Paranormal Haven

Book Review: The Year of Eating Dangerously by K. Bennett

2012-03-01T05:00:00.003-08:00

The Year of Eating Dangerously
Author: K. Bennett
Series: Mallory Caine, book 2
Publisher: P Mass Paper
ISBN-10: 0786026251
ISBN-13: 978-0786026258
Buy it here:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information visit K. Bennett's website

Mallory Caine is a zombie, not the Romero kind in horror movies, the kind that is brought back from the dead, and told what to do. She doesn’t know who brought her back. She did hear voices telling her what to do, but she ignored them. She keeps at her job as a lawyer in L.A. and eats brains on the side. She is currently her father’s lawyer, who is in court for a murder charge, and decides to help a little boy who claims his mother is trying to kill him.

At the start of the story she sets her sights on killing a biker gang, and eating some brains. As it happens they have a girl with them. The girl just so happens to have to do with the paranormal surrounding the story. This plot point didn’t seem to add up with the others until much later in the novel, but all these threads seem to be teaming, and weaving themselves together. From her father, to the boy she helps, all of it starts to come together.

All the fun side characters along the way are also well worth it. Her father seems like a raving lunatic, or is he really getting visions from God? The little boy she is helping also has biblical ties. Mallory tells us the story, and even though she clearly in a God vs. Devil scenario she isn’t too happy with either one. She is getting pressure on all sides to make her choice between the two, but she just wants to get her soul back.

The fact that she is not sold on either God or the Devil is what I liked most about her. She is sassy, and I like sass, but not overly angry at the world. She isn’t happy with her lot, and she is tired of the cosmic world wanting to put her in a category. She kills people, and eats their brains. She even feels bad about it, but isn’t going to wallow in misery. Instead she is going to win her court battles with flare. It is that attitude that kept me with the story. Not all the characters built into the story have the strength she does.

The only negative was that the story is hard to take seriously. The main character eats people, and has a guardian angel, which also happens to be an owl. Not to mention that the paranormal also spills over into the actual court room. It is hard to see this kind of thing going on in a court of law. The detailing is sparse enough that the whole eating people isn’t near as gross as it could have been. Instead it is light and funny.

I haven’t read an Urban Fantasy like The Year of Eating Dangerously. The God vs. Devil story, which is what this is at its core, is not new. It is one of the oldest stories, quite literally, but what’s done here is different. I also love the main character. She isn’t really good or bad, but just trying to be. She is also practical and easy to identify with even if she is a brain eating lawyer. It does feel comic, and I giggled through a lot of it. I wasn’t grossed out by the face eating action, mainly because there is not a ton of graphic detailing. The chapters are extremely short, making the book easy to read in just a couple sittings. I defiantly plan to see where the series goes.
My Rating:

Picture of the Week plus giveaway winners

2012-02-29T06:00:00.026-08:00

We have a few winners to go along with out Picture of the Week.

Winner of Tempted By Blood by Laurie London is ..... Carol l

Winners of Fated by Benedict Jacka are ..... Ricki M and Barbara E

Congratulations! All winners now have 3 days to respond to our emails [or contact us at paranormalhaven(at)gmail(dot)com] or another winner(s) will be chosen.

Book Review: Spellbound Falls by Janet Chapman

2012-02-28T05:00:00.032-08:00

Spellbound Falls
Author: Janet Chapman
Series: Midnight Bay, book 4
Publisher: Jove
ISBN-10: 0515150363
ISBN-13: 978-0515150360
Buy it here:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information visit Janet Chapman's website

Maximillian Oceanus, the son of the great sea god Titus Oceanus has been brought to a head by a mere six year old child, his child. Mac never knew Henry existed till the boy’s mother died and Macs father had to rescue him form over ambitious uncles, who felt the boys power could help further their own personal goals. Now Mac is tasked with the job of settling down and making a life with his newly found son or his father will step in and marry Mac off to some female he deems worthy.

Mac finds himself on his way to a parenting retreat to help him and Henry learn to relate to each other, only on his way to Inglenook he stops to rescue a female from very aggressive man whom doesn’t seem to know the word no. Once he lays eyes on her he is done for. Not only is she a beautiful woman, she was also the head of the camp they were headed to.

Olivia Baldwin had enough problems, but what’s one more? After her handsome knight in shining armor rescued her form the very eager young man, whom thought he could force her to want him, she found herself unable to stop thinking about him. This only intensified when she found she was unable to return the leather jacket he lent her after the attack. But when she decided she could have a whirlwind affair with this sexy man, since he would be gone in six months, is when she probably lost all hope of not falling in love with Maximillian.

After one night of passion Mac was domed he knew he’d never be able to let her go, but how could he convince her to love him and the beast that resides inside of him. She would certainly run hiding form him once she found out what and who he really is, everyone else always did.

The overall story was your average love story. There was not a lot of heat or action but somehow it was not lacking. Mac is sexy funny and an all-around yummy man. You can’t help but love the relationship between him and his son Henry. They are very unique together. I have liked Mac since the first book and was very glad he got his own book. He was not as arrogant and smart ass, as he was in the other books but he was still very entertaining.

Even though it was not my usual read I enjoyed it a lot. It felt more like contemporary romance rather than paranormal. It had a few paranormal elements especially in the end. For the most part the whole book centered around the couple and how they work through their own personal barriers with love and come to terms with the feelings they are having for one another. If there is to be more in the series I would probably read them because they are a good quick read.
My Rating:

Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Bite There Neighbors by Molly Harper

2012-02-27T05:00:00.003-08:00

Nice Girls Don't Bite There Neighbors
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Jane Jameson, book 4
Publisher: Pocket Books
Available: February 28, 2012
ISBN-10: 1451641818
ISBN-13: 978-1451641813
Buy it here:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information visit Molly Harper's website

After moving into her ancestral home Jane accepts Gabriel’s proposal, in hopes to settle down and have a normal relationship. Well as normal as two vampires can get. But with Jane, nothing is ever normal. This time Jane really has her hands full. If she can survive the new teenage vampire she just sired, find the crazy person who shot Gabriel, avoid her grandma’s ghost who's hell bent on evicting her from her home, and planning a wedding.

This book was fun and light hearted. It was a quick easy read. A very similar read to Mary Janice Davidson’s “Queen Betsy” series.

Jane is quick witted with a smooth humor, but she is not the brightest crayon in the box. She has a knack for finding trouble, so it’s no surprise when her wedding doesn't quite go as planned. Gabriel is funny in a dry humor sort of way. He loves Jane and will do anything to protect her, even from the new teenage-vampire who seems to have a young crush on his newly betrothed.

They have some interesting friends that add to the fun loving humor of the book. Overall the book was a smooth quick read. Not exactly what I was expecting, but it wound up being a good read.

There's not a big romance or any heated scenes. There are a few sex scenes but they are not hot and steamy like I like them. There was a lot of sarcastic humor to replace it. I'm not sure I’ll continue the series even though it was a funny quick read, I'm not sure it was quite my taste.
My Rating:

Weekly Recap for February 20th - 26th

2012-02-26T05:00:00.132-08:00

Welcome to our Weekly Recap. We will be sharing what books and goodies we got and will go over some of our favorite posts, giveaways, book covers and anything else that peeked our interest during the past week. Lets start things off with sharing what books we got.

Purchased

- Firelight by Kristen Callihan
- Immortal Hope by Claire Ashgrove
- The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons by Katie MacAlister
- Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus

Gifted

- Duncan by D.B. Reynolds
- Vampires In American: The Vignettes Volume 1 by D.B. Reynolds (thanks Donna!)

For Review

- Demon's Bride by Zoe Archer
- Curses! A F**ked -Up Fairy Tale by J.A. Kazimer

This Past Week At Paranormal Haven

Monday - Review of Blood and Bullets by James R Tuck
Tuesday - Cover reveal of Inbetween by Tara Fuller and Places I'd like to visit.....The Pork Pit from Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series
Wednesday - Picture of the Week
Thursday - Beyond the Blog
Friday - Series review of Wild About You by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Saturday - Interview and giveaway from author Laurie London

Giveaways We Found

Sorry, it's been a bit crazy this week and I didn't have a lot of extra time to hunt down giveaways. I'll make sure and have some up next week!

Cover Talk

I was sold on buying a copy of Archangel Of Mercy by Christina Ashcroft just by looking at the cover. It's really beautiful and I hate that I have to wait until December 4th to get my hands on a copy!

