Blurb: As a kid, Joseph Appleyard saw things hidden from others. Now he is The Paranaturalist, an investigator and cohost of a television show that seeks to prove the existence of the paranormal. Some think Joe is crazy, but they don’t realize he knows firsthand there’s more to the world than what most perceive.
The trouble is, somewhere along the way, Joe lost his vision and it left his world flat and dull. One night an investigation goes horribly wrong, and a powerful ghostly manifestation sends Joe tumbling into a river. Spirit worker Owen Watson saves Joe’s life, and once they are back on dry land, whatever has been blocking Joe’s vision has been washed away.
When a haunting goes from annoying to dangerous, people turn to Owen Watson. He hates those infuriating hacks from TV, but when he pulls Joe from the river, his mind begins to change. Joe is scared and confused, and Owen realizes he might just be the real thing.
Together, they work to understand the part of Joe that has been shut away for so long. But just as Joe is reacclimating to his abilities, his career as a paranormal investigator is in danger of being ripped away.
Owen would gladly battle a bloodthirsty spirit for Joe, but he’s out of his element in the world of reality television.
Review: If like me you enjoy watching or recently enjoyed a Most Haunted (or something similar) marathon, then this is the book for you, this is the first book I’ve read by Ki Brightly and I think that it was an excellent introduction to a new author for me – although I thought that things dragged on a bit a places, I would definitely and seriously consider reading more by the same author.
This is not your usual romance. There is a bit of ghost busting and some pretty constant communication both helpful and malevolent spirits. The MCs, Joseph Appleyard and Owen Watson are very different and yet they are poles apart, which I think lends greatly to their forming relationship. They have both seen ghosts as children, yet they or rather their parents, dealt with their gifts very differently, making Joseph something of a Fox Mulder of the ghost world (minus the FBI thing) and Owen is a lot like the Men in Black (minus the shady government group).
Ok, so maybe the sci-fi pop culture references aren’t working so well… the point is one is certain of ghosts but still searching for something to help him believe, while the other knows exactly what he is dealing with and is confident in his work as a paranormal investigator.
I think it is these guys differences that work so well. It certainly helps their attraction. They meet by chance, although Owen already knows about Joseph, but it is ghosts that bring them together and it is ghosts makes these guys need to spend time together. That just happens to give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction.
As I said, sometimes, between the action – encountering some malevolent spirits and some, perhaps, as equally malevolent people – the pace of the story tended to drop off a bit. It wasn’t an entirely bad thing to happen but I have to admit that I got a tad bored for a few pages here and there.
Some of the dead minor characters added a bit f fun and a bit of mystery to the entire thing. Part of me just wished that the story point associated with Joseph’s childhood ghostly friend was picked up a lot earlier in the book; apologies for rehashing things that I thought were slow.
All in all, this is a whole lot of fun and I recommend greatly to those who like a good ghost story to spook them a bit.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hiya peeps, we have Ki Brightly and the upcoming release The Paranaturalist stopping by today, we have a fantastic guest post and a great excerpt, so check out the post and get a feel for this spooky book! <3 ~Pixie~
The Paranaturalist
by
Ki Brightly
As a kid, Joseph Appleyard saw things hidden from others. Now he is The Paranaturalist, an investigator and cohost of a television show that seeks to prove the existence of the paranormal. Some think Joe is crazy, but they don’t realize he knows firsthand there’s more to the world than what most perceive. The trouble is, somewhere along the way, Joe lost his vision and it left his world flat and dull. One night an investigation goes horribly wrong, and a powerful ghostly manifestation sends Joe tumbling into a river. Spirit worker Owen Watson saves Joe’s life, and once they are back on dry land, whatever has been blocking Joe’s vision has been washed away.
When a haunting goes from annoying to dangerous, people turn to Owen Watson. He hates those infuriating hacks from TV, but when he pulls Joe from the river, his mind begins to change. Joe is scared and confused, and Owen realizes he might just be the real thing. Together, they work to understand the part of Joe that has been shut away for so long. But just as Joe is reacclimating to his abilities, his career as a paranormal investigator is in danger of being ripped away. Owen would gladly battle a bloodthirsty spirit for Joe, but he’s out of his element in the world of reality television.
Hi guys, we have Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham stopping by today with their new release Breathing Betrayal, we have a guest post of a scene between two guys in the Post Room of the University of Central London, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Breathing Betrayal
(Elemental Evidence 01)
by
Bellora Quinn & Sadie Rose Bermingham
Jake Chivis is the descendant of Fire Elementals with a gift for psychometry, the ability to see memories from touching objects. After a bad breakup and trouble at work, Jake gave up his career as a detective in Detroit and moved to England to join a research program studying Elemental gifts at University College London. It seemed like the perfect way to escape his past and start over, and this time he’s vowed not to fall into the trap of dating a coworker. At least that’s the plan, until he meets Doctor Ilmarinen Gale.
