Paranormal Books

This is my first book of Bonnie Vanak's, but it won't be my last! The Empath was even better than I expected after reading the back blurb. It's been in my TBR pile and now I just wish I'd picked it up sooner! Maggie and Nicholas are a hot, engaging couple that you just want to see triumph over everything. Maggie was so sweet, literally unable to kill a fly in the beginning, I fell in love with her from the start! I think one of the reviewers said this was Ms. Vanak's first book w/ Nocturne, and if it is, I hope it isn't her last!!
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It was compelling you had to keep reading until the end. Its characters are amazing, the plot kept me wondering what was going to happen. Its a must read book.

The Morphs and the Draicon detest one another as they differ when it comes to the third sentient species on the planet. The Morphs are shapeshifters who believe humans are beneath them on the food chain whereas the Draicon werewolves believe all life is sacred.

Draicon werewolf Nicolas Keenan learns that the Morphs threaten his soulmate, a Draicon veterinarian Dr. Maggie Sinclair, who thinks she is human. He races to Florida to keep her safe, but she rejects him as being a lunatic. Her belief systems changes when the evil shapeshifting Morphs attack her and Nicolas saves her life. As she realizes who she is and who he is to her, they team up in love to fight for their lives.

The key to this paranormal romantic suspense fantasy is the belief that the Draicon and Morph are genuine species who are in a shapeshifters' civil war. Nicolas and Maggie are interesting lead characters whose relationship morphs (a bad action verb for this couple) from her assuming he is crazy to joining him in love and safety. Fans will appreciate Bonnie Vanak's engaging thriller as her world is a dangerous place to live let alone fall in love.

Harriet Klausner

Step inside a new world, where werewolves and magic collide....

Nicholas Keenan has a duty to his pack, the same pack from which he is considered an outcast. As a Draicon werewolf warrior, Nicholas is charged with finding the pack's lost empathy and bringing her home. After all, only can THE EMPATH defeat the menace to the Draicon, the deadly Morphs (shape shifters) who have infected the pack leader, Damian. However, THE EMPATH is veterinarian Maggie Sinclair, a woman who has sworn to not kill a single living soul. In fact, Maggie doesn't even realize she is a Draicon! How will these two very different individuals handle the love that grows between them? Will Maggie's return defeat the Morphs? And just what other secrets will be uncovered?

What a powerful tale! Bonnie Vanak delivers an emotionally charged tale that has the perfect balance of plot and passion. Her writing is exquisite as the deep emotional turmoil of the characters simmers throughout this fascinating werewolf story. I could feel Maggie's anguish at being forced into inflicting violence while Nicholas' loneliness was piercing in its intensity.

The Morphs provided an interesting twist to the storyline. Their powers gave me the shivers as the image of the ants is one that will haunt my nightmares for quite awhile! However, the Morphs are not the only twist in this story as Bonnie Vanak has some surprises in store for her readers. A sequel is obviously intended as there are a few loose threads that I cannot wait to see resolved.

THE EMPATH is a sensuous and heartbreakingly beautiful tale that is sure to be loved by paranormal readers. Bonnie Vanak takes the werewolf legends and shapes them into her own stunning mythology. Bravo, Ms. Vanak, and keep the stories coming!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Nicholas was the greatest Draicon (werewolf) warrior until he did the unspeakable - teach a mortal how to use magic. Now he is banished from his pack, forced to survive on his own against the Morphs, evil shape shifters who have corrupted their natural magic into something dark and twisted. However, Nicholas is given one chance to redeem himself... he must find the pack's long missing empath and return her to their home in New Mexico so she can save their dying pack leader. If he fails, he will never be allowed to return.

Maggie Sinclair is a veterinarian who has sworn to only heal, never kill, all that need her help. When her beloved dog and companion falls deathly ill from an unknown disease, Maggie will do anything to save her. She has no clue that she is the woman destined to save the Draicon and destroy the Morphs once and for all. All she has are strange visions that haunt her... blood, lots of blood, and an odd feeling there is something else within her skin.

When Nicholas finds Maggie, he knows immediately she is his draicara, his mate, and will do anything to protect her. First he must teach her about what she is and what she can do, in spite of her resistance to the tasks set before her. However, the Morphs have found her as well, and their one mission is to destroy her before she can kill them. Is the love between Maggie and Nicholas enough to overcome their secrets and fears in time?

