Tag Archives: paranormal

September 9, 2016 · 5:00 am

A Witch’s Journey by Tena Stetler (Book Review)

June 15, 2016
  
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?


 
 
Pepper hopped out of the truck and took a deep breath. The ocean breeze brought a mixed scent of brine, sand, sun and kelp. Seabirds whistled and screeched through the air diving into the white crested waves, proudly emerging with dinner. Turning her attention to the land, she noticed beyond the barn, the pond was still there, even a bit bigger than she remembered. Caught up in the smells, sights, and sounds, she didn’t hear someone approach.
 
“Ms. McKay?”
 
“Sssshit,” she yelped and whirled around to see a muscular man, well over six feet, with surfer blond hair nearly to his shoulders, tousled by the ocean breeze. Rounding the corner of the cabin, he waved at her as he approached walking with a slight limp. Deeply tanned, he appeared to spend a lot of time outdoors.
 
“I’m Lathen Quartz. Glad you made it before dark. The road up here can be treacherous after dark if you don’t know where you’re going.  I finished up the enclosed aviary and was getting ready to leave. But now that you’re here, I’d be happy to show you around. Help you get settled.”
 
“Pepper McKay, call me Pepper.” Extending her hand towards him, she met his gaze. His large aquamarine eyes were mesmerizing, set above the high cheekbones, full lips and a butterscotch five o’clock shadow. She gave her head a shake. “Wait. You built an aviary?”
 
He shook her hand and smiled, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans and rocking back on his heels.
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
For a story featuring witches and werewolves, I expected more shifting and magical moments. A ghostly aunt did appear occasionally and there were small uses of magic (lighting a fire or cleaning a stovetop) but, for the most part, magic really came into play in the last chapter. This is also where everything is explained (clarified), too. 
 
It’s great Tena left no loose ends; however,  I think she should’ve utilized Benjamin’s dark side more. In doing so, I believe the book would’ve lived up it’s title and scored much higher. 
 
Besides the lack of witchery, a few other things nagged at me and caused me to score it low. 
 
1.) Werewolves have a great sense of smell yet Kolby didn’t scent his brother, Lathen, and was startled when Lathen placed a hand on his shoulder. He should’ve smelt him, knew his scent anywhere. I couldn’t get past it and saw Kolby more as an ordinary man than a werewolf. 
2.) Tena seemed more interested in detailing what they were eating, had ate, or discussing food in general. I swear it was starting to feel more like a cooking show than a supernatural book.
3.) With Kate’s (waitress) infatuation with Lathen and her apparent dislike of Pepper, I assumed we’d see some Fatal Attraction craziness. I assumed wrong. 
4.) Tena had Lathen wondering “Do I have kink?” after a waitress mentioned the BDSM club (Red Club). I thought she might be leading up to something down the line, but nope. Now looking back, the namedrop seems pointless. 
 
High points:
Chapter 21 and 23 are worth reading. 
If I liked cold temps, I would visit Alaska because it sounds breath-taking. 
Also, this story had me wondering what I would do if a deceased relative left me a load of cash like Aunt Ashling did for Pepper. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, Tena sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures telling her their tales. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.  Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn. 

 

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August 28, 2016 · 5:00 am

Claimed by Andrea R. Cooper (Book Showcase)

 
 
Intern Renee Maxwell has a chance at her dream job as assistant to a renowned archaeologist in exotic Turkey. Things get a little weird when she finds a unique crystal and starts hallucinating crazy yet sexy things. Her once staid boss now looks like a gorgeous demi-god and underwear model combined. Her feminist ideals are challenged with each seductive look and bit of banter he gives her, but she’s not falling for his charm.  Damon Cubins never met a woman his Incubus powers couldn’t seduce…until now. If he doesn’t find an ancient crystal, he’ll turn into a full-fledged demon. When his new Intern Renee arrives on site, wearing the exact necklace he needs to save his existence, he thinks he’s got it made until he discovers a curse is keeping him from claiming what’s his. He doesn’t want to harm the woman who has enraptured his heart, but Damon isn’t the only dark creature seeking the crystal’s powers.  Winning Renee’s love to release the curse becomes the only cure to save her life.
 
