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

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: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Title: Nightshade
Series: Nightshade #1
Author: Andrea Cremer
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult


5 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?


My thoughts:


Calla has always accepted the life she was born to live. She is a werewolf, also known as a guardian, destined to become the mate of fellow alpha Ren. Calla has never thought to question the life she leads, or the choices that have been made for her. All that changes when she saves the life of a beautiful boy named Shay. 


I have to start by mentioning how madly in love I am with author Andrea Cremer’s writing. It is sexy without pushing the limit, or coming off as forced just to give the book an “edge”. It is sexy just because it is. She also really brings the reader into the story. The descriptions make it hard to feel like you aren’t actually standing beside Calla as the drama unfolds. As you read it is obvious this book was created by an intelligent and strong woman. Andrea Cremer’s imagination is a definite asset to YA fiction. I also enjoyed that the plot veered from the typical werewolf story line that is running rampant in both Young Adult and Adult fiction. I’m a card carrying werewolf groupie who was grateful for this refreshing take. 


Calla is a strong character. I loved her curious and rebellious nature. She has spent her life believing what she was taught without questioning those in charge. Then Shay shows her a book that could change all she has known. She could walk away, but finds she longs for answers. The community Calla was raised in seemed almost cult like. The Keepers dictate the life the guardians (wolves) will lead. The female guardians are expected to ignore their sexuality so they are pure when they bond with their mate. The male guardians on the other hand, are encouraged to embrace their desires even after they are with their mate. Some of the behavior of the guardians and Keepers in this book is seriously unsavory, and punishments for breaking the rules are extreme.


This was a fabulous book, and a very quick read even though it was over 400 pages. Unfortunately, I found I didn’t really feel the connection between Calla and Shay. While I like them both as characters, I didn’t enjoy the love match. Ren is definitely my pick for the feisty female alpha. The fact that I can give this one 5 stars without swooning over the primary love interest speaks volumes. I’m a very character driven reader, who loves some warm fuzzy inducing romance. This is a book you should read because Calla simply rocks. She is unique amongst the world of Young Adult protagonists. The ending leaves us hanging, so readers who abhor the cliffhanger should proceed with caution. I despise cliffhangers, but admit that Nightshade is worth the stress of waiting for the next in the series. It is that good!


Nightshade also features a well developed cast of secondary characters. Calla’s younger brother, Ansel, and her close friend Bryn, are two of my favorites. Ren’s pack mates are also very intriguing characters. I hope we learn more about them as the series continues. I am very curious about the not so nice Sabine. While I wanted to hate her for her attitude, I couldn’t. It is obvious the life she has led has made her who she is. I couldn’t help, but to feel sympathetic towards her (even when she was being a royal bitch to Calla). I have to give kudos to the author. She gave readers an interesting setting with fabulous characters, and she did it all in a series and author debut. That is seriously impressive! I can’t wait to see where Calla takes us next.


This is a kind of sexy read with situations that might not be appropriate for the younger peeps. The author also touches on topics of abuse that may be too heavy for some. If you’re a parent looking for a book for a teen or tween I’d recommend giving it a read before handing it off. Not only to make sure it’s appropriate, but because it is a fabulous read. Fans of adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy will appreciate this one. 

Books in this series:

Andrea Cremer on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Source: LibraryThing’s Early Review Program

Review: Sanctuary Lost by Moira Rogers

Title: Sanctuary Lost (Red Rock Pass #2)
Author: Moira Rogers
Release Date:  6/9/2009
Publisher:  Samhain
Number of pages:  140
Reading level:  Adult

My copy was received from the author for review.








Description from Goodreads:


If there's one thing that Brynn Adler hates, it's feeling helpless and vulnerable in unfamiliar territory. Three weeks ago, life tossed her into a just such a world. A world of werewolves she never knew existed-until she found out her sister is one of them.

The pack seems determined to hurry her back to the normal world of humans. But after everything she's witnessed, she's not sure she wants to go-especially if it means leaving not only her sister behind, but the one man who makes her forget her life is falling apart.

Now all she has to do is convince him to agree to a plan to force the pack to let her stay.

Joe Mitchell has been battling his protective instincts since he rescued Brynn from her kidnapper. Getting involved with her is a bad idea for a lot of reasons. She's on shaky emotional ground, and a supernatural war is no place for a human woman. He's not about to let her make a hasty decision, one that will only bring her pain and regret.

Now all he has to do is let her go.


My thoughts:

I enjoyed the second installment of the Red Rock Pass series even more than the first. When I first started reading I didn’t think I could love Joe more than Keith. Was I ever wrong! His sense of humor did me in. There is just something about a guy who is sexy and can make me laugh. Present me with that combo and I’m a goner. 

Sanctuary Lost is Brynn and Joe’s story.  Brynn is a law student who finds herself immersed in werewolf drama after she is kidnapped by a psychotic alpha.  Brynn is young, sassy, and completely endearing.  Joe is a total smart ass but in a charming way. You’ll like it, I promise! The chemistry between Joe and Brynn is intense.  It made this book difficult to put down. 

The events in Sanctuary Lost are heart wrenching at times. The authors managed to make me feel an array of emotions in less than 150 pages. That is saying something about their ability to tell a story.  It also contains everything I loved about the first book in the series. Romance, action, and fascinating characters make for a heck of a good book. This was a fabulous addition to a very addictive series.

Find Moira Rogers on the web!


Website |  Blog  |  Livejournal  |  Facebook


Bree’s Twitter  |  Donna’s Twitter


Sanctuary contains the first two books in the Red Rock Pass series and is available now!

Review: Cry Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

Title:  Cry Sanctuary (Red Rock Pass #1)
Author:  Moira Rogers
Release Date:  10/21/2008
Publisher:  Samhain
Number of pages:  152
Reading level:  Adult









Description from the author website:

Keith Winston has come home to Montana to find peace. Instead, the veteran warrior finds himself fighting pressure to become the alpha's right hand. His attraction to a new wolf on the run sucks him into yet another battle between his instincts and his heart. 

Abigail Adler knew nothing about werewolves--until she became one. Red Rock is her only refuge, but she chafes under its rigid rules. Except when it comes to submitting to the passion Keith stirs in her body. With her sister in danger, though, they will both have to risk breaking all the rules. 

My thoughts:


To sum up my feelings for this book in one word would be Wow! Bree and Donna, the ladies that make up the persona known as Moira Rogers, have managed to create some of the hottest alpha males I’ve ever encountered. Keith Winston won my heart the moment he was introduced. He has just recently returned from fighting the war between werewolves and wizards. While trying to recover from years spent in battle he has Abigail Adler suddenly thrown into his life. 


Abby is a new wolf who is trying to escape her abusive pack leader. Things between Abby and Keith heat up immediately.  I’ll just say the hotel scene that takes place between these two lovely wolves early in the book is one I could (and did!) read over and over. Keith is seriously dreamy and Abby reaches a level of badass I can’t help but to covet.  


This book has romance, action, an irresistible hero, and an unflinching heroine.  Oh and I can’t forget the steamy scenes involving previously mentioned hero and heroine. The Red Rock Pass series is definitely worthy of a spot on my list of favorites.

Find Moira Rogers on the web!

Website |  Blog |  Livejournal | Facebook

Bree’s Twitter | Donna’s Twitter

I actually received a digital copy of Sanctuary for review but decided to split it into two reviews in order to avoid any unintentional spoilers. Sanctuary contains the first two books in the Red Rock Pass series and is available now! This is a must read for all of my fellow werewolf lovers. Look for my review of the second book in the Red Rock Pass series, Sanctuary Lost, tomorrow!

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