Bonnie Vanak's first Nocturne, and her first paranormal, will delight readers. She has taken the usual werewolf concept and altered, or dare I say, "Morphed" it into her very own. (Yes I know the Morphs are the bad guys, but I couldn't resist the play on words...) The origin of the Draicon is quite different from traditional werewolf lure as well though I don't want to say anything to give away how they came to be. Then there is the fascinating deviation of the Morphs from Draicon and how they came to be what they are. We definitely have an appealing society found within the pages of The Empath.

I was a little bit jarred initially however by the definition of am empath in Draicon society. The basis for what an empath is is similar to what I've always thought of when I heard the term, but it is also very different. I personally wouldn't have chosen that term for what Maggie is, but that is part of the beauty of this book and is why Bonnie Vanak is the author, not me. It never would have occurred to me to define some things the way they are here.

Nicholas and Maggie each have the respective secrets they are dreadfully afraid to share. Nicholas fears Maggie would hate him if she knew his darkest mysteries and Maggie is afraid to confront her own demons. These fears make it very difficult for them to bond the way true mates do in Draicon society and therefore complicates things when it comes to fighting the Morphs. The gradual dissolution of the walls between them provides for a wonderful love story. It made me all the more thrilled when the last vestiges of separation fall away and they truly come together.

There are plenty of surprises found in The Empath as well. Granted, a couple of them I figured out pretty quickly, but Bonnie did get me with a couple of the stunning revelations. Probably the greatest one was discovering the true nature of Nicholas' crimes against the pack. I was floored by that one and a little bit angry as well, since I felt so awful for Nicholas having to suffer as much as he did for what happened. However, this huge surprise opens new doors as well, or rather, new books to come, since some of the Draicon involved in this greatest twist are obviously begging for their stories to be told. Bonnie, that means I'm begging too... I'd love to see what became of these people I can't decide if I should love or hate. So here's to hoping we don't have long to wait for another brilliant story from the mind of Bonnie Vanak.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, October 2007. All rights reserved.

A Harvest of Bones (Chintz 'n China Series)
This was a nice light and entertaining book.

When I read the original book of the series I expected the books to follow a different path and that was more of a marketing error I think. The books have fleshed out the characters nicely and always have a good paranormal mystery to follow. Even if not the most complex plots, they are still enjoyable and I think that has alot to do with the development of the characters and our involvement with them. This continues in that veins.

It's Halloween in Chiqetaw, Washington and the dead are starting to walk; while Emerald and her boyfriend Joe are clearing out the lot next door to her, they unleash a 50 year old ghost, her cat, and the mystery surrounding her death. At this time Samantha, Emerald's cat disappears into thin air, and will-o'-the-whisps (fae spirit globes) show up and want Emerald to find something. What she finds is the skeleton of a woman buried in the yew tree and begins to unravel who it was.

The body is that of a maid that worked for the family that lived there 50 years ago, the Finch's. Her name is Brigit and she's come from Ireland to start a new live in America. According to her journal, she became pregnant and was afraid of her employer's finding out, mainly because the father of the child was their son. Shortly there after she vanished and is never heard from again. Her cat died at the same time and now both are haunting Emerald trying to get her to help them find each other and bring what happened to light. Brigit's cat, Mab looks almost identical to Emerald's cat Sam and the two cats have switched places, if Emerald can't help in time, the switch will be permanent and Sam will be stuck in the land of the dead forever.

I loved this book, knowing the story of how it was written is what made me get it. Apparently two of Ms. Galenorn's cats got out one day, and while one came back in a day, the other was missing for the better part of a week. During this time, she needed to send in the next outline for another book, but couldn't concentrate. After around four days of searching and calling for her cat, one of her neighbors brought by a carrier and asked if it was her cat inside. It was and while the cat was very scared and a bit thin, she was very happy to have the kitty back. After making sure the kitty was okay, she began to put together the outline for this book.