Mari Gale is blond, sexy, relentlessly academic and comfortable in his own skin in a way Jake envies. After a handful of embarrassing encounters, Jake is ready to resign himself to staying under the radar, but when a colleague’s brother goes missing, he and Mari must work together to find him. As they dig into the inexplicable disappearance, Jake is impressed with Mari’s competence and unique skills, and even more impressed by his ability to wrap Jake around his finger. Together the unlikely pair discover murder, betrayal, secrets and just how high Mari can fan Jake’s flames.
Hi peeps, we have Dianne Hartsock stopping by with the tour for her new release Callum’s Fate. We have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Cat’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Callum’s Fate
by
Dianne Hartsock
In 1780, Scotland, following a harsh year of drought, Callum Mackenzie is forced from his father’s farm in the hopes of finding work.
But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.
Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae.
Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.
Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest….
Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight.
Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?
Title: 137 Owens Street, 2nd edition Series: N/A Author: DC Juris Genre: Other Paranormal Length: 61 pages Publisher: Torquere Press (December 16th, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Matthew is going insane. How else can he explain remembering things he doesn’t own or trips his wife never took? Not to mention the visions, and the phantom in the café. But when the man in the visions reaches out to him with an explanation, and the phantom from the café tracks him down, things start to make a little more sense.
Morgan is a devout Christian. He believes in God, Heaven, Hell, and the Bible. But his world spins out of control when his husband Matthew disappears and a mysterious man tells a tale outside the realm of reality. How can Morgan put his faith in something so far-fetched?
Review: Interesting story about two men, Matthew and Morgan, one of who is searching for the other after he disappears. I found it fascinating regarding different dimensions and the look a likes I guess you would call them in each dimension. This is the case in this book
I loved that Morgan never gave up on Matthew. Matthew for his part knew something was wrong but could not figure out what right away without help. Fascinating and intense at times. Keeps the reader’s attention to the very end. * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Dianne Hartsock stopping by with her new release Callum’s Fate. We get a look at the stunning cover and there’s also a great excerpt! So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Callum’s Fate
by
Dianne Hartsock
In 1780, Scotland, following a harsh year of drought, Callum Mackenzie is forced from his father’s farm in the hopes of finding work.
But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.
Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae.
Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.
Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest….
Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight.
Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?
Title: Black Shades Series: Past and Present Tense, #2 Author: Barbara Geiger Genre: Other Paranormal/Ghost Length: Novella (97 Pages) Publisher: MLR Press (December 18, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: When Peter’s boyfriend’s dead drag queen lover shows up to reenact A Christmas Carol over the Christmas holiday, the life lessons will be hard, but at least the shoes are going to be absolutely fabulous.
Colin and Peter haven’t quite made it to happily ever after. Peter’s been running for such a long time that his fight or flight response is automatic. He knows Colin wants to be his safe place to fall, but Peter’s terrified that eventually he’ll do and say the wrong thing to make Colin just like all the other men in his life.
It takes Colin’s dead former lover, Ren, a fabulous drag queen, as the ghost of Christmas past, present and future to remind him where he came from, what he’s doing right now and who he really wants to be.
Review: Oh this was one fun-filled story for me. I remember the Christmas story of the ghosts of past, present and future. This was representing that type of story but with a flare it would seem.
Peter and Colin are together but they are having problems. Every time something happens Peter runs. Colin just wants some stability in his life. Peter is afraid.
Then, and this is the fun part, Colin’s boyfriend who is dead shows up to show what has happened, what is going on and what will happen. Ren was a drag queen so he is fun to learn about. He needed to show Peter the truth. This story was very touching and had me in tears throughout it all.
Now this story was not for me, but it was a great story over all. It had me wondering about life. To be hurt and afraid is just not the way to live. Normally I would say I had a blast with the story, but this one did something better. It made me wish. I won’t say I loved it but I did enjoy the story and I would recommend it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Genre: Science Fiction/ Other Paranormal/ Suspense
Length: Novel (240 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-63476-162-8
Publisher: DSP Publications (6th October 2015)
Heat: Low
Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Forty years ago the Spirit of Vengeance—a Purpose—took William Morgan as its host, demanding he avenge the innocent by killing the guilty. Since then Will has retreated behind Gar, a façade he uses to avoid dealing with what he’s become. Cold, impassive, and devoid of emotion, Gar goes about his life alone—until his tidy, orderly world is upended when he meets Ryan, a broken young man cast out by his family. Spurred to action for reasons he can’t understand, Gar saves Ryan from death and finds himself confronted by his humanity.
Spending time with Ryan helps Will claw out from under Gar’s shadow. He recognizes Ryan is the key to his reclaiming his humanity and facing his past. As Will struggles to control the Purpose, Ryan challenges him to rethink everything he knew about himself and the spirit that possesses him. In the process, he pushes Will to do something he hasn’t done in decades: care.
Review:This book is a 2nd edition and there are some minor editing changes and additional dialogue.
