Guest Post: The Secrets About the Horror Genre

The Secrets about the Horror Genre 

About The Unholy 

"A young curandera, a medicine woman, intent on uncovering the secrets of her past is forced into a life-and-death battle against an evil Archbishop. Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, the Unholy is a novel of destiny as healer and slayer. native lore of dreams and visions, shape changing, and natural magic work to spin a neo-gothic web in which sadness and mystery lure the unsuspecting into a twilight realm of discovery and decision." 

Guest Post 

The greatest secret about the horror genre is that it is so multifarious and multiparadigmatic that it defies description. You get S. King with increasingly rich stories as he is ageing, a man who not only has lived and knows horror, but knows longing and love as is evident in his more mature stories written over the past few years especially Lisey’s Story. Then at the other end of the spectrum you get the rough and wild bad boy of horror, Edward Lee. The guy has some seriously demented characters that never ever can be redeemed. I mean what kind of character is the main character in Portrait of a Psychopath as a Young Woman? 

Horror is such a varied genre. In The Unholy you get more of a classic good guy and bad guy scenario but played out on a supernatural venue featuring the mythopoeic realm of Aztlan. This is a cultural realm with deep spiritual meaning for the mestizos of New Mexico. This is a story of church politics, culture, misogyny, and the struggle to find a sense of self within this multifarious and tormented drama. I don’t think anything short of a horror story (I won’t clean it up at this point by calling it a psychological thriller) could convey the terror of conflicting energies of culture, church, abandonment and the desperate need for courage in a world that seems like it has gone to hell in a church pew! 

I love horror and I love horror because it is so multifaceted, rich, and into extremes that pop out the realities behind the scenes of everyday life. That’s the secret of horror…it’s into extremes so as to express truth…if you got something to say, an old professor of mine used to quip, why not exaggerate to get the point across. Horror does that. The Unholy does horror and goes to extremes to pop out the reality behind what is observable.

About The Author:

Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D., is a psychologist and writer living in Albuquerque, New Mexico who has treated survivors of the dark side of religion for more than 30 years. He is a member of the Depth Psychology Alliance, the Transpersonal Psychology Association and the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. Dr. DeBlassie writes psychological thrillers with an emphasis on the dark side of the human psyche.

Book Information
Name: Paul DeBlassie III
Book Title: The Unholy
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Publisher: Sunstone Press

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Cover Reveal: Deceptions

DECEPTIONS

(The Demonkin, #2)

by

Sean Hayden

Published with Untold Press

http://untoldpress.com/our-books

Release Date: October 21, 2014

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BLURB:

The great State of California has elected themselves a new governor…and he’s a vampire! Many hope it will bring some peace between the humans and vampires. Many don’t, which could be the reason someone is trying to kill him. Knowing they can’t protect him from supernatural terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security turns to the only people who can, the FBI. More importantly, their only vampire agent. Ashlyn may be Governor Greer’s only hope, but can she keep him alive without starting a war of her own? When the lines begin to blur and it becomes difficult to separate her enemies from her allies, Ashlyn may end up doing just that.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born the son of a fire chief, Sean naturally developed a love of playing with fire. His family and friends quickly found other outlets for his destructive creativity. Writing is his latest endeavor.

Always a fan of the macabre, mythical, and magical, Sean found a love of urban fantasy and horror. After writing several novels in this genre, he found, fell in love with, and immersed himself in steampunk. He has always wanted to rewrite history and steampunk gave him that opportunity.

Sean currently lives in Florida as a fiber-optic engineer as well as an author. He was blessed with the two most amazing children he could ever hope for, has met the absolute love of his life, who coincidentally is his partner in everything. His hobbies include grand designs on world domination as well as a starring role in his own television sitcom.

WEBSITE     BLOG     TWITTER     GOODREADS     FACEBOOK     AMAZON

Click on the titles below to learn more about Sean Hayden's books:

Demonkin Series

Origins

Deceptions: (Link coming 10/21/14)

Rise of the Fallen Series

My Soul to Keep

Your Soul to Take

Anthologies

Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales Vol 1 & 2

Short Stories/Novellas

The Ghost of Christmas Last

Lady Dorn

Origins Review

Origins by Sean Hayden

Demonkin Book 1

RePublised September 2, 2014

5 BLOODY CLAWS AND FANGS!

"Urban Fantasy at its Bloody best. All Paranormal lovers will love this, regardless of gender."

Synopsis -

Being different is never easy, especially when you're a vampire.

Ashlyn is far from normal. She was born a vampire, a trait that makes her utterly unique. Knowing this, her family strived to keep her existence a secret. Tragedy forces her from hiding and hunger drives her into the open. Unfortunately, living in a world that has accepted, embraced, and yet still fears the supernatural is never a good place to stand out. Especially when the one who notices you wants you dead. The only people who can save her want to use her as well, but she's left with little choice. Ashlyn joins the FBI and becomes torn between two worlds. She can either be a monster, or she can help destroy them. (Goodreads)

Review -

This is one tale of "Who's the Daddy?" that would have even me watching Maury Povich. Readers won't be finding any romance within these pages. What they will find is plenty of action, blood and a sinisterly good plot. As Ashlyn tries in vane to discover what she truly is, readers will know from page one exactly that, and just which infamous demon spawned her.

