Michelle's Paranormal Vault Of Books

My Destiny Gift Review

Destiny Gift really took me on a fun suspenseful ride. I really enjoyed it too. This book really has a bit of everything, we have some cool fantasy/mythology in it, with her visions, it’s also a real life type dystopian feel too, In New York City, it’s all darkness (all over in fact) Its more of a new adult category I would say, college age and with the college environment. I really loved the really cool twist at the end, it got me really excited for this story, and for the next book.

As for the characters, I really liked Victor, a lot more than I liked Micah, something about Micah just put me off, but I will say I liked Nadines vision version of Victor better than the real life one. I did start to like Micah better by the end, and in fact was rooting for him too.

I liked Nadine most of the time, she was a bit clueless sometimes, but over all I still liked her. I was confused at times but it all came together at the end, and now that I read this book, I see it was more than likely planned out that way. It was brilliant. It is very well written, and to me is a very different type of paranormal, lots that happened I did not see coming for sure.

The Gods in this book I was confused on who was who some of the time, but it was not that big of a deal, I was able to catch on for the most part, lol.

This book did lack romance, there was some fantasies that Nadine had about Victor, and that’s just about all, but I am not big on the romance in books, so it was fine with me. I think there is going to be more in the next book, at least it seems like it to me.

I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars for sure.

This review is also at Amazon Here
Also at Goodreads, Here

Excerpt from Chapter One

At the end of the subway car, two guys weaved and swayed into one another and held telltale brown bags covering what had to be bottles of booze. How couldn’t the officer see them? They were obviously underage.

The guys eyed me and whispered. Goose bumps tingled along my spine, and I put my hand inside my purse, clutching my pepper spray. I left my hand there—my palm sweating because of my increasing nervousness—and was ready to act.

Meanwhile, the old lady babbled about life thirty years ago. How great it was to be able to travel around the world, to swim in the ocean, to go to school unafraid, and so on.

The West Fourth Station grew closer. I acted cool and calm, as if my stop were still far away. After eyeing me, I was sure the whispering and chuckling meant the drunken guys plotted to come after me, and I hoped to thwart their plans.

Relief rushed through me when the door of the subway opened at the station. I dashed to the door and jumped out right before it closed again. I hurried up to street level and didn’t look back once, afraid of what I might see.

But I didn’t need to see, I could hear them—their feet pounding against the slick concrete and their creepy laughs.

I zigzagged through the rough-looking crowd, avoiding eye contact with anyone, but brushing my shoulders against unwelcoming strangers, and hurried toward the gates of the university, trying to stick with streets where the lamps weren’t broken. Why wasn’t the subway station closer to NYU’s gates? Four blocks under such conditions was too far.

Even on the run, I couldn’t help but look around me and shudder.

Skyscrapers taken by criminals. Other buildings in decay and in danger of collapsing. Executive office buildings, schools, churches, and most business—stores, coffee shops, restaurants, theaters, bookstores—kept their heavy doors locked all day. Customers had to ring the bell and wait to be allowed in.

I crossed a street and a speeding car missed me by a few inches. I froze for a second, my heart pounding as I looked at the usual armored wheels and black windows.

Resonating laughter propelled me into action, and I forced my legs to pump like they never had before.

I was so close.

So were they.

I slammed to a stop in front of the building across the street from NYU. Glowing as if it had a silver backlight, the number eight overwhelmed my sight.Get a grip, Nadine. I shook my head to clear my insane vision and caught sight of the guys only a few steps from me.

My heart rate burst into double time and I ran across the street.

From my pocket, I fished out my student card and barely paused as I swiped it on the gate’s lock. I slipped in and the gate closed behind me. A relieved breath escaped my lips.

A guard emerged from the side cubicle. “Everything all right”—he glanced at the computer monitor—“Miss Sterling?”

“Yes, now it is,” I answered. The two guys glared at me through the gates they couldn’t cross.

“The next period will start in seven minutes,” the guard informed me.

I didn’t bother telling him I didn’t have class that afternoon. “Yes, yes, thanks.”

Taking deep breaths to calm myself, I turned and walked farther into campus, while chanting in my mind that I hadn’t seen the number eight shining—again—or that I hadn’t almost been robbed, or worse.

I shuddered, pushing away the terrible images of the possible things that could have happened. I hugged myself and muttered, “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

See the rest of this book tour Here

#Giveaway ~ Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver Book Tour ~ Guest Post

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:29:00 +0000

Colour Wielders
Heirs of the Magykal Realm Series Book One

Dawna Raver

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Word Count: 133k

Cover Artist: Ricky Gunawan

Book Description:

Behind the Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.

Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.

As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.

Arik Morgaine—demi-god bad boy and outcast of the Magykal Realm—tried to avoid contact with Princess Quinn Sinclair for eighteen years, not wanting to make good on an old threat. But the fates have other plans. Arik can no longer deny his growing desire for Quinn, or the need to protect her from those wanting to control her burgeoning powers. Can the two of them come together and save the Magykal Realm from being destroyed by the Darkest of Magyks, or will powers beyond their control destroy them and their world forever?

About the Author:

Dawna Raver is an the author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is her first novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and worshiping her dogs and husband.

Author Links

Facebook | Twitter | Website

The Magykal World of Colours

Thank you for having me on your blog, Michelle. I really appreciate. I'd like to talk a little about the Colour Wielder world. While it takes place mostly in Conifer, Colorado, there is also the land of Magyk, or the Magykal Realm know as Flaitheas Draíochta.

When creating this story, I thought long and hard about what my ultimate, magical world would look like. Most of my literary life, I've adored Arthurian legends and Celtic deities. I thought, what if there was a realm where characters from these myths and legends lived together? What would that look like? What if it was open to any and all gods no matter their pantheon? How cool would that be?

So I did a ton of research, and pulled out characters that interested me. Then, I jumped off from there. I don't hold strictly to what myth says. I figure since it's myth, I can twisted these characters to fit my own purposes, though I do try to keep their basic essence. You'll meet characters you may have heard of, though they may not act exactly the way you've seen them act before. In this series, two infamous characters from Arthurian legend play a major role. Writing them has been a challenge but a lot fun as well.

Once I had the characters, I needed a setting for them. The fun part was coming up with this land. Flaitheas Draíochta territory encompasses all of Europe, but it is separated from Mortal eyes by the Faerying Mysts. When you're behind the Mysts, you're in a natural world where the people and the land are intimately connected—neither can exist without the other. This is why Magyk reigns here and why it's expressed in vivid Colours. Life here is more vibrant and alive and so are the inhabitants. Because there is Magyk, there is no need for modern conveniences or modern ideals. The law of the land is harsh. But when you live in a place where monsters and mystical creatures dwell, it's not surprising that you live and die by the sword.

I will admit this is a place I'd like to visit. So how about you come with me? Spend a day with me in a world of Colours, Magyk, and romance. A place where anything and everything is possible. Where things and people you thought only existed in myths and legends are real. I promise you'll you won't be disappointed.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will have a review out for this book soon, i only just had gotten it, so am reading it now. I will say, what I have read so far I love. It hooked me from the first few chapters. It seems to be a great fantasy to me. I can't wait to finish and see what all happens.

Check out the rest of the tour Here

#Giveaway ~ Midnight Fire Series Book Tour ~ by Kaitlyn Davis

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:50:00 +0000

Ignite

Midnight Fire Series Book One
Kaitlyn Davis

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 9781465852366

ASIN: B005U8GQT6

Number of pages: about 200-250 pages

Word Count: Roughly 65,000

Series promotional video –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwXdlNmtCUE

Amazon BN iTunes Sony Kobo Smashwords

Book Description:

"With one last look, one final search of the lines of his face for some sign, Kira turned and ran away from the sound of the man she loved laughing in the face of her death."

When Kira Dawson moves to South Carolina, she meets Luke, a blond goofball who quickly becomes her best friend, and Tristan, a mysterious bad boy who sends shivers down her spine. Kira knows they're keeping secrets, but when she discovers Tristan's lust for blood and her own dormant mystical powers, Kira is forced to fight for her life and make the heartbreaking decision between the familiar comfort of friendship and the fiery passion of love.

Ignite is the first book in the Midnight Fire Series. It is approximately 65,000 words.

Simmer

Midnight Fire Series Book Two
Kaitlyn Davis

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 9781476284392

ASIN: B007R82KLK

Number of pages: about 200-250 pages

Word Count: Roughly 65,000

Amazon BN iTunes Sony Kobo Smashwords

Book Description:

"Slowly, like a whisper almost blown away in the wind, two words streaked across her mind: 'Kiss me.'"

Kira may have survived the eclipse, but her troubles are far from over. She's headed to Sonnyville with one goal in mind: to learn more about her parents. But with Luke and Tristan competing for her heart and Diana gunning for her head, time is running out on the search for her mother. And the closer Kira gets to answers, the more terrified she becomes. The conduits fear her, the vampires fear her, and Kira is starting to wonder if maybe they're right...

Simmer is the second book in the thrilling Midnight Fire Series. It is approximately 65,000 words.

Blaze

Midnight Fire Series Book Three
Kaitlyn Davis

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 9781301583027

ASIN: B009H0U7FC

Number of pages: about 200-250 pages

Word Count: Roughly 65,000

Amazon BN iTunes Sony Kobo Smashwords

Book Description:

“Kira gulped, unable to stop the growing sense that everything in her world was about to change.”

With Aldrich’s note burning a hole in her pocket, Kira is off to England to finally reunite with her birth mother. But what begins as a dream quickly turns to a nightmare and Kira is left questioning everything she has ever known. Can she be the conduit Luke wants her to be? Can she be the rebel Tristan needs her to be? Or is she something else? Something no one, not even Aldrich, ever saw coming…

Blaze is the third book in the thrilling Midnight Fire Series. It is approximately 65,000 words.

Scorch

Midnight Fire Series Book Four
Kaitlyn Davis

Goodreads Sacrifice (.05) | Goodreads Book 1 Fall For Me

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

ISBN:

ASIN:

Number of pages: 200-250 pages

Word Count: Roughly 65,000

Scorch Blurb:

“All it did was remind Kira that time was running out. That she needed to choose. Or a lot more than a forest would burn. The whole world would crumble."

Aldrich escaped…again. Tristan forgot…everything. And Luke, well, Luke was getting more than a little impatient. But those were the least of Kira’s concerns, because something else happened in England—something she was trying desperately to forget. A wedge of evil had lodged itself in her heart, a little black hole had nestled into her flames, and it wasn’t going away—not anytime soon…and maybe not ever.

Scorch is the fourth and final book in the thrilling Midnight Fire Series. It is approximately 65,000 words.

About the Author:

Kaitlyn Davis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars. She's been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to finally share her work with the world. She currently lives in New York City and dreams of having a cockapoo puppy of her own.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Excerpt from Book 1, Ignite

"Kira, come on," she heard the command in his deep voice, but couldn't respond. "Kira, wake up." A hand slapped her in the face, once, twice, a third time and then her eyes shot open and she tried to breathe, but her throat was stuck. Someone flipped her to her side as she began coughing, and finally she spit up what seemed like a gallon of water. Kira laid down again and closed her eyes, wanting to sleep.

"Kira!" She felt one more smack on her face. "You have to stay awake." She opened her eyes and saw the blurry outline of a boy with dark hair and pale skin.

"Tristan?"

"Hello," she saw the corner of his mouth curve upwards despite her uneasy vision.

"What happened?"

"You were being stupid." She started to remember the wave and wipeout, and then her anger brimmed back to the surface.

"Only because you were being an ass," she grumbled and he laughed.

"Come on, try to sit up." Tristan curved an arm around her back to help lift her up. She noticed, at that moment, that they both wore only bathing suits and she was basically sitting on his lap. Kira tried to discreetly look at his chest, which was quite chiseled, and then she noticed the nice bulge of a bicep in his arm. Kira let her eyes wander a few moments longer until Tristan picked her up far enough for the pain in her head to finally hit. She groaned, put a hand to her head and curled into his body a little more.

"Ow."

"Yeah, your board got you pretty bad."

"I know." Kira was starting to get annoyed by his habit of stating the obvious. She pulled her hand back for a moment. "Crap! I’m bleeding." He stared at her hand, which was covered in running red liquid, until she put it back to her head. Kira noticed he was staring again, but this time at her wound. She felt him lean in closer, inspecting it she hoped. After a minute, she couldn’t take it.

"Tristan, tell it to me straight. How bad is it?" She felt him jerk as if she had interrupted him mid-thought.

"Oh. It’s nothing. You’ll be fine. Might need a few stitches." He sat her up on her own and moved back a foot.

"Thanks…for helping me, I mean." She looked at Tristan, saw a few different emotions pass over his face until he finally settled on the half-smile she had started to like. Tristan grabbed a shirt from the unguarded towel next to him, looked at it, looked at Kira, and shrugged. He put it to her head, told her to hold it there, and helped her stand up.

"Get away from her." Luke’s voice boomed from behind her. He came barging in and pushed Kira to the side.

"Chill out, Luke. I didn’t do anything."

"I don’t care. Leave." Kira had never heard such anger in Luke’s voice.

"And if I don’t want to," Tristan asked. Kira knew he was saying it more to test Luke and less because he really needed to stay.

"Then," Luke paused, clenched his fists, looked around, and punched Tristan in the face. For a moment Kira thought she saw a flashing light, but she quickly realized it must have been the sun, which had previously been silhouetted behind the two boys. Tristan fell over and rolled once on the ground.

"Luke! Stop it. He just saved my life."

"Come on, Kira," Luke tugged her hand. She glanced back at Tristan, who just nodded to her, and followed Luke. "We have to take you to the hospital." She didn’t mention the punch, wanting to wait for a good time. Instead she went with her friends back to the car, listened to them talk about trivial things to distract her, allowed Luke to carry her into the hospital, and tried to process the thoughts churning in her head.

My Review of Ignite (I will only have the review for book one here, so not to spoil anything with the next few book, for those who have not read any yet in this series. I have mini reviews is all of books 2-4 so no spoilers for any of the books, its safe to read them. )

really loved this new spin on vampires and the totally new group of people who protect humans from them. I found the premise of this series extremely entertaining. I devoured the first 2 books in less than a day and a half, as I could not get enough, and of course was thrilled I could then pick up books 3 and 4 right away.

This first story really hooks you fast. I just love both Luke and Tristin. I also think the Kira is a great main character. She is a strong kick butt female, which I love.

We have some fun witty parts, some swoon worthy scenes, and also some sad parts that bring tears to your eyes. (when you read, or if you did, it’s a memory part I really was sad about)

Anyway. I really think anyone who like the paranormal at all, even if you don’t usually read YA, to give it a try, at least this first book, as the price is right to try it out (Free on ebook)

Here is a few teasers I liked:

"Well then, I’ve been dying to tell you what a freaking god Tristan looked like when he carried you out of the water. You, of course, were dangling there like a dead fish, but let me tell you." Emma shook her head as if there were no words and fanned herself."Wait, he carried me out?" Kira grabbed a chocolate chip cookie. Reliving a near death experience required chocolate, especially when someone just said you looked like a dead fish in the arms of a god. Great description.

