PNR Inklings

All Hallows Eve
by A.P. Miller
Dark Roast Press
ISBN: pending
October 29, 2009
eBook ~ 86 Pages
Paranormal Horror
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“What if the Boogeyman was real?”

Plagued by horrific boogeyman nightmares since childhood, Murray Thompson is deathly afraid of the things that he thinks “go bump in the night”. The one thing that keeps him grounded is his psychiatrist of many years, Dr. Rosen.  With regular visits since he was 11 years old, Murray feels progress should have been made already, but with his dreams becoming more intense and “real”, he thinks something needs to be done.  Going to see his family, Murray believes that this is the break he needs to keep sane.  Feeling at home, and safe around his family, it works for a time. But when the nightmares start up again, he once more relies on Dr. Rosen for help. Once back, Dr. Rosen takes Murray on a journey to root out his longtime phobia and find out if there is cause for his fear or all in his mind!

Once again A.P. Miller delivers a well thought out, additive plot that will have you guessing and wondering from start to finish.  Is everything all in Murray’s mind? Or is there really a boogeyman out there? These are the questions you will be asking all through the story.  With a clever ending, you will not be disappointed!

Reviewed by Missy Brown
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
December 2009

Bound By Blood: The Awakening
By C. H. Scarlett
Dark Roast Press
ISBN: pending
Release Date: February 14, 2009
eBook ~ 714 pages
Erotic Dark Fantasy/Paranormal
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“Mystery and magic in a perfect mesh.”

It has been drilled into Samanthra that a prophesy claims that if Samanthra
is Awakened, then horrors will unfold upon herself, her sisters and the
world. But are the prophesies true, or is she being manipulated? When
Darius, Father of the Blood, is set free he comes to Samanthra and her
Awakening begins. Can she stop the Awakening? Is Darius her true Awakener, or
is he manipulating her for his own purposes and for what she can do?

I love the way that C. H. Scarlett has incorporated pagan and wiccan lore
into her alternate universe, making it plausible that we could have come
from such a place. Although the plot is complicated and a bit confusing at first,
the story draws you in and keeps you there. In her debut book, C. H. Scarlett
has done a wonderful job. Her characters are believable and full of
surprises. Her alternate worlds are full of mystery and fairy tale magic.
It’s not often that you’ll find such a perfect mesh of all the magic and
lore of our past. Vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, witches; this book
has it all. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Alicia Crider
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
July 2009

Big Bad Wolf
By Michelle Marquis
Mystic Moon Press
June 2009
ISBN: not assigned
Ebook ~ 40 pages
Genres: Erotic Dark Fantasy Romance/Shapeshifter
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“Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf!”

Eleana is a 32 year old werewolf who has not been able to shift. She lives in a small town run by her werewolf family. Her brother is the Alpha, but still she feels as if she does not belong. All her life she has felt as if she is an outsider. Her brother has shown her kindness and love, but the rest of the pack act as if she is human, an outsider. When three wolves come riding into town on their bikes, acting as if they own the world, Eleana’s world is about to change. She will discover that she is as shifter, just not the kind of wolf she thought she was. And when she looks into the leader’s eyes she can’t help but wonder if she should be afraid of this big bad wolf!

I really liked this story! You start out with a hot love scene, that is very well written and seductive. That is the whole theme throughout your read. Each character had their own identities and problems that left you cheering for all of them. I was very satisfied with the Big Bad Wolf, and would recommend this book for a very worthwhile, steamy read!

Reviewed by Missy Brown
For ParaNormal Romance Reviews
June 2009

Who Can See the Wind?
By  Karenna Colcroft
Excessica Publishing
June 1, 2009
ISBN: not yet assigned
Ebook ~ Short Story
Genre : Fantasy
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“A new short read in the genre”

Nyssa always has the wind around her, playing with her hair or caressing her cheek, and she has come to think of it as her friend to comfort her and protect her. Then, she meets Boreas. Who is he? And why is he here just when it seems she needs rescuing?

The idea that a woman can feel the wind and have an association with it while other people can’t is what drew me to read this book. I was fascinated to read what this author had thought up in her imagination and what new twist she’d bring to the genre.

I suppose it was entirely my fault that I came to this book with a lot of expectations, therefore, I felt a bit let down when I finished reading the entire story. I felt that the story moved too fast to its resolution, even if the two protagonists had “known” each other a long time. The story could have been expanded a little to develop the characters and the growing relationship between them. An enriched dialogue would have helped to round out the characters as well. The level of sexual tension could also be heightened throughout the characters’ interactions to give the readers a sense of the attraction between them.

Reviewed by Silver Winters
For ParaNormal Romance Reviews
June 2009

Uncovered Thoughts
by Christopher D. and Melissa A. Golliday
Hearts on Fire Books
May 7, 2009
ISBN: not assigned
Paranormal Romance/Shapeshifter/Psychic
Available in Kindle version
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“ A winner!”

Six years ago they had fallen in love.  He was her first and he never forgot that - or Sasha Verochka.  When they meet again in America, the spark is rekindled but this time the odds are far greater.  Sasha was then and is now a telepath.  She can read anyone’s thoughts and is a very special person to the Soviet political powers.  She has come to America to spy on a Soviet Embassy member, but also to find her little sister, Nadia, who left Russia with someone promising her a modeling career in America.  Sasha knows this is not what happened to Nadia - she was sold into a sex ring.

Garrick Caldwell was also more than expected.  He can shift into any shape he wishes, which is why he escaped capture by the Soviets six years ago: he changed into a wolf and took off across Siberia.  It’s been a long six years, he has never forgotten his time in Russia and, when he meets Sasha again, it is as if they never parted.  He helps rescue her sister and then…..things really start happening!

The Gollidays have a winner with this novel.  The stark reality of what governments are willing to do to keep control of their “toys” is astounding.  The story line was wonderful and I think my favorite part (this isn’t a spoiler so I’m putting it in!) is when Garrick morphs into a giraffe so the girls can slide down his neck in an escape!  A nice story and the sex isn’t bad, either!

Reviewed by Nancy Eriksen
For ParaNormal Romance Reviews
June 2009

Where the Forest Meets the Sea
By Deborah McNemar
Mystic Moon Press
May 2009
ISBN: not yet assigned
Full Length Novel: 412 pages
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
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“Where romance meets fantasy”

The standard high fantasy will consist of a group of characters comprised of an unlikely assortment of dwarves, hobbits, elves and the wise old wizard or perhaps a smuggler, princess, wookie, druids and the wise old jedi master all thrown together to achieve an impossible quest. Where the Forest Meets the Sea follows this pattern with its own unique cast including high elves, forest elves, human warriors, a sea sprite, a princess turned sea captain, and of course the obligatory wise old wizard. Scratch that, in this story the wizard is neither wise nor old, which is part of what I really like about this, turning the standard on its ear.

Instead of the usual wizard at the end of his career, we get to see the beginnings of coming into power, even fumbling through experiences, self-doubts, and failures in how a wizard becomes a powerful wizard.

Meanwhile there is also plenty of romance as Dafydd, the warrior is taken prisoner along with the exasperating sea captain princess, Emma. Sparks fly between them as they conspire to foil their captors. And the romance continues with a second couple in the group where a forest elf falls for a sea sprite. That’s sure to put a hitch in any relationship.

What I really like about Where the Forest Meets the Sea, beyond the author’s imaginative detail to the peoples and places she’s created, is how every character in her little group grows or evolves into something much more than expected. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy or romance or like me you dig both, Where the Forest Meets the Sea is a well-thought out adventure, with love stories tame enough for readers of any age.

Reviewed by Clover Autrey
For ParaNormal Romance Reviews
June 2009

Celtic Destiny
By  K. Starling
ISBN: not yet assigned
Genre: Romance/Paranormal/Historical
Length: Novella
Digital Publication Date: April 20, 2009
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When Clarissa Randolph decides to try a new career as a nanny, she heads off to Scotland to care for the children of Master William Kirkland.  When she arrives, she is excited about the new job and the ruins of an old castle nearby.  While exploring, she keeps meeting a young man that no one else seems to know or be able to see.

William knows that Clarissa is the woman who can heal his heart after the death of his wife, and must prove to her that they belong together.  He has known about the ghosts but has never seen them.  He also knows that Clarissa is the only one who can help the ghost get back to his true love and find peace. But she must be careful because there is another ghost, the king of the castle, that wants to stop her from succeeding.

While Clarissa and William work together to put the ghosts to rest and give them the peace they need, they find themselves falling in love.

K. Starling turns a ghost story into a romantic tale of two people brought together by the ghosts that need their help.  Enjoyable story of new love and love reunited.

Reviewed by Annette Stone
for ParaNormal Romance Reviews

A Kiss of Ashen Twilight
Ashen Twilight Series: Book One
By Rae Lori
Lyrical Press
February 2, 2009
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Faerie
Length: Novel
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Ariya is a fairy suffering from mysterious dreams about a dangerous but gorgeous man. Waking up from one of these dreams she finds her family under attack and she goes over to the mortal realm hoping for safety. On the run in a strange place she lands in more danger but is saved by the man from her dreams.

Jace Archane is a vampire who is known for killing the women he feeds from. Ariya is a problem he doesn’t want to deal with but when the danger she is running from also seems to be threatening his world he knows they must work together. However from the first moment it is clear to see that the vampire and fairy have feelings for each other. Can they unite and fight against their common enemy? Can a fairy and a vampire really come together?

This is the first book in the Ashen Twilight series and it makes a good first impression. The reader is thrown into the history of the story straight away and then pulled back to the present and into a place where vampires, werewolves and other paranormal creatures are at work. With two strong lead characters, a nice plot and a good writing style this could turn into a fascinating series.

Although the author isn’t new to the writing world, this seems to be the first step she has made into the paranormal. I did enjoy this read but I have to admit that it was a little too romantic and history based for my liking. However, on saying that the story did have a great Scottish tint to it and I really liked the overall concept.

All in all this is one worth trying and keeping an eye on.  Rae Lori blends romance, history and the paranormal into a special tale and has already got more to come.

Amber Chalmers
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
February 2009

Puppy Dog Eyes
by Lesli Richardson
Amira Press
October 2008
Amira Press Halloween Spooktacular Shapeshifter
A Free Read

Tessa had it rough. She’s been through a lot, mostly at the hands of a terribly abusive boyfriend. Finally free of the horrible man, she’s trying to put her life back together. It’s so hard to get out there and do it, especially when the one guy you really want is your partner at work. He has it all, if only he’d ask her out. With the big Halloween Party coming up, she hopes he’ll say yes and accompany her. Scudder can’t make the party, but he finally makes his feelings known to Tessa. The man of her dreams takes her out for a wonderful night and promises her there will be many more to come.

Scudder knows Tessa has been through a lot at the hands of an abusive former lover. He’s heard the stories and so he waited in order to give Tessa time to heal, because he knows it’s just a matter of time. He will claim his mate, and they will have a long and happy life together. He refuses to ruin it by scaring her off or getting involved too quickly before she’s totally healed. However, he’s never going to let anyone touch his mate again. He wants nothing more than to attend the party with his sexy mate but there are some things shapeshifters can’t avoid; a full moon for one. That doesn’t mean he won’t stay by her side, because some dangers refuse to leave poor Tessa alone, and he never will. Not his mate, not ever.

This was such a terrific story and a great love affair set around the magic of Halloween. I love this fantastic world created by Lesli Richardson. The snarky humor, a trademark for Ms. Richardson, hot sex scenes and action packed excitement will give you a great deal of entertainment, in a short period of time; talk about fun. Do yourself a favor and take a break, kick up your feet and enter Ms. Richardson’s fun world. You’ll have a blast, I guarantee it.

Stephanie McGrath
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
January 25, 2009

Dog Walk
by Lesli Richardson
Amira Press
January 2009
Amira Press Shorts Shapeshifter
Heat Level: Hot
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Lindsey couldn’t be happier, well, maybe she could. But she’d worry about putting her life back together later. She was finally in Florida again. It’s been a long haul, and it should be safe to be home now. All she wanted was a jog in the park, is that so much for a girl to ask? It soon becomes apparent that a group of thugs have other plans for Lindsey. When they attack her in the park the largest dog Lindsey has ever seen comes to her rescue. Unable to explain the instant devotion and love she feels for the animal, and it goes beyond the simple fact that he saved her life, she decides to take the dog home with her. Little does Lindsey know, but her life is about to change forever. And it’s going to be for the better.

Ivan just needed a run, he wanted nothing more than to get out and feel the change take him over, blow off some steam. He had no idea something was about to hit him when suddenly he came upon a young woman in the park, catching her intoxicating scent Ivan knows he’s found his mate. Too bad the poor jerks that attacked her chose his mate to go after. Once Ivan gets a look at her, he vows he’s never letting her go, because he’s found the one, finally. He’s been searching for her his whole life. Ivan senses there’s something else in her life that’s wrong, he just can’t figure it out. Soon, what’s wrong is revealed to him, and now it’s up to him to save her and keep her safe from harm. He will have lots of walks in the park with his mate if he has anything to say about it.

Ms. Richardson has written a fun romp, what a walk in the park… a Dog Walk that is. It makes a girl want to run out to the Dog Park! I thoroughly enjoyed this short story set in Lesli Richardson’s world of shapeshifters. Seriously, if you’ve got an hour to kill, a little time on your hands, you will love it too. It was a great story, a fun romance, with lots of heat; sorry, pun intended, I couldn’t resist! This is the second short I’ve read that Lesli has set in this world of shapeshifters and I can honestly say, I look forward to many more shorts in this series. I highly recommend Dog Walk.

Stephanie McGrath
ParaNormal Romance Reviews
January 25, 2009