Paranormal Door Publishing

The May Door - Where to buy

2013-04-30T08:01:00.002+12:00

The May Door: Ring around the Mayfair pole, and slip through the paradoor

Authored by Isabella Rose, Authored by Niniane Scott MacPherson, Authored by Seanna Marie, Authored by Zodea St. Maarten

Paperback List Price List Price: USD $8.60

Kindle: USD $3.99

Kobo: NZD $4.99

Ejunkie mobi: (Coming Soon)

Ejunkie epub: (Coming Soon)

Paperback Inforamtion:
5" x 8" (12.7 x 20.32 cm)
Black & White on White paper
56 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1484845325 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10: 1484845323
BISAC: Fiction / Short Stories

Paranormal Door is a bi-monthly collection of short stories by various authors. Each short story can be a stand alone story, part of a series, or from the same world and characters - but with a different story each time.

Contents
The Dragon and the Rose.........................................
Isabelle Rose ......................................................... 5
The Curse ...................................................................
Niniane Scott MacPherson ............................... 12
Surival of the Fittest ..................................................
Seanna Marie ..................................................... 28
Burnt Wings, the Exorcism ......................................
Zodea St. Maarten ............................................. 35
Prelude to Fire of Ice .................................................
Cindy Hargreaves ............................................. 47

Bath Fizzies - Hearts & Skulls

2013-04-28T11:34:00.000+12:00

Heart & Skull - Bath Fizzies (like bath bombs). Ideal for bath's or foot spas.

If using in bath, use one or two bath fizzies; for foot spa's use one bath fizzy.

Fragrant: Hawiian Dreamz - coconut, pineapple and vanilla.

Ingredients: bicarbonate of soda, acidity regulator (citric acid), prunus persica, colour and fragrant oils.

Other fragrance's coming soon, we are open to suggestions.

2 pack hearts about 24 grams including packaging - nzd $1.90 + p&h
2 pack skulls about 33 grams including packaing - nzd $2.00 + p&h

Email us for a quote for different sizes. We are in the process of creating other products as well, like soaps and lotion bars. We can custom make products to your specification.

Heartbreak Guitar Book Reading 1

2013-04-19T12:24:00.000+12:00

In this video Cindy Hargreaves does a book reading of Heartbreak Guitar Blurb and Chapter 1.

[Yes I made a booboo and the video is sideways, I will fix it and reload it. But for now here you go.]

You can watch this video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7CgKOg4vTo

Paradoor Subscription

2013-04-15T16:40:00.000+12:00

Want the convenience of having Paradoor delivered directly to your door? Want to go in the draw to win awesome prizes? Subscribe today :D

Previous Issues:

Paradoor Christmas
January Chills
Hearts and Skulls (Coming Soon)

Ambassador Reward Plan

2013-04-09T08:35:00.001+12:00

Welcome to Paranormal Door Ambassador Program Our aim is to open the door to fiction, with as many people as we can. With your help Paranormal Door can become a household name. The Ambassador Program is formulated to help you achieve the dreams and lifestyle that you desire.You get to decide if you want to work part time or full time (or somewhere in between). You will receive recognition and be rewarded for your achievements.

Ambassador

How to become an ambassador?

Complete and Sign Independent Ambassador Application form
Purchase either a Starter or Digital kit

How to retain your Ambassadorship?

Renew your registration each year on the anniversary of your joining date $20 AUD/USD ($25 NZD)
Place a minimum of one order with $300 in Retail Sales per quarter.

Consultant Rewards

Sales Commission – 20% personal Retail Sales (PRS)
Personals Sales Bonus (Paid 2^nd week after end of month)

o 5% on $1000 PRS

o 10% on $3000 PRS

o 15% on $6,000 PRS

o 20% on $10,000 PRS

Free product bonuses

o 5% on $1500 PRS

o 10% on $4500

1% Sponsor Bonus on your Personal Group.
The opportunity to achieve a variety of exciting rewards and prizes in the company regular incentive promotions.
The opportunity to reach management levels.

Manager

How to achieve?

Achieve $6500 Personal Group Sales a month or more. $2500 are Personal Retail Sales.
Personally Sponsor at least 1 new Ambassador in a calendar month.
At least 4 personally introduced Ambassadors in total.

How to maintain your management position?

· Renew registration on or before anniversary of joining.

· Maintain a level of $5000 Personal Group Sales

Manager Rewards

· You get all of the Ambassador Rewards PLUS.

