

5 star review for Lord of the Deep

2008-07-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

The late Dawn Thompson started a series in 2006 called The Elementals. Lord of the Deep was the first one, and the book is already into second printing. Lord of the Dark continues this world-building theme that is on par with Tolkien. Where the works of Tolkien was amazing, Thompson imbues the her magical series with all the passion and emotions that is strangely so devoid from Tolkien's works. The first book simply blew me away with the detailed depth of the world she created and populated with such magical beings. Lord of the Dark builds on the first book and kicks up the power. It's simply, absolutely an amazing work, and on so many levels.

In this erotic historical fantasy, you meet the second Lord - Gideon. He is a gorgeous angel, but he was thrown out of Arcus for being oh so naughty. He loved a mortal woman and that big no no saw he was cast out and cursed. He has the most magnificent set of feathered wings. Only one problem--his curse! If anything touches his wings, even the air as he flies, it causes the poor lad to become aroused. Not too troublesome you might think. Well, it is when Gideon has "keepers" Harpies who live just to make him miserable. Every time he tries to remedy is "problem", the Harpies appear to put an end to any idea of "relief," much to Gideon's ire. To add insult to injury, his wings no longer retract, so he is barely able to rest for his feathers teasing his libido.

Gideon watched as Simeon, Lord of the Deep claimed his human bride in the mating ritual. This longing in him pushed his loneliness--and his arousal--to new agony. To his surprise he discovers the Harpies are missing from he ceremony. So when he spies Muriel, Queen of the Sirens, and she is in the same mood of desire, he thinks now is the time. As things are going along well, the Harpies strike. Only, their timely interruption causes Muriel to be a tad bit miffed, and she sets the seas to a maelstrom, which in turn causes the wreck of a ship. (a note - Thompson's middle name was Muriel.)

Aboard a doomed ship caught in Muriel's temper fit is Rhiannon. Terrified of dying, she prays to the Arcan gods. She washes up on an island, which she thinks is desolate, until she finds the cave. She is stunned to meet the inhabitant - Gideon. His male beauty draws her, makes her want him, but we can see the problems that will ensue. Gideon wants Rhiannon, but fears for her safety. His love for her grows and he wants to keep her. Is there some way he can convince the Arcan gods to ease his loneliness?

Thompson created a magical world with the first book in the series, but she moves into a stronger, darker, more assured, more personal tale with Lord of the Dark. This is a book of her soul. The emotional level, the intensity of Gideon's character absolutely is mesmerizing. While erotica, it's literary erotica, that sets Thompson into a class all her own. Gideon is a brilliant archetype tortured hero, but his anger, his loneliness, his curse, touched me on a level that transcends the story itself and oddly becomes a reflection of Thompson's own life. All Thompson's books contain a lot of her, but The Elementals reflect so much of who and what Dawn Thompson was, thus giving the reader amazing stories, but also, for those wanting to know "more" the special treat of finding the very essence of this beautiful, talented author.

5 star review of The Bride of Time

2008-07-01T23:35:00.001-07:00

an entertaining paranormal historical “bridal” romance

06/30/2008

In 1903, London scullery maid Tessa La Prelle lives a hard life as her job is not an easy one. However, adding to her drudgery is the shock that everyone recognizes her as the model who posed in Giles Longworth's portrait, THE BRIDE OF TIME. The only problem with the assumption that she sat for the artist is that the painting is a century old.

While walking in a pea soup thick fog in London, Tessa suddenly finds herself at the Longworth's home in Cornwall with no idea how she got there and quickly hired as governess to his nephew as no one except desperate people accept employment there. Almost everyone fears Longworth, who is rumored to be a shapeshifter who mutilates humans. Tessa knows Giles would never kill anyone she is not quite as sure about his strange behaving nephew. As Tessa falls in love, she wonders if her heart is coloring her mind from evil.

As she has consistently done over the years, the late great Dawn Thompson provides an entertaining paranormal historical “bridal” romance in which she combines elements she has used before into an exciting tale. The author employs time travel (see THE FALCON'S BRIDE) with a werewolf saga (see THE RAVENCLIFF BRIDE) to provide her fans with a delightful gothic romance in which the suspense and the comparative historical eras enhance a fitting tribute.

--- Harriet Klausner

Romance Junkies review of The Bride of Time

2008-07-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

Title: The Bride of Time
Category: Paranormal
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Author: Dawn Thompson
Publisher: Dorchester
Release Date: July 29, 2008
ISBN Number: 0505527286
Author Homepage: http://www.dawnthompson.com/
Format: PRINT

Rating: 5 blue ribbons

London, 1903
Tessa LePrelle escapes the drudgery of life as a scullery maid one day a week by visiting a small gallery where she’s become enamored with the paintings by Giles Longworth. Remarkably she even resembles the model who sat for the painting titled THE BRIDE OF TIME. When she’s accused of stealing from her employers, Tessa is forced to flee - even though she’s innocent.

She has no idea where she’s going to go but before leaving town altogether she can’t resist one more visit to the gallery for a final look at the paintings - only when she arrives there it’s to discover that the paintings had been sold and the Bobbies are hot on her heels. She escapes capture but her race to leave the city proper proves to have some unexpected results. The London fog is known for being unpredictable but she never dreamed that once the thick fogs cleared she’d find herself in another time and place - almost a hundred years earlier.

Mistaken for the new governess, Tessa is picked up by a coachman and transported to Giles home where she encounters the man she’s been so fascinated with since she first viewed his paintings and self portrait. Unfortunately, their first meeting leaves much to be desired and it’s obvious that there’s more than meets the eye going on - and his young ward, Monty, whom she’s supposed to be overseeing seems to have some hair-raising traits that are cause for concern.

Giles is already under close scrutiny due to his eccentric behavior, his sister’s suspicious death and the recent string of animal deaths in the area. He’s at a loss as to what to do with Monty, the boy is part gypsy and Giles doesn’t even pretend to understand his issues. In addition to the troubles with Monty, he’s immersed in trying to complete a painting the Prince Regent has commissioned - unfortunately the woman he’s been hiring as models from the local brothel aren’t the ideal ‘Bride of Time’ - but when Tessa arrives then he knows he’s found the perfect model. That is if he can get her to agree to pose for him.

The late Dawn Thompson tells a startlingly intense tale with her novel THE BRIDE OF TIME. Giles is a tortured man who’s dealt one harsh blow after another and all he really wants to do is paint. Tessa is an honest young woman who finds herself in a unique situation. I was fascinated by the portals that allow time travel and the mystical element that seemed so prevalent throughout the storyline. Giles and Tessa’s romance develops gradually and it’s fraught with problems due to Monty’s troubling behavior. Ms. Thompson writes beautifully using words to create storylines that readers can visualize as they read her unique tales.

SNIPPET–
A painting Tessa’s noticed in a local shop on one of her days off as a scullery maid proves to be the foundation for a unique love that transcends time.

Barnes and Noble

Romance Junkies review of Lord of the Dark

2008-07-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Title: Lord of the Dark
Category: Paranormal
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Author: Dawn Thompson
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Release Date: July 29, 2008
ISBN Number:
Author Homepage: http://www.dawnthompson.com/
Format: PRINT

Rating: 5 blue ribbons

Gideon, Lord of the Dark, lives a tortured existence. Ever since the gods of Arcus threw him out of paradise he’s lived in constant arousal. Even the wind’s caress on his wings can be overwhelming. Of course that doesn’t stop him from occasionally attempting to satisfy his desires with a willing female - but the watchers, winged watchdogs of the gods, are zealous in their duties to ensure he remains celibate. Since his ‘fall from grace’ he hasn’t even been able to sleep in a bed since his wings no longer retract.

Gideon’s observance of Simeon, Lord of the Deep and his human bride’s ritual mating installs a sense of loneliness and increased arousal. After leaving the ceremony, he notices that the watchers are absent from their vigilant duties. In route to his home on the Dark Isle he spies Muriel, Queen of the Sirens, and she’s obviously in the same needy condition as he. With no watchers present he believes it’s relatively safe to aid a lady in need - that is until the first lightning strike from the diabolical creatures. Muriel is livid - she’s unsatisfied and her skin is smoldering from the lightning.

An angry siren is never a good thing. Many ships would sink and sailors die because of her ire as she sings them to their doom. Aboard one of the doomed ships is a young woman who’s terrified of dark water but possesses a strong will to survive. Alone and adrift Rhiannon opts to pray to the Arcan gods for either deliverance or a speedy death. When she washes up on black sand on a desolate island it seems like her prayers have been answered, but she never dreamed that the gods would deliver her into such bizarre circumstances. Once she meets Gideon she’s stunned by his beauty and her own desire for him - a desire that’s doomed to failure. He’s convinced he must send her away - for her own good - only letting her go is proving to be impossible. Is there any way he can convince the gods to release him from his punishment?

This is the second book in Dawn Thompson’s ELEMENTALS series. In keeping with the ELEMENTALS theme, this tale is ‘darker’ then its predecessor, LORD OF THE DEEP, but just as stimulating. I was fascinated by the various mythical creatures and how easy it was to visualize each scene as it plays out. Gideon is the perfect tortured hero. His anger and resentment over his fate is almost overpowering and once Rhiannon enters his life he develops an all or nothing mentality that’s stunning. The late Dawn Thompson certainly caught my attention with LORD OF THE DEEP and successfully held it right through LORD OF THE DARK. If you enjoy paranormal stories that allow you to step into another reality and really become vested in the storyline then I’d recommend any of Ms. Thompson’s books - she had a unique ability to ‘paint’ with words that will fortunately live on with her fans.

