My Most Anticipated Top Five Paranormal Reads

Hi all! I hope you are all rested from Christmas and anxiously awaiting to ring int he new year. Since the big day is also my first daughter's eleventh birthday, there will be cake, ice cream and sparklers to be had. There are also books to be bought since her list is as big as my own. While I was on this train of thought and picking out books for the little lady, I made a small list of the top five books I can't wait to get my hands on in the coming year. Let's compare notes, see if you agree with my choices and see what you can add to the list!

1. This Side of the Grave ~ Book five of the Night Huntress Series Releasing February 22, 2011

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance…

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing.  A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. …to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

 

2. DEAD RECKONING ~ Book Eleven in the Sookie Stackhouse Series Releasing May, 2011

I have yet to find the book blurb for Dead Reckoning, but quite frankly I was had  at Sookie! I am fascinated with this series. Strangely enough though, I did not even know about the series until I had watched an episode of season one on HBO. After that I devoured the entire series - which I think there were only eight at the time - within a week’s time. I am ready for the next Sookie Stackhouse. How about you?

 

3. RIVER  MARKED ~ Book Six in the Mercy Thompson Series Releasing March 2011

 ~ Okay, I know the title of the blog says Paranormal and I know this is Urban Fantasy, but it made 'The List' anyway! ;-)

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...

4. PALE  DEMON ~ Book Nine in the Hollows Series Releasing February 22, 2011

Banned from the flight lists, Rachel teams up with tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for his own mysterious business. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car survive for over 2,300 miles?

And that’s not counting the assassin on their tail.

 

5. ARCHANGEL'S CONSORT ~ Book 3 in the Guild Hunter Series Releasing January 2011

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil… 

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders. 

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear. 

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

While there are so many delicious books coming out in 2011 and waiting to be devoured by their fans, these are my top five books. So let's dish! Tell me about your top pick books for 2011 or what you enjoyed reading this past year. Did you discover new authors? Or how about a new series you'd like to share? 

Review: Bad Girl by Amarinda Jones

THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN FOR NIGHT OWL REVIEWS

Bad Girl by Amarinda Jones

Release Date:N/A

Category: Spicy & Contemporary 

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

ISBN:9781926950013

Length: 73 pages (PDF format)

Heat Level: Erotic content with graphic love scenes and adult language  

Price: Evernight Publishing  format: $3.99 

*This ebook was provided to me by the publisher & NOR for review

PERSONAL SUMMARY:

Kealea enjoys taking pleasure in life while living it to the fullest, but the one thing she wants the most is about to slip through her hands. Is she strong enough to grasp the love she desires or will she let it slip away from her for good?

SUMMARY:(blurb taken from Amazon)

For six months Kealea and Christopher have been lovers, while consensually enjoying multiple partners. For a while it worked for Kealea. She wanted no commitment, and she craved the excitement and thrill of being taken by each new lover. But it’s not enough. She wants forever with Christopher. How can she make him realize there’s so much more to be enjoyed than wild sex?

Christopher shares Kealea’s desires, but he’s not sure how to change what they have into what they both crave. What if everything changes? Sex has always been easy, but loving could unleash consequences neither of them can handle. What is he to do? When another man shows interest in Kealea, Christopher knows he must make a move, or lose the woman he loves…for good.

Be Warned: multiple partners, menage sex, anal sex, bondage, public exhibition.

FIRST LINE:

Prologue...

“You’re a bad girl. I saw what you did.”

Chapter 1

“So my horoscope said beware of inconvenient people.”

Kealea Chambers sighed and closed her eyes. “Is there any other

type of person?”

PLOT:

I have to say this was a first for me. I have not read any story -erotica or otherwise- that portrayed the heroine open to multiple partners while in love with her hero. I have been told that it takes many different kinds of people to make up this world and I guess that same goes for the fictional worlds we step into when we open a book. You never know what your going to get until you dive in. I can not say that it was a turn on to me, but I know there are numerous readers that enjoy the fantasy or might live the fantasy, of being open with their love to many people. As for this story, the plot did pull through with strong emotions, delivering a well paced drama of love, fear of rejection on both sides and then finally the peace of acceptance.

SETTING:

The story took place in an urban setting, and most interestingly in a tattoo artist's studio!