I like, not love, the cover for Howl For It. I think it's fitting for these authors. How For it is currently scheduled to be released on September 1st.

Disillusionists Novella

Devil's Luck by Carolyn Crane

There’s a thin line between love and doom.

No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists. His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he’s never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity’s most powerful prognosticator.

Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her. To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she’d do anything to escape. She’s stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everything she is, everything she stands for.

Simon’s defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him? And will Simon rush headlong into the delicious doom she offers?

I'm looking forward to more from my favorite Midcity bad boy. For more about the novella and Carolyn's other books, visit her website.

Movie Trailer

I haven't read the book but I like the trailer for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. As a fan of history and the paranormal, I love just saying the name :-D

Interview and Giveaway with author Laurie London

2012-02-25T06:00:00.004-08:00

We have author Laurie London with us today to talk about her Sweetblood series and her most recent installment, Tempted By Blood.

Make sure to keep reading after the interview to learn how you can win a signed copy of Tempted By Blood.

For those who are new to your books, what is your Sweetblood series about?
The Sweetblood series is set primarily in the Pacific Northwest and is about two vampire coalitions who are battling it out for supremacy: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who sell Sweet on the vampire black market. Sweetbloods are humans with a very rare blood type that is highly addictive to vampires.

How have things changed in your series since book one?
While the romance between the hero and the heroine are always at the forefront of the Sweetblood books, the stakes between the Guardians and their enemies have been increasing steadily with each installment. The villain has an overall character arc that spans through book four.

Can you tell us about your latest release, Tempted By Blood?
I had such a great time writing Jackson and Arianna’s story. Readers familiar with the first two books know that Jackson is the playboy, the charmer. Rarely does he spend a night alone. However, as I got to know him, quite a few things about him surprised me. Because I wrote the book to stand on its own, if someone hasn’t read the first two books, they won’t be lost.

Lately, Jackson’s dark urges have been getting stronger and harder to control. He believes he’s on the verge of reverting back to the violent ways of his ancestors. And if that happens, he’ll be branded a traitor among the Guardians and put to death.

When Arianna gets into harm’s way, Jackson is assigned to protect her, but she awakens in him a need much stronger than anything he’s ever encountered before. And that’s when the trouble begins…

What 3 words would you use to describe Jackson? How about Arianna?
Jackson: fun-loving, charmer, hungry
Arianna: blogger, loyal, tenacious

Did you always plan for Jackson and Arianna to end up together or did their relationship start to form as you wrote the series?
I didn’t know Arianna before I wrote the book, however I did know her cousin. (Minor spoiler: Jackson rescues her at the end of book 2.) I knew that the love of his life had a tie to the young girl he saved.

Without giving away too much, what is your favorite scene or line from Tempted By Blood?
Here’s a little excerpt of one of my favorite scenes. Arianna has just learned that Jackson is a vampire.

His stomach growled. Loudly. A laugh burst from her lips. Startled, he looked over at her. “Well, that was unexpected,” he said.

“That better not be because of me, because…well, that’d just be wrong.”

If you could go on your dream date with your choice of Dominic, Alfonso or Jackson, who would you pick and what would you do on your date?
What a tough question because I love them all. Dom and I would go to an art gallery. Alfonso would play his guitar for me. Jackson would take me dancing and then we’d get matching tattoos.

If the decision was yours, would you rather see your books made into a movie or T.V. series? What actors would you pick to play your characters?
I’d probably pick TV (HBO or Showtime) because it’s not just one big story that happens, but several stories, which would be better served with an ongoing series. Dom would be played by a tall, muscle-y Rodrigo Santoro. Alfonso would be played by someone who looks a little like Keith Urban. Jackson would be played by an actor who looks like model Tommy Dunn.

What else can we expect to see from you in 2012?
In addition to Jackson’s book, Santiago’s book, SEDUCED BY BLOOD, is scheduled to come out in July.

Readers can find me online here:
www.LaurieLondonBooks.com
www.facebook.com/LaurieLondonAuthor
www.twitter.com/LaurieBLondon
My newest obsession, Pinterest. www.pinterest.com/LaurieLondon
If you want to check out Arianna’s blog, go to www.Paranormalish.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for having me on today!!!

Thank YOU Laurie by stopping by. Laurie is giving one lucky winner a signed copy of Tempted By Blood. Open to U.S./Canada residents only.

Fill Out Giveaway Form Here

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Series Review: Wild About You by Vicki Lewis Thompson

2012-02-24T05:00:00.007-08:00

Wild About You is a paranormal romance series from author Vicki Lewis Thompson that centers (at least so far) around werewolves. In the first book in the series, A Werewolf in Manhattan, we're introduced to Aiden Wallace and Emma Gavin. Aiden is part of the powerful and wealthy Manhattan Weres. As next in line to be alpha, it's his job to find out how author Emma Gavin is able to write her romance books featuring werewolves with such accuracy. There's an immediate attraction between Aiden and Emma but keeping the Weres existence a secret from humans is the most important rule among his kind and Aiden will do whatever is necessary, even risk heartache, to make sure their secret remains hidden.

Werewolf in Greenwich Village is a novella that takes place between A Werewolf in Manhattan and Werewolf in the North Woods. Clothing designer Nadia Henderson was expected to mate with a pack alpha. Now she's free of the planned mating and ready to have a little fun with Quentin Wallace, a cousin to Aiden and someone Nadia has had a long time crush on. She's thrilled to learn that Quentin feels the same way about her but when she's called back to her pack to deal with her out of control brother, Nadia and Quentin's relationship may end before it ever begins.

Werewolf in the North Woods features Roark Wallace, younger brother to Aiden and a anthropology professor. He's in a small town outside of Portland to label a Bigfoot sighting as nothing more than a old man's wild imagination at work. He feels bad for making Earl look like a fool but if it was to get out that Bigfoot is real, it would threaten the existence of his own kind. It becomes harder for Roark to dismiss Earl's sighting when his beautiful granddaughter Abby shows up and makes it clear that she plans to save Earl's good name.

In each book, either mating expectations, pack hierarchy or the fact that werewolf/human matings are severely frowned upon is the main problem keeping the hero and heroine from being together. Hurdles must be jumped and courage to say, 'I don't care what you think' needs to be built up before anyone can have their HEA. Each book was a quick and not overly complicated read. No new ground is broken but this series was a cute, fun and at times silly paranormal romance adventure. I can't say that I'll ever pick these books up again but I don't regret the time I spent reading them and I do plan on continuing the series.
Overall Rating:

Beyond the Blog with Rabid Reads

2012-02-23T05:00:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Beyond the Blog, where we'll not only be featuring some amazing blogs but also the creative people behind them. Today we have an interview with Carmel from Rabid Reads. Carmel is super great to her followers and is currently hosting a giveaway where she is giving up to $50 in books in her 1,000 Follow Giveaway. But make sure you check out her interview BEFORE heading over to enter!

Let’s start with a few blog related questions

How has your blog changed since you first started it?
How it hasn’t changed would have been an easier question to answer! The name’s changed, the layout’s changed, the genres that I review have changed, etc and it will continue to do so in the future. I’m ever changing so my blog reflects that.

What are 3 words that describe your blog?
Wolf-erific, piquant, cozy.

What do you like most/least about blogging?
The thing that I like the most about blogging (aside from free books and ARCS) is connecting with other bloggers. Reading is a pretty solitary hobby so it’s a good way to get out of my bubble. As for my least fav thing about it, sometimes it feels like a job. The tour deadlines and the pressure of constantly having to post new content can be a little overwhelming at times.

What is a favorite post that you’ve done?
During the month of December I hosted my first ever solo event called Holiday Foreplay. It ran for 24 days and 20 authors participated in various guest posts, interviews and giveaways. It was a massive undertaking but also a lot of fun. I’m hoping to bring it back again next year.

Who are some of your favorite authors that you discovered because of blogging?
It’s a lengthy list but here are five of them: Sierra Dean, Andrea Cremer, Karen Marie Moning, Chloe Neill and Jeaniene Frost.

Let’s get to know the blogger behind the blog, shall we?

Can you tell us about where you’re from?
I’m from a little, picturesque village in rural Québec that’s 45 minutes North of Ottawa, Canada’s capital. I know all of my neighbours, no one locks their doors and everything closes at 8 PM. I’m a country girl!