Purchase Links: 
 
 
 



 
 
After he set her on the rocks, she scrambled away from the water’s edge in her wet bra and panties.
 
“Don’t forget your promise,” he teased, but he couldn’t help it. Any longer staring at the blush on her cheeks and chest and he’d forget his vow and claim her. Even her erect nipples strained against her wet lace bra made him dig his nails into his palms.
 
She huffed and snatched up her towel. Thankfully, it reached just below her butt, leaving her long legs exposed for his admiration. Then she flipped her curly hair over her shoulder, batting her eyelashes at him.
 
“I would never give you the satisfaction.”
 
“Of which?” He cocked his head to the side and beamed. “Drowning or bathing?”
 
“Both.” She tucked the corner of towel between her breasts, locking the rest of it around her body, and then snatched up her canteen.
 
“Uh, thank you for saving me.” She shivered, and he doubted it was merely from cold and wet. “Please don’t tell the others, it’s embarrassing.”
 
At his nod, she breathed out a sigh. She looked as if she anticipated him to haul her back into the water for another lesson. Inching closer to the shore, her gaze never left his.
 
Her movements reminded him of abused animals. He speculated most people, who couldn’t swim, would want to learn unless they experienced drowning in the past. Could that have happened to her?
 
There was more to this situation than her usual stubbornness. Vulnerability even. As she leaned forward to finish filling her canteen, her ample bosom peeked out. His lust twisted to the sounds she would make when he touched and kissed her nipples until they pebbled.
 
Suddenly, she jerked up, spilling some of the water. “Did you get a good enough view?”
 
He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
 
Without waiting for his reply, she stormed away.
 
Damon flopped onto the water letting his body float. His mind drifted to images of making love to Renee in the water. After he helped her over her phobia, somehow. Hmm, he could kiss her down there while she treaded water.
 
Nah, she’d never go for it. This is a business trip. No time for sleeping with the staff, no matter how sexy when arguing with him.

 
 
 
Purchase Links: 
 Kobo / iTunes

 

 

Andrea has always created characters and stories. But it wasn’t until she was in her late twenties that she started writing novels.

What happened that ignited the writing flame in her fingers? Divorced, and disillusioned by love songs and stories. They exaggerate. She thought. Love and Romance are not like that in the real world. Then she met her husband and realized, yes love and romance are exactly like the songs and stories say. She is now a happy wife, and a mom to three kids (two boys and a girl).

Andrea writes paranormal and historical romance. When not writing or reading, one may find Andrea dancing in Zumba.

She believes in the power of change and counting each moment as a blessing. But most importantly, she believes in love.

Facebook Link
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August 10, 2016 · 5:00 am

Solace: Fae Warriors, Book 1 by Gini Rifkin (Book Review)

 

Solace Goodeve, one of Mother Nature’s favorite Fae Warriors, is assigned to Earth to help save the planet. Reptile invaders, disguising themselves as humans, are waging a takeover—and Mother is mad enough to eat asteroids. Solace is ready to prove herself as a warrior, but having a human for a partner is not in her battle plan—even if the man is rugged, ripped, and ready for action.

Army Ranger, Tanner Jackson, has seen his share of black op missions. The last one took a toll on both body and soul. Tanner isn’t looking for love, even though his new partner is six-foot-tall and drop dead gorgeous. However, after Solace shows him a new meaning to working undercover, he may have to reconsider that possibility.

As the Reps plan to sabotage NOAA, Tanner and Solace must learn to trust one another. But as they’re trying to save the world, Solace and Tanner might just lose their hearts—and that takes the most courage of all.

 
 
 
images-3
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Science fiction lovers, I’d like to proudly introduce you to your next favorite book. 
 
In Solace, you’ll watch the Fae Warriors battle Reptilian/Men. A battle which began in chapter one and didn’t let up. In fact, the action will continue in Bliss (Fae Warriors Book 2). FYI: A sneak peek is found following Solace’s glossary.
 
