Paranormal Reads: 2013

December 24, 2013

Orleans - Review

Orleans

by Sherri L. Smith

Blurb

First came the storms.

Then came the Fever.

And the Wall.

After a string of devastating hurricanes and a severe outbreak of Delta Fever, the Gulf Coast has been quarantined. Years later, residents of the Outer States are under the assumption that life in the Delta is all but extinct… but in reality, a new primitive society has been born.

Fen de la Guerre is living with the O-Positive blood tribe in the Delta when they are ambushed. Left with her tribe leader’s newborn, Fen is determined to get the baby to a better life over the wall before her blood becomes tainted. Fen meets Daniel, a scientist from the Outer States who has snuck into the Delta illegally. Brought together by chance, kept together by danger, Fen and Daniel navigate the wasteland of Orleans. In the end, they are each other’s last hope for survival.

My Review

Between hurricanes and the Delta Fever the Gulf Coast has become a different way of life. Tribes are set up by blood type and fights among them are breaking out. The Outer States have no clue what it is like inside the Delta. Fen is a member of the O positive blood tribe. It is attacked and she is left with a newborn baby the leader left with her. She has to get it over the wall into the Outer States before her blood is tainted. She meets Daniel along the way. A scientist who has sneaked into the Delta. They work together to get through the Delta hoping for the chance to escape.

This was an interesting book as it has a different feel to it. People are separated by their blood type and some blood types are hunted down. The author does a great job building the world up as you can see it as you read. There isn't a love match in this book. It is really about survival and how Fen tries her best to keep Baby Girl safe. She has to face many challenges along the way and at first you don't know for sure whether she will trust Daniel or not. He is there for a reason but it isn't to hurt Fen. He wants to find a cure. You may at first be thrown by how Fen talks but you quickly get use to that. I like how they have to work together and learn to be friends. If you like Dystopian/Apocalyptic books you will probably enjoy this one.

3 out of 5 Bats~Pam

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo - Review

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake #14)

by Kerrelyn Sparks

Blurb

He's Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

My Review

Dougal Kincaid was injured in a fight and now has a mechanical hand. He has fought to get back into shape so he can be included in the fighting again. Everything seems to be going good until he meets a scientist named Leah. She causes his hand and other parts to go out of control. He may be a vampire but he isn't dead. Leah resembles someone he knew long ago and he has to figure out if that is the only reason he wants her. His past is also threatening to come to light and it's one he doesn't want others to know. Leah never dreamed vampires, shifters and more were real. Now she is faced with the fact that they are. She is scared but fascinated with the thought of working with them. Not to mention there is one she can't keep her mind off of. Dougal is a vampire who wears a kilt and wears it well. They have to work past there difference if they can ever have a future.

Dougal is a tough fighter and the last thing he wants is pity. He had a hard time before he was turned and feels it is only his business. He wants Leah and is scared of scaring her off. You see how sweet he can be as he loves to show Leah he cares. He wants what is best for her. Leah is scared but that doesn't stop her from wanting to know these people. She does pretty good when faced with the fact creatures she thought were not real are in fact real. She never thought much of being an attractive person and never had time for that stuff but Dougal makes her want more.

I loved this story. Dougal in some ways seems broken and Leah is the perfect one to fix him. He is willing to do anything for her including cut his hair and lose the kilt. I didn't want to see that happen as he is a sexy kilt wearing vampire. There is lots of heat between these two. This is a great series with tons of characters you get to know and love. I love all the different types and how they come together. Don't worry it's not all hearts and flowers as there is plenty of fighting and action. You also get a few laughs in this book as the author does a wonderful job blending them all together. If you like paranormal romance books with a good story line I would recommend this series.

4 out of 5 Bats~Pam

Dragos Takes a Holiday - Review

Dragos Takes a Holiday (Elder Races #6.5)

by Thea Harrison

Blurb

The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?

Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it's no ordinary undertaking - and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.

They're determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way.

And did we mention pirates?

My Review

Pia is determined to have a vacation in Bermuda. She gets Dragos attention through an idea of a treasure hunt and he is ready to go. It's not going to be an easy trip as their baby Peanut has learned to turn into a baby dragon. With the help of friends they are determined to have some fun and relax. They soon find that is hard to do as they are hunting for the treasure and so are pirates. Pirates who will stop at nothing to get the treasure.