Are you a morning person or is coffee a must before you are able to function?
Coffee is a must for me! The days that I’m running late and have to bypass the drive-thru on my way to work are the worst. I’ve told all of my coworkers to not talk to me until 10 AM unless they want their head bitten off.

What is a typical day in your life like?
On weekdays I get up at 6 AM, get ready, and then I listen to an audio book on our hour long commute while my guy drives. I work a full day at the Science and Tech Museum where my responsibilities are a mix between visitor statistics and finance. Then we point our car in the other direction and drive home. My evenings are a mix of chores, tv watching, reading, blogging and dog walking.

Most weekends are pretty relaxed. I sleep in then hit the slopes on my snowboard or spend quality time with my guy and our dogs.

What is your favorite thing to do (aside from reading) in your down time?
I love spending time outdoors. There’s a reason why I live in the middle of nowhere! There’s an awesome network of hiking trails where we take the dogs, 4 ski hills, countless rivers and lakes for swimming/boating, golf course, and the list goes on…

If you were to create a bucket list (list of things you’d like to do before you die), what would be in your top 3?

1. Visit another continent across the ocean (such as Italy, Australia, Japan, etc);
2. Take a whole summer off and go on a roadtrip across Canada;
3. Go heli-snowboarding.

If you could sit down and chat with any author, who would you pick and what would you like to talk about?
I’d like to chat about werewolves and what it’s like being a successful Canadian author with Kelley Armstrong.

A lot of people credit Stephenie Meyer and her Twilight series for kicking off their reading addiction. Have you always been a reader or is there a book/series that got you hooked?
I’ve always been a reader; I have my mom to thank for that. She read to me growing up and there was always a book beside her spot on the couch.

You just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. Where are you going?
Venice, Italy.

Oh, we forgot to mention you get to take your fantasy man with you. So, who are you taking?
Do I really have to pick just one? ;) It’d be a toss-up between David Boreanaz and Jensen Ackles. Just don’t tell my boyfriend that I said that!

Thank you Carmel for taking some time out for us. If you want to know even more about Carmel, here's where you can find her around the web:

Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Goodreads

Picture of the Week plus giveaway winner

2012-02-22T05:00:00.005-08:00

We have a few winners to go along with our Picture of the Week.

Winner of Dating The Undead by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe is ..... Melissa (Books and Things)

Winner of Vampires in America: The Vignettes - Volume 1 by D.B. Reynolds is ..... Netty K

Our 2 winners of a copy of Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire are ..... Alicia G and ~~Sabrina M~~ Barbara E

Congratulations! All winners now have 3 days to respond to our emails [or contact us at paranormalhaven(at)gmail(dot)com] or another winner(s) will be chosen.

Places I'd like to visit.....The Pork Pit from Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series

2012-02-21T05:00:00.022-08:00

I don't know how many times I've read a book and thought, "that's a place I'd visit". Mostly so I can meet the sexy alpha heroes, but sometime it does sound like a interesting place. So I thought I'd pick some of my favorite fictional spots that I wish I could visit and share them with you. For today's post, let's go down south and get some BBQ.

The sign in the books has the
pig holding a plate of food but
this is the best I could find

The place: The Pork Pit BBQ restaurant

Where it's located: In the southern city of Ashland

You'll find it in the pages of: The Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep.

Why I'd want to visit: I love to eat and whenever I pick up one of these books, I end up famished by the time I put it down. With its famous BBQ sauce, BBQ meats, sides like freshly made coleslaw and baked beans, homemade pies, and sweet teas, I'd be a regular costumer (and several pounds heavier) if I could visit the Pork Pit.

Aside from the food, this series takes you all over Ashland. From the expensive homes in Northtown to the mountains outside of the city. But there's something about going back to the old brick building that houses the Pork Pit that makes you feel more at home. Plus I may get the chance to see the two most handsome men in town, Finn and Owen :-)

Why it's probably a good idea the place doesn't really exist: The owner is a known assassin and Ashland's baddest are gunning for her. These are the kind of people who don't really care that you're trying to sit down and have a nice dinner with your family.

Why I'd still risk going: Have I mentioned I love to eat? I even know what I'd order. A pulled pork sandwich with a side of coleslaw, a sweet tea to drink and a piece of peach pie for dessert. I just might make my order to go.

To see what else is cooking up and going down at the Pork Pit, check out Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series. Make sure you come back on March 2nd because we'll have a review of By A Thread as well as an interview and giveaway with Jennifer.

Cover Reveal: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

2012-02-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Inbetween

Author: Tara Fuller

Series: Kissed by Death, book 1

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn't let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

Pre-order your copy on Amazon or add it to your Goodreads TBR list today!

Book Review: Blood and Bullets by James R Tuck

2012-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Blood and Bullets
Author: James R Tuck
Series: Deacon Chalk: Occult Bounty-Hunter, book 1
Publisher: Kensington
ISBN-10: 0758271476
ISBN-13: 978-0758271471
Buy it here:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information visit James Tuck's website

Deacon Chalk lost his family five years ago to the things that go bump in the night. Ever since he lost them he has hunted those things down, and been involved with the seedy underworld of the paranormal. Vampires, using a want-to-be-hunter named Larson, set a trap for Deacon. He manages to make it out of the trap, and goes on a quest to see who wants him dead.

This book delivers exactly what the title says. It is a pulp urban fantasy, that’s hero reminds me of almost any buff, bald action hero. This is a fact that Deacon himself seems to know. Most all of the women in the story, including the antagonist find him attractive, and he even includes why. He is clearly a badass, but goes too far out of his way to explain the reasons why. Arrogance Deacon has in spades, and there were plenty of parts in the novel I hoped it might get him into trouble. The big arrogant brut does have his soft spot, his dead family which trips him up, and makes him much more likeable as the story goes on.

The colorful cast of characters behind our hero is where it is at. This is a novel with a ton of magical critters, Vampires, Were-things, angels and even fairies are mentioned. Vampires in this book are evil, no exceptions, and the story even explains how vampires came into the world. They are not the sexy things in our romance novels, but sadistically evil. Deacon is helped fight the forces of evil with a priest, hunter-want-to-be, his sexy female assistant, a really awesome were-spider, and a character straight out of the bible. The side characters are well detailed, some more than others. I was mildly surprised by how much they let Deacon push them around.

The setting is not richly detailed. It is set mainly in Atlanta, but that seemed like a distant fact to the objects, like Deacon’s car. The settings are told well during a fight scene. It is generous with the buckets of blood, and good fighting, but that is where the settings goodness stops. There is grit, but it is in the fights, and felt lost any other time.

The book covers maybe four days in total, and the plot is very cut and dry. A big evil comes to take out Deacon, and he saves the day. There is a very thin romantic plot that seems like it might blossom into something more as the series goes on. I really enjoyed the mix of myth and storytelling that made up the back story of how certain things came to be.

I have said it before but this is an urban fantasy pulp novel to the fullest. Our hero is the classic ‘shoot’em first’ kind of guy. The problem is that there is not a lot to make it stand out of the crowd, other than the fact that the lead is not a detective or P.I. That doesn’t change the fact that the basic story has been seen before. The book has two things I enjoy, urban fantasy and grit, but it lacks in depth and detail.
My Rating:

Weekly Recap for February 13th - 19th

2012-02-19T05:00:00.046-08:00

For Review

- Sparks Fly by Katie MacAlister
- Black Howl by Christina Henry
- Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep
- Doubletake by Rob Thurman

This Past Week At Paranormal Haven

Monday - Review of Dating The Undead by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe plus a guest post and giveaway from Gena and Jill
Tuesday - Review of Vampires in America: The Vignettes - Volume 1 by D.B. Reynolds plus a guest post and giveaway from D.B.
Wednesday - Review of Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire plus a interview and giveaway from Tes
Thursday - Review of Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian
Friday - Review of Envy by J.R. Ward
Saturday - Fated by Benedict Jacka feature and giveaway

Giveaways We Found

- Vampire Book Club is giving away a copy of Heart Of Darkness by Lauren Dane
- Rabid Reads is giving away winner's choice of books (amount increases as her follwer count goes up)
- Steping Out Of The Page has a copy of Lenobia's Vow by P.C. and Kristin Cast she's giving away
- Geeky Blogger's Book Blog is a stop on the Demons At Deadnight by Alyssa and Eileen Kirk Blog Tour were a copy of Demons at Deadnight is being given away
- Rex Robot Reviews is giving away a copy of the anthology, On The Prowl

Cover Talk

I haven't read either of these series but I love the covers for these books. It shows you that a half naked Paul Marron isn't always required to have a good looking book cover. (Not that it's bad to have half naked pictures of Paul Marron!)