WRITING:

Ms. Jones expressed great emotion and conflict through her characters and her writing style allowed it to flow smoothly for the most part of the story. I did find the inner dialogue a little confusing at times and had to re-read a few sections to grasp the whole concept of what the author was conveying. As a writer myself, I understand the reasons behind italicizing the inner dialogue in Bad Girl, however I fell in doing this it weakened the authors voice and the quality of the writing somewhat.  

CHARACTERS:

Kealea was very interesting to follow throughout the book. I did not agree with any of her choices and I have to say I would have a hard time friending a woman that did not value her morals. In having said that, I did enjoy reading the 'whys' behind her choices. I now understand what might go on in a womans head that lived or lives freely like Kealea does in Bad Girl. The author created a story that took the character through discovering herself, her desires and ultimately led her to finding and sharing a love that went deeper than just sex. 

Christopher, Kealea's love interest, never considered a monogamous relationship with any woman until he woke one morning realizing he was in love with Kealea. He is torn between telling her how he feels for her and letting things stand as they are out of fear of loosing what he does have with her. His jealousy roars to life after seeing Kealea with Andrew Hutchinson, the tattoo artist. He shows the reader just how deep his love is for Kealea. I do have to say that it was fun to see the love triangle play out. Hutch was a very different character all together, compared to the normal partner you read in most romance books. He added a freshness with his perspective on life, reminding me of a younger Sam Elliot. *wink*

LAST THOUGHTS:

Ms. Jones can definitely write erotica! WHEW!!! 

This is my first straight erotica mixed with a romantic plot so I can't compare it to any others. I did enjoy seeing the difference in characters and the happily ever after ending was a definite welcome. If you like diversity in your reading and love reading about characters that share sensual and erotic fantasies and desires, you will love Bad Girl! 

WHO IS AMARINDA JONES:

Amarinda Jones and her alter ego Penn Halligan believes anything is possible and sometimes just asking for the impossible will surprise someone enough that they will give it to you. Writing is like that. Put it out 

there and wait for a response. There is always the possibility you may fall on your arse, but after all, that's what cellulite is for. Amarinda believes in taking chances, speaking her mind and aging disgracefully. Twenty years from now she plans on being the neighborhood witch that all the kids are scared of. But then, everyone has to have a hobby.

MY RATING: 3.5 stars

Read my rating scale HERE

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR…

Christmas is love in action. Every time we love, Every time we give, it’s Christmas.

Let us all celebrate the true meaning of this day with our family and friends.

I can only pray that happiness be

at your door. May it knock early

& leave the gift of GOD’s peace, love,

joy & good health behind.

Thank you all for being a part of our lives.

So, this season I wish all my readers

the strength of FAITH, the Reality of HOPE, the Comfort of LOVE, and the Contentment Of a HAPPY HEART...

May you feel GOD’s blessings always.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

 Talina Perkins

The Bookin' It Gal

In the spirit of the season, here's a Christmas angel for all the ladies out there... 

Review: A Gift Beyond All Measure by Anna Kathryn Lanier

THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN FOR: NIGHT OWL REVIEWS

A Gift beyond All measure by Anna Kathryn Lanier

RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2010

CATEGORY: Contemporary Romance

ISBN:N/A

PUBLISHER: Wild Rose Press

LENGTH: 120 pages in PDF format 

HEAT LEVEL: Sultry/Sensual 

PRICE: Wild Rose Press $4.00 (various formats available)

*This ebook was provided to me by the publisher & NOR for review

PERSONAL SUMMARY:

A woman torn by a lifetime of betrayal, a man mending his own broken heart, an arson charge hanging in the balance. Neither wanted the attraction they felt for one another, but it could be what saves them both from a fate of loneliness or worse yet, prison.  

SUMMARY: (blurb taken from author's website)

Arriving home for Christmas, the last thing Jacob Scott expects in his house is a sexy, shotgun-toting stranger. Worse, his attraction to her bothers him even more than the gun.  Still reeling from the deception of his long-time girlfriend, he’s not looking for romance. 

Tessa Jones has learned one hard lesson—when everyone in your life has failed you the only one you can trust is yourself. Facing the whispers of the townsfolk and an arson charge, Tessa unexpectedly finds herself trusting Jacob with more than her legal troubles.