SNIPPET–Cursed by the gods Gideon, LORD OF THE DARK, lives in a persistent state of arousal. He’s frustrated but when Rhiannon appears in his cave after washing up on his island he can’t turn her away even though he knows the pain they’ll endure if/when the watchers learn of their relationship.

Barnes and Noble

Rape of the Soul - book video

2008-06-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

Rape of the Soul

Reprints coming of Odin's Daughter and Children of the Wind

2008-06-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Odin's Daughter was originally released by a very small press. There were only a few copies sold before Dawn took back the rights on this book. Copies are showing up on eBay and Amazon and elsewhere at $500-$800 a copy! While this is a testiment of just how popular an author Dawn was, please do not pay these high prices. Both Odin's Daughter and Children of the Wind will be reprinted in a few months. Until then, here is a sneak peek at the new cover.

Romantic Times' reviews - The Bride of Time

2008-06-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Paranormal, Time Travel

THE BRIDE OF TIME

Dawn Thompson

4 stars HOT

SETTING: 1903 & Regency England

The late Thompson’s inventive style and ability to chill readers to the bone while holding them captive with her plot and characters made her a writer to be reckoned with. In this time-travel/werewolf thriller she has perfected the formula for a dark, sensual modern gothic.

SUMMARY: In 1903, London scullery maid Tessa La Prelle is surprised to see she bears a striking resemblance to the model in Giles Longworth’s 100-year-old portrait, “The Bride of Time.” Suddenly swept into the thick London fog, she finds herself in Cornwall, at Longworth’s home, where she’s hired as his nephew’s governess. Many shrink in fear from Longworth, believing he’s a werewolf. The sudden deaths and mutilated bodies lend credence to the tales, but Tessa doesn’t believe Giles is responsible. Could the killer be his nephew? Does the boy’s odd behavior prove he’s right to fear his uncle, or is he the demon? As Tessa strives to understand the man she’s coming to love she’s drawn into a frightening, unearthly drama between good and evil. (Love Spell, Aug., 368 pp., $7.99)

Kathe Robin

Romantic Times' Review of LORD OF THE DARK

2008-06-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Lord of the Dark
Dawn Thompson

Fans of Thompson’s Lord of the Deep will recognize the world and the characters in her latest. Although well written and with exceptionally good sex scenes, the story’s characters spend more time reacting to external events rather than try to solve their own problems. The happy — and sexy! — ending will appeal to hardcore paranormal romance readers.

Summary: When Rhiannon is washed up on the shores of Gideon’s Island — the Dark Isle — the fallen angel knows he’s in big trouble. Condemned to suffer without sexual release for eternity for a sin committed eons ago, Gideon knows that Rhiannon’s beauty and innocence must be preserved. But when their love threatens to eternally damn Rhiannon too, Gideon must find a way to end his penance and discover a place where they can live happily ever after — together. (Aphrodisia, Aug., 304 pp., $12.95)
Rhomylly Forbes

Bookmark for Dawn Thompson

2008-06-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

This is the front and back of a new bookmark for the release of Rape of the Soul (July 2008) and the Drake's Lair (Autumn 2008) from Highland Press.

In Dawn's Memory

2008-05-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am Dawn Thompson's sister. Dawn's recent passing was a terrible, unexpected shock to both family and fans alike. I am happy to join the blog to keep my sister's memory alive, and toward that effort, I am working on transcribing one of her earlier works, Drake's Lair, which never had a real release, so that her fans that missed it before will soon be able to find it. Dawn wanted to be an author all her life. I remember when we were children, she would color pages in a coloring book and make up stories as she went along to amuse me. Although her career was cut way to short, by her untimely passing, I am so happy that she was able to realize her dream. Dawn did not want to be forgotten, and judging from the wonderful overwhelming response from her many fans, I'm sure that she won't be. She has left us other works which will also be released and her many fans will have those to look forward to as well. Diane Thompson

Eros Island review

2008-04-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

EROS ISLAND
Devyn Quinn
Dawn Thompson
Lucinda Betts
Kensington Aphrodisia
February 2008
978-0-7582-2214-5
Trade Paperback
Paranormal Erotic Romance Anthology

Centaur Heart by Lucinda Betts

Princess Akantha chooses Lycurgus, the Lapith King as her champion in the Mother Rite. Everything would be perfect if there wasn’t the Centaur King, Chiron who insists that she is making a mistake. Suddenly she doesn’t know who to trust as she is attracted to Chiron.

Ms. Betts delivered with CENTAUR HEART a great story that leaves the reader guessing how the unlikely couple will find their way to each other. At the beginning Akantha hates all Centaurs, but especially Chiron and Chiron is too much of an Alpha male to be a meek Princess consort. So a war of wills is guaranteed and the fun begins.

Dream Well by Dawn Thompson

The knight Gar Trivelyan finds himself suddenly in the Celtic Otherworld, he has no idea how he got there or how to get out. But he has more intriguing things on his mind, because the Goddess of the Well offered him a night of passion.

DREAM WELL is an intriguing story full of love, hate, passion and trickery. The story is very suspenseful and the characters range from absolutely pure hearted to impersonated evil. DREAM WELL is like no other story that I have ever read and Ms. Thompson drew me into the story.

Thunderstruck by Devyn Quinn

Danicia’s life wasn’t the best, but everything changes when her latest art work of the mythological Herakles came to life. Danicia thinks she’s finally lost her mind.

Ms. Quinn writes like no one else. Her writing captivates her readers and sucks them into her stories. It’s always a pleasure to read one of her books.

EROS ISLAND is a very sexy and enchanting collection of paranormal/mythological stories. Definitely not a book you want to miss!

April 2008
© Love Romances, 2001-2008. All Rights Reserved

Lord of the Deep goes to second printing

2008-04-09T12:27:00.001-07:00

Lord of the Deep goes to second printing!

Kensington Aphrodisia
will be doing a second printing of Lord of the Deep

Second in the series

Lord of the Dark

Coming July 29, 2008

The Huntress review of The Bride of Time

2008-04-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

TITLE: The Bride of Time (Time Travel / July 29, 2008)
AUTHOR: Dawn Thompson
13 ISBN: 9780505527288
10 ISBN: 0505527286

5 STARS!

The story begins in London, the year 1903. Tessa LaPrelle is a scullery maid. When framed for stealing, Tessa flees with pursuit hot on her heels. Somehow, via Lay Lines, she travels almost one hundred years into the past. Tessa finds her morning has suddenly become dusk. Instead of London, she is in Cornwall. It is now 1811.

Tessa is mistaken for someone applying for a governess position at Longhollow Abbey on Bodmin Moor. With nowhere to go and only the clothes on her back, Tessa accepts the governess job. Her charge is named Montclair "Monty" Albert Montague the third. He is the nine-years-old ward of Giles Longworth. (Monty had been the stepson of Giles's sister until she died the year prior, leaving Monty in the care of Giles.) The tension between the child and the surrogate uncle is palpable and Tessa finds herself in the middle of it all. She realizes from the start that Monty is not quite normal, though she is unsure as to why. Monty often seems dangerous and sends chills down her spine. As for Giles, he is an artist with a fondness for brandy. He just happens to be the artist of a painting Tessa had enjoyed viewing in a London gallery during her own time period. In fact, Giles is currently working on the painting Tessa enjoyed the most, The Bride of Time.

Giles is not sure where Tessa came from since he never bothers to ask for references. She is a lady of mystery, an enigma. She came to him out of the night like an answer to a prayer. Though Tessa takes the job of governess, Giles hopes to persuade her to pose for him. Giles needs her to care for Monty, and for him to use her likeness in his current painting, but at the same time Giles must protect her. Monty is one of the lycanthrope, werewolf, and last month the child bit his hand. Giles knows that there is a very good chance that, come the full moon, he will change. The bite of a werewolf is contagious.

Tessa has never been superstitious, but after traveling through time (more than once) she must admit that some supernatural things cannot be explained away; they just ARE. Tessa and Giles find love in the arms of each other; however, Tessa is pursued for a crime she did not commit in her time and Giles is accused of multiple deaths during his. Only together can they hope to find eventual happiness, but how and where seem to have impossible answers.

***** Author Dawn Thompson left our own time period February 8, 2008, but she has left behind a few wonderful stories for her fans. This book, The Bride of Time, is the first published story since the author's death. In my opinion, this is also Dawn Thompson's best work to date!

The idea of beginning a story in the past, then having one of the main characters travel through time deeper into the past, is not new; however, few are as well written as this. There are similarities between the two chosen time periods and the author uses these to actually enhance the tale, making it all believable. As for the secondary characters, I found myself caring for a faithful butler and admiring an elder Gypsy woman. The story pulled in, not only my interest from the first, but my emotions as well. I almost felt as though I stood beside Tessa during her ordeals, peering through the foggy mists for the unknown dangers therein. Fans of reading time travels, historicals, supernaturals, and gothics will adore this book. A thrilling run through some of England's dangerous times, with love as their only escape! I cannot recommend this story highly enough. *****

HUNTRESS REVIEWS
Reviewed by Detra Fitch

http://www.amazon.com/Bride-Time-Dawn-Thompson/dp/0505527286/

Preview of Prisoner of the Flames

2008-04-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

Coming Sept 2008

Dorchester Publishing

Romance Junkies review of Lord of the Deep

2008-03-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Meg has been exiled to the Isle of Mists after being openly accused of being a witch on the mainland. Here she’ll be protected, fine tune her skills and be mentored by the shamans. Finding herself seduced by a man who belongs to the sea changes everything for her. Having lost her virginity she can no longer become a priestess of the Isle of Mists and she can’t return to the mainland either. Meg’s in a world of trouble and all because she couldn’t resist watching the seals - but then they weren’t truly seals as she soon discovered.

