Books à la Mode | a book, beauty, and fashion blog: paranormal

Showing posts with label paranormal. Show all posts

Monday, September 23, 2013

7 Heart Review: Tremble by Tobsha Learner and Giveaway!

Tremble: Erotic Tales of the Mystical and Sinister
Tobsha Learner

Page Count: 400
Release Date: 27 August 2013
Publisher: Plume (Penguin)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher, via tour publicist, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Penguin and TLC Book Tours!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

From Tobsha Learner, the boundary-pushing erotica author of the international bestseller Quiver, comes Tremble: Erotic Tales of the Mystical and Sinister.

In Learner’s steamy collection, she explores the full spectrum of sexuality peppered with elements of the supernatural. Tremble blurs the line between fantasy and reality, depicting the pleasures of new and rediscovered love, lust, and obsession in a world where passion and magic are interwoven—and where boundaries are pushed beyond expectation.

In a Welsh village, a young woman’s sensuality is awakened by an outrageous inheritance; a drought-stricken Oklahoma town is offered salvation by a travelling rainmaker; a Sydney record producer struggles to satisfy his wife and his mistress—until one of them takes matters into her own hands...

The short stories span the eras, from an eighteenth-century biographer who discovers a magic, erotic ritual to a Sydney record producer struggling to satisfy his wife and mistress. Intelligent and highly imaginative, Learner’s brand of erotica will appeal to both first-time and more seasoned readers of the genre.

Review

In her second collection of short erotic pieces that span eras—each set in unique, vividly fashioned times and locations—Learner displays her powerful ability to spin stories with strange, somber twists and a highly erotic flair.

This brand of erotica has no boundaries; Learner writes about the bizarre, the taboo, and just the plain WEIRD. But I don't mean that in a bad way at all. Some of the super strange stories are actually quite amusing, and I just love how even though each one is only about 30-40 pages, there are actual plots in them. This typically isn't easy to do with the page limitation but Learner builds her worlds and characters expertly.

In terms of style, her grip of the pen is firm; the stories are well-seasoned and each one is so different from the other, that it doesn't at all feel like you're just reading the same account with different scenarios. Every story is individual in its own kind, so you get nine opportunities to delight in these disturbing but carnal stories. Although some of the stories are set in contemporary times, everything Learner writes reads like a folktale. The voice is rather distant, but that makes each tale more clandestine, more mysterious, and more oddly charming.

Tremble covers a vast range of scenarios, whether it be a supernatural object that disrupts the lives of an individual, or a hex that plagues an entire village. In particular, I loved The Root, a darkly comical tale about a root that comes to—ahem—life, and the implications of a cursed bloodline, as well as Virgin, a lust-ridden story about a nun gone bad, and her path to sexually charged redemption. There are allusions to previous stories in succeeding ones, which I loved; it connected the anthology beautifully and the recurring topics brought a smile to my face.

One thing I noticed is that most of the protagonists are middle-aged; no new adult nonsense here. Normally I'd find this strange because it's harder to get excited by the thought of quadragenarians engaging in lustful activity (honestly, that's a visual I don't need sometimes) but the stories overall feel old-fashioned, so I didn't have that much of a problem with it.

Pros

Folktake-like stories // Well-formed plots and characters, so each story is a different experience entirely // Entertaining voice // Gets heavy at times, but overall very readable // Very untraditional form of erotica; you will be squirming in arousal, but you'll feel weird about it because the stories are so bizarre!

Cons

A few duds I found neither erotic nor enjoyable (specifically The Snore and Hair Shirt) // Sometimes gets a bit weird... but I guess that's the magic of this collection

Verdict

Tremble is an eccentric anthology that bends the rules of erotic fiction; as familiar as I am with the genre, I can't say I've read anything like this before. Each story is colorful and elaborate, and overall the collection feels very traditional—very earthy with an outlandish but indulgent sexuality coursing through it. If you're up for a new experience with short erotica, definitely check this one out

Giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a newly formatted finished copy of Quiver, Tobsha Learner's first erotic collection, as well as a print copy of Tremble. For anyone who's intrigued by this class of short erotic fiction! Leave a comment on my review for the chance to win. Be sure to leave your email address so I know who to contact when I choose a winner! Only meaningful comments will go into the drawing, which means irrelevant comments consisting of only "Thanks for the giveaway" will not count as an entry!!!

Don't forget the entry eligibility terms and conditions!

