Paranormal – Page 11 – Books-n-Kisses

June 10, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

TITLE: Storm And Fury
SERIES #: The Harbinger #1
CHARACTERS: Trinity & Zayne
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Armentrout
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

REVIEW:
This is a spin off from the last trilogy. While you do not have to read the first one I suggest it. It being a spin off it will help you understand the world the book is set in.

Now that being said. I found the first part of the story a bit tedious but maybe that was because I already knew the world and it seemed to take a bit for those new to read the story.

But I did get into the story about a third of the way through and enjoyed it very much. Just give it a chance.

I really liked Zayne. He is a diamond in the rough. Trinity took me a bit to warm up to but I eventually liked her.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019

Kelly reviews No Country for Old Gnomes by Delilah Dawson & Kevin Hearne

TITLE: No Country for Old Gnomes
SERIES #: Tale of Pell #2
AUTHOR: Delilah Dawson & Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
PUBLICATION DATE: April 16, 2019
RUN TIME: 14 Hours & 7 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Go big or go gnome. The New York Times bestselling authors of Kill the Farm Boy return to the world of Pell, the irreverent fantasy universe that recalls Monty Python and Terry Pratchett.

The Skyr is a rich, verdant land claimed by both halflings and gnomes. For centuries, the halflings have worked to undermine gnomish power structures and seize total control–through legal means, certainly, but more insidiously through their extensive organized crime network. Now, threatened with being pushed out entirely, the gnomes are desperate and ready to fight back. Gustave the Goat King faces his first test as a leader: Can he bring peace to a fraught region or will a civil war consume the entire kingdom?

REVIEW:
Another excellent installment of the Tales of Pell. No Country for Old Gnomes takes us on a grand adventure that starts with the Gnomes of Pell are being attacked by a group of halflings. It will take a group of unlikely friends to set everything right.

The amazingly talented Luke Daniels narrates this book for us again. Luke does an amazing job of bringing the Tales of Pell characters to life.

This was a great book that introduces us to a group of new characters and we get to see some of our old friends. I really enjoyed the Gnomes, Halfings, Dwarfs and the Gryphon. There are a lot of wonderfully fun characters.

Very much looking forward to The Tales of Pell book 3, The Princess Beard { https://amzn.to/2Ek5Ual} (released October 8th)

Audio Sample:

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and audio review copy from Random House Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 30, 2019April 28, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

TITLE: The Invited
CHARACTERS: Helen & Nate
AUTHOR: Jennifer McMahon
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/30/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A chilling ghost story with a twist: the New York Times best-selling author of THE WINTER PEOPLE, returns to the woods of Vermont to tell the story of a husband and wife who don’t simply move into a haunted house, they start building one from scratch, without knowing it, until it’s too late…

In a quest for a simpler life, Helen and Nate abandon the comforts of suburbia and teaching jobs to take up residence on forty-four acres of rural land where they will begin the ultimate, aspirational do-it-yourself project: building the house of their dreams. When they discover that this charming property has a dark and violent past, Helen, a former history teacher, becomes consumed by the legend of Hattie Breckenridge, a woman who lived and died there a century ago. As Helen starts carefully sourcing decorative building materials for her home – wooden beams, mantles, historic bricks — she starts to unearth, and literally conjure, the tragic lives of Hattie’s descendants, three generations of “Breckenridge women,” each of whom died amidst suspicion, and who seem to still be seeking something precious and elusive in the present day.

REVIEW:
This story is a little bit of everything when it comes to ghost story. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of suspense, a bit of old world and a bit of witchcraft.

I found this to be a quick read and one I really enjoyed. The ghost story of Hattie is interesting but it switches back and forth between old and current day and I enjoyed the mystery of the haunted land and the mystery of Olive’s missing mom.

The thing I didn’t really get is how someone builds a haunted house. Yes on haunted land but it seems the house becomes haunted too. Maybe I read too much into that, I am not sure.

But I think if you give the story a couple of chapters to catch your attention it really will. And it will keep your attention until the end.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 16, 2019April 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews Darkness Returns by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Darkness Returns
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #13
CHARACTERS: Chiron & Lilah
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/16/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
More powerful than ever, the Guardians of Eternity are facing their greatest challenge yet: a war within their ranks. Their future is in the hands of one rebel vampire, who must choose between loyalty and love . . .

Blessed with an even more compelling allure than most vampires, Chiron has made a fortune in the human world, creating an empire of resorts and casinos. Since the betrayal and imprisonment of his master, he has existed outside the order of the Guardians, trusting no one. But now, the new vampire king has given him a peace offering: a scroll that could free his master. Following the relic’s magic leads him to a demon hotel deep in the Everglades, a lush paradise owned by a mysterious and
mesmerizing woman . . .