Ashlyn would believe that she was a vampire as everyone else does, if it wasn't for all of the anomalies that is her. The biggest one of all being the fact that she was born this way, not made. It isn't until she is unexpectedly thrust into the real world, after growing up in compete seclusion, that she realizes just how many differences she truly has. 

After having gone two days without feeding, Ashlyn's hunger strikes with a vengeance. Only her thirst doesn't seem to be for human blood at all, unless it contains more than a taste of magic within its cells. So when she allows her nose to lead her to a vampire bar it could prove to be the either the best decision she has ever made, or the worst mistake of her unlife.

Readers will not be able to put Origins down until they reach the bloody end. This is a read not intended for the squeamish in any way, as it is filled with blood, violence and plenty of macabre mayhem. Sean Hayden has created a true monster, and one that is loyal to a fault. Walk into a world where all of the creatures that go bump in the night are a part your everyday society and policing them would be impossible had the FBI not brought about a task force comprised of their very brethren. And when the revelation is made at the end, the Demon in question will despise the phrase, "You are the Father!", but the question readers will be left with is will he do what he has been decreed?

Any and all fans of Urban Fantasy and Supernatural are sure to love this read, and be more than ready to get their hands on Book 2, Deceptions.

Hand of Miriam Review

Hand of Miriam by Eva Gordon (ARC Review)

Self-Published December 6, 2013

A Bayla and the Golem Novel Book 1

4.5 Steaming Stars

"Goggles, Dirigibles and Vampires oh my! Eva Gordon creates a vivid world that Steampunk Lovers are sure to enjoy."

Synopsis -

On an archaeological expedition, Bayla Gideon, is widowed by a supernatural force and branded with the Hand of Miriam or Knowing Eye. Threatened by evil, she awakens the golem; a mythical man of clay, who protected the Jewish community over three centuries ago.

The golem, Gesher, is surprised. Freedom –by a beautiful, enchanting woman. His desire is to return to the celestial spheres and regain his status as an avenging angel. Yet, Bayla challenges his mind, body and soul. Would he risk his return to the heavens for her?

Besides, dealing with the otherkind, mad inventors and an unrelenting matchmaking aunt, Bayla is equally determined to resist her steamy attraction to the striking fallen angel.

Thrust into a malevolent war, which includes facing Jack the Ripper, they must resist the magnetic pull toward each other, while protecting the world from encroaching evil. (Goodreads)

Review -

Walk into the world of Victorian London where ships sail through the sky and goggles, corsets and stop watches are part of the everyday attire. Gordon truly knows her steam and the legends behind the creatures that go bump in the night. Though this novel is a rather lengthy one, each page is well worth the read. Hand of Miriam is a tale full of magic, mayhem, love, loyalty, betrayal and plenty of blood thirsty fiends.

This review is to be published on BTSeMag. The link will be posted here at a later date.

Betting on Julia Review

Betting on Julia by Nina Croft (ARC Review)
Melville Sisters Book 2
Published August 25, 2014 by Entangled: Covet
3.75 Claws

"In looking for what they both wanted, they find what it is they truly need."

Synopsis -

Small, blonde, bubbly, and with a penchant for all things pink, Julia Melville has always considered herself a nice girl – until she was attacked by a werewolf. Months later, and still in total denial, Julia spends the time between full moons fantasizing that her life is normal. And who could be better to help her with that than her new neighbor, handsome accountant, Sebastian Crane.

For two hundred years, Sebastian, a powerful warlock, has been possessed by a demon. Each day, his soul grows darker, and he knows that soon he will be beyond salvation. But the demon loves to gamble, and he’s made Bastian one final bet—get a good woman to say the words “I love you” and he’ll be free.

Julia wants a normal guy. Bastian needs a good woman. Maybe together they can find something far more valuable…redemption.

GOODREADS     AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE

Review -

While not being my usual cup of tea, which I'm beginning to see has nothing do with the author (because Nina Croft definitely knows how to bring on the action, mayhem, violence and steam) but more to do with the publisher. Covet is more of a Paranormal Lite.For those readers who would like to try the waters of the Paranormal, but not quite ready to take that full plunge into the darkside. Though most authors fail to grasp what that truly means and write more of a Contemporary Romance where one of  the characters just happens to have fangs or a set of claws. Nina Croft manages to tone the nit, grit blood and gore without losing the full essence of the wolf.

That being said, I like my werewolves strong, dominant, fur flying trying to tear each others throats out, or fucking each others brains out with no compunction or worrying about hurt feelings, at least until they find their soul mates. Not quite the case here. I would not recommend this to die hard werewolf fans looking for that sense of pack life, danger, blood, history, gore and diabolical plots, but, as a good filler while waiting on that next book, like say, Book 4 of The Order or Blood Hunter series, it is a good read. 

Bastien has made a bet against anyone in the Supernatural world knows you should not, a demon. But when the prize is his own freedom, to finally be rid of this demon, how he possibly say no. Especially when the task is so simple, "Get a good woman to say, 'I love you'". There is no such thing as simple when it comes to a demon. The woman in question turns out to be Julia Melville, a werewolf. If there is one faction of creatures Sebastien hates its werewolves, the vial beings who caused him to lose his family and the reason he has been stuck with a demon for two hundred years. 