Blackhearted Betrayal is book 3 in author Kasey MacKenzie's Shades of Fury series and is currently scheduled to be released on June 26th. For those who are looking forward to Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier, you'll have to wait until October 30th to get your hands on a copy.

Feature and Giveaway: Fated by Benedict Jacka

2012-02-18T05:00:00.001-08:00

Fated
Author: Benedict Jacka
Series: Alex Verus, book 1
Publisher: Ace
Available: February 28th, 2012

Alex Verus is a diviner, able to see the future. This is impressive to most people but less so to other mages, who can do things like throw fire, disintegrate things, and fly. Right now Alex has a problem – a site’s been discovered containing an ancient and powerful relic, and lots of people are looking for a diviner to open it, including a trio of dark mages, a faction of the Council with an agenda of their own, and a shadowy figure out of Alex’s past, all of whom are looking to recruit, press-gang, or kill Alex, not necessarily in that order.

As if that’s not enough, Alex has to take care of his would-be apprentice, who has some connection to the relic which is making her a target as well . . . and who also just happens to carry a curse that’ll kill anyone who gets too close, assuming the mages hunting her don’t do it first. His allies are an air elemental with the memory of a goldfish and a creature living under Hampstead Heath that would make most people run screaming.

Sometimes seeing the future isn’t as fun as it sounds.

For more information, visit Benedict Jacka's website

Thanks to Ace, we have 2 copies of Fated to giveaway. Open internationally.

Fill Out Giveaway Form Here

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Book Review: Envy by J.R. Ward

2012-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Envy
Author: JR Ward
Series: Fallen Angels, book 3
Publisher: Signet
ISBN-10: 0451229452
ISBN-13: 978-0451229458
Buy it now:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information visit J.R. Ward's website

The battle between good and evil is now tied. Jim Heron has been chosen as humanities savor and he will have a chance to help six souls that are at a crossroads of good and evil in their life, he must sway them to choose the right path or all is lost. So far the score is one, one.

Thomas DelVecchio Jr. finds himself in the forest with Korner, the serial killer he's been tracking. Kroner is bleeding out all over the place and Veck is the only one there and the last half hour a big gap in his mind. His only hope to survive is the beautiful Sophia Reilly from internal affairs. But he could never get such a well put together woman like her , especially since even he can't say for sure he didn't kill that man in the forest. God knows he went out there with all intentions of killing him.

Jim must gain Vecks trust somehow and keep Devina from getting her hooks into this one and winning with round.

As always JR Ward rocks. I love the way she writes every page is dripping with sarcasm.

Veck and Reilly are very sexy together. They have a sort of a forbidden lust for each other. Veck is soo cut how he just falls head over heels right away with her and is not afraid to express it to her.

Jim, Adrian and Eddie are great I love them. Even though the love stories are great I think the three angels are what make the series. They have such personality and energy that it takes the spot light sometimes.

It was a large book this time but well worth it. I had a few “OMG!” Throwing the book moments but the whole book over all flew by quickly. It was like I couldn't read it fast enough to see what was going to happen.

Even though The Black Dagger Brotherhood is my favorite series by far, this little spin off is a very enjoyable series. You get all of JR Wards amazing humor, her fascinating characters and an intense story line, it’s well worth the read.
My Rating:

Book Review: Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian

2012-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Darker After Midnight
Author: Lara Adrian
Series: Midnight Breed, book 10
Publisher: Delacorte Press
ISBN-10: 034553087X
ISBN-13: 978-0345530875
Buy it here:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information visit Lara Adrian's website

Lost in a blood addiction, Sterling Chase's once respectable career as a enforcer for the Breed is nothing more than a distant memory. Convinced there are no more redeeming qualities left in him, Chase sets out alone to find Dragos, the most dangerous threat to both the Breed and human worlds. After a failed attempt to kill Dragos and a selfless move to save his friends, Chase finds himself in mortal custody. Tavia Fairchild's eyewitness account may be the reason why he's in the public eye but Chase can't seem to stay away from the intelligent beauty. Tavia just wanted to do the right thing and now she's found herself in a world of vampires and minions, with a man that both terrifies and excites her. When a shocking secret is revealed about her that she wasn't even aware of, Tavia will turn to Chase for answers. Chase doesn't believe he deserves Tavia but when she needs him most, he'll have a chance to not only save the woman who has brought him back from the edge of self-destruction but his entire race.

Fueled by guilt and what he feels is a failure to live up to the high standards expected from someone of his lineage, Chase has been on a downward spiral for some time now and it seems that he's finally hit rock bottom. His blood addiction grows worse each day and he isn't sure how much time he has left before he turns rogue. Taking on what would be considered a suicide attempt, Chase decides to go after Dragos and his deadly army of gen one Breed killing machines alone. I've gone through a whole host of emotions with Chase. At first I loved that he joined the Order and got down and dirty fighting rogues. Then I felt sympathy for him when the woman he wanted chose another followed by confusion and concern when he started to detach himself from his fellow Breed warriors and go out to do dangerous and reckless things. In this book I did feel like he was close to feeling sorry for himself a time or two but, in the end I felt relieved that he finally found someone he can open up to and that could give him the love he deserves and bring out the warrior I always knew he was.

We first meet Tavia in the previous book, Deeper Than Midnight. She works for a senator and is the one who ID'd Chase as the person responsible for shooting into a party hosted by her boss. The cold look in Chase's eyes has her wanting to keep her distance but when he awakens something inside her that she never knew was there, Chase will become the only person she can trust. There's not a whole lot more I can say about Tavia without giving away her secret. I'm sure you can find other reviews about this book that will tell you what Tavia's secret is but you're not going to find it in my review! What I will tell is that I liked her character more than I thought I would. When we first met, I thought she came off as rigid and unfriendly. By the end of Darker After Midnight, I saw a more caring and determined person who was a good fit for Chase. I do wish there were more scenes with them together. You see a lot of them apart but I would have enjoyed more shared moments other than when they were having sex, not that I'm complaining about that because it was very hot. Enough time was spent together where you can feel a bond forming but it wasn't anything as strong as the other couples in this series have.

The final battle between the Order and Dragos has been a long time coming. In each book the Order would win a battle but it was never enough to through Dragos out of the war. Dragos finally sets his big plans into motion and proves how diabolical he really is. Dragos is a character I love to hate. As a reader I don't always get the villain I think is worthy of taking on some of my favorite characters, the warriors of the Order definitely being on that list, but I think Lara Adrian did a great job at delivering a villain that not only challenges the hero but me as a reader. In the end, the battle was well fought and as much as I love my happy endings, I was glad to see not everything was perfectly wrapped up in a bow. There were a few surprises surrounding the Breedmates and a secret project Dragos was working on that I hope to learn more about.

There is so much to like about Darker After Midnight but I couldn't help but feel there was something missing. Maybe it was because I would have liked more Tavia and Chase together time or that Chase got a little too close to self-pity or it could have even been the odd 1 year time jump at the end. I just couldn't shake the feeling that there should have been something more. Though the book wasn't perfect, I still had a hard time putting it down. Even at his darkest, Chase is a fantastic character that only got better and more complex with each book. He's one of the best characters from the series and I really hope he plays a part in future books.
My Rating:

Reviews for previous books in the series:
Deeper Than Midnight

Interview and giveaway from author Tes Hilaire

2012-02-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

Today we have author Tes Hilaire with us to talk about her new Paladin series and her new release, Deliver Me from Darkness. Make sure you keep reading after the interview to learn how you can win 1 of 2 copies we are giving away.