· Manager Bonus’s

o 2% on PGS on $5000

o 5% on PGS on $7,500

o 7% on PGS on $10,000

o 10% on PGS on $15,000

· Other promotions and rewards.

Other level of Management:

Senior Manager
Executive Manager
Senior Executive Manager

Other Rewards:

Car Allowance/Payments
International Travel
Designer Jewellery
Business Tools

Ambassador Digital Plan

2013-04-08T17:15:00.003+12:00

Join Paranormal Door Ambassadors on the Digital Plan

Novels published by Paranormal Door

2013-04-04T11:05:00.001+13:00

This journey really got under way November 2011, with one novel and a monthly series, both by Crystal Lea. An lots of idea, blood and sweet by Cindy Hargreaves. We started with just PDF ebooks that had to be manually emailed. Then we came across eJunkie, and that lead to the second stage of the journey which was the start to building a quicker service. The next step was surprising Crystal Lea by getting her books on Kindle (laughs, you should have read her reaction to that *winks*). And more recently, last November in fact, we launched most of our books in paperback. Oh and we have introduced Paradoor, the bi-monthly collection of short stories by various authors.

Come the Darkness

Crystal Lea

A killer haunts the shadows of Savannah. Women are dying and the bodies all seem to have but one connection, the mysterious Club Darkness. It’s owner is a mystery, but a killer too? That’s what Savannah Detective Alec Gray is there to find out. Only Alec doesn’t know he’s in for more than just a few surprises as he heads out to take on what could very well be the case that ends not only his career, but his very life.

Nick's Deliverance

Crystal Lea

Nick Andrews has been dealt a really bad hand. Her soul has been sold out from under her and Reaver, the Demon Lord who now owns it, has come to collect his prize... But when he arrives he and Nick come to a different agreement. Serve as Reaver's deliverer of evil souls and Nick will earn her way into Heaven. The problem is Nick will have to hunt down and kill her targets and that's something she's not sure she can do.

Can she figure out a way to make this work or is Nick's soul lost forever?

Punishers Heat

Cindy Hargreaves

Can one night of passion change the lives of three people?

There is a new but ancient threat to the bad things that go bump in the night - the Wraths Fury. Axis and Maxis, a pair of mirror twin faeries; must come to grips with the changes that are going on within themselves.

Sasha has long ago cut herself off from her own faerie clan; the ones she loved kept dying. But after one hot night with the twins she is soon reunited with some of her clan brothers. She has to start feeling again.

With Sasha's help, can the twins accept who they are now becoming?

[This story incorporates both Hot in Here and Punishers Satisfaction included is some bonus new material.]

The Cursed Collection

Cindy Hargreaves

Klarissa is a half-being and is forever being stalked by her father who was the scientist that created her species. She is part faerie, part vampire her base form is human. She works with the shapeshifters and astralwalkers to try to protect others from her father’s warriors the Elite-Chaos.

The Cursed Collection is made up of short stories some have previously been published and others are newly written. They have been put together in this publication in their chronological order. It has 8 never before seen short stories.

Heartbreak Guitar

Cindy Hargreaves

Xoe is a rocking guitarist, but tragedy strikes again and she heads home. She learns that going home sometimes teachers one to laugh again. It helps her to get out of the black spiral of depression.

Casper is intrigued by the enigma that is Xoe, from the first time she collapses at his feet in grief. As he gets to know her he vows to see that she smiles more.

Can Xoe let this mohawked, keyboardist into her life; and heart?

April and on

2013-04-01T19:20:00.001+13:00

It is the first day of April, that means it is the first day of the financial year in New Zealand. It is time to look at plans for this year. There are some exciting works in the progress. Some by new authors some by currently published authors.

Goals for the next 12 months:

Goal one: Publish four novels by new and current Paranormal Door Authors over the next 12 months.
Goal two: Hire a freelance line editor.
Goal three: get 100 freelance book reviewers on the books.

If you can help with any of these goal email us on admin@pdpublisher.com. If you have a manuscript here are the guidelines to being published If you are an editor when sending an enquiry attach a link to your website protfolio.

If you are a book reviewer attach an example of a book review you have done, as well as a link to your blog/website. When accepted as a Paranormal Door Book Reviewer you will be sent an eBook (PDF, mobi, or epub) when a book becomes available for review.

