Tag Archives: paranormal

March 14, 2016 · 5:00 am

Risky Tide by CJ Matthew (Book Review)

 
 
 

Katie joins SBW’s exchange group still hiding a secret that could put the entire team at risk. After two exchange disasters, the team goes up against someone dumping toxic lab waste. Time has run out for Katie to conquer her demons.

Peal built his exchange team into a highly effective unit and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it running smoothly. When Katie freezes up during a critical phase of the mission, she sets off a marine park alarm. She may be beautiful but if she keeps endangering the missions, he’ll be forced to send her back to SBW.

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 <—–

 (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

A plot centered around toxic waste and an assassin might seem like a heavy, non-enjoyable read but CJ added enough humor and romance to keep things light. Her aquatic catchphrases such as “cod crap”, “squid shit” and “shark shit” kept me smiling. 
 
The emotional retelling of Katie’s encounter with a shark will have you connecting with her character, if you weren’t already. 
 
Speaking of connecting to characters: I didn’t feel any emotion towards Brian, Pete, or Charles. They were just BLAH roles BUT I did heart Peal big time. He was a sweet, strong, considerate man/dolphin who knew how to romance a lady/dolphin. 
 
Yup, he would make most ladies dream of being Katie. Well, not this chick. That’s because I dislike the taste of lobster and those two ate it entirely way too much. Now, if I could be a dolphin and eat tacos 24-7. Ha… yeah, I don’t that would go over well in the shifter community. Guess I’ll stay human. 🙂
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
GET YOUR KINDLE OR PRINT COPY TODAY!! 
 
 
 

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.

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March 4, 2016 · 6:00 am

Grandma Must Die by Maureen L. Bonatch (Book Review)

Author: Maureen L. Bonatch
Series: A Touch of Magic Series, Book 1
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy

 
 
Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.

Magic bounty hunter Dylan has scoured libraries of banned magic paraphernalia seeking a method to distinguish genuine witches from impersonators. He suspects unorthodox librarian Carman might hold this information tighter than the hair he’s dying to unleash from her bun. With a past as hidden as his sleeve of tattoos, Dylan discovers he’s been used to gain Carman’s trust and their passion risks more than mixing mortals and magic.

 
 

 

…once she’d started Carman couldn’t stop,

the book beckoned. Pressing its spine against her palm, begging her to search within the pages to find the answers she’d unconsciously sought her entire life. As she lifted the book, her scalp tingled and her hair elevated like a halo.

“Whoa.” Dylan shielded himself with his hands. “Put it back, slowly, because this is reminding me too much of the incident with the chest. Having my apartment blown up from magic isn’t covered in my rent.”

The plastic evaporated in a puff of smoke in Carman’s hands and the book unsealed with a sigh. She smiled, the welcoming warmth emanating from within its pages against her palms. Why had Mother kept her from this? This is what she’d been waiting for.

As curiosity overtook his common sense, she detected Dylan’s cautious approach. He stood close enough to peer over her shoulder into her book, but far enough away to avoid touching her.

After the shockwave the last time their skin met, he probably worried he’d ruin another pair of pants. Carman closed her eyes, absorbing the power from the book. The delicious feeling evoked a sensation like melting chocolate, sweet and satisfying.

“I remember hearing about her, Esmeralda Wrath. I wonder if this was her book?” Dylan’s warm breath caressed her shoulder.

Carman opened her eyes and examined the page. To stare right at a photo of the most powerful witch of all time…her grandmother.

 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
I want to start off this review discussing the basement under the library. The area, which housed magical artifacts, reminded me of two great shows — Warehouse 13 and The Librarians. The basement was truly a wonderland for the magically gifted humans. Heck, it’s pretty impressive for the “normal” folks, too. 
 
Speaking of normal folks, I was glad Maureen finally enlightened me what the heck an m ‘n’ m was on page 165 (in paperback). I knew she wasn’t referring to the sweet treat and was pleased to learn it stood for magic mimiker. With that bit of knowledge tucked away, the previous passages made more sense and proved to be more enjoyable. 
 
All in all, this story was cute. I wasn’t blown away by it, but I also wasn’t bored out of my mind either. 
 
Would I recommend it to others? Sure. I definitely think many readers will find this witchy tale most entertaining. 
 
Now with that said, I’m off to watch The Librarians. 
 
(Update: It was pointed out to me by Sophia Kimble (visitor – see comments below) that Maureen actually stated what an m ‘n’ m was on page 68. I want readers to have accurate information, so I felt this revelation needed to be shared. Sorry for any confusion I might’ve caused.)
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
DON’T WAIT, GET YOUR PAPERBACK OR KINDLE COPY TODAY!! 
 

 

 

I write books about heroines who can laugh at themselves while dealing with magic, mayhem and love. The quirky friends and family who insist on coming along for the ride are just a bonus.
I’m so glad you stopped by. Let me turn down the music and get you a drink while you pull up a chair to settle in and escape with some bookcandy. Something to make you smile while you enjoy all the sweet, satisfaction with none of the calories.

You deserve it…you’re extraordinary. 

 
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February 24, 2016 · 6:00 am

Forget Me Not by Maureen L. Bonatch (Book Review)

Publication Year: 2016

 

The car accident totaled Sabrina Post’s convertible and reinvented her memories. She can’t recall dumping Cole Dawson ten years ago. What her new clairvoyant visions tell Sabrina is he’s her husband. Any practical girl would question her sanity. But if Sabrina wants to make this imaginary future a reality, she’ll have to regain Cole’s trust and eliminate her rival, the coffee shop waitress who’s pegged Cole as husband #4. To prove she’s foreseen their destiny, Sabrina stirs Cole’s interest by revealing specifics about him she couldn’t have otherwise known. Unfortunately, the one detail he vividly remembers is the pain when she left him and their “rinky-dink” town in her rearview mirror.
If Cole can’t believe she’s a changed woman, can Sabrina accept the only second chance she has at love exists in her memories?

 

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Excerpt
 
The boxes of candy hearts Julie forgot spilled across the floor. 

Cole hunkered down and gathered the papers. His mouth formed a hard line as he glanced at Sabrina’s leave paperwork with the end date prominently circled. He replaced it on the table under the keys.

“No really, I can do it. You stay, Cole. I’ll be right back.” Sabrina caught her reflection in the mirror on the wall. The quest for a coat resulted in her hair looking as if she’d stuck her finger into an electrical outlet. Her appearance matched her desperation. She ran her hands over her head, but the static filled strands resisted smoothing.

“I need to check on Dad anyway, and it’s on my way. I’ll take Josie.” Cole extended his elbow, and Josie latched on like a lifeline, her fingers digging into the leather of his jacket. She skittered across a few of the remaining candies, crushing Be Mine and Love Me on the floor. “Thanks again for dinner, Marge.”

“Cole wait.” Despair leaked into Sabrina’s plea.
He glanced toward the papers on the table and sighed. “I waited for years, Rena. It’s you who waited too long.”

As the door closed behind him, so did the future with Cole that she’d imagined. Her shoulders fell. She knelt to collect the candy hearts scattered on the floor. Forget Me Not and Hug Me taunted her with their cheerful words. Lacking a garbage bag, she shoved a handful of the candies into her jacket pocket. Several hearts were trodden into tiny pieces, like her own. 

 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Many events can alter a person’s views on life; make them reevaluate what’s important. Sabrina’s wreck was the wake-up call she desperately needed. With the head injury, she gained insight into the future and realized love is more important than money. 
 
Luckily for her, she was given a second chance —- in life and in love. 
 
For me, Cole and Sabrina’s short story can be described in one word — SWEET — much like the sweetheart candies that brought them together, again.
 
HEA, but you already knew that. Hello, it’s a love story and centers around Valentine’s Day so anything less would be scoffed at. 🙂
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
Amazon
The Wild Rose Press
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
 

 

 
Maureen writes stories in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania that boast laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world. She writes Paranormal Romance and Fantasy.
 
 
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February 12, 2016 · 6:00 am

Tiny Glitches by Rebecca Chastain (Book Review)

Howdy and good morning, ladies and gents. 

Today, besides viewing another stellar book review, you’ll find information/link to a Raffelcopter, courtesy of Rebecca Chastian.
 
What’s the prize, you should ask? Well, how does a $25 Amazon Gift Card sound to you? Great, right? 🙂 I thought so too. 

The raffle is open to all so click on the link —–> a Rafflecopter giveaway <—— and enter today before the clock strikes midnight!!

Oh, and best of luck to all of you!!

 

 

Life isn’t exactly normal for Eva Parker: the stronger Eva’s emotions, the faster nearby electrical devices die. Eva can’t have a cell phone, use a computer, or be in a car for more than a few minutes without killing it. Dealing with her electricity-killing curse makes living in modern-day Los Angeles complicated enough for Eva—and that was before she was blackmailed into hiding a stolen baby elephant and partnered with Hudson, a sexy electrical engineer Eva just met.

Dodging repeated attempts on her life made by ruthless corporations hunting the elephant is easier for Eva than quelling her growing affection for Hudson, and while protecting an elephant is hard, controlling her curse is a lot harder. However, Eva must do both, because if she lets her emotions free and falls in love with Hudson, neither of them will survive.

Enchanting and quirky, Tiny Glitches fuses electrifying romance and high-voltage suspense in a rollicking adventure.

 

GET YOUR COPY NOW AT AMAZON!!
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
This has to be the weirdest book I’ve ever read and that’s NOT a bad thing. In fact, I couldn’t stop myself from reading page after page until I reached the epic conclusion. 
 
Throughout Tiny Glitches, there was absolutely no boring moments and enough humor to keep a smile plastered onto my face. 
 
From the get go, Rebecca brought the fun when Eva and Hudson began their unwelcome job of elephant sitting. Yup, you read that right….. ELEPHANT SITTING. At least it was a miniature elephant or elephantini (as referred to in the book). 
 
In their reluctant adventure with Kyoko (elephant), they had to endure kidnappings, FBI, ninjas, and a gun-toting clown. 
 
Seriously, I can’t make this stuff up but I’m sure glad Rebecca did. 
 
Read the book, folks, you’ll be pleased you did. 

 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score:❤❤❤❤1/2


GET YOUR COPY NOW AT AMAZON!! 


Rebecca Chastain is the international bestselling fantasy author of A FISTFUL OF EVIL, A FISTFUL OF FIRE, and MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in northern California with her wonderful husband and two bossy cats.

Website: http://www.rebeccachastain.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccachastainnovels

Twitter: @Author_Rebecca or https://twitter.com/Author_Rebecca

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5660379.Rebecca_Chastain

 

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February 10, 2016 · 6:00 am

Beneath the Stones by Susan Coryell (Book Review)

 

Ashby Overton has everything to look forward to, including a promising writing career and her wedding at summer’s end. But, Overhome, her beloved historic family estate in Southern Virginia, is in financial peril and it is up to Ashby to find a solution.

Interfering with Ashby’s plans is a dark paranormal force that thwarts her every effort to save Overhome. Supernatural attacks emanate from an old stone cottage on the property rumored to be a slave overseer’s abode, prior to the Civil War. As the violence escalates, Ashby begins to fear for her life. Who is this angry spirit and why is his fury focused on Ashby?

Mystery, suspense and romance flourish against a backdrop of Civil War turmoil and ancestral strife–where immortality infiltrates the ancient air breathed by all who inhabit Overhome Estate.

Beneath the Stones is now available at all online bookstores in both print and e-book formats: Amazon paper back or Kindle version – Barnes and Noble Nook version.

 
 
 
 
Small Teaser! 
 

I moved downward, one step at a time, leaning against the wall for support. I was half-way down when it happened—so suddenly that I had no time to react. Frigid air swooshed down on me from behind, freezing my face so that I screwed my eyes tight shut at the same time something strong and determined pushed against my back violently—so violently that I stumbled, then, tumbled forward, to be caught in Luke’s outstretched arms from several stairs below.

“Whoa!” Luke exhaled from the impact of my body on his. “My God, Ashby. What happened?”

I slumped against him, unable to utter a single word, my breathing shallow and rapid. At last I found my voice. “Something pushed me, Luke. I don’t know what—or who—but it was powerful and deliberate.”

Luke glanced up to the top of the stairs. “Nothing there. I’m going back to the loft to look.”

I stopped him. “I doubt you’ll find anything.” I sniffed the air, expecting a new infusion of foul odor. “And what would you do if you did find anything?”

Just then we both heard it. Hollow, chilling, trailing away from us with every syllable: “Go away. He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead….”

 

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

Thank goodness I am only an “observer” to the spookiness surrounding Overhome because if this was actually happening to me…. underpants would’ve been changed more than once. Ominous voices, strange noises, angry spirits……. Nope, I think I will pass on the ghostbusting business, thank you very much. 
 
Through the Twilight Zone occurrences, what I most loved about BTS was the historical aspects of this novel.  I would like to mention the special note from Susan in the opening credits which I think adds value to her story.
 
“The Civil War letters included in Beneath the Stone are based on actual letters written from battle fronts by family ancestors, Joseph Franklin Stover and John William Stover. “
 
That bit of information brought the story MORE TO LIFE (for me) and I think it will for you too. 
 
One final thing, thank you for educating me (us) on the chemistry behind making wine. It was enlightening!! 

 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2

 

GET YOUR COPY NOW AT AMAZON Paperback / Kindle

 

 
My Background

A career educator, I have a BA in English and an MAIS in writing, English, and education. I’ve taught English, speech, drama, reading, and English as a Second Language to students from 7th grade through college. I once taught a course to teachers. I married my high school sweetheart and we have 3 children and 6 grand children. I live at Smith Mountain Lake in my home state of Virginia.
I have done all kinds of writing. My free-lance articles have been published inSmith Mountain Laker.Com, Blue Ridge Traditions, Cooperative Living and other local publications. I’ve also been published in The Washington Post and The Roanoke Times, The Smith Mountain Eagle, The Bedford Bulletin, and The Franklin News Post. Here at the lake I’ve written press for four different groups, including The Smith Mountain Arts Council and The Smith Mountain Charity Home Tour. My writing repertoire includes articles for educational and professional magazines and even several recipes for Taste of Home magazines and cookbooks.
 

Teaching

When I taught at Thoreau Intermediate School in Vienna, Virginia, I started a literary magazine, A Cabin in the Woods. At Centreville High, where I later taught, I initiated an Authors Club and launched an annual Writers Conference for student writers.
I’ve toured dozens of elementary, middle, and high schools in Fairfax County, giving author talks and conducting writers’ workshops for students. Here at the lake I have worked with creative writing classes at the Gereau Center in Franklin County and participated in student writing contests sponsored by the Lake Writers.
 

Lets stay connected!! 

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