And

"Is that why you punched Carter?""I just couldn’t stand the way he was touching you." Kira smiled to herself."Jelly belly," she said, wishing she could get her mouth to stop word vomiting. She could feel his chin on the top of her head as he pulled her in closer."Maybe." He said, but it sounded more like a begrudging yes.

And

Tristan cupped her cheek with his hand, staring into her eyes as well. Kira wondered what he saw there. Were her eyes a raging fire that had suddenly calmed to a flickering flame? Her heart seemed to stop as he kept looking, reading her fears and desires, her vulnerability, and the parts of her she tried to keep hidden from everyone else. Then, almost as if in slow motion, he leaned his face down to hers, letting his lips gently grace Kira’s, and the moment of calm was gone. Her heart pounded and she stood on her tippy-toes, eagerly returning his kisses.

Yeah, awesome story, exciting, with the bit of sweet forbidden romance too.

5 huge stars out of 5 for me. Check this series out!

Simmer (Midnight Fire #2) (partial mini review, so not to spoil book 1)

I loved this book even more than the first one Ignite, I loved watching Kira mature and grow into her powers.

The relationships between her, Luke and Tristin are still going, won’t say much there.

Over all, a great continuation of the series. Love the cover on this one, more unique to the story, and looks cool. Much better than all the others.

5 out of 5 stars. I will have full reviews of them all up later for those who want to read them, after reading previous books, here and at other places.

Blaze (mini review, no spoilers for previous books)

I loved this one the most so far. So much excitement and adventure and suspense. We get a huge twist in this one, and some major questions are answered.

Look for my full reviews soon, that you can read after reading previous books

Only thing I do not like, is the cover, it’s too generic (meaning I have seen that same model on at least 5 other covers) and the Photoshop work on the face of the guy is awful, makes him look ugly. That’s the worst of that one.

I give this 3^rd book 5 stars too. Love this series.

Scorch (mini review, again, no spoilers for the previous books)

I also really like this book too. I was pleased with the outcome, and enjoyed going on the adventures with Kira. I won’t say much more, being the final book, it can spoil a lot for the previous one. I will have full reviews up soon, for those who have read the previous books. (not in this post)

The only thing I didn’t like, is the cover, its cool, except when looking close you see her hand behind her, making it seem as flames are coming out her butt, lol, yes, it’s her hand, but just first reaction to it was that.

5 stars as well. Overall a great series.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See the rest of the tour Here

Cover Reveal & #Giveaway: Sacrifice (The Tate Chronicles .05) by K.A. Last

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Sacrifice – A Fall For Me Prequel by K.A. Last
Series: The Tate Chronicles, #0.5
Publication date: May, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Seth’s heart is breaking. He knows his decision will hurt the one person he keeps breathing for, but he can’t take it anymore. He can’t be near Grace knowing she will always be just out of reach.
Grace is oblivious to Seth’s turmoil. She loves him unconditionally, but not in the way he wants. They both know that in Heaven physical love is forbidden, and to break the rules is to defy everything they’ve ever been taught.
When Grace and Seth are sent on a mission to save a young mother and her unborn child, Grace must face the fact that Seth won’t be returning home. She doesn’t understand Seth’s decision and hates him for it. But what neither of them realise is how big a part that single decision will play in shaping their entire future.
What would you sacrifice for the one you love?

AUTHOR BIO

K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney with her parents and older brother when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. She now resides in a peaceful leafy suburb north of Sydney with her husband, their two children and a rabbit named Twitch.

Author links:

Check out Fall For Me, Book 1

Goodreads

Broken Faith by Brandy Nacole Book Tour ~ Excerpt & Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:15:00 +0000

Broken Faith (Spiritual Discord #1)

by Brandy Nacole

ISBN13 9781300852094

Summary:

"This is it. The moment Heaven and Hell clash. But which unearthly being will win, the fallen angel or Hell's hounds?
Overtaken by fear, I close my eyes."

Kayson is a Fallen Angel who has spent decades running from the Hell Hounds while searching for something that no one else believes can be so, not even God. Kayson is determined to find a Blood Child. But when a hound finds Kayson first, he is sure his end has come.

Falon, Alpha of the Hell Hounds, destroyer of the blood children, and devoted believer in his master’s plan, is bound and determined to drag Kayson back to Hell with him.

Sabrina is a Vampire, a half-breed created from one of Lucifer’s original blood children. After years of hiding, Sabrina’s fate changes when she finds Kayson barely alive. Against her instincts, Sabrina saves him. Now she and Kayson are both marked by the Hell Hounds.

Emma is an ordinary human, whose only problem is making ends meet, and getting over the hurt caused by her untrustworthy brother. Her everyday problems become supernatural ones when she finds Kayson and Sabrina hiding in her parent’s backyard shed.

Kayson, Sabrina and Emma are unlikely allies, thrown together by chance to fight against the most powerful creatures of the underworld in order to follow their world-changing quest. But will the broken faith of one break the faith of all?

Author Bio

Brandy Nacole resides in Arkansas where her imagination runs wild. Her obsession is reading but her passion is writing. She put her dream of becoming a writer on the back burner and went to college to become a psychologist. Three years after endless classes in a field she only felt half satisfied with, Brandy picked up her pen once again and wrote the outline to Uniquely Unwelcome. She finished out her degree in psychology but traded her dream of writing for the degree and put psychology on the back burner. Whenever she’s not reading or writing, Brandy is spending time with her family and friends, throwing around crazy ideas, and laughing through the crazy moments.

She is the author of The Shadow World Series and The Spiritual Discord Series.

You find Brandy Nacole on

Facebook | Goodreads | Blog

My review

Loved this book. I am not surprised as I absolutely loved Brandy’s Shadow World series. This is just as good as that one.

This story has a great new spin on vampires and angles (well fallen angels) with the creepy Hell Hounds thrown in too. I was on the edge of my seat right from the start. I loved how it goes between multiple points of views.

I really got to care a lot about most of the characters. Mostly loved Kayson, Sabrina, and Emma, and Briston grew on me as well.

I didn’t like all of Emma’s friends at first, but when I learned more about them, I then liked them as well.

I don’t want to give anything away, won’t mention who is what, but it’s a great mix of the supernatural, and I just loved it.

Here is a nice teaser that won’t give anything away, thought it was a bit funny:

Before he pulls himself under the cover of their branches, he looks back up at me with a smile. “That was probably the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to me.” I scrunch up my eyebrows, “What? Almost falling in a ditch?” “No, being carried by a girl.”

If your like me and like paranormal books, you should give this one a try. I loved it, and can’t wait for book 2 now. Hope it is soon.

5 out of 5 stars for sure.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

Guest Post By Brandy Nacole

5 reasons I write Fantasy

So, what are five reasons I like to write Fantasy? How about I narrow this down to five words instead: Seriously, what’s not to love? I have been a fan of fantasy/paranormal books, movies, shows, and local myths since I was a little girl. My first memory of the fantasy genre was with Interview with A Vampire. I was four years old and my aunt, who’s just as big a fan as me if not more, was watching the movie on Halloween. I don’t remember every detail of course, but I remember watching it with her and being totally enthralled. From there it was R.L. Stine books, more Anne Rice, and so on.

I started writing when I was around 7 and while my writing wasn’t too farfetched with fantasy it was about a young boy and his pet alligator Sam. They had all sort of adventures together. Then as I aged, my writing became more involved with pure fantasy.

With Fantasy writing you can create the most unique of worlds and fill them with unique characters. There doesn’t seem to be any line of ‘not possible’ when creating a Fantasy book. Worlds can be made inside of worlds, powers can be limitless, battles and villains can be twisted, and romances can be epic.

With my Shadow World series, I wanted to reach these fantastic limitless possibilities. My main character, Racquel, is a hybrid that is made up of four different Shadow lines. She’s part lycan, witch, vampire, and shifter. Sounds complex doesn’t it. Well she is a complex character. She’s also an outcast. Her powers seem to be limitless and the Shadows not only consider her an abomination but they also fear her. I also incorporated the Greek Gods with their creations. Each line of Shadows has a Greek God that created them. If it wasn’t for my love of Fantasy and the limitless ideas that come from creating such books, then I wouldn’t have had the chance to share the story of a unique girl like Racquel.

With my Spiritual Discord series, I continued my grasp on the open possibilities. Broken Faith, which is written so that the story alternates points of view, is about a fallen angel named Kayson who is from the lower realm of Heaven. After being on the run since his fall, Kayson faces off with one of Hell’s hounds. After barely escaping with his life, Kayson is found by Sabrina, a vampire who is a half-blood child. This two unlikely beings work together to outsmart the very beings created to destroy them. Because of fantasy, I get the chance to share this battle of faith and good will.

Fantasy gives readers an escape outside the everyday life, much like most stories. The thing with Fantasy books, it’s something we just don’t experience on some level on a daily basis. Now if vampires and shape-shifters start skulking the world, then Fantasy writers are going to have to step it up and reach out for a new level of fiction. Until that day happens, readers and writers get to live out a world that isn’t our everyday hum bum routines and escape into a world filled with magic, love, rivals, and heart racing wonder.

Excerpt

Branches scrape at my skin as I run through the dense forest. My heart is beating with a terrifying force. I can hear the beast close in on me, ready for the kill. His growls echo through the forest. I don’t know where he is, I just know I have to keep moving.

I feel like a coward for being so terrified. Once, I would have stood unwavering, waiting for the beast to show his face. But since my powers were stripped−my wings torn away−I have been left defenseless, weak, and vulnerable to the beasts set out to destroy me.

I run as fast as I can, never faltering. I may not have my powers anymore, but I still have the agility that was so unique to the angels. Moving and gliding with the winds and earth, flowing with the water as it flows lazily through the fields, to become terrorizing rapids through the twists and turns of some faraway canyon.

I burst out of the thicket that is hindering my progress, and see nothing but a dead end up ahead. I still do not falter. I make a hard left to climb up the ravine, hoping that the forest is more open at the top. That’s when the beast steps out in front of me.

The being is massive, his tremendous weight and size is such that as he passes between two trees, branches snap, and large bushes are crushed underneath his feet. I’m expecting him to attack me, pounce on the poor defenseless being he sees before him. Instead, he shifts out of his beastly form into the human disguise that he uses to inflict havoc into this world.

“That was quite a chase. I must say I haven’t had a rush like that in quite some time.” His smile is taunting.

I give him nothing; say nothing, not letting him get the satisfaction out of my fear. That’s what the hound wants, he wants to feed on me before killing me. My fear and poor show of bravery, however, is obvious, and it is feeding his pathetic excuse for a soul.

“Unfortunately for you, it will be your last attempt at saving your life.”

He lunges at me, his beast-like yet still human claws balling into fists as he tries connecting with my face. I dodge his blow as I unsheathe the only weapon I have, my trusty sword.

The beast steps back for a moment, taking in the sword in my hand. A menacing smile spreads across his face before he lunges for me again. I swing my sword out, going straight for his head. If I can get enough momentum and find the right angle, I can take his head off and end his reign of terrorizing evil.

He blocks my blow with his forearm, while his other fist connects with my ribs. I can hear as the bones break, the pain shooting through my abdomen. Ignoring the pain, I take another swing at him, but it’s blocked again as he grabs the blade, yanking me forward, the momentum smashing me into a tree.

I turn, swinging my sword with all my might. It doesn’t connect with his head but it does land a blow against his side, doing some damage. The beast screams out in pain, clenching at his side. Then it looks up at me, pure hatred and disgust radiates from the menacing scowl on the human mask it wears. “You will feel the true wrath of the hounds. I was trying to be lenient in your death but now you will have no mercy.”

The man shifts back into his true form. His smooth skin stretches, as black fur covers his body. His hands become sharp claws, and his snout extends, as razor sharp teeth that can rip skin and break through bone erupt from its jaw. When the hound stands on his back legs he towers over me by more than three feet. Snapping his jaw of razor-sharp teeth at me, I swing my sword, connecting with his snout. The tear in his skin is barely a scratch.

With lightning speed, my sword is torn from my hand as his jaws close on it and he tears it away, tossing it through the air. I know I’m no match against this beast without it. Seeing the hilt sticking up from the ground, I roll in the direction of the sword to retrieve it. The hound swipes at me with a long clawed hand, tearing into my back as I roll by him. With no time for slip-ups, I ignore the pain and continue for the sword. I can hear the beast coming after me, though this particular spot in the woods is thick with trees instead of bushes and briars, making it harder for him to move.

The beast swipes at me again through the trees, catching my leg in his grasp. Bones snap as he twists my leg, lifting me up off the ground. I scream out but continue to reach out and grab at the sword’s hilt. Pulling the sword from the ground, I swing it through the air, stabbing the hound’s hand to release me. It growls and lets me go. I land on the ground with a thud. My shoulder takes the brunt of the blow.

A loud snarl fills the air as the hound lunges for me. His jaws snap at me, ready to bite me in half. But he can’t move; his shoulders are stuck between two trees. He tries pushing forward through the trees as he stretches his neck to get a hold on me. But the hound makes no leeway past the trees. I know I can’t move in this condition, my leg is too busted up to carry me very far. My panic rises as the trees start to creak and snap from the force of the weight being pushed against them.

With each snap, the hound’s slavering muzzle comes closer. The beast lets out a growl so loud I cover my ears, then he pushes harder, snapping the tree with his mass and strength. Just as he’s about to deliver the final blow, I stab my sword up, piercing his jaw and coming out through the top of his head. The hound collapses to the ground. I guard myself as the hound falls, landing extremely close to me. His massive body shakes the ground, cracking the dry dirt.

I use my arms to drag myself away from the menacing heap of fur. Once I’m a safe distance from the hound lying on the ground, I pull myself up. I do my best to keep the weight off my busted leg. I have no choice but to leave my sword behind. The hilt is jammed under the hound, and I don’t have the strength or time to pull it out from under him.

I slowly climb out of the ravine, knowing I have to get away as fast as I can. I know the other hounds will be coming. It may take some time, but they will come. If only I had killed the hound before he unleashed the hell call.

Cover Reveal: The Return (Book #2 in The Witch Hunter Saga) By Nicole R. Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Title: The Return (#2 in the Witch Hunter Saga)
Author: Nicole R. Taylor
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal
Age group: New Adult / Adult (17+ some language and violent situations)

Synopsis:

I've wandered my afterlife believing that I was the monster my maker told me I was. It was the only thing I knew. Not even my brother, Sam, could convince me otherwise. Not until her. Not until Aya. She walked into my life like a hurricane of destruction and nothing would ever be the same again. None of us could have known what would happen next. What fate had in store... I finally grew a heart, only to have it ripped out. Now, I will stop at nothing for revenge.

Zac's afterlife is just going from bad to worse. He grew a heart only to have it torn out by the founding vampire, Arturius. Nobody is sure what he wants, but Zac doesn't want to know. He's more interested in finding a way to end him for good. But, it might just be that he's after Gabby, who's harbouring a secret of her own, one that Arturius would do anything for. Aya's past will come back to haunt Zac in ways he never thought possible and what he finds out will alter everything he ever knew about her. He will uncover a deadly secret that should have remained buried. A secret Aya has fought to keep for thousands of years. One she has killed for. In the end, who's secrets will betray them to the one man who wants them all dead? Aya's or Zac's? They'll need to figure it out sooner rather than later, because death is not an option.

