Review & Giveaway: Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour - Stella Cameron & Cynthia Garner

Title: Darkness Bound

Series: Chimney Rock #1

Author: Stella Cameron | Website

Available: Now

Reading Level: Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis via Goodreads:

WHEN NIGHT FALLS

After her husband's tragic death, Leigh Kelly arrives on Whidbey Island determined to start over. Yet the tiny town of Chimney Rock is not as peaceful as it seems. Women have been disappearing, and Leigh can't shake the feeling that she's being watched . . . especially at night. Soon, she's experiencing visions she can't explain and fighting her attraction to a handsome stranger who seems to know her most intimate desires.

PASSION TRANSFORMS THEM

As the leader of the Team, a pack of werehounds forced to hide their very existence, former special ops soldier Niles Latimer is desperate to prove a man's heart beats beneath his predator's body. And Leigh-the mysterious beauty possessing powers she doesn't yet understand-may be the one woman who can help him. But Niles isn't the only one who recognizes Leigh's true identity. Something evil is waiting in the woods-and the hunt has begun . . .

My thoughts:

Darkness Bound is a series debut that left me seriously impressed. A perfect mix of paranormal and mystery. I fell in love immediately with the small town in which the story takes place. Main characters Niles and Leigh were relatable and very easy to like. Niles had the whole chivalrous old-fashioned thing going on. I really liked that about him. Leigh is damaged and struggling to recover from the loss of her husband. I admired her strength and will. She is a character I know I'll remember long after I finished reading.

The vast cast of secondary characters could have been a hindrance, but I thought each added a nice element to the story. They all seemed to have secrets just waiting to be discovered which only helped to engage more. Usually it is the paranormal aspects I favor most about a book, but in this case I loved the mysteries.

I just adored Cameron's writing style. It was wonderfully descriptive and flowed so smoothly. The plot also moved at a consistent pace. The world is intricate and the cast is large. This is something that can easily wreck a series debut, but I didn't feel this was the case at all with Darkness Bound. Loved it and can't wait for more!

Title: Kiss of the Vampire

Series: Warriors of the Rift #1

Author: Cynthia Garner | Website

Available: Now

Reading Level: Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with half-demon, half-human Nix de la Fuente. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. 

My thoughts:

When it comes to novels gracing the shelves of the paranormal romance section, it is very hard to find something I'd consider unique. There are only so many twists you can put on the vampire/werewolf/demon/angel spin. Cynthia Garner managed to bring something utterly unique to this genre. 3 parts paranormal romance and 1 part sci-fi add up to a world I found absolutely refreshing. I love the idea that these alien creatures are coming to earth through a "rift" and inhabiting the bodies of humans. Realistic? Not so much. Entertaining? Oh hell yeah! When I pick up a novel from this genre I want to be entertained, and I most definitely was!

Nix is an awesome character. She is half human and half demon. Her struggle to control her demon side is a constant battle. The fact that she is still sane is a testament to her strength. Partner Dante is another favorite character of mine. I look forward to getting to know him better in the next book. Love interest Tobias was a little bland in my opinion. I just never felt much love for him. I can't pinpoint what it is exactly. I didn't hate him, but he also didn't make me swoon. I guess you could say my opinion was neutral. He is a nice enough guy, but I didn’t get what all the fuss was about. My love for Nix and fascination with the secondary characters held my interest continuously, so the lack of love for Tobias didn't do a thing to hinder my enjoyment.

This is another case of complex world building executed with perfection. I loved experiencing everything through the POV of law enforcement.  The plot moved at a smooth pace with a nice amount of action. I’m excited to see where this series takes us next!

This is a fantastic series debut that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something a little different in the PNR genre.

Giveaway Details:

I have 3 sets of Darkness Bound & Kiss of the Vampire up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

Open to the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Winners are subject to Hachette's 1 copy per household rule

Books ship directly from publisher

Please fill out the RaffleCopter form to enter!

Ends 3/21

a Rafflecopter giveaway