Julia has been bound and determined since her attack to pretend that it never even happened. Except for during her FMS, Full Moon Syndrome. Any time other than that Thing just doesn't even exist. Well, her mysterious next door neighbor is making it impossible to ignore Thing, at times making her volatile and others wagging her tail in utter content. Things become even more complicated with the attraction she feels brewing between the two of them, though neither are even looking for a relationship. As always though, what we're looking for is not always what we need.What she's looking for is normal, anything to help her forget what she really is now. Sebastien seems to just bring it to the surface. But is that necessarily a bad thing?

Fun, magical and with a little action thrown in for good measure, Betting on Julia is an enjoyable, wonderfully written, lite read. Though it did end with quite a few unanswered questions; what happened to Sebastiens' daughter, while his wife may have been mortal, his daughter did have his...genes. Those readers looking for a Paranormal Lite with werewolves, this is the perfect read for you.

Demon Creed Review

Demon Creed by Paula Altenburg (ARC Review)
Demon Outlaws Book 3
Published May 26, 2014 by Entangled
4 Demonic Fangs

"No matter how much the world may change, some form of discrimination  will always remain."


Review -

Though there were quite a few aspects about this story that just plain pissed me off, the fact that I was still able to enjoy it overall just attests' to how great an author Paula Altenburg is.

Creed knows first hand that you are not defied by the people who created you.  Whether your father is mortal or demon, no-one is born inherently evil, is child is just that, a child.  After-all, he became a Godseeker Assassin to see justice carried out, though recent events have him reassessing his decision.  So it should not come as a surprise that he is determined to find half-demon children who have been turned out to the world, alone.  Some having no-one to turn to, letting their demon half take full reign, becoming the very spawn that mortals fear.  Willow on the other hand, while seeking out these children and raising them as her own, she has very different intentions for them.  She sees all half-demons as superior to all mortals.  By teaching them such, she very well may be creating their downfall and costing them their lives.

Nieve is the mother of one of those very half-demons they seek, a boy she sees as nothing more than her beautiful son from the very first time she laid eyes on him. A boy who was taken away from her and sold into slavery by the very man she is forced to call master.  For a full year she had no memory of him, one of his many talents, until a stranger comes seeking information on half-demon children being sold.  Not only does he open up the floodgate on her memories of her child, but also the vicious ones of his Demon father.  Though she may be fearful of him once she senses his demonic nature, she will stop at nothing to find her child, even if that means sleeping with the enemy.

Full of violence, intrigue and characters to pull at your heartstrings, Demon Creed is truly a worthwhile read.  I recommend reading the first two books first, something I didn't do, to learn more of the world of the Demon Outlaws.  Such as why are women in slavery, and viewed upon as nothing more than property; wife, whore or slave.  And how does a woman claim a demon when they have no demon within them, especially when its the demon half they are afraid of.   Readers picking this up as a stand alone may be lost on some aspects, but not so much so that they will not be able to enjoy this read.

The Demon Creed Blog Tour

The Demon Creed

by: Paula Altenburg

Release Date: 5/26/14

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Website: www.paulaaltenburg.com

Blog: http://www.paulaaltenburg.com/blog/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@PaulaAltenburg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulaAltenburgAuthor?ref=hl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5809064.Paula_Altenburg

Author Bio: I’d like to be able to say I always wanted to be a writer, but the truth is I thought it looked like a lot of hard work. Life, however, sometimes leads us down paths we never intended to take.

From the very beginning, my parents encouraged my love of books. When a Grade One teacher suggested I wrote too many “thrillers,” my mother, an English teacher, said I could write – and read – whatever I wanted. My high school English teachers later backed her up on that. In university, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Anthropology. At the time it was a whim, but it’s amazing how much that little piece of paper has benefited me over the years.Researching the history of civilizations has led to many intriguing worldbuilding possibilities.

When my children were babies and money was tight, my mother, grandmother, and husband bought me an electric typewriter for my birthday because they knew I was bored and wanted me to be happy. My mother became my very first critique partner, willingly reading pages and pages of manuscripts no one should ever have to suffer through. She researched markets for me, and introduced me to a journalist friend, who in turn introduced me to the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia. My brother and my brother-in-law introduced me to Thieves’ World, David Eddings, and Piers Anthony. My sister gave me my first computer.

My grandmothers believed if something’s too hard, you aren’t working hard enough. My brother and sisters have all successfully followed their dreams, and my husband and two sons offer me proof every day that hard work is something to be embraced, not avoided. With these people behind me, how could I possibly stray from a path on which life seems to have planted them as guardrails?

Synopsis: As a highly skilled assassin, Creed is used to being called upon by the Godseekers for help. But in a world just recently rid of demons, the task to now track down half-demons isn't as easy as it seems. Not only is Creed himself a secret half-demon now going against his own kin, but when he discovers numerous innocent children are being kidnapped in the mountains, he second guesses his mission. Justice should be for all, not just for demon spawn. Living in a world of cruel men, Nieve has no memory of her life before her enslavement. But when Creed comes around asking questions about missing children, the memories of her half-demon son - and the demon who tricked her - come flooding back. Now, Nieve will do anything to get her son back...even if it means putting her trust in Creed. Together they set out to find the Demon Slayer who can help them. Little do they know the demon who fathered Nieve's son is also searching for Nieve, and he's teamed up with the kidnapper to draw her out.  Creed and Nieve must race against the clock to save the children, their hearts, and the world.