Sponsored wholly by the publisher and tour publicist—a huge thank you to Penguin and TLC Book Tours!
Giveaway ends October 7th at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open to US/CAN readers only. Sorry, everyone else! Check out my sidebar where you'll find a list of giveaways that currently are running internationally—there are plenty to choose from!
Void where prohibited.

Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize once they are chosen, or else their winnings will be forfeited.
Although I do randomly select winners, I am in no way responsible for prizes, nor for shipping and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤

Good luck!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

8 Heart Review: The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Surrender (Lords of the Underworld #8)
Gena Showalter

Page Count: 426
Release Date: September 27th 2011
Publisher: HQN (Harlequin)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by Romance Novel News in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Carolyn!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender.

Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can't afford because he has an agenda of his own—steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter—the love neither had thought possible...

Review

With every step [Strider had] taken from Kaia's home, Defeat had prowled through his head, wanting to act, to pin her and take her—victory would be so damn sweet—but not allowing himself to do so. Loss would be so damn painful.

Strider just has to win. Whatever the competition—whether it be a friendly bet or a battle that sheds lives—Defeat, the demon he is plagued with, forces him to win, no matter the cost. Everything is a dangerous, vengeful, radiant, and sometimes even erotic game to Strider, which is why, naturally, he is enticed by the idea of the Harpy Games. As he gets to know Kaia and involved in the challenge she sets forth, his screwed-up personal demons will make winning harder than ever before, and they just may lead him to falling for an equally screwed-up girl. After all, she is a Harpy aka a descendant of Lucifer aka the master of all things demonic—no biggie. Yeah. He's got it bad.

The Darkest Surrender is testament to the fact that Gena Showalter is one of the leading ladies of paranormal fiction. EVERYTHING about this book is so well done—the plot, characters, romance, tone, transitional flow—all of it.

The gradual love is at once tender and entertaining; to me, it was the perfect romance because it's realistic, well interlaced with the actual story, and of course, sizzling hot. The way Strider and Kaia clash is so funny because it couldn't be more obvious how similar they are, and thus in his opinion, all the more wrong for each other. As for the relationship, it is deliciously, wonderfully bad. The thick sexual tension, amusing banter, and explosive chemistry and feuding portray their attraction flawlessly, which impressed me greatly. The fact that this book isn't just a romance definitely earns it brownie points.

Kaia's unabashed (and publicly declared) crush on Strider demonstrates the kind of girl she is: an unstoppable force, a fiery temper, passion incarnate. Strider, who's way more reserved and tormented—swoon!—wants to deny his lethal attraction for Kaia but can't seem to control himself around her—and that isn't his demon talking. His desire to dominate the one girl no one else can control, the one girl who scratches everyone else, but treats him to the tenderest of caresses, is both his sickness and cure. The way he slowly discovers how much he really needs her, and not just sexually, is heart-melting and exactly the kind of love us romance readers live to read about.

I love how Lords of the Underworld takes place in a world of various species; typically, paranormal romance series involve one type of being (vampires, zombies, etc.), but nope, here, we have Harpies, demons, Fae, Phoenixes, gods, and other creatures of Greek mythology, so in and of itself, this series is the motherlode of the supernatural. So fascinating and creative—props to Gena Showalter for developing such an elaborate, magical, livable world. How I'd love to just climb into one of her books and be one of the characters.

Not having read previous installments in the series, I was a bit confused by the Realm of Blood and Shadows and the worlds in which the book takes place, but the plot and characters are so original and intricate, that I feel The Darkest Surrender works fine as a standalone novel. That being said, the perfectly entwined storylines of the various other Lords—Promiscuity, Doubt, and Disaster, to name a few—leave room and anticipation for the next books; I'm definitely eager to keep with with and try the series from the beginning now.

I'll end on a note praising the snarky and hilarious tone, which is applicable for pretty much of Gena Showalter's novels. Her style is genius, in both the way she personalizes her characters, and the witty one-liners that deserve gold medals. Even if you don't like the story, you will fall in love with the way Showalter writes, which is why you should at least give this series a chance.

Pros

Amazing characters // Humorous, with plenty of wit and sass to go around // Complex, prolonged plot that completely absorbed me // Secondary characters' stories are just as intriguing, making me want to read the previous and next books in the series // Can be read as a standalone, although having a grasp of what the series is about may be helpful in understanding setting

Cons

Some scenes are unnecessarily drawn out // The constantly shifting stories get a little confusing at times

Love

"[My consort is] better than yours," Bianka said.

"No way."

"Way."

"Girls." Taliyah clapped her hands to gain their attention. Just as she'd done when they were children, arguing over a toy. "Both of your consorts suck. Now shut up and move out."