This is the third book in the Chintz 'n China series and the characters are full of heart. From the ghosts (both human and feline) to the main character, Emerald, to her teenage daughter. Joe (Emerald's younger EMT boyfriend) has purchased the empty lot next door and Emerald takes a vacation to help him clear it out. When they uncover the foundation to a former mansion and some some ghosts and faries, they start investigating the history of the property. They have to solve a fifty year old mystery to clear the lot of the psychic briars and then remove the corporeal ones. This may be the best one of the series so far, and I can't wait to read the fourth.

I just finished reading 'A Harvest of Bones' and thoroughly enjoyed it. My immediate reaction was to find out what other books the author has written around the characters. It's a good storyline - one that will keep you coming back to finish. You want to find out what happens next - How will Murray handle her new love? What's going on with the kids? Are Joe and Em going to get married? Is Joe going to become more involved in the paranormal? What about the rest of Em's friends? It's a cozy, fun read. Find out for yourself to see if you agree.

this is a great story and by far my favorite in the series. Shelly doesn't have any problems writing Nik, the Befuddled Siberian Tiger trying to deal with Angie Santiago. I loved the fact that she played with the whole "good old boy southerner", I could hear a rich southern drawl rolling off Nik's lips, and as someone who used to live in the south, that was great!
Wonderful story and fast, funny dialogue. I highly recommend this to anyone. Go Fetch is also fantastic, although I wasn't to big on Pack Challenge. This author has a lot of talent.

I absolutely loved HERE KITTY, KITTY! This is one of the most enjoyable paranormal erotic romances I have read in awhile. I think part of that is due to the characters. Angie is wild; foul-mouthed, funny, strong, crazy and just a terrifically fun lead character. Nik is charming; good-humored, laid-back, sexy, exasperated and an absolute opposite to Angie. The dynamics between Angie and her friends are a hoot! All three of the friends are crazy and vivid characters that you will enjoy reading about. Nik's family dynamics are just as wild, in a laid-back redneck fashion. And when Angie's friends and Nik's family get together, let me just say 'fireworks!' The plot is awesome, original and will have you turning the pages just to find out what happens next, both in regards to the background story and the romance. I will caution readers that the story contains explicit sex, graphic language and strong violence that would not be appropriate for readers under seventeen. Ms. Laurenston has a winner here and I will be hunting for more of this author's work!

This is the first review I have ever written, however, I enjoyed this book so much I wanted to pass along my endorsement. It's not necessary to read Magnus Heat before Here, Kitty, Kitty, but it will help in recognizing characters. There are laugh out loud funny happenings (Angelina as perfect ball-control pitcher)and more than enough steam heat for anyone. The characters are eminently likeable even if slightly twisted. I'm a sucker for the strong leading man who knows that the prickly independent woman just needs someone to love her.

Great stuff, i also recommend Magnus heat. It has the first two stories in this series.

I have just joined this series with this book and it take out with a blast. Angelina Santiago had just disappeared and her friends think she has been killer by a pack of hyena shifters. Well she was attacked but is rescued by or more liked kidnapped by some Siberian tiger shifters from North Carolina. They take her to their brothers house for safe keeping. The problem is he doesn't know this and when he finds out and goes to explain the miss understanding to Angelina she attacked him with a head butt and a toilet seat. She actually breaks his nose.

Nik Vorislav, Siberian tiger male, does not want her staying with him. Siberian tigers are loners and its hard enough to keep his family from constantley showing up let along now to have this toliet throwing mad women in his house. But he cant help but be turn on by this fiesty little human in her designer shoes. But the problem with humans are they are so clingy and he cant have that. he wont have that. And yet he cant seem to stop being attracted to her anyway.

But now that he has her he has decided he does need to protect her someone is out to kill her and there is some kind of terf war going on in the shifters world. So even tho he doesnt really want to be involved. Involved he is.

Shiloh Walker really knows how to draw a reader in and keep the pages turning!! This is an incredible addition to the Hunters Series!!!

I find the book was just another good book in a series that I had already found to be entertaining and a good way to relax and unwinded after a long hard day at work. The best part is that when you get in to one of Shiloh walker's book you don't want to put it down until and the end and you wish there was more to the story. This book in the series was no exception to that rule.