Matilda Is Missing - Caroline Overington - Book Review

2013-02-13T09:00:00.000+13:00

Bantam

Supplied by Auckland Libraries

Reviewed by Jan

Matilda is in the middle of a custody battle being fought by her parents. The background of both parents is explored and set out; along with how they met and a view of their marriage and split. The story is told by a friend of the family court judge who presided over the custody battle. Dying, he asks his friend to right the wrong done in the case, but leaves no clue as to what the wrong is. Interwoven into the story is the drama in his own life with his son’s marriage breakup and loss of his grandchildren.

The characters were very strong and become real. I didn’t like Softy much; she came across as a snob and a helicopter mother. The story gives a glimpse in the family court system and how there are always three sides to a story; his side, her side, and the truth. I also really liked the way the background drama fits in with the main story so naturally. It’s not a happy book to read but compelling.

Penumbra: Spook Squad 3 - Keri Arthur - Book Review

2013-02-11T09:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan

Gabriel has finally gotten his way; he and Sam are no longer partners. He’s set a tail to follow her though, as she’s guarding a man who seems to be a product of the military experiments uncovered in Book 2. More is uncovered about the former military and people who are connected to it are dying horrible deaths. Sam is getting more memories of her past back, and learning more about her abilities. She’s also learning more about Sethanon, the criminal mastermind who’s killing Spook Squad agents, and his connection to her.

This has more of the action, crime, conspiracies and sexual tension that Keri Arthur writes so well. I grew increasingly annoyed at the hero’s ‘traumatic past’ and am thankful he’s not described anywhere as ‘dark and brooding’. The heroine has no time for his brooding though, and goes off to do her own thing. Yes!

Generation 18: Spook Squad 2 - Keri Arthur - Book Review

2013-02-08T09:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied for Hatchette New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan

This time Sam is tracking a killer who is focusing on people connected to a military project, a project that seems to have knowledge of her background. People with answers to questions of her past are showing up and either dying or refusing to talk. Added to that is the appearance of an ‘imaginary friend’ she only sees when asleep and the emergence of her psychic talents. Plus the attempts on her life are on-going while the tall, dark, and handsome guy is ignoring her.

This was another fun read with more action, adventure and the government conspiracy getting bigger and scarier as more of it is exposed. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series so I can find out what happens next!

Memory Zero: Spook Squad 1 - Keri Arthur - Book Review

2013-02-06T09:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied for Hatchette New Zealand

Reviewed by Jan

Set in the same futuristic world as the Riley Jensen series, vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, and other creatures (man-made or not) share the city of Melbourne with humans. The heroine is Samantha, a cop who has no memory of her past and no family. She fatally shoots her partner, who has been changed into a vampire. Sam is then assigned to the Spook Squad, a unit of the police dedicated to protecting humans from paranormal crime. She sets about finding out what happened to her partner, while dodging numerous attempts on her life.

This book was fast paced, with lots of action. Questions are raised along the way and mostly answered, raising even more questions that may be answered in Book 2. This is a shorter read than her later Riley Jenson series, but fans of one will be happy with the other. There’s action, adventure, government conspiracies, and sexual tension with a tall, dark, handsome good guy.

I Came To Say Goodbye - Caroline Overington - Book Review

2013-02-04T09:00:00.000+13:00

Bantam

Supplied by Auckland Libraries

Reviewed by Jan

This is a story of Fat and her two children, as well as the effects of her actions on her family. After an unexplained tragedy she loses custody of her young son. After spending time in hospital she is lost the mental health system and becomes pregnant again. As the baby will be removed from her care at birth, her sister agrees to adopt it. The story is told by the recounting of her father, and later her sister.

This is not a happy book, the subject matter is not light and fluffy, there is no happy ending. Yet the story grips you, the characters are real, and you get absorbed in it. I definitely recommend reading this, the author gives glimpses into system designed to protect people and highlight the different actions of people.

Ghost Child - Caroline Overington - Book Review

2013-02-01T09:00:00.000+13:00

Bantam

Supplied by Auckland Libraries

Reviewed by Jan

Lauren’s five year old brother was found dead when she was six, in their home on a council housing estate. The police thought the mother or her boyfriend had done it, and they were both convicted of murder. Rumours circulated on the housing estate though that Lauren had killed him. The book starts off with her brother rescuing her in the present day, and then follows Lauren’s life as events lead up to her being rescued. The stories of her brother and sister are told throughout the book, both from their perspectives and the viewpoint of others.