As far as Lilah knows, she’s lived her entire life within the confines of her enchanted estate. Memories of her own past are elusive and cloaked in shadows. Even Chiron can’t figure out exactly what she is, and if her intoxicating beauty is his destiny or an illusion drawing him ever closer to his demise—or perhaps to an even more tormenting choice, between his master and his mate . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Oh Alexandra how I love your writing! And your characters!

Chiron is a vampire who is looking for his master and Lilah has lived her entire life hidden away and which Chiron walks into her life she finds herself mesmerized. And aren’t we always mesmerized by Alexandra’s characters too?

Oh the romance (and sex) is delicious in this book, as with all of Alexandra’s stories. And which is my favorite character? Levet! But of course!

This is lucky #13 in the series and lucky for us we get to read it! But I suggest reading the series first… And why wouldn’t you want to since Alexandra is one of the best in the paranormal romance field.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 8, 2019April 7, 2019

Kimberly reviews Dark Sentinel by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Sentinel
SERIES #: Dark #28
CHARACTERS: Lorraine & Andor
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/04/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an explosive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan, a human woman ignites the desire of her Carpathian lifemate–and of an ancient vampire with a score to settle.

After the devastating loss of her entire family, Lorraine Peters heads to the woods searching for peace of mind and anything to quell the anger in her soul. Instead, she stumbles upon a scene of horrific violence, as one man lies helpless in the face of three attackers.

Andor Katona’s existence has been a harsh one, living for centuries as a monk in the Carpathian Mountains. Unable to find his lifemate, he almost welcomes his release from a colorless and unfeeling world at the hands of the vampire hunters who have mistaken him for their prey. That is, until a whirling ball of fury bursts onto the scene, determined to save him.

In one glimpse, in one breath, Andor recognizes Lorraine as his lifemate, but it will take more than their telepathic connection to convince her of their immortal bond. Lorraine is a lethal combination of cunning and courage. So much so that she captures the attention of a master vampire, one who has already lost what was once irreplaceable to him. One who will strike with deadly precision at Andor and his ancient Carpathian comrades in a war to end all wars. . .

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts It is hard to believe that after 27 stories Feehan can come up with something new and different to write about and yet she does in this story. And then some!

Feehan is one of the queens of paranormal in my opinion. She easily draws you into each character and their story.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good vampire story? Well if it is not your genre of choice turn away now but if it is then pick up this series. I want to say these stories are not a stand alone. They really need to be read in order to understand exactly who and what is going on.

This is just another great story in this great series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

Cover Release of Molly Harper’s upcoming release of Peace, Blood & Understanding

PEACE, BLOOD & UNDERSTANDING will be released in ebook and audio (narrated by Amanda Ronconi) in October 2019. Here’s the fantastic cover, a summary and pre-order links!

Summary
Ever since Jane Jameson took over running the Vampire Council for Half-Moon Hollow, things have been a little unorthodox and that doesn’t sit well with the head office. This includes Jane’s too-gentle management of her underlings, including Council assistant archivist Meadow Schwartz.

Enter Logan Weston, a consultant specializing in efficiency, who’s determined to unseat Jane (and Dick Cheney) and get the council back on track—which means no more of this Kentucky neighborliness and general namby-pambiness. Meadow’s dividing her time between her part-time Council job and her own herbal shop for vampires goes against Logan’s philosophies of focus and organization. Logan’s direct, emotionless approach to life and work grates on every one of Meadow’s nerves.

And yet, she’s willing to step in to distract Logan as a saboteur works to undermine Dick and Jane with ugly pranks. This pair may not agree on… almost every subject, but when past hurts and current danger throw them together, they can count on each other. Will they be able to get over their differences before the threat to Jane’s tenure ends Meadow’s career… and her life?

March 26, 2019March 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Witch’s Kind by Louisa Morgan

TITLE: The Witch’s Kind
CHARACTERS: Barrie Anne & Charlotte
AUTHOR: Louisa Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/19/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the author of A Secret History of Witches comes an absorbing tale of love, sacrifice, family ties, and magic, set in the Pacific Northwest in the aftermath of World War II — perfect for fans of Practical Magic, The Witch’s Daughter, and A Discovery of Witches.

Barrie Anne Blythe and her aunt Charlotte have always known that the other residents of their small coastal community find them peculiar — two women living alone on the outskirts of town. It is the price of concealing their strange and dangerous family secret.

But two events threaten to upend their lives forever. The first is the arrival of a mysterious abandoned baby with a hint of power like their own. The second is the sudden reappearance of Barrie Anne’s long-lost husband — who is not quite the man she thought she married.

Together, Barrie Anne and Charlotte must decide how far they are willing to go to protect themselves — and the child they think of as their own — from suspicious neighbors, the government, and even their own family…

For more from Louisa Morgan, check out A Secret History of Witches.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This book has a bit of everything. If you can think it up in the paranormal (ok maybe more fantasy) world then it is in this book.