Struggling between the promise of the present and the hurts of the past, can these two lost souls overcome their pain long enough to discover a gift beyond all measure?

FIRST LINE:

Ch-chink.

Jacob Scott hunted often enough to recognize the sound of a round chambered into a shotgun.

PLOT:

The author told a good holiday story, pulling together each plot thread nicely by the end of the book. A Gift Beyond All Measure really touched my heart. To see the Christmas spirit come to life as the story progressed made it a very cozy read. The conflict and heart ache that the heroine, Tessa, suffered growing up brought real-to-life issues to the story that made me want to reach out and hug her. The plot held a few surprising twists for the heroine that I enjoyed following throughout the story. The final scene brought to mind a few questions in myself, making me wonder if I would be able to forgive and seek a connection that I had spent so many years burying deep inside me. 

SETTING:

The story takes place on the hero's ranch, Triple H located in a small town in Montana. I could just picture the snow covered pastures of the ranch and the smell of the real Christmas tree mixed with all the delicious food Tessa prepared for the ranch hands all day long. Oh, which reminds me, Ms. Lanier offers a fabulous recipe at the back of her book!

WRITING:

This was my first book by Ms. Lanier. It takes a lot of skill to deliver a story full of emotions and Ms. Lanier definitely delivered in my opinion. Her story flowed smoothly and had great description of the surrounding and of the inner turmoil the characters where experiencing.

CHARACTERS:

The characters in A Gift Beyond All Measure are what brought together the story of hurt, loss, and betrayal, turning it into a story of love, family, and happiness. I loved Tessa's inner strength, her patience, and protectiveness over the people she thought needed protecting. Her ugly, heart-wrenching past is what I believe many reads will connect with on some level. And to read how she was able to find her happily-ever-after is what we all love to read about.

I was disappointed in the hero for the first two-thirds of the story though. For me he was sweet sugar and vinegar, a mixture that made him a bit stand-offish. He could explode one minute or sweep you off your feet the next. Too unpredictable for a hero in my opinion. But, I did like the ending. Jacob redeemed himself in the final chapter making me feel very happy with the over all story. I thought the secondary characters, Jacob's sister and her husband, were the right ingredient to provide a guide through the trouble waters for both Tessa and Jacob.

LAST THOUGHTS:

A seasonal read, A Gift Beyond All Measure delivers on it's title. If you are looking for a heart warming story and don't mind a hero that needs to be taught a thing or two about tenderness, then I think you will like this story. Tessa is a character that steps right out of the page and into your heart. She's a tough cookie that you want to find love and happiness.

MY RATING: 3.5 stars

Read my rating scale HERE

Take a sneak Peak at A Gift Beyond All Measure with the book trailer

Ms. Lanier is giving away a cookbook until December 31st to accompany all the yummy recipes you read about in A Gift Beyond All Measure, don't miss out!

Until Next time...warm wishes,

Winner of Willa Edwards Debut Novel

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I am just stepping in here real quick to drop a note that I have chosen a new winner for the Willa Edwards giveaway of her debut novel, Naughty List.

Congratulations

Nathalie Brault

I have emailed Ms. Edwards your email addy so she can send you your prize on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas !!!

Until Next time...warm wishes,

Review: Toil and Trouble by H.P. Mallory

THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN FOR: NIGHT OWL REVIEWS

Jolie Wilkins Series Book 2: Toil and Trouble by H .P. Mallory

RELEASE DATE: November 2010

CATEGORY: Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 0011844418 (taken from B&N)

PUBLISHER: Smashwords

LENGTH: 158 pages in PDF format (104,043 words)

HEAT LEVEL: definitely considered sensual and sultry and is not for young readers under 18 yrs of age

PRICE: Smashwords $2.99 (various formats available) also available in Kindle and B&N Nook

*This book was sent to me by the author for review

PERSONAL SUMMARY:

Now powerful witch, Jolie Wilkins, is faced with a war that could cost her the ultimate price-her life. Torn between her love for one stubborn warlock and one sexy vampire, She'll have to set aside her emotions long enough to save the Underworld. Focusing might prove to be harder than she thought when faced with two powerful men.