Tagline: Never show fear to a demon.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18594499-the-demon-creed

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1ixHW7Y

Barnes & Noble Buy Link: http://bit.ly/TheDemonCreedBN

Entangled Book Link:  http://bit.ly/TheDemonCreedEP

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Illusion Review

Illusion by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Chronicles of Nick Book 5
Published April 1, 2014 by St. Martins Griffin
5 DEMONIC FANGS!!!!


"While some try to run away their past, Nick is in a perpetual race to change his future."

Synopsis - 

Be careful what you wish for…

You just might get it.

Nick Gautier is tired of his destiny. He doesn’t want to be the son of a demon who’s fated to end the world. Nor does he want to see another demon or other preternatural creature who wants to kill or enslave him. He just wants to be normal and have normal problems like everyone else.

But normality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. When he gets sucked into an alternate reality where his mother has married his mentor and his Atlantean god best friend has become a human geek, he begins to understand that no life is free of pain, and that every person has a specific place in the universe… Even the son of a hated demon.

Most of all, he sees that his powers aren’t the curse he thought they were, and that the world needs a champion, especially one its enemies can’t imagine rising up to defend the ones he should destroy.

Old enemies and new friends square off for a major battle that will either restore Nick to his real world, or end him forever.  (Goodreads)

Review -

One of the best books in the series', Illusion is the first in the Chronicles of Nick series that will bring a tear or two to readers eyes.  The heartfelt scene between Nick and his Dad is one that will leave an impression in readers minds for years to come.  The name is also the most apt, as Nick finds himself in a world that he thinks is nothing more than a dream, though the reality of his situation is much worst.  When Kody and Caleb cast a binding spell on Nick's Malachi powers, they didn't take into consideration just how vulnerable they were leaving him.

Ambrose has been on a desperate quest to change his future, helping his past self along the way, desperate to do whatever it takes to change his fate and that of the worlds'.  Only this time, he won't be able to help at all.  Nick has been thrown into a whole other dimension; one where different decisions have been made changing the lives of everyone he knows and loves, including Ash, Kyrian, Tabitha and Simi.  One where Caleb is still his best-friend, but not a demon.  Where Bubba is only known as Michael, but, he never stopped playing pro football and his wife is Cherise, and yes, he is Nick's Dad, making Nick one-hundred percent normal, and human.  Something he has been wishing for from the very beginning, but like the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for cause you just may get it.  Because the body that he's in now is making it a whole lot harder to fight off all of the demons, witches, ghosts, including his own evil army, that are all out for his blood, with not a single power to his name.  Not to mention the body he's stuck in is scrawnier, shorter and has probably never been in a real fight.  And while he desperately fights for his life in a body not his own, his true body is left vulnerable with the Nick of this dimension trapped inside screaming like a little girl and if he doesn't get to it in time, it will be a permanent lights out.

Illusion is a fast paced novel that should definitely not be read as a stand alone, and is a must-read for fans, especially those also following the Dark Hunter series.  Just be sure to read Styxx first, as you will appreciate it all the more.  Never a dull moment, and in the end readers just may learn to appreciate what they have in life, the good with the bad, because things can almost always get worst.  As always, Kenyon delivers a page-turner readers will not be able to put down until the very end.  Some questions will be answered and many more will be raised, and Nick brings in a couple more into the fold, always believing people, be they demon or anything else, deserve a second chance.  One can only hope that character flaw of his does not bring about his doom. 

The Undead Pool Review

The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
The Hollows Book 12
Published February 25, 2014 by Voyager
5 Demonic Fangs!!!


"If you do not know your history, you're doomed to repeat it."


Synopsis -

Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering. 

Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.  (Goodreads)

Review - 

For years now fans of The Hollows have been wanting to know what happened to drive Newt insane.  Well, hold onto your seats ghouls and gals cause its going to be a bumpy ride as Rachel finally learns the truth, the hard way.  The one question that will be remaining at the end, will Rachel be able to maintain her own sanity?  And for those of you that have been rooting for a Trent and Rachel union, are NOT going to want to miss this.

Rachel finds herself yet again having to save the world.  Someone has been tampering with her line, but far more than just that.  Turns out the Goddess of the elves was once a very real thing indeed, but during the great war between Elves and Demons, she was not only destroyed but shattered.  Now someone has found a way to collect those particles of her and use them to keep the undead vampire masters asleep, in turn slowly starving them to death.  And while that seems like a great plan in theory, especially for the not so secret faction known as the Free Vampires, there is now nothing to stop the living vampires to do any and everything they want, can anyone say bloodbath?  It seems that no-one is safe from vampires, not even themselves.  That's not the only troubles Interlanders are facing.  With whoever out there capturing mystics, all magic is misfiring, causing simple cleaning charms to backfire to the point of death.   

Quite naturally Rachel goes to her demonic teacher for help, but he is less than willing.  The question is, does he truly not know what is going on, and if he does, why is he holding back.  The answer comes in the form of the only other female demon, the less than sane Newt.  And if Rachel goes through with her plan to save everyone she may end up just as insane.