Goodreads Book 2 | Goodreads Book 1

About the Author

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser. She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first. The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is currently available in e-edition and print.

Learn more about her writing at: www.nicolertaylorwrites.com

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review: Deity (Covenant Book 4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:23:00 +0000

Deity (Covenant #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Paperback, 330 pages

Published November 6th 2012 by Spencer Hill Press (first published October 31st 2012)

ISBN 1937053148 (ISBN13: 9781937053147)

url http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/covenant-series

series Covenant #3

Characters Aiden St. Delphi, Alexandria (Alex) Andros, Seth

See my reviews of the Previous Books, links below

Daimon Review, Half-Blood Review, Pure Review

Summary:

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

My Review

Holy Daimon Babies!! That was awesome, and such a huge cliffhanger to where I am sooooooo glad I did not read Deity until I had Apollyon in my hands, so I could read back to back. (Of course you need to read Elixir after Deity, goes to Aiden’s point of view, and tells all that is going on, and you will see why after you read Deity, Do Not read Elixir first, it will spoil a lot, and also get you confused)

I am not going to go into any detail in this review, just to say how much I love this series, and to say it just gets better. I suggest you read Daimon Prequel first, that’s what I did, then Half-Blood, then Pure, then Deity, Elixir then Apollyon.

Man, can Aiden get any hotter??? Oh, and I just hate Seth even more. He is pure evil. In my opinion. That’s all I will say. I don’t want to do any spoilers. I will however leave you with a few favorite parts, some teasers for you. Not really spoilers. (could be if you had not read the previous books)

Oh, and that big surprise on a certain person’s identity, how awesome, loved it, and did not see it coming at all.

I give this 5 out of 5 really huge stars, and highly recommend this series.

Below is the teasers, like I said, not really spoilers, but if you rather not read any, just stop here.

Here is a scene with Aiden:

“What are you afraid of?” I asked again.“I thought you said I was afraid of nothing once,” he threw back.“I did.”Aiden shifted slightly and his thumb caressed the curve of my cheek. “I’m afraid of something.”“What?” I whispered.He drew in a deep, shuddering breath. “I’m afraid of never being allowed to feel what I do.”

Here is one that is a bit funny:

“You think I’m scared that you’ll turn me in for fighting? Any of you? They can’t touch me! I’m the fu—”“Stop it!” I screamed. “Just stop!” Seth froze, and several sets of eyes centered on me. “Gods! We were training. There’s no reason to kill each other over this.” I glanced at Aiden. “No reason to do any of this. Just freaking stop.”Tension still ripened the air, but Seth pulled back and spat out a mouthful of blood. As he straightened his shirt, the marks started to fade. “Like I’d been saying, but apparently all of you are too stupid to understand, we were—”“Shut up, Seth.” I clenched my hands.His brows rose.Aiden still looked furious. His eyes were like pools of silver, consuming his entire face.“It’s done and over, okay?” I said, mostly to him. “I’m fine. No one is dead. And if you three can manage not to try to kill each other, I’m going to go and take a shower, because now I smell like ten-day-old butt.”

Here is one to get your heart pumping, a great tease to keep you guessing:

Aiden’s stricken face loomed over mine, his eyes wide with horror. “Alex! Alex, talk to me. Talk to me, dammit!”I blinked and his face formed again, but it was fuzzy. I tried to say his name, but a hoarse, wet cough racked my body.“No! No. No.” He looked over his shoulder at the door. Guards had gathered, drawn by the commotion. “Get help! Now! Go!”

Here is a swoon worthy scene with Aiden (fanning myself…)

Aiden’s hand found the nape of my neck and pulled me down. His lips met mine, and like every time before, there was this indefinable spark that coursed through us. He made a sound against my lips, kissing me harder and harder.He pulled back just enough so that his lips brushed mine when he spoke. “I can’t keep pretending that I don’t want this—that I don’t want you. I can’t. Not after what happened to you. I thought… I thought I’d lost you, Alex, forever. And I would’ve lost everything. You are my everything.”

This one is really steamy:

Our kisses deepened, his tongue swept over mine, and I rocked against him. All of this was wonderful, exquisitely pleasing. Aiden dropped kisses all over my flushed skin. I was lost in the heady sensations, completely unprepared for it. This may not have been what we intended, but this… this was happening.Aiden lifted his head. “Are you sure?”“Yes,” I breathed. “I’ve never been more sure.”

I guess I should stop there, anything after this really gets to much of a spoiler. I hope you enjoyed the teasers.

If you like my review, I sure could use some support over at Amazon, by marking it as helpful, Link here
Or even like it at Goodreads. Here. I sure appreciate it.

Waiting On Wednesday ~ Sentinel 4/17

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:47:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at the Breaking The Spine. That spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly waiting in anticipation**

Leave me a link of what your waiting on. Love to read them.

I Can't Wait for the 5th Covenant Book, Sentinel by Jennifer L Armentrout. I just finished Apollyon last night, and it was amazing. But really need to see what happens next!

Sentinel (Covenant #5)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Paperback, 360 pages

Expected publication: December 10th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

ISBN 1937053571 (ISBN13: 9781937053574)

Series Covenant #5

Characters Aiden St. Delphi, Alexandria (Alex) Andros, Seth

(Not much of a summary on this one, you can read more on the series, just go to the authors Goodreads page here and check them all out.)

It's a beautiful day for a war. Alex must face a terrible choice between destruction of everything she loves and her own destruction. The final book in the COVENANT series.

Oh, and another great series of Jennifer's the Lux series, she shared this great pic, of the model from the Lux covers (Daemon character) and though I should share, and go here, to her site for the original post.

Can't wait for Origin to release (no cover on it, so have not used it as a WOW yet)

Don't miss out on the great giveaways, upper right side bar is all of them, one is a great Signed book giveaway hop, one of the blogs so far that I know is giving out a signed copy of Opal. Go check out the post, the linky list is there.

Signed Book #Giveaway Hop ~ 3 Signed Books!! YA and Middle Grade by Jamie Canosa and Victoria Simcox

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:09:00 +0000

Signed Book Hop

Hosted by

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Wholly Books

April 16 - 22nd

For this giveaway, These great authors are generous enough to give a Signed Copy Dissidence by Jamie Canosa (YA Dystopian) ,The Magic Warble and the sequel The Black Shard. By Victoria Simcox, a great children's fantasy series.

Dissidence (Dissidence #1)

by Jamie Canosa

Published November 26th 2012 by Prose by Design

Series Dissidence #1
Read my Review with sample read Here.

In dystopian America, sixteen-year-old Kaleigh finds out quickly what having a big mouth and not enough brains to keep it shut can earn you. A one-way ticket to the work camps that no one even knows exists.
Nuclear war has ravished the nation, and a century later, the survivors are living in an entirely new world. In a society where everything is decided for you, from where you work to who you marry, dissidence is not taken lightly.
But, even inside the camps, Kaleigh’s fiery spirit refuses to be extinguished. In a single moment of defiance, she manages to spark a riot that ignites into a full-blown rebellion.
With growing numbers counting on her, not just for their freedom, but for their very lives, two different boys vying for her heart, and trouble brewing from within the camp itself, can Kaleigh find a way to step up and become the leader everyone is counting on her to be, or will even the most carefully laid plans come crashing down around her?

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

About the Author Jamie:

Jamie Canosa is a full time author of YA literature, which she absolutely loves. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can usually be found with her nose in a book. She currently resides in Ravena, NY with her wonderful husband and three crazy kids . . . plus the dog, the bird and the rabbit.
Her debut novel,Dissidence, was published in 2012 along with several novellas, including Temptation, the first in her Heart and Soul mini-series.
She currently has several projects in the works. Fight or Flight (a NA contemporary romance due out in March 2013), the third installment of the Heart and Soul series, as well as the sequel to Dissidence (due out in June 2013).

Jamie Canosa Links

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

___________________________________________________

The Magic Warble

by Victoria Simcox

Published February 1st 2009 by Two Harbors Press (MN)

ISBN 1935097172 (ISBN13: 9781935097174)

url http://www.themagicwarble.com/

Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself magically transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and the evil Queen Sentiz. In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she's honored as "the chosen one," the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz's control. But it's not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous "Magic Warble," in its final resting place. She must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen's "zelbocks" before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, and an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

The Black Shard

by Victoria Simcox

Paperback, 255 pages

Published November 11th 2011 by Two Harbors Press

ISBN 1937293149 (ISBN13: 9781937293147)

Summary

Kristina's stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it's all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester's cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it's actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can't refuse. Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends ... and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn't get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the "Black Shard," Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it's in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

About The Author Victoria:

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now lives in Western Washington with her husband, Russ and their three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Her other family members are a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and two cats, named Frodo and Fritz. Besides being an author, Victoria is a home-schooling mother of twelve years and an elementary school art teacher of eleven years. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys managing her two older children's Celtic band. She also loves writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and just simply hanging out with her family and friends.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Book Tour & #Giveaway ~ Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers#1) by Mia Hoddell

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Title: Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)

Author: Mia Hoddell

ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA

ISBN: 9781291319170

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Add to Goodreads

Description

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenseless.
Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.
However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.
Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.

Buy Links:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Author Links

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

What people are saying

“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action. As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn't reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5

“ I found that it's surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5

“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.” ~Brianna 5/5

Character Interview

Below is a great character interview that the wonderful author Mia, has put together. Thanks. Enjoy!

Mia: Hi Kai, thank you for agreeing to talk to us today and letting me be the first to interview you. Could you tell the readers a little about yourself?

Kai: Hi everyone. Firstly you have Rea to thank for me being here, she can be incredibly persuasive when she wants to be…normally I will avoid the press at all costs, although you probably already know that due to previous experiences. There isn’t really much I can tell you about myself without it becoming a national security risk though. My work is highly confidential and therefore not meant to be spoken about in public.

Mia: Don’t worry about that Kai, I can assure you I already know what your job entails so it’s fine to discuss it with me.

Kai: You might know but your readers will not and therefore I am not allowed to discuss it. How did you find out anyway?

Mia: Never mind that Kai, it’s not important. How about we stay away from the topic of your job and focus on other things then? You recently helped turn Rea’s world upside down when you entered her life, do you have any regrets about that?

Kai: [Sigh] I guess a part of me does and a part of me doesn’t. I hate watching her go through the things she is right now and wish there was another way but she was already beginning to get involved in this life before I came along. I do feel grateful that I found her though as I was able to give her the answers she needed before she could get into more danger by looking for them.

Mia: It seems like you really care about her, how far would you go to protect her?

Kai: I thought my actions so far would speak for themselves. I would do anything to make sure she is safe not only because of my feelings towards her but for reasons I am unable to discuss due to the classified nature of the facts.

Mia: Yes, you certainly have proved that you would do anything for her. Can you elaborate on what your feelings for Rea are?

Kai: I would prefer not to if that’s alright, she knows everything she needs to and I would rather not talk about our relationship in public.

Mia: Right…Is it fair to say you can handle most problems that are thrown your way?

Kai: I would like to think so but in the world we are living in everything is unpredictable and therefore more deadly. Yes I am trained but I can only protect people from things if I know how to deal with them. Sometimes the outcome isn’t what I would hope for but most events are out of my control.

Mia: Well, fortunately for you Kai that is all I have time for. Once again thank you for allowing me to interview you and good luck with your job and Rea.

Thanks to Michelle for hosting me on her amazing blog and remember to check out Deadly to Love and the rest of the tour stops here: http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk/p/tour-schedule.html!

#Giveaway for The Sixth Power for Book Tour ~ First Chapter and Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 06:53:00 +0000

Title of Book: THE SIXTH POWER

Genre: YA Paranormal

Author: Carol Nicolas

Website: www.carolnicolas.wordpress.com

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

ISBN: 9781301877935

ASIN: B00B4MHICQ

Number of pages: 337

Word Count: 99,595

Cover Artist: Emilie Duchesne

THE ESLITES By CM Doportoites

SUMMARY:

Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.Until her geneticist brother Tom was murdered, Tania lived an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom's research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean. When Tania reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use her powers to help save Dan's sister in time to keep Tom's secrets safe.

PURCHASE AT

AMAZON | BARNES and NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol Nicolas lives in northern Utah (USA) with her husband. A native of Canada, she attended BYU-Idaho (formerly RicksCollege) and obtained a bachelor's degree in education from BrighamYoungUniversity (Provo, UtahUSA). A teacher, mother of five, wearer of silly socks, and fan of sci-fi/fantasy books and films, she enjoys growing herbs and vegetables, painting, and researching her family history. She likes rock, pop, Celtic and classical music. She has traveled throughout Europe; her favorite city there is Paris, though the romance of Venice is a close second. She speaks American English (with a Canadian accent after she has been talking with her Canadian family on the telephone for just a few minutes), as well a basic modern Greek, which she studied for 4 years to be able to communicate with her husband's family on their bi-annual trips to Greece. Her deepest secret: she hides chocolate in her desk for emergencies!

You can visit Carol's blog site at http://carolnicolas.wordpress.com

Connect with Carol:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | YOUTUBE

The Sixth Power Review

I really liked this book. Loved the paranormal/sci-fi aspects of it. It was kindof a mix of both, has the genetics playing into it, but these “Gifted” ones are born that way, not made, so that is where I feel the paranormal part of witches powers etc.

Anyway, over all its about good vs. evil, and Knowledge is very powerful, and the evil El Calavera is the books main antagonist, he believes that one of the most powerful discoveries that can change the world is hidden in the mind of Tania Westing, hidden there by her murdered genius brother. Tania is a high school senior and will be off to college soon. She discovers over time the gift she has is to heal, and its rare, but she is untrained, due to her father’s interfering with her mother’s family. (he is in denial)

Things were pretty normal for Tania until she heals a friend, and then right after meets another group of Gifted people, one of those being the hot Dan MaClean. We get some nice sweet swoon scenes with them. She has come to realize her life is in grave danger, and it gets really exciting from there on.

I really enjoyed the sweet romance of Tania and Dan. It was not those insta love kinds. They did have that paranormal connection thing going, but they took it slow. He lived in Arizona and her in San Diego, so she meets him over the spring break as they visit her parent’s hometown, and where she will go to college. Anyway, they have to take it slow anyway, long distance, with some visits; it’s really sweet, and I like to see the slower building type of romance in this YA book.

I do not want to spoil anything, so won’t say much more.

I think anyone who likes the paranormal/sci-fi (just a bit) will like this book. I really got hooked pretty quickly, and stayed that way.

5 out of 5 stars. Give it a try.
Oh, and best thing is, no huge cliffhanger! Yay, I mean its left to be able to go on for sure, but its not like an unbearable thing.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

If you like my review, I would love you to mark it as helpful at Amazon, Link Here.
If you let me know you did, I sure can return the favor, I love reading reviews :)
Or even at Goodreads, here

FIRST CHAPTER:

Sometimes, even when you know that death is imminent, you just have to go ahead and complete your small task in the great plan, Tom thought as he glided through the still, dark room. His bare feet made no sound on the smooth, hardwood floor. He felt strange sneaking around like a thief in his own house.