Will/Gar has spent the last forty years exacting vengeance on the guilty for the innocents they have killed. His Purpose, Vengeance, demands it as payment for strength, youth and mental powers. Vengeance: an entity that feeds on the souls of the guilty.
When Gar meets Ryan he begins to lose the cold shell he has encased himself in and Will begins to emerge. Emotions and feelings he hasn’t felt in years shock him. So what is it about Ryan that has drawn Will out of his long sleep?
Ryan has been cast out by his family and meets Gar. He’s not quite sure what to make of the man. Getting to know Gar and the real man behind the façade, Will, leads to Ryan discovering something about himself that he finds a hard time getting his head around. Ryan challenges Will to rethink what his Purpose wants.But when the FBI get involved Ryan might be in more danger than ever before.
This is a brilliant, unique, slightly dark, gritty story that you just can’t put down. Will was taken as a host by an entity nearly forty years ago. Since then he has buried himself beneath a cold emotionless façade, Gar, to carry out the vengeance that he has been called to do. When Gar meets Ryan there is something about the young man who calls to him and Will begins to re-emerge.
Ryan is confused by Will, but can’t help falling for the man who saved his life. When he discovers what his Purpose requires, he asks if there is another way to give it what it wants. Things get more complicated when Will tries to discover what it is about Ryan that ease’s him.And then Will discovers he is being tracked by an overzealous FBI agent who will stop at nothing to get Will.
I have to admit to being dragged into this story from the very first page. The opening scenes grip you as it leads you straight into meeting Gar and his Purpose Vengeance. As we progress through the book we can see the changes in Gar/Will as Ryan breaks through his shell. We see Will, a man who buried his emotions to dull the pain of loss, still getting to grips with his Purpose and evolving his relationship with the entity. Finally beginning to understand just what the entity needs and requires.
With Ryan you see a man who still has a long way to go before he is confident and secure. But, also someone who will sulk and act like a brat when he doesn’t get his own way, which causes problems for Will.
The police and FBI angle was really good. And while Will is willing to bargain with Detective Griffin, he wants nothing to do with Agent Barrington. These are aspects of the story you do not want to miss. The characters bring this story alive giving us a darkish, gritty story of vengeance and justice. There are entities from other planes, the innocent demanding vengeance, justice and revenge, the guilty paying for their crimes and two men feeling an instant connection and finding more in common than they thought.
This isn’t a book to miss if you want a unique storyline, great characters, vengeance galore, confusion, love and a brilliant ending.
Hiya peeps, we have Andrew Q. Purpose visiting today with his re-release Purpose, we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt, a fabulous giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Purpose
by
Andrew Q. Gorgon
Forty years ago the Spirit of Vengeance—a Purpose—took William Morgan as its host, demanding he avenge the innocent by killing the guilty. Since then Will has retreated behind Gar, a façade he uses to avoid dealing with what he’s become. Cold, impassive, and devoid of emotion, Gar goes about his life alone—until his tidy, orderly world is upended when he meets Ryan, a broken young man cast out by his family. Spurred to action for reasons he can’t understand, Gar saves Ryan from death and finds himself confronted by his humanity.
Spending time with Ryan helps Will claw out from under Gar’s shadow. He recognizes Ryan is the key to his reclaiming his humanity and facing his past. As Will struggles to control the Purpose, Ryan challenges him to rethink everything he knew about himself and the spirit that possesses him. In the process, he pushes Will to do something he hasn’t done in decades: care.
Title: What No One Else Can Hear Series: N/A Author: Brynn Stein Genre: Contemporary/ Other Paranormal Length: Novel (220 Pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 27, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Blurb: Young Stevie Liston is diagnosed with autism, but is really an overwhelmed empath who mentally called out for help. Jesse McKinnon heard him in a dream from clear across the country, and that dream sent him on a six-year search to find Stevie. Once they meet, they think everything will work out and Jesse will help Stevie cope.
Stevie does improve immensely, but a disgruntled coworker of Jesse’s conspires with Stevie’s estranged but politically powerful father to keep Stevie and Jesse apart with trumped-up legal charges claiming Jesse sexually abused the boy. Jesse must watch helplessly as Stevie loses all the advances he’s made.
If it wasn’t for his growing relationship with his coworker Drew Ferguson, Jesse knows he wouldn’t have the strength to fight for his rights and Stevie’s future. Drew just might be the real thing, but with the very real possibility of serving jail time for a crime he didn’t commit, Jesse’s hopes for a future with Drew might be doomed.
Review: I have had a chance to choose this book and I have to tell you that I found it fascinating. I have only come across one other book by this author, and after hearing such good things about the story I had to grab it. At first I wasn’t too sure about it though. I am not much on long stories, or ones that are going to have me in tears. I love to read happy thoughts, but once I figured out Stevie was not what he was diagnosed but a very special young man I was caught.