The reason behind Newts' sanity isn't the only thing that comes to light, so do Trent and Rachel's' true feelings toward one another.  But will he finally listen to his heart, or put his responsibilities to his elven people first.  And Ivy finds herself yet again battling for Nina's soul because there is one undead who never went to sleep, Felix.

This is a true must read for Hollow's fans, and for readers who are newbies, this stand-alone will leave you craving for more.   Full of lust, love, blood, gore, excitement, honor and characters who will pull at your heart strings, make you want to tap a ley line and stand by their sides and fight whether you're as small as a pixy or as big as a were.

The Night of Elisa Giveaway and Spotlight

The Night of Elisa by Isis Sousa

Published May 30, 2014 by Tragic Books

Synopsis - 

Sometimes, life and love can follow the most obscure paths, just as they did for Elisa.

Her life becomes a dark, cold, lonely cage the day the Devil takes her as his wife. He robs her of almost everything she holds dear: her health, her wealth and what is left of her family.

Trapped between the nuances of life and beyond-life, Elisa finds herself struggling for a better tomorrow. With her health deteriorating, how will she summon the courage and strength to stand her ground? And how far will she go in the pursuit of a dream?

Embark with Elisa on this puzzling Gothic adventure set in the late Victorian era, between the world of the Living and the picturesque, melancholic Duskland.

* * * 

"It is strange... How can I 'go home' when I have no memories of that place at all?"

- Elisa

"Stop it, Elisa. You're bleeding, my darling!"

- Leonhard

"Ah, love, the biggest poison and most dangerous drug there is."

- Dr. Charles

Amazon     Smashwords    Lulu     Goodreads     Website

Excerpt - 

‘Elisa’ calmed and the struggle was over. How dare she speak of me like I’m already dead? I know these faces… Father Johannes was throwing holy water over her bed and chanting in Latin.

“E-l-i-s-a i-s b-a-c-k!” a loud voice echoed in the room for all to hear. Quentin was very surprised. “She is back! Father Johannes, how is it possible?”

Father Johannes’ voice was frail. He was a short, gibbous man with an aquiline nose and big, deep eyes. “God the almighty never betrays us, my son!” He raised the wooden cross with his right hand.  “Whatever evil was holding her from life – from death – is here no more!” He came closer to Quentin, reaching for his ear. “She is strong, my son! Keep pretending until the last moment. We don’t want it to happen, but if she survives we don’t want her to tell anyone about what we did.”

“If she survives it will be for a very short time. I will take care of her once and for all, Father!” Quentin pretended he was seeing a miracle from the seven heavens. His young wife back from the dead! How was it possible? We did everything we could, but you persisted… “Elisa, my dearest, you’re alive! You live! You have come back to us!” Quentin continued, admiring that she had endured so much.

Who is this Author:

“I am not a writer, neither is writing one of my passions, on the contrary; I see it as a necessary evil! I like to say I am an illustrator and storyteller. 

I was born and raised in Brazil and since 2009, been living in Norway with my best-half. I work as illustrator and graphic designer from my home-office, in slippers and comfy clothes. (Would really prefer PJs, but here and there someone knocks on the door!)

Love Heavy Metal, Fantasy and Dark Fantasy and most forms of visual arts.”

Goodreads     Website

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Marked by Hades Review

Marked by Hades by Reese Monroe (ARC Review)
Bound by Hades Book 2
Published April 14, 2014
4 Demonic Fangs

"Full of non-stop action, brutality and mayhem, but..."

Review - 

Kind of have mixed emotions about this one.  While it was a good read, having all of the qualities I look for in a great read; plot, violence, Dark Romance, deadly characters, brutality, fangs, blood.  What I didn't like, and pretty much left me extremely pissed off, was the outcome of the heroine, Yvonne/Dyre.

Imagine waking up with nothing, not the shirt on your back nor any clue as to who, or what, you are.  Only two things you know for certain, your name and the fact that if you so much as touch a living thing, from plant to human being, they turn to dust.  Which is truly an ingenious punishment for a former Demon who craves nothing more than touch.  A punishment delivered by none other than the Devil himself.  What Lucifer doesn't realize is how that punishment may effect him in the long run.

Justin has been bound and determined to never ever take a Mate, there just isn't one for him.  Sure, he is ecstatically happy that Theo found his Mate Sadie, after-all a Guardian, an immortal charged with sending Demons to the eternal flames of Hades, needs his/her Mate to come into their full powers, but he is just a Companion, what would he need one for.  Well, not only will his Ahava, mate, receive her mark, when he learns who she is he's in for a shock.  But when he learns what she is, and the part she played in the kidnapping that almost took not only his brother's life but his as well.  Just because she receives her mark, and he his, does not mean he has to go through with the mating.  A decision he will regret when she is taken away from him.

Everyone is in a desperate search to find the remaining Artifacts, the only known weapons able to cause harm to Lucifer.  Along the way they will learn that the Great One isn't the only one to send his creations on journeys to keep them motivated.  Full of love, lust, violence, mayhem, blood and brutality, and characters readers will both love and be able to connect with.  And a bittersweet happy almost ending leaving readers pissed off for the heroine, a dreadful reminder that not everyone gets a happy ending.

