Review: Old Souls by P.A. Lupton

Title: Old Souls

Author: P.A. Lupton

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Self published

Release Date: February 19, 2013

Source: Self Purchased

---

Contact P.A.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

---

Overall Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

Reviewer: Kat

---

Author Summary

Sometimes we choose love, but sometimes, fate chooses for us.

Alyssa has started a new job, and from day one, she’s been haunted by dreams of a man she’s never met but can’t seem to forget. Then Alyssa meets her boss and her world comes to a grinding halt. It’s him. But as impossible as that is, things are about to get even stranger.

Mark is a man with secrets. Plagued by guilt and regret, he has spent countless years simply existing. They say you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and no one knows that better than him. He’s lost a piece of himself he thought he could never get back. Until the day he met Alyssa for the first time…again.

When unexplainable events occur, the two learn that some actions have consequences so severe that even a powerful love may not overcome them.

---

My Thoughts

Good gods I hope this is the start of another Paranormal Romance series for this author. I am so hooked!  As I was reading and loving how the plot was unraveling, I marveled at how this novella has some serious potential for a long-running series. This tale is just too original and intriguing for one novella. And the author brilliantly wrote it so that we feel satisfied with the ending…yet deeply crave more.

For me, this novella is gold for many reasons…

• First, I love novellas and short stories anyway. I like to read a full story in one sitting to truly appreciate its beauty, and life just won’t allow the time to read a full-length novel in one sitting.

• Second, its Paranormal Romance...my favorite genre.

• Third, it has wonderful characters that I fell deeply in love with. This author writes her heroines strong, smart and sassy and Alyssa is all that and more. The hero is definitely an alpha male, however not overbearingly so. I get really annoyed at pushy alpha males but Mark is very supportive of his lady and he shows vulnerability at times. So a very nice balance to his character. I am seriously curious about the background of a couple of the secondary characters introduced as well…like Michael, the sexy bad boy. He has a great story just waiting to be told. I know it!

• Fourth, the world building was unique, well thought out and expertly delivered. Hence, my wish that we will see more.

• Fifth, the sex scenes…Mmmm. I have to include a few lines of this part that just plain did it for me and had my own pulse racing and wishing my Man were near…“Reaching with his palm, he cupped my already aching sex, his fingers sliding softly through the wet folds. Stop teasing me. Lightly, he continued to rub his hand in circles as he whispered, “Teasing suggests I’d arouse without affording satisfaction.” His hot breath wafted along the outer shell of my ear, causing goose bumps to rise on the sensitive skin of my neck below. “I have every intention of leaving you fully satisfied. And that’s a promise.” Totally HOT!

• And finally, parts of the story made me cry a little. I love a book that makes me teary-eyed and evokes emotion. Not heart wrenching sadness (those books depress me) but I like it when they make me truly empathize with what the character is going through.

If you are a PNR fan, I’d highly recommend this novella so you can join me in my stalking of this author to “encourage” her to write more about Alyssa and Mark.

This author has a very generous contest running until June  20th…You can win a Kindle Paperwhite for reviewing this novel. Check out the details on her website! 

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!

---

Buy Now:  Amazon

---

Review: Love You More by M.L. Stephens

Title: Love You More

Author: M.L. Stephens

Series: Broken #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Self-published

Format: eBook

Release Date: December 7, 2012

Source: Provided by Author

---

Contact ML

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

---

Overall Rating: 4.5 Bad Boys – Really Loved It!!!!

Reviewed by: Kat

---

Author Summary

My life had been fabulous, but that was before I was murdered.

There are only two things in a person's existence that truly matter—before and after. This is my after.

Caught in a realm between life and death, Jade is torn between the unexpected love of a stranger, or catching the people who killed her.

With the clock ticking, she struggles to find a way to save the life of her best friend while holding on to the man that she loves.

One decision might leave her stranded in limbo for all of eternity, yet the other could destroy her happiness.

---

My Thoughts

I can say with all honestly that Love You More is one of the most original and memorable books I’ve read. It’s a novel that just stays with you for a long while after reading it.