This a short quick read but one that will leave you going Aww over how adorable Peanut is. I fell in love with this Wyr baby and love how we get his point of view a few times as well. He is just going to get into more stuff as he grows and you just know you want to see it all. I love how Pia gets Dragos to go on vacation. She has the bags packed before he even gets the idea to go. They both are busy bit still find time to spend with each other. Whether it is a shared moment of parenthood joy or a moment of passion you see they truly love each other very much. If you like action have no fear there is that as well as some pirates have to learn why no one messes with Dragos. Not to mention the treasure hunt. I love seeing the ocean from Dragos eyes. This is sure to be a delight for fans of the series.

4 out of 5 Bats~Pam

December 10, 2013

Unbound Cover Reveal

I everyone! We have the cover reveal for Unbound by Cat Miller today. It is a beautiful cover and I am sure you will love it as well. First some about the book.

Blurb

Girl gone wild . . .

College is supposed to be a time of discovery, but Danielle Vaughn never imaged it would be like this: heightened senses, supernatural powers, and a sudden craving for human blood. Dani is a demi-vamp, the daughter of a human psychic and a vampire noble, a living secret kept hidden for twenty-one years.

As Dani’s heritage manifests itself, her thirst for blood is matched only by her hunger for Chase Diedrick. But as the son of the Vampire Council’s most powerful ruling family, Chase is already promised to another. Dani saw Council politics destroy her mother’s life; she won’t let the same thing happen to her. Besides, there’s no shortage of men who are eager to satisfy her every need, including the alluring vampire Kayden.

Unfortunately, Dani also has no shortage of enemies. Her heightened powers of telepathy and telekinesis attract the attention of a rogue vamp who preys on gifted vampires, absorbing their skills along with their lifeblood. Now, Dani must seek the Council’s help to quickly master her new vampire life . . . or risk losing it.

Be sure to check out Cat's FB page.

http://www.facebook.com/catmillerwriter

December 07, 2013

Grimnirs Release Event

Book Title: Grimnirs

Series: A Runes Novel

Author: Ednah Walters

Release Date: December 2nd 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Firetrail Publishing

Presented by: As You Wish Tours

Banner Made by: Julia Hendrix

BLURB

One lost love.

One lost best friend.

One hot soul reaper.

Straight out of the psyche ward, Cora just wants her life to be normal. She doesn’t want to see souls or the reapers collecting them. The love of her life, the guy she’s loved from a distance for years, has moved away without saying goodbye. So yes, she’s nursing a serious heartbreak. It’s no wonder love is the last thing on her mind when Echo storms into her life.

The chemistry between them is mind-blowing. The connection defies logic. It doesn’t help that Echo is the poster boy for everything she hates in a guy—hot, beautiful, and cocky. A general pain-in-the-butt. Being around him makes her feel more alive than she’s ever felt before. But more important, the souls leave her alone when he is around.

Echo is perfect for her. Echo might even be her soul-mate. There is only one problem. Echo is a freaking soul reaper. A Grimnir. The very beings she wants out of her life. Maybe normal is overrated because Cora wants it all. Answers. Love. A life. You see, once you fall for a Grimnir, your life will never be the same again.

Excerpt

I saw a few souls here and there on our way home. They all stopped and stared at our car. I slid lower in my seat and wondered whether the arrogant reaper would collect them, too. Maybe he was here to clean up our town. I hoped so. I was tired of being a target.

“You’ve been quiet since we left the store,” Mom said as we got closer to home. We were on Orchard Road, the street that split two of the largest vineyards in Kayville. “Are you okay?”

I shrugged. “Yeah.”

“You know, you can talk to me if anything is bothering you.”

Talking to her was out of the question. Dr. Wendell might prescribe more psych meds or insist on having me admitted again. “I heard you and Dad talk about me this morning. I don’t want to be homeschooled, Mom. I’m going back to school on Monday.”

“Sweetie—”

“No, Mom. I’m better, and I want to do this.”

Her lips pinched in annoyance as she turned onto the road leading to our farm. “Let’s discuss it after dinner.”

Her firm voice said the discussion was closed. I leaned back against my seat and stared out the window. My parents had had me later in life and tended to be overly protective. Most of the time, I listened to them. Not this time. This might be the beginning of a trend. First, homeschooling. Next, not going away to college. The only college in town was a private one, and I planned to go as far away from Kayville as I could. There were way too many bad memories here.

AUTHOR BIO

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at www.ednahwalters.com

Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. IMMORTALS is book 2. She just released book 3, GRIMNIRS December 2, 2013. Read more about this series and the world she's created here www.runestheseries.com

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six. You can visit her online at or www.ebwalters.com.

AUTHOR LINKS

BOOK LINKS

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 03, 2013

Night Chill Blog Tour - Review & Giveaway

Hey everyone! We have a stop on the Night Chill blog tour. There is a review of the book and a giveaway.

Night Chill by Jeff Gunhus

Publication date: May 31st 2013

Genres: Adult, Supernatural, Thriller

Synopsis:

Jack Tremont moves his family to the quiet mountains of Western Maryland hoping to leave behind a troubled past and restart his life. Instead, he finds himself caught up in a nightmare when his daughter Sarah is targeted by Nate Huckley, a mysterious and horrifying stranger driven by a dark power that will stop at nothing to possess Sarah. When Sarah goes missing, suspicion falls on Jack and he must uncover the secrets of the small mountain town of Prescott City and face the evil secret hidden there. As he digs further, he learns the conspiracy reaches more deeply than he could have imagined. Finally, he will have to face the question, What is a father willing to do to save his child? The answer? Anything. Anything at all.

My Review
Jack thinks he can make a new start when he moves to Maryland. Little does he know his trouble will soon begin. It seems a stranger with a dark gift wants Sarah his daughter and will stop at nothing to get her. Sarah disappears and while many believe Jack did it he knows he didn't and has to unravel many dark secrets the town has to prove he didn't do anything and to save his daughter.

I really liked this story as it ha an excellent plot that moves quickly. You don't want to stop reading once you begin this book. There is so many secrets and twist you have to know what will happen next. There is many different characters you meet while reading this book and they all have a part to play in making this a great story. Like Jack at times you never know who you can trust as he tries to get his daughter back. With the suspense and great story line is enough to hook you add in the element of a paranormal and you have an excellent book. It is titled a good name because it will give you Night Chills. I think anyone looking for an excellent page turning book that is outside the normal fluff will love this book. I look forward to more of the authors work.

5 out of 5 Bats~Pam

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18040325-night-chill?ac=1

Purchase:

—Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Night-Chill-ebook/dp/B00CRKPTL6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

My Review

AUTHOR BIO

In addition to writing supernatural thrillers for adults, Jeff Gunhus is also the author of the Middle Grade/YA series The Templar Chronicles. (www.jacktemplar.com) The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born and recognized as a 2012 Forward Reviews Book of the Year Finalist. Jeff has been a Stephen King and Dean Koontz fan since he was a kid reading their novels under the covers at night. Seeing Night Chill next to King and Koontz on the Amazon Bestseller lists has been a surreal experience. He leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole and five incredible kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.

Links:

Website: http://www.jeffgunhus.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/963702.Jeff_Gunhus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackTemplarmonsterhunter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTmonsterhunter

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow the rest of the tour.

http://xpressobooktours.com/2013/09/26/tour-sign-up-night-chill-by-jeff-gunhus/

November 29, 2013

Seraphina Parrish Trilogy Blog Tour - Review & Giveaway

Hi everyone! Today we have a stop on the Seraphina Parrish Trilogy Blog Tour. There is info on all three books, a review of Seeing Light and a giveaway for you all.

Title- Wander Dust

Series- Seraphina Parrish Trilogy # 1

By- Michelle Warren

Publication Date- November 30, 2013

Genre- YA/Fantasy/Time Travel/Romance

Blurb-

Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish. Unexplainable premonitions catapult her to faraway cities. A street gang wants to kill her, and a beautiful, mysterious boy stalks her.