How are your Paladins different from others in the paranormal romance genre?
I honestly haven’t read any other Paladin series in the PNR genre so I can’t make any direct comparisons. If can tell you how my Paladin are different from the other immortal warriors out there though! First and foremost probably being that they are not “immortal.” They can be killed, though they do have enhanced strength and abilities and the do age though at a remarkably slow rate, like a thousand or more years. Then there is the angel factor. The original Paladins were all volunteer angels who gave up their wings to come down to earth and protect the One God’s children. In doing so they gave up their immortality and also became just a little bit human, gaining with that human emotions and human strengths and weaknesses. None of the original Paladin, except Ganelon the betrayer, still live and the current Paladin who reside upon the earth are even more human than ever, their ancestors having breed with the human populace. As you can imagine, this creates all sorts of interesting issues. :-)

Can you please tell us about your release, Deliver Me from Darkness?
Deliver Me from Darkness is Roland’s story. Roland is a vigilante vampire and fallen “angel” Paladin who yearns for, but doesn’t believe in, redemption for his soul—until the day his soul-mate, Karissa, is delivered to his door. She is everything he could ever need or want, but she is also been taught that all vampires are evil and never to be trusted. Only she must, because though she does not know it, she’s the last female Paladin. And her heritage and untamed powers have put a bulls-eye upon her from both friend and enemy alike.

What 3 words would you use to describe Roland? What about Karissa?
Roland – tortured, honorable, vigilante Karissa – sassy, stubborn, resourceful

Who is Calhoun and what’s his relationship to Roland?
Logan Calhoun is Roland’s best friend. They are approximately the same age (close to three hundred years old) and grew up together. When Roland was turned, it was Logan who was sent to track him down and kill him. Only Logan still saw something of goodness in his old friend. Something that stayed his hand and had him swearing to aid his once-friend in finding his honor again. Oh, and he told his first lie ever: telling his father and the rest of the Paladin that he’d taken care of the problem. Okay, maybe that’s just “bending” the truth. Logan really hates to lie. It goes against his nature. ;-)

Who are the enemies of the Paladins?
Anything with an evil soul. The banished Lucifer and his minions are their inherent enemies as they strive to pull down the boundaries between heaven, hell, and earth. Despite being greatly outnumbered, the Paladin appeared to be succeeding in their task of keeping Lucifer’s hordes in check, but then one of their own, Ganelon, aligned with the fallen Lucifer, betraying his Paladin brothers. An already desperate war became more so, and now the Paladin are no longer fighting simply for His children, but for the continuation of their own existence.

What is a marking?
Think of it as an invisible tattoo that only another Paladin can see. Originally the marking was one of the most sacred traditions among the Paladin. It was said that for every Paladin He created He also created a soul that would perfectly match, and the marking was a signal to all that the mate had been found, accepted, and the irreversible bonding of their souls complete. As time passed and fewer Paladin females were born, the finding of a true bond mate became rare. Desperation modified the marking, enhancing it with ceremonies and spells to form a bond that is not naturally there. That ceremony is now both a test to see if a pairing is compatible and then, if it is, a seal of intentions with the hope that the formed pair-bond will grow eventually mimicking that of a true mate-bond.

Is Deliver Me from Darkness the start of a series? If so, what can we expect next?
I recently turned in book two of the Paladin warriors. Deliver Me from Temptation starts off a few months after the end of Deliver Me from Darkness and is Logan’s story. Beyond that I’m working out plot lines and character arcs for the next few books in the series.

What other upcoming releases do you have in 2012?
Deliver Me from Temptation is coming out in December 2012! I’m very excited.

DELIVER ME FROM DARKNESS BY TES HILAIRE – IN STORES FEBRUARY 2012

A stranger in the night…

He had once been a warrior of the Light, once of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he live sin darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up on his doorstep.

Comes knocking on the door…

She is light and bright everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can’t deny his heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daphne Award-winning author and former Tennessee native Tes Hilaire doesn’t remember how old she was when she wrote her first story, but she’s pretty sure it had something to do with a boy and a girl and a happily ever after. Displaced at an early age to “the north country,” her stories turned darker as she started creating whole new worlds to escape the harsh, upstate NY winters. Now back in the South, her stories remain edgy, exciting, and bring a hint of dark fantasy to paranormal romance. Best of all, no one ever has to shovel snow. For more, visit her website at http://www.teshilaire.com/.

We want to first thank Tes for taking some time to talk with us. For more information about Tes and her books, visit her website or check her out on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to Sourebooks, we have 2 copies of Deliver Me From Darkness to giveaway. Open to U.S./Canada residents only.

Fill Out Giveaway Form Here

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Book Review: Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire

2012-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Deliver Me From Darkness
Author: Tes Hilaire
Series: Paladin Warriors, book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-10: 1402264348
ISBN-13: 978-1402264344
Buy it here:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information, visit Tes Hilaire's website

Since the night he was forcefully turned into the very thing his fellow Paladin's hunt, Roland spends each day fighting the bloodlust that threatens to consume him. Unlike most other vampires, Roland has no desire to hurt the innocent and wonders what his best friend Logan is thinking by bringing a scared woman into his home. But Roland soon learns there's more to the beautiful Karissa than her torn clothes and vampire hating attitude.

Karissa was told that if anything terrible happens, she could trust Logan but she isn't sure she can believe that after he takes her to the home of a vampire. Her mind says that she should hate Roland for what he is but her body as has a different reaction and when she learns she's the prize the Paladins and vampires are after, Karissa's only hope may be the man that both terrifies and excites her.

Roland, once a Paladin, was lured into a situation with vampires that resulted in death and his turning. After being abandoned and even hunted by the men he considered his brothers, Roland now lives a solitary life and Karissa is a temporary disruption in his routine. Karissa is the first female Paladin in decades and after her existence is revealed, she is wanted by the Paladin's for mating purposes and vampires for even darker reasons. At first she despises Roland for what he is because vampires just killed what she thought was the last of her family. I wasn't all that blown away by Roland or Karissa. Roland's the tortured hero I've read dozens of times before and Karissa is a stubborn heroine with a cool power but that's about it and I wasn't all that thrilled with how her character ends up. It all happens quickly and her reaction didn't feel right.

Part of what kept me going in this book was the Paladins. Yes, they are God's chosen warriors but they receive no points for being good when it came to Karissa. They were ready to keep her locked away and mate bond her without ever asking if that's what she wanted. I don't agree with forcing anything on Karissa but this added a twist that made them less righteous and more interesting. No new was ground broken with the vampire characters but there were a few cool demons and not to mention the king of darkness himself, Lucifer, makes an appearance and you get a peek at plans involving Karissa and the destruction of the Paladins.

I have mixed feelings about Deliver Me From Darkness. I didn't really care for Karissa and Roland and while there was a lot happening action wise, it didn't always lead anywhere. What I did like, aside from a few cool demons, was the supporting cast. Logan, Roland's best friend, doesn't see everything in black and white like so many other Paladins. He's sort of a rebel in his own way and who doesn't like a rebel? Valin is also a Paladin and seems to be toeing the line between good and bad. You can see something developing between him and Gabrielle, a vampire who doesn't want to hurt anyone. I'm not sure if I'll read book 2 in this series but there's a good chance I'd come back for more if it was Valin and Gabrielle's story. I couldn't decide between giving this a rating of 2.5 or 3 but after thinking about how much I enjoyed Logan, Valin and Gabriella, I decided to go with the higher rating.
My Rating:

Guest Post and Giveaway from author D.B. Reynolds

2012-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

We have a special guest post from author D.B. Reynolds. In the last book in her Vampires in America series, we saw as vampire Lord Raphael wish his long time lieutenant Duncan farewell as he went on to acquire his own territory. In today's guest post, we will briefly meet Raphael's new right hand man Jared Lincoln.

Make sure to keep reading after the guest post to learn how you can enter to win a copy of Vampires in America: The Vignettes - Volume 1

It probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had … to ambush a power player in the middle of a political fundraiser. But Jared Lincoln’s a hard man to get a hold of, and I really wanted that interview. Of course, it wasn’t just his political power that made me want to talk to him. I mean, that’s nice, but what really makes Jared an interview worth getting is the fact that he’s also a vampire. That’s right, I said “vampire.” Yeah, they really do exist. And, no, I don’t think they give a damn whether the rest of us believe in them or not.

Real vampires are nothing like the ones in most books. They don’t skulk in the shadows and they don’t look like death warmed over. In fact, they’re not dead at all. No one wants to talk about it—especially not the vamps themselves--but from what I can beg, bribe or steal from my various sources, vampirism is more like a virus—a super virus that grants virtual immortality along with a variety of super powers. I suppose I was lucky that Jared didn’t simply zap me with his vampire super powers that night, because he sure as hell wasn’t happy when I accosted, er, approached him during the fundraiser.