The initial fight scene was pretty extraordinary. Her opponent was no one I’d like to run across in a darkened alley or one heavily lit up either. Reptilians are bad mojo. Let me describe them to you. 
 
Imagine this showdown: Watching a “man” slowly morph into a Reptile… thick green skin, elongated nails, and sporting a lizard head. A creature with lethal pointy teeth, outweighing you by 200 pounds and harboring a very deadly weapon —- a tail. A tail that grew right before Solace’s eyes. Oh, lets not forget he wore scaly body armor. Freaky!!!
 
If I faced one of those abominations, I would definitely develop a full blown case of herpetophobia — fear of reptiles. 
 
If you think you wouldn’t, you would after taking a gander at its genitalia. Huge and thorny. I mean, I’m ok with a little pain with my pleasure but I’m not in the market to get ripped wide open. No way, Jose. This chick would become celibate. 
 
Luckily for Solace, she didn’t have to remain celibate. She found herself an Army Ranger who literally plucked her out of the sky. 
 
With moves like that, I can see why she fell for the human. 😉
 
I’m not sure how long they will stay together since she’s not a human but, for now, their relationship is full speed ahead.  
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
 
 
 
 
 

Gini Rifkin writes adventurous romance, past present, and into the future. Her settings include the American West, Medieval England, Victorian England, and contemporary fantasy. When not reading or writing, she has the privilege of caring for a menagerie of abandoned animals including ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, donkeys, and cats. She was born and raised in Illinois where she went to school to become a registered nurse. When struck by wanderlust, she moved to Colorado and met her husband Gary. They shared the journey for 30 years, spending vacations canoeing, doing Mountain Man reenacting, and traveling around this great country. Although Gary has passed on, he left her with the skills to soldier on alone, and a little bit of him lives on in every hero she creates. Her writing keeps her hungry to keep learning new things, and she considers family and friends her most treasured of gifts.

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June 16, 2016 · 5:00 am

Life, Love and Death: Short Stories by Cat Nicolaou (Book Review)

51mwxeieablTable of Contents

1) The Island of Bliss
2) On Fear and All!
3) On A Rainy Day
4) We Used to Talk
5) The Treehouse
6) She Only Thought I Was Dead
7) Clay Soldiers
8) High Heels, Stockings and Murder
9) The Last Kiss
10) The Nightcaller
11) A Midnight Date
12) Love Like Thorn
13) Hotel California, A Tribute
14) The Last Breath Of Winter
15) An Unexpected Meeting
16) Red Lips
17) Jack In The Box
18) Revolution Imminent
 
 
 
images
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
At 70 pages, this collection is a bargain at .99¢. Out of 18 short, creepy, weirdly fascinating tales, 10 of them can be skipped (IMHO) but, hey, you still have 8 stories worthy of every penny spent on them. 
 
I’m going to discuss the 5 spooky tales that I think are most memorable and worthy of a featured episode on the Twilight Zone. 
 
1. “Island of Bliss” – Sirens have been, and always will be, creepy as all get out! 
2. “The Treehouse” – Twisted, mysterious, with a touch of spookiness thrown in for good measure. Basically, a mighty good read!
3. “Clay Soldiers” – My momma always told me never talk to strangers and, most definitely, NEVER take anything from one. Cat gave us a frightening reason why the heck not. Good read! 
4. “The Nightcaller” – This story ended on a ominous note which bloody delighted me. No pun intended. 🙂
5. “Revolution Imminent” – Cat saved the best for last. This tale will please the readers who think technology will lead to our doom. Yeah, you know there are those out there who believe this with all their hearts. 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2

 

Kindle Purchase Link

Paperback Link

 


Cat Nicolaou lives with her family and many pets on a small island in Greece. She grew up surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and beautiful beaches. Living in such a peaceful area, she enjoys the idyllic setting around her. It is therefore not surprising that she likes to write romantic stories. Strolling by the seaside is where she gets all her inspiration. As an ever-romantic herself, she likes writing and reading stories with a happy ending, though she does torment her characters before they find a happy resolution.