Tom paused at the ornate chess set on the living room coffee table. His sister, who always played white because his dad insisted she have the first move, could lose in three moves if she wasn’t careful. Tom moved her bishop. There, that should buy her some time. Too bad his own problems weren’t so easily solved.

The grandfather clock ticked steadily in the elegantly furnished living room. He had to hurry. He used his Gift and sent out a mental sweep of the La Jolla neighborhood. None of El Calavera's men were in the area, though he had spotted them following him earlier that day. He knew they were close and would catch up to him. He planned to be far from here by then.

Tom entered the study and sat down at the family computer where he and his sister had spent many hours playing on-line games. He accessed his email and opened a file he had sent earlier from Triumph Genetics Lab. At once the virus he had created began to destroy all the files in every system.

“Forgive me, Tania. You’ll understand someday.”

He opened the door to his father’s bedroom and moved noiselessly to the dresser. His father had set up a shrine there: a vase of gladiolas and lilies, his mother’s framed picture, her gold cross on a fine gold chain, and a pair of fat purple candles that illuminated the room and sent the fragrance of lavender through the air. Three sympathy cards stood open on the left. In the center was a bronze box with a plaque engraved with the words ‘Maria Valdez Walters Westing.’

“Mother.” He kissed his fingers and touched the words.

He glanced at the rumpled bed. His father must have taken a sleeping pill; his mouth was slightly open and his breathing hoarse and ragged. Tear stains glistened on the side of his haggard face. Tom bent down and kissed his father’s forehead. “Love you, Dad,” he whispered. Sorrow flooded Tom’s heart. He knew he was about to cause his father even more grief. He touched his father’s forehead and sent a specific command to his subconscious.

Next, he went to his little sister’s room. At fourteen years old, Tania was already a beauty: tall and slender, with straight black hair that fell past her shoulders, and smooth, light brown skin. She was so much like their grandmother. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slow and peaceful. Her favorite book, The Lord of the Rings, lay beside the pillow where it had slipped from her loosely curled fingers, and her bedside lamp cast a dim glow into in the dark room. He wondered if she ever turned it off at night now. Even in sleep, she looked a little sad. His heart ached.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams, little Sis. Remember me. Take care of Dad.”

Tania surprised him when she opened her large, dark eyes and grinned. “Gotcha! You thought I was asleep, didn’t you?” She sat up and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you home for the weekend?”

“No, I just stopped to say goodbye.” He squeezed her tight, memorizing her.

She sniffed. “You smell weird.”

He sighed, released her, and sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. Tania was much too observant, but he would let her play their game. “Go ahead. Deduce.”

Tania’s eyes twinkled as she studied him. “You’re wearing old clothes, and you smell like smoke, sea brine, and sweat. There are ashes in your hair. Your left forefinger and thumb are red. Your sleeves and cuffs are wet at the edges. Therefore, you and some of your fellow profs -- no, make that your two buddies at the lab -- those other dolts are much too stuffy to do something fun -- had a hot dog roast at the beach before you came here. Whatever you used for wood had a lot of chemicals in it. You got a little too close to the fire. Try using a coat hanger next time.”

He grinned. “Very good, my dear Sherlock. The hot dogs were delicious. We even tossed the football around.” He was dressed in his darkest jeans, a faded black t-shirt, and a black wool coat, but it was more for camouflage than anything else. There hadn’t been time to clean up before he’d come from the lab. He wouldn’t tell her what he had really been doing there.

Tania reached out and tugged gently on his long, tangled hair. “It’s grown since I saw you last. If you stick around, I could cut it for you tomorrow.”

Tania looked so hopeful, but he shook his head. “No. I can't stay.”

She frowned. “Where are you going?”

He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. Sorrow clenched his heart, but he didn’t let on. “Away.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she took his hand. “I love you, Tom.” Her words were underscored with a yearning for him to stay, as if those words were strong enough to bring him back home for good, strong enough to heal the rift between him and his father, and make them all a real family again. But nothing could do that now. Their mother’s ashes were three months cold, and soon he would be with her.

“I love you too, more than you know.” With all his heart he wished he could be there to see her grow up and fulfill her enormous potential. Like Tom and the others of their mother's family, Tania had inherited many of the usual Gifts. But Tania was special. His genetic studies had revealed that not only did she have her mother's DNA for the extremely rare gift to heal, but she also had the DNA that would signal the pituitary to secrete the hormone that would activate the Gift. Tania would become a great healer.

As yet, Tania was untrained and barely aware of her Gifts. All their mother had been allowed to do was to teach her to how to hide her uniqueness, to blend in with the normal population. For her own safety, Tania would have to remain that way until Aunt Sarah decided otherwise. The research which he had conducted with DNA samples from those with the Gifts, including his startling discoveries which he had planned to share with Aunt Sarah, would have to remain hidden as well. He was out of time.

Tom took Tania's hand and turned it so that the ruby in the delicate gold ring glittered in the lamplight. This ring was more than just a symbol of the powerful Valdez family; it would shield her mind from those who sought to probe her thoughts. In a few years, when Tania would begin training in her Gifts, she would learn to actively protect herself. Aunt Sarah and the others would keep her safe until then. “Promise me that you’ll always wear this ring.”

Tania squeezed his hand. Her eyes were sad. “I promise.”

The clock struck the half hour. Tom had to get out.

He picked up the book from beside her pillow, removed her bookmark, and opened it to the page he needed. The Lord of the Rings had been one of their favorite stories as children. They had spent so many hours playing together. He smiled. “Remember how we used to pretend to be Frodo and Sam on the way to Mount Doom?”

“Yeah.” Tania grinned.

“We also used to make up riddles for Bilbo to use on Gollum.”

“Those were great times.”

He looked out the window and blinked back tears. He would never see his sister again. His hand rested on the page as he recited. “‘All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.’ Remember that, Sis. Listen with your heart to find the truth.”

Tania’s eyes were on his face, so she didn’t see how he pulled a bookmark from his pocket, inserted it into the book at the passage he had just quoted, and then slipped her bookmark into his pocket. Keep it safe, he silently commanded. He looked down at her, wishing there was more he could do. Then he placed two fingertips at her temple and whispered, “Na dolen.” The command would keep her from remembering this conversation until she needed it.

Her eyes blinked in blank, sleepy surprise. “Tom?”

Book Trailer

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#Giveaway ~ Element Book Tour, By CM Doporto ~ Guest Post ~ Excerpt and Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:10:00 +0000

Element, Part 1
CM Doporto

Genre: New Adult Sci-Fi/Romance (ages 14 and up)

ISBN: 978-0-9888299-2-3

Number of pages: 169

Word Count: 45,807

Cover Artist: Amygdala Design

Add to Goodreads

Book Description:

College freshman, Natalie Vega, offers to be a test patient for several vitamins and supplements created by Kronberg Laboratories, a large pharmaceutical company where she interns. Immediately her body starts going through physical changes but when she runs into her former high school crush, Ryan Garrett, she is unaware of the life altering affects he will have on her.

Buy Links

Amazon | Smashwords | Barns and Noble

Who could play the characters in Element? By CM Doporto

When I started developing the character’s profile and personality type for Element, I needed a visual. I had to visualize in my head what they would look like so I could describe them. I immediately came up with a few actors based on movies I’ve seen or shows I watched in the past. For others, I had to scour the internet, looking for that perfect person that showcased the features of the characters from the book. If Element was turned into a motion picture here are the actors that could play the part.

Jessica Lowndes, from 90210 would make a perfect Natalie Vega. Her dark hair and striking blue eyes are a perfect match of how I envisioned Natalie. I also found a few clip of Jessica in a more natural look, which is exactly how Natalie starts out in the book.

I think Liam Hemsworth, from the Hunger Games would make an awesome Ryan Garrett. All he needs is brown eyes, which can be done with contacts and a little basking in the sun for that perfect half Hispanic, half Anglo look. Not to mention, he’s darn cute!

Spencer Boldman, from the Disney Channel, could play the part of Natalie’s ex-boyfriend, Toni Rossi. There’s something about Spencer’s dark hair and eyes that would allow him to pass for an Italian. Can you picture him talking with a debonair accent?

Natalie’s roommate and good friend, Lise

Conner, could be played perfectly by Debbie Ryan. I know, I watch too much Disney Channel. What can I say? I have a six year old son. All Debbie would need is blond hair to match the outgoing and ditzy character she plays on Jessie.

When it came to plotting Sal Rodriguez, Ryan Garret’s cousin and good

friend, I have to admit that I couldn’t get Taylor Launter out of my mind. So, I did what any writer would do, I describe him as the shirtless hunk we came to know thanks to Stephenie Meyer.

When I started forming the character, Dr. Kronberg, I instantly thought of Ian Holm. The

role he played as a scientific professor in the Day After Tomorrow stuck in my head and I knew that was exactly how he would look and talk with his witty British accent. Obviously, he would have to talk with a Swedish accent since Dr. Kronberg is from Sweden.

Finally, for the antagonist, Russ Hayle, the infamous Dylan McDermott would fit in perfectly. Picture him with salt and pepper hair and poof: you get the sleazy, no good villain that is too good looking to hate.

There you have it, my list of famous actors who could cast the role of Element should it ever make it to the big screen. I know, hopeful wishing but at least you have the picture perfect image when you read the story.

CHAPTER 1 — NEW BEGINNINGS

“Ladies and gentlemen we are approaching a storm and it’s going to be a little rough until we clear it.” The captain announced and then paused before continuing. “Please stay seated and turn off all electrical devices immediately. Thank you.”

Natalie looked out the small oval window. Raindrops smeared across it, dancing their way to the side. Lightening flashed and she shuddered. She didn’t mind flying but she could do without the terrible storm. For a moment, she wished she would have taken the later flight, but she wanted to get back early since classes resumed tomorrow. She reminded herself that she had a great Spring Break in Chicago with her family and ending it with her cousin’s fairytale wedding made it all worth it.

A sudden jolt called her attention back to the situation at hand. She looked out the window again. The plane shook and rattled as it flew on the edge of thick, dark clouds. Within seconds, darkness consumed the plane and the day turned into night. Out in the blackness of the sky she could see powerful flashes of light stretching out like tentacles waiting for the plane to enter. She pulled the blanket closer to her, clutching it up against her chest, somehow hoping it would calm the drumming of her heart.

“What the —” she blurted out when the plane hit another patch of rough turbulence. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

A horrible rumble echoed through the plane, and it wavered from side to side. Gasps and sighs along with people begging and pleading to God were heard throughout the plane. She swallowed hard, feeling the vitamins she took ten minutes ago ease their way up. Without warning, the plane dropped several feet. Her heart hit the bottom of her stomach. Gasping for air, she struggled to catch her breath. An alarm sounded and emergency instructions echoed through the overhead speakers. She grabbed the arm rests and her body stiffened. Her eyes stayed fixed on the flashing red and white lights above her head. Please God, don’t let me die! Please.

“Natalie… Natalie, wake up. You’re having another nightmare.” Lise shook her several times before she finally awoke.

“What?” She sprung up from her bed. Sweat trickled down the sides of her forehead and she breathed heavily.

“You’re okay. It was just a nightmare.” Lise sat down next to her.

It took a few seconds for her to realize that she had been dreaming. She wiped the sweat away and the pounding of her heart turned into slow thud. She lay back on to her pillow and took a few deep breaths. “I don’t know why I keep having these darn nightmares.”

“Well I do.” Lise replied.

Natalie looked at her. “You do?”

“Uh, yea… because you said you nearly died on that plane. It’s post trauma you’re experiencing.”

Natalie swallowed hard. She couldn’t be experiencing post-traumatic stress because only soldiers suffer from things like that, right? “No, I don’t think so. I mean, it was horrible and scary but—,”

“Do you want to talk about it?” Lise’s eyes softened.

“What is there to talk about?” Natalie sat back up. She hadn’t told anyone the full details about what she experienced, including her parents. She wasn’t about to tell Lise either.

“Sometimes it’s good to talk about horrible events. It can help you get over them.” Lise played with the edge of her t-shirt, rolling it up.

“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” She glanced over at the clock on the window seal. “I guess we should start getting dressed.”

Lise turned and looked at the clock. “Crap, I don’t want to be late.”

Natalie threw back the covers. “Neither do I. First impressions are everything.”

About the Author:

CM Doporto lives in the great state of Texas with her husband and son enjoying life with their extensive family along with their Chihuahua, Mexican Redhead Parrot and several fish. She writes Young Adult and New Adult Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy stories about ordinary women who do extraordinary things, become a heroine, and find love along the way.

Author Links

Web/blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Element Part One, Review

Loved this unique sci-fi romance. It felt a little like a paranormal sci -fi, but think it is supposed to just be sci-fi.

I loved Ryan, a lot, he is like the perfect guy, and unrealistic as I do not think you will find anyone, ever like him. He is too perfect, lol, but it’s ok, I still loved him, great one to have a fantasy about. Lol.

I liked Natalie too, she was really down to earth, and easy to like. She handled her changes pretty well too. Won’t get into that much, trying to keep this spoiler free.

Lise on the other hand, Natalie’s best friend and roommate I didn’t care for too much, she was pretty shallow, and to me seemed immature to an extent, wanting to only party, and a bit promiscuous from what was said of her past anyway.

Sal seemed like a great guy too, he is Ryan’s cousin, and I liked what I seen of him, he and Lise were not a huge part of the story, at least not in this part one.

Overall, I enjoyed the mystery of what was going on, and really loved the slow going romance of Ryan and Natalie. I found it admirable that they took the time to get to know each other, and didn’t just jump into bed. Their chemistry was hot though, whew, not sure how they were able to control themselves, as they have a bit of a supernatural chemistry going on.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the mystery types with some sci-fi in it. I sure hope part two is out soon, as it does end on a major cliffhanger, which I hate, I despise cliffhangers like that, and try to avoid reading those kinds of books until I have the next one in hand, when I can. If I read a review or something of a book, and they say it has one, I won’t read right away, lol, I will buy and wait, lol. (unless its for a book tour or something of course)

5 out of 5 stars, would give more if I could. Lots of promise with this series.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

If you like my review, would love some support at Amazon, and mark it as Helpful, Here.
Or even like it at Goodreads, I appreciate it. Link Here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read a free short book below, or go to the site to download it.

See the rest of the book tour Here.

#YABound Swoon Scene ~ Element 4/10

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Hosted By YA Bound. It's that time again! We (YA Bound) created a HOT meme, and if you're new to the game, here's how to join in the fun:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button at YA Bound (I made my own) and share it on your blog. We want to know.

Loved this book, just finished it, go to my tour post for my spoiler free review and to read and excerpt and the book trailer is there too, plus a great Giveaway! Link Here

Swoon Scene:

He pulled her up and swept the strands of hair away from her face. She couldn’t stand the tension any longer and apparently, neither could he. Their lips crashed together. His lips devoured hers and she responded feverishly, swirling her tongue with his. He made her hot and filled her body with fire. Never had she felt like this before. There was something different this time, a desire, an attraction, and a need beyond control.
“Oh my God… your body feels incredible.” She glided her hands over every inch of his well-defined body. When he rolled his tongue over her bare shoulders, she buried her face in the nape of his neck. The sweet and spicy smell of his cologne intoxicated her. She wanted him, despite what they vowed not to do.“Oh my God… your body feels incredible.” She glided her hands over every inch of his well-defined body. When he rolled his tongue over her bare shoulders, she buried her face in the nape of his neck. The sweet and spicy smell of his cologne intoxicated her. She wanted him, despite what they vowed not to do.

Element, Part 1
CM Doporto

Genre: New Adult Sci-Fi/Romance (ages 14 and up)

Cover Artist: Amygdala Design

Book Trailer:

Book Description:

College freshman, Natalie Vega, offers to be a test patient for several vitamins and supplements created by Kronberg Laboratories, a large pharmaceutical company where she interns. Immediately her body starts going through physical changes but when she runs into her former high school crush, Ryan Garrett, she is unaware of the life altering affects he will have on her.

Buy Links

Amazon | Smashwords | Barns and Noble

#Giveaway ~ Surface by Tiffany Daune ~ Excerpt & Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:27:00 +0000

Surface

by Tiffany Daune
Publication: February, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal

Synopsis:

Bound to the water bound to land, a Siren’s soul will never be safe on either side of the ocean’s surface. Hidden beneath the rolling waves lies the secret to Theia’s past and as she unveils each haunting truth, she realizes the last seventeen years of her life have been a lie. Now, drawn into a mysterious new world and with nowhere to turn, Theia must place her trust in Luc, a beautiful boy who stops her heart with each dazzling smile, but even his unearthly charm can’t hide the truth—he has secrets— dark secrets binding him to his world—an underwater world where Theia will never belong—a world determined to destroy her soul.

Purchase

Amazon

AUTHOR BIO

Tiffany Daune doesn't get why people want to grow up or why anyone would ever stop eating candy. Her purse is filled with books, lip gloss and a few pieces of Lego bricks. She writes best with a dish of chocolate chips on hand and finds licorice makes a better straw than plastic.
She lives on an island and believes mermaids may be raiding her candy stash, thoughshe hasn't caught them, yet.
Surface is her first novel and pairs well with gummy sharks.

Author Links:

Giveaway:

Tour grand prize (INTL):

1 E Reader

1 $25 Starbucks Gift Card

1 $15 Amazon Gift Card

5 Digital Copies of Surface

Excerpt (Chapter Three)

The wind whipped along the water's surface. Theia gasped for air, trying to stay afloat. Waves rolled in the distance, and a thick veil of rain began to fall from the sky. She tried to tread above the choppy waves, but salty water kept slipping down her throat, threatening to take her down. She had always been a great swimmer, even placing first in the state meet, but, as the freezing water soaked through her skin, pushing her temperature down by the second, she wondered how long she could survive. Theia imagined hypothermia might set in. She remembered the video from school about a bunch of kids who went hiking and froze to death on a mountain. The scary part was they didn't really even know what was happening to them. Their minds grew confused, and then they just drifted off to sleep.

Theia couldn't fall asleep here—the water would swallow her whole. She raised one arm over the other, attempting a front crawl as the waves beat against her chest. She tried to stay calm by thinking about her mom who always made her feel safe, the only person she had left.

Tears rolled down her cheeks, each drop chasing the rain. Theia wondered what her mom had done when she found the house empty.
Did the kidnappers even leave a note?
But, even if her mom could scrape together enough money for a ransom, Theia would be dead before she paid it. She yelled, screaming through her frustration. She might never see her mom again, and the last thing Theia had said to her had been cruel.
The whole fight was stupid, really. Theia had just received a letter from Southern State, offering her a full scholarship to college. Her mom was thrilled, but Theia had crumpled up the letter carelessly, tossing the opportunity in the trash. She wanted to go back to Chicago—she needed her friends. She hadn't asked to be transplanted into the middle of the south, but, when her grandmother suddenly passed away, leaving them one massive house and a beach cottage in Charleston, her mom thought a move was best. Especially when the top private high school in the area offered to waive Theia's $16,000 tuition if she joined their failing swim team.
The argument over Southern State had escalated when her mom told her she should be thankful. Theia had shrugged, and her mom had gone into overdrive. She pounded her fist on the counter and shrieked something about Theia never thinking of others. Then, without warning, she had stormed out of the house shouting, "Grow up, Theia!"
Her mom was right. How could she have been so selfish?"
"I'm so sorry!" Theia called out, but the only response she received was from the wind, howling churning the water around her.
Theia stopped treading water and tilted her head back, letting her body float. There was no point in fighting—she had already lost.
The rain continued to drown out the sun, and Theia had no idea what time of day it was, but she was sure she wouldn't make it until nightfall. Her limbs grew heavy like an anchor seeking the sandy bottom. She let her eyelids slide closed. She couldn't fall asleep—sleep meant death in the middle of the ocean, but resting her eyes let her imagine someplace else—a place without so much water.
Her head dipped below the surface, and she bolted up at once.
Bad girl, she scolded herself. You want to die like this? You have to stay awake!
She continued her mental pep talk as she straightened her legs and swam a little farther. Her legs worked like scissors, cutting through the thick water, leading her to nowhere, but she had to try to find the shore. She found her rhythm, moving with the flow of the water, moving faster now, imagining the shoreline before her.
Theia kicked harder, her eyes focused on the horizon. She thrust forward, but, as she did, her ankle caught on something—she was stuck. She kicked with her left leg, but a crushing hold, like a fist wrapped around her ankle. Her scream was cut off as her head slipped under. Her body rushed through the water as if being dragged by an invisible tow rope.
Theia twisted, wriggling free from the force, and she frantically paddled her way to the surface. Her leg burned with the sting of salt water—she had been cut. She reached for her leg, trying to see the wound, but she was swiped from the side. She screamed and tucked her legs up to her chest. Her gaze darted to the ring of dark shadows circling beneath her.
"Oh crap—sharks!"
Her heart pounded, pulsing hot blood through her veins—the same crimson cocktail that would draw the sharks.
Stay calm, she told herself. Sharks are only curious. They don't actually attack.
But she was wounded and bleeding. The blood would attract them. Again, something thumped against her torso, nudging her forward. Then the fist that had gripped her ankle crushed itself around her wrist. She could feel each finger digging into her flesh, increasing the pressure one by one. Theia thought she was going insane, imagining shark's teeth as fingers. And just when she believed she had completely lost her mind, a delicate hand reached up from beneath the rolling water and waved to her like a princess in the Rose Bowl parade.
In shock, Theia kicked harder, but she wasn't strong enough to break free. Another wretched hand clutched her ankle and dragged her straight down. Theia rolled her torso and yanked her legs free again, kicking furiously to the surface. Her mouth opened to scream, but the hands pulled her under again, deep below the surface, and water filled her throat. Theia punched out with her fists, in every direction, but she hit nothing.
Just then, the water in front of her began to glow casting a murky light, and from the darkness emerged a small face. Theia pushed back against the water, stunned as she stared at what looked to be a little girl. The child smiled sweetly as she brushed her wispy, black hair from her face.
I'm hallucinating, Theia told herself.
The girl swayed from side to side, her delicate, webbed arms floating beside her like wings.
An angel, Theia thought.
Theia reached out, willing to take her hand. But, just as she believed the cherub would carry her off to heaven, the girl's slanted eyes narrowed, and her pretty smile split. She let out a shrill cry, the sound thrusting the water up in a spiral, trapping Theia in a liquid cage. Theia ripped her wrist free from the demon girl, but she was outnumbered. Three more circled her, closing in. The demons wailed with deafening howls, churning the water with each cry. Theia clutched her head. She pinched her eyes shut. Death was supposed to be peaceful—not a nightmare.
The child's lips curled around her wrist. Pain pierced her as she felt a set of fangs penetrate deep within her flesh. Theia tried to pull away, but the others were quick. They darted around her methodically, pricking her arms and then her legs, over and over again until a crimson cloud engulfed them all.
Suddenly, they let her go. Drained, Theia drifted toward the sandy bottom. She glanced up as she fell, watching as one child cupped her hands together to sip the salty water mixed with her blood.
Go ahead, drink, Theia thought. Drink all you want. I'll be dead soon.
But, as Theia's blood passed the girl's lips, her brow scrunched, and her lips puckered. She spewed the bloody cocktail back into the water. Her eyes glowed, torn with rage, and she tilted her head back in a howl. She lunged towards Theia, snatching up her battered arm in her shaking little fist.
There's nothing left, Theia thought, wincing, expecting to feel the child's fangs again.
But the girl didn't want more blood; she was searching for something else. She held Theia's arm for a moment, her eyes wide in puzzlement. Then, without warning, she let out a shattering cry. Alarmed, the other girls circled around her to get a better look. They stared wideeyed, floating above her in an eerie silence. But the peace didn't last long. They began to shriek. One demon child tore at her dark hair, while another girl convulsed as if she had been poisoned. The smallest of the girls seemed the angriest, her wailing now replaced by a low hiss. Theia wanted to fight them off, but she couldn't even lift her head. All she could do was watch as the smallest girl stretched her open jaw across her chest. Theia closed her eyes waiting for the demon's fangs to puncture her flesh.
But, instead of pain, she felt a current jolt the water all around her, and then she felt a sudden calm. Through the vibration, she thought she could hear someone talking to her, deep within her mind, soothing her inside. She forced her eyes open. The demon girl swayed before her. Her head was bent at an odd angle, her lips sealed in pain. Something— someone—had struck her. But, instead of retaliating against her attacker, she bolted towards her companions, and they took off at once, their iridescent tails vanishing into the dark water.
Theia felt, like she was watching some bizarre movie in slow motion, all the images drifting in and out before her eyes. But just before her lids slipped shut, she held on to one last vision. Through the haze in her mind, she could make out the face of a boy. He seemed so familiar— maybe one of her classmates? No, she had never seen him before except for maybe in one of her dreams—yes, he had to be from her dreams.
He was extraordinary. He seemed to glow, illuminating the dark water with shimmering light, his splendid face smiling at her.
My guardian angel. Theia smiled. Hell would have to wait.
The boy wrapped himself around Theia like a cloak, his sparkling blue eyes fixed on hers. Peace washed through her as she drifted away— safe in the arms of death.

My Surface Review

Wow, what a great book. I have not read many books that have to do with the water. I will be keeping this review short, as I do not want to give away any of the cool surprises.

I loved Luc, he is so sweet, and Theia is a great character. I think the character development was fantastic. I found myself really liking Dumas and what he is trying to do, he is a real hero, as well as Fiona.

Celeste and Angelique I found to be a bit shallow at first, they were a bit reckless to me. Overall the characters all bring a lot to this story.

I will say, the first chapter or two will have you wondering what the heck is going on, but that was some of the fun of the mystery to me. Hang in there, you get some answers around the 4^th chapter and on.

This was a refreshing unique paranormal book, which I just adored. I look forward to more work from this author.

I also love the cover, it’s just right, it really is.

5 out of 5 stars, I highly recommend this book. It will hook you right from the start.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

If you liked my review, I would love the support at Amazon, and mark it as helpful, Link Here.
Or Like it at Goodreads, Here. Thanks!

You can find the rest of the tour Here

#Giveaway Signed Book ~ Deadly Kisses Blog Tour! By Kerri Cuevas

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:03:00 +0000

Deadly Kisses by Kerri Cuevas
Publication: March 5th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Aiden Grant has a killer kiss. Literally. And it’s not every reaper who gets to work with the Sixteenth President. Sure, Honest Abe likes to throw out history lessons with reaping assignments, but when you’re favored by the ancients, grim reaper life is pretty sweet for a newly dead seventeen-year-old.
Then things get messy.
Aiden is assigned to reap the soul of Bee, the only girl he has ever loved. When Aiden’s kiss of death fails, intertwining their souls, she is still very much alive and they are both in trouble. The ancients want Bee, who has special powers of her own, and they’ll do anything to get her.
Some rules are meant to be broken, even if that means Aiden must bargain with his own soul to save Bee. Who knew the afterlife could get so complicated?

Buy Links

WiDo Publishing | Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTHOR BIO

Kerri Cuevas was born and raised in Rhode Island. She moved to New Hampshire with her husband, three kids, cats and a rabbit named Hercules in 2005. When she's not writing, she's chasing chickens on her small farm or searching for the ultimate mac-a-cheese recipe.
Kerri went to college for Early Childhood Education but now writes books for young adults full-time. Her storytelling stems from watching too many horror flicks as a teen, but she no longer needs to sleep with the lights on.

Author Links

My Review of Deadly Kisses

I actually really liked this book. After I read a few chapters, I didn’t think I would, because the part of Abe Lincoln being a Grimm Reaper was a little too much for me.

But I kept reading, and was able to get into the book. I was grossed out on the whole flesh falling off part of Aiden aka Ad. But, that does change, won’t say why, lol

I think it is an interesting story. Bee is a great character I think, and was loving her spunk. I don’t want to give too much away, but wanted to mention its really well written, and its for sure a new type of story for me. I know there is Grimm Reaper books out there, but think the way this one is written is unique. But I do usually avoid creepy kinds of books.

I loved how realistic Aiden was as a character. He has his guilt, regret, and insecurities. Bee has been able to see reapers her whole life, and found her to be really tough, that would be a bummer. She is just what Aiden needs to bring him out of his self sentenced seclusion. It makes you wonder if love can survive between the living and the dead?

Deadly Kisses has that perfect blend of action, romance, and suspense to keep you wondering what will happen.

I am anxious of book 2 now.

I give it 4 ½ stars (will be 5 stars most places I post)

I do recommend it for sure.

I was given a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

If you liked my review, I would love your support and mark it as helpful at Amazon, Link Here.
Or even Like it at Goodreads, Here.

Excerpt

“What’s happening, Top Hat? What do you have for me now, another sour old man? The guy who chopped his leg off with a chainsaw last week was a sight. No more water, because the one I had to go reap from drowning left water stains on the new paint job.” I pointed to the dark spot on the floor. “Give me all the nasty ones, don’t you?”

“Young Reaperling, how else would I get you to fight in my war? Besides, a busy Reaper is a Reaper who stays out of trouble. I told you death is not pretty, but essential, and you cannot always choose how they will die.” A long bony finger poked me. “If I could die again it would be you who would put me in my grave.”

“I take that as a compliment. Thank you.” I reached out and smoothed the crease in the front of his cloak. It reminded me of what my mom had done for me countless times before she started drinking—when she cared.

He pulled at his long bushy beard. “Young people have no respect for their elders. I don’t care if you’re my most efficient Reaper, you should listen to me and ascend. So help me if anyone else your age decides to hold onto their regret.”

I took out my phone. “Just hurry up and send me the next assignment because I have to go and buff out scratches. I think I got another one during the last transport.”

“Don’t be so quick to receive this assignment, boy, because it’s the one that will make or break you.” Abe’s face went from cheerful to dreadful. His high cheekbones were more prominent and his brown eyes held sorrow. His panic shadowed over me, and I felt it seeping into the decayed marrow in my bones.

“Give it to me straight, big guy. I can handle it.”

Abe pushed send on his phone and seconds later the text reached me. I tapped the screen and the seven-day countdown app started. Precious seconds of life began to tick away.

I looked at my assignment’s personal information. The picture stared back at me. I hadn’t seen her in two years, but she looked the same. My scythe fell to the wooden bottom of the gondola, and I dropped to my knees.

“This can’t be happening.”

“You haven’t read the Manual of Death, have you, Ad?” Abe said. “This is the final test.”

“I haven’t got around to reading the manual.”

A wisp of fog went in and out of my mouth as I struggled for air my body no longer needed. Abe bent down and put his hand on my back. His long legs reached over the edge of my gondola and up to my shoulders. “If you don’t reap the soul that is assigned to you . . .”

“I know, I know. Fail to reap and I end up a tossed skeleton in the River of Lost Souls, ceasing to exist on any plane.”

Abe let go of me, held his hat, and stood up.

“But Bee would still die?” There was no way around the master List of Death, but my blood boiled that Bee had made it to the top. It wasn’t fair. I could make her death quick. It was the least I could do after what I did to her family, but it was too soon. She was only sixteen.

“The assignment would be passed down to Reina if you fail.”

My hands dropped to the floor, picking up my scythe. I sucked in a stale breath, easing myself to my feet. I relaxed with the scythe’s familiar feel beneath my bony fingers. It radiated warmth and I clung to that normalcy as I had with my guitar when I was alive.

I would go collect the girl’s soul. I didn’t want any other Grim Reaper near her. I would do my job.

“Are you okay?” he asked. I felt him trying to comfort me, but I pushed it away.

“Yes . . . no . . . maybe, oh I don’t know. You have my clean stuff?”

He put a pile of cloaks in a heap over the dark water spot and took my used ones. “Did I mention that I’m not a woman who does your laundry? Do your own,” Abe said. “I’ll train you myself if you go through with this assignment.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “No Grim Reaper Academy?”

“You’re a natural, kid, but you need more training than they offer. It’s imperative that you learn the histories. You need to know about the lesser creatures.”

“Let’s do the speech another time. I need to find a way to take care of this assignment, kay?”

Abe’s eyes wandered as he stroked his beard. “I don’t understand why you give me the letter ‘k.’ Am I missing something? Or is this like how you call yourself, Ad, now instead of your given name?”

I growled in frustration. “Sheesh. You old dudes are worse than a granny. Okay. Kay. You get it?”

Abe was quiet, deep in thought, then burst out with rolling laughter. “I get it. The English language has become foreign since I died.”

He tipped his hat and left, leaving me alone in the black with only the moans from the River of Lost Souls to keep me company. My heart was a leaden thing that had sunk in my chest. I took a deep breath and moved my gondola away from the shore. I headed north to face my fate, knowing in the pit of my non-existent stomach that Bee was the one who would leave me a Grim Reaper for eternity.

You can see the rest of the tour, Here.

Cover Reveal ~ Northern Bites, Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter Vol. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:04:00 +0000

NORTHERN BITES, Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, Vol. 2

SUMMARY:

Love bites.Probation sucks.Thanks to Dante’s recklessness, Aurora is now partners with Valerie: the redheaded, backstabbing vixen.
Dante is in full flirt mode. Fane’s tactics are far more ruthless. Something carnal has awakened in Aurora and neither boy is helping tame her cravings.When a member of the unit’s team is found dead, Aurora and Valerie are sent after a vampire in Sitka, but Aurora suspects the killer’s much closer to home.

ADD it at Goodreads.

Expected Release Date: June 27, 2013

On SALE: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter Vol. 1 is on sale for 99 cents until April 7th for Kindle and Nook.

Enter to WIN: Signed Aurora Sky paperback, Blood Bath cherry scented shower gel, and a Blood Transfusion mason jar with straw (US) or an Aurora Sky ebook, 3 winners (INT). Ends soon!

Waiting On Wednesday ~ The Liberator (Dante Walker #2) 4/3

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:46:00 +0000

Waiting on Wednesday

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at the Breaking The Spine. That spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly waiting in anticipation**

Leave me a link of what your waiting on. Love to read them.

After reading The Collector, just finished this morning, I had to see when book 2 is out. Its at least this year, in August. I hope to get my hands on an ARC, and can do an early review. My Review of The Collector book one, is Here. (Spoiler free) Has an excerpt and a few teasers too.

WARNING, if you have NOT read the first Book The Collector. DO NOT read the blurb for book 2 below. Its got MAJOR Spoilers for the first book, so I wanted to warn you. You can read the blurb for Book one, Here. At Goodreads.

The Liberator (Dante Walker #2)

by Victoria Scott

Expected publication: August 27th 2013 by Entangled Teen

ISBN 1622660161 (ISBN13: 9781622660162)

url http://www.DanteWalker.com

series Dante Walker #2

Bad boy, meet bad girl.
Dante has a shiny new cuff wrapped around his ankle, and he doesn't like that mess one bit. His new accessory comes straight from Big Guy himself and marks the former demon as a liberator. Despite his gritty past and bad boy ways, Dante Walker has been granted a second chance.
When Dante is given his first mission as a liberator to save the soul of seventeen-year-old Aspen, he knows he’s got this. But Aspen reminds him of the rebellious life he used to live and is making it difficult to resist sinful temptations. Though Dante is committed to living clean for his girlfriend Charlie, this dude’s been a playboy for far too long…and old demons die hard.
With Charlie becoming the girl she was never able to be pre-makeover and Aspen showing him how delicious it feels to embrace his inner beast, Dante will have to go somewhere he never thought he’d return to in order to accomplish the impossible: save the girl he’s been assigned to, and keep the girl he loves.

Promo and 5 Star Review ~ The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott ~ Excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:31:00 +0000

The Collector (Dante Walker #1)

by Victoria Scott

He makes good girls...bad.
Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.
Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:
Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.
Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

The Collector (Dante Walker #1) Review

I really loved this book. It has been one I have been wanting to read ever since I had read some teaser somewhere from the author. I will say, the first quarter of the book, I despised Dante; I didn’t like him at all. But, that all changes, Charlie, his assignment is what really changes him, and I loved this change. I don’t want to give away too much, so won’t tell too much of the story, but to tell you I loved it. If you’re someone like me, who loves Paranormal books, and like having some funny stuff too, then your going to love this book. It’s written so well too. I was sucked in right from the start, and could not put it down. The last part of the book will have you on the edge of your seat freaking out, I know it did me.

I can’t wait to read the next book. It does not end on a huge cliffhanger, just a few unanswered questions, but ones you want to know. I have a theory on one, but since it would be a spoiler, I can’t mention it.

I highly recommend this book. Give it a try, it’s a great change to be inside a guys head like this. Though I would have loved some from Charlie, or even Valery, who I also liked.

5 out of 5 stars. Don’t miss out on this one!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

If you liked my review, would love the support at Amazon, by marking my review as helpful, Here.
Or Like it at Goodreads, Here.

Below is a few teasers that are spoiler free.

“Name my car? No.”“Yes! Ooh, let me do it. How about Elizabeth Taylor? She was flashy and looked good in red.”“You want to name my car Elizabeth Taylor?”“Not want to. Did. It’s done.”I pull in a long breath. “Can you just tell me where Liz needs to go?”

(Dante talking to a cab driver, thought it was funny)

I point to his nappy beard. “You keep things in there?” He doesn’t respond. “Like candies or baby birds?”His jaw tightens. “You should think about it.” I dig my wallet out and pay the dude.

Non-Spoiler Excerpt of Chapter One (its not very long, and first part is a short introduction I thought was cool)

What’s up, people. Name’s Dante.

Last summer, I met this chick in Chicago. Homegirl said she dug my red Chuck Taylors, and I dug her fashion sense. We got to talking and somehow, as the sun fell and night crawled over us, I told her...everything. I don’t know why it came out. But it did all the same. The chick, a writer it seemed, asked to share my story with the world, and for whatever reason, I agreed. It is what it is. Sometimes I like to gamble. That’s how I roll.

So this is it—my life, told by her hand. I guess this story was bound to leak one way or another. At least from me, you know you’re getting it straight.

That is, if you trust a demon.

- Dante Walker

THE ENVELOPE

I’m in a slump, off my game, throwing up bricks, swinging and missing.
I’m having an off year.
My boss isn’t pleased, and he’s not the type of guy you want to piss off either. He’s the ultimate a-hole who doesn’t buy excuses, even the champion ones I’m slingin’. But, hey, it’s a job. And generally speaking, I’m damn good at it.
I am The Collector.
It’s not as bad as it sounds. I’m kinda like Santa Claus. We’re both jolly guys with a passion for frosted cookies, the color red…and sorting souls. My job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and I get the fun ones.
Two years ago, I was just your average seventeenyear-old guy. That’s a lie. I’ve never been average. I look like a movie star and move like an athlete. That didn’t change when I kicked the bucket. It’s okay to be jealous, to covet me. It’s a delicious sin—tastes like chicken. But don’t envy my success as a collector. I earned it. Like Michael Jordan, I shot until I never missed. If there’s a bad soul anywhere on planet Earth, I can smell him out and turn him in. Bag-and-tag.
Boss Man runs the underworld, and I’m his number one guy up top. I’m so good, in fact, that I train the other five collectors on how to be more awesome. It doesn’t take a genius to understand the game: collect souls that are sealed.
Seals are our friends. I say it slowly, because patronizing people is fun.
It’s an easy gig. So easy, I’ve been bored lately. Maybe that’s why my numbers have slipped. But don’t fret. I got this. I’ve never met a hurdle I didn’t like.
In fact, stumbling toward me is a herd of businesssuit clad men way too old to be this wasted. What are they even doing on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street? Being creepers, that’s what. A guy with Dumbo-sized ears breaks away from the pack and heads toward a girl half his age. His arms swing in great big circles until yellow liquid splashes from his plastic yardstick drink.
Way to bring your ‘A’ Game.
The girl turns toward her friend in an obvious attempt to avoid eye contact with Drunk Ogre Man. But no matter. He swings her around, shows her his colorful beads, and attempts to pull up her shirt. That’s the deal, right? Beads for boobs? Not this time. Homegirl slaps him and storms off, her heels click-clacking down the paved road.
Ogre stares after her, and his friends howl with laughter. His red-rimmed eyes go big for a second, then he starts laughing, too. He got off pretty easy, all things considered. But we’re not done yet. Or better yet, I’m not done yet.
I gaze at the guy in a way only I can. A warm yellow light crawls over his skin and flickers. It almost appears as if his body is on fire. This light is his soul, and I can see the thumbnail sized rectangles called seals that partially obscure it. Seals come from being bad, or as I like to say, exciting. If I could come back from the dead, the things I would do. I’d go out with a bang. But I can’t. And unfortunately, collecting leaves little time for recreational activities, if you know what I mean. So I just keep punching the clock and doing what I do best.
Amidst the dude’s mini black seals, there are other seals. Our seals. Collector’s seals are bigger than the ones you get automatically when you sin, and therefore do a lot more damage. In order for Boss Man to know who’s done what, our seals are different colors, and already this guy looks like Rainbow Bright. Now he’ll have one more to add to his collection. I flick a finger and a sizzling red seal—the length of a human palm—attaches to his light. He didn’t feel a thing, but he certainly deserved it. His soul light dims just a little more than before. Once his light is completely covered, it’s over. Finis! We’ll collect his soul and bring it downstairs. I form my hand into a gun. “Pow!”
Another one bites the dust.
Today, I’m playing my part on Team Hell like a heavyweight. The game works like a gas gauge. On one side is hell, on the other is heaven. That little orange bar tips back and forth between the two depending on who has the most souls. Collectors are Boss Man’s insurance policy that Big Guy (aka, lord of the heavens) doesn’t win, but he should chillax. No one ever gets the upper hand. If they did, it’d mean the gates of heaven, or hell, would spill open onto Earth.
Or some fairytale crap like that.
After Boob Man is gone, I stand in the doorway of the Cat’s Meow bar, watching people do the same things that led me to where I am now. This city is one of our standard posts. Since there are billions of people, and only six collectors, we have to concentrate on specific areas or we’ll never get anywhere. Most people go to Judgment Day, which may or may not mean eternity in hell, so Boss Man likes to bring them in before that happens if he can. And New Orleans, well, it’s one of the easiest places to make quota.
Seals fly from my fingertips with ease. I don’t have to think too hard about it, and for that, I’m thankful. I like this part of my job, the nameless faces. Collecting souls is nothing personal. I’m an equal-opportunity sealer. I’m not sure I could do it any other way.
But I guess I’m going to have to learn. I shove my hand into my pocket and rub the sleeping white envelope. I can almost feel it pressing against my thigh, as if it’s alive. As if it has tongue and teeth.
I spin around and see Max running toward me in a gray Armani shirt. “Dante. Oh, Dante. Seal me! Seal me so hard!” He grabs my hips and pumps his toward mine. “Oh, Dante! You’re so hot when you seal souls.”
I shove my idiot-of-a-best-friend off me and laugh. Max dances around in a circle with one leg pulled up, and people move away as if he’s mentally unstable. He and I are the only collectors that like to remain visible to the living. The other four roll incognito. Max finishes his dance and brushes his shoulders off.
“What the hell was that?” I ask.
“My new move,” he says matter-of-factly.
My fellow collector is 6 years older than me but acts like he’s 13. We met a couple of years ago after he kicked the bucket and came on board. He talks so fast I have trouble understanding him sometimes. I like to think he was the World’s Best Car Salesman before he croaked.
Max spreads his arms out and gestures to his suit. “Hey, what do you think of my new threads?” The only thing Max likes better than money are the things money can buy.
“Not too bad.”
“Not too bad?” He covers his heart in mock-offense. “Shit. This work of art is on the cover of GQ. Know what else? George Clooney wore this very suit to a party last weekend.”
“No, he didn’t.”
Max runs a hand over his clean-shaven jaw. “No. No, I guess he didn’t. Think anyone else would buy that? I might try it on the honeys tonight. Oh, check this crap out.” He reaches down and tugs his pant leg up. The gold cuff wrapped around his ankle is decorated with Smurf stickers. “One of the other collectors did this after I crashed last night. Can you believe that mess? I can’t get the damn things off.”
I roll my foot around, feeling my own cuff pinching my ankle. The heavy restraint enables collectors to walk the earth. It allows us to eat, breathe, and carry on a normal existence among the living. It also allows Boss Man and the other collectors to know where we are if they’re close by. A little Big Brother if you ask me, but then again, we’re given the option to remove it; if you call breaking off your cuff and dying a final death anoption.
Max elbows me. “Who’re you fantasizing about?”
“No one. I’m thinking about these damn cuffs. I wish there was a way to stay here without them.” Max doesn’t realize I know exactly where these cuffs came from. And I can’t tell him. The only reason I know is because Boss Man explained it while training me for my pending promotion. Maybe I shouldn’t be proud that the devil tells me his secrets. But I am.
“Well, there ain’t. So you can just get over that one, Pretty Boy.” Max rubs behind his neck and squints against the sun. “At least we’re able to get out of hell from time to time. Besides, why are you even tripping about it? Everyone knows you’re getting promoted to Soul Director. Then it’s permanent placement on earth, Hombre. It’s like you hit the Underworld jackpot. Speaking of jackpots, I feel like gambling. I’ve got the itch.”
“I bet you’ve got the itch,” I say.
“You’re nasty, you know that? Just foul.” Max walks backwards away from me, bumping into people as he moves down the street. “You nasty, you nasty. You mama said you nasty!” And then he’s gone. Vanished into thin air.
I shake my head at his dramatic exit. I feel bad for not mentioning the envelope. But he’ll just make it into a big deal. I pull it out and stare at it. Inside is the name of my target: Charlie Cooper. Boss Man wants her soul, says he’ll forget my recent downslide if I deliver. This is unusual. He typically doesn’t pinpoint specific people, and I hate that it’s going to make things personal. But I’m not here to question, only to do my thang.
It's not like I have much of a choice.
I’m on it, I told Boss Man when he’d handed me the envelope. Like white on rice.
I didn’t say the last part. He wouldn’t appreciate the humor.

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:53:00 +0000

Teaser Tuesday Is a Weekly bookish Meme, Hosted by MitzB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along. Just do the following:

Grab your current read Open to a random page Share 2 (Two) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

Be Careful, No Spoilers Please (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruing the book for others) Share title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their tbr list if they like your teaser!Please leave me a comment with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog) Thanks!

Teaser #1

“Name my car? No.”“Yes! Ooh, let me do it. How about Elizabeth Taylor? She was flashy and looked good in red.”“You want to name my car Elizabeth Taylor?”“Not want to. Did. It’s done.”I pull in a long breath. “Can you just tell me where Liz needs to go?”

Teaser #2 (Dante talking to a cab driver, thought it was funny)

I point to his nappy beard. “You keep things in there?” He doesn’t respond. “Like candies or baby birds?”His jaw tightens. “You should think about it.” I dig my wallet out and pay the dude.

The Collector (Dante Walker #1)

by Victoria Scott

He makes good girls...bad.

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

#Giveaway ~ Cover Reveal Stars In Her Eyes by Clare C. Marshall

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:55:00 +0000

Title: Stars In Her Eyes (Sparkstone Saga #1)

Author: Clare C. Marshall

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction/Adventure

Publisher: Faery Ink Press

Publishing date: May 13, 2013

Blurb:

Burn hot and cold.

Read minds.

Disappear at will.

Dream your own death.

Welcome to Sparkstone University, where some students are more gifted than others.

When Ingrid learns she’s been accepted at the hyper-secretive Sparkstone University, she is sceptical. It’s an honour to attend, apparently, and yet barely anyone has ever heard of the place.

And everyone seems a little too happy that she’s there: especially when she meets Sunni and her group of friends. They seem to already know Ingrid. As if she was expected. Expected to save Earth from an imminent alien invasion. Like she has superpowers or something.

As if magic and mutations exist. As if aliens are really planning to attack.

That just sounds ridiculous. There’s no such thing.

…right?

Wrong.

Author Bio

Clare C. Marshall grew up in rural Nova Scotia with very little television and dial up internet, and yet, she turned out okay. She has a combined honours degree in journalism and psychology from the University of King’s College, and is a graduate from Humber College’s Creative Book Publishing Program. She is a full time freelance editor, book designer, web manager, and publishing consultant. She enjoys publishing books through her imprint, Faery Ink Press. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing the fiddle and making silly noises at cats.

Authors Links

Facebook | Website | Twitter | Author Goodreads

There is a 2 for 1 Pre-Order sale at Feart Ink Press, Go check out the details.

Link Here

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Giveaway for Release Day! For Range & The Magpie Bridge (I Am Just/Not Junco 4 & 4.5) by J. A. Huss

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:24:00 +0000

RANGE

THE MAGPIE BRIDGE

I Am Just/Not Junco

J. A. Huss

Published: March 27, 2013

Genre: New Adult Science Fiction

RANGE INFO

Two years have passed since Inanna stole Junco away from Lucan. Two years of unimaginable pain. Two years of isolation, mutilation and torture. Two years of fear and loneliness in a morph tank. And that’s not something you just get over, even if you are psycho-assassin, Junco Coot. Now Junco has to learn to live with the consequences. Her Siblings are suspicious and angry, half her team is dead, Tier is wreaking death and destruction, Lucan is holding his secrets close, and she is spiraling out of control. There is only one partnership that matters anymore – only one person she will trust and take direction from – and only one way out of the Hell she’s been sentenced to. Junco is tired of fighting and death. She’s had enough and this time she means to end it – once and for all.

MAGPIE BRIDGE INFO

Raubtier Aves, 039-1, a.k.a TIER Son of Lucan Ranking Officer of the Avian military Powerful Ruthless And devoted to Junco, no matter what

Tier was left with one specific order and he’s not about to screw it up. He might lose all his allies, his brothers, his shot at defeating the High Order, and his own Eternal Salvation - but he’s willing to risk it all to keep one small girl alive. Tier reveals his part in the epic tale of The Seven Siblings, spilling secrets and motivations that will leave you breathless and wanting more. The Magpie Bridge paves the way for the final installment in the new adult Series, I Am Just Junco. The final book in the Junco Epic, RETURN, will be released on December 2, 2013.

Ashur Interviews Tier Hey everyone – Ashur here… Junco asked me to introduce Tier’s interview since I happen to know him best. I thought I’d spice things up a bit and add my take on his questions…enjoy!
Character profile: Raubtier, Aves 039-1
Physical Description: 6’1, 185 lbs. black hair, green eyes. I think this is a stupid question, let’s move on. No one cares what I look like, only how well I fight. (ASHUR: I look just like him, only smarter.)
Actor who could play you in a movie: Next… (ASHUR: I agree, that’s like a total chick question.)
Job: Second in Command to Lucan, Captain of the 039. (ASHUR: So he thinks…)
Favorite gun: Whatever’s available when I need it, which isn’t often. (ASHUR: Tier only uses guns if they're handy, otherwise he’s all about slashing throats.)
Favorite MMA move: The flying knee because that throws them off every time. It’s like, splat, there goes your jaw. Bye… (ASHUR: Yeah, the flying knee is brutal. That shit totally hurts.)
Favorite Team Member: Ashur. (ASHUR: Awwwww…he loves me.)
Favorite vaca spot: Next… (ASHUR: Secretly, Tier loves Disney World)
Favorite food: I’ll eat anything, who cares? Food is food. Although Junco is an excellent cook and I enjoy her human meals. (ASHUR: Junco makes an awesome pineapple upside-down cake)
Age: In Clutch I’m 24. In Fledge and Flight I’m 25…Range takes place when I’m 27.
Birthday: I have no idea when my birthday was – sometime in the Clutch year of 2127 maybe. The only day that counts is your morphday. Mine is March 9, 2139 and since the 039 were all sent back from Earth at the same time, we all morphed together. So all the members of the 039 share the same morphday. (ASHUR: We have a raging fucking party every year. Invitation only.)
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Song: Everything by Metallica (ASHUR: Dude, do you remember that time we saw Ozzy and Metallica, and Van Halen and Metallica, and all those other times we saw Metallica? If you do, let me know – because they’re a little fuzzy in my memory for some reason….)
Words to live by: Trust me. (ASHUR: pffft.)
Perfect Saturday Night: At home with Junco. (ASHUR: Yeah, me too… except with Selia.)
Three traits that best describe me: Rational, ruthless, and loyal. (ASHUR: Well, I’d say asshole, asshole, and asshole. Is three all we get?)
What did you want to be when you grew up: A good guy. (ASHUR: Good guy? You don’t even come close, brother. Sorry.)
Day or night: Night. The best part of my day is sleeping next to Junco. (ASHUR: I got nothing for this one.)

Bad-Ass Junco is BACK!

(And-She's-A-Crazy-Bitch Giveaway)

Win The Junco-is-Psycho RANGE Blog Tour $150 Grand Prize.

Or one of two runner up prizes! CUSTOM Silver Junco Angel Wing Locket Necklace from birdzNbees

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UGlU3lUz34

ABOUT THE AUTHOR J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label). She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Ten Fun Facts About J. A. Huss

She owns two donkeys named Paris and Nicole.
Her favorite color is green.
Her favorite foods are popcorn and pancakes.
Best place she ever visited was Stonehenge.
Her favorite SF book is Woken Furies by Richard K. Morgan
Her favorite literary book is Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley
Her favorite new adult book is Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Movie she drops everything to watch no matter what is The Fifth Element
Princess Leia inspired her to be a smart-ass
She has five tattoos.

EXCERPT

Tier appears in front of me and his hands are on my shoulders. I swat them off and push past him.

"Take me back! Please, just take me back to Gideon. I don't want to be here." He simply stares as I point to the drawer that contains the demon Bible. "Is that who you guys worship? Some vampire thing with metal claws?"

Tier's laugh startles me and I step back so fast I trip over the edge of the bed and fall backwards. His dark imposing figure hovers over me, wings lifted and extended slightly, as his eyes glow green with—something. He grabs my arms and slides me towards the center of the bed, then crawls up, his knees on either side of my legs, until he's poised above me.

"Worship him? Darlin', he is High Order—he is coming to kill us. We don't worship him. We flee from him. We take flight like starlings. And if you're quite done stomping around like a baby, I'm going to enlighten you about exactly who I am and what we're doing here and then maybe—unlikely, but maybe—you'll stop your incessant whining and pouting and screaming and think of someone other than yerself for once."

He stops, maybe to see if I'll object to his insults, but I don't. Not because I agree with him, but because I just can't think of anything to say. He's wiped my mind of everything but his body, which at this very moment is lowering down on top of me. His uniform shirt rides up a little and I catch a glimpse of skin. It takes every molecule of willpower to pull my gaze back up to his eyes.

"Because this is not a fucking game I'm playing." His weight settles across my stomach, his face coming closer and closer until he's a breath away. His words come out as a whisper. "We're done playing, Junco." His hands are on either side of my head now, leaning on the bed, forming little impressions in the mattress so that the palms are brushing alongside my cheeks. I try to watch his eyes but all that registers is how with each passing fraction he is closing the distance between us.

"We're gonna set it straight, right now." His mouth dips down and caresses mine.

My eyes close as I respond, but he pulls back almost immediately.

I lie there. Waiting to see what he'll do next, not even caring that he just blamed that whole fight on me, because this man is heating me up in a way that makes me powerless to resist.

#Giveaway ~ The Witch Hunter by Nicole R. Taylor Book Tour ~ Excerpt & Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 05:12:00 +0000

The Witch Hunter
Book One in the Witch Hunter Saga

Nicole R. Taylor

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal

ISBN: 978-1482061697

Number of pages: 300

Word Count: 72,000

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon | Smashwords | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

Book Description:

I was born into the world covered in blood, and that's exactly the way I left it.

Ever since, I have been damned to walk the boundary between life and death alone. Unwillingly turned and left to my nightmare, I have seen men commit countless horrors and committed many of my own.

My origins shall remain unknown, my true self hidden. I have been called by many names, but in this life I am known as the Witch Hunter. I have been asleep these past 150 years, until I was awoken by a haunting call.

Zachary Degaud was twenty three when he died. The problem was, he didn't stay that way.

Present day, he's just another vampire with another unremarkable story. That is, until he manages to provoke a two thousand year old witch named Katrin, who wants to make him pay in the most horrible way imagined.

Along with his brother Sam, newly made vampire Liz and their only witch ally, Gabby, his only chance for survival is to summon the ancient and unpredictable vampire known as the Witch Hunter.

Zac is just looking for a way out of his psychopathic witch problems, but instead will find himself falling head first into a blood feud that has stretched thousands of years.

Aya has been asleep for the past 150 years, until she was awoken by a haunting call. The witch she has been hunting for thousands of years, Katrin, has resurfaced and marked a young, annoyingly arrogant vampire by the name of Zachary Degaud. Unless she does something, he will die a slow and painful death. He has given her an opportunity to end the witch, but does she want to help him or leave him to his fate?

Zac will get under her skin like no one else has and she just might find herself making the ultimate sacrifice before he is gone forever.

They will both have to choose sides and look deep within themselves before the end. But, what Zac learns about himself, will surprise him most of all.

About the Author

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser. She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first. The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is currently available in e-edition and print.

Learn more about her writing at: www.nicolertaylorwrites.com

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

The Witch Hunter Review

Dang, this was an awesome read! I loved it. It has all the things I love in a paranormal book. We have vampires, witches, werewolves and more.

Setting aside that the characters were very similar to the Vampire Diaries. Like for instance, Zak could be Damon, Sam could be Stephan, Gabby could be Bonnie, and it goes on. But, even with those similarities, I still loved it. I watch the Vampire Diaries show, and read all the books (well, the ones that Smith actually wrote, not the ghost writer ones) and I am a huge fan. I still loved this. Because it has its own very unique story. Mainly because of Aya, who I just adored. She is such a strong character, and mysterious too. What she is, and where she comes from genetically is fascinating to me, and thought it was great. I won’t spoil it and tell you that, you can find out yourself.

The other characters were great too, Zac grew on my, in that bad boy way that Damon, and Sam was fine too, Liz I found weak, but she is a new vamp, so can’t really blame her. Gabby at first didn’t interest me much (she’s the witch) but she turns out great too.

I think this book can grow into a great series. I really see lots of promise in it.

Even if you are a fan of the Vampire Diaries, I don’t think it’s going to bother you with those similarities, it’s for sure its own story, and only the characters basic personalities and some looks are the similar parts.

If you never read or seen the Vampire Diaries, then its not even an issue, at all.

But I freaked at the ending, That part I didn’t like at all!! Why do that to us??

I give this book 5 big stars out of 5. It really is great. And I love the cover too!

If you like my review I would love your support at Amazon, by marking it as Helpful, Here.

Guest Post by Nicole R. Taylor

Sometimes inspiration comes from the most random places.

The Witch Hunter and it's following books were a product of a fantasy. That sounds rather strange, but I dreamt about it one night after becoming frustrated with the books I had been reading and the TV shows I had been following. They all had the same kind of main characters and most of the female leads were… boring and timid. I wanted to turn that on it's head and write the kind of book that I wanted to read. To begin with, I had no intention of publishing it, but the whole series became a beast that just wanted to get out.

What would happen if the first ten chapters of slow character development and unanswered questions was tossed on it's head? I wanted The Witch Hunter to read like each chapter was like a mini-episode of a TV show, minus the Christmas special. Like an epic action novel, but overall an Urban Fantasy?

The thing about the Witch Hunter is that something happens in each and every chapter and those somethings all happen for a reason. There's no purple prose, it's just BAM. If you don't turn the final page and go OMG WTF, then I haven't done my job properly!

There is a lot of mythology that's gone into creating this particular vampire world. From the beginnings to current day. Everyone has a story, even the bad guys. They all have reasons for doing what they do and nothing is as simple as being black and white. Everyone is in the grey area, though some are a little greyer than the next.

I was asked a while go by a friend (one of my beta readers) how I came up with the character of Aya.

It was when I was listening to one of my favorite bands ever, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, that I found her. I knew I wanted to write something new but had no idea where to begin. Then this song came on and when I listened closer to the words and it sounded like a character that I could write about. I wanted to write a strong female lead who kicks a$$. I had a scene floating around in my head for a while, but no ultimate story attached to it. (It was the scene where Zac and Aya first meet and what happens next - I won't give it away!) I was really into this album at the time and the song stood out and the rest is history.

I don't really know who the Aya is in the song, but she inspired a band to write a song about her, who in turn inspired me to write a whole series of novels.

She's a patient killer, a timeless hand

The choke of the falling sands

She's a proven saint with a witches tongue

The gods of war at her command

It was those few words that I drew on and created a whole person, desire, history and purpose for. I don't know what she would have been like if I didn't hear this song. Take the time to watch to the video, it's a great song.

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Excerpt from The Witch Hunter

Aya opened the door and stopped just inside the doorway. In a split second she had surveyed the room. Three vampires, a witch and a werewolf. What a small town supernatural hub, Ashburton had really come up in the underworld. Perhaps her rude awakening wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all. This would be very interesting, but she had to be mindful of who these creatures were. The town would be claimed by one of the groups and by the intensity in the bar, she guessed it was up for contention.

She strode towards the bar at the far side of the large open room, aware that eyes were following her progress; human and vampire. The place was not that busy yet, still early evening, but enough that she brushed past her fair share of alcohol fueled young men. Young, human men. She pulled herself up internally. This was reconnaissance only. Fresh, warm human blood straight from the source was an indulgence that too often turned her into something darker than she ever wanted to be.

At the bar she ordered a triple scotch, straight up. The bartender eyed her with a little awe; she didn't have to read his emotions to know that he was a little turned on by the thought. On the house, he had said with a little compulsion. Strange enough, the alcohol helped with her control, but it took a lot of the stuff to make her drunk.

As the scotch slowly disappeared from the glass, her inner compass took note of the lay of the bar behind her as she sat on a stool, seemingly studying the remaining contents. She listened to the conversations around her, trying to hear anything that would be of use. Assimilating into this slightly insane new era, or locating the source of the singing blood.

Two vampires were seated with the witch at the rear of the bar and were throwing out all kinds of emotions. Mostly she caught apprehension and anger. She couldn't help but notice the fact that they were staring at her and not making any effort to hide it, even if her back was turned. The third vampire seemed to be with them but was flitting around talking to many young humans. She felt young herself; almost newly made. The werewolf, a young testosterone fueled male, was standing to her left ordering drinks. He was unconsciously fidgeting and leaning towards her as if he could sense she was something else. And he reeked of sweat and blood.

To her annoyance, one of the vampires from the table at the rear was approaching in her blind spot. He leant against the bar with the pretence of ordering drinks, but she could feel the curiosity dripping from him. Tall, dark and handsome was such a cliché, but an apt description. He feigned a casual glance in her direction and caught her gaze. Green eyes assessed her from under his messy dark hair. Suddenly, she wondered how old he was. Certainly nowhere near her real age. No vampire in this country was, at least before she went to sleep. It was a new age and a lot more things seemed accessible even for the undead.

"Hi," he smiled at her.

She glanced at him nonchalantly and looked away, not wanting to encourage him.

He held his hand out, flashing a warm smile, ignoring her brush off, "I'm Zachary Degaud and you are?"

She turned her head slightly and looked him up and down, "And what am I going to do with a Zachary Degaud?" She could never help being a little smart.

The faint trace of a smile touched his lips, "Just rolling out the welcome wagon."

"Zachary is such an old fashioned name, is it not?" she prodded at the age card.

"What can I say? Old fashioned parents," he leant closer flashing a wicked smile. She could tell he was one for playing games. Asking casual questions to gain morsels of information. She grinned inwardly not giving herself away to him. In other circumstances she would have had a lot of fun with this one. "But you can just call me Zac. And your name is?" he continued, the smile never leaving his lips.

She pointedly looked him up and down, "You can call me Aya."

"Aya," he tried her name out, seemingly pleased that she had taken the time to assess him. "Aya, what?"

She smirked, "Just, Aya."

"I haven't seen you here before, Just Aya. Are you new to town?" he winked. "And your accent. Do I detect a hint of British there?"

She narrowed her eyes slightly, "Just passing through." Not new to town, I can remember being here long ago, she thought to herself. What a different place it was. She wondered if he knew how dark Ashburton's past really was. "I was born in Britain," she added before she cold stop herself. Well, her accent was unmistakable.

"Only passing? Sounds like you'll be gone soon. Do you mind if I join you for a drink? I'd hate to miss the opportunity to get to know such a beautiful exotic lady."

Aya unsuccessfully stifled a laugh at this. He obviously suspected she was more than human, but trying to glean information from her under duress of flattery? It was a manipulation she was well acquainted with and at least a little fond of. She was also aware that his vampire and witch friend had not stopped watching them, obviously listening in on every word.

"I don't think so, Zachary. I'm not one for falling for cheap flattery from strange men in bars," the lack of emotion in her voice was chilling as she shot him down.

His eyes widened ever so slightly, "Please, call me Zac." He wasn't used to being turned down. He was rather handsome in the dangerous kind of way; seduction was a weapon for him. Before he could retort, the door opened with a crash and a group of rowdy men burst in, laughing and seeming very pleased with themselves. Aya cursed under her breath. She couldn't help but breathe in their scent as the wind blew in around them. They stunk of human blood and sweat and violence. Werewolves. Werewolves that had obviously been on the hunt in their human form. Zac visibly stiffened.

Aya raised her eyebrow at him, "Friends of yours?"

"Not in the slightest," he glanced back to his friends, who were looking a little unsettled, but both groups kept their distance at opposite ends of the bar, giving away that they were currently on edge with each other. These were the groups fighting over the town, now she was sure about it.

Repulsed by the emotions emanating from the wolves, she scowled. Hunting was one thing, but killing innocent humans for sport went against all that she had worked for. She seethed inwardly; it would be so easy to tear them apart, to strew their body parts through the forest. It wouldn't take long. She felt her eyes clouding at the thought, blinking she cleared her mind and turned back to Zac. She had to be careful. There was still the issue of finding the one who had called her without revealing herself in the process.

"Well," she declared. "This town is flavorsome."

DiSemblance by Shanae Branham Book Tour ~ Excerpt & 5 Star Review

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 07:25:00 +0000

DiSemblance
Shanae Branham

Genre: Techno-thriller (

Subgenres: Sci-fi, suspense, mystery, paranormal

ISBN: ISBN-10: 1477527761

ISBN-13: 978-1477527764

Number of pages: 272 pages

Word Count: 55, 894

Book Description:

Jason Tanner lives between two worlds. Problem is, only one is real.
As a computer prodigy, Jason has spent his life with limited social contact due to his father’s secretive work on a hologram machine that can create digital immortality. When his father is murdered and framed as the Comfort Killer, Jason is targeted as the killer’s new fall guy. Having spent much of his youth living in the virtual world his father created, he must now go on the run if he is going to save himself, his brother, and the beautiful girl next door.

An exciting, action-packed ride to a future happening today, Shanae Branham's modern techno thriller is the perfect exhilarating adrenaline rush for a technosavvy generation. Expertly weaving cutting-edge technology with almost unbearable suspense, she crafts a wild, white-knuckled thriller that pushes the boundaries of science. Full of intensity and extraordinary vision, DiSemblance attacks the senses as it challenges the mind and imagination.

“Branham does a brilliant job creating suspense….She ramps up the tension by keeping readers guessing over the identities of Jason’s foes and about how Jason’s situation ties in with the hunt for the killer.”

“Jason’s love for his father and his motivation to find out what happened to him are particularly refreshing.”

“The characters of Jason and Isaac are … cool enough to rise to the occasion … making readers feel like they are rooting for real young men.”~ Jill Allen, Clarion Review (4 Stars)

Amazon

Short Excerpt

The lines between reality and virtual reality are about to blur—and the result is murder.

Lloyd Tanner is a former MIT computer physics genius turned private sector visionary: he has created a hologram machine that can create digital immortality. This revolutionary technology is both a blessing and a curse. There are many who would steal the technology, and Lloyd’s family has had to live secluded from the world. But no matter how careful you are, there is no such thing as a well-kept secret, and there are those who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Lloyd’s.

Detective Bruce Durante has been handed the case of the Comfort Killer, a serial killer so named because he abducts terminally ill patients and returns their corpses to their families in refrigerated coffins. Picking up the trail, Durante finds it leading straight to the home of Lloyd Tanner.

When Jason Tanner’s father is murdered and framed as the Comfort Killer, Jason destroys all of the evidence in an attempt to save his father’s name. Trouble is, now Jason is in the crosshairs to become the fall guy. Having spent much of his youth living in the virtual world his father created, he must now go on the run for real if he is going to save himself, his brother, and the beautiful girl next door. But the secrets of his father’s invention run deep and Jason, his brother Isaac, Boston, the Comfort Killer, and Detective Durante hurtle towards one another on a deadly collision course that leaves everyone’s life hanging in the balance.

About the Author:

I am a professional writer with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and a minor in grammar. I have also attended several years of classes and workshops in screenplay writing at the Los Angeles Screenplay writer's Expo.

I love suspense thrillers and am a master at plot and character development. I enjoy stories with happy endings. I promise all my readers that when they put one of my books down or walk away from one of my movies, they will be enthused with excitement and joy. This does not mean there will not be some sad parts, because you have to feel the bitter in order to understand the sweet.

I was born and raised in a small town in Idaho. I am the second out of six children. When I was in my early 20's my mother was killed by a drunk driver. This one incident drastically changed my life. I have always had a passion for reading and writing fiction. Owing to a life long struggle with Dyslexia, early teachers discouraged me from pursuing a career in writing.

As I have spent over twenty years wrestling with my language disabilities-turning them into professional writing skills, God has honed my insatiable passion into an incredible vision.

My Christian upbringing has instilled within me the belief that "...with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). This has sustained me through the hard times. Because of my language disability, I have had to learn the structure of the English language like other people learn math - building block upon building block.

I am grateful for this experience because it developed in me a skill and love for diagramming sentences, which unfortunately is becoming a lost art.

I want my life to be a living testament that with God's help anyone can achieve their worthwhile dreams. What God requires is the humility to change, a childlike teach-ability to learn, and the patience and persistence to practice and work until their weaknesses are transformed into strengths.

Author Links

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

My DiSemblance Review

Wow, this book really can hook you in after you get into it, and it doesn’t take too long either. I am not really one to read the techno-thriller type books much, but have to say I did enjoy this one.

I found it to be really well written, and it kept me engaged and turning the pages of my kindle fast. The story is very interesting and the characters are well written, especially Jason and Bruce, who we get to see from their point of views.

It had that almost Star Trek vibe to it, but not in space, but in the technology of it, kindof. I ended up letting my mind think of it as fantasy, instead of trying to grasp the science of the technology, lol, it made my head hurt to think too hard on it. Just like when I read those time travel books, the technology, just goes over my head, but I still enjoy them, as I did this one.

When reading this book, you wonder what is real for the characters and what is not. But it’s not really confusing or anything, it’s the way it is supposed to be, I think.

It’s written like a mystery, and you follow detective Bruce Durante and Jason Tanner, while they are searching for the real Comfort Killer. I love seeing it from both of their eyes. It’s cool how one sees the real world and the other one is seeing an alternate one at times. What I loved is when the two collide and the truth comes out and we get a huge shock at which is actually the real world. The end will really shock you when you find out why the killer is killing its victims.

Overall I loved it, didn’t like Boston so much, to me, she is not very essential to the story, but that’s just me I guess.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a great mystery with some techno-thriller in there.

5 out of 5 stars for me. Give it a try!

I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

If you like my review, would love some support at Amazon, by marking it as helpful , link Here. Thanks.

You can see the rest of the tour stops Here.

#Giveaway ~ Bewitched by Mark Jay Harris ~ Book Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

"Bewitched is spell-binding! A highly-unique page-turner that hooks you from the first paragraph. With complex characters and unexpected twists and turns, Harris delivers and leaves you hoping for more!" - Stephanie Keyes, author, The Star Child series

Bewitched

By Mark Jay Harris

Inkspell Publishing

Blurb:

Is it love or is it witchcraft? He’ll never find out if he kills her first.

The first time Darren saw Samantha, she was floating above his high school gymnasium during a basketball game, invisible to everyone but him. Next time he sees her, she's sitting in front of him in class, wowing his friends and causing unexplainable things to happen that only he seems to notice. But things really get strange (and complicated) when his dying grandfather tells him that he is part of an ancient order, the “Pessum Ire,” whose duty is to destroy witches. What does he do now, since he’s almost positive Samantha is a witch…and he’s crushing on her pretty hard?

About the Author:

Mark Harris lives in Smithfield Utah, a small town located in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah. His wife, Shaundale, and he have four terrific children, two girls and two boys and a fifth one due to arrive in November of 2012. Mark has taught English and Special Education and currently works from home teaching English to people from all over the world. Writing has always been his true passion since he was a grade schooler writing about mushrooms. "Bewitched" will be his debut novel. He has two others underway and will soon start on the sequel to "Bewitched," called "The Return of the Familiar." He hopes you enjoy his work because he is working on several series geared toward younger audiences.

You can find Mark on: www.markjayharrisauthor.com

Book available on all major outlets: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and The Book Depository

Buy Links:

Barnes and Noble | Kobo | The Book Depository | Amazon

My Bewitched review

This is an amazing story. Full of Magic and twist and turns, full of action, and secrets and many surprises. It sure left me wanting more. It’s very well written too.

The complexities of the characters really make this story very intriguing for sure, and very exciting to read. The author uses great detail and history, which is twisted some, but made it all very believable too. That ending really made me wish book 2 was here now.

I think the world Mark created was very exciting, full of witches, demons, and also those that are after the witches too. I just loved it all.

The character development of Darren and Samantha was great, these two alone would have made for a great story, but the other characters just brought so much more, like Mike, Andrea, Serena and Atacus. They bring a little comic fun to the mix along with more background.

I think all lovers of paranormal books will love this book too.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and anxiously await book 2.

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

If you like my review, I would love some support at Amazon, by marking it as helpful, link is Here.

Or even like it at Goodreads, Here. Thanks for any support.

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Swoon #YABound ~ Great Swoon scene from Range (I am Just Junco #4)

noreply@blogger.com (Michelles Paranormal Vault Of Books) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 03:58:00 +0000

Hosted By YA Bound. It's that time again! We (YA Bound) created a HOT meme, and if you're new to the game, here's how to join in the fun:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button at YA Bound (I made my own) and share it on your blog. We want to know.

Swoon Scene:

"This is not fair, you're trying to seduce me into telling you things!"His mouth teases my lips again as I momentarily forget what I was complaining about."Trying to? Darlin', this has gone beyond trying." He uses both hands to push my hoodie up, his thumbs dragging across my skin and sending shivers of delight up my spine as I whimper. He pulls me up off the bed for a fraction, slips the hoodie over my head, and then lowers me back down.And stares at me."What?" I breathe.His answer never materializes because his mouth is all over my body.I close my eyes and grab his hair as best I can, it's much shorter than it used to be, and pull his face towards my chest. He accepts with a low rumble from his throat and oh shit is coming out of my mouth.He stops.

Range (I am Just Junco #4)

by J.A. Huss

Expected publication: April 1st 2013 by Science Future Press

ISBN13 9781936413171

Series I am Just Junco #4

Not a YA, but only is not because of some language and war type violence, that's the case in all the previous books too. Its an exciting dystopian/fantasy/paranormal/adventure/sci-fi all in one, kindof, lol.