To be able to hear someone from so far away is a fascinating idea. Although for Jesse it might have been a bit off. He heard Stevie in his dreams and he had to go and help him. Stevie had been told that he was autistic, but in fact was an empath. An empath feels what everyone around him is feeling, and it can be a bit much. I would imagine he felt lost and alone. It had taken him quite a bit of time to find him though.
Stevie was happy when Jesse found him, but of course his ass of a father had to make waves. He totally lied, and now Jesse is endanger of spending time in prison for something he did not do. I mean with the help of an idiot who works with him, Stevie’s father makes their lives a living hell in its own. Thank god for Drew’s help.
This author has always given a story that captivates you and keeps your attention. Which is exactly what it did for me. I had fun with it and look forward to telling those about it. It gave me almost everything I could want in a story. It however seemed off in the second half of the story. It was long winded and over done to truly love.
However for a first book by this author for me, I was fascinated with the story and look forward to seeing what else this author has in mind.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: I’ll Still Be There Series: N/A Author: Keelan Ellis Genre: Ghosts/Spirits/Paranormal/New Adult Length: Novel (200 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 1, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: The summer after high school, Eli Dunn and Jess Early explore an abandoned brothel in the rural Florida Panhandle. They’ve always kept their mutual attraction unspoken, but in an upstairs room at the end of the hall, everything changes.
Suddenly, all the longing Eli and Jess have tried so hard to conceal bursts free, and passion like they’ve never experienced comes to light, along with the ghosts of Clay Bailey and Silas Denton, murdered owners of the brothel. And Clay and Silas have no problem possessing Eli and Jess in order to express their love for each other, without thought for the living.
Deeply disturbed by the experience, Eli and Jess part and try to get on with life as best they can. But after several years, Eli returns to Florida, only to find that Jess has made some questionable choices. These eventually lead him back to the abandoned house and a confrontation with Eli. Old scores are settled and Eli and Jess reunite.
But Clay and Silas’s ghosts aren’t finished yet, for they’ve always believed in the power of open and honest love.
Review: I loved this book. Jess and Eli have been in love with each other for a while and after a passionate encounter Jess leaves for the army only to return four years later much more in tune with his feelings. Jess and Eli knew it wasn’t the right time for them as they had to experience life.
Clay and Silas’ story saddened me as they were in a time where the feelings they felt for each other were hidden. The fact that they were murdered in their bed horrified me greatly. I wasn’t surprised when these two decided to possess Eli and Jess so they could be together physically again.
Both couples showed how much they loved the other even though things didn’t always go as they thought they would. This book was a fantastic read with a great plot that takes the reader into a glimpse of four lives of which two were snuffed out unexpectedly and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Well written scenes that leaving you laughing and other that leave you holding your breath and sitting on the edge of your seat awaiting the outcome.
Fantastic read.
Highly recommended.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Terrance, 2nd edition Series: The Severing, #2 Author: D.J. Manly Genre: Paranormal/Ghosts Length: Novel (149 pages) Publisher: MLR Press (January 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Terrance’s communication with the dead leads him to some surprising discoveries.
Terrance is happy with Alex, and for the first time, the voices in his head seem low and far away. Then they begin again, horrifying images fill his mind, as a small boy calls to him. No matter what, Terrance needs to follow that voice.
But can he trust it? Is it really the voice of a small boy in trouble, or the voices from hell itself?
Review: An intense, emotional, powerful story about Terrance who can see and speak to the dead. Unlike the last book, this time is more sinister. He’s dealing with not only someone calling out for help but having to battle the demons trying to prevent him from finding the truth.
I really enjoyed the whole book even though it was dark. I felt horrified at what was being done to those children. The details of Terrance’s dreams and visions were intense and scary. I think Terrance is a very strong young man to do what he does especially having been through what he did when he was a child.
Very well written journey of a man who does what he has to do to save a son he never knew he had no matter the cost. Fantastic book in The Severing series.
Highly recommended.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Speak No Evil Series: N/A Author: Alexa Snow Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal Length: Novel (291 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (January 27, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Blurb: Jamie Kincade’s world is turned upside down when Sebastian, a young man who doesn’t speak and who shares the ability to see ghosts that Jamie’s had since childhood, enters his life. Jamie finds Sebastian fascinating on multiple levels, and is determined to help him learn to speak again. But he can barely keep his thoughts – or hands – off Sebastian, who wants him and makes no attempt to hide it.
The age difference between them – Sebastian is almost 15 years Jamie’s junior – is a problem for Jamie, but Jamie’s reluctance isn’t the only thing keeping them from focusing on the potential they might have as a couple. The collection of ghosts Jamie has been living with in relative harmony for more than a decade has no intention of leaving Sebastian alone now that he’s here. T
heir desperate attempts to get Sebastian’s attention are a distraction Jamie would be grateful for if they didn’t upset Sebastian so much. Jamie is torn between wanting to send Sebastian away for his own good and wanting to drag him off to bed, and with Sebastian tempting him both deliberately and subconsciously, it can’t be long before Jamie’s self-control snaps…
Portia’s Two Cents: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
I really enjoyed this story. It had just the right mix of suspense, angst and paranormal for me. Jamie isn’t so much damaged as shy. He’s found a way to do him, and is okay with pretty much being a hermit.