“Jared,” I said cheerfully, addressing him like we were old buddies. “Rumor has it you’ve just been promoted.”

He made some excuse to the society matron who’d been fawning all over him—as if she had a chance in hell with a guy who looked like Jared. She was old enough to be his mother, maybe his grandmother. Although, come to think of it and youthful looks aside, I have no idea how old Jared really is. I wondered then if he’d tell me if I asked. I know now that he wouldn’t have.

Anyway, having sent the society matron gently on her way, Jared turned and gave me a very unfriendly look. His voice was smooth and mellow … and filled with disdain when he said to me, “And you are?”

Ooooh, that hurt. Or, it would have if I’d fallen for it. I’m no Barbara Walters, but I’m not completely unknown in Colorado’s political circles, either. He knew who I was. He was just being a dick. And, okay, yeah, a very attractive dick with a great voice. A dick I wouldn’t have minded getting to know better, if he wasn’t being such a … dick. Huh, maybe I’m carrying the dick thing a little too far. So sue me.

“Come on, Jared,” I wheedled. “Why the secrecy? Reliable sources tell me you got the big promotion, the key to the executive washroom, that you’re moving up the food—“ I stopped mid-sentence. Maybe food chain wasn’t the best analogy to use here.

He laughed, perfect teeth flashing white against his dark skin, his head thrown back in genuine humor. He looked awfully human in that moment. But it didn’t last. He stopped smiling abruptly and turned the full force of his considerable presence on me, staring down from his much greater height. There was no laughter left there, no smile on his expressive lips. “Let it go,” he said bluntly.

“Just tell me if it’s true,” I pushed. “Everyone knows Duncan’s the new vampire honcho in Washington, D.C., which means there’s an empty spot in Raphael’s organization. And my sources say you’re about to fill the vacancy.”

Jared snorted dismissively. “Tell you what, you tell me the name of your sources, and I’ll answer your questions.”

I tsked. “Now, Jared, you know I can’t do that.”

He shrugged. “Same goes.”

I sighed and looked around, taking a long drink from my too-warm champagne. “I hate these things,” I muttered, not really intending to be heard. But I forgot about those vampire super powers.

“Now that’s something I can help you with,” he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers of pleasure rippling down my spine.

I looked up and found his coffee-colored gaze regarding me intently, his eyes seeming to glow from within, like hot coals banked in a fire.

“What …” I asked faintly, heart pounding. “What do you have in mind?”

His smile was slow and confident, and incredibly sexy. And, no, I still didn’t get the interview. But … you know all that stuff you’ve heard about how vampire sex is out of this world fantastic, and how good it feels to have a vamp take your blood?

Well, it’s all true.

For more information about D.B. and her books, visit her new website or check her out on Facebook and Twitter. D.B. is giving away a copy of her newest release, Vampires in America: The Vignettes - Volume 1. Open internationally.

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Book Review: Vampires in America: The Vignettes - Volume 1 by D.B. Reynolds

2012-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Vampires in America: The Vignettes - Volume 1
Author: D.B. Reynolds
Publisher: CreateSpace (Print)
Publisher: D. B. Reynolds (Ebook)
ISBN-10: 1469978210
ISBN-13: 978-1469978215
ASIN: B0077KZWP4
Buy it here:
Amazon (Print)
Amazon (Ebook)

For more information, visit D.B. Reynolds' website

Vampires in America: The Vignettes is a fabulous example of short stories done right. In them, you get to see what happens after a couple has mated and the book ends. Each is a quick read and always steamy but they're more to them than just sex. You'll get to see how powerful vampire Lords deal with troubles in their areas and see a personal side that's not on display for the public. Nothing like what you'll get from reading one of the full length books but they're still a real treat.

Raphael is the west coast vampire Lord and even after his own book, remains a strong presence through the series. You'll find he and his mate Cyn have the most vignettes. Not that I'm complaining of course because whether their keeping vampires in line, or heating things up in the bedroom, they're great together. Along with the ones that D.B. has posted her website in the past, she's included two new stories. The first one is about Duncan and his mate Emma and how he's doing in his newly acquired territory. In the second vignette, we finally get to see Rajmund and Sarah's wedding. Things don't go according to plan and Sarah and her best friend Cyn find themselves being kidnapped on the day before the wedding. Both of these stories were excellent and as a big fan of this series, I was so happy to finally see Sarah and Raj's big day. My only issue with this last story is that we get a oh-so-hot scene from Cyn and Raphael but only a brief one from Raj and Sarah, and it was their vignette.

There are spoilers about the books in the vignettes so I highly recommend you read the books before reading these. If you're already a fan of this series, then this is a must buy for you. Even if you've already read the vignettes when D.B. first posted them, you'll want this collection and you'll find yourself going back to reread your favorites.
My Rating:

Guest Post and Giveaway from authors Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

2012-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what a vampire is looking for in a mate? Thanks to authors Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe, we have a few personal ads from some men who are looking for someone to share their long nights with. So, any takers?

Make sure you keep reading after the guest post to learn how you can enter to win a copy of Gena and Jill's latest release, Dating The Undead.

6’4”, 324 years old, male, slim, sliver hair, hazel eyes: Looking for a woman with the capacity to see beyond my cold, cold flesh and immerse herself in my dark soul. I’ve had many, many years of experience and now I’m looking for eternal love; the kind of love so strong, your mere scent makes me salivate. I love to feel alive and free and desire a partner who can keep up with me from sundown to sunrise. Be ravenous enough to take control, but understand that at the end of time, I am your master. The best things happen unexpectedly; give me the chance to hold your slim white hand and taste your tender neck. I enjoy fine wines, luxury travel, and fast cars; I dream of enjoying these with my mate under a brilliant full moon through all eternity. If this is you, send me your pin.

Ice Daddy looking for a young, hot, vampire-loving babe to light my fire. I’ve had a number of successful business ventures and want a naughty nibbler to share the proceeds with. Must like adventure and be willing to try new things. I may not look 101, but trust me; I’ve had years of experience to master my craft. I will take you to places you have never been. Please send photo (no turtlenecks), vital signs, and blood type.

6’ 1”, 190 lbs, curly black hair, grey eyes. Sexy supermodel vampire looking to blow your mind. With stunning good looks, a jaw-droppingly perfect body, and piercing grey eyes, I’m known for my professional physical skills and unparalleled ability to keep going. All. Night. Long. I’m looking for a lady with a delicious body equipped with abs like ice cold steel. I want to feel the sexy curve in your back and walk my fingers up the trail of your firm thigh, to bring you to heights you never dreamed possible. Think you can keep up with my cool and confident style? Send me an e-mail, please include a picture (upper body necessary, entire body encouraged).

5’ 11”, 200 lbs, wavy brown hair, brown eyes. Nontraditional male vamp seeking sweet, loving female. I am looking to meet my match. I crave a partner, not some meaningless prey. Tender, funny, and complex, I’m not so into the whole darkness thing. I am very active and am looking for someone to explore nature with, go to the gym together, and of course, get steamy in the bedroom. We have the luxury of getting younger with age, and I plan to make the most of it. Message me! (Not looking for a one-night stand).

About The Authors

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the acclaimed “Lords of the Underworld” series and more than thirty other books. She can most often be found walking around talking to the hot otherworldly guys in her head. For more information about Gena and her books, visit her website.

Jill Monroe is the award-winning author of more than eight romance novels. She is convinced that every person she meets is more human, and spends most of her time trying to figure out if they’re werewolf, vampire, zombie – or, in her husband’s case, demon. For more information about Jill and her books, visit her website.

Dating The Undead by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

They’re Drop-Dead Handsome—and We’re Not Kidding!

Welcome to the first and only magazine devoted to loving the immortal man in all of his furry, feathery, fiery glory. As always, this month’s issue is a forbidden-fruit salad of features, fiction, fashion, and more, including:

- Blood Stains on His Collar, Doritos in His Bed: Is Your Immortal Just a Little Bit…Immoral?
- A Kiss is Not Just a Kiss: Immortals We Crave Divulge Their Lip-smacking Turn-ons
- Off the Set with the Real Vampires of Vegas: Your Favorite AfterLifetime TV Vamps Let Their Hair Down
- Killer Cocktails to Slay Your Dragon, Slake Your Vampire, or Singe Your Angel
- Ask Gabrielle: Angelic Etiquette for Modern Gals and Ghouls
- A View from a Guy: Zombie Jack’s Turn
- Undead and Well-Read: What’s Hot Between the Covers This Month
- Angel in the Kitchen: Heavenly Dishes That Don’t Take an Eternity to Prepare

There’s even a page-turning, strange-but-true paranormal romance that’ll keep you up all day! Don’t get caught UNDEAD without it!

