Review & Giveaway: Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour

Title: Firelight

Series: Darkest London #1

Author: Kristen Callihan | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Paranormal/Historical/Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Synopsis via Goodreads:

London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . . Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Quotable Quotes:

“He took a quick breath, and his voice dropped. "You've no notion of the effect you have on me" 

The words gave a hard tug to her belly. She closed her eyes and swallowed. "If by effect, you mean finding yourself in unchartered waters, wondering whether you are coming or going...." She stared at his shirt, watching his breath hitch. "Then I fear you have the same effect on me, my lord.”

My thoughts:

Wow, wow, wow! What a stunning debut! Historical paired with paranormal is not something we see very often. I was utterly impressed with the tale Kristen Callihan wove. Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, Callihan takes us on a fascinating adventure through London in the late 1800's. The mystery of what Lord Benjamin Archer keeps hidden behind his mask makes this book wholly unputdownable.

I was just as impressed with the characters as I was the premise of Firelight. Archer and Miranda are both well developed and easy to fall in love with. Archer is a man with so many secrets. I really thought I had it all figured out. Imagine my surprise when the conclusion was not at all what I had expected. I truly appreciated the unpredictable plot. 

Miranda is an amazing heroine. I admired her free spirited nature and inability to shy away from adventure. You'll be hard pressed to find a match quite as perfect as Archer and Miranda. I loved watching the development of their romance from start to finish. Callihan's ability to build sexual tension on paper is truly an art form. Just stunning!  

  

While I loved the premise and characters, I was most impressed with the writing. Callihan's writing creates such vivid pictures and summons so many emotions. I was sucked in from page one and almost didn't want to see this story end. Had it not been for my strong desire to find out Archer's secret and the identity of the villain, I would have been content to soak up the beautiful prose indefinitely. 

Firelight also offers several very interesting secondary characters. I'm eager to see how they factor into this fascinating world as the series continues. 

Firelight is an amazing debut novel packed with skilled writing, keep you guessing mystery, heartwarming romance, and charming characters. I'm looking forward to seeing where Callihan takes us next! 

Title: Midnight Reckoning

Series: Dark Dynasties #2

Author: Kendra Leigh Castle | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Two separate worlds ... One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn - if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity... just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith - and Lyra and Jaden's love - may never recover from the deadly blow...

Quotable Quotes:

"Don't eat the cat. Be back soon.

                                                           --Dad"

My thoughts:

If you asked me when I first started blogging what my favorite genre was, I would have immediately replied paranormal romance. If you had asked me the same question a year into blogging, my answer would not have been the same. The similarities of characters and plots in this genre had caused me to stop reading it. Kendra Leigh Castle's, Midnight Reckoning, summoned a sweet sense of nostalgia and reminded me why I fell madly in love with Paranormal Romance a few years ago. She has paired multi-layered characters with a complex and beautifully built world. Midnight Reckoning is PNR done right. I'm so glad I gave this book a try.

The characters in Midnight Reckoning break from the cliches I've come to expect from PNR. Lyra is a female werewolf longing to become Alpha of her pack in a society that doesn't view females as their equal. She manages to maintain her strong-willed nature without carrying a chip on her shoulder. I'm so over angry characters and admired Lyra's desire for change and understanding of how much work it would be. She was opinionated without being argumentative. She wasn't afraid to accept the help of others. She was absolutely refreshing! 

Jaden is another wonderful character. He is a man with so many layers. I felt like I learned a little more about Jaden with each page I turned. It was like Christmas! I was completely in love by the time I reached the final page and had unwrapped each of his complex layers. I was impressed with his ability to feel possessiveness towards Lyra without acting like a caveman. He respected her desire to be viewed as an equal and gave her room to make her own choices. Their romance was so sweet, and I adored watching it develop over the course of the novel.

Midnight Reckoning is the second book in the Dark Dynasties series. I feel this is a series that would benefit from being read in order. I haven't read the first and felt like it may have offered needed insight into the world where the characters live. It is very complex, but in a good way :) I definitely recommend this talented author to all fans of paranormal romance!

Giveaway Details:


3 sets of both Firelight & Midnight Reckoning are up for grabs
U.S & Canada Only
No P.O Boxes
Books will ship directly from publisher
Winners are subject to Hachette's 1 copy per household rule
Fill out the Rafflecopter from to enter

Review: A Tale of Two Goblins by H. P Mallory

Title: A Tale of Two Goblins
Series: Dulcie O’Neil #2
Author: H. P. Mallory | Author Website
Available: Now
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult


**SPOILERS for the first book in this series below**








Description from Goodreads:


A Dreamstalker— a creature that stalks and kills its victims in sleep. 