Sebastian is definitely damaged, and with good cause. He’s been through so much, and chosen silence as his coping mechanism of choice. But, even without speaking, he is such a well-balanced character and I adored him.
I enjoyed the pace of both the romance and the “suspense,” and felt that I was watching a realistic romance unfold. Sebastian wanted to knock boots from day one, but Jamie made him work for it. But, both of them realized that what was happening to them was special. Not just in terms of their abilities, but the trust that would be their foundation.
Sprinkle in a few ghosts, some pretty hot sheet time, and families mending and this was the perfect weekend read for me. I hope that Alexa Snow lets these do a bit more “housecleaning” in future.
Highly recommend.
Shorty’s Review: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Very well written book although very long and drawn out story about two men who can both see ghosts but only one of them can communicate with them.
Jamie is an older man who is an editor that finds a young man named Sebastian in his shed. Sebastian can see, hear and communicate with ghosts but can’t speak. He wasn’t always unable to speak though. Jamie can only see the ghosts.
There are a few instances in the book were there was a ghost and twice the different ghosts attempted to interact with Sebastian but he freaks out. There is one ghost who can physically hurt them as happens once to Jamie when he’s pushed down the stairs and once to Sebastian when the ghost grabs him and leaves marks as well as later in the story. The scenes involving any paranormal occurrences were over quick except for in the last two paranormal occurrences regarding different ghosts.
It seemed that most of the book was about the two men getting to know one another and having sex when Jaime was ready to. When Jamie sister’s husband dies in a car accident, they both go to see her and find out that when Jamie touches Sebastian while he’s talking to a ghost that Jamie can hear them as well and communicate with them. Interesting read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review throughhttp://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Natural Instincts Series: N/A Author: M. Raiya Genre: Other Paranormal / BDSM Length: Short (54 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 7th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Blurb: Most people would consider near perfect recall, an ability to crunch numbers that rivals a computer’s, and an uncanny knack for predicting the stock market to be remarkable gifts.
But for Kyle, those abilities also curse him to recall every moment of his horrible, abusive past. Searching for an escape, he takes his therapist’s advice and leaves his finance job behind for a weeklong camping trip on a remote lake in Vermont. He’s not sure how a week in seclusion with nothing but his own thoughts for company will be the reprieve he needs.
Then he stumbles across a man engaged in a pagan ritual and is drawn into mysteries he never dreamed existed, and realizes nature is more distracting than he thought.
Review: Kyle has been hurt and abused a good part of his life, first by his family and then a former lover. Even with his incredible mind, he has issues left over from trauma he has suffered. On the advice of his shrink, Kyle has taken a vacation to a campground in Vermont. After his GPS sends in through the no longer used back way, Kyle comes across a naked man on a picnic table. After a flash of lighting, the man is gone. But a bound has already started.
This story packs a lot into a little package and I liked it. The author was able to get in the true hell Kyle’s life was a few sentences. I got a feel for Kyle right from the start. He is a wounded young man, who has managed to survive and make a living for himself even with the issues he has. The man he meets feels a need in Kyle and makes him happy and most of all feel safe.
I have never read this author before, but after this, I think I will be checking more of their work.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: Two young men meet on vacation in Key West and have a torrid affair and when they find out they both live in New York, they continue the affair after vacation. They end up buying an Old Victorian house, which begins to exhibit unusual traits upon moving in. Upon investigating the background of the house, they find that there are seventeen bodies buried in their basement.
First Edition published by Silver Publishing, 2010
For lack of a better word, this is a really cool story. At the heart is a ghost story, although we also see the trials of a new couple bringing their lives together after meeting each other on holiday. However, to be honest if you read this wanting to read a good ghost story, you’ll get what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something else, I don’t know what, you might be disappointed.
We don’t get too much depth about Jason and Kevin, our main characters. I think that is rather a pity because they both very likable and relatable characters, which is always the trick to have in a ghost story. Though, Jason has a couple of drama queen moments, Kevin is the strong, silent, dependable, stoic type. The guard dog that the couple purchase through Kevin’s work as a State Trooper, Max the German shepherd, is also an adorable addition to the budding family and a worthy character as well.
The haunted house Jason and Kevin move into is like a minor character itself, serving up the mystery for the story. In the end, once all is said and done, the resolution was both sweet and sensitive. My only problem is I want to know more about Jason and Kevin!
Gigi’s Review: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
At first I thought this short story was going to be a total stinker, boy meets boy on vacation, has a fling, falls in lurve, they move in together…really? But then things get interesting. As this new couple finds a real estate deal that’s too good to be, true weird things start happening.
As Kevin leaves to go to his day job as a cop, Jason is left alone in the house that starts haunting him. He gets a big bag police dog, and even then, both Jason and the dog start reacting to strange hauntings and happenings in their new home.