This book was compelling and I stayed up far later than I should have in order to finish it. The story was nicely wrapped up, with the ending holding a surprise for me. It really made you think about conditions in the children’s welfare system. Now I’m off to read the two books by this author I have on my desk. Caroline Overington is a compelling storyteller.

Lost Voices - Christopher Koch - Book Reviews

2013-01-30T09:00:00.000+13:00

HarperCollins

Supplied by HarperCollins

Reviewed by Jan

Set in Tasmania this book has three parts, telling the stories of Hugh Dixon, a school boy in the 50’s; his great great grandfather Martin’s adventures with a notorious bushranger in the 1800’s; and a return to Hugh as he makes a life in the 70s.

The first part is rather slow, telling us about Hugh’s best friend, his desire to be an artist, and his meeting with his great uncle Walter, an acclaimed lawyer, in order to get a favour for his father. Walter creates a bond with Hugh, encouraging him to follow his dream of being an artist and acting as a mentor, introducing him to literature and new ideas. This lays the ground work for the next chapter in Hugh’s life and introduces Martin, a relative Walter has long admired.

Martin longs to be a writer, rebelling against his father’s wish he be a gentleman farmer. The setting is Tasmania in the 1800s, when it served as a penal colony for British convicts. Liam Dalton escapes his prison sentence and returns to the gang of his fellow bushranger, the legendary Luke Wilson. On his way there, he meets Martin who persuades him to take him to Luke and see if he’ll let him write down his life story for a newspaper. Martin stays for a while in the utopian paradise Luke Wilson has created before the actions of an evil person force him out.

Jumping forward in time, Hugh’s story resumes. Having left school, he works as a photo retoucher for a newspaper. He reconnects with his childhood best friend and they are on their way to achieving their dreams of being artists. Then an evil person appears to shatter those dreams. Hugh asks another favour of Walter, to help his best friend.

After a slow start, the plot heats up and more action occurs. I’m glad I didn’t give up reading as this is a good book. The contrast of good and evils is shown, and interesting questions are raised, such as can there ever be a utopia? A thought provoking book, much different from my usual reads!

The Black Dagger Brotherhood – An Insiders Guide - J R Ward - Book Review

2013-01-28T16:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

This book can be split into two parts. First is for BDB fans. The other is advice and tips on writing that can be applied generally.

First, a short story about Z and Bella. Squee!!!

Then questionaries the brothers have filled out and interviews with each. JR Ward then gives an overview of each book - how she crafted it, people, places, character motivation. Deleted scenes are included, with an explaination of why they were taken out. JR Ward also shares her favourite bits from each book as well as all the Brothers interviewing her.

JR Ward’s site has forums - http://jrwardbdb.com/forum/index.php. Some message board threads from the Brothers are posted here and pretty hilarious. Some little scenes of life from the Brotherhood are also made available on the board and are in the book.

In the Writer’s section she lists her 8 writing rules – #8: listen to your rice krispies! – and gives advice to those who want to get published. She gives advice about query letters – what to include, what to leave out – and reproduces the exact proposal she sent out for the first BDB book, Dark Lover.

This is a must read for fans. It also has very wise advice on writing.

Lover Reborn – Brotherhood of the Black Dagger Book 10 - J R Ward - Book Review

2013-01-28T15:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

When a vampire dies by any 'natural' means or are pure they move unto the Fade, but bad people end up in Dhunhd (hell). If they commit suicide, it's either wither away in the 'in between' or move into hell. No’one was raped by a sympath, before being found and sheltered by Darius and Thor. She gave birth to Xhex, and then committed suicide with Thor’s dagger. She has spent the last few hundred years in the service of the Scribe Virgin, working as a servant to try to forgive her sins. She was a bit too passive for me, letting Thor treat her horribly and being a martyr. I was pleased he got to know Xhex though.

Thor is still devastated over the loss of his shellan, Wellsie and unborn son, murdered by a lesser. He’s fighting lessers every night and has a death wish. Then he learns Wellsie and the baby are trapped in the In-Between by his refusal to let them go. They can’t get to the Fade and are disappearing, doomed not to have peace. He has to move on and has help from No’one and Lassiter, a fallen angel. Thor was a bit of a whiner - oh poor me, I’m broken - and needed a good kick over how he treated No’one (and the memory of Wellsie).

The Band of Bastards has a plot against the Blind King, with the intent of claiming the throne for Xcor. They have a series of secret meetings with members of the glymera, to gain support for dethroning Wrath. Xcor is a great character, I started off not liking him, then hoping someone see below his exterior and he gets his HEA.

There are multiple storylines, and reading the previous books first is recommended, to grasp the back-story. These are not a teenager's vampires. The Brotherhood is rough, violent, raw, and very, very sexy. Definitely adult only. Finally! Thor’s story! The original brothers all have their HEAs now; it’s time for the secondary characters to get theirs. Qhuinn & Blay are the next story! But what of Layla? She now has feelings for someone but is ....... – read the book. In 2013 all will be clear.

Lover Mine – Brotherhood of the Black Dagger Book 8 - J R Ward - Book Review

2013-01-28T14:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

The 8^th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, this is John Matthew’s story. The plot started at the end of book 7, with Xhex’s kidnapping, and follows his efforts to find and rescue her, then kick the crap out of the evil lesser who took her. Of course Xhex is too cool to hang around waiting for JM, so she rescues herself before hunting down the bad guy and dispensing some violence!

There were several subplots going on beside the main story. Blay and Qhinn and Saxton – Qhinn’s lawyer cousin who appeared in book 7, Darius, Tohrment and how they are connected to Xhex, the regular meetings Payne and Wrath have on the Far Side, that are to practise fighting techniques.

One subplot I couldn’t see the point of was the paranormal investigators, Holly and Gregg. They were investigating a haunting at a Southern mansion unconnected to the brotherhood and I couldn’t see why. I skimmed most of their bits as I found Holly a bit of a twit and Gregg a selfish prick, but then the ending revealed why it was in the book.

I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series, which is apparently Payne’s story. This is a R18 series and I’d recommend you read the first 7 before this one as there are recurring characters and dramas that are continued in the story, without any back story. Very tightly written, fast paced with lots of action, and the good guys triumph! I highly recommend this for older readers.

Lover Unleashed – Brotherhood of the Black Dagger Book 9 - J R Ward - Book Review

2013-01-28T13:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

Payne and Wrath were sparring at the end of the last book, Lover Mine, and she broke her back. The Scribe Virgin allows Wrath to take Payne from the “Other Side” to the Brotherhood mansion. Being blind, Wrath doesn’t realise she’s the twin of Vishous. It’s only when Doc Jane examines Payne and looks into a face with the same features as her hellren, does V know he has a twin. Payne has been cloistered on the “Other Side” for centuries, held immobile as punishment.

Payne’s back needs a surgeon with more skill than Doc Jane has, so she suggests Manny Manello. He’s a human surgeon who had a thing for Doc Jane before she died and became a ghost, and V’s shellan. He and Payne feel an instant connection, though they face immense objections from V, her brother, and Wrath, the king.

V and Doc Jane are a major sub-plot, with any unresolved issues coming out. The main one being V’s need for BDSM. Butch helps with sorting their issues out. I had never seen the point of Doc Jane before but this book has made me really like her. There’s a Qhuinn/Blay/Saxton sub-plot too. Qhuinn decides to stop living his destructive man-whore life and removes his piercings, while Blay is badly hurt fighting lessers. I always thought Qhuinn would end up with Blay but now, with Layla becoming a close friend, I’m not so sure.

The answer to who killed the Bloodletter (the twin’s cruel father) is given in the book’s opening. The Band of Bastards is also introduced, a band of warriors who destroy lessers, and anyone else who gets in their way. Their leader is Xcor, a son of the Bloodletter who is determined to avenge his father’s death by killing Payne. The brothers have come over from the Old World with the intent of killing all lesser, overthrowing the king, and Xcor claiming the throne.

There are also a series of brutal deaths that have nothing to do with lesser. Instead they’re the work of a human serial killer. The book doesn’t have too many different storylines, though you need read the previous books in the series to quickly grasp the various story arcs. These are not a teenager's vampires. The Brotherhood is rough, violent, raw, and very, very sexy. Definitely adult only.

Lover Avenged – Brotherhood of the Black Dagger Book 7 - J R Ward - Book Review

2013-01-28T12:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

The Black Dagger Brotherhood returns! Rehvenge has his story told and we learn more about his background and how a sympath half breed was born into an aristocratic vampire family. He meets a vampire nurse, Ehlena, and has to struggle to hide is drug dealing, dirty deeds, and sympath side from her, while submitting to the blackmail of the sympath Princess, his half sister.

Xhex is given a bigger subplot, exploring her character and motivations more, and John Matthew appears often throughout the book. Tohrment snaps out of his grief daze while the Blind King learns to accept his kingship and physical limitations. The evil Lash continues to plot and make chilling alliances with other evildoers. The usual cast of suspects lurk in the background and pop up every so often.

J. R. Ward has a new viewpoint on the vampire rules and creates an exciting, new world. None of them sparkle either. This book was a lot longer than previous ones in the series, probably because there were a lot more back stories in it. I would recommend reading the rest of the series before this one, to get background, and as I could see new readers becoming confused and giving up. This has the usual BDB action, rescues, evil plotting relationships, and the Brotherhood. Sigh.

One thing I couldn’t quite understand was the logistics of how Ehlena copes with Rhev’s spine. I couldn’t visualise it.

Lover Enshrined: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 6 - JR Ward - Book Review

2013-01-28T11:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

Phury, a warrior of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, is also the Primale – expected to have a harem of 40 Chosen Ones and repopulate the warriors. He doesn’t want this destiny, as he’s struggling with his feelings for Bella, his brother’s mate, and Cormia, his first in the harem. He also has a serious drug addiction and a self destructive part of his mind whispering negative thoughts to him. He’s hiding at the Brotherhood compound and is not only killing lessers, but torturing them first.

Cormia has been chosen to be the First Mate, not something she wants. She has come to live at the compound to get to know Phury. She comes from ‘The Other Side’ – where all dress alike, there is no colour, no emotions and they are submissive and quiet. She gets a huge culture shock at the compound but eventually settles in.

Their story was disappointing. Cormia came across as a gentle, soothing friend to Phury, rather than one of the strong, passionate mates of the previous books. Phury was also disappointing. The wizard in his mind thing was annoying and I couldn’t work out why he’d suddenly gone from smoking non addictive red smoke to spiralling down to be a hard core drug addict. There was no resolution with Bella either. I was waiting for him to have a a-ha moment when he realized that he never really loved Bella, I wanted him to explain this to Cormia and allow her to feel secure. Instead she was left wondering if he still wanted Bella. Also, what happened to the rest of the Brotherhood? Why did they let Phury go downhill without attempting to save him?

The subplots in the book were awesome though. The Omega has a long-term plan to destroy the Brotherhood that is unfolding nicely. The Brotherhood trainees John Matthew, Qhuinn and Blaylock have a serious drama with another trainee, Lash. Their stories have major advancements with lots of surprises. Rhevenge's and Xhex's characters also play a big part, setting the scene for the next book.

For anyone new to the series - don't start here! You'll miss out on a lot of the back story. These books are NOT meant to be read stand alone. Besides the previous books have some awesome action.

Lover Unbound: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 5 - JR Ward - Book Refview

2013-01-28T10:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

Vishous, a smart IT geek and scary vampire warrior is a member of the Brotherhood. He has the gift of prophecy and a glowing hand that can torch dead lesser so they disappear from existence. The son of the Bloodletter, V grew up in harsh warrior training camps where he endured extreme cruelty. He now enjoys BDSM, where he is the one being punished. He also has feelings for Butch, his formerly human roommate who is now mated (Book 4). After a fight with Lessers, V ends up in a human hospital, where he falls instantly and unexpectedly in love with a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb. Needing medical care but unwilling to be exposed as a vampire, he kidnaps Jane and brings her to the Brotherhood compound to care for him.

Jane is a brilliant surgeon, dedicated to helping people live. She grew up in a very repressed household where emotion was frowned on. She now loves expressing herself and being the best in her field. After meeting V, she’s impressed by how hot he is, and he loves her brain.

V is destined to become the Primale, a warrior with multiple vampire wives who's meant to ensure the survival of the species. After meeting Jane he doesn’t want the role so Phury steps in, as he’s in love with someone unattainable, his brother’s mate Bella. The Scribe Virgin, who turns out to be V’s mother, agrees we get to see a lot of Phury, his potential primary mate, and a lot of background is set up for the next book.

A lesser shoots Jane and she dies in V’s arms. He tries to resurrect her but is stopped by the Scribe Virgin. She is horrified by V’s grief and trades her only joy in life (her birds) so Jane can come back. Jane is now a ghost and V is the only one who can touch her – to everyone else she is translucent. V then gives his mother a bird to thank her for what she did.

I never got why Jane was fine with being kidnapped by a group of vampires. If I was kidnapped by vampires, I would be freaking out, not joking and flirting with my captor, no matter how hot he was. And V has just kidnapped her, he is her patient, he is a vampire, she is supposed to be very professional, yet she gives him a HJ without even knowing his whole first name? The whole relationship between them was not believable at all, it was too rushed.

Secondary characters do play a bigger role, there's a lot of detail about John Matthew and his friends, who finally go through transition and Zsadist continues to develop. The ending left me feeling unsatisfied but I couldn’t wait for Phury's book. We meet his possible mate and what we find out about her and the culture she arrives from is not to be missed. Lover Unbound is a must for Brotherhood fans but not the book to start the series with. Definitely R 18.

Lover Awakened: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 3 - JR Ward - Book Review

2013-01-28T09:00:00.000+13:00

Piatkus

Supplied by Hatchette

Reviewed by Jan

A warrior of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Zsadist lives to fight and kill. They Brotherhood protect vampires from the lessers, de-souled humans whose sole purpose is to exterminate the entire vampire race Zsadist was kidnapped as a baby and sold as a Blood Slave. He endured many years of captivity and torture until being rescued by Phury, his twin brother. He was so damaged by his captor, there is no hope for him to ever live a normal life as he only embraces violence.

Bella is a member of the glymera - the aristocratic vampires - and a friend of the human woman who is bonded to Rhage, one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Bella is openly caring and affectionate but stifled by a controlling brother and society’s expectations. In Lover Eternal: Book 2 she was kidnapped by the leader of the lesser, who considered her his wife.

Now, Zsadist searches for her with a vengeance. He returns to her house many times to feel close to her. When he finally rescues her from captivity, she turns to him for comfort and he struggles to find some humanity in his soul to help her. The brothers are stunned to find him cuddling her in his room, because since his rescue he has been unable to touch and let others touch him. He has refused to eat or feed from fellow vampires. He know has to protect Bella from the lesser leader who wants his ‘wife’ back, as well as her brother who wants to cloister her.

I like how there were several sub-plots of characters, Tohr and Wellsie, Butch and Marissa, John Matthew and fellow pre-trans warrior trainees. You can see moreof characters from previous books. Some new characters are introduced who turn out to be integral in later books. This is a book with lots of fast-paced action and hot vampire men in tight leather pants. A must-read but not suitable for tweens. Please read this series in order so you don’t miss anything.

Sisters of Mercy - Caroline Overington - Book Review

2013-01-25T09:00:00.000+13:00

Bantam

Supplied by Random House

Reviewed by Jan

Snow Delaney is in prison, and convicted by public opinion of her sister’s murder. She starts writing to Jack Fawcett, a journalist, to convince him of her innocence so he can set the record straight. Snow had no knowledge of her sister’s, Agnes Moore, existence until her father died. He left a million dollar estate to be shared between them. Agnes was bought up in an orphanage in England, told her parents had died WWII. Instead they had migrated to Australia, believing Agnes had been adopted. Thrilled to have discovered she had a sister Agnes flew to Australia, where she vanished in a dust storm after meeting Snow.

The story is told though Snow and Jack’s letters, his recounting of meetings with Agnes’s daughter, and his digging into Snow’s past. As the story progresses and Jack gets a fuller understanding of Snow, you see the horror of the treatment of mentally ill people in the past through her story as a wide-eyed nurse out to change the system. It shows her progression to respite carer for physically disabled children and the chilling lack of empathy Snow has.

I like resolution in books – the good guys winning, case solved, all loose ends wrapped up. This book had none of that but it’s a compelling read and I highly recommend it. You make up our own mind at the ending and I think I know what happened, but there’s a feeling of what-if. I’m going to track down and read all other books by this author; she’s now a must-read for me!

C A Hargreaves: Sneak peak at Gaining Power

2013-01-24T13:42:00.001+13:00

Here is an unedited sneak peak at Gaining Power. The content might change with editing.

Sasha wasn't happy, Punisher was being a right prat. He was being an egotistical maliodt. The last few weeks he had become broody. Like he had something he wanted to say, but he didn’t know how to say it. So instead, he had reverted to being snarky and trying to tell her how to do her job. He had been the Punisher seven months now and had fully grown into his powers. For the most part, they had a good working relationship. Except when he became a prat like he was at the moment. Read more..