Beautifully written, the novel stirred up so many emotions, it took me a couple of days to work through them all and write this review. I cried tears of sadness from the heart-wrenching tragic event that started things off to tears of joy at bearing witness to the heroine’s dramatic journey of self-discovery.

Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not all heartbreak and sentimentality. There’s lots of suspense and incredibly thrilling elements in this novel. A murder must be solved, and like the Author Summary says (so this is not a spoiler) the heroine is the one murdered and it’s up to her to solve it.

This first in the Broken series, Love You More is truly a delightful read. I was wrong about so many things while reading this novel. Well, to be truthful, I was wrong about pretty much everything. LOL! From the plot and where the story was going to what kind of person the heroine was…everything. The unpredictable twists and turns in this story were mind-blowing. I didn't see the things coming that did and I loved how exciting and thrilling it was for me to be surprised. Well done M.L!!

I found it a little difficult to relate to the heroine at first. She was a typical princess type...self-centered and untouchable. But then the unthinkable happens to her and the princess was in fact touched by the ugliness of the real world. It’s amazing how a crisis can change a person. Well actually, that’s not exactly right. Her goodness was there all along but it was just hidden under a thick layer of oblivion. Her journey was a hard one and I am SO glad I stuck with her. I came to really appreciate her for the person she was. And after she grew on me, I found her to be quite funny. Especially when she tried to outwit the very clever Ella. Wasn’t going to happen but it sure was funny to watch her try.

And speaking of Ella, she was a fabulous character that everyone will love and appreciate. In fact, all the supporting characters were compelling and interesting.

The world the author has built has the makings of a wonderful series, and I’m hoping, a long-running one. Fast-paced, this is a ‘read-in-one-sitting’ kinda book. Not that it’s too short; it’s just that compelling.  It's more than likely that once you start, you’ll be missing out on some sleep. Totally worth it though! I highly recommend this one to everyone. 

---

My Favorite Quotes…

“We were feeding the ducks and discussing the various methods associated with crumb tossing, when you pulled me into your arms and told me you loved me.”
“You cried, and I’d thought I’d done something wrong. I held you until the tears stopped…and then you said…”
“I love you more.”

“There are special moments in our lives that touch us so deeply, it sucks the oxygen from the room and our heart skips a fraction of a beat. I realized that this was that moment for Ella…it was that moment for me.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’ve said that. I get it! You can’t see your daughter, you can’t see Mason, and yet you see me. Your self-proclaimed psychic ability sucks. What’d I do? Spin the ‘Wheel of Misfortune’ and land on your name?”

Happy Reading my lovelies!

4.5 Bad Boys – Really Loved It!!!!

---

Buy Now…

            Amazon

---

Review: Wicked Sinners by Charity Parkerson

Title: Wicked Sinners 

Author: Charity Parkerson

Series: Sinners #2

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

Publisher: Punk & Sissy Publications

Format: eBook/Paperback

Release Date: November 3, 2011

Pages: 158

Source: Purchased from Amazon

 

Contact Charity

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

Overall Rating: 4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!

Reviewed by: Kat

Author Summary

Adriana Claymore moved to Martinique to start a new life, but when she stumbles upon an ancient book, she finds herself drawn into a centuries old battle between brothers.

”Sorcier” Julien Dubois has been on the hunt for his twin, Jacques, ever since the day that Jacques stole a book of spells from him and allowed their younger brother to die.

Adriana is about to change the game, but when she gives her heart and soul to one of the brothers, she must face a difficult question. Did she lose herself to evil?

Wicked Sinners is the second instalment in Charity Parkerson’s Sinners Series.

 

My Thoughts

You know readers, sometimes it can be the little things in a novel that make you really enjoy it. Like a kiss. Who doesn’t love a really good kiss? And when a writer can describe a kiss in a way that makes your heart beat faster, you hold your breath in anticipation and your girly parts tingle, that’s damn good writing.  Charity Parkerson knows how to write a good kissing scene. The buildup, the intensity of moment, even describing the surroundings so that it’s all perfectly set up.  Then finally, the actual kiss itself - the taste, feel and the rush of emotions as it happens.  When Adriana and Julien kissed for the first time, I felt like I was experiencing it right along with the character. I think I may have even touched my lips afterwards. Aww…swoon…romance at its best. Excellent writing Ms. Parkerson!