For more, visit Dating The Undead's website
You can also check out Stephanie's review

Thanks to Planned Television Arts, we have a copy of Dating The Undead to giveaway. Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only.

Fill Out Giveaway Form Here

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Book Review: Dating The Undead by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe

2012-02-13T04:42:00.000-08:00

Dating The Undead
Authors: Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN-10: 0373892527
ISBN-13: 978-0373892525
Buy it here:
Amazon
Book Depository

For more information, visit Harlequin's website

Want to know what it takes to date a vampire? Unsure of what to get the werewolf in your life for his birthday? Need some advice on how to get over your cheating ex demon boyfriend? Then look no further than Dating The Undead. This guide is jammed pack with helpful tips and articles on how to strengthen your relationship with your immortal or for those who don't have a ring on your finger, or a mating mark on your neck, learn which creature of the night would be the best match for you.

At first, I was a little unsure of what to make of Dating The Undead. Is it a book or magazine? Is it a Lords of the Underworld user guide? Is it going to be nothing but silly nonsense? Well, I finally checked it out and what I found is that this is a really fun read. There are great articles about Zombies, Angels, Demons, Werewolves, Vampires and Dragons, written as if this is a actual magazine and our world was inhabited by immortals. There are secrets given about each species, relationship advice, fashion advice and articles on what to eat and how to stay fit and energized so you can keep up with your immortal lover. There are even ads, like Dead Bull and Coffin Klein, and recipes, like sweet 'n' spicy angel-bait salsa and chocolate fondue-me (I'd actually make these recipes!). This is just the tip of the iceberg to all the goodies you'll find inside.

Fans of Gena Showalter's Lord of the Underworld series will be interested the sneak peek into The Darkest Seduction and the character spotlight section. As a fan of the LOTU, I thought this was a real treat and like that it also included the first chapter of The Darkest Night, book one and great for those who are thinking about starting this series. Everything in Dating The Undead is so well written that you may actually start to believe this is a real magazine. I believe there's something for every paranormal romance fan in this highly entertaining guide/book/magazine.
My Rating:

Weekly Recap for February 6th - 12th

2012-02-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

For Review

- The Drowning Girl by Caitlin R Kienan
- The Year of Eating Dangerously by K. Bennett
- Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
- Vampires In America: The Vignettes Volume 1 by D.B. Reynolds
- Oracle's Moon by Thea Harrison

This Past Week At Paranormal Haven

Monday - Guest post from author Katie Reus
Tuesday - Series review of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series
Wednesday - Picture of the Week and review of Caught Forever Between by Adrian Phoenix
Thursday - Beyond the Blog with Good Choice Reading
Friday - Quick Bites reviews of Hot As Hades by Alisha Rai and Bloodlust by Larisa Ione
Saturday - Interview and giveaway from author Kylie Griffin

Giveaways We Found

- Ex Libris is celebrating her 2nd blogiversary with giveaways
- The Book Vixen is giving away a signed copy of Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall plus swag
- Author Juliana Stone a $25 gift certificate from Amazon and a signed copy of her book, Wicked Road To Hell to two winners
- Once Upon A Series is giving away Changeling Dawn by Dani Harper

Cover Talk

I'm a big fan of James Patterson's Alex Cross series (well, the earlier books anyway). I haven't had a chance to check out his YA series, Maximum Ride, but I love the cover for Nevermore. The wings are some of the best looking I've seen on a book cover. Nevermore is the 8th and final installment in the series and is currently scheduled to be released on August 6th.

Interview and giveaway from author Kylie Griffin

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today we are happy to have author Kylie Griffin with us to talk about her new release, Vengeance Born. Make sure to keep reading after the interview to learn how you can enter to win a copy of the book for yourself.

Can you tell us a little about your new release, Vengeance Born?
Firstly, thank you so much for having me here today – I’ve been looking forward to visiting for weeks. It’s exciting that I finally get to share a little bit about my debut book.

I think there’s a bit of everything for everyone in VENGEANCE BORN. You get all the fantasy elements, as in a cast of characters, plot archetypes, world-building, magic, etc., a little intrigue and mystery, action and adventure, with the additional element of a romance thrown into the mix, and you end up exploring the gamut of relationships – political, social and romantic – the best of all worlds in the story (no pun intended *grin*).

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not pure bred is virtually powerless. Until an unlikely champion is born…

Annika, half-blood daughter of the Na’Reish King, longs for more than her tormented life among her father’s people. Conceived in hatred and bred as a tool of retribution,she’s gifted with a special talent that can heal as well as destroy.

With the Na’Reish vastly outnumbering them, Kalan, a Light Blade warrior, knows the future of humankind depends on him alone. Incursions into human territory and raids for blood-slaves by the Na’Reish Horde have increased. As Chosen-leader, he faces the task of stopping the demons,and convincing the Council of aging Light Blade warriors that change is necessary for survival.

When Annika learns Kalan is a prisoner in her father’s dungeon, her dream of escape seems within reach. She agrees to free him in exchange for his protection once they reach human territory. Now, marked for death for helping him, Annika must learn to trust Kalan as they face not only the perilous journey to the border but enemies within the Council, and discover a shocking truth that could throw the human race into civil war…

Describe the Na’Reish Horde and the Light Blade Warriors. What are they? What is their ultimate goal?
In VENEGANCE BORN, the Na’Reish Horde are the bad guys and the Light Blade warriors are the good guys. Later in the series, readers may discover this isn’t quite true :-), but for now think of the demon Horde and human warriors as two separate armies who have been in conflict with one another for almost five hundred years.

In Demon culture is divided into Clans and the Na’Reish Horde regularly venture into human territory on raids. The purpose for the raids is two-fold – to acquire human slaves, and from these slaves some will become blood-slaves, a convenient food source for the demons.

The Light Blade warriors are the paladin-like protector of human society. They’re able to use kinetic power to kill by channeling it through touch or via any blade or weapon. They’re a cross between holy knights and law enforcement, serving the Lady, the human’s religious deity, the one they believe responsible for Gifting them with their powers. They uphold the Blade Council’s laws and Her tenets and protect anyone who needs help.

With the Na’Reish being physically larger and stronger than humans – most are seven foot and much brawnier – the Light Blades power to kill evens the odds in battle.

When VENGEANCE BORN opens, the Na’Reish outnumber the humans four to one, and the tension between the two races is growing, with the raids for blood-slaves across the border escalating toward all out war.

Na’Rei Savyr, leader of the demons, would see all humans enslaved while the Blade Council and most humans would celebrate the death of every demon. What neither race realizes is that by taking either course of action will actually do more harm than good – and I can’t share any more than that without revealing a massive spoiler. :-)

Can you tell us a little about Annika and Kalan?
Annika’s a Na’Chi – half demon, half human hybrid. She’s grown up knowing her demon father kidnapped her human mother and raped her to breed a half-blood child to get even with an old enemy.

Being Na’Chi in demon society, she’s also aware that she belongs at the very bottom of the social order. Even the human slaves who serve the Na'Reish rank above her. Yet despite a lifetime of teasing, tormenting and abuse from both humans and demons, she dreams of escaping her life to find out more about her human heritage. She also hopes to find someone who will love her for who she is. Her ability to heal or kill with a touch is the catalyst for achieving her dream.

Kalan belongs to the ranks of the Light Blades, and also the Lady’s Chosen, leader of the humans. One of his hardest tasks is to convince an inflexible Blade Council that they must adapt to survive rather than rely on old traditions and practices or risk losing the ongoing conflict with the Na'Reish demons.

Annika and Kalan’s relationship is very Shakespearean – they come from warring houses, and from the start both believe any romantic involvement is doomed to fail, a tragedy in the making.