SUMMARY: (blurb taken from Smashwords)

After defending herself against fairy magic, Jolie Wilkins wakes to find the creatures of the Underworld on the precipice of war. While Jolie has one goal in mind, to stake the vampire who nearly killed her, she also must choose between the affections of her warlock employer and a mysteriously sexy vampire. Jolie's life will be turned upside down when she's thrust into the shock of a lifetime. 

FIRST LINE:

It was all I could do to open my eyes and take in my surroundings.

PLOT:

When I was asked to review the first book of the series, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, I was I was skeptical of what to expect, being that the author was self-published. I am so glad I was so wrong. When I heard that Ms. Mallory was in fact writing the sequel to the first book I requested my copy before I was even finished with her first book. 

As a continuing series, Toil and Trouble, picked up where Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble left off, leading me from one fantastic surprise to another. Right when I thought I knew how she would wrap up the book two-thirds of the way in, Ms. Mallory ramped up the conflict, throwing more action, conflict, drama, and of course hot romance at me than I thought was possible. Without weighing the story down, the author added enough detail from the previous book which allowed the story to flow smoothly, taking you from one page, to the next. Eager to find out what happened next between Jolie, Rand, Sinjin and the war with Bella, I had devoured half of the book in one sitting. The author really worked her magic with this book, giving me everything I like to read about. I was definitely satisfied with how the author tied up the main loose ends while leaving one heck of an opener for the next installment. Keep them coming!!! (oh, and I would loved to have seen sweet Christine's reaction to her new Jane Austen book collection! I wonder which would have been her favorite...)  

SETTING:

Toil and Trouble starts out in present day England for the most part of the story, then moves on to Scotland and more specifically on to Cairngorms Forest where the entrance to the fae village is found. When the war is upon them, their legion moves onto Clava Cairns for the battle, however I'll leave the best part for you to discover. This particular twist is to fun to spoil! 

WRITING:

I believe with every book Ms. Mallory's writes, her voice is becomes stronger. She writes with great detail that paints a story in your mind's eye. Her ability to tell wonderful stories is what brings me back to her books time and again. Her writing style adds a wonderful fresh flare to the romance genre that I hope you enjoy as much as I do. 

CHARACTERS:

Toil and trouble is told in first person with the fiery heroine being our main character. While Jolie is determined to set herself apart from the underworld once her duty to the war is done, she cares about the people around her.She has an energy about her that pulls you right to her, wanting the best for her, even considering her a friend by the end of the book.

I spent the entire book pulled between wanting Jolie to accept her attraction to Sinjin while on the other hand wanting her to make good on all the sexual tension between her and Rand. It was down right sensual and sultry to follow Sinjin's attempts to seduce Jolie. With Jolie being one hell of a woman to keep up with, you know she is going to want the best partner by her side. When faced with choosing between Sinjin or Rand, Jolie's true character, the strong woman needed to fight a war, shines through. By the end of the book, the woman Jolie is needed to be emerges from what most would consider a fatal failure. I think everyone will enjoy how the author has taken her characters through trials of anguish and triumph, leading them to becoming who they will need to be. I will not spoil the twists and turns Ms. Mallory has weaved for her characters, but I will say that the last half of the book was nothing less than brilliant and that I loved every minute I spent with Jolie.

LAST THOUGHTS:

If you like to read about heroines that are loving, caring, know how to kick ass and take names then this is one series you will love. Jolie is the perfect heroine to take you on an Underworld tour filled with the suspense of war, the deepest of passions, and action packed adventures all with a  touch of humor that is all her own. I am already anxiously awaiting the third installment to the Jolie Wilkins series.

WHO IS H.P. MALLORY:

Adventures of H.P. Mallory, 
Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Author ...
Since this page is about me, I guess I should start with why I'm writing these types of books... (drum roll)...

I am a big, huge fan of anything paranormal. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days, I've read every ghost book in existence and I think I've seen about every horror movie ever made. OK that's an exaggeration but trying to make a point.

I started seriously writing about two years ago when I was living in Cambridge, England. Living in the U.K. really fueled my writing flame because the history is so intense, you can't help but feel like you're in a magical place.

The first book I started in Cambridge was Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble. Then I moved up to Edinburgh, Scotland and started working on my second book, To Kill A Warlock. Some of the places I visited really had a profound effect on me and I included those locations in my books.