There is a time jump between present day and WWII era and I have to say while it worked in both times the present day was a bit more enjoyable to read about. Usually in time travel I enjoy the olden era better but this one seemed to have more enjoyable times in present day.

I enjoyed the writing and the characters mostly. Some were a bit overboard but still an enjoyable fantasy read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 21, 2019March 19, 2019

Kimberly reviews Toxic Game by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Toxic Game
SERIES #: Ghostwalkers #15
CHARACTERS: Draden & Shylah
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/12/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
On a rescue mission in the heart of the Indonesian jungle, Dr. Draden Freeman and his GhostWalker team need to extract the wounded as quickly as possible—or risk spreading a deadly virus unleashed by a terrorist cell. When Draden gets infected, he forces his team to leave him behind. He won’t risk exposing anyone else. He intends to find the ones responsible and go out in a blaze of glory….

Shylah Cosmos’s mission is to track the virus and remain unseen. Her enhanced senses tell her that the gorgeous man eradicating the terrorists one by one is a GhostWalker—and his lethal precision takes her breath away. When he’s hit by a lucky shot, she can’t stop herself from stepping in, not knowing that by saving his life she’s exposed herself to the virus.

There’s no telling how much time Draden and Shylah have left. Racing to find a cure, they quickly realize that they’ve found their perfect partner just in time to lose everything. But even as the virus threatens to consume their bodies, they’ve never felt more alive.

REVIEW:
Feehan is certainly one that is at the top of my go to authors list. I have always found her books tantalizing and intriguing. The relationship between Shylah and Draden is almost perfect. There is not a lot of misunderstanding or games (no pun intended). They have angst but it is based on a true relationship.

This is the 15th in the series and should not really be read as a stand alone. Well I guess it can be but you will lose a lot of background without reading the entire series. But I can guarantee that once you read the first you will want to catch up on until current!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 13, 2019March 10, 2019

Kelly reviews by Awaken The Darkness by Dianne Duvall

TITLE: Awaken the Darkness
SERIES #: Immortal Guardians #8
CHARACTERS: Stanislav & Susan
AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall
NARRATOR: Kirsten Potter
RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 46 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 10, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Kindle | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He awakens encapsulated in dirt with no knowledge of how he came to be there. Riddled with injuries, he can remember neither his past nor who he is. Nor can he remember what he is. But surely no mortal man could survive being buried deep beneath the earth. All he knows with certainty is that the soothing voice and presence of the woman moving around above enables him to endure the agony of his wounds. And he will do whatever it takes to be with her.
When Susan first sees the old two-story house for sale, such warmth and longing fill her that—against all reason—she makes an offer. It will take years of hard work and money she frankly doesn’t have to fix up the place. So she can’t explain why she bought it. She also can’t explain what compels her to spend hours one night, digging in the basement until she unearths a man. A man who still lives and breathes despite having been buried alive. A man whose intense brown eyes glow amber with pain, declaring him far more than ordinary. Susan knows she should keep her distance. He has no memory and possesses gifts that would make most fear him. But as the two work together to unravel the mystery of his past, she finds herself drawn in by his teasing nature and tender touch. So much so that she loses her heart to him even as they find themselves hunted by unknown enemies who are ruthless in their quest to capture them.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Awaken the Darkness was a good read. It was not my most favorite of the series but it was a great book to learn more about Stanislav and what happened to him after the battle that killed Yuri. Awaken the Darkness was a bit of a slow start but at about the halfway point it started to pick up. I still love this series and can’t wait to see where we go next.

As always I let the wonderful Kirsten Potter read this book to me. I love how talented she is with the amount of voices she can do. I really enjoy the fact that I don’t feel like she is just reading words on a page but telling me a story!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 12, 2019March 10, 2019

Kimberly reviews Shades Of Betrayal by Jill Ramsower

TITLE: Shades Of Betrayal
SERIES #: The Fae Games #3
CHARACTERS: Ashley & Michael
AUTHOR: Jill Ramsower
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ashley

All my wildest fantasies have come true, but reality is never quite as simple as we imagine. I dreamed of living in a wondrous world of the supernatural and having magical powers of my own. Now, I have all of that, but it comes with a caveat—a six foot Fae brute who is supposed to train me on all things Fae. He’s a dauntless warrior of the Wild Hunt. A beautiful bigot. He’s my lover and my burden, my savior and my curse.

There’s a monster loose in the city leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. I want more than anything to help others with my new abilities—what better use of my power than to stop a killer? Too bad Michael doesn’t feel the same.

Michael

She’s a born fighter. Courageous and brash like the heroes she reads about. Two weeks ago I carried her lifeless body out of a dirty alley. Ever since, my carefully constructed world has been leveled, despite my endless efforts at damage control.