They have so much to overcome – personal and external prejudices and misconceptions, opposition from those who know them, and it’s complicated by the rising tension between humans and demons. Throw in a couple of culture-shaking secrets and it makes you wonder if they’re ever going to have a happy ending! :-)

Is there anything specific that inspired this fantasy world you have created?
I write both fantasy romance and science fiction romance and having just completed a 100K space opera I was looking for a change of scenery. So I went looking for an idea from my Ideas File on my computer.

As for what inspired the idea of VENGEANCE BORN – it was Annika.

She first “appeared” to me exactly as readers discover her in the opening scene of the book - descending into father’s dungeon about to meet a human Light Blade warrior – a first for her – about to begin her escape and achieve her goal of beginning a new life.

I played a game of ‘what if…’ to learn more about her. It may seem a bit strange to say that I enjoyed tossing around thoughts of what might happen to a crossbreed child born as the result of a rape, but the idea of a bastard child bred for revenge against an old enemy gave me a huge range of character traits and plot lines to play with.

How would the environment influence her development? Could any one person or influence balance her horrendous upbringing? How could they or it affect her? Which traits would dominate?

I decided that Annika would have strength and courage backed by a determination to free herself – there would be no waiting around for someone to save her (I love a strong heroine) – but, because of her upbringing, she’d also harbor a flawed sense of worth and need for acceptance.

And so, VENGENACE BORN came into being…

Can you give us a hint as to what we’ll see next in your series?
I’ll do better than a hint – how about a blurb for ALLIANCE FORGED, the second book in the series! :-)

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not purebred is virtually powerless. Until a blind priestess lays claim to a half-breed warrior, body and soul…

Hunted and marked for death by Na’Reish demons for their half-blood heritage, the Na’Chi are searching for a new home—something an alliance offered by the human leader could provide. With both races divided by prejudice, when Light Blade rebels brutally attack the Na’Chi, the alliance seems doomed to fail.

Varian, leader of the Na’Chi, a hybrid race of gifted warriors, is cursed with the darker impulses of his demon heritage. Controlling the part of himself that craves the high of the battle is a struggle he’s afraid he’ll lose—until he meets Kymora Tayn, a priestess driven to serve her deity. While he’s unwilling to trust anyone outside his people, he finds himself drawn to Kymora’s strength and passionate nature, and discovers she has the power to calm the darkness inside him.

When the Na’Reish raid human territory for blood-slaves and kickstart a war, the key to the survival of both races—Na’Chi and human— is an alliance. However, when Kymora is kidnapped, pitting human against human, Varian realizes he must embrace his darker half, not only to save the alliance…but also the woman he loves.

I’m now working on Book #3. This story will see a familiar character from VENGEANCE BORN and ALLIANCE FORGED (can’t say who just yet but I suspect readers will be pleased to see this person’s story), and it’s set mostly in the demon realm. So readers will get to learn more about the Na’Reish and the history behind the growing conflict between humans and demons.

Most authors jump into a modern paranormal scene, what made you choose a more classic main stream fantasy setting?
I guess it harks back to my early fantasy/sci-fi reading days. I discovered those genres well before romance.

The first book I read in the fantasy genre was DRAGONFLIGHT by Anne McCaffrey (discovered it in a box at a garage sale) – from there I was well and truly hooked. I also read authors like Andre Norton, David Eddings, JRR Tolkein, Mercedes Lackey, Rowena Corey Daniells & CJ Cherryh.

So my love for world-building and all the typical fantasy tropes began there. As a young writer I loved creating worlds from scratch, inventing all the geography, the political structures, the cultures and races, and more often than not, I played with incorporating magic or paranormal elements like gods, powers and quests. My characters couldn’t just be involved in their own little action adventure. It had to interact in a larger, more complex setting. The bigger the better!

Where do you get your best story ideas?
Everywhere!

Adverts, phrases I hear in conversations, music lyrics, photographs, other books that I read – something will catch my attention and my imagination is off and running.

For example, I was TV channel surfing the other say and I caught a half second scene of a World Vision ad. It was a shot of a shanty town somewhere in Africa, with a group of children sitting in front of a house.

The image just stuck and I began to wonder who would live in a shanty town, why would they, how would they earn a living, what sort of life would they live, what would they do to escape such a life, would they care about just themselves or their family, and so on.

Sometimes the emotion of the lyrics in a song will do the same thing. It’ll evoke an image in my mind of someone or a scene, and off my imagination goes again playing that game of a thousand questions until the story or an idea forms.

Most of the ideas remain just that – ideas or snapshots of a scene. I’ll write them down. I have a file on my computer where I keep all of them, and over time some have developed into my stories, while others are still fermenting.

What kind of books do you read, what are some of your favorites?
For pleasure – oh wow, everything from straight fantasy/science fiction to paranormal romance, contemporary romance, western romance, erotic romance, and historical romance.

My favorites? Anything by Anne McCaffrey. Her world-building and the emotional journey of her characters just blow me away. Closely followed by Andre Norton (her Solar Queen & Beastmaster series springs to mind). What an imagination!

Authors in the romance genre that are must reads and auto-buys – Nalini Singh (Psy/Changeling series is my fav.), Denise Rossetti (Four-Pentacle & Phoenix Rising series), Joey W.Hill (Nature of Desire series), Lora Leigh, Lori Foster, Sandra Hill, Sarah McCarthy (Hell’s Eight series), Maya Banks, Linnea Sinclair...just to name a few.

I also enjoy reading non-fiction – mostly research books – anything to do with Celtic, Viking or Egyptian history, martial arts, ancient weapons, herbs, castles, mythology, gardening (plants & vegetables) and photography.

Who is your fantasy hero?
Hugh Jackman, hands down. Gotta go for a fellow-Aussie bloke!

I mean, what woman could resist a 6’2, dark haired, gorgeous guy like him? And if he’s as genuine and laid-back, with that larrikan sense of humor, as he seems in all those TV interviews…sigh…just let me melt away now… (how lucky is Deborra-Lee Furness, his wife of 16years?)

It’s been a great interview – thank you again for hosting me, I’ve really enjoyed my time here! I look forward to answering any questions or responding to comments from your readers.

Kylie Griffin Bio:

Kylie Griffin’s obsession with all things paranormal/fantasy started at an early age, when she used to imagine the jacaranda tree in her front yard was a spaceship used to defend the world from invading enemies. Writing stories seemed a natural extension to her childhood adventures.

Today, she’s a primary school teacher sharing her love for the written word with young children. In her spare time, she writes and reads all things paranormal.

Kylie lives in a small rural village in outback New South Wales, Australia, where she volunteers in a number of emergency service organizations in her local community. Visit her website at www.kyliegriffin.com

We want to thank Kylie for taking the time to answer a few questions for us. To find out more information about Kylie, visit her website and blog or check her out on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or Shelfari.

Kylie is giving away a copy of Vengeance Born. Giveaway is open internationally.

Fill Out Giveaway Form Here

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Quick Bites Reviews: Hot As Hades by Alisha Rai and Bloodlust by Larisa Ione

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Bloodlust
Author Larissa Ione
ASIN: B006MGTJRQ
Get it free here:
Amazon

If you want more information visit Larissa Ione's website

Sir Brynn of Lochlad, finds himself a blood slave to an vampire queen. The more he refuses her the more his body wants her. Will he give into this seductive, domineering, cruel vampire? Will he survive?

Sometimes your body knows what you want when even your mind has yet to catch up. This is how Brynns story is, its erotic a bit dangerous and a lot of angry sex. This was a fun quick read. It took me an hour to finish I would read again. As always I love Larissa’s stories.
My Rating:

Hot As Hades
Author: Alisha Rai
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ASIN: B005GQUA3U
Buy it here:
Amazon for $2.99

For more information visit Alisha Rai's website

The story of Hades and Persephone is a very famous Greek myth. This story is Alisha’s take on the romance that happened between these infamous Greek gods.

Everyone loves a Greek love story and this one is no different. Alisha is amazing with her rendition of this story. Hades is sexy and all alpha male. He is not the angry evil overlord he is always portrayed, you see softness in him that is not normally brought out in his stories.

Persephone is sweet and fun loving just what Hades needs to lighten his world. She shows him compassion when no one else ever has.

I loved this story. I love Greek Mythology (it must come with the name. lol) . I love Hades he is super sexy and yummy you just want to take him home. Alisha did an amazing job in this story. The humor is great and the sexy is explosive. I loved it I will read it again, probably soon..
My Rating: