I have a terrible time with established series, the moment I get bored by one book, or get distracted and never pick up the next book, so the series stops for me and then I read reviews of the later books and I’m all, “Ack — I feel left out!!” Here are the series I need to get back to (these are the books of that series I need to buy):

Do you have a series that you need to finish?

<a href="http://parajunkee.com/category/feature/wanting" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6678961827_53a3b81485_o.png" alt="Desperatly Wanting Wednesday, hosted by Parajunkee's View" width="350" height="233" border="0" /></a>

<a href="http://parajunkee.com/category/feature/wanting" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6678961893_f194d1e8ba_o.png" alt="Desperatly Wanting Wednesday, hosted by Parajunkee's View" width="400" height="421" border="0" /></a>

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Desperately Wanting Wednesday: Series I need to finish!!

The Vampire of New Orleans, Jacques Saint Germain

New Orleans hasn’t resigned itself to ghosts alone. No, we have much more paranormal activity around us than just the transparent variety. And one of the most enigmatic creatures that is said to roam our streets is Jack, New Orleans’ very own vampire.

The Count de Saint-Germain.

Records indicate that the man known as the Comte de Saint Germain was born in the late 1600s/early 1700s, but reports by other well-known figures in history have told of a similar man that can be traced back to the time of Christ. This man was known by famous figures such as Casanova, Madame de Pampadour, Voltaire, King Louis XV, Catherine the Great, Anton Mesmer and many more. While most accounts can’t agree on how many events in history he haunted – some say he was at the wedding at Cana (Jesus + Water = Wine), others that he was present at the council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) – most will agree that in the 1600s, the Comte was an alchemist and this is where he becomes more well-known. Now, if you are familiar with Harry Potter you might have heard the term called, The Philosopher’s Stone, which was one of the main goals of alchemy. The elusive search for immortality and something it is thought that the Comte achieved.

Saint-Germain was out in high-society Europe in 1742. He was described as vastly knowledgeable in the sciences and history, well-spoken in over six languages, including French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and English along with familiarity in Chinese, Latin, Arabic, ancient Greek and even Sanskrit. The first record of his suspected immortality was at a party at the manor of Madame de Pompadour, then mistress of King Louis XV of France. The year was 1760 and a confused Countess von  Gregory approached the man, thinking it was the son of the man she knew in 1710, whom she knew to be the Count de Saint-Germain also. On approach she discovered it was the same man who didn’t seem to have aged a day in the fifty years that had passed. It is noted that the Comte didn’t even deny that it was him, or play himself off as the son. It is even said that he joked with the Countess that he was indeed over 100 years old.

It would seem you can even find the Count at Amazon.com...his music at least.

Forty more years, The Count de Saint-Germain was said to travel throughout Europe. Never aging and continuously marveling the elite of Europe with his abilities, like his genius on the violin, or his painting skills, his deep wallets, his knowledge of medicine and the fact that he always dined with his peers, but never ate. It is said that he only drank wine, which of course he was said to be a connoisseur.

Voltaire, the 18th Century philosopher, described Saint-Germain as “a man who never dies, and who knows everything.”

The supposed final account of the Comte was when he traveled to Hamburg, German and befriended Prince Charles of Hesse-Cassel. Saint-German became a trusted confidant of the Prince and lived as a guest in the castle at Eckernförde. This is where it was rumored that he finally died. The only thing that accounts for his death though is a local record that states Count de Saint-Germain deceased, February 27, 1784.

The Comtesse d'Adhémar claims that the Count was there to witness the beheading of Marie Antoinette October 16, 1793. He would have been close to 100 years old if Google is correct in their estimated year of birth at 1710.

Yet, even though the records of his death were found, the Count was continued to be seen all over Europe as soon as a year after his supposed death, by none other than Anton Mesmer, the man who pioneered the art of hypnotism (said to be taught to him by Saint-Germain). Then records indicate Saint-German was chosen as a representative for the Freemasons at a convention. Story after story of him appears in written records and never the man looks older than 45.

The Comtesse d’Adhémar even wrote, “I have seen Saint-Germain again, each time to my amazement. I saw him when the queen was murdered, on the 18th of Brumaire, on the day following the death of the Duke d’Enghien, in January, 1815, and on the eve of the murder of the Duke de Berry.” The Comtesse wrote this account in 1820, by all accounts Saint-Germain would

Helena Blavatsky, middle, Saint Germain far right

then be pushing a century and a half. In 1897 the records of Helena Blavatsky, one of the  founders of the Theosophical Society, states that she was working with Saint-Germain in promoting the “spiritual development of the West”. Saint-Germain had now come to the United States and the photo shown is supposed to be Saint-Germain with Blavatsky.

Which then takes us to the 20th Century and the New Orleans connection.

Let me introduce you to Jacques Saint Germaine.

Ursulines Ave & Royal St

The year is 1902 and a man going by Jaques St. Germain moves into the prestigious building at the corner of Ursulines and Royal. It is said that he has immigrated from the south of France and a descendent of the Count Saint-Germain. His first introduction into New Orleans society was a party he threw, where he invited all the elite of New Orleans, dignitaries and politicians. Fed them from a catered menu on the finest china and silverware, yet didn’t himself eat a bite. All he did was drink what guests believed to be red wine. This supposedly offended New Orleans polite society and Jacques, while immensely rich never seemed to fit in. He was described as charming, highly intelligent and a master of languages and art, but the company he kept and the fact that he was known to party a lot (loved Bourbon Street) kept him from being accepted by the elitists.

Jacques Saint Germaine didn’t come back into attention until the police took notice of him. Jacques had picked up a woman in a local pub and taken her back to his home. The young woman later finds herself at the police station with a tale that sounds right out of a fantasy novel. She said that Saint-Germain came at her with alarming speed and strength when she leaned over to inspect some beautiful items on his mantel. With that speed and strength in full use, he pressed her against the mantel and began biting her viciously on her neck.

As luck would have it, at that exact moment a few of Jacques more rowdy friends began banging at his door to lure him out for a drink. The pounding distracted Jacques enough for the woman to break away, but instead of trying to make it past Jacques she decides to throw herself through the second story window and over the balcony that surrounds the property, to the bricked street below, thus resulting in her legs breaking in a few places. Her desperate screams drew the police and they took her to the hospital and took her statement.

Jacques, when questioned that night, stated only that she was drunk and decided to jump. Police ask if Jacques could come down to the station in the morning to give a formal statement.

Jacques never appears at the police station the next day. When they decide to pay him a visit they find his house is abandoned and most of his things gone. Police take this as invitation to inspect his home and are confused by what they find. For one there are blood stains all over table clothes in the house and from what they can tell they are from different time periods. Then to top it off there was absolutely not one piece of food in the house. Not even utensils or plates, just a large collection of wine glasses and wine bottles filled with what police believed to be red wine, yet upon taste discovered it was a mixture of blood and wine.

Comte de Saint-Germain & Richard Chanfray, the main who claimed to be the Count in the 1970s. Chanfray appeared on television with his claim and supposedly changed lead into gold. Chanfray committed suicide in Saint Tropez in 1983. Picture is taken from Before It's News and they report that Chanfray faked his suicide and is still alive to this day. (Which would be true if he really is the Count.

There have been numerous reports, even in present day, that a mysterious figure, sometimes known as “Jack” will often harass tourists and locals, displaying amazing speed or strength.

Today New Orleans is known as one of the most violent cities in the U.S., leading the country in “murders per capita”. But, it doesn’t stop there, we are also known for our mysterious disappearances, which are not based in the “low-income” districts of NOLA, but usually focus on tourists and even visiting celebrities. These crimes give the city a dangerous and almost gothic flare and perpetuate the rumors that it might not be drug-dealers that are pushing our crime-stats through the roof, but maybe a few vampires, one in particular that goes by Jack.

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Mardi Gras: Celebrate New Orleans with Vampires

Being a native New Orleanian, I never could deny the paranormal, we are considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. This city breaths it from it’s pores. From a young age I’ve heard ghost stories from the adults around me, visited graveyards for fun and watched masked men parade down the street all year round. New Orleans is a haunted town, rich with history and emotion and today on Lundi Gras I would like to share some local New Orleans haunted stories with you, this is one of my favorites, the tale of Delphine McCarty LaLaurie.

Delphine McCarty LaLaurie.

Delphine LaLaurie was a well known New Orleans socialite in the early 1800s. Her husband was a physician, Dr. Louis LaLaurie and they were wealthy enough to own a mansion located in the heart of the French Quarter. The property to this day is still dubbed the LaLaurie Mansion with the locals and is located at 1140 Royal Street.

Like the typical wealthy Southern woman, Delphine reveled in her social standing and would throw lavish parties and entertain the New Orleans elite.

Taken from Haunted Tours: http://www.hauntedneworleanstours.com/ghostphotos/Lalauriehouse/lalauriehouse2/

At one of her lavish parties, Delphine was preparing to make a late entrance and was still ensconced in her boudoir as the guests began to arrive. A twelve year old slave girl was preparing her hair in an elaborate up-do. The poor girl must have hit a snag though and thus enrage Delphine which lead to the socialite chasing the girl around her room with a bull-whip. Leah, the girl was so afraid she rain out onto the balcony (some say roof though) with the Madame chasing behind her screaming in French. Leah lost her footing, trying to escape the mistress and plunged to her death in the courtyard below, right as one of her guest (said to be LaLaurie’s own cousin) stepped out of their carriage.

Charges were filed and Delphine’s slaves were removed from her home because of reported abuse. LaLaurie was charged $300, a pittance and managed to have a relative buy back her slaves when they went up on auction. Life went on for the LaLauries.

In April of the next year another incident occurred that involved a fire during another party. In those days the kitchen was actually separate from the house (because this is where the slaves worked) so the fire brigade was able to enter the kitchen without disturbing the party, which reportedly had continued on the sidewalk across the street. In the kitchen, the fire brigade found slaves chained to the stove and they admitted to starting the fire to commit suicide and draw attention to the other foul goings-on in the household. These slaves brought the fire brigade to an attic crawl space that was bolted and locked from the outside. Screams could be heard coming from the locked area. The fire brigade broke down the door and were literally sickened by what they found in the enclosed space. It is said that the men, upon discovering the room rushed from it vomiting and horrified by what they found.

The room held more than a dozen slaves, victims of the LaLaurie’s crude experiments. They were chained to walls, body parts missing, the bodies disfigured. It was said that Delphine paid careful attention to their faces and genitalia. One poor soul, instead of welcoming her rescuers ran past the men and jumped through a window and to her death in fear of more torture, this window remains sealed to this day.