Bianka stuck her tongue out at Kaia. "Mine sucks less than yours," she muttered.

"Yeah, well mine sucks better than yours."

Verdict

This is the kind of book that will make you become obsessed with paranormal romance. From the entirely consuming fictional world constructed, to the lovable, flawed, and vibrant characters, to the unconventional romance with a sigh-worthy "ever after," The Darkest Surrender is a book that will preoccupy you in the most frustrating but fulfilling way. Definitely give these sexy and tragically dark Lords of the Underworld a try; Gena Showalter does not disappoint!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

8 Heart Review: Red Velvet and Absinthe edited by Mitzi Szereto

Red Velvet and Absinthe
edited by Mitzi Szereto

Page Count: 220
Release Date: September 6th, 2011
Publisher: Cleis Press
Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Cleis Press!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Explore Your Dark Desires

The supernatural: it evokes excited shivers, both of fear and of the sexual. Think vampires, werewolves, ghosts... darkness and decay, eerie sounds in the night, impassioned whispers teasing at the depths of sleep... Think red velvet, flickering candles, howling winds, the flavor of absinthe and blood on the tongue... But most of all, think dark desire.

Red Velvet and Absinthe explores love and lust with otherworldly partners who, by the sheer nature of their otherworldliness, evoke passion and desire far beyond that which any normal human being can inspire.

Red Velvet and Absinthe offers readers a collection of unique and original stories that conjure up the atmospheric and romantic spirit of the Gothic masters (and mistresses), but take things a bit further by adding to the brew a generous dosage of eroticism. Lie back and listen to the wind howling outside your window as you read these stories in the flickering light of a candle, the absinthe you’re sipping warming your body like the caressing touch of a lover’s fingers...

Review

Sometimes he stares at me through the darkness with his liquid amber eyes, and I wonder what taking advantage really is. And who's doing it to whom.

Sunlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer: With gorgeous prose and a deeply sensual style, this untraditional werewolf love story revolves around an eccentric, but yummy, doctor and a sexually charged woman during her rebirth and transformation - 8/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless: An account of the seduction of the young, naïve Milja by an imprisoned fallen angel. Disturbing as it is tantalizing, this story takes place in a rustic faraway land and has biblical notes. I found it absolutely explosive, and it reads almost like a folktale - 10/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