A fairy in law enforcement determined to stop him. 

A potions smuggler who possesses something she wants. 

A vampire with his own agenda. 

And a partner who couldn’t possibly be sexier or more frustrating. 

Dulcie O’Neil is a fairy working in law enforcement for the Netherworld. 
When Knight Vander approaches her with a case regarding comatose victims, she agrees to help him, imagining the most difficult part will be combating her attraction to him. 

But, what Dulcie isn’t betting on is the fact that the case becomes personal when she learns all the victims are somehow linked to her. 

When her best friend falls victim to the Dreamstalker, Dulcie must do everything in her power to ensure her friend’s survival, including associating with criminals and accepting the fact that desperate times do definitely call for desperate measures.


My thoughts:


A Tale of Two Goblins gets us back in the action with the much-loved fairy Dulcie O’Neil. At the end of To Kill A Warlock she left A.N.S (Association for Netherworld Creatures) because of the outcome of the last case she was working on. (Quill: Shame on you!) She agreed to the role of consultant when A.N.S. needs her. Hopefully this will give her time to deal with the emotional backlash triggered by the events of book 1. It also means more time to work on her novel.

Acting Chief of Headquarters (& super hot Loki) ,Knight, approaches Dulcie about a case involving a possible Dreamstalker. The maybe Dreamstalker has rendered several victims unconscious and trapped between a state of life and death. When Dulcie realizes she has a connection to almost all of the victims she becomes concerned it might be personal and agrees to help. Over the course of the case Dulcie finds she has to make some tough choices to stay one step ahead of the Dreamstalker.

The sophomore novel in this UF series is just as full of action and suspense as its predecessor. It also has the snark and wit I’ve come to associate with the sassy fairy, Dulcie. Events do take a darker turn when Dulcie makes some hard choices in order to save the victims of the Dreamstalker. It fit and gave the plot a nice amount of depth. No fluff here!

She is still being pursued by some seriously hot guys and hasn’t dealt with her commitment issues (who can blame her!). I was thrilled that we got to know the men in Dulcie’s life a little better including the fascinating Bram. If you dig vampires, you will fall madly in love with him no doubt. Even after two books I still can’t decide who I think she should be with. I can’t even pick a favorite! They all have qualities that I need the romantic interest in books I read to possess. What a lucky fairy!

Not only does this series contain great characters, but the author also offers up a solid plot with multiple twists and turns. This is a series that is going places! If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy I recommend giving Dulcie O’Neil’s world a try. 

My Rating:

Books in this series:

Source: Bookish Snob Promotions

Review: The Blood of Cain by T. L. Gray

Title: The Blood of Cain
Series: ?
Author: T. L Gray | Author Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult












Description via Goodreads:


Teagan Dacre loves fast cars, loud music and beautiful women, however he carries a secret that keeps him isolated from the general population; he has strange silver eyes, heals really fast and hasn't aged in over a hundred years.

The darkest secret of all - he has a blood thirst that must be satisfied by each new moon.

Believing himself unique, Teagan's world gets turned upside down when he meets an unruly family of immortals seeking their father and maker, none other than the world's first murderer, Cain.

Everything Teagan thought he knew about himself is transformed when he learns how vampires came to be and for what purpose he was made.

For everything, there's a price to be paid, Teagan wonders if he'll be strong enough to pay it.

My thoughts:

What a wonderful book! Author T.L Gray took the biblical story of Cain and turned it into a story of fantasy and suspense. Using a combination of present day events and flashbacks spanning thousands of years to tell this fascinating story. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard stories of Cain being the first vampire, but I truly loved her unique take.

The pacing of The Blood of Cain was ideal, and the characters were engaging and well developed. I also loved the many different settings where the characters could be found while telling their story. It was the perfect mix of historical and modern day fantasy. I am thoroughly impressed that she packed such a stellar novel into just under 200 pages. With the shifting point of view I was concerned the storyline would become confusing but it all flowed wonderfully. She was able to give both Teagan and Cain their own unique voice. As a reader I very much appreciated this little detail. The ending clearly stated To Be Continued and I for one can’t wait to see where this author takes us next. 

