'Tis the season for fangs and flirting

There are so many awesome vampire books in existence that I wanted to share some of my favorite series with you this Halloween season.

The Argeneau Vampires series, Lynsay Sands

Why you should read this series: This series is still going strong 19 books in. That is definitely saying something when it comes to the writer and her world building. The books are fun and engaging, while the romance is sometimes steamy, sometimes sweet, but always romantic. Lynsay's books are quick, fun and definitely the perfect way to spend the Halloween season, especially if you are a fang-chaser and vampire-dreamer by nature.

Tidbit: When I asked Lynsay about her vampires, she said, "I love writing the Argeneau series, mostly because I love the characters. I like how they interact with each other, the caring they have for each other, how they can annoy the heck out of each other and still care. Most of all I love the surprises they occasionally throw my way when I'm writing the books. Honestly, the characters sometimes seem to take over the writing and just go whichever way they want instead of in the direction I intended."

Chicagoland Vampires series, Chloe Neill

Why you should read this series: When I picked up the first book, Some Girls Bite, I was expecting a cookie-cutter vampire book … but, oh man, Chloe blew my expectations out of the water, and her writing literally demanded that I put this author on my auto-buy list. Merit is one of the best heroines I have ever come across, and the Chicagoland world is dark, sensual and action-packed. The series has six books out with a seventh coming in 2013, and each book takes readers inside Merit's head and world -- and can change how you see vampires.

Tidbit: When I asked Chloe how she came up with Merit, she said, "In my very first, very early draft of Some Girls Bite (which was horribly titled The Prodigal Daughter), Merit was in an indie band. Mallory was her backup singer, and Merit met her first vampire, club owner Morgan Greer, when her band's audition was short-shifted. After leaving the sexy vampire in his backroom office with an earful, Merit is attacked by a vampire. It wasn't until I had a sudden mental image of blond vampire Master Ethan Sullivan that I realized who Merit really was."

The Midnight Breed series, Lara Adrian

Why you should read this series: This series is dark, it's dangerous, and the vampires are alpha and hot! Lara calls her vampires the Breed, and they've lived next to humankind for thousands of years. The Breed have a special ops-type of group that help protect them and police the rogues, who're called the Order, and you will want each member for yourself! The series has 10 books (and a couple novellas) with the Edge of Dawn expected to be released in 2013. Her heroes are so dominant, her heroines have special powers, and the bedroom scenes will scorch you.

Night Huntress series, Jeaniene Frost

Why you should read this series: This series takes action a step further and I consider it to be an urban fantasy romance series. The heroine is half-vampire, and Bones, her hero … let me just take a moment … he is one of the hottest heroes by far. He's alpha and dominant, yet he lets Cat run her team and be the boss. They work so hard to earn their HEA, and each book is an exciting chapter to their lives. The sixth book won't be out until winter 2013, but that doesn't stop me from rereading the series. I've gotten my sister and many friends hooked on Bones, and if you haven't picked up Jeaniene I'd suggest getting Halfway to the Grave and letting Cat and Bones persuade you to keep reading their story.

Fresh October vampire releases

Out for Blood (House of Comarre book four), Kristen Painter

What's it about: This is the fourth House of Comarre book and HEA has already done a review of the series, but the writing and world Kristen has created is just too good not to mention her latest release. Out for Blood will be out Oct. 30, and Chrysabelle will find even more determination and strength to move beyond being a comarre. She will face new enemies, and harder tasks, but she has strength beneath her beauty and marks, and soon everyone will see her power.

Why you should read this series: Kristen's series is beautiful. Her heroine isn't a vampire herself but a companion, someone who can give blood and replenish her blood stock. Beautiful marks on her body will forever show what she is, no matter how much she might wish to change her fate. Chrysabelle is strong and poised, her world is terrifying yet at times reminiscent of the beautiful old worlds of courts, companions and intrigue. Not to mention her covers are always so stunning. If you want action, intrigue, strength and sensuality, pick up the House of Comarre series.

Tidbit: I asked Kristen about her thoughts on Halloween: "One of the years I lived in NYC, I dressed up as a leopard with massively teased hair and full Cats-style face makeup and went down to the Halloween parade in the Village. I had more than a few people stop me for pictures and ask if I was a man or a woman! The Village parade gets a lot of drag queens and I am pretty tall, so it was kind of funny. One of my fondest Halloween memories!"

E-book gems with a bite

Accidentally Married to … a Vampire?, Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Why you should read it: The best quote from the book:

"If you love her, set her free. If she comes back, she's yours. If she doesn't … Christ! Stubborn woman! Hunt her down, and bring her the hell back; she's still yours, according to vampire law." — Niccolo DiConti, general of the Vampire Queen's Army

That about sums up how hilarious, engaging and funny this book is. It's book two in the Accidentally Yours series, but Pamfiloff has written such an amusing and steamy read that it's in the top Kindle vampire books. Her heroine is stubborn, attractive and outspoken, while the hero is sensible, powerful and a wee bit cocky. It's the perfect mix for anyone looking to add a little fang to their fun.

Tidbit: When I asked Mimi about her vampires, she said, "At the time, vampire mania was in full force. I thought it would be fun to do a cheeky parody of the traditional vampire story. So instead of the heroine falling head over heels with the vampire and agreeing to become one, she wakes up one day, realizing that a vampire's life isn't as glamorous as everyone says. They drink blood (ick!), can't eat Twinkies, and you can just forget about hanging out at the beach! Throw in some really dysfunctional Mayan gods, and voila! Good times."

Taming the Vampire, Chloe Hart

Why you should read it: This is the first book in her Blood and Absinthe series … come on, how can you not be interested with a series title like that? Her hero and heroine are on opposite sides of the fence. Liz is a demon hunter and Jack is a vampire. It was hate (and a little bit of chemistry, I'd say) at first sight, but an alliance must be formed to protect their city. Chloe has a way with words. I just fell in love with Jack. He's so witty and verbally obnoxious toward Liz that it had me in tears, I was laughing so hard. It's a novella, but it has so much action and adventure that it reads more like a full-length novel. If you want action, wit, adventure and tons of love/hate chemistry, then download this book!

Tidbit: Chloe tells me, "I've always loved romances where strength meets strength, and with paranormal romance, you get to see this conflict played out on a supernatural stage. In Taming the Vampire, I wanted to force a female demon hunter into an alliance with a vampire — the ultimate alpha male — and watch the sparks fly."

Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She is a top 600 reviewer on Amazon and also does reviews for Bitten By Books and AllRomance.com.