While this Marked by Hades can be read as a stand alone, as I did, readers may want to pick up book one first, Forged by Hades, to get a real feel of what is going on.  And to see Dyre as she was before.

Up From The Grave Review

Up From The Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Night Huntress Book 7
Published January 28, 2014 by Avon
5 BLOODY FANGS!!!!


"Is this the final end for Cat and Bones?"




Summary -

There’s always one more grave to dig.

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.  (Goodreads)

Review -

This addition to the Night Huntress series gives off the feeling of a Grand Finale. One that will leave die hard fans of the series with a since of closure, and and as though Bones and Cat have finally gotten the Happily Ever After that they both deserve. Not saying that this indeed the end  to their story, it quite possibly could be the beginning of a whole new chapter for the dynamic duo and their clan. One with more obstacles, challenges, enemies, unlikely allies and responsibilities that not even Mencheres could have foreseen.  And Readers, the opening prologue, make sure you pay extra close attention to it, because when you learn later on who the female speaking is, someone will have to pull your mouth up from the floor. 

We were introduced to Madigan a few books back, and could feel the deep seeded hatred between he and Don seething from the page.  Never knowing where said hatred originated from, and neither did Bones or Cat. Now all of that is about to come to a head with a deadly outcome.  To say Don has been tight lipped about the person who not only usurped his position, but almost caused Cat to face her final death.  Now they need Don to come clean with the truth on the CIA agent once and for all, because now Tate, Juan and Cooper have gone missing and Madigan is the one behind their disappearance.  When Don continues to be non cooperative they enlist the help of Marie Leveaux, the true Queen of the Dead, to 'persuade' him. What they find out about he and Madigans former business relationship it may cause a wrift between Uncle and Niece that can never be repaired.  And it may cause an all out war in the Supernatural world.

Full of non stop action from the second you open the cover.  Frost proves once again that she is a master at her craft. Having readers wonder whether they are reading a book or watching a movie play out before their eyes.  I don't think this is the end of the series', that is just the vibe that I got off of the end. Felt like a true Grand Finale, but it may just be a new beginning.  Also, readers will be happily surprised with a fiery wedding thrown in the mix.

This is book is definitely not meant to be read as a stand alone, and should not be. Now, if you have only read the Night Huntress series and none of the books from the Night Universe, I suggest you read those as well.  This book and series are definite must reads.



*****Revision*****
This is indeed the final trip to the grave for our belove Cat and Bones.  For more information click here.

Entangled Edge Release Day Blast

Edge, a digital-first single-title romance line from Entangled Publishing, takes its lead from their popular Select imprint but gives its novels an edge in the marketplace by bringing great stories to readers at reasonable prices in a quick-and-easy way. Whether sexy or sweet, traditional romance or love and lust with a women’s fiction bent, at the center of every Edge book is heart. From Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance to Science Fiction Romance, Edge has a book for all romance readers—and right at their fingertips! As they say, all’s fair in love and war. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books are coming next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, and like their Facebook page.

Today I'm happy to be featuring Edge's February releases!!

Mustang Sassy by Daire St. Denis

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

Find Out More!

Jordan Michaels wants his car fixed, now, and he wants Sass’s auto body shop to do it. But the handsome blond has a secret−he’s really Jordan Carlyle of Carlyle’s Classics, Sass Hogan’s biggest competitor, and he’s determined to prove himself to his family. As Sass and Jordan get to know each other, the depth of the attraction has them falling in love. But a relationship based on lies will only leave them primed for the worst wreck of their lives.

Giveaway

Death Defying by Nina Croft

Blood Hunter #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on First 3 Books in Series!

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After five hundred years, Callum Meridian, founding member of the Collective, is bored out of his mind. Until he realizes he’s physically changing—into what, he isn’t sure. Callum is determined to discover the truth, but his own people will stop at nothing to prevent it from coming out. He turns to Captain Tannis of the starship El Cazador. Sparks fly as they work together to make it out alive, but can Callum really trust the one woman hell bent on using him? Defying death has never been more dangerous…or more sexy.

Giveaway

Bittersweet Darkness by Nina Croft
The Order #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on All 3 Books in Series!

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As payment for a debt, Ash Delacourt finds himself working with the Order of the Shadow Accords as the demon representative. It’s a chance to be near his daughter, make a new start, and—once he’s met the delectable Detective Connolly—maybe have a little fun. But Faith has a secret, and falling in love with Ash—one of the bad guys, albeit a stunningly gorgeous one, isn't part of her future. How can she ever let Ash close when her time is running out…?

Giveaway

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead by Patricia Eimer
Speak of the Devil #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on All 3 Books in Series!

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There’s never an end to the crazy when you’re demon spawn. Not that Faith Bettincourt’s complaining. She's patching things up with her angelic on-again off-again boyfriend, Matt, and saving kids from Death in her pediatric unit, one soul at a time. But when she's forced to take over as the Angel of Death, and then Matt’s ex comes back, bringing the Apocalypse with her, Faith’s not about to give up the world...or her man. When the chips are down, what’s a girl to do but take matters in her own hands, consequences be damned?

Giveaway

Bittersweet Darkness Review

Bittersweet Darkness by Nina Croft
The Order Book 3  
Published February 24, 2014 by Entangled Publishing
ARC Review
5 BLOODY FANGS!!!!


