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

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

Author Guest Post & Giveaway: H.P Mallory (Blog Tour)

Please welcome H.P Mallory to the blog today!

Since I've written about Knight and Dulcie, I thought a third guest post should be about the vampire who seems to constantly attract admirers...Bram. I chose the name Bram as a pun on Bram Stoker, the writer and creator of Dracula. As Bram mentions in his interview with Dulcie (Dulcie is writing a book about him) he came before Bram Stoker. And, Bram's vanity really knows no bounds, a good example of this is when he tells Dulcie he imagines the character of Dracula was created in his image.

I wanted Bram to be mysterious and suave, unpredictable and not necessarily good but not all bad--sort of like what I imagine the quintessential vampire to be. Bram is three hundred years old and English. He's self centered, materialistic, vain and sexy. Dulcie definitely wants to keep him on her good side because he walks the line between law abiding and rule breaking, allowing her a bridge to the criminals of Splendor.

Physically, Bram is very attractive--he's tall with dark hair and light eyes. But, I think the real attraction with Bram is in his personality. Dulcie knows he's sexually interested in her but she's also convinced that's the extent of his attraction to her--that he's stuck in the thrill of the chase. And while Dulcie likes Bram, she doesn't trust him and she really doesn't take him seriously. And even though she can admit he's attractive and she's attracted to him, she'd never let that attraction get out of hand--mostly because Bram and her best friend, Sam, have a romantic history.

I've created fan pages for Dulcie, Knight, Quillan and Bram on facebook (please friend them, if you're interested) and I would say the majority of the conversations include Bram. It seems we just can't get over our vampires!

About the author:

Hi, I'm HP Mallory and I've written two series, the first about a fairy in law enforcement (To Kill A Warlock and A Tale of Two Goblins) and the second about a witch who can bring back the dead (Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble and Toil and Trouble).

I'm a mongo fan of anything that goes bump in the night and Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! (Quick tangent--the best costume I've ever worn was last year when I went as the Headless Horseman and my baby was my Jack-O-Lantern head!) I've always loved the Twilight Zone Marathons and if I ever saw a ghost, I think I'd wet myself.

I grew up in California although I've lived abroad in the UK (England and Scotland--woo hoo, gotta love those kilts!)

I'd categorize my writing as a blend of suspense, humor, light horror, and romance with a sprinkle of fantasy to tie everything together! If you are all about fairies and witches and vampires (oh my!), you love a good alpha warlock and you like men who get a little hairy during a full moon, I got the goods.

Buy the Book:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Want to win an ebook copy of A Tale of Two Goblins? Leave a comment with a way to contact you (email/twitter/etc). I’ll choose a winner on May 7th. Also don’t miss the chance to become a character in a future H.P Mallory book. Super cool right? Details are below.

The next tour stop is Karissa's Books 

Follow the blog tour here!

Review & Giveaway: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Title: Eternal Rider
Series: Lords of Deliverance #1
Author: Larissa Ione
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reading Level: Adult












Description from Goodreads:


They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. 

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him. 

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.


My thoughts:


In Eternal Rider we get up close and personal with The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. One of the horseman has given into evil, and is now traveling the globe bringing disease and death to those in his wake. It is up to his siblings to resist evil, and stop their brother’s rampage to prevent the pending apocalypse. Ares is the horseman also know as War. During his mission to bring down his brother and protect himself he meets Cara. Cara is a human with some very special abilities. She manages to get under Ares’s armor, and see a man others don’t. She is dealing with her own past traumas after a home invasion left her crippled with fear and living the life of a recluse. Being thrown headfirst into a supernatural battle and a steamy romance with an immortal warrior might be just the therapy she needs.


How have I not read anything by this author before?  She took the story of The Four Horseman, and implemented it into our modern day world perfectly. I was completely engrossed in this tale of good versus evil. Such an excellent mix of action, legends, and romance. The world building was truly stunning, and so were the examples of alpha male perfection. I was a little worried Cara’s fears would make her weak, but she was anything but. She was willing to stand up for her self instead of playing the role of damsel in distress, squashing fears when they arose. I admired how well she maintained her strength without losing her compassion. Ares is first and foremost a warrior. He seemed to be surrounded by an aura of violence, but Cara made him feel almost human again. A definite case of opposites attracting, but they complimented each other perfectly. 


The world in which the book takes place is so intricately constructed. It might take a bit to get used to the names and places, but once you do you won’t want to leave. I love that the author gave us the steamy romance readers expect in a Paranormal Romance, and the action and fast paced plot I associate with Urban Fantasy. Eternal Rider is the best of both worlds, and will appeal to fans of both genres without a doubt. You don’t want to miss out on this new series!

My Rating:

Larissa Ione on the web:

LarissaIone.com

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

I have 3 copies of Eternal Rider up for grabs thanks to Hachette Book Group!

Rules:

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Winners are subject to the 1 copy per household rule

Books will be shipped directly from HBG

Ends 4/20

Please fill out the form to enter. Comments are appreciated, but will not count as an entry :)