The newspaper article that recounted the LaLaurie’s evilness stated that one of her victims had skin removed in circular patterns and her arms amputated so she resembled a caterpillar, another had their joints broken down so they could be shoved in a small box that couldn’t even accommodate a large dog.

These survivors, with amputated limbs and disfigured faces, locked in the attic for God only knows how long were removed from the home all while New Orleans elite watched in horror. A surprise addition to their festivities. These guests had dined and carried on while the LaLauries had done these unspeakable acts. The guests quickly turned on their host, only to find that the sick couple had slipped out the back of the home and disappeared. (This is what I read, but the Haunted New Orleans account below says the Police Department helped them escape) They were never seen again and it was suspected that they returned to Paris. But, recent research points that they went no further than the northern side of Lake Pontchartrain.

Today, the LaLaurie Mansion is considered one of the most haunted places in New Orleans.

Most residents of NOLA that know the story refuse to even walk on the same side of the street at the home. It is also said that if it’s quiet enough you can hear screams from within, but I’ve never heard anything of the sort, even though the house does give me the heebie jeebies.

It took forty years for the story to fade before anyone moved into the house and then it was bought by Italian immigrants. The children of the family reported numerous sightings of men in chains and covered in blood along with a woman chasing a girl and screaming in French. A mother of twins reported that a sock was shoved in the mouth of her child as she slept and numerous decapitated animals were found in the courtyard. The family quickly moved from the home and it remained vacant for a number of years.

The home later was turned into a furniture store and shortly after the business opened the shop owner entered in the morning to find all his furniture ruined, everything was covered in urine, feces and blood. The shop owner suspected vandals and quickly had the mess cleaned up and new stock ordered. Shortly after the new stock arrived again the owner entered the store to find his inventory covered in excrement. He wouldn’t let the vandals get away with it a third time, so he waited all night with a shotgun. In the morning he found the same thing, urine, feces and blood. No one had entered the building. He found a new location quickly after that night.

Later someone tried to open a bar and called int The Haunted Saloon but no one really wanted to go into the place and it shut down. The house sat vacant for a long time once again until it was purchased by developers and commission to be turned into apartments. The house was in terrible condition so they began to gut it. On pulling up the floor boards in the 3rd floor slave quarters, eight skeletons were discovered. It is reported that they were assumed to be buried alive and this accounted for all the screams that people heard in the weeks after the fire, what were assumed to be ghosts.

And that is my Mardi Gras Ghost Story…just for you my lovelies.

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Lundi Gras: Some New Orleans Fun, Ghost Stories

INBETWEEN (Kissed by Death, #1) by Tara Fuller

Available from Entangled August 7, 2012

The latest Young Adult Paranormal Romance from Entangled

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.

Exclusive Excerpt from ‘Inbetween’ by Tara Fuller

Chapter 1

Finn

Sometimes Emma made me feel so alive, I almost forgot I was dead.

Almost.

I sank down onto the side of her bed, amazed by the blazing wildfire that swept through me whenever Emma was near enough to touch. I took a deep, unneeded breath, and settled down on my side next to her. The mattress didn’t sink. The springs didn’t groan with the weight of an extra body. The distance between us was an impossible void. Inches that might as well have been miles. Miles that left me wanting in so many ways that I ached.

Even the sun couldn’t resist her. Its glowing rays caressed her skin, and stained her hair the satiny color of summer wheat. Before I knew what was happening, my hand followed their lead. Cells ignited. My skin burned, screaming with the agonizing need to touch—

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I jerked my hand away just as Easton melted up from the polished hardwood floor beneath the window. Like an oil slick coming to life, he unfolded his long, shadowy legs until he was just an ink blot against the square of tangerine sunrise behind him. His violet eyes pinned me like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Which, I kind of was.

“Nothing,” I lied.

“Yeah, looked like nothing.” He strolled across the room accompanied by a wave of sulfur and smoke, the black serpent tattoo on his neck glinting. “What were you planning to do, recite her poem? I swear to God, if you were still alive I’d confiscate your man card.”
I ignored the barb and scrunched up my nose. “Jesus, Easton. Don’t they have a shower somewhere between here and the afterlife?”

“Screw you. You didn’t just have to tow somebody’s grandpa to Hell.” He brushed something chalky and grey off of his cloak and a shudder worked its way down my spine. God only knows who or what it belonged to. “Besides I wasn’t the one about to feel up a sleeping human.”

“I wasn’t—”

“Save it.” He waved his hand. “We have work to do. I don’t have time for your useless obsession with the human today.”

“Will you please stop calling her that?”

“What?” Easton glanced up from Emma’s vanity, where he’d been inspecting the various lotions and bottles like he was on some alien planet. Then again, Easton had been dead for something like four hundred years, so all of her stuff probably was sort of alien to him.
“The human. You make me sound like a freak. It’s not like we’re a different species for God’s sake. We were humans, too, or don’t you remember that far back?”

“Were. Past tense.”

We could have gone back and forth like that for hours, but the call came. It always did. It started in my bones—a cold so cutting that it sliced through me like a machete. When I looked up, Easton’s jaw was clenched, his muscles taut and ready. He slowly closed his hand around the handle of his scythe that burned black and softly smoked at his side. I flexed my fingers as the icy ribbons of death worked their way through each one of my limbs.