But when Sera moves to Chicago, and her aunt reveals their family connection to a centuries old, secret society, she’s immediately thrust into an unbelievable fantasy world, leading her on a quest to unravel the mysteries that plague her. In the end, their meanings crash into an epic struggle of loyalty and betrayal, and she’ll be forced to choose between the boy who has stolen her heart and the thing she desires most.

Wander Dust is the breathtaking fantasy that will catapult you through a story of time, adventure, and love.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11250674-wander-dust

Book Trailer- http://youtu.be/3TkxZ_Gth-4

Amazon Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/Wander-Seraphina-Parrish-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0063GW2WE/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1366149346&sr=8-1&keywords=wander+dust

Barnes & Noble Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wander-dust-michelle-warren/1107080433?ean=9780984662104

Smashwords- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110056

Amazon Paperback- http://www.amazon.com/Wander-Dust-Michelle-Warren/dp/0984662103/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376613951&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble Paperback- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wander-dust-michelle-warren/1107080433?ean=9780984662104

Title- Protecting Truth

Series- Seraphina Parrish Trilogy # 2

By- Michelle Warren

Publication Date- September 19th, 2012

Genre- YA/Fantasy/Time Travel/Romance

Blurb-

Seraphina’s keeping a secret from her Wandering team: she’s perfecting her fighting skills. But telling Sam and Bishop the truth would only alert them to her plan: to go back in time, save her mom, and finish what she started. With the help of Turner, Bishop’s handsome twin, she progresses toward her goal but plummets deeper into dangerous territory where the lines of friendship and romance are blurred. One passionate kiss changes everything, leading Sera to unravel a shocking web of family secrets, heartbreaking ulterior motives, and sinister agendas. Love and lies collide in a haunting climax, where the truest souls may not survive.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13378513-protecting-truth

Amazon Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Seraphina-Parrish-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B009E96NTU/ref=sr_1_2_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376613996&sr=1-2

Amazon Paperback- http://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Truth-Seraphina-Parrish-Trilogy/dp/098466212X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1376613996&sr=1-2

Barnes & Noble Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protecting-truth-michelle-warren/1112967853?ean=2940015683530

Title- Seeing Light

Series- Seraphina Parrish Trilogy # 3

By- Michelle Warren

Publication Date- October 10th, 2013

Genre-YA/Fantasy/Time Travel/Romance

Blurb-

As the corruption of the Society intensifies and the questions surrounding her mother mount, Seraphina Parrish embarks on a journey to find Terease in the terrifying Wandering city of Nocturna. But the information she learns there only sends her team on a dangerous mission to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Delving deep into the disturbing secrets of their world, the revelations quickly unravel, revealing shocking truths about the Society and Sera’s life. In the end, power and courage clash in a mission for freedom that may shatter the Wandering world completely.

My Review

Sera sets out to discover the secrets the Society has and to find her mother. She and her team go on dangerous journeys to see if they can fulfill a prophecy and she discovers more that she thought she ever would. With danger all around she still won't back down until she uncovers it all. It may just change her life in more ways than one.

I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and this made the perfect ending to a great series. Starting up where the last book ended we continue Sera's journey. She really grew a lot on me in this book as she wouldn't back down and really went after what she wanted. I love all the adventure and twist this books take you on. You see more of the Society, Wanderers and more. Plus more time traveling that really intrigued me and kept me turning the pages. I never knew what the author would happen next. This book is really different than other books and the whole series will please many. I am being vague as to not ruin anything for anyone but you must read this. The author does a great job in this world she has created it is one while your happy with the ending your still sad it's over.

I think this is my favorite cover so far in the series and they are all beautiful!

5 out of 5 Bats~Pam

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13378519-seeing-light

Book Trailer- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfbfc12RmzU&feature=youtu.be

About the Author-

Michelle Warren is the author of the Seraphina Parrish Trilogy. She didn't travel the road to writer immediately. She spent over a decade as professional Illustrator and designer. Her artistic creativity combined with her love of science fiction, paranormal and fantasy led her to write her first YA novel, Wander Dust. Michelle loves reading and traveling to places that inspire her to create. She resides in downtown Chicago, not far from her imaginary Wandering world.