"There is no such thing as black and white, good or evil.  But there is right and wrong."


Summary - 

There are no monsters, only good guys and bad guys. That’s the creed by which Detective Inspector Faith Connolly has always lived. 

When Faith discovers that she has a time bomb counting down in her head, she has one goal; to solve the murder case she’s working on—a young girl who was found drained of blood—and in doing so gain closure for a long ago murder never solved. Her investigation brings her in contact with Ash Delacourt. Ash is all black leather, big guns and sexy bad attitude—definitely not one of the good guys.

As payment for a debt, Asmodai AKA Ash Delacourt, finds himself working with the Order of the Shadow Accords. He’s the demon representative on the newly formed Committee for the Integration of Mankind and well…everything else. It’s a chance to be near his daughter, make a new start, and—once he’s met the delectable detective—maybe have a little fun.

There are no monsters. But as Faith’s investigation deepens, her beliefs are eroded and for the first time, she is falling in love—with one of the bad guys. But how can she ever let Ash close when her time is running out…?  (Goodreads)

Review - 

I had been waiting impatiently for this book to come ever since I read Bittersweet Magic, longing to see what was in store for one of my favorite demons, Asmodai.  I am happy to say Croft did NOT disappoint.

Asmodai has gone by many different names, Ash Delacourt, Demon of Lust, Prince of Darkness, but none does he crave more than the name Father.  After losing the only woman with the ability to break through with black heart, his wife Lily, the only woman's affection he has craved is that of their daughter he believed to be dead, Tara.  But after ordering her best friend to be brutally murdered, successfully, that seems like a pretty impossible feet.  Even after he goes to his best friend Luc, Lucifer himself, to procure a present for her.  A gift that comes with a price on his part they may lead to him falling for yet another female, a frail human woman, something he always vowed he would not do.  And that woman, with her fiery spirit and strictly black and white attitude has a ticking time bomb getting ready to go off inside of her that will cut whatever time they may have shorter than he realizes.

Faith is one of those women that lives in a world with rose colored glasses; everything is black and white, good or bad with no room for nothing in between.  A world where no ghosts or ghoulies exist.  So when she is offered a position at a government facility, by a Priest and ex-Military man no less, a faction called MI13 that is investigating Christian Roth whom they tell her is a vampire, it takes all of self-control to not fall out of her chair laughing.  Though even when undeniable physical evidence is right in her face, she still can't except it, as though an impenetrable wall comes up at the mention of the word Vampire.  A wall that has been there since her mother was murdered and her body found by Faith when she was only twelve years old.   Being forced to take the job, she refuses to spy on her former partner, Ryan, but she may cede to spy on Ash.  After-all, there is nowhere she take the attraction she reluctantly feels for him.  Not when her Government, the good guys, have deemed the people he works for as bad.  But her righteous government is about to do something so heinous that she will have to change the way she view things.

Full of action, heat, lust, violence, intrigue and most importantly characters readers will actually feel a vested interest in, Bittersweet Darkness is a true must read.  Just not if you are righteous, holier than thou, squeamish or believe that vampires should sparkle and Angels only create miracles.  Because in this world, Demons may be the not-so-bad guys and Angels the not-so-good guys.  And I am also happy to say that Croft has proven to be one of those authors with the ability to surprise even me, which is saying something after all the Paranormal books I have read.  

Yes, this can be read as a stand alone, though I recommend reading the entire series'.

Fangs for February, 2014

Wild Things by Chloe Neill
Book 10 of Chicagoland Vamires Series
February 4, 2014

Since Merit was turned into a vampire, and the protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House, it’s been a wild ride. She and Master vampire Ethan Sullivan have helped make Cadogan’s vampires the strongest in North America, and forged ties with paranormal folk of all breeds and creeds, living or dead…or both.

But now those alliances are about to be tested. A strange and twisted magic has ripped through the North American Central Pack, and Merit’s closest friends are caught in the crosshairs. Gabriel Keene, the Pack Apex, looks to Merit and Ethan for help. But who—or what—could possibly be powerful enough to out-magic a shifter?

Merit is about to go toe to toe, and cold steel to cold heart, to find out. (Goodreads)

The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
Book 12 of The Hollows Series
February 27, 2014

Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering.

Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.  (Goodreads)

Shadowed Review

Shadowed by Rebecca Zanetti
Book 6 of the Dark Protectors Series
Published October 3, 2014 by eKensington
5 BLOODY FANGS!!!!!!!!


"The worst part of torture may not be the brutal pain one is forced to endure, but the memories, guilt and fear that are left behind."





Summary -

Jase Kayrs was the fun brother. The warm, charming, easy-going brother of the vampire leaders. Until he was taken and tortured by demons with their evil mind tricks for nearly five years. Upon his return, he’s dark, violent, and not the man they all thought they knew. Not the man he once was. He’s haunted that the only reason the demons would have let him live was to use him as a weapon against his family—but he can’t figure out when or how he’ll explode. Plus, once again the demons are after Jase with a vengeance…or rather, a female demon he rejected is out to destroy him.

Then the king asks Jase for a favor…a big one. To mate with one of their allies in order to save her. She’s everything that’s good and light in the world…while he’s at home with darkness. Yet he agrees…knowing mating may be the only chance to save them both.  (Goodreads)


Review - 

Jase Kayrs, the youngest of the infamous Karys' brothers, was always the fun brother with an undeniable sense of humor.  Able to find a joke within any given situation, to make even the King crack a smile.  Which is what made it so devastating when he was kidnapped by the demons and lost to his family for five years.  And when they finally did find him; buried in a shallow grave, left for dead and practically decapitated, his head hanging on by a mere tendon, it was his spirit that had been killed.  Gone was the fun-loving Jase, all that was left was a pure Vampire hell-bent on revenge.

Brenna Dunne, the eighth sister, youngest sister of Moira, the seventh sister of a seventh sister, her birth in itself was an anomaly.  An eighth sister was unheard of in a Witch family, yet there she was, different from everyone in her family.  Some saw her as a curse, others, her family mostly, as a blessing.  Seeing as how she never should have been, everything about her has been unpredictable.  And on her birthday on the Winter Solstice, when another comet veers toward the earth, as it did on the day of her birth, she will possess insurmountable power, and just blow a whole city up.  That is if she lives to see that day.

The most powerful Witch family and the most powerful Vampire family in the Realm decide to form an alliance.  What better way to do that than to arrange a mating between these two, hoping that in the process they can both save the others life.  What they hadn't planned on was the possibility that fate had already arranged their mating long ago.  The only question that truly remains is which emotion is stronger; love or vengeance?

Non-stop action from the beginning til the very end.  With a war going on between the Demons and the Vampires as well as with the Kurjans, how could it not?!  Readers will once again be sucked into Zanettis' Realm, feeling every emotion right along with the characters', and find their faces practically glued to each page.  There is just enough violence, passion, humor and bloodshed to make any vampire lover happy.  This entire series' still remains as a definite must read.  And keep on the lookout for Tamed, which is due out May 4th.     

Ten Vampy Reads To Help Get You Into The Holiday Spirit

Holidays Are Hell by Kim Harrison

This holiday, spend quality time with family and loved ones—living and dead . . .

There's no place like home for the horrordays—unless you'd prefer a romantic midnight walk through a ghost-infested graveyard . . . or a haunted house candlelight dinner with the sexy vampire of your dreams. The (black) magical season is here—and whether it's a solstice séance gone demonically wrong with the incomparable Kim Harrison, a grossly misshapen Christmas with the remarkable Lynsay Sands, a blood-chilling-and-spilling New Year's with the wonderful Marjorie M. Liu, or a super-powered Thanksgiving with the phenomenal Vicki Pettersson, one thing is for certain: in the able hands of these exceptional dark side explorers, the holidays are going to be deliciously hellish!

A Vampire's Christmas Carol

A Vampire's Christmas Carol by Cynthia Eden

Self-Published November 11, 2013

5 BLOODY FANGS!!!

"Move over Ebeneezer, Vampire Ben's story will be told in a whole new light."

Synopsis -.

This holiday season has bite.

Ben Prescott hates Christmas—he’s a vampire, and to him, there’s certainly nothing jolly about the holiday season. While the humans are running around being merry, he’s hunting in the shadows. Ben plans to spend the holidays his way…by stalking deadly prey.

But fate has other plans for Ben.

Three visitors are coming Ben’s way…A demon who will force Ben to face his past, a ghost who will show Ben the present he could have, and a shifter who will reveal the darkness that waits in Ben’s future. Unless Ben can change his ways, he may just turn into a real monster, one who can’t be saved by anyone or anything.

’Tis the season…to be undead.

Ben’s redemption rests in the hands of the one woman he loved and lost—Simone Laurent. If Ben is going to have a chance at being more than just the beast in the darkness, he has to prove himself to the lovely Simone. A very hard task, considering that, once upon a Christmas Eve, Simone died in Ben’s arms…
_________________

Warning: This book features one very tortured vampire, a sexy ghost from his past, and hot scenes designed to melt the winter snow. Plenty of action, adult situations, and steamy times are ahead. Happy holidays!

Approximately 23,000 words (Goodreads)


Review -

I don't think there are enough toes and/or fingers in the world to count off just how many times A Christmas Carol has been retold, or rewritten.  In many cases leaving the reader/movie watcher left wondering, why?  Except for very few occasions, in which I can happily say, this is definitely one that makes one look at the tale in a whole new light!

Many, especially those who read this blog, see the traditional tale as a boring waste of time, like a record that been stuck on repeat for far too long.  Eden puts a spin on it to make paranormal readers everywhere fall in love with this retold classic.  What better way to tell the tale than with a Demon from Christmas Past, an Angel from Christmas Present and a Shifter from Christmas yet to come?  All to save the truly tortured soul of a Vampire, Ben.  This story is beyond excellent, and told in such a way that readers will feel as though they are watching the events unfold right before their very eyes.   And though it is a short Novella readers will feel for all of these characters, especially Ben and his fate.

This gripping story is full of action, compassion, love, humor and not one dull moment.  The play on names is excellent as well; Ben as apposed to Ebeneezer Scrooge, William Marley as apposed to Jacob Marley.  So if you are bored to death looking at all the Christmas shows that are coming on T.V., pick up this A Vampire's Christmas Carol, it just may do the trick of putting you in that Christmas spirit.