Simeon, Lord of the Deep, has no qualms with taking Meg as one of his consorts. He’d heard her summons, her heart’s desire, and understands her need for more than the passionless life that her ‘calling’ would demand. For Simeon his sexual encounter with Meg was a onetime thing, he certainly didn’t intend for it to be anything more. He hadn’t counted on Meg’s determination or his own ever growing desire for her sweetness.

Simeon realizes that Meg is not like the other women he’s tampered with, her innocence and passionate nature call to him and he’s fighting hard to resist her. Learning that Gideon, Lord of the Dark, is interested in taking Meg as his consort, providing that Simeon is indeed through with her, forces Simeon to reexamine his actions. He believes that Meg would fare better as a priestess rather than one of his consorts. The consorts he has are jealous and conniving and he’s positive dealing with them would be no life for her. Besides, he makes his home beneath the sea, she is human and must live above. It’s a hopeless situation. What he doesn’t take into consideration are the dire consequences his actions would cause. Their love is seemingly without hope. Thanks to Simeon’s waterhorse Elicorn’s nature of luring humans to their deaths beneath the sea, Simeon and Meg are brought together again but is there any hope for a real relationship between them? With Midsummer’s Eve quickly approaching, Meg will become a human sacrifice if the shamans discover that she’s no longer a virgin. Can they overcome all the opposition that stands in their way and freely love each other?

Dawn Thompson may have passed away earlier this year but she will live on and continue to enchant readers through her wonderfully imaginative tales for many years to come. LORD OF THE DEEP is the first book in THE ELEMENTALS series and I’ll admit I was dazed by how vividly I could imagine each scene throughout this book. Meg and Gideon are very different but they’re so well suited that I desperately wanted them to find a way to overcome the obstacles that stand between them and be together. There’s no shortage of mystical occurrences and interesting characters to keep you riveted through every page.

The second book in the series, LORD OF THE DARK, is to be released in July of 2008

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne

The Bride of Time - Review

2008-03-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Bride of Time by Dawn Thompson

Tessa La Prelle, a scullery maid in 1903 London, is entranced by The Bride of Time painted by Giles Longworth in 1811 in Cornish for the Prince Regent. Her plans to visit the gallery go awry when she is accused of stealing a pearl broach from her employer. Escaping the Bobbies Tessa must have one last look at the painting but it has been sold. Her heart broken she flees the gallery through a rear window and finds her escape–in Cornwall in 1811.

Giles Longworth labors to complete his masterpiece The Bride of Time despite contrary models who steal, a strange nine year old ward who disrupts his household, and a worrisome bite inflicted by his ward, that won't heal. He finds inspiration in the child's governess who refuses to pose for him but he paints her from memory, always remembering the silky feel of her hair.

Against the prejudices of Regency England Tessa and Giles struggle to reconcile their lives and their strong attraction for each other. Neither trusts the other to believe the supernatural events of their lives but they find old Gypsy Moraiva to be a mentor in the ways of the lay lines that transport people across time and the ways of the wolf.

As Tessa traverses time, pursued in her own time and seemingly doomed in Giles' time, and finds happiness in Giles' strong arms. Their happiness is fleeting as prejudices in both times crush their dreams. Only through the purity of their love will they find happiness but in whose time?

Dawn Thompson crafted a love story to transcend time. The story moves easily between 1903 London and Cornish in 1811 drawing on the similarities of the times. Tessa and Giles' pain is as palatable as their love in the evocative prose of Miss Thompson. The faith of Giles' loyal butler, Foster, goes beyond master and servant to respect and deep friendship and is beautifully rendered by Miss Thompson.

The characters are faithful to themselves and each other, not the conventions of time, and with her passionate prose, The Bride of Time will satisfy every romance reader's fancy.

Review by Billie Warren Chai, author of Brides of the West

Review for The Bride of Time

2008-03-18T13:10:00.001-07:00

The Bride of Time

Dawn Thompson’s book, The Bride of Time, is so engrossing you will not be able to put it down. It catches your interest the moment Tessa La Prelle has her nightmare. You can almost feel the hot breath on your neck as she runs for her life.

In a small gallery she’s drawn to a hundred year old painting and the artist’s self- portrait. The picture haunts her because “The Bride of Time” resembles Tessa, and the artist looks familiar.

When a broach is stolen Tessa, a scullery maid, is blamed. She runs into the fog to escape imprisonment and slips through a corridor of time. Frightened and confused, she’s mistaken for a governess for Longhollow Abbey. When she meets Giles Longworth and his nephew, Tessa realizes she is no longer in 1903.

Dawn Thompson spins an amazing tale of romance, time travel, mystery, and werewolves. All of it works together to create an exciting romance, and the ending left me wanting more. Although Dawn is gone, her talent is alive, and she will be remembered.

Jo Webnar
Author/Freelance Writer

Review for Eros Island

2008-03-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.romrevtoday.blogspot.com/

EROS ISLAND - Lucinda Betts, Dawn Thompson, Devyn Quinn

Kensington Aphrodisia (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-7582-2214-9ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-2214-5
February 2008
Erotic Paranormal Anthology

Three of today’s hottest authors put their own sexy spin on tales in which gods and goddesses feature. If you like your stories a little different, a bit dangerous, and most of all, deliciously steamy, then this anthology was created just for you.

Centaur Heart - Lucinda Betts

Crete - Ancient times

Two men vie for the right to be Princess Akantha’s Champion. King Lycurgus is the sensible choice as an alliance with him should bring peace to her people, but then there’s Chiron, the King of the Centaurs. Chiron believes Lycurgus has an alliance with a god of death and destruction, and he’s determined to save Akantha or die trying. But Akantha has difficulty picturing a centaur as her consort. Can the Mother Goddess convince Akantha to follow the path to true love, or will chaos reign in Crete?

The Dream Well - Dawn Thompson

Land’s End and the Celtic Otherworld - The Past

Gar Trivelyan is lucky to make it to land after the ship he’s traveling on wrecks. Unfortunately, it appears as if his luck has run out, for if Gar’s wounds aren’t soon tended, death is sure to claim him. Stumbling upon a Celtic Dream Well, a thing Gar didn’t really believe existed, he makes a wish for healing. When a beautiful goddess rises out of the well and grants Gar his wish, she also gives him one more surprise, as it’s Samhain, she’s entitled to choose someone to sate her lust, and she’s chosen Gar. This could be a case of be careful what you wish for, or it could be the dream of a lifetime, only time will tell.

Thunderstruck - Devyn Quinn

Near Hartford, Connecticut and Mount Olympus - Present day

When Danicia Ryan, a talented sculptor, completes her latest piece, a statue of the Greek god Herakles, she should be satisfied, after all, it’s the most exquisite piece she’s ever done. But, creating the superb statue has cost Dani more than just two years of her life, it cost her a marriage as well. And when Herakles comes to life, ready, willing, and able to satisfy her most carnal desires, Dani has to wonder, has her creation absconded with her sanity as well? Can statues really come to life, or has an artist’s fevered dreams led her to believe that the impossible can become reality?

Gods and goddesses are, just like mortals, each unique individuals. Some are merciless, others seek only to give pleasure, beautiful, handsome, noble or sneaky, you never know what can happen when humans become embroiled with them. After reading these three fantastic tales, you may decide to run the other way if you ever stumble into a deity's path, or you might just be inspired to take the chance of a lifetime and follow wherever they lead.

Don’t miss EROS ISLAND, a book where dreams come to life and your darkest fantasies are but a heartbeat away.

Lori Ann

The Mystic Castle review of The Ravening

2008-02-28T03:21:00.000-08:00

The RaveningDawn Thompson
ISBN-10: 0-505-52727-8 ISBN-13: 978-0-505-52727-1
Love Spell, February 2008,
342 pages

England 1871

Dancing under the moonlight was one of Paloma's favorite pastimes. Unfortunately on one of these nights, she was being watched by a sinister creature. Paloma was attacked by a vampire and was abandoned by her gypsy clan. Left to fend for herself, she is soon found by a renown vampire slayer.

Milosh is in England to visit his dear friends the Hyde-Whites. He is dismayed to find their home burned to the ground with no sign of it's inhabitants. While investigating the ruins, he finds a young gypsy woman who he suspects has been infected by a vampire.

Milosh and Paloma are fiercely attracted to each other, and under normal circumstances would have been an ideal couple. As it is, they cannot deny the bond between them and they are further drawn together by Paloma's inability to resist temptation.

The Ravening ends the trilogy begun in Blood Moon and continued in The Brotherhood. Milosh is a truly enigmatic character and I have been looking forward to his story from the minute he stepped onto the pages of Blood Moon. The relationship between him and Paloma was filled with angst and desire and left me wondering how it would be resolved at the end.

The Ravening is an edge of your seat, action packed paranormal thriller. The pages ooze with ominous tension that does not let up until the epilogue. Ms. Thompson's prose is as lovely and descriptive as ever as she delivers a nail bitingly edgy tale. I was rooting for Paloma and Milosh's happy ending as well as the demise of the grotesque Sebastian. I was thoroughly satisfied with the ending of this nerve wracking trilogy. Ms. Thompson proves yet again that she is a tough one to beat in the ever growing paranormal genre.

Laurel Letherby
The Mystic Castle http://www.themysticcastle.com
The Mystic Realm Coming Soonhttp://www.themysticrealm.net

Bride of Time available for Pre-order

2008-02-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Bride of Time is available for pre-order

Amazon.com

Book Isle's review of The Ravencliff Bride

2008-02-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

The Ravencliff Bride by Dawn Thompson
Love Spell Paperback [Gothic Paranormal]
September 30, 2005;
ISBN #0505526530

Nicholas Walraven wanted to save Sara from prison and planned tohave a friend not a lover or wife. Nero just wanted to protect Sara. And you know what happens with all this wanting...

Bought out of Fleet debtors' prison, Sara marries Baron Walraven.His rules for her are simple, don't touch, stay in her room and donot get friendly with the wolf, Nero. But soon Sara is not willingto accept life by Nicholas rules.

The Ravencliff Bride starts as a hair-raising ride and keeps up thepace all the way though. Ms. Thompson gives a unique twist on weresand shapshifters.

Be sure to catch this Gothic Historical Romance!

Reviewed by Michele Patrykus
For Book Isle

Italian Translation of
The Ravencliff Bride

Book Isle's review of The Waterlord

2008-02-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

WATERLORD by Dawn Thompson

Love Spell paperback

ISBN: 0505526735 9780505526731

Reviewed by Michele Patrykus

Count Klaus Lindegren is hiding. Hiding from Illia, a spurnedlover? Or is he hiding from his fate? What will he find on a muddyroad? Will he find fate or..?

Lady Rebecca Gildersleeve is on the run from her father. Baron Gildersleeve lost Becca in a gambling wager. She is found by Klausin an overturned chaise coach. For Becca the world starts to spinand nothing is the same again.

Dreams and mists change herperception of a world made different by man who swims naked atnight.WATERLORD is an adventure well worth twice the price.

Ms. Thompson has taken a myth and brought it to life. A blend of Regency Romance and Fantasy that makes for Great reading!!!!!

Reviewed by Michele Patrykus
For eBookIsle.net

Goth-Rom honours Dawn Thompson

2008-02-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Gothic Romance Writers RWA online chapter's board has approved a change in the name of our Chapter writing contest.

We hope to ensure that the wonderful memory of Dawn Thompson, her boundless enthusiasm for romance, her friendship to so many of us, and her years of inspiration are not forgotten. Therefore, the Haunted Hearts contest will now be known as:

The Dawn Thompson Memorial Haunted Hearts Contest

Lise Horton
President
Gothic Romance Writers

Dawn was the first winner of the Haunted Hearts grand prize in 2004 and shesaid this about it:"As a former winner of the Haunted Heart for my Historical Paranormal, THE RAVENCLIFF BRIDE in 2004, I cannot recommend this contest highly enough. Itis run by professional, responsible authors committed to excellence in theart of writing Gothic Romance. This prestigious win encouraged me topersist until I sold in 2005. Several authors went on to sell after winning and finalling in the Haunted Heart. It's magical!"

Dawn was an active member of Gothic Romance Writers up until she went intothe hospital for the last time. We remember her as a gracious lady, very supportive of her fellow authors.We won't forget her.

5 star review for the Privateer

2008-02-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

Review: THE PRIVATEER by Dawn MacTavish
Dorchester Leisure
January 2008 Reviews
Genre: historical
ISBN: 0843959819
Page Count: 325
Price: $6.99Reviewer: Donna Zapf
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Author's Website: http://www.dawnthompson.com/

Award winning author Dawn MacTavish takes us on breath-stopping journey from an 1812 London debtor’s prison to the world of the haute ton in her book THE PRIVATEER.

Never in her darkest nightmare did Lady Lark Eddington expect to be thrown into Marshalsea, London’s debtor’s prison, amongst the squallier and dregs of society. But that is exactly what happened after her father ruined himself with debt then hanged himself, leaving Lark to sell all their possessions and still owe five hundred pounds. It might as well have been five thousand because there is no help from the ton which welcomed her with open arms not too long ago but now enjoy her as fodder for gossip. Lark is strong willed and determined to pay her father’s debt despite her current living conditions. During her stay in debtor’s prison, she instantly makes a friend, Agnes Garwood, a former milliner and an enemy, Andrew Westerfield, the degenerate second son of the Earl of Stepton. Lark doesn’t have a long interment, however, because she caught the eye of the earl of Grayshire who had come to Marshalsea to find a companion for his mother.

Lord Grayshire, King, knew it was time to marry and have an heir. He was courting a young lady, the perfect wife material, and making plans for his mother to move to the dowager house when he was approached by the English Admiralty to become a privateer; looting French ships, a trade his father was once embroiled in, and he could not refuse. Just when King thought he had everything in place, he became enraptured with Lark, the woman he chose for his mother’s companion. Many complications and dangers loom in the way of the love developing between Lark and King but their coming together may not lead to a happily ever after.

Adventure on the high seas, family drama, rescue from a fate worse than death, passionate love; what more can a romance reader ask for? Dawn MacTavish draws us right in and paints her absorbing story with authentic historical detail in THE PRIVATEER. Her heroes, Lark and King, are strong interesting characters and I truly enjoyed the meddling and transformation of the secondary character Countess Grayshire. The settings, from the nasty prison to the secret romantic roman bath are so realistically portrayed that I felt I had stepped into the story. Through her intriguing book; Ms. MacTavish allows the reader to escape to another time and place, so mesmerizing is the tale. Snuggle down with a “cuppa” tea and your copy of THE PRIVATEER by Dawn MacTavish and enjoy!

http://singletitles.com/?p=283

4 P.E.A.R.L. Finalists

2008-02-01T04:03:00.001-08:00

Finalist for

Bests Shapeshifter Romance 2007

Finalist for:
Best Vampire Romance 2007

Finalist for:
Best Paranormal Romance Finalist 2007

Finalists for:
2007 Best Vampire Romance 2007

Paranormal Romance Reviews

http://www.paranormalromance.org/pearl/finalists.php

Thanking everyone that voted for the books and Paranormal Romance Reviews!

5 Blue Ribbons for The Privateer

2008-02-01T03:59:00.000-08:00

Title: The Privateer

Category: Historical

Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne

Author: Dawn MacTavish

Publisher: Leisure

Release Date: January 2008

ISBN Number: 0843959819

Author Homepage: http://www.dawnthompson.com/

Format: PRINT

Rating: 5 blue ribbons

London, 1812

At twenty-two years old Lark Eddington is in dire straits. Her father's gambling and subsequent suicide have left her destitute with a mountain of debts. She did what she could to raise the funds to pay off the debtors but she’s still a few hundred pounds short - for that she’s thrown into debtor’s prison.

Basil, 'King', Kingston, Earl of Grayshire, needs to acquire a companion for his eccentric mother and she insists that the young woman be selected come from a debtor’s. He plans to marry and beget heirs as soon as he has his mother settled. It seems simple enough but few things in life ever are and Basil’s about to discover just how complicated things can get.

King’s visiting Marshalsea where he hopes to find a suitable young woman to serve as a companion to his mother. He witnesses Lark’s humiliation at having her possessions stolen by fellow debtors. He’d heard of her father’s unfortunate problem and death but hadn’t been aware that she was in such dire straits. She’s a well brought up young lady and would be a perfect companion for his mother.

Being plucked from the dismal existence at Marshalsea by King is a godsend to Lark. That she’s completely oblivious to his intentions poses a bit of a problem but then he’s paid off her debt and she owes him. The only regret she has about leaving the debtor’s prison is leaving behind her newfound friend Agnes. It isn’t until she’s well away from the horrible conditions and abuse of the prison that she learns King’s intentions but not before suffering abuse at the hands of his own servants. King’s enraged by the audacity his servants exhibit and Biddy is turned out without reference over the incident.

Lark’s agreeable to being a companion to King’s mother despite her unconventional attitude. The only trouble is she’s falling in love with King and trying so hard to keep from doing so - especially since he intends to marry Lady Anne.

King’s just trying to keep everything in his life from falling apart. He’s been awarded a Letter of Marque by the Crown. His ship, Cormorant, has been licensed for profiteering. He’s supposed to aid in ending the smuggling ring - of which his own father was very much a part. His intentions to marry may have to fall along the wayside while he finds a way out of this mess. Life’s become exceedingly complicated in a short period of time but even his preoccupation with his own problems doesn’t stop him from being drawn to Lark.

Dawn MacTavish (a.k.a. Dawn Thompson) transports readers back in time with this enchanting tale. THE PRIVATEER is full of characters you’ll either love or love to hate but I can guarantee you won’t be bored as you immerse yourself in this regency storyline. Lark is a surprisingly strong young woman. She suffered the loss of not just her father but everything she’s ever had and yet she still has a determined spirit and refuses to allow anyone to use her. King is the kind of man women fantasize about - strong, trustworthy, loyal and sexy. King’s mother is an unexpected treat. She does her best to come off as frail but she’s tough as nails and isn’t afraid to break out the cane as a weapon if she deems it necessary.

Beautifully written Ms. MacTavish! This is regency story-telling at its best! Now I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for a story for King’s brother, Will. He’s so wild and free that I just think it’d take a heck of a girl to settle him down.

SNIPPET–

An old woman’s eccentric demand that her companion be ‘rescued’ from a debtor’s prison proves to be a blessing for Lark. Her father’s gambling and suicide left her with nothing but debt and heartache. King’s just looking for someone to keep his mother occupied so he can marry and begin begetting heirs. Falling in love wasn’t in the plans but neither can resist.

Romance Junkies.com

5 Angels for Eros Island

2008-01-29T23:02:00.000-08:00

5 Angels Rating

Eros Island

Eros Island is a trio of hot, steamy tales that are sure to please any lover of erotic romance. All three are well written. The characters aren’t run-of-the-mill types, and each story is superb and satisfying in its own way.

Lucinda Betts’ story is called Centaur Heart and is a tale of deceit and power. It tells of the Lord of the Centaurs, Chiron, and the way he turns dishonor to honor. I was intrigued by Chiron. The world and the tournament were realistic enough to keep me spellbound.

Dawn Thompson’s contribution to this anthology is called Goddess of the Dreamwell and is a tale of knights, favors wished for and wishes granted. It shows the fact that sometimes when fantasies are fulfilled, reality falls away. This is a story of love, lust and emotion and is very entertaining.

Thunderstruck by Devyn Quinn is the story in this anthology that I think I enjoyed the most. Don’t get me wrong; I liked each of these three stories but this one just found a special spot in my heart. Danicia is such a well written character. I could feel her satisfaction and almost see her response to her creation brought to life. She is a sculptor and her Herakles is all any woman could wish for. Each of the stories in this anthology is erotic, with hot, sexy characters and heat that made my toes curl.

Eros Island is a keeper, something I know I will read more than once. I will recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sultry romance, interesting time periods and characters who are so real they steal your breath. This is one steamy selection!

Great job, ladies!

Reviewed by: Carly

Fallen Angels Reviews

TOP PICK for The Ravening - Night Owl Romance

2008-01-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

The Ravening by Dawn Thompson
Score: 5/5 - Reviewer Top Pick
Reviewer: Janean of Night Owl Romance
Online: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1156

Paloma is a young gypsy woman who loves dancing in the moonlight. One night she escapes her sleazy stepfather's grasp and flees off into the night. As she finds peace dancing under the twinkling stars and moon, she finds herself in an evil creature's clutches, and with one bite, Paloma's life is changed forever.

Milosh has come back to England to destroy the evil vampire, Sebastian and to seek out his friends the Hyde-Whites, but he finds the Whitebriar Abbey destroyed. While at the ruins of the abbey he finds Paloma there. This intriguing little thief gets under his skin and makes his blood boil. Can Milosh resist temptation? Or will he end up a blood-crazed beast?

Dawn Thompson once again gives us a masterpiece! As you travel with Paloma and Milosh on their adventure, you will feel each one of their gut-wrenching emotions as through they were your very own. When Paloma is face to face with the evil creature that bites her, you can smell his foul stench and feel her spine-tingling fear!

"The Ravening" is captivating and exhilarating and you will find yourself holding your breath as you take the ride of your life with these amazing people! There are plenty sparks between Milosh and Paloma that will definitely cause a lot of sizzling between the sheets of this blazing book! Although, "The Ravening" is a stand-alone book, it is part of the "Blood Moon" series and I am sure Ms. Thompson will have everyone flocking to their neighborhood bookstores for all these amazing books!

The Series
Book 1 – Blood Moon http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505526808/
Book 2 – The Brotherhood http://www.amazon.com/Brotherhood-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/050552726X/
Book 3 – The Ravening http://www.amazon.com/Ravening-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505527278

5 star review for The Ravening

2008-01-15T22:35:00.000-08:00

vampire historical romantic suspense at its best
A reviewer, A reviewer, 12/28/2007

After years away, Brotherhood warrior Milosh returns to the Hyde-White family manor in Cumberland, England to complete his long term quest of killing the lord of the evil vampires Sebastian. He is stunned with what he sees as the house is a ruin obviously destroyed by fire and his friends like Joss are gone. However, most shocking is the Gypsy living amidst the wreckage.

He demands Paloma explain why she hides in this cold dump. She tells him she took refuge in this forbidden place that no one visits anymore here praying and waiting in hope that someone would come to teach her the Blood Moon technique so she can control her blood lust thirst. Paloma further explains a shapeshifting vampire bit her. Milosh is further stunned as he realizes he wants Paloma, but must not allow her to become a pawn in his war with Sebastian who he assumes bit her. She makes it even more difficult to resist her when she offers her love, body and soul to him.

Decades since the events of early Victorian THE BROTHERHOOD and even more years since Regency THE BLOOD MOON, the final tale in the Chronicles of the Blood Moon Victorian vampire saga is a superb final confrontation between good and evil. The key to this excellent vampire romantic suspense is how Dawn Thompson keeps the feeling that the bad guy is going to win as the hero is distracted by love. THE RAVENING is vampire historical romantic suspense at its best. --- Harriet Klausner

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780505527271&itm=1

Sneak Peak at upcoming cover

2008-01-15T07:55:00.001-08:00

coming soon from

Dorchester Love Spell

2 Fantasm Award Nominations

2008-01-14T09:24:00.001-08:00

Fantasm Award Nominee - Best Vampire Romance 2007

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0505526808 - Blood Moon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/050552726X The Brotherhood

Fantasm Award Nominee for Best Werewolf Romance 2007

Blood Moon Spotlighted on PW blog

2008-01-10T07:47:00.001-08:00

Dawn Thompson's Blood Moon was spotlighted on Barbara Vey's Publishers Weekly blog today.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288/post/780019878.html#comments

The Series
Book 1 – Blood Moon http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505526808/
Book 2 – The Brotherhood http://www.amazon.com/Brotherhood-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/050552726X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195906380&sr=1-5
Book 3 – The Ravening http://www.amazon.com/Ravening-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505527278/
Save 5% by pre-ordering The Ravening from Amazon.com

5 cup review from Coffee Time Review for The Privateer

2008-01-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

THE PRIVATEER
DAWN MCTAVISH
ISBN: 0843959819
December 2007
Dorchester Publishing
Paperback
$6.99
352 pages
Historical Romance
Rating: 5 cups

Lady Lark Eddington feels her world is being tossed about. She knew that her father gambled, but now it has fallen to her to try to get out from under the debt. Her father’s death brought much more than mere debt. She has no family to help her. She is discouraged and sees no hope anywhere. Although she is a stubborn woman, she knows it will take a very long time for her to clear the debts without assistance.

Basil “King” Kingston is the Earl of Grayshire. He has taken his time to find someone to marry, even though his mother hounds him to give her an heir. He has a lady in mind but is not sure about making the commitment. He does not want to end up like his father but can see no way out. His must also find a companion for his mother and that task is just as difficult since his mother is not an easy woman to get along with.

Being put in Marshalsea was humiliating for Lark. But it cannot be worse than the way the ton treats her and offers her no help. She was set to work off her debt until she somehow caught the eye of the Earl of Grayshire. He wants her help, but she is not sure if that is something she wants to do. However, since she is desperate, she does not have a lot of options. King is quite taken with Lark but is engaged to another woman. Will he be able to get out of it? There is a heat between Lark and King that cannot be denied, even when they accidentally touch. Lark just wants to get away and try to start over her life. But with dreams of King in her head, she is unsure that it will be possible. Plans go awry when King does his duty to the crown and heads out to sea. He knows his mother will not be pleased with him but there is not a whole lot he can do about it. King just hopes that everything will be okay while he is gone. Lark hopes he will come back safely. Will they get their wishes?

Ms. MacTavish writes compelling characters. I found both Lark and King great to read and learn about. Protocol had a place in the 1800’s in England and this illustrates not only how they lived, but also how things were pushed to the limit. Being someone who loves history, I found everything very well researched. That is not easy to say with all writers. I was pleased with Ms. MacTavish’s characters and situations. I hope to read more of her work and find it just as pleasing as this one was for me.

Krista
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

Romantic Times KISS Award for The Ravening

2008-01-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

The Ravening received 4 1/2 star TOP PICK from Romantic Times. However, Milosh, the hero received their K.I.S.S. Award, too.

"Dawn Thompson's Milosh from The Ravening will fulfill your dream-lover lovings." - Romantic Times Magazine, February 2008 issue.

This is the second K.I.S.S. Award in a row for Dawn - The Privateer received one January 2007 issue.

Amazon.com

Review of Eros Island

2008-01-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

Eros Island
by Devyn Quinn, Dawn Thompson, Lucinda Betts
Kensington Publishing (Aphrodisia
available: January 29, 2008
ISBN #0758222149EAN #9780758222145304
Trade SizeAdd to Shopping List Order from Amazon

REVIEW
"The Loving of a Lifetime"
Eros Island is aptly named for a trio of stories where mortals receive the loving of a lifetime at the hands of skilled deities. Each one carries you away to another realm where inhibitions are lost and senses are heightened, yet even in the midst of gods, choices aren't always what they seem.

Dawn Thompson brings us Goddess of the Dream Well. What's an honorable Knight of the Realm to do when he washes up on a mysterious island and is welcomed by a gorgeous naked goddess who says he is hers to pleasure for one day? No brainer there. Pleasure away. Until he finds out there is a high price for that one night, and not only at a cost to himself, but for others. Most especially someone he has come to care a great deal about. Think a woman scorned is something to fear? Try a goddess scorned.

Thunderstruck, Devyn Quin's offering, has echoes of Pygmalion where a talented sculptor, Dani, creates a stunning work of art and falls in love with it, or rather him, the stone worked image of the god Herakles who comes to life and carries her away to Mount Olympus.
There is no conflict in this tale unless you consider being pampered and indulged all night by an incredibly luscious god who delivers every sensual fantasy a conflict. But all good things must come to an end. Or do they?

Centaur Heart by Lucinda Betts revolves around Centaurs and a high-spirited princess. Chiron, King of the Centaurs, has come to warn Knossos Princess Akantha of the evil that is trying to twist its way into power over her kingdom in the form of her suitor. Because he's a Centaur, Akantha should be repulsed by Chiron, but she can't help admiring his strength of form and honorable purpose of fighting evil even after she won't credit his warning. They are both feisty and stubborn characters, suited to each other. Once they stop arguing and join forces, they have a lot to overcome in just a few pages, but Betts pulls it all together in an extremely satisfying way. But how in the name of Eros does a woman get together with a Centaur? I'm not telling.

Reviewed by Clover AutreyPosted January 1, 2008
Paranormal Romance Reviews

SUMMARY

Centaur Heart by Lucinda Betts
In a sacred glade in ancient Greece stands Chiron, a godlike man who radiates sexual power. The Princess Akantha is spellbound—and consumed with desire for him. Chiron is tall and muscular with otherworldly eyes and a mane of hair that gleams like polished bronze. But is he truly a man…or a centaur? Akantha is about to be swept away for the wildest ride of her life…

The Dream Well by Dawn Thompson
A knight lost within the mists of a Celtic wood finds a magical well—and as he touches its stones, a goddess rises from its depths, beautiful, naked and unashamed. Gar Trivelyan is instantly aroused by the breathtaking sight of Analee’s body, half veiled in the silken fall of her coppery hair, and her matchless eyes. When the Samhain moon is full, she whispers, I may choose a lover. And I have chosen you…

Thunderstruck by Devyn Quinn
Danicia Ryan works magic in marble—her sculpture of Herakles.is the epitome of nude male beauty and unbridled virility. When the sculpture turns to living flesh during a violent thunderstorm, Danicia is dazzled by the intensity of Herakles’s sexual appetite. And she’s ready, eager, and willing to take everything her dream god has to give…
WARNING! This is a REALLY HOT book. (Sexually Explicit.)

2 LASR Award Nominations for Lord of the Deep and 1 for The Marsh Hawk

2007-12-29T11:57:00.001-08:00

(For the Kindle Version)

Sexy Beast IV cover

2007-12-24T04:44:00.001-08:00

Synopsis
They are men with a fierce, feral power and a sensuality that seduces all who come near. No woman can resist their primal urges for wild and wanton sex.

"Chanku Destiny" by Kate Douglas
Mystical and sensual shapeshifters, the Chanku welcome newcomers Adam and Eve to their forgotten legacy. Together with Oliver the three will revel in a sexual exploration like no other.

"Abundance" by Deanna Lee
For nearly 35 years Jude Aroca and his people have been free from human contact. Now, a human female has arrived on their small jungle moon arousing the feline beast inside of Jude with the exotic smell of her sex.

"Passion of the Cat" by Dawn Thompson
Captain Lyle Clarridge can never forget his erotic interlude in the Hindu Kush when the seductive Ihita healed him from a snow leopard attack. For with every full moon the creature within him awakens seeking the ultimate in sexual surrender.

Kate Douglas has been lucky enough to call writing her profession for over thirty years. She's produced ad copy for radio, worked as a photojournalist, drawn a weekly comic strip, coauthored a cookbook, and written numerous freelance articles. She and her husband of over thirty years live in the northern California wine country where they find more than enough subject material for their shared passion for photography, although their grandchildren are most often in front of the lens.

Deanna Lee has received rave reviews for her erotic fiction, including a 4-star, Gold Medal, Top Pick review from Romantic Times for Undressing Mercy. She lives in Alabama where she is currently working on the next erotic novel.

Multi-award-winning author Dawn Thompson writes sensuous historical romance, including Regency-set historicals, paranormal romance, and Celtic and Norse medievals, incorporating the history, theology, legend, and lore of her heritage in The Ravencliff Bride, The Waterlord, The Falcon's Bride, and Blood Moon. And now, she turns up the heat with erotic fantasy, where worlds are Otherworlds, lore comes to life, romance reigns, and unbridled passions know no bounds.

Coming February 21st, 2008

Winners of the Editors Raffle to benefit Dawn Thompson

2007-12-21T01:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered!

here are the winners of the Editor's Raffle:

15 winners went to Hilary Sares, Kensington;
1 went to Chris Keeslar at Dorchester;
1 went to Leah Hultenschmidt at Dorchester;
5 went to Leanne Burroughs at Highland Press.

All will read the manuscript of the winner and give them a one page critique, with eye to buying anyone that impresses them.

Happy Holidays!!

Winners List

Gerri Bowen of Hanover PA
Barbara Huddleston of Billings, MO
Linda Reynolds-Burkins of Forest Hill, MD
Ronna Hochbein of Phildephia, PA
Ann Gilbert of Chalfont, PA
Jennette Heikes Kettering, OH
Jennifer Ross of Kitchener ON, Canada
TONY Tzuma
Debbie Mazzuca of Ottawa RWA chapter
Cari Gunsallus of California
Elba Junco of Laredo, TX
Charlene Conlon of Silver Spring, MD
Jacquie Rogers of Washington State
Billie Warren Chai of Ohio
Sarah Gross of Altadena, CA
Denise Weeks of Richardson, Texas
Tiffany Carter of Overland Park, KS
Yvonne Melchoir of Woodbridge, Va
Michele Linse of Palmyra NY
Pam Champagne of Exeter, ME
Susan Ostrowski of Saxonburg, PA
Laura Bradley of Antigo, WI

Romantic Times TOP PICK for THE RAVENING

2007-12-13T08:11:00.001-08:00

England, the Cumberland border, November 1871

Paranormal, Shapeshifter
THE RAVENING
Dawn Thompson
4.5 stars HOT Top Pick
SETTING: 1870s England

The conclusion to the Chronicles of the Blood Moon brings the lord of the vampires, Sebastian, and Milosh, the head of the Brotherhood, to a showdown guaranteed to have chills running up and down your spine with its heart-stopping terror. But Thompson brilliantly tinges the terror with a romance set against a haunting backdrop with the atmosphere of a paranormal gothic.

SUMMARY: After decades, Milosh returns to Whitebriar, the Hyde-White family’s manor in isolated Cumberland. He finds a burned-out shell, his friends missing and a beautiful Gypsy hiding in the ruins. Palmona has found sanctuary after being infected by a shapeshifting wolf/vampire. She yearns to feed but tries to keep the bloodlust at bay with the hope that Milosh will teach her the secret of the Blood Moon, which frees vampires of bloodlust. Innocent Paloma has the power to make Milosh forget his mission to kill Sebastian, and she makes him burn with bloodlust. Now he’ll have to fight not only Sebastian but also his own nature. With Paloma’s love, can Milosh finds a way to conquer the darkness and eradicate his foe? (Love Spell, Feb., 368 pp., $6.99)

~~Kathe Robin, The Romantic Times Magazine

The Ravening by Dawn Thompson
[mass market paper: Love Spell; February, 2008; $6.99;
ISBN: 0505527278; ISBN-13: 9780505527271]

To Buy

To Order:

Book 1 – Blood Moon http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505526808/

Book 2 – The Brotherhood http://www.amazon.com/Brotherhood-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/050552726X/

Book 3 – The Ravening http://www.amazon.com/Ravening-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505527278/

Save 5% by pre-ordering The Ravening from Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Dorchester Publishing

Book 3 of the Blood Moon Series

EROS ISLAND: ANTHOLOGY review from Coffee Time Romance

2007-12-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

LUCINDA BETTS, DAWN THOMPSON & DEVYN QUINN
ISBN#0-7582- 2214-
9 January 2008Aphrodisia-Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Ave, New York, New York 10022
Trade Paperback$12.95
350 Pages
Erotic Romance/Fantasy

Centaur Heart by Lucinda Betts

Chiron, Lord of the Centaurs, wants to be allowed to participate in the Mother Rite Tourney against Lycurgus, The King of the Lapith, who he knows is usingdeceptive practices to gain control of the Isle of Crete, along with thereigning queen, Akantha. Queen Akantha is unsure if the Centaur King, Chiron, should be allowed to participate against Lycurgus. His winning would threaten the alliance between Knossos and Lapith. What occurs changes both Chiron and Akantha and exposes Lycurgus. What secret does Chiron possess that could change the future for all?

Ms. Betts has written a sexy tale about power and magic, both corrupting and destroying the owner. The sex is hot and enticing, while appropriate. I enjoyed this tale.

Thunderstruck by Devyn Quinn

Danicia Ryan is finished with her sculpture of Herakles and after two years of self imposed celibacy, her only fervent wish is for him to be real. Herakles is waiting to be released from his prison of stone by the one woman talented enough to feel his presence. When Dani awakens in the very arms she has sculpted, she cannot believe her eyes, but readily believes her body's responses. Will he stay or be gone when she regains consciousness?

Ms. Quinn has written a fantasy that most women can relate to. Most women would love to create their dream man and in this story the heroine experiences him in the flesh. The sex is quite scintillating; their joining earth shattering. This story is too hot by far. Loved it.

Goddess of The Dreamwell by Dawn Thompson

Gar Trivelyan, Knight of the Realm, washes ashore on the Land's End Shoals. Comingacross a Dreamwell, he makes his wish and The Goddess of the Well rises from the water to offer him her favors. Annalee is the Goddess and she has enchanted Gar, intent on making him her consort. While enjoying Annalee's charms, Gar is threatened by Yan, her jealous consort turned Centaur during Samhaine. Will he survive this night of pleasure?

Ms. Dawn Thompson has written a captivating tale of fantasy and deception. The hero trusts the goddess and forgets the way of all Fay, to seduce and deceive. This is a cautionary tale of trusting too easily. I enjoyed this story immensely.

These three fantasies are sexually charged with nubile bodies and hot encounters. All three authors chose different time periods and they all exhibit a different approach, which makes these stories unique. I really liked their diversity and would recommend this anthology to any reader of erotic fantasy.

Kathy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

Coming January 21, 2008 - Book 3 of the Blood Moon series

2007-12-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

Book 3 of the series comes out in a little over a month.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Love Spell (January 29, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0505527278
ISBN-13: 978-0505527271
to order:
http://www.amazon.com/Ravening-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505527278/

Book 2 - A NOR Award Winner in the Best Vampire Romance Category 2007

5 Cup Review for The Privateer by Dawn MacTavish

2007-12-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

THE PRIVATEER DAWN MaCTAVISH
ISBN: 0843959819

December 2007

Paperback$6.99
352 pagesHistorical Romance

Rating: 5 cups

Lady Lark Eddington feels her world is being tossed about. She knew that herfather gambled, but now it has fallen to her to try to get out from underthe debt. Her father's death brought much more than mere debt. She has nofamily to help her. She is discouraged and sees no hope anywhere. Althoughshe is a stubborn woman, she knows it will take a very long time for her toclear the debts without assistance.

Basil "King" Kingston is the Earl of Grayshire. He has taken his time tofind someone to marry, even though his mother hounds him to give her anheir. He has a lady in mind but is not sure about making the commitment. Hedoes not want to end up like his father but can see no way out. His mustalso find a companion for his mother and that task is just as difficult since his mother is not an easy woman to get along with.

Being put in Marshalsea was humiliating for Lark. But it cannot be worse than the way the ton treats her and offers her no help. She was set to workoff her debt until she somehow caught the eye of the Earl of Grayshire. Hewants her help, but she is not sure if that is something she wants to do.However, since she is desperate, she does not have a lot of options. King isquite taken with Lark but is engaged to another woman. Will he be able toget out of it? There is a heat between Lark and King that cannot be denied,even when they accidentally touch. Lark just wants to get away and try tostart over her life.

But with dreams of King in her head, she is unsure thatit will be possible. Plans go awry when King does his duty to the crown andheads out to sea. He knows his mother will not be pleased with him but thereis not a whole lot he can do about it. King just hopes that everything willbe okay while he is gone. Lark hopes he will come back safely. Will they gettheir wishes?Ms. MacTavish writes compelling characters.

I found both Lark and King greatto read and learn about. Protocol had a place in the 1800's in England andthis illustrates not only how they lived, but also how things were pushed tothe limit. Being someone who loves history, I found everything very wellresearched. That is not easy to say with all writers. I was pleased with Ms.MacTavish's characters and situations. I hope to read more of her work andfind it just as pleasing as this one was for me.

Krista
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

To Buy
http://www.amazon.com/Privateer-Leisure-Historical-Romance/dp/0843959819/

5 star review for The Privateer

2007-11-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

The Privateer (Leisure Historical Romance)

(Mass Market Paperback)by Dawn Mactavish (Author) (Dawn Thompson)
List Price:$6.99
Price:$6.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Special Offers Available
Save an extra 5% on all Books pre-orders. Details

KISS Award from RT, January 2008

*****Lady Lark is an inspiring character, a woman whose strength and determination keep her from folding under the duress of debtors prison and the myriad of misfortunes that follow. Lord Grayshire, though her rescuer, is not the letch she at first believes.
The twists and turns of the plot will intrigue you and keep you turning the pages long past the hour of sleep.

Let Dawn MacTavish take you into another time and place, give you the gift of her story-telling ability and wonderful word usage. Having read most of her books, I have to say this one is the best so far!

Diane Davis White
Author of Moon of The Falling Leaves

KISS Award for Dawn Thompson's hero

2007-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Romantic Times gave Dawn's hero in the Privateer the KISS Award - page 42

Dawn MacTavish's "King" Kingston has obstacles to overcome, but you'll want to sail away with him any day....

The Privateer (Leisure Historical Romance)

(Mass Market Paperback)

by Dawn Mactavish (Author) (Dawn Tompson)

List Price:$6.99

Price:$6.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Special Offers AvailableSave an extra 5% on all Books pre-orders. Details

Romantic Times review of The Privateer

2007-11-26T07:45:00.001-08:00

The Privateer (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)by Dawn Mactavish (Author)

List Price:
$6.99
Price:
$6.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Special Offers Available
Save an extra 5% on all Books pre-orders. Details

Part of MacTavish's entertaining tale is set on the high seas, but there are high jinks on land that certainly delight, thanks to charming characters and details about "the trade."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary: After her father's suicide, Lady Lark Eddington is thrown into debtor's prison with no hope of repaying the debt. She has scant time to worry before the Earl of Grayshire, Basil "King" Kingston, pays her bond. She fears he wants her as his mistress, but in truth, King desires her as his mother's companion. He's planning on marrying and needs his mother out of his home in Cornwall and into the dower house, and he hopes having Lark as a companion will ease the older woman's move.

King's mother is a stubborn woman, and lovely, witty, intelligent Lark is a great temptation. His plans unravel when he's recalled by the Admiralty as a privateer. His first mission results in his near death and the realization that he's in love with Lark. Marrying her is simple, but keeping her in the dark about smugglers and family secrets is difficult -- especially when misunderstandings and jealousy get in the way. (Leisure, Jan., 380 pp., $6.99) HOT

—Kathe Robin

The Huntress review of The Ravening, Book 3 of the Blood Moon series

2007-11-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

TITLE: The Ravening (Feb. 2008, Blood Moon series #3)
AUTHOR: Dawn Thompson
13 ISBN: 9780505527271
10 ISBN: 0505527278
Release date January 21st, 2008

to order:
http://www.amazon.com/Ravening-Blood-Moon-Book/dp/0505527278/

5 STARS! *****

Set in Cumberland, England, 1871. Milosh has lived over four centuries. He is a vampire-hunter. During this long space of time his name has become legend. Milosh is a vampire, but has no blood lust due to a blood moon ritual. He is alive, not undead. Milosh tracks an age-old nemesis, Sebastian Valentine. Sebastian is a monster able to take the form of a wolf or multiple bats at will. Once again the hunt has brought Milosh to Whitebriar Abbey, home to his close friends, the Hyde-Whites. However, Whitebriar Abbey is in ruins. The place had been destroyed by fire only six months prior. As Milosh takes shelter in the crumbling mound he comes across a young gypsy, Palmona; and for the first time in centuries, finds love. But Milosh lets down his guard for a moment, and Palmona, needing blood, bites Milosh. The result is that Palmona becomes immune to the blood lust and Milosh loses his immunity.

Palmona had been dancing under the moonlight when Sebastian mesmerized her. He would have succeeded in changing her had the members of her caravan not heard her scream and come searching. In fear, the caravan leaves Palmona to die. Palmona flees the call of the wolves and takes temporary shelter in some ruins. There, she meets Milosh. Legend says that Milosh knows a cure for vampirism; so Palmona stays in hopes of getting the cure. At first, Palmona fears the Romanian (with good reason). But it does not take long for the young gypsy to fall in love with Milosh. During a moment of weakness, Palmona gives into the blood lust. It is a moment she long regrets. Other vampires quickly learn that Palmona took the White Wolf's blood and is immune to the blood lust. Palmona is now the target of all the night creatures. Milosh, the vampire-hunter, has become that which he has hunted for four centuries.

Milosh calls upon the Brotherhood to keep her safe, even from him. The Brotherhood obeys Milosh, but call upon the Hyde-Whites to strike the death blow, should it be needed. Milosh and Palmona race to get the ingredients for the Blood Moon ritual. The time of the eclipse draws near. Another will not come for over two years; far too late for Milosh. As the duo race against time, Sebastian and his minions are on their trail, and friends watch in hopes of a miracle.

***** This is the third book in the Blood Moon series. Readers have been waiting for Milosh to get his own story, myself included, and this tale was definitely worth the wait. The author did a wonderful job. There were times in the story that I saw no way for Milosh and Palmona to win. Characters from the two previous books (the Hyde-Whites) eventually enter the story, giving the entire series a more realistic touch. If you have not read the first two books, do not worry; this is a stand-alone story. However, I highly recommend that you pick up the first two titles (Blood Moon & The Brotherhood) and read all three in order. Should you do so, you will get a much deeper emotional impact. And as you begin reading, hold onto the seat of your pants, because you are in for one heck of a ride on the darker side! *****

HUNTRESS REVIEWS
(Reviewed by Detra Fitch)

Reviews for The Privateer

2007-11-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

The Privateer by Dawn MacTavish (Dawn Thompson)
Release: December 21st, 2007
Leisure Books, Dorchester Publishing

to order:
http://www.amazon.com/Privateer-Leisure-Historical-Romance/dp/0843959819/

Lady Lark Eddington's life seems over when the gates close on theMarshalsea debtor's prison. But when the roguishly handsome BasilKingston, Earl of Greyshire redeems her from the mire of debt andscandal, she has a second chance. But what cost will "King" demand ofher?

Ms. MacTavish's latest regency kept me turning pages, with anintriguing plot, sensual romance, and vibrant characters, set againsta vivid backdrop evoking all the elegance of Regency England and thewilderness of the Cornish coast. Add in a pair of sneaky villains, apolitical entanglement, a gypsy wench, a lost soul, and above all, adevilishly lovable scheming countess, and you have a recipe for afinely crafted novel. Ms. MacTavish's tale ofriches-to-rags-to-riches will please the most refined tastes andregency virgins alike.

Erin E. M. Hatton, author
http://community.indigo.ca/reviews/Erin-E-M-Hatton/all-95664.html

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Lady Lark is an inspiring character, a woman whose strength and determination keep her from folding under the duress of debtors prison and the myriad of misfortunes that follow. Lord Grayshire, though her rescuer, is not the letch she at first believes. The twists and turns of the plot will intrigue you and keep you turning the pages long past the hour of sleep.

Let Dawn MacTavish take you into another time and place, give you the gift of her story-telling ability and wonderful word usage. Having read most of her books, I have to say this one is the best so far!

Diane Davis White
Author of Moon of The Falling Leaves

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Dawn Thompson weaves a delightful tale and holds your interest from the very first page of the The Privateer. We meet the heroine, the Lady Lark, in a very strange place, debtor’s prison. The description of her surroundings and the prisoners make you feel as if you are actually there. The reason for her dire circumstances isn’t clear until she makes friends with Agnes. The two women help each other until Lark catches the eye of Basil, ‘King’, Kingston, Earl of Grayshire.
King is a man who has many secrets, but I still found him irresistible. You can’t help wondering why he is ‘redeeming’ Lark. Although you’ll want to knock some sense into her, you’ll love King’s crusty mother. This historical romance is definitely a unique change of pace and a delightful read.

Jo Webnar
Author of Twilight, and Saving Tampa

Lord of the Dark

2007-11-17T12:49:00.001-08:00

Book 2, The Elementals
Kensington Aphrodisia
July 2008

Night Owl Romance review of Lord of the Deep

2007-10-20T03:08:00.001-07:00

Lord of the Deep
by
Dawn Thompson

Score: 4.5

Reviewer: Danni of Night Owl Romance

Online at:

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=593

Meg is banished to the Isle of the Mists because she's accused of being a witch. One day, bored, she spies what she thinks are seals frolicking at the shore. However the seals, really Selkie's, disappear to be replaced by sexy, naked men. Simeon the Selkie Leader sees her and is instantly enchanted. He's grown tired of his consorts and wants something different, something more in his life. Meg provides the perfect opportunity for the Simeon to try something new but not get attached. Believing he will bed her and then walk away, he finds that Meg is indeed different and wants her in his life.

Simeon is the Lord of the Deep and lives in the sea; Meg is a land-dweller. Will they be able to be together? Will they find a way to exist in each others world?

This was my first encounter with Ms Thompson's writing and it most definitely won't be the last. This book was spellbinding. From the wonderful world building to the sensual, lyrical writing Lord of the Deep is a definite keeper.

This highly erotic, delightful tale featuring sex (under water) and a feisty heroine left this reader breathless. Lord of the Deep has a flowing style that pulls you in and holds you until the last page. I cannot wait for what's next in this series.

Night Owl Romance
http://www.nightowlromance.com

The Brotherhood nominated for Best Vampire Romance

2007-10-12T05:27:00.001-07:00

Night Owl Romance has nominated my second Blood Moon book - The Brotherhood - for Best Vampire Romance. I would to thank them.

My first review for The Ravening!

2007-10-12T05:23:00.001-07:00

TITLE: The Ravening (Feb. 2008, Blood Moon series #3)
AUTHOR: Dawn Thompson
13 ISBN: 9780505527271
10 ISBN: 0505527278

5 STARS!

Set in Cumberland, England, 1871. Milosh has lived over four centuries. He is a vampire-hunter. During this long space of time his name has become legend. Milosh is a vampire, but has no blood lust due to a blood moon ritual. He is alive, not undead. Milosh tracks an age-old nemesis, Sebastian Valentine. Sebastian is a monster able to take the form of a wolf or multiple bats at will. Once again the hunt has brought Milosh to Whitebriar Abbey, home to his close friends, the Hyde-Whites. However, Whitebriar Abbey is in ruins. The place had been destroyed by fire only six months prior. As Milosh takes shelter in the crumbling mound he comes across a young gypsy, Palmona; and for the first time in centuries, finds love. But Milosh lets down his guard for a moment, and Palmona, needing blood, bites Milosh. The result is that Palmona becomes immune to the blood lust and Milosh loses his immunity.

Palmona had been dancing under the moonlight when Sebastian mesmerized her. He would have succeeded in changing her had the members of her caravan not heard her scream and come searching. In fear, the caravan leaves Palmona to die. Palmona flees the call of the wolves and takes temporary shelter in some ruins. There, she meets Milosh. Legend says that Milosh knows a cure for vampirism; so Palmona stays in hopes of getting the cure. At first, Palmona fears the Romanian (with good reason). But it does not take long for the young gypsy to fall in love with Milosh. During a moment of weakness, Palmona gives into the blood lust. It is a moment she long regrets. Other vampires quickly learn that Palmona took the White Wolf's blood and is immune to the blood lust. Palmona is now the target of all the night creatures. Milosh, the vampire-hunter, has become that which he has hunted for four centuries.

Milosh calls upon the Brotherhood to keep her safe, even from him. The Brotherhood obeys Milosh, but call upon the Hyde-Whites to strike the death blow, should it be needed. Milosh and Palmona race to get the ingredients for the Blood Moon ritual. The time of the eclipse draws near. Another will not come for over two years; far too late for Milosh. As the duo race against time, Sebastian and his minions are on their trail, and friends watch in hopes of a miracle.

***** This is the third book in the Blood Moon series. Readers have been waiting for Milosh to get his own story, myself included, and this tale was definitely worth the wait. The author did a wonderful job. There were times in the story that I saw no way for Milosh and Palmona to win. Characters from the two previous books (the Hyde-Whites) eventually enter the story, giving the entire series a more realistic touch. If you have not read the first two books, do not worry; this is a stand-alone story. However, I highly recommend that you pick up the first two titles (Blood Moon & The Brotherhood) and read all three in order. Should you do so, you will get a much deeper emotional impact. And as you begin reading, hold onto the seat of your pants, because you are in for one heck of a ride on the darker side! *****

HUNTRESS REVIEWS
(Reviewed by Detra Fitch)

Spooky Reads for Halloween

2007-10-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

I have taken vampires back to their roots, back to the historical vampires first originally created by writers such Lord Byron and John Polidori, and then later by Bram Stoker. The first of three vampires (there will be more!!) I am currently nominated for NOR Award for The Brotherhood for Best Vampire Romance 2007. I highly recommend them. 1.. Blood Moon - Dorchester Love Spell - March 2007 2.. The Brotherhood - Dorchester Love Spell - June 2007 3.. The Ravening - Dorchester Love Spell - January 2008

John Charles, Chicago Sunday Tribune:With an inventive hybrid of Regency historical and dark, sexy paranormal romance, Dawn Thompson is wildly imaginative and wonderfully entertaining.

Watch the book trailer >>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIBZrPUJT4c

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Blood Moon (Book 1) by Dawn Thompson [mass market paper: Love Spell; February 27, 2007; $6.99; ISBN: 0505526808; ISBN-13: 9780505526809]

Read Chapter 1 - http://dawnthompson.com/BloodMoon.htm

Book Description Start of a stunning new series! THEIR DARK CURSE Jon Hyde-White was changed. Neither his horse nor his dog trusted him any longer, and with good cause; the transformation was almost complete. Soon he would cease to be an earl's second son and become a ravening monster. Already lust grew, begging him to drink, to devour, to swallow in great gulps hot blood from every opalescent neck--and the blood of his fiancé, Cassandra Thorpe, would be sweetest of all. Was that not why they were chosen? Was that not why the blasphemous creature Sebastian burst upon them from the London shadows? But Sebastian's evil task remained incomplete, and neither Jon not Cassandra was beyond hope. Still she smelled of meadowsweet and lilies, and he still believed in Heaven. One chance remained--in faraway Moldovia, in a secret brotherhood, in an ancient ritual and the power of love and the...BLOOD MOON

The Order>>>>>>>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0505526808
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The Brotherhood (Blood Moon, Book 2) by Dawn Thompson

(NOR Award Nominee for Best Vampire Romance 2007)

[mass market paper: Love Spell; July, 2007; $6.99; ISBN: 050552726X; ISBN-13: 9780505527264]

Read Chapter 1 - http://dawnthompson.com/Brotherhood.html

Book DescriptionJoss Hyde-White left London for answers about who and what he was. What he found, with night falling, Cornwall consumed by a snowstorm quickly obscuring the road, was a carriage--a brougham by the look of it--its snow-covered horses standing like two ghosts, and a scene of horror interrupted within. A chestnut-haired beauty lay prone, requiring his assistance. But safety was not easily provided. On this night that brought to mind vampires and the foulest creatures of myth, through the whirling snow and growing darkness, it was difficult to tell man or woman from beast. From this moment forward, no one and nothing could be trusted--not even his own instincts, be they to kiss or kill. Joss was on the road to the truth, and that would lead to the secret of his parents, to the Blood Moon Rite of ancient Persia, to the enigmatic Milosh, the Gypsy, and...THE BROTHERHOOD

THE RAVENING (Blood Moon, Book 3) December 2007

ISBN-10: 0505527278 ISBN-13: 978-0505527271

".a chilling, mesmerizing vampire novel [that] will have you spellbound from beginning to end!" -RT BOOKreviews on Blood Moon

THE HUNGER IS BOUNDLESS.In the moonlit forest, bewitched by a wolf and dancing to music only she could hear, Paloma was first taken. And though she fled her monstrous attacker, she could not escape her destiny. .AND IT CANNOT BE DENIED

Sebastian-the vampire, his own archenemy and the enemy of The Brotherhood and all things right and good-was again rising to power; Milosh could sense it. To Whitebriar he traveled, hoping to find his friends the Hyde-Whites, but instead he found the abbey in ruins and a terrified Gypsy who stole his heart. But this copper-haired beauty was infected. She burned, burned as did all those who'd felt the bite of vampyr but not the solace of the Blood Moon, and she had the power to make him him burn, and in ways he hadn't felt for centuries. She aroused in him the ravening, which meant the struggle to come would be not against Sebastian's lips and fangs alone, but against himself, and only Milosh's strength and love could decide who and what he and Paloma would yet become

The Order>>>>>>>>> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/050552726X