A Rose in the Willow Garden by Elizabeth Daniels: Apparently this was inspired by the murder ballads "Down in the Willow Garden" and "Where the Wild Roses Grow," but being unfamiliar with both, I was really lost while reading. Daniels's effect is majestic and surreal, but the supernatural summoning in this story is too confusing for me to enjoy greatly - 5/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The Blood Moon Kiss by Mitzi Szereto: Hot! I love the southern spunk with which Szereto writes. Daytime television's most popular hunk Talen and small-town actress Christine hook up in this surprisingly refreshing vampire tale of reincarnated love and its path to eternity. The shifting perspectives aren't clearly labeled, which is a bit disorienting, but other than that, The Blood Moon Kiss is a delight of an erotic read - 8/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Painted by Anna Meadows: Benjamin, a lowly groundskeeper at Mr. Lawrence's estate, loses his innocence and discovers ecstasy within the mysterious beauty of an enchanted painting. The way he completely loses himself in a seductive art's form is fascinating. The plot is kind of confusing, but the concept, lovely - 7/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Dolly by Charlotte Stein: Ohhh this one's kind of twisted, but a fantasy you can't deny: a make-believe man come to life. Sophie imagines the man of her dreams and literally creates him: a gorgeous Frankenstein. However, that's all he is: a doll. No mind of his own, and no soul... or so she thinks. Love the perceptive tone in this one, but not a fan of the choppiness. Overall Dolly is red-hot and has an amazing implication at the end. Simply mind-bending! - 9/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne: Eliza, imprisoned in a dark cell for a crime she hasn't committed, comes face to face with her executioner, whom she just as well may be imagining. This one is a bit darker than the rest, but enjoyable in a devastating way. Grim and chilling, La Belle Mort follows an unlikely pair of lovers and highlights the keeping of faith and the promise of light after darkness - 8/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora: A passionate lesbian story to spice things up a bit. Rowan, a healer who has the power to wipe the memory of her grantees clean, falls for the vulnerable but ever-strong Lily. The concepts of soul mates and protective duty are touched upon in this story. It's emotional and will make your spine tingle, but the plot itself is nothing terribly exciting - 7/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Scratched by Ashley Lister: Vicky must deal with the transformation of her werewolf lover, Jake... even though she might be his biggest prey. The curse this storyline revolves around is great, but the actual sex scenes are just okay - 6/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Bitter and Intoxicating by Sharon Bidwell: Wilting artist Émile finds inspiration in the eerily alluring Vérène, which propels his greatest piece yet. I found this one rather strange and didn't "get" it for the most part, but do appreciate how it combines French mythology with the essence of abstraction and the fine line between art and pleasure - 6/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Tea for Two by Claire Buckingham: Not of fan of this story about Anastasia's coming-to-terms with her fallen angel husband, Gregory because it dragged on so much. The plot is messy as well, so it took me a while to comprehend, and the sex just falls flat - 4/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Milady's Bath by Giselle Renarde: The maid of a young, impulsive lady who lusts for a beast she seeks to tame, narrates this sensual story. The actual supernatural eroticism takes place behind closed doors, while a tender female passion takes place in front—an interesting perspective! The juxtaposition of rough werewolf sex and gentle womanly loving makes for a rich story that will make you squirm - 9/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The Way Home by Carrie Williams: Darker and more sinister than the other stories, The Way Home follows the downfall of a nameless woman who finds an escape from her complicated life in a bartender whom she only knows as "Freddy." The mindless, pleasurable routine they fall into is a French paradise, but she soon discovers that this little vacation of hers won't last forever. While I'm still not exactly sure what kind of creature this story depicts, the depth and obscurity of it makes it an exemplary piece of Gothic fiction - 9/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The Queen by Tahira Iqbal: Upon a sudden attack in the King's court, Amelia is snatched out of her vampire King lover's arms, and forced to face the tragic aftermath, as well as the throne she inherits. The new Queen finds solace in the sexy but detached bodyguard, Landon; she soon discovers that between them, is lust... as well as bloodlust. The plot here would make a terrific novel, but it was just way too much to fit into 14 pages. Iqbal's ideas are ambitious, but The Queen moves way too fast; too much happens for a tiny story that's meant to be longer - 5/10 ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Benediction by Bonnie Dee: Micah's soul is stripped bare when he seeks redemption in the form of an angel, the gorgeous Hasdiel. She alone has the power to separate him from his sins, as well as teach him to finally forgive himself. While the tone of Benediction is ethereal—perfect for an angel story—I didn't like it that much because the plot isn't novel, and the characters are rather unmemorable ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Pros

Very diverse stories with all sorts of paranormal creatures and folklore // Intricate plots // Complex characters and relationships // Rich, seductive mood // Quality erotica

Cons

Some of the stories are hard to follow because they're so fantastical // Only a few stories were actually arousing ("Dolly," "Milady's Bath," and "The Way Home."

Love

"Dites-moi qui vous aimez, et je vous dirai qui vous êtes," she said. "Isn't that pretty? It's French. It means 'tell me whom you love, and I'll tell you who you are.' I read it on a tombstone, once."

— from Elizabeth Daniels's A Rose in the Willow Garden

Verdict

Red Velvet and Absinthe is a Cleis Press classic, with lush worlds built into every story, and sensuality that reaches supreme heights. This anthology is as good as Gothic short fiction gets: dark as night and smooth as velvet. While I didn't really connect with some individual stories, the majority of them are hauntingly seductive and gloomy in the most alluring way

Monday, July 22, 2013

3 Heart Review: Changeling Dream by Dani Harper

Changeling Dream (Changeling #2)
Dani Harper

Page Count: 376
Release Date: 31 May 2011
Publisher: Brava (Kensington)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by FSB Media in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Leyane!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

In times of stress Jillian Descharme has always found calm in her dream of a great white wolf with haunting blue eyes. But she is startled when the visions return and this time seem so real. Late at night he comes to her, speaks to her, touches her. It's almost as if he's alive...

Thirty years ago James Macleod lost his wife and unborn child to a killer bent on destroying the Changelings. Though he longed for death, his animal instinct fought for survival and James has been a wolf ever since. Yet now a woman has reawakened the man in him, taming wild instincts but arousing still wilder needs. With his ancient enemy hunting the legendary white wolf, James must fight for new life, new hope, new love.

Review

Set in Dunvegan, the same cozy town in Southern Ontario where the first book in the series, Changeling Moon, took place, Changeling Dream is James Macleod's story. After 30 years of being trapped in wolfen form, Connor's estranged brother rises to humanity when a vaguely familiar new face, Jillian Descharme, comes to town. James has never met Jillian before but recognizes her somehow—he knows her from the soul—but comes to realize the person he really doesn't recognize is himself—neither as wolf, nor man.