Ashley Moore is a force of nature. Her best friend is the Erlking’s woman, and together, Ashley and Rebecca have infiltrated our brotherhood. Everything about our lives is dangerous, so I’ve done what I can to protect her—even if she ends up hating me for it.

Author’s Note: This is NOT a Young Adult novel! It contains graphic violence and scenes with adult sexual content.

REVIEW:
This is the third is the series and to be honest while it can be a stand alone I think I would have had a better understanding if I had read the other books first. And this is the first I have read from this author.

This was just not for me. I enjoy romance and I enjoy adult content books but this was like watching a porn with no storyline. Seemed they barely said hello and bam they are sleeping together. There is no background story for the most part.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 5, 2019March 4, 2019

Kimberly reviews Day Of The Dragon by Katie MacAlister

TITLE: Day Of The Dragon
SERIES #: Dragon Hunter #2
CHARACTERS: Thaisa & Archer
AUTHOR: Katie MacAlister
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/05/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
TWO FULL NOVELS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Fans of Lyndsay Sands and Gena Showalter will love this fiery paranormal romance from a New York Times bestselling author about a dragon shifter who finds his soul mate in the most unlikely place. Also includes WOLF’S MATE by Celia Kyle.

With dragons like him, who needs enemies?

Real scholars know that supernatural beings don’t exist. But the moment I meet Archer Andras of the Storm Dragons, all my academic training goes out the window. Thanks to Mr. Tall, Dark, And Infuriating, I’m learning that I really should worry about those things that go bump in the night. . . and that dragons like Archer are 100 percent pure trouble.

Now I’m caught in the middle of a war. On one side is Archer. On the other is his twin brother. And I am the key to translating an ancient text that could bring balance-or deadly ruin-to our world. But none of that is as dangerous as the seriously sexy sparks between Archer and me. He’s too tempting to be real. Too gorgeous to trust. And when it comes to dragons, there’s no smoke without deadly fire.

Includes the novel WOLF’S MATE by Celia Kyle: When Abby Carter is threatened by an anti-shifter organization, werewolf shifter Declan Reed will have to convince her that there’s no safer place in the world than in the arms of a big bad werewolf.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is two books in one so make sure that you have not read either one before spending the money. Especially the second book since it is from a different author and part of a different series…. WOLF’S MATE by Celia Kyle. You can read my review from when I originally read it in 2017. REVIEW

Now back to Day Of The Dragon… I was a bit bored. I never really connected with the characters and found them a bit maddening. I was just so bored that I wanted to stop reading but I didn’t. Thaisa just got on my nerves with the whole body image thing and Archer got on my nerves with his horniness. Just not my choice for reading.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 28, 2019February 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews Castle On The Rise by Kristy Cambron

TITLE: Castle On The Rise
SERIES #: Lost Castle #2
CHARACTERS: Laine Forrester
AUTHOR: Kristy Cambron
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A storied castle. A band of rebels. And a nation chasing the centuries-old dream of freedom . . . What legacy will they leave behind?

When Laine Forrester travels to France to attend her longtime friend’s vineyard wedding, she expects to find a bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks–a devastating diagnosis, a castle restoration put on hold, and the emergence of deep-seated family dynamics that threaten to derail the new couple’s fledgling marriage–it seems the storybook life Laine had imagined for her friend–and once, for herself–is suddenly crumbling before her eyes.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending for one of them, Laine throws support behind her friend and agrees to accompany the couple to the groom’s family home in Ireland, where the merging of a mysterious inheritance, long-buried wounds, and a fractured family set out to upend the trip from the start. It’s in the unlikely corners of a historic Dublin pub, and across the wide-open moors bordering Ireland’s majestic Wicklow Mountains, that Laine is slowly drawn in by the land and the people, sparking hope for something she never imagined possible: the courage to heal. But with secrets of her own–and a heart afraid to trust again–Laine must determine how much she’s willing to risk in mending the broken places within herself, and whether she believes that even through the depths of our pain, a beautiful story can emerge.

Set in three time-periods–the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, Ireland’s turbulent Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day–Castle on the Rise weaves a story of legacy, conviction, and redemption against the backdrop of Dublin’s storied streets, and the stretch of Ireland’s stunning emerald shores. It raises the question: given the choice between the fairy tale or a life of truly anchored faith–which legacy would you choose?

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series and I did not read the first one.

This story is written in three time period and while I worried this would be difficult to follow it ended up being pretty easy to keep track of. All the time periods were set so differently but yet with just as much beauty.

This falls under Christian Time Travel romance. The historical aspects of Ireland were breathtaking and made me want to jump on a plane. The romance was sweet.

An enjoyable read from page one.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.