“Can you take this one for me?” I asked. “You’re already going to be there, and I just got back—”

“No,” Easton said. “Hell no. I have my own job to do. I can’t keep covering for your sorry ass. Besides, you’re already on thin ice with Balthazar. Don’t push your luck, Finn. Just keep your nose down, collect your souls, and thank the Almighty that you don’t have my job. Now let’s go.”

“Yeah, but…” My eyes returned to Emma. Sleeping. Perfect. Safe.

“For the love of God. She’ll be fine, you pansy.” Easton clamped a hand over my shoulder and dragged me from the bed.

“How do you know?”

He shrugged. “I don’t.”

With that he vanished, consumed in a flash by the keening wails of the damned. The screams beckoned. Clawed at me from the inside out.

Rule one as a seeker: Death doesn’t wait for anyone.

And it sure as hell wasn’t waiting for me now.

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Inbetween by Tara Fuller Cover Reveal

Kindle Deals in Must Read Urban Fantasy and YA Urban Fantasy

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Hot Kindle Deals, Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy

Welcome to the Twitter & Facebook Hop on Parajunkee’s View.

Today we are linking up our Facebook Fan Pages & our Twitter accounts so we can earn more followers and likes. Social networks are an integral way to get more exposure for your blog, so click away! I’ve heard some nasty reports though that people aren’t following back — so only participate if you are going to reciprocate the follows. This is about making new friends and followers, not just increasing your numbers.

Rules To Participate

1. As a courtesy please follow & like your host — me Parajunkee!
2. When you follow or like someone @ them and let them know so they can follow back
3. Be nice about it! Don’t just send the same message over and over again!
4. Leave a comment and tell me if this meme is a keeper.
5. As a courtesy if someone follows you be sure to follow back.
6. You can use the icon above for your Facebook fan page. This is a place people can commend and Like so you know to follow back.
7. Have fun!

********** Please Remember *********

1. This is for Facebook FAN pages – not your friend account, like with your Friend account, but list your Fan pages!
2. This is also not for your Blogs – if you want to add your blog – please join the #FF Hop

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Twitter & Facebook Hop #9

Welcome to the Feature & Follow

---

Gain new followers and make new friends with the Book Blogger Feature & Follow! If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers — but you have to know — the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, (using the linky tools — keep scrolling!) then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them “hi” in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

What sets this Hop apart from others, is our Feature. Each week we will showcase a Featured Blogger, from all different genres and areas. Who is our Feature today? Find out below. Just remember it is required, if you participate, to follow our Features and you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) as a courtesy. How do you follow someone? Well, if you have a preference, state it in your #FF post. A lot of blogs are transitioning to WordPress in which they do not have the luxury of GFC, so an RSS subscription is appreciated or if you choose an email subscription. If you don’t have GFC please state in your post how you would like to be followed.

Our Feature – Evolet @ BeefcakeandBabes

Out There:I’m married, I work full-time, I go to school part-time, I write YA fiction (but read adult romance and erotica). In Here: I’m single, I work full-time, I go to school part-time, I read and review adult romance and erotica, and I’m an aspiring adult romance/erotica author living vicariously through my dreams and the books I read.This is my alter ego coming out to play and being as bold she wants to be. Heh.

I started blogging in Jan 2011 with the purpose of trying my hand at writing in a genre that I read all the time. I figure I’d start small, by blogging short-short stories. Needless to say, I’m still working up to those. It’ll happen eventually. I know this. In the meantime, I review the books I buy and participate in weekly memes like Follow Friday. A word of warning: you must be at least 18 years or older to visit my site. Beefcake, Babes and strong language (not all the time, though) abound.

Q: BeefcakeandBabes Asks: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What’s the most unique character name you’ve come across?

I hate even saying this but the most unique and horrid was Renesmee from ‘Breaking Dawn’. It gives me the shivers every time I even read it. Good unique, I like J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brother hood names, favorites were Rehvenge and Zsadist. Fun fun fun.

If you have followed me via GFC you will no longer be able to get my feed via GFC or Blogger. I ask that if you use a reader, like Google Reader – just follow my RSS directly. That would be super!

<—- Just clicky clicky!

 

 

 

We have a new button, so update your blogs if you are used to doing this meme!

<a href="http://parajunkee.com/category/ff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4710921228_e3140444bf_o.png" /></a> 

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
5. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
6. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
7. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
8. If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Happy Follow Friday! Come back at midnight CST for the Facebook & Twitter hop!!

 

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Feature & Follow #84

Welcome to Book Blogging 101, a weekly feature on Parajunkee’s View that answers your questions and strives to share great book blogging tips and some helpful hints to help you on your way.

It is said, by those “Oh Knowledgeable Ones” of web guruness that about 1% of your viewers are actually actively engaging (meaning they are commenting regularly), 9% periodically contributing. The rest, complete lurkers.

I did the math on my stats (which is probably wrong since I barely remember my multiplication tables – yes, when that Algebra teacher said you’ll use it in everyday life, she lied. Graphic Designers luckily do not need Algebra, they call their printer) for the last two weeks. I took my average number of comments, which seems to be about 15.5 a post, and I factored it to the amount of unique visitors I’ve had in the last two weeks. It came out that for every 50 pageviews, I get one comment. Every 1 in 50.