The storyline with the mysterious connection between Jillian and James is compelling but everything else was a disappointment for me. I didn't totally love the first book, but wanted to give this second book a try because the "lost brother" story intrigued me; however, I didn't enjoy it at all. Typically with series, I am particularly fond of later installments because of the recurring characters, but even with the reprise of Zoe and the Macleods, I felt pretty much nothing.

The main characters, for one, I had a huge problem with. James's guilt over a family tragedy 30 years ago has given him an overactive sense of responsibility, which is why he overcompensates by desperately trying to keep Dr. Descharme out of danger. This would be a great alpha male quality, but it was written so simply and choppily that it actually makes him rather stalkerish... showing up in her bedroom in the middle of the night, visiting her at work every day, coming to her rescue at every possible moment. Yeesh. And then there's Jillian, who just may win the "Least likable romance heroine" award. Described as feisty and independent, this girl's maddeningly sensitive, and an irritatingly raging feminist. She only comes off as cold, pigheaded, and can just never cooperate, so the fact that she ends up "falling" for James is not only uncharacteristic, but also unbelievable. Even though she has her own demons, I felt no sympathy for her whatsoever, and found most of her points of argument very trivial and illogical. 80% of the book is her talking to herself (she talks to herself more than she talks to other characters... what the f*ck?) and apprehending over a stagnant relationship. It isn't just the attitude I found distasteful, it was everything.

And then we need to talk about the so-called romance itself. All it is is terribly angsty, with no formidable foundation or realistic expectation... and yet Jillian and James are absolutely soul mates. She doesn't even like the guy one minute, then is yearning for his touch and affection the next. Finger. Down. Throat. Now.

I literally had to keep asking myself why I was bothering to finish this book. I found it painfully boring, annoying, and although not completely unreadable, something I mostly skimmed—particularly for the last half (aka the part where everything happens).

Pros

Captivating premise about dreams and guardian wolves

Cons

James is suffocating and dislikable // Jillian is inflexible and dislikable // Unrealistic, tiring "relationship" // Messy, inconclusive story // Terrible climax

Love

James was very much like the river. Calm and steady on the surface, but somehow [Jillian had] been drawn in and captured by the deep current beneath. Would she escape? And did she really want to?

Verdict

The lycanthropic and mystical aspects of Changeling Dream were enough to hold my attention, but I definitely had to grit my teeth through this one. James's story was nice to read, but the exasperating rising action, a messy, premature climax, and ridiculous insta-romance between him and Jillian had me rolling my eyes

Friday, July 19, 2013

5 Heart Review: Changeling Moon by Dani Harper

Changeling Moon (Changeling #1)
Dani Harper

Page Count: 344
Release Date: 31 May 2011
Publisher: Brava (Kensington)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by FSB Media in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Leyane!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

He roams the moonlit wilderness, his every sense and instinct on high alert. Changeling wolf Connor Macleod and his Pack have never feared anything—until the night human Zoey Tyler barely escapes a rogue werewolf's vicious attack.

As the full moon approaches, Zoey has no idea of the changes that are coming, and only Connor can show her what she is, and help her master the wildness inside.

With her initiation into the Pack just days away and a terrifying predator on the loose, the tentative bonds of trust and tenderness are their only weapons against a force red in tooth, claw... and ultimate evil.

Review

In attempts to elude the fast life of Vancouver in wake of a tragic personal defeat, Zoey Tyler seeks refuge in the small, drama-free town of Dunvegan, which seems warm and inviting at first, but seems to have mysteries and secrets of its own. The whole "heroine escaping her horrible past" cliché in romance novels is overrated, but for once, I was glad to see the swirling crisis actually be revealed bit by bit, rather than culminating to a disappointing climax. Harper fluidly incorporates Zoey's past demons with those she finds in Dunvegan, making for a rich, complicated plot.

Changelings, which differ from werewolves due to their greater power, and their ability to change into human form whenever they please, are creatures you don't encounter often in paranormal romance, so I enjoyed this fascinating twist on the mythical beings in a contemporary world. Readers get both Connor's lupine and Zoey's human perspectives, which kind of did make the story drag on, but was overall highly revealing. When one enraged beast sabotages the Connor's pack by resurrecting old werewolf folklore which exposes real-life changelings, the entire public is terrorized, and the changelings of Dunvegan, in grave danger. Somehow, Zoey is connected to all of this... and it's Connor and Connor alone who can show her why.

As much as I liked the supernatural elements, the romance aspect is unconvincing—plenty of insta-love going around—but the love scenes, woooowhee! If you enjoy hot hot alpha male sex, you need to pick up this book now.

The characters are disappointing too. The secondary characters such as Jessie the pack leader and Connor's playful-yet-equally-sexy brothers are great—I loved them—but Zoey is extremely dislikable. She's supposed to be "strong" and "independent" but she's quite aloof, and rather stiff-necked. She says and does the rashest things that may give her the strapping young reporter vibe in a romance novel, but would literally get her nowhere in real life. Connor, too, isn't that great. He's huge and sexy and tough, yeah, but nothing about him really clicked for me. He's unnecessarily overprotective of Zoey—even though he knows nothing about her—and again, is an ideal, but pretty unrealistic hero.

Pros

Smoldering chemistry between Zoey and Connor // Secondary characters are great, especially the Macleod brothers! Mmmm! // Connor is a fantastic alpha hero // Refreshing take on changelings, as opposed to werewolves

Cons

Changelings seem to be the ideal species—there's basically nothing they can't do // Neither Zoey nor Connor are particularly likable // Physical attraction is well-portrayed, but actual romance and love storyline unrealistic

Verdict

Since I've never read a changeling romance before, I am glad I gave Changeling Moon a chance; Dani Harper introduces paranormal lovers to a world of werewolf folklore, bloodsucking predators, and sizzling romance. While this first book of the Changeling series isn't something I would necessarily recommend or read again, if you want to try your hand at changelings, you might want to consider this one

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

8 Heart Review: Forever Freed by Laura Kaye

Forever Freed
Laura Kaye

Page Count: 321
Release Date: 8 December 2011 (first edition)
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via Romancing the Book, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Laura!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Love can heal a broken heart, even one that no longer beats.

When empathic vampire Lucien Demarco unexpectedly falls in love with a single mother he planned to kill and her young daughter, he battles against his ancient self-hatred, driving bloodlust, and the nagging guilt he feels for hiding his immortal identity.

Samantha Sutton and her daughter Olivia are all alone—Sam's parents both died and Ollie's father abandoned them. Sam sees something special and compelling in the mysterious but quietly kind man who moves into the old house across the street, but fears what it would do to her and Ollie to be left again.

When Lucien's dark past catches up with him and an old vampire rival threatens to destroy his newfound second chance for happiness, love, and family, Lucien must reveal his true nature to save his girls' lives—but can Sam and Ollie accept him for who and what he is?

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Kobo | Smashwords

Review

"Samantha ... She was the light, and I had been drinking the dark for so very long."

The first time Lucien Demarco sets his eyes on Samantha Sutton, he's blinded by her vibrance, her stunning allure that is so full of life, which is something he lost a long time ago. Her spirit literally glows and yet she's been through so much, too much, which leaves an emptiness in her heart that urges her to push everyone she loves away.

He, initially attracted to her tantalizing scent, catches himself caring for and sympathizing with her and her domestic conflicts—and it isn't just the empath in him that's causing this. He is the exact opposite of Sam, the exact opposite of what she needs, but is affected by her in ways he cannot comprehend: a corner of darkness propelled by a beam of light, and an ignition of touch. He can't get involved, not with a prospect so human; having escaped the clutches of a powerful, gang-like network of vampires and fled to Detroit, where he thought he was finally free, he realizes what danger he puts himself and his new "family" in, when long-due vengeance comes knocking on his door. And yet the stir in his body and soul is compelling enough for him to wander away from all rational thought.

Sam and Ollie are the only people who have been able to trigger any type of emotion in him—at least the only people he's encountered in what seems like an eternity. They renew him. They become him. And with that acknowledgment, he knows he cannot survive without them or ever turn back.

The emotional intensity of this book is so, so powerful. Not only the contemporary-set romance and the steamy chemistry between Sam and Luce, but also the highs and lows of family and self-sacrifice—all of it was a turbulent ride. As Lucien relearns the mess—and utter beauty—of humanity through his beloved Sutton girls, he discovers that although they are his dire weakness, they will save him—and he, them—in the end... and they will forever free each other as well.

The characters, while good together, are not very developed individually. Sam is distant and completely two-dimensional. She's incredibly likable—kind, sensitive, gorgeous—but just seems a little too perfect, which I found unpalatable. Fortunately, Forever Freed is narrated by Lucien, who is as flawed as Samantha is faultless; unfortunately, his first-person male perspective is stiff (he is centuries old, after all), overexposed, and irritatingly bleak. I feel he wasn't as sexy and alpha of a vampire hero as he should've been in this story.

The high action and precarious plot make up for the flat characters, however. I enjoyed the suspense immensely, including the hot love scenes tucked in between. This book is full of untold secrets, vampire gore, and the implications of overcoming temptation in the name of love; a fresh twist on vampire romance!

Pros

Smoldering chemistry between Samantha and Lucien! // Loved Samantha's character // Ollie is adorable // Vampires aren't sparkly and omnipotent // Very realistic and raw portrayal of bloodlust and supernatural danger

Cons

Strange, uncomfortable narration // Stylistically nothing impressive (no specific quotes that stood out to me)

Verdict

While Forever Freed's characters are a bit flimsy and the narration slightly off-key, the acute, powerful storyline and the complexity of Samantha and Lucien's relationship really reverberated with me. Laura Kaye brings us an untraditional paranormal romance with a crucial slant on love and humanity, as well as on the compassion and sheer vulnerability you hold for the one person who has the power to bring you back to life

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended (x)

Friday, May 24, 2013

Boiling Up Some Bad Blood by Nicky Peacock + Giveaway!

Bad Blood by Nicky Peacock

Page Count: 118

Release Date: 10 May 2013

Publisher: Noble Young Adult (Noble Romance)
Genre: Young adult, Paranormal, Vampires, Zombies, Apocalypse

"I am Britannia. I am your protector. I will fend off the hungry hordes of undead hands that reach toward you. I am your steadfast defender. I will stand between you and the zombie masses as they try to taste your flesh. I am strong, unyielding, and dedicated to your survival. All I ask from you... is your blood."

A five-hundred-year-old bloody game of vengeance will need to be put on hold if vampires are to survive the zombie uprising. Britannia and Nicholas, bitter enemies and the only two surviving vampires left in London, have to work together to save un-infected humans and deliver them safely to a vampire stronghold in the Scottish Highlands. Unable to drink the zombie "bad blood", the remaining vampires need the humans to stay alive. But will the vampires tell the survivors who they are and what they want from them? Will Britannia be able to hold back her vengeance for the greater good? Is survivor Josh the reincarnation of Britannia’s murdered true love? And can she bring herself to deliver him to the "safe" hold? Survival instincts run deep, but bad blood can run deeper.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Amazon UK

Untethered by Katie Hayoz Excerpt and Giveaway!

Untethered by Katie Hayoz

Page Count: 340

Release Date: 25 April 2013

Publisher: Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (self-published)
Genre: Young adult, Paranormal

Sylvie isn’t comfortable in her own skin. In fact, there are times she can’t even manage to stay inside it. But if there is one thing she’s sure of, it’s her love for Kevin Phillips. She’s willing to stake everything on it—her family, her friends, and possibly her soul.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie has been best friends with Cassie forever. But everything is turned around when the boy Sylvie’s loved since fifth grade falls for Cassie. Devastated, Sylvie intends to get Kevin by any means possible, even if it involves treachery, deceit, and the dark side of astral projection. She is positive her plans will give her what she wants, but she doesn’t count on it all spiraling out of control.

Untethered explores the intoxicating and dangerous world of jealousy and obsession when coupled with paranormal ability.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Top Ten Tips for Dating an Angel by Lisa Voisin + Giveaway!

The Watcher
Lisa Voisin

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.

Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?

Ancient history is only the beginning.

Eyes of Ember by Rebecca L. Ethington Excerpt + Giveaway!

Brought to you by Xpresso Book Tours...

Eyes of Ember
Rebecca L. Ethington

Joclyn is in hiding, hunted by the man she still desperately loves. Ryland is gone, his mind erased, no memory of Joclyn remains. But, Joclyn’s heart desperately begs her to hold out hope. While, in reality the black eyed monster that possesses him, attempts to kill her over and over.
If it wasn’t for Ilyan, Joclyn would be dead by now.

Ilyan. The man who once stalked her, is now Joclyn’s protector, the only thing she has left. He protects Joclyn from the men who seek to end her life, and while she is haunted by dreams where Ryland begs her to break the bond between them.

Ilyan is there. Always there.

Ilyan trains and prepares her, teaching her everything she needs to know in the hope that one day she can avenge Ryland, if not protect herself from him.

And then there is her father.

The man who has never been there, is suddenly responsible for everything. And who he is has made Joclyn into something she never wanted to be.

The Silnỳ.

The Mark of Abel Character Playlist by Viola Ryan + Giveaway!

On tour now...

The Mark of Abel by Viola Ryan

Page Count: 348
Release Date: 11 January 2013
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Lucifer is fed up with humanity. He created hell to deter evil, but man’s inhumanity is only escalating. He just wants to return home to heaven, but ever since that little problem in the Garden of Eden, the Pearly Gates remain firmly shut to him. It doesn’t help that he’s the first vampire, an abomination in God’s sight.

Fortunately, two thousand years ago Lucifer’s estranged brother, Jesus, gave him a prophecy. To fulfill it, all Lucifer has to do is find the right artist, study her artwork and the path back to heaven will be revealed. The artist even bears a symbol so he knows who she is. Too bad she is murdered every time he finds her.

Janie’s a frustrated artist and college art teacher who wants two things—a guy she can show her paintings to and a night without nightmares. Each nightmare plagues her until she paints it. She doesn’t realize these paintings are key to unlocking her destiny, one that could redeem the original fallen angel.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher | Kobo | Smashwords

The Science of Need by Jordan Bell + Giveaway!

As the first week of the Insatiable Reads Book Tour comes to a close, I've a very lovely author visiting today. Bestselling author of steamy romance novels and novellas, the wonderful Jordan Bell is on tour with her erotic full-length novel, The Fortune Teller's Daughter, and will be revealing a sizzling sneak peek of the book exclusive to Books à la Mode readers. Stay tuned for a chance to win a print copy AND a few surprise gifts! Readers, please help me welcome Jordan to the blog!

The Almost-Kiss and the Science of Need

There’s this scene about midway through my book where the Magician and my heroine, Serafine, are alone on his stage. He’s exhausted, too exhausted to keep working on his show and she starts distracting him by talking about nothing in particular while performing a card trick she picked up once upon a time. At this point in the story, there have been sparks between them, but they are also both struggling under enormous burdens—too big to allow their personal feelings to distract them from what they have to do. After her card trick, he takes her in his hands and buries his face against her stomach and just holds on like his life depends on her nearness.

For a moment, the Magician who can perform astonishing, impossible feats of magic needs this strange girl—needs her more than he needs the sun to rise or the world to turn or air to breathe and it terrifies him. It makes him vulnerable, a thing he’s never had to be. It’s a great scene, my favorite in fact, and it was when I wrote this scene that I realized the story really centered around their unfulfilled needs than it did around sexual pleasure, which was what I thought I was writing about when I started.

I love to write kisses that make you feel a little weak and dizzy and sweaty, but there’s something just as intense about what happens when they don’t kiss, but really want to. The power of the almost kiss could conquer the world.

We talk a lot about creating characters who are strong and self-sufficient and it is particularly needling when a female character can’t take care of herself and needs a man. I try to stay away from this particular character trope myself, so I was surprised to discover that I was writing about a character who had taken care of herself all her life and that was the problem—she’d formed no lasting connections to anyone else and so when it came to trusting someone, she couldn’t do it. The situation I put her in, then, required that connection. It required her to need someone else. And the result was intense—sometimes very funny and often heartbreaking. The two characters are troublesome and complicated and constantly trying to outdo the other and it takes them forever to get out of their own ways. I think that’s pretty typical of most people, though. We are terrible about getting in our own ways.

God! I so know what you mean about the almost-kiss! The tense, smoldering aura creates such an intense moment.

As for The Fortune Teller's Daughter, it sounds just as incredible! I can't wait to have it in my hot little hands. Readers, here's a little bit about the book...

Serafine Moreau grew up on the shiftless, grimy edges of cities that were never home, raised at the capricious whims of her bohemian mother. She learned young how to move unseen through crowds, acquire things that didn’t belong to her, and disappear at the first sign of trouble. Together they made a curious life beneath street market tents, plying tourists with fortunes and new age voodoo. It wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs - until a stranger appeared one unremarkable autumn morning to steal the fortune teller’s life and leave Sera with nothing but questions.

Now alone, Sera wanders lost between days, strangled by the past and unable to pursue her future. Even the cards reveal nothing. So when an invitation addressed to her mother’s stage name Corazon arrives from an old carnival outfit looking to recruit the late fortune teller, Sera answers instead.

Beneath the labyrinthine tents she discovers enchantments that defy explanation and wonders that feel like magic. Bewitched by the carnival’s handsome illusionist and the dark whimsy of the Carnival Imaginaire, Sera finally feels like she’s home until the mystery of her mother’s death unravels with the secrets of the carnival’s past. At the center of the brewing storm hides Sera’s heart that can’t hope to survive another loss.

Click "read more" for an excerpt you can only find here, as well as a giveaway!