Aside from that kiss that I obviously LOVED, there was a very impassioned feel to this paranormal love story that drew me in and kept me reading. The characters were all compelling and kept the story very exciting. I found the heroine, Adriana, to be a believable and relatable character. On the surface, she’s tough and independent. Lives life to the fullest but it took some time for her to get to that point. However, like all of us, underneath her insecurities ruled her. Ladies, we can all relate to that one, yes? Julien is perfection as a hero. He has a dark, dangerous and tormented past. But all that fell aside once he met his shining light that was Adriana. 

Of course it’s not all as simple as that or we wouldn’t have a story. And what a good story this is…Wicked Sinners has twists and turns in the plot that are unique and risky as hell to take as a writer. But they worked and the story evolved into something completely original, unexpected and very entertaining.  

This second book in the Sinners series focused more on the love story between Adriana & Julien.  A good part of the story happens outside the Safe Haven in Jackson Station and The Society doesn’t play a major role. The novel read more like a side story to the series actually. Not a bad thing at all since it’s a great read and a very engaging love story. I mention that only to point out that even though this novel is the second in the series, it can easily be read out of order and won’t be confusing to a reader.  

Personally, I love the world building in this series, so my only quibble about this novel would be that I would love to have heard more about The Society and the supernaturals seeking refuge there. I have heard that the third in the series delves deeper into that world so I’m off to read The Danger With Sinners next. 

 

Click here for my review of Book #1 - The Society of Sinners…

My favourite Quotes…

This made me love Adriana immediately.  About her sister…

“But its ok, because here I am in one of the most beautiful places the world, and free to do what I please, while she’s stuck in Alabama, married to the king of the missionary position for the rest of her life.” Haha! Love it! 

Sad one but it holds such powerful emotion, I think it’s brilliant. Adriana’s deep insecurity…

“She did not think she would ever recover, if forced to watch the interest leave his eyes as time passed.”   

How the new and improved Adriana dealt with life… 

“She was going to get her heart broken and she was going to love every moment of it.” Ladies, truthfully, we have all been there at some point in our lives, yes? I jumped for joy when she said ‘fuck it’ and dove in feet first. 

Happy Reading my lovelies!

4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!

 

Buy Now… 

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

Review: Hunger Embraced by Jennifer James

Title: Hunger Embraced

Author: Jennifer James

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Erotica

Publisher: Etopia Press

Release Date: December 7, 2012

Source: Purchased

---

Contact Jennifer

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

---

Overall Rating: 4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!

Reviewer: Kat

---

Author Summary

She’s fed up with being fed on.

All Miranda Thibodeaux really wants to do is survive corporate hell and be left alone. But as the daughter of the Incubi king, being left alone isn’t on her schedule. And as an avatar to a goddess with multiple personality issues, taking things in stride isn’t either.

Daniel looks like an ordinary surfer boy—T. T. B.--Tall, Tanned, and Blond. Hot he may be, but ordinary he’s not. Beneath the pretty packaging lies a ruthless warrior, a servant to the Vampire Council. His mission is to find Miranda and present her to the council, then get the hell out of Dodge before he loses his focus. The last thing he needs is the distraction of the testy female.

When circumstances force Miranda to turn to T.T.B. for help, they both end up with more than they bargained for. And that normal human life she wanted? Not really doable when everyone wants a piece of her...

---

My Thoughts

This novel is seriously HOT!  From Chapter 1 through to the end. Since the heroine is an incubus, it’s to be expected. Wall sex, shower sex, dressers, beds and floors…well you get the idea. When an incubus is involved, expect things to happen anywhere, anytime.

And all of it is fantastic and titillating, but really, what I liked most about this novel is the unexpected entertainment value I got from it. The detailed worldbuilding, the storyline and the heroine surprised me. 

There’s a whole world built around a society of covens, a Vampire Council and Guardians who worked for the Council. We get a glimpse into the politics surrounding each. There are elements of fantasy and mythology as well. It’s obvious that the author took her time to build this world and ensure the setting, culture, characters and other details blended nicely. 

Then a great storyline emerges telling us how vampires can no longer be born and haven’t for 100 years, and how the heroine will play a significant role in bringing about a change. Throw in a badass villain to muddy things up, a hot as hell hero (or two) and I was a happy happy reader. 

There are plenty of action scenes (not just sex) but actual fighting where our heroine shines and kicks some serious ass. I really liked the heroine, Miranda, and found her to have many dimensions to her character. She actually had a human upbringing and we see how she struggled to accept what she was and what she now has to do to survive. Despite it all, she amazingly holds onto her individuality and independence. As bothered as she is by some things she has to do, she accepts her fate and learns how to deal with it best she can.

There are lots of great characters, both human and supernatural. I would like to have seen a little more development of the hero Daniel. But this is the first in a series, so I imagine my curiosity will be fulfilled in upcoming novels. I found the villain to be particularly compelling. Despicable but still very convincing.   

So bottom line is if you are looking for a very erotic supernatural tale with a good storyline, strong worldbuilding with elements of fantasy and mythology, Hunger Embraced will do it for you. I really enjoyed my reading experience and happily recommend it!

Happy Reading!!

4 Bad Boys – Really Enjoyed It!!!!

---

Buy Now From:

 Amazon… Hunger Embraced (The Hunger Series #1)

---

Review: Absolution by Susannah Sandlin

Title: Absolution

Author: Susannah Sandlin

Series: The Penton Legacy #2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Format: eBook/Paperback

Release Date: October 9^th 2012

Source: ARC provided by author

---

Contact Susannah

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

---

Overall Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!!

Reviewer: Kat

---

Author Summary

With the vampire world on the brink of civil war over the scarcity of untainted human blood, battle lines are being drawn between the once peaceful vampire and human enclave of Penton, Alabama, and the powerful Vampire Tribunal.

Mirren Kincaid once served the tribunal as their most creative and ruthless executioner—a time when he was known as the Slayer. But when assigned a killing he found questionable, Mirren abandoned the tribunal’s political machinations and disappeared—only to resurface two centuries later as the protector and second-in-command of Penton. Now the tribunal wants him back on their side.

To break their rogue agent, they capture Glory Cummings, the descendant of a shaman, and send her to restore Mirren’s bloodthirsty nature. But instead of a monster, Glory sees a man burdened by the weight of his past. Could her magic touch—meant by the tribunal to bring out a violent killer—actually help Mirren break his bonds and discover the love he doesn’t believe he deserves?

---

My Thoughts

Another page-turner. Another all-nighter my lovelies. This series is now on my Top Ten list.  Even this early in the game (it’s only Book #2), I feel that The Penton Legacy deserves a place among the elite of the paranormal romances.

To be included on my Top Ten list, a series will evoke strong emotion from me, is memorable enough that I’m sure I’ll recall details for a long time to come, I’ll want to pick it up and do a reread and I would never hesitate to recommend it to all my friends risking my reputation as a reviewer. The Penton Legacy absolutely meets these requirements.

If you like Midnight Breed by Lara Adrian, Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward and Sentinel Wars by Shannon K Butcher, you’ll like this series. In my opinion, the worldbuilding, plot, writing and emotional connection to the characters is on par with those exceptional ‘must read’ paranormal romances.

The first in the series, Redemption, is amazing (you can check out my review of Redemption by clicking here) and I found this one is even better. The excitement and suspense is on the same level as the first but I think it was the main characters in Absolution that I connected with more.

Mirren, oh dear GAWD, that bad boy is hot! And Glory is one remarkable heroine. There are not too many people who can stare down a 6’8”, 300 lb., muscled, goateed, tattooed, Norse-descended, Scottish-born, Irish-raised vampire mercenary, born and bred to kill. Mankind and vampkind alike run for the hills when they see or even hear whispers of The Slayer. But not Glory. Oh no.  With hands on hips, she stares him down, talks his ear right off and brings him to his knees.  All with love, respect and understanding that is not easy with a tormented soul like Mirren. I love these characters. I found their chemistry to be true and admired how they dealt with everything that was thrown at them.

Like the last novel, there’s non-stop action so strap yourselves in for the ride and get ready for an all-nighter.

---

About the story…

---

The story continues with more mayhem in the small town of Penton - a place where vampires and humans lived together in peace and harmony until recently. After a pandemic that threatened the lives of humans, a vaccine was found and administered to most of the population.

Crisis averted. For the mankind that is.  Vampkind, however, is not faring so well. The vaccine is toxic to them so they cannot drink from any human who received the treatment. There is a serious shortage of blood now for vampires and they are suffering in a very bad way.  It has reached the point of desperation where unvaccinated humans are abducted for their blood. Some are even sold on the vampire black market.

The Vampire Tribunal is aware of Penton and how Aidan has a steady supply of unvaccinated humans living with him while other vampires are starving. Hunger, paranoia of a potential threat to their power makes Penton a target. One member of the Tribunal has his own plans for vengeance and uses what he can to fuel the fire of the others.

In this second novel of the series, Glory finds herself amongst all this madness. She is one of the abducted humans and after her escape, it’s believed she poses a threat. Mirren brings her back to Penton for protection. And so the excitement begins.  

---

About the Characters…

---

Everyone, and I mean everyone, vampires and humans alike is scared shitless of Mirren. Even the almighty Vampire Tribunal. Born and bred as a gallowglass (an elite mercenary warrior) in life, he was a fierce warrior. After turned vampire, he worked for the Tribunal as a mercenary doing their dirty work.  He left them and eventually joined with Aidan desiring a peaceful life. 

Even though he now lives in this very small town where everyone knows your business, no one knows his real story (not even Aidan). They only know rumors of his past. He’s grouchy, prickly and avoids getting close to anyone.

This quote from the last book cracked me up: Aidan’s description of Mirren upon meeting Krys.

“Mirren gave her a curt nod and assumed his normal expression, something between a sphinx and a turnip. Aidan stifled a laugh; Mirren considered that his friendly look.”

Also from the last book: Mirren having to sit and talk to a delegate from the Vampire Tribunal.

“The big guy sat through the twenty-minute ordeal wearing his stone-gargoyle face, arms crossed over his chest, answering Renz’s questions with a full repertoire of grunts and vague, monosyllabic replies. Thank God Renz had a good sense of humor. “You don’t like to talk about your past, do you, Mr. Kincaid?” he finally asked. Mirren fixed him with a look that would freeze icebergs. “You think?” It had been his longest sentence of the night.”

There’s that warrior side of him but there’s also a soft side that no one but Glory has ever managed to bring out. Glory is a fabulous heroine. She’s smart and more stubborn than Mirren could ever think of being. This is a quote from when she suspected Mirren was going to leave:

“She did love him, damn it. All of him. She just had to convince him of it. And if he tried to walk out on her, she might have to find her own inner gallowglass.” Love that line and I think it gives you great insight into her character! 

There’s a real kinship between the main characters and the banter between Aidan, Mirren and Will is hilarious. Afraid as they were of Mirren, it didn’t stop them from poking a stick at the big ole grouch trying to get a rise out of him.

---

Bottom Line

---

After only two novels, I have listed this series in my Top Ten favorite PNR series of all time. The story is memorable, compelling and has a unique spin in a genre saturated with vampires.  I quickly became invested in the characters and I enjoyed it so much that I have no hesitation in recommending it to you my friends!  It’s one that I will most assuredly do a reread and know I’ll enjoy it again just as much.

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!!

---

Buy Now From Amazon…

Book #1: Redemption

Book #2: Absolution

  


Book #3: Omega (available for pre-order, expected pub date Feb 2013) Omega (The Penton Legacy, #3)

---