Kevin sees his new home and his new love unraveling before his eyes, so he needs to solve this mystery fast. Will his sleuthing skills be enough, and can they put to rest the spirits that are haunting their home and happiness?
Quirky, a little tongue in cheek, a bit cheesy at times but fun enough. I do love a good mystery.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Blood and Ruin Series: Blood # 1 Author: Shira Anthony Genre: Vampires/ Other Paranormal/ Historical Length: Novel (278 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 15, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts Blurb: Adrien Gilbert has spent several lifetimes searching for the love he lost. Born in the 1800s into a clan of fabled vampire hunters, Adrien once wanted nothing more than to tend his family’s vineyard in southern France or read a good book. But Adrien’s peaceful existence ends abruptly when his older brother, François, is murdered. Bound by his hunter’s oath, Adrien sets out on a path that will forever change his life when he agrees to execute his brother’s killer, the vampire Charles Duvalier.
After months chasing the elusive Charles, Adrien reluctantly makes a bargain with Nicolas Lambert, an ancient vampire. Adrien will escort Nicolas to Paris for his marriage to a rival clanswoman, and Nicolas will help Adrien find Charles. Nicolas’s quiet strength and gentle heart soon convince Adrien that Nicolas is nothing like the vampires he has sworn to destroy. As the wedding date draws nearer, a force intent on destroying the fragile peace between the vampire clans threatens to tear apart both the vampire realm and the world of the hunters.
To secure both past and future for those he loves, Adrien must find a way to stop the looming war between hunters and vampires. But first, he’ll have to let Nicolas go.
ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-607-4 Product Link:
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5805&cPath=55_484 Reviewer: Shorty Review: After his brother Francois death, Adrian, a hunter, was tasked by the council to find and eliminate the vampire Charles for his crimes. But he finds that things are not as they seem. The vampire is very elusive as are the people who he talks to for information on the vampires whereabouts.
Loved the descriptions of the different places Adrian travels as well as the interesting people he talks to. Mysteries and adventure await Adrian on his quest to full fill what the council orders him to do along the way he meets Nicolas, a vampire, who he starts to have feelings for, but is promised to another.
Interesting story that is well written and captivating. It was fascinating reading about the differences between a hunter and vampire, especially when a hunter is turned.
So much happens in this fantastic story. The intimate scenes were hot. Highly recommended.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Touch of a Ghost Series: N/A Author: L.M. Brown Genre: Paranormal/Ghost Length: Novella (74 pages) Publisher: Breathless Press (October 10th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts Blurb: What if you could only touch your lover one night of the year? Halloween night is all you have when in a relationship with a ghost.
Drew Jessop wants a life without ghosts. He doesn’t want to see, hear, or talk to them. Ignoring them should be relatively simple. But Drew soon finds that Benji Richards, an eternally gorgeous ghost from the fifties, is not so easy to ignore.
Halloween night is approaching and both Drew and Benji know what it could mean for them. From sunset to sunrise, it is the one night of the year when a mortal can feel the touch of a ghost.
Review: Very sweet story of a psychic named Drew who can see ghosts and a ghost named Benji who fall in love. In the story, ghosts can be felt only on Halloween. After an accident and being dead for a minute causes Drew to be able to feel Benji all the time.
Loved this story. It was sweet, heartbreaking, and dramatic. Great sex scenes between Drew and Benji.
Fantastic read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Just a Little Magic Series: N/A Author: Lisa Gray Genre: Paranormal Length: Novella (79 pages) Publisher: JMS Books (October 26th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Wiccan Owen Rhys inherits a house outside a small town, where he hopes the solitude will help with his music. But a zealously religious neighbor is convinced he’s a devil worshiper, and her gossip causes the townspeople to view Owen with suspicion. A series of pranks ensues, including dead animals left on his porch, threatening the feral cats living on Owen’s property.
Though a bit out of practice, Owen casts a spell to summon a protector — someone to convince the town the gossip is false and prevents the pranks from escalating. He confidently waits for his champion to arrive.
Marc Elias is the town’s animal control officer and veterinarian. He considers himself a rational man who trusts in science and most certainly does not believe in magic. So when he receives a complaint that Owen is bewitching and torturing cats, he dismisses it as her imagination but goes to investigate.
Owen is certain Marc is the protector summoned by the spell. But Marc sees Owen’s altar and hears desperate howling, and he has to put aside any attraction he may feel towards the young Wiccan to do his job. Will a little magic be all it takes for both men to get what they want?
Review: First and foremost, this is a good read, especially if you have a bit of time to kill and you’re not sure what you want to read. It’s hard to say the genre of this one, even though paranormal is used. But the message of the book basically explains my issue with labelling this one paranormal. Basically, we have Owen who is a Wiccan and seems to observe his religion closely. He recently moved into the home he inherited from his father. He has an awful neighbour who won’t neuter her cats, resulting in many litters of kittens that he has to deal with. The other character is local vet and part-time animal control officer, Marc.