My Rating:

Buy from Amazon:

Source: Author

ARC Review: Born at Midnight by C. C Hunter

Title: Born at Midnight
Series: Shadow Falls #1
Author: C. C Hunter | Author Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult












Description from Goodreads:


Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams,  Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever.  Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.”  Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either.  Or does she?  They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason.  As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas.  Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past.  Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

Favorite quote:

“Just because a guy rings your bell, doesn’t mean you have to toot his horn” 

My thoughts:

Kylie finds herself caught at a party with alcohol (that she wasn’t even drinking), and shipped off to a camp for troubled teens. Or at least that is what her therapist claims. On day one she discovers it is a camp for teens with supernatural lineage. Werewolves, faeries, and even vampires. Unfortunately, they haven’t figured out what Kylie is, and she strongly denies having any type of preternatural skills. She quickly gains the attentions of a boy named Derek, and meets another boy from her past who scares her witless (even with all his hotness). While balancing boys, new friends, and family drama, she also has to come to terms with the fact it is very likely she has supernatural abilities.

You will never look at summer camp the same way again. Really, how cool a setting did the author choose for her YA debut? I loved her take on supernaturals (especially vampires) and how she threw them all together in a camp setting. Add in hot boys, a love triangle (yes, I still love them!), and a mystery to solve, and you have a book that rocked my socks! 


Kylie is an amazing main character. I just loved her. She isn’t afraid to stand up for herself even when the person she is standing up to could rip her to shreds. You might not love her at first, but her character really evolves so much over the course of the book. She has to come to terms with so much change in such a short time. I really felt for the poor girl, but she handled it quite well. There is also a great cast of secondary characters who I hope to see more of as this series continues. 


Now let us discuss previously mentioned hot boys. Derek is your typical nice guy. I really liked him and he is a great love interest for Kylie, but if you know me or read my blog often, you’ll know I’m addicted to the bad (but sweet behind the tough facade) boy. In this case that would be Lucas. He won me over even though I initially didn’t like him. As the book progressed I became firmly fixed on the Team Lucas side. He has all the characteristics that blend to create the perfect "bad boy". Mystery, attitude, dangerously good looks, and he is a werewolf! In the battle of hot fae and hot weres, the furry guys always win with me.


Still loving YA paranormal books, but want a fresh take? Give Born At Midnight a try! I think even adult fans will enjoy this series. In case you didn’t know C.C Hunter is a pseudonym for romance author Christie Craig. While this is definitely aimed at young adults, the writing had a certain feel that can only be created by a seasoned romance writer. This series just has so much to offer. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

My Rating:

Source:

Around the World Tours

ARC Review: When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck

Title:  When Blood Calls (The Shadow Keepers #1)
Author:  J.K. Beck
Available:  8/31/2010
Publisher:  Bantam
Number of Pages:  416
Reading Level:  Adult

4 out of 5 Stars

Thanks Book it Forward ARC Tours for giving me the chance to read and review this book.







Description from Goodreads:


Sara Constantine is one of the country’s most tenacious prosecuting attorneys—and she’s just secured a well-earned promotion. At first she’s thrilled. Then she finds out her new job involves prosecuting vampires and werewolves. And nothing prepares Sara for the shock she receives when she meets the first defendant she’ll be trying to put away: Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius Dragos kisses the beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s only hoping to blend into the crowd and avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s following…and planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss to secure his cover ignites into a fierce hunger that leads to an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows Sara will do whatever it takes to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not the monster she thinks he is. And that might mean making the greatest sacrifice a vampire can make.


My thoughts: 


When Blood Calls is a dark and edgy start to a new series. I like the concept of a super secret division of the government that prosecutes preternatural criminals. A great cast full of damaged, but redeemable heroes, and strong-minded women.  I enjoyed the alternating points of view. It switched between the two main characters, and several of the secondary ones.  The vampires in this book are intense, and some are struggling to maintain control. Loads of action, mystery, and steamy romance.    I loved the connection between Lucius (Luke) and Sara.  It was sizzling!  


There is a smorgasbord of paranormal beings in this book. Daemons, vampires, werewolves, goblins, and even trolls. The author built a very detailed world for her characters to inhabit.  I find this can be both an asset, and a disadvantage to the first book in a series.  It makes for an interesting setting, but all the time spent focusing on world building can feel a little tedious to the reader.  This is really my only complaint about When Blood Calls.  Still a great start to a new series,  and one I plan to continue.  


J.K Beck is the alter ego of author Julie Kenner.  You may be familiar with her series about a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom.

J.K Beck on the web:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Review: Bite Me by Parker Blue

Title:  Bite Me (Demon Underground #1)

Author:  Parker Blue

Release Date:  9/30/2008

Publisher:  Bell Bridge Books

Number of pages:  272

Reading level:  Young Adult

Received my copy for my Kindle free from Amazon

Description from Goodreads:

An edgy book for teens that spans the gap between YA and adult fiction. Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Val Shapiro is just your ordinary, part-demon, teenaged vampire hunter with a Texas drawl. And a pet hellhound named Fang. Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not.

My thoughts:


Bite Me is the first book in the Demon Underground series.  The protagonist is 18 year old Val who also happens to be part succubus.  She starts hunting the vampires that roam the streets of San Antonio after dark as a way to satisfy her inner demon’s appetite. The thrill of the battle seems to be just what she needs to keep the demon (who Val refers to as Lola) quiet.  Val’s mom starts to feel that the vamp hunting lifestyle is putting her other daughter (who is fully human) in danger and promptly gives her part demon daughter the boot.  Poor Val finds herself without a home or job on her 18th birthday.  Thankfully, it doesn’t take her long to make friends with a hellhound named Fang and land a new job. Then the excitement begins.


Bite Me was a unique and fun read. I like Val’s sense of humor. The telepathic conversations she has with Fang are cute. There is also a little chemistry between Val and one of the secondary characters.  This should satisfy readers that like a side of romance with their book. On the downside the story felt rushed. The characters weren’t as developed as I would have liked. Everything was happening so fast it made it difficult for me to connect with anyone. Even Val who we learned the most about still felt like a stranger when I reached the end of the story. The resolution was superb though. Thought out, well delivered, and not the least bit predictable. It just seemed that in order to get to this great ending we had to endure a bumpy ride. The story was flawed but not enough to make me give up on the series. Val’s snarky attitude and Fang’s fun sense of humor make me want to give it a second chance. I plan to read the next book in this series, Try Me, very soon.


The book is young adult but definitely not appropriate for younger teens/preteens. Of course I’m sure that is a given considering the main character is part lust demon. Oh and anyone else think the cover model looks a little like Avril Lavigne? Avril played the role of Val in my head while I read Bite Me :)

Trailer for Bite Me:

Parker Blue on the web:

Website

Review: Jessica’s Guide To Dating On The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Title: Jessica’s Guide To Dating On The Dark Side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Release Date: 2/1/2009
Publisher:  Harcourt
Number of pages: 351
Reading Level: Young Adult


Thanks to Beth Fantaskey and International Book Tours for giving me the chance to read and review this book.




Description from Goodreads:


The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.


“Just remember, girls:  The young male vampire is a predator by nature.  Some boys may look at you not only as a romantic interest but as prey…”

Chapter 1, “On the Verge of Adult Vampiredom,” in Growing Up Undead:  A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions.

My thoughts:


I knew I was in for a treat when upon opening this book the first thing I read was an excerpt from a self-help book aimed at teen vampires.  Not that it should have surprised me. With a title like Jessica’s Guide to Dating On The Dark Side I was expecting fits of giggles and I got them. This book contains hilarious dialogue and snarky one liners. Jessica, our curvy protagonist, is sweet and likeable. I have to applaud Beth Fantaskey for creating a female character that is a size 10 and not a 2.  We need more average sized characters in books especially those aimed at teen girls.  Lucius is the hottie vampire betrothed to the lovely Jessica.  He is clever and witty but also a little dark. I dig guys with a dark side so Lucius was a hit with me.  The letters he writes to his uncle with the use of what he refers to as “Americanisms” had me laughing out loud.  Things do get a little angsty towards the end but the majority of the book is seriously funny.


Jessica’s Guide to Dating On The Dark Side is a quick and amusing read.  I’d definitely check it out if you are a fan of the vamps. There are some situations and language that might not be suitable for younger teens/preteens. I think this one will definitely appeal to adults that enjoy young adult novels. I very much enjoyed the sarcastic banter and the progression of Lucius and Jessica’s relationship.  This is a great book that I highly recommend.

Beth Fantaskey on the web.

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