CAVE CANEM -- Susan Sizemore: Dan Conover's promise made over 1000 years ago to protect a friend's children is now his own legacy, which is breeding and training hellhounds. In the wrong hands, these animals can be dangerous. When two puppies turn up missing, he must find them quickly before they begin terrorizing innocent people. But Tess Sirella, a descendant of Dan's friend, knows he's too late.

RUSSIAN ROULETTE -- Erin McCarthy: As soon as Alistair Kirk hears that his ex-wife plans to sell one of her own to a Vampire Slayer, he decides to play hero and rescue the prisoner. Not exactly sure what to do next, he hides her in plain sight at his bar. Sasha, in complete survival mode, is not sure what to make of her rescuer. She just knows she needs to feel safe, and right now, New Orleans is not safe.

DOUBLE THE BITE -- Chris Marie Green: Ben Tyree travels from Texas to New York to find out how and why his brother, Nolan, who had a good career, a wife and kids, has ended up dead in a warehouse while at seminar for his job. Leads take Ben to Studio 54. With his good looks, he has no problem gaining entry. There he meets Ginny, a beautiful woman resembling a young Elizabeth Taylor, who has secrets that could be his downfall.

THICKER THAN BLOOD -- Meljean Brook: Annie Gallagher gives up everything the night she becomes a vampire, including her budding love for Jack Harrington. After six years of learning about what her new destiny entails and understanding that she's not alone, everything falls apart. She comes back from a job, all of her friends are gone and a young human is missing. By shear freaky luck, she runs into the man who holds her heart, hoping he can help.

FIRST BLOOD is an interesting collection of action-packed vampire tales. My favorite is Meljean Brook's novella, and I'm hoping it's the beginning of an exciting new series.