So the message is that real magic is subtle and not obvious – it appears more as a series of coincidences than appearing out of thin air. That’s a message I like, and the one real mystery that comes down to the question is it magic or not is the pivotal point in this story and although it appeared to come out of nowhere, once you finish the story you know that the story was meant to come to this point.
Owen is a great character and I like him a lot. He is a kind heart and damn smart. As for Marc, I think it was the constrains of the length, but I was a bit annoyed at how he would jump to conclusions and hurt Owen, then Owen would be just way too nice to him afterward.
It’s hard to explain why, but I just feel that this book probably is constrained by its length or even just the short time frame within the story. Regardless, it’s still enjoyable and there is part of me left wondering what else could happen to Owen and Marc.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Broken Ink Series: N/A Author: Jack L. Pyke Genre: Bisexual /Supernatural/BDSM/Suspense/Dark Length: Novel (336 pages) Publisher: Fantastic Fiction Publishing (December 9th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: Carrying a tattoo on your skin no longer just comes with a risk of infection. Get the composition right, you have the latest mind-control drug on the market. It’s the sex-traders’ dream, or worst nightmare, depending on the concentrated dose of the ink—and just who’s wearing it.
For Kiyen, the ink means he’s able to strip raw the minds of the best and worst of society. He’s one of MI7’s top killers and never more driven to select and take down a target. For Falen, the ink has ensured he’s spent his early years as a willing sex slave and low-grade empath. Hiding out in a small town and trying to bury the needs running through his body, Fal’s hoping to stay under the radar of MI7 and their specialist killers.
But the ink itself has a mind of its own, wanting to ignite the natural dynamics driving a Dom and sub, so when Kiyen is forced into Fal’s small world, prejudice battles a pure need to touch. Only problem is: Kiyen’s on the run, and in a world where thought can be the worst crime of all, Fal’s in for a fight for his sanity to find out just what it is that’s making a young killer run for his life.
Review: Jack L Pyke has done it again with her newest release, Broken Ink. Every time I read one of her novels, I am blown away by her genius mind. She doesn’t write stories already told. I guarantee when you read one of her novels you will be taken to a place like no other. Have you ever read a book, that while it is very good, it’s still predictable? If you missed a page or two, you still wouldn’t have missed anything? I know I have, but those are not the stories told by Jack. If you skip a line or miss a page, you immediately go back to see what happened. Every word, every sentence, every paragraph, is vital and relevant to the story.
Broken Ink, for me, was a complex story. I had to re-read sections over so that I was positive I understood what was happening. That could be just me though because I need to understand every intricate nuance. With that in mind, this is not a story that you can breeze through or skip sections. This is not a fluffy romance story. This is mystery/suspense/edge of your seat/holding your breath, story that will pull you in and keep you completely invested. Jack writes with so much ingenuity, your imagination will be forced to take you to places unknown as you read her words.
The blurb summarizes well the basis of Broken Ink. It doesn’t, however, tell you that every emotion you have will be put to the test. From the very first chapter my heart was put on alert. Kiyen was only 5 years old when he was kidnapped by evil men. They tattooed his little body with ink containing mind-controlling drugs. He was to be sold to sex traders’ who could control the ink, by thought alone, to do anything they wanted. He was not the only child kidnapped for this insane experiment. But, he was one of only three who would be subjected to pain and turmoil, confusion and insecurities for the remainder of his childhood.
There was a small spark of hope when government officials broke in, known as MI7, and rescued the children. It was short-lived. They were not subjected any longer to the sex traffickers, but they were trained to become assassins against the worst of society. Just like clay in a potter’s hand, MI7 molded, formed, and created human weapons. But, they underestimated Kiyen, his control, and his abilities he mastered over the years.
At 18, Kiyen is on the run and in for the biggest fight of his life. His sanity and his freedom. He doesn’t remember the events that led up to and including his escape. He does know that his safety is an illusion and trusting anyone with his life will be a test of strength and endurance.
On the other side of town is a young man named Falen. He, too, was kidnapped and tattooed, at a different time and place. For 3 miserable and suffering years, he was a sex slave. Thanks to his father who never gave up the search for his only son, Falen was rescued. Allowing the ink to take control of his mind and body is something he fights every day. He was able to find ways to put his ink in a dormant existence. The ink is never completely at rest. It wants control and if Falen waivers or slacks from the restraints he has in place, the ink will win.
When Kiyen moves into a foster home across the street from Falen and their paths cross, I think they both know that their lives are about to change. The ink recognizes the other and their connection. Kiyen with his dominant personality and Falen for his natural tendencies towards submission, make them compatible. Trying to fight the ink and their own wants and desires will be harder than they think. They have a connection and they both want to explore the desires of their flesh and mind.
“Come on baby, show me what you’ve got.” Yen eased down to his side by Fal, then encouraged Fal to open his legs by scissoring one leg between his and pulling him open with gentle nudge of his ankle. The cocky smile he gave showed how Yen enjoyed just a touch of cock on hip frottage now he’d flattened his body against Fal’s side. As he let go of Fal’s hands and traced down his neck, over his abs, black vines followed his touch. It chased the light finger-play over the flat of Fal’s stomach, drawing slow circles as a gentle bite came at Fal’s nipple, just a tease, followed by a swipe of tongue.
“Please.” Fal lifted his hips slowly, wanting the touch lower.
Even though it feels like Kiyen and Falen are the only two in the world right now, danger is quickly catching up to them. There are many unknowns watching them from every angle. As Kiyen struggles to remember bits and pieces of his short-term memory loss, he must also be forever vigilant to his surroundings, the people looking for him, and the people right in front of him.
Betrayal runs deep and it is coming from all sides. When it catches up to Kiyen, he is forced to return to the place he was running from. The MI7 want answers and they don’t care who or what they hurt to obtain the information they seek. They implement some horrendous acts to bring Kiyen’s memories out in the open.
As the door started to shut, someone held him down by the shoulders as he was stripped, scissors coming in to take care of his T-shirt, jeans, and boxers. Left naked against the tile, the sound of hair clippers hit the air, the first drag came across his scalp, cutting off long black strands. His groin came next. First the clippers, then a razor as he was held down.
As he cried out, hands were bound above him, feet chained wide apart. Hot steam came next, racing around his body, his face, ass – the heat against his groin making him writhe and twist as he shouted out.
With guarded secrets, lies, and mistakes being exposed, Kiyen finds himself vulnerable and broken. Will these secrets finally push Kiyen to his breaking point? Will he be able to forgive those who betrayed him in the worst way? Kiyen is not an innocent, by any means, so the biggest test for him… will he be able to forgive himself?
It’s impossible for me to explain how complex and intricate this story line is. I have great respect and an abundance of admiration for Jack Pyke and her ability to twist and weave such fine intricate details into a plot. I am completely amazed at the depth and creativity she puts her characters through. More often than not, the perception of the story is really deception. The originality, the execution, and the elaborate details are some of the best I have ever read. There are many, many, twists and turns in Broken Ink. Every facet of the journey, whether it be Kiyen or Falen, will keep you intrigued and enamored as you read.
There is also enough mystery and suspense to keep you guessing to the final page. And, as the author works her creative genius to the edge, there will be some surprises that will have you shaking your head in disbelief.
In this story, there are parts that are beautiful and heartwarming, but also parts that are hard to read and even harder to fathom taking place. The world we live in has evil around every corner. Whether it is out in the open or hiding behind walls or back allies, it is there. Jack will expose some of these wrongdoings and yes…its fiction, but sex traffickers are out there, everyday, in the real world, kidnapping our children, selling them on the black market, all because of greed and the need for money and drugs. When I read Broken Ink, I can’t help but think about the children out there no one is looking for them. Or, maybe they are looking, but are so hidden they will never be found. As a mother, that scares the crap out of me.
My overall impression of Broken Ink: Highly recommended, dark yet captivating. It’s original and unique. Jack L Pyke is a masterful storyteller who will test your mind, break you down, and cleverly put you back together. She will take you, along with her characters, on a journey that will stick with you for a long time.
If you love this type of story, you will love Broken Ink. Grab your copy today – you won’t be sorry. Thank you Jack. Amazing as always.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Rising Damp Series: N/A Author: Christiane France Genre: Paranormal/ Ghosts/ Hauntings Length: Novella (68 pages) Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press ( Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: When Matt Jones takes a temporary job as a housekeeper/housesitter in an old and imposing three-story Queen Anne Victorian estate, he’s worried about patching up a misunderstanding with his new boyfriend. But he has no idea he’ll be sharing the premises with a ghost and, within the month, his life will drastically change.
Never in Matt’s wildest dreams would he have imagined that living with a sexy ghost could be so exciting and rewarding… ISBN: 978-1-61124-695-7 Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2065-Rising-Damp.aspx Reviewer: Shorty Review: Enjoyable story about Matt who discovers that his new job has a ghost living there. Although to my knowledge, most ghosts don’t have complete conversations with anyone. Toby, the ghost, explains that he was killed in a home invasion. But didn’t give any more details than that. He wants to go home but can’t, so Matt attempts to help him when he discovers the house Toby lived in has been demolished.
Cute story about a human who grows closer to a ghost and decides to start a relationship with him since his employers over him a permanent job there. Glad Matt got rid of the cheating boyfriend, as he didn’t need that on top of everything else going on.
The scenery of the grounds and house where Matt worked were beautiful. The sex was hot and intriguing between Toby and Matt. Good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review throughhttp://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: The Paranaturalist
Title: 137 Owens Street, 2nd edition
Title: Black Shades
Title: Purpose
Title: What No One Else Can Hear
Title: I’ll Still Be There
Title: Terrance, 2nd edition
Title: Speak No Evil
Title: Natural Instincts