Continue reading more about author H.P. Mallory HERE

MY RATING:

Read my rating scale HERE

PS. I entered to win a place in Ms. Mallory's 'Become a Character Contest' for the second book in her Dulcie O' Neil series. You can also enter HERE. Have Fun and good luck! 

Until next time...warm wishes,

Blog Hoppin' It Around! (5)

IF YOU ARE A NEW FOLLOWER PLEASE LET ME KNOW! 

I WILL RETURN THE FAVOR!

This is my fifth blog hop hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com andParajunkee's View Join in on the fun or click here to visit book bloggers to meet new friends, discover great books and just have some fun! This weeks question is for Crazy-For_Books:

"What do you consider the most important in a story: the plot or the characters?"

My Answer: When I pick up the book the first thing I notice is the cover. Is the portrayal of the characters on the cover interesting enough to make me flip over the book and read the blurb? For the first chapter I pay attention to the character and their actions and reactions. After that, I like to divide my focus between plot and character. I think they both have to weave together to drive the story to the climax and further on to the conclusion. 

And this weeks question for Parajunkee's Question is:

What did you study in college, or are currently studying and did it lead to your current 9 to 5 or are you doing something totally different?

My Answer: I studied Literature and wanted to branch out into the field of archeology, but baby number 1 - 4 put a rain check on that. So I picked up a pen and paper and have been working on my other dream of becoming a published other. Mean while, I am currently a 24 hr mom, nurse, home schooler, shopper, chef, maid, wife, and a crazy lady every once in a while! 

How about you? What do you pay attention to in a story? What did you study in college? I would love to hear from you...:-) Happy Holidays! 

Unclaimed Prize of Willa Edwards book Naughty List

I hope everyone is all warm and snug in their homes with all the snow and cold weather going around. And if you are like me and live in a tropical area, I hope you are enjoying some mild weather this holiday season.

Willa Edwards giveaway is still unclaimed by the winner.

Susan Leech please email me at talinaperkins @ ymail . com (no spaces) so that I can forward your email on to Willa Edwards! You won her debut novel Naughty List coming out this Christmas Eve. If by Sunday I do not hear from you, I'll have to choose another winner. 


Until Next time...warm wishes,

Review: A Demon's Kiss by Sable Grey

THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN FOR: NIGHT OWL REVIEWS

A Demon's Kiss by Sable Grey

RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2010

CATEGORY: Erotic Historical Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 978-1-926771-91-5

PUBLISHER: Breathless Press 

LENGTH: 21 pages in PDF format/ mini novella(5,222 words)

HEAT LEVEL: Steamy/Sensual

PRICE: Breathless Press :  $1.99 (available in PDF format)

*This ebook was provided to me by the publisher & NOR for review

SUMMARY: (blurb taken from the author's site)

Everything Patricia knew about Jack was pulled out from under her. Now she must decide if the heat between them can survive the demonic truth.

Patricia Weaver has always loved Jack Avery, but when she finds out he’s a soul-collecting demon, everything changes. Drawn to him despite the darkness that surrounds who and what he is, Patricia finds herself swept away by his sexual heat but in the end must decide if she can accept and love him…talons and all.

FIRST LINE:

Patricia Weaver tore down the alley, burst through the darkened doorway of the wooden storehouse, and crouched low.

PLOT:

For such a short story, A demon's Kiss turned out to be a fun sexy read. You get a glimpse into the daimónion world and how Jack came to be a soul collector. The author brought together a nice tale of love and acceptance, giving it a good ending.   

SETTING:

The story takes place in 1837 in a small town of Roscoe, Colorado.

WRITING:

I think Ms. Grey did a wonderful job of giving the reader a sense of time and place while delivering a sensual  and steamy paranormal romance. Her attention to detail was just enough, but it was the characters that told the story. I will definitely read more from Sable Grey 

CHARACTERS:

There was more background development for the hero in this story, while the reader was left to assume the heroine was a normal girl of the time. I found her a refreshing character to follow. It was very interesting to see just how sexually orientated she was towards Jack.

WHO IS SABLE GREY:

Read more on the author, Sable Grey HERE

LAST THOUGHTS:

This is a definite must read for all paranormal romance readers. It made me smile and sigh with satisfaction with the happy ending for Jack and Patricia. I've added Sable Grey to my must-read list! 

MY RATING:

Read my rating scale HERE