Wow, to compare I looked up what else is in that ratio:

• 1 out of 50 of the “found” planets in our Universe could possible contain life ¹
• Rick Santorum has a 1 in 50 chance of winning the nomination.²
• 1 in 50 New Food Products are High Fructose Corn Syrup-Free ³

Since I don’t expect to find alien life in my lifetime, I doubt Rick Santorum will become the Republican Nominee and it is DAMN hard to find food without High Fructose Corn Syrup, I’m going with 1 in 50 as horrible statistics, LOL.  And considering most of us quantify our reach by the amount of comments we receive, this is terrible news to me.  In my mind a post without a comment is like a restaurant without anyone seated, lonely and depressing and reeking of salmonella. Yet, shouldn’t these numbers be reassuring? This means that most likely your post is being read – check those stats, did you have pageviews? They just aren’t commenting. WTF?

Reassuring yes, but we shouldn’t just throw in the towel and accept these lurkers non-commenting ways! Because a non-comment post says to me, basically my post wasn’t interesting enough to elicit a response. Or am I just being sensitive?

How do I make my post interesting enough to get more comments?

1. Ask Questions.The most obvious way of getting a response is to prompt one. Ask a question in your post.
   1. End your review with, a question, like “Have you read ____, what did you think?”
   2. Bring up a discussion topic, ask a question based on the genre or author. What are your favorite books in the paranormal romance genre? Can you suggest any other books by this author?
   3. Does the book have a sexy hero? Ask about their favorite sexy hero. Does the book have an interesting locale? Ask about interesting locales.
2. Ask For Comments. Some people are scared to leave comments, they might need a little prodding. Specifically invite your readers to comment in each post.
3. Respond. If you get a comment, respond back! This should be a given, but I find so many blogs that don’t do it.
4. Conversation Posts. Write your post like a conversation, stating your feelings much like you would talk to a friend about something you feel strongly about.
5. Controversial or Negative.
   1. Negatives. Unfortunately I have to say my negative reviews get a lot more comments than my positive ones. Why is this? And should I be promoting this? That is the question. I think it might break down to the fact that I get a lot more “into it” when I write a negative review. Mostly because I feel I must prove why I didn’t like a book, whereas if I enjoy a book I don’t feel as motivated to lay it all on the lines. There are only so many ways you can say, creative, original and emotional…etc. This is my theory though, it could be that people like drama and are more apt to respond to “sucks” than “wow”.  I can’t promote this as something to do on purpose though – because if your blog starts pumping out negative review after negative review, you might form a reputation that will be hard to recover, especially with authors. I’ve seen a few blogs come and go that had a rep for being mainly negative, reviewing “Pop” books just to bash them. People do get tired of negative, so it is good to watch your Voice.
   2.  Controversial. There is a reason that my stats for THURSDAY are off the chain. We are talking 3 times my usual daily visits. Do you know what my highest-ranking post is for 2012? My name thievery post.  It was controversial, it called out a big  no-no topic in the Book Blogging world, I even pointed fingers, which I usually don’t do, but felt it was necessary instead of just doing a generic appeal. I didn’t expect it to get so much attention, but it did. I didn’t do a controversial topic, just to do one, I had been specifically asked to help. And I think this is how these things should go, you shouldn’t try to be controversial, you should only do this if you feel passionately about a subject – because if not, you’ll look like you’re just being combative and pushy. I think every now and again it is good to throw all your cards on the table about a subject — just make sure that you are informed and your argument is well thought out before you post, it is easy to get egg on your face when a controversial topic is played.
6. Easy Commenting: People aren’t going to comment if it is hard!!!!!!
   1. Take CAPTCHA off – it is useless and just makes me want to shoot someone. You will not get spammed, if you do you can just delete it!  If you are so worried about it, make it that you have to approve the comments. Take CAPTCHA off.
   2. Make your comment link easy to find.
   3. Login required? Guess what I’m not commenting, why should I login?
   4. Comments that require personal information? I think not. No comment.
   5. You might be trying to battle spam, but all you are doing is pushing away would-be comments. Commenting should be ridiculously easy.

So what did we learn from this post? Be passionate about what you blog about. Ask questions. Turn off captcha and be controversial in the right time and place.

My question to you: What has worked for you? What kind of posts have received the most comments (besides giveaways)?

For entertainment purposes, and personal shameless self-promotion, have you guys checked out our Sh*t that Book Bloggers Say video?

I can’t get to all the questions, but please ask your BB101 Questions here…bring it on.

¹’Super-Earth,’ 1 of 50 Newfound Alien Planets, Could Potentially Support Life. (2011 September 13). Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/09/13/super-earth-1-50-newfound-alien-planets-could-potentially-support-life/
²Krauthammer: Santorum Has 1 In 50 Chance; Ron Paul Has Zero Chance. (2012 January 2). Retrieved from hhttp://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/01/02/krauthammer_santorum_has_one_in_fifty_chance_ron_paul_has_zero_chance.html
³1 in 50 New Food Products are High Fructose Corn Syrup-Free. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/1-in-50-new-products-are-high-fructose-corn-syrup-free.htm

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Book Blogging 101: Getting Comments on Your Blog Posts

Doesn’t this knock your freakin’ socks off? Like 300 meets Buffy!! Holy Lincoln’s Fangs! Where’s the book — I know I have it around here somewhere!

Perfect for the Books to Movie Challenge – don’t you think???

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Movie Trailer

Do you have a Book Bucket List — books that you want to read before you die but just haven’t gotten around to them? I do, and here they are:

 What is your Book Bucket List?

<a href="http://parajunkee.com/category/feature/wanting" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6678961827_53a3b81485_o.png" alt="Desperatly Wanting Wednesday, hosted by Parajunkee's View" width="350" height="233" border="0" /></a>

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Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Desperately Wanting Wednesday: The Bucket List

Eden won the battle-she saved her true love from the darkest evil. But the war has only just begun. With secrets swirling around her, powerful allies unraveling, and life-and death-as she knows it eroding, Eden and those she loves tread dangerous ground. Can she trust anyone? Will her unearthly powers be her salvation or her downfall? A sweeping, dark, and sexy paranormal romance that will haunt readers with an inventive mythology and a cinematic New York City filled with shadows and longing.

You can pre-order personalized signed copies of A Touch Morbid from Leah’s local Indie, The Learned Owl check out THIS POST from Leah to learn how to pre-order, about her Tea Party launch party and other fun release events she has planned.

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> A Touch Morbid: Trailer Premiere

Here are some very hawt and entertaining Paranormal Romance Series for your Valentine’s Day Enjoyment.

Nothing says love, like a sexy Alpha Male. The good thing about these series are that they are all character based – introducing a new romance in each book, unlike some series that follow a romantic couple, or one character through the entirety. I believe, like in life, romance can get played out a bit — so I like mine fresh in each book. These book, whether you pick up book 10 or the first in the series are enjoyable for their basic creation — the romance.

J.R. Ward’s The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series

Experience the hottest Vampire boys in fiction, the Black Dagger Brotherhood is top of the list for fang-tab-lous vampire romance. These boys are big, alpha and well, they get all sappy when they find their soul-mates. Pair it with original plots, back-story and larger-than-life characters, you have yourself a great set of books. I actually only made it up to Phury’s story — which it has been recommended to me to SKIP — because it was probably the worst in the set (book 6), but other than that — hawt hawt hawt. I’ve been itching to forget Phury and move on to Rehvenge.

 Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter/Were-Hunter Series

If ever there is an intimidating series to start reading it is Sherrilyn Kenyon’s books. I took one look at her list of books on Goodreads.com and nearly had a palpitation.  There are just so many of them! And then some series mix together, you have Dark-Hunter, #18 which is also Were-Hunter, #5. But the great thing about this set of books is you can pick up any one and read it and appreciate it as a great paranormal romance. My first SK book was found on a bargain shelf for $2 at Border’s, it was Devil May Cry (Dark-Hunter, #12) and I read it and loved it – 12 books into the series. Her characters are fun, sexy and kick-ass. I’ve since gone back and read them here and there, but I still haven’t read the first four. My suggestion if you want to stay in order is to go to SK’s site and she has a recommended reading order list. Good luck and hope you enjoy!

Gena Showalter’s Alien Huntress Series

These are the hottest aliens you’ll ever meet and taking that from me is quite something. I am afraid of aliens, just not these! I actually discovered this series from the ‘Deep Kiss of Winter’ anthology with Kresley Cole. And personally, I think that was the worst ‘Alien Huntress Story’ (but it was good!) all the other ones are just so good. These are more futuristic, as compared to the usual, Carpathian Mountains and ancient immortals, like you see in so many paranormal romances. I guess because the Alien Huntress series blends paranormal with science fiction seamlessly it just stands out in my mind, since I like both genres. You have hot aliens and super hot vampires all in one! Yea! Gena Showalter has some other fang-tab-ulous series, but I have to say I enjoy her Aliens the most.

Kresley Cole’s Immortal’s After Dark

This is another series that I picked up late in the game. It was around book four that I plunged in and haven’t looked back since. I’ve actually skipped some, come back and read some again and again – but the main thing is this series is packed with great characters (who doesn’t love some crazy Valkyries!) and great writing. Cole keeps her story-lines PRISTINE! I haven’t found any inconsistencies, or dropped plots. You can read them all crazy like – which is what I have a tendency to do – and still know what is going on in the world of the immortals. You don’t want to pass up this series.

The banners shown in this post, are from I’m Loving Books.

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Happy Valentine’s Day – Love on These Hot PNR Picks

PJV Quickie: A very different take on the usual Paranormal Romance, ‘Wicked as They Come’ was unique and I was quickly sucked into the world, but something about the romance wasn’t as scintillating as I would have liked.

Review

The premise of this novel blew my socks off. Alternate dimensions, people are sucked into the world when they are sleeping, in a coma or a vegetable. The alternate dimension could compare to the 1700s-ish – but they have a slight problem with vampires. They call them the Blud. Everything can become a blood-sucking fiend – rabbits, deer, rats (yeah argh!) and the remaining humans have locked themselves up in cities, afraid and festering. Great concept!

The deliciously crafted heroine is Tish, an in-home care provider that happens upon an estate sale where she decides to pinch herself a locket that she finds stuffed in a book. The locket is quite interesting looking but will not come open, that is until she finds herself in another world, butt-naked and draped over a rock. Since she had been sleeping, she figures it a dream, especially when Criminy Stain steps into her clearing and turns her world upside down.

I loved Tish and was entranced by her take on this other world. She was very spunky and tough in that “normal” way (not the ass-kicking Urban Fantasy way). I enjoyed her interaction and her acceptance of the new world she found herself in. She actually enjoyed her circumstances – which I think is fun and different because most heroines are all lost in the “What, Whys and Holy Sh*ts” to stop and appreciate their interesting surroundings. I also understood the author’s focused transition, the point being that Tish had to step out of her comfort zone, out of normal and into the Blud world. I think the plot, the setting and character crafting was amazing in ‘Wicked as They Come’. Dawson crafted and excellent novel and I can’t wait to read more of her writing.

Why the low rating though? You are probably asking yourself. Well, the fact that ‘Wicked as They Come’ is a paranormal romance. Yet, the romance is where I found the story lacking. It all starts with Criminy Stain, at first impression of him — he screamed Jack Sparrow and he was just too much. He literally threw himself at Tish and then there was the journal that showed that they were married, so that sort of threw all tension out the window. On top of that, the description of his “claws” kind of freaked me out. I know Tish wasn’t bothered by it – but I was. Your hands I think are integral in a relationship, touching, caresses — “ah get away from me with those blackened claws”. Sorry! So, I was sort of pushing her to go for someone else, which rarely happens for me in a paranormal romance and because of this, the book wasn’t what it should have been for me.

I want to swoon over the hero and there was no swooning for me. My humble opinion leads me to believe that with a few tweaks and pushes to the right, ‘Wicked as They Come’ might have been better served with a little less romance and a bit more Urban Fantasy. I also wanted to see a bit more steampunkery, yes there were mechanicals galore, but I just didn’t get the steampunk paranormal romance vibe like I have with other greats in the sub-genre.

Recommendations:

Recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, this might not be a good transition novel with all the Bluds, but I think PNR fans will embrace this one with open arms – maybe Criminy will make you swoon. Romance means adults only.

Like This, Like That

‘The Iron Duke‘ (A Novel of the Iron Seas) by Meljean Brook
‘Soulless‘ (The Parasol Protectorate) by Gail Carriger

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Review: Wicked as They Come (Blud, #1) by Delilah S. Dawson

Slave to trends, Book Bloggers just had to get on the action. Check out your favorite book bloggers from: Bookish Brunette, Book Faery, My 5 Monkeys, Parajunkee’s View, Rabid Reads and Tynga’s Reviews

http://www.bookish-brunette.com/
http://book-faery.blogspot.com/
http://tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/
http://www.parajunkee.com
http://www.rabidreads.ca/
http://www.tyngasreviews.com/

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Sh*t Book Bloggers Say Unveiling!

Welcome to the Twitter & Facebook Hop on Parajunkee’s View.

Today we are linking up our Facebook Fan Pages & our Twitter accounts so we can earn more followers and likes. Social networks are an integral way to get more exposure for your blog, so click away!

Rules To Participate

1. As a courtesy please follow & like your host — me Parajunkee!
2. When you follow or like someone @ them and let them know so they can follow back
3. Be nice about it! Don’t just send the same message over and over again!
4. Leave a comment and tell me if this meme is a keeper.
5. As a courtesy if someone follows you be sure to follow back.
6. You can use the icon above for your Facebook fan page. This is a place people can commend and Like so you know to follow back.
7. Have fun!

********** Please Remember *********

1. This is for Facebook FAN pages – not your friend account
2. This is also not for your Blogs – if you want to add your blog – please join the #FF Hop

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Twitter & Facebook Hop #8

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Feature & Follow #83

Welcome to Book Blogging 101, a weekly feature on Parajunkee’s View that answers your questions and strives to share great book blogging tips and some helpful hints to help you on your way.

Attack vs. Opinion

I can’t get to all the questions, but please ask your BB101 Questions here…bring it on.

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Book Blogging 101: Ignoring My Review Policy

I’m going off on a tangent, aren’t I?

Sorry! But, here is the point of my story – the guy that runs LinkyTools, those fun linky lists that you see in so many of our blogs, teamed up with a few bloggers and came up with an alternative to GFC – he understands the need for this useful tool, unlike Google. And on top of his useful creation to the GFC competition – he’s made it available for use on blogs that can’t use javascript — ahem WORDPRESS.com – yup, the free one! This is a big step, because before this, WP.com peeps could only use email subscriptions and push RSS feed.

So yes there is now an Alternative to Google Friend Connect!

Yes, you too, wordpress people, can have a wonderful follower count on your sidebar!

You don’t have to be forced into BLOGGER anymore just because of the industry standard GFC!

Two Winners!

Win a $20 Giftcard!

Win a $10 Giftcard.

  The giftcard will be from your choice of stores:  

• Amazon.com (Available International)
• Barnes & Noble (Domestic US)
• Wal-Mart (Domestic)
• Book Depository (International based on their shipping restrictions – you can choose $20 / $10 worth of books)

    What do you have to do?   Follow via the Linky Followers Gadget And — if you want to spread the revolution, you get a second chance to enter if you host your own giveawayfor the purpose of promoting Linky Followers. We want people to find an alternative to GFC – but it won’t be an alternative if no one uses it, right? So, let’s bribe them to get on the bandwagon Leave the link to your own giveaway in the linky list below. Fill out the Rafflecopter widget so your entry is counted!

Please only sign-up giveaways that have a required Linky Follower use…

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> A New Alternative to GFC! + Giveaway

Today’s features are from a list I stumbled upon on Goodreads.com — a list of course that made me seethe. One point it was a featured list — so it was right on top, second point it was just completely judgmental and narrow-minded. The list is titled: “Dealbreakers: If You Like This Book, We Won’t Get Along” I hate to even do this post to bring more attention to the list. But, I had to give you my “Wanting” of books on this list. A lot of the books are political, written by Republicans and then books by religious groups,  — oh the Bible is on there along with the Book of Mormon. Look, I completely understand some of them, it’s hard to look at someone reading “Healing Homosexuality” and not get offended, but I know not everyone agrees with me in my faith and beliefs and I wouldn’t want them jumping down my throat.

This is my “Want to Read” of “Dealbreakers: If You Like This Book, We Won’t Get Along”

Top Dealbreaker Novels I Want to Read

Title: Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government
Series: Stand-alone
Author: Glenn Beck
Genre: Political
September 22nd 2009 by Threshold Editions

I’m not the biggest fan of Glenn Beck, mainly because I think he is an extremist, especially now since he’s gone Rogue. I swear my neighbor is hoarding food because he listens to the man too much and thinks the world is going to come to an end — but I wanted to read this book, mainly because I do think Beck is a smart man and from what I’ve heard this book is founded in facts and double and triple checked (he had to, I’m sure his opposition would have gone over this with a microscope). And, of course, I’m not a big fan of political BS, so I think his dry sense of humor might make this the one book I could probably stomach.

Title: The Giver (The Giver, #1)
Author: Lois Lowry
Published January 24th 2006 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Jonas’s world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Title: Gossip Girl
Series: (Gossip Girl #1)
Author: Cecily von Ziegesar
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
April 1st 2002 by Poppy

DON’T JUDGE!! LMAO — I got addicted to the television show. It might be interesting to read the books. I actually didn’t even know the show was based on a book.

Welcome to New York City’s Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep–sometimes with each other.

S is back from boarding school, and if we aren’t careful, she’s going to win over our teachers, wear that dress we couldn’t fit into, steal our boyfriends’ hearts, and basically ruin our lives in a major way. I’ll be watching closely…

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Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Desperatly Wanting Wednesday: The Sh*t List

PJV Quickie: I would like to preface this review with the fact that I really enjoyed this book. Ashton’s writing was compelling and her character portrayal was well done. Yet, because of some scenarios not lining up correctly I wasn’t as enchanted as I should have been if the plot would have been flushed out properly.

Review

Sucked into the Everneath for a century, even though only six months has passed on the surface, Nikki Beckett is given a second chance to say goodbye.  She had left things in quite a mess when she went below, but now on her return, things are even more upside down. Most people think that she was on a six month bender and those closest to her feel betrayed. There will be a lot reparations to be made, especially since she has to relearn how to feel – and when emotions do begin to come back to her she is faced with the realization that she might not want to return, no matter how tempting it might be to never feel again.

‘Everneath’ was an emotional rollercoaster. It tackled some hard topics; the loss of loved-ones and our wish to sometimes just have our feelings go away.  Nikki was a well-formed character and her transition from the beginning of the novel to the end was exceptionally crafted. I think Ashton focused on her three main characters: Cole, Nikki and Jack as the central masterpiece of the novel and their transition and plight. Personally, I think it might have been better served in a contemporary. Maybe a drug addiction instead of a myth based paranormal, because I think in the creation of the paranormal myth is where the book fell flat. Just some of the pieces didn’t come together.

The main process around the myth was the Feed, where the Everliving take their victims to the Everneath and feed on their energy for a century.  A recharge, so-to-speak. They are ruled by a Queen, dubbed colloquially as Persephone, but the Everliving, Cole refers to the Hades figure, not as Hades but as Osiris. This back and forth between the Egyptian myth and the Greek myth was highly confusing. Yes, both are Gods of the Underworld, or dead, but in ‘Everneath’ they are ruled over by a Queen, which is referred to as Persephone – which can change if a regime changes. Cole is determined to bring Nikki back to the ‘Everneath’ in hopes of one day taking the throne. All he ever refers to is Nikki becoming Persephone, so what happens to Osiris/Hades, because Cole seems to refer to him as one being. There didn’t seem to be as much explanation as I would have liked in the book.

Then, on top of myth problems, there were also little inconsistencies, like the fact that the Feed happened only once a century, but they still were sending, I guess sacrifices down to the Everneath. Were they for Persephone? Did she feed off them like the Everlivings did? Because they were cocooned together for a century. Did Persephone cocoon up with her sacrifices? And wouldn’t that get boring after awhile? I would lose my brain. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to function back in real life, much less go back to high school after a year long brain suck (but they explain that Nikki is different so this isn’t really the problem).  Then Jack and her family just accept that she’s all messed up and don’t press her for answers. My parents and boyfriend would have been peppering me with a million questions. Just something didn’t click with me as True. Yes, I know paranormal, but things have to make sense in my brain and this just didn’t. Pair that with a badly crafted ending, (I didn’t get how they thought that destroying what they meant to destroy would solve Nikki’s problems) meant strictly to appeal to the sobbing masses, ‘Everneath’ entertained but didn’t “wow”.

Recommendations:

Recommended for teens with a taste for emotional dramas. This is a good paranormal transitional since it focuses on the emotional instead of the paranormal elements.

Like This, Like That:

‘Shattered Souls’ by Mary Lindsey
‘Wither (Chemical Garden)‘ by Lauren DeStefano

Content copyright 2011 Parajunkee's View. Original content taken from > Parajunkee's View> Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton