Karma & Melodies

by Katie Salidas

Second chances at love don't come very often, even for a vampire who has eternity.

Kendra used to spend her days organizing events for Café Enigma while daydreaming about Marcus, the sexy lead singer of Normal Paradox. But all those dreams of becoming Mrs. Rock Star died, along with her mortality, the moment Hector entered her life. He tricked her and seduced her into becoming a vampire, stealing Kendra away from Marcus forever.

Ten torturous years later; however, Kendra finds a way to escape Hector and is reunited with her lost love, Marcus. Now that she's found him she doesn't want to let him go. But, whispered threats from Hector begin invading her dreams. He's tracking her down, and she can feel it. He's a true monster, capable of unspeakable horrors, and Kendra knows what he will do if he catches them.
She'll have to make a stay and fight for the man she's always loved, or protect him by leaving and keeping Marcus off of Hector's radar?

This novella is approximately 30k words or (120 printed pages). It contains some offensive language but no sexual content. Suitable for YA-Adult readers.

Other Urban Fantasy Novels by Katie
Immortalis Carpe Noctem
Hunters & Prey
Pandora's Box (2011)

Other Paranormal Romance Novellas By Katie
House of Immortal Pleasures
Halloween Fantasies

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2011

About the author

Katie Salidas is a best-selling author known for her unique genre-blending style.

Host of the Indie Youtube Talkshow, Spilling Ink, nerd, Doctor Who fangirl, Las Vegas Native, and SuperMom to three awesome kids, Katie gives new meaning to the term sleep-deprived.

Since 2010 she’s penned four bestselling book series: the Immortalis, Olde Town Pack, Little Werewolf, and the RONE award-winning Chronicles of the Uprising. And as her not-so-secret alter ego, Rozlyn Sparks, she is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with a naughty side.

Want some FREE reads? Join the VIP Reader Group and get three to start with: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Dystopian.
Try them today and fall in love.

http://www.katiesalidas.com/p/newslet...

Reviews

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karma & Melodies is a sweet and fast vampire novella read. The blurb says enough, I don’t want to spoil. I did like the characters and story. The romance is different with the heroine being the vampire and the hero being the human it made for an interesting read.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karma and Melodies
by
Katie Salidas

The music from the band brought back waves of memories from days gone by for Kendra. Days when she could enjoy the sunshine on her face and nights when she shared her poetry at the Egnima while listening to the beautiful voice of the leader of the band. The same voice making it's way to her ears through the crowd, ten years later, or what seemed like a lifetime ago. What should have been joy to wash over Kendra, was instead replaced with sorrow and regret. There he stood, Marcus, looking just as beautiful as he had ten years ago, like a Greek God. Close enough to touch, to smell, but sadly not close enough to have for her very own. Because Kendra had a secret that in reality was a curse that had been given to her ten years ago. A curse that has put her on the run from the master that made her, but to the true love that has had her heart always.

I am a tremendous vampire/paranormal genre fan and with so many authors turning to this type of writing, you would think sooner or later you would come across a story that was like the one before. I have been with Katie Salidas since the beginning and I have read all of her work and have given a review of each read. I am always so curious how she will manage to make this next work of hers different that any of the ones before. I have yet to be disappointed.

Karma and Melodies is a wonderful love story with just a touch of eroticism. It shows just how far a person will go for the one he or she loves. Follow the love story of Kendra and Marcus, one a vampire the other a musician. Learn the throes of being a vampire in love with someone she had to give just enough blood to save, but never enough to turn him. Even with that, there is a blood bond and everything that goes with that. I know you will enjoy Katie's newest work, Karma and Melodies and I give it Five Stars *****

Reviewed by

Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

[Penelope Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short. Sexy. Sweet. This novella is not bad at all. The vampire lore focuses mainly on the drug like influences vampire blood can have on a human. Don't expect a lot of detail into the intricacies of being a vampire, I would say this is a romance with a supernatural slant as opposed to a fantasy book with romance. I enjoyed the musical focus in the story line. Musicians do have this odd, sexual allure (even the ugly ones), don't they? I loved the fact this strong, immortal vampire was pretty much a groupie for this band, and had the hots for the front man. It was a very... everyday human thing twisted into something else.

In the beginning, Salidas portrayed the atmosphere of standing in the crowd of a buzzing concert, and the, "Oh my god he just touched my hand," excitement through Kendra wonderfully. And the ending is sweet leaving you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Here is my gripe. At times, things get tedious during the middle of the story. Kendra is very much hung up on the fact her Sire, Hector, seduced her, made her into little more then a blood junkie before he actually turned her, then made her life a living nightmare. Naturally, she does not want the same for Marcus, but the circumstances mean she does end up tying him to her, and she pretends to be all angst-y about it. But come on! A hot superstar you've loved deeply for ten years starts gagging for you, tells you he feels the same way as you did back then, and wants your blood, to be like you, and you're not secretly thrilled? You're not letting him drink you with a sad face whilst fist pumping the air in victory? No? Okay then. The character's morals are much more straightforward than mine.

In all seriousness, this book is not trying too hard. Good fun. A solid 3 skulls.
http://indiebookreview.blogspot.com/2...

Also did an interview with Katie over on Fiction Fierce: fictionfierce.blospot.com.

[Stephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kendra was on the run from her sire. He was an awful vampire who tricked her then forced her into turning ten years ago. Now that she has escapes him she just wants a glimpse of the life she left behind and Marcus and his band was part of that life.

After the concert she left knowing she’d never see him again, but karma had different plans for her and Marcus. Marcus hit her with his car, with the injury and loss of blood she attacked him without knowing who he was till she took too much blood. Then she was force to share her blood with him in order to save him, leading them to a blood bond. That caused him to crave her and would make it hard to part with him without him feeling the loss of her leavening.

Kendra always dreamed of having Marcus want her but not like this, she didn't know if he really wanted her or if it was just the blood bond. With the feeling of Hector her sire close on her heals she leaves Marcus in order to save him and his friends from hectors wrath. But it may not be enough to save them all.

I thought this was a sweet short story. I like Marcus and even if he was blood bonded to her he seemed to truly love her. I think it was cute. It was a quick easy read with an easy emotional story. It wasn't too much but it heartfelt enough to make it good. I would read this story again it was fun quick read.

**Athenna**

[katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

** Firstly the cover is hot ** I really liked this, it drew me in .. Not that I pick up a book for its cover but this I liked..

A short vampire novella about a newly turned vampire of ten years, a singer in a rock band and lust- love that has been remembered over ten years.

Marcus has always been in Kendras heart and thoughts, she use to sit and watch him play while she wrote poetry until that fearful night her life changed. Fate brought her back to Markus, she escaped her maker Hector to be hit by Marcus's car - hurt and in need of blood. Things happen , Markus is drawn to Kendra but is it the blood lust? Due to the depression that follows Kendra finds herself on a whirlwind with the band, traveling with them to their next gig so that Marcus is able to perform.. Hector catches up with them and Kendra fears the worst.

A short love story filled with action, suspense, and intrigue. A genre I enjoy to read. The story line flowed smoothly, flowing from one chapter to the next, no dead stops fluent and intriguing to the end..

First book I have read of Katies and I do look forward to more in the future..

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short love story that is full of action and suspense. It isn't a genre that I really read but I really enjoyed this novel.

The characters were well thought out and made for an enjoyable read. Salidas gives the reader a unique view on vampires that adds a lot of characters to the novel and really draws the reader in.

Overall a very enjoyable short read.

A copy of this novel was received for review for free and all opinions expressed are my own through reading this novel.

This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com

[Courtney Conant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet paranormal love story with a brutal side hidden within. A beautiful tale of love lost and reunited many years later, Kendra and Marcus will keep you turning the pages.

It's a unique take on vampires, without straying too far from the traditional. I'm excited to see if there will be a sequel, as I'm curious as to what the future holds for the vamps and the band.

This novella is a quick read and definitely worth sinking your teeth into...

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good short read. If you like vampires and bands...you'll like this. Even though it was short Katie did a great job with the story line and getting to know all the characters. I really liked the band members. Definitely a good read.

[L.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted first on The Romance Reviews


Katie Salidas is a writer that finds the places in your heart that create heat and passion. She is a strong voice in the Vampire Genre, one could say a speaker of the dead. In her usual way, she has given us that unique young man that tugs at your heart strings, the one you always remember. She sets her stage with strong female characters, and in KARMA AND MELODIES, she has also brought the music. This is a dark novel as most vampire stories are, but she brings humor and lightness with her witty prose. This is a fun tale of everlasting love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The music scene was always Kendra's passion; it was when she was visiting her favorite hangout that she first met her Master. The vampire that turned her and now controlled her. But it was also at this same hangout that she met whom she thought was the man of her dreams, an up and coming musician just making the scene.

Escaping her master, she finds herself back in that place, a homecoming she did not expect. The band has gained notoriety and packs in a crowd. Even with her blood lust, she finds herself drawn to Marcus as he sings his song of love and loss. The heat of the crowd and the smell of blood almost distracted her, but like any fan, she is lost in the music and the idolatry of the man himself. Knowing she must leave before her need begins, she leaves the club to seek a place to spend the night.

Crossing the road to find the darker shadows, she is unaware of the car bearing down on her. The impact is brutal and weakens her body and resolve. Knowing she needs blood to rebuild her strength, she goes to the closest source, the driver of the vehicle. Little does she know until it is too late that the driver is Marcus, the man of her dreams. She has now become his Master.

This not only creates issues with his band mates, but her own Master has been seeking her and she is well aware that he will make an example of her rebelliousness. Every one of the band is now in danger. She has to trust them with her secret to keep them all safe, and because of this, there is a lack of trust, but certainly, something expected. Can she keep them from harm, as the Master tracks her and prepares to teach her a lesson? A lesson that does not allow love or friendship?

Kendra is a young woman turned by an unsavory and unscrupulous vampire to become his toy. Forced to do unspeakable acts time after time, she finally escapes his madness. Yet she belongs to him, she is still considered young in vampire years and she does not have the strength to stand up to him. But her love for Marcus has apparently never wavered. She had always loved him, and when they met again, that attraction was still there. But how would she know if he truly cared about her now? He is enthralled because in order to save him she has had to share her blood. Would she really ever know if he cared?

Marcus is enamored of Kendra. Even though she may not believe it, he remembers her from the club scene from years ago. All of his songs of love and loss are written with her in mind. She disappeared one night never to be seen again. He lost his opportunity with her and he felt as though there would never be another. Can he convince her that it is love, and can he save her from the very presence that took her from him in the first place?
This is an earthy and fun vampire story set in the music world. Fast paced, the story leads you on a merry chase. The interplay is both disturbing and at times quite funny. When push comes to shove though, all the band members line up behind Kendra, just as it should be. If you like vampire lore and stories of romance, you will enjoy this book.

This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karma & Melodies is a short but sweet vampire read. This is different from the usual hot guy vampire who meets the human girl. This time it's the girl vampire who meets the hot human guy.

Kendra has been a vampire for ten years and has finally escaped Hector, her evil vampire creator. Before she was turned she spent time reciting poetry and listing to her favorite band. Kendra has always wondered what would have become of her and the lead singer Marcus if they would have gotten a chance to talk before Hector turned her. One night after going to one of their concerts she is hit by Marcus's car. Kendra drinks from Marcus and creates a blood bond with him. After being convinced by his band mates to go on tour with them Kendra and Marcus get their chance at love. Until Hector shows up.

The story flowed really well and once I started reading I didn't want to stop. I loved all the characters with their distinct personalities. Romance, suspense and some action added more to this fabulous vampire read. There was not much background information with this being a novella. This didn't bother me though because the plot was interesting and fun to read. I was happy with how it ended, just wished the book was longer. I didn't want to stop reading it. If you love vampires and romance I recommend you read this.

I received this e-book for review from the author. This did not affect my review in any way.

[1000 + · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate throws Kendra together with her previous crush, Marcus, from years ago when she was merely a mortal. Now a Vampire on the run from her evil creator, Hector, she's forced to accompany Marcus and his band on a road trip.

Living so close, Marcus and Kendra pick up where they left off and finally take their 'crush' to the next level however Hector won't let Kendra go so easily.

As Hector closes in on Kendra, she must make a choice: save Marcus or herself.

Lets Talk About It:

I really enjoyed this story.

There was a lot of emotion wrapped up into this book. Between the way Kendra and Marcus feel for each other to the struggles the band members face having a Vampire as a roadie and the comradery that develops between them all.

It was a really unique situation having a Vampire on the road traveling with a band, trying to keep her secret of her being on the run. Even down to the blood lust as Marcus becomes addicted to Kendra after drinking some of her blood was not something I have seen in many other books.

Somewhat of a short story but filling nonetheless.

Melissa
Reviewer for 1000 + Books to Read

[Cleverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know some of you are sick of vamp books, but maybe you're like me and still enjoy a quick bite. Katie Salidas has written a solid vampire romance. I enjoyed that the vampires didn't stray to far from the classic vampires. You know not all vampires are good. There is still some evil ones.

The characters were well written and had unique voices. I do wish I knew more of Marcus's character. He's the only one I felt needed a bit more attention. The plot was fun and had an interesting twist. I slammed this book in a very short time. It was easy to flip through the pages with out hesitation or need for a break.

I think it's really awesome they have music mixed in, I wonder what the soundtrack to this would sound like. I know Katie has written some more ebooks that I hear are worth checking out.

[Melisa Hamling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bite goes a long way!

Escaping Hector's wrath wasn't easy, but Kendra managed. Revisiting her past, Kendra doesn't expect to run into her secret crush, Marcus. As fate takes control, Kendra winds up a little too close for comfort with her Rock-star fantasy and does the unthinkable. It wasn't her fault she did what she did. After all, she'd been knocked out and woke to see stars....or shall we say, one dreamy star!

A rough start to past desires shakes Kendra's world, and Marcus'. Will her captor return to ruin it all? Or destroy the one thing Kendra loves?

Karma & Melodies is a delightful novella with a tasty bite. Ms. Salidas knows how to spin a charming tale of vampire-meets-human in all of her work. I have yet to find an article I haven't enjoyed by this author. ;)

[Alison Beightol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karma and Melodies was a sweet vampire novella with an undercurrent of doom. I like how the author wove that through the story.
The characters in the story are very likeable and believable. I felt like I got to know them. The only thing (and it's just my opinion) that bothered me was that the MC didn't like being a vampire. Or she said she didn't. Vampires like that sometimes get on my nerves. But it didn't interfere with making this a terrific read for when you want a nice vampire story to read. Would make a nice beach read or a quickie while on the road!
I'll definitely read the other two novellas in the series!

[Siobhan Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this short tale of a woman turned by an evil sire and making her escape, only to run into the man she wanted to be with ten years earlier. I thought the ending was a little rushed (I guess I would've liked it to be longer), but overall I liked the flow of the story, the character development and felt they were realistically written. Nicely done. I'll happily read more of Ms. Salidas' work again. :)

[Marilyn Vix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author. This is the second book I've read of Katie Salidas. She does for vampires what soaps do for drama. She adds some nice spice to a strong, interesting story. I'm looking for more books to read written by her. Would love to see a whole series of these characters.

[Annabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

you can find my review on my blog:

http://mybookaddiction.blogspot.com/2...

[Maaike vdD · Rating 4 out of 5]

you can read my review by clicking om the link below
http://kyanarasmadreviews.blogspot.co...

[Catrina Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another yummy delicacy by Katie Salidas.
I had the pleasure of reading this a long time ago.
Steamy scenes, great characters.

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story.