 
Not being one of those authors who have been writing since childhood, it came as a real surprise to the people around her when she finally decided to do it. But “When Time Comes”, life has a way to show you what needs to be done and she finally realised that she had to put her stories on paper and let people know her.
The greatest joy of writing for her is seeing where the characters will take her every time she starts a story.
Besides spending time with books, she likes drinking coffee like a maniac and listening to music. She also enjoys riding her motorcycle because it makes her feel free. Do not, therefore, be surprised if her next book includes a biker.
Her debut novella “When Time Comes” was published in February 2015. A story set on the island of Rhodes where a famous rock star and an artist find love that can last forever.

 
Contact Info: 

 

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June 2, 2016 · 5:00 am

Dangerous Tide by CJ Matthew (Book Review) (CONTEST INCLUDED!!)

 

With the head of field ops murdered, Rye is recalled to SBW to resume his team leadership role. Anxious to clear his tarnished reputation, the last thing Rye needs is the pod physician hounding him for budget support. Or worse, warning all of SBW that he’ll be the next to become violent and dangerous.

Doc Libra, alarmed by the recent unprecedented violence at SBW, resolves to get a bigger lab and start her research to uncover the cause. She’ll need lots of Shore Shifter blood samples and Rye’s name is at the top of her list. But if she hopes to gain his cooperation, she’ll need to agree to his deal.

Author signed copies are available at Fiction Addiction, 1175 Woods Crossing Road Ste 5, Greenville, SC 29607 or available on Fiction Addiction’s website: HERE.

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Once again CJ kept me entertained with her fishy phrases: fish guts, squid lips, shark shit on toast. Yes, she made sure there was humor and romance mixed within the high-octane plot.
 
Speaking of plot, in Dangerous Tide, you’ll encounter gun battles, explosions, kidnappings, illegal gun smuggling, and an almost air-tight frame job. 
 
Throughout all that, you be a happy bystander while you watch an doc (with body image problems) fall head over heels in love with an agent who has trouble asking for help. 
 
As you can imagine, both get over their issues and the final scene had me placing Rye in the top 10 of most romantic shifter. Yes, I have a such list. Don’t you? 😉 

And on a final note, I <3 seeing a woman kick a little ass. As the saying goes….We are women, hear us roar… or in a dolphin’s case maybe – eeeeeeik eeik eeeek. 

HA!! 🙂

 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
 
GO GET YOUR KINDLE OR PRINT COPY TODAY!! 

 
 
CONTEST TIME!!
KEEP READING!!

 

 
Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at CJ Matthew’s sensational shifter book and read my review regarding Dangerous Tide (DT), WHO IS READY TO WIN?
 
Ladies and Gents, CJ is offering ONE LUCKY WINNER a spectacular prize package. 
 
In it, the winner will receive the following items: One SBW tall metal water bottle, a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of DT, a DT
book thong, a fancy DT keychain, plus trinkets: which are little plastic
dolphin key chains, temp. dolphin tattoo, dolphin stickers.
 
 

 

And guess what? This amazing contest is open to anyone; no matter
where you call home!! 
 
To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. 
 
So if you like paranormal tales (shifter books), then I encourage
you to ENTER TODAY. 
 
You’ll
have until FRIDAY (midnight, central time) to enter. SATURDAY morning, I
will post the winner’s name and attempt to message you. Please follow the
comment thread or come back on SATURDAY to see if you are the lucky recipient
of this amazing prize package. 


Good luck!!!

 

CJ Matthew is the author of paranormal romance suspense series Dolphin Shore Shifters. Her debut novel, Blood Tide, features a pod of dolphins posing as humans that work through their oceanic conservation corporation Save Blue Water, based in Santa Barbara, California, to protect the oceans at any cost.
CJ grew up in an Air Force family that travelled all over the U.S. and around the world. She spent her high school and university years living in California, which inspired her love of marine life and the Pacific Ocean.

A member of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) Romance Writers of America, CJ lives and writes near a lake in the woods northeast of Atlanta. When she isn’t writing or reading romances, CJ likes to travel and to spend time with her two grown children, a brilliant grandson and a feisty cat named Max.

Website Link
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Amazon author page
Goodreads author page

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