THis is an Erotic paranormal not for the faint of Heart. Sexy stimulating suspensful all wrapped up into one. This is another huge hit of the hunter series. If you havent read Shiloh Walkers Hunter series you are missing out. Her Characters are vivid and able to relate to on many levels. Her heroines are strong but not TSTL(TO stupid to live) The male characters are strong with an appealing side that makes them real-- If only they lived in my neighborhood. Shiloh is able to have so many unique personalities that you feel you know them all personally. Rafe and sheila are two that I have been waiting for and I am not Disappointed. SHiloh delivers once again!!!!

this was a great book really enjoyed it and it continued the series well left me waiting for the next one to come I hope it wont be long in coming

Southern Belle Sheila loves Rafe with every fibre of her being, and wants nothing more than to be with him. But she's a woman who respects herself, and is not about to put up with his dismissive behavior any longer. So she takes off, walks away from him, and begins a new life.

Rafe wants Sheila so badly, and is not about to let her walk away from him. But she hasn't made it easy to find her, and when he finally does, it's not to see her moping around, missing him. Instead Sheila has made the conscious choice to move on, without him. This is just something he cannot allow.

But along with finding Sheila, Rafe also finds a past evil has made itself known, and this time it's his destiny as a Hunter to take the next step as a Master and answer to the land that calls his name, and to rid the land of this evil. Along with those who have been hurt by this evil, Sheila and Rafe battle to save their own and finally come back to each other, this time with love....

If I had any issue with this story, it was how quickly some of the conflict was resolved. But Shiloh Walker once again impresses with her continuing Hunter series, creating new characters and strengthening existing ones, and opening doors to endless possibilities. Readers will love this glimpse of the future, and the potential destiny several Hunters will meet. One in particular, that of lone Hunter Leandra will hold readers' interest as to the fate of this mysterious witch. I wait with bated breath....

I love all of the Darkwing books. I am almost finished with #4 with #5 already on my bookshelf. Looking forward to #6.

I think the whole series from the very first book has just cruised along getting better with each book. I guess that shows an anuthrs growth, or how she is getting to know her characters. I recommend The whole "Darkwing Series" for vamp readers. It is,yet, another side of vampires . At times I find Daphne a bit too angst ridden, but,if I had lived all the years she has,with her mother...hmmmm. I am not sure I wouldn'thave take a nice sunbath on my balconey one day. Sheeeshhhhh!!!!! But I wonder, not that this is a real spoiler, in the last book, does she FINALLY end up with Darius?????

Add this series to you keeper shelf. they are worth reading more than once.

I have all of the Darkwing Chronicles - To continue this storyline is a great idea.
As the story continues you get to understand Daphne's character more and more and realize that she has been trying to be human as much as possible until this point and now she is struggling with her Vampiric ways. In the end - you see her to start to embrace her vampire side more than ever in the series.
I Hope that Savannah Russe continues this storyline til she comes to a great ending.
It leaves you thinking what will Daphne do next....What will happen next- What will the Darkwings have to do to save the World again.
It's a nice thought such strong immortals do there part to help the human race-If you look at this way-They were human once too.
A Must Read (that is-If you like the other Darkwing Books)!!!!

Ever since the Feds "blackmailed vampiress Daphne Urban into joining Team Darkwing (or face termination), she has spied for the government. Her current assignment accompanied by her two remaining teammates is to investigate and mount a rescue of ten kidnapped teenage girls, daughters of New York City's upper crust.

To accomplish the objective, Team Darkwing needs new members to replace those who left; not all voluntarily. They recruit former criminal Rogue and researcher Audrey to assist them on their mission. Time is running out as the government refuses to negotiate with terrorists so Daphne and Team Darkwing begins a search amidst the decadent Mew York vampiric underground before a deadly outcome occurs.

The Darkwing Chronicles stars a female who detests being a vampire, which adds a sense of gloomy chick lit realism to her escapades as she has been a bloodsucker for a couple of centuries and knows she is BEYOND REDEMPTION. In her fourth appearance (see BENEATH THE SKIN and BEYOND THE PALE), Daphne is at her best as she whines and dines the new recruits before hitting the bloodiest clubs of Manhattan in hope of saving the teens.

Harriet Klausner

Daphne Urban and her Darkwing cohorts will face their toughest challenge yet...

The stakes are higher than ever. Terrorists have captured ten daughters from some of the wealthiest, most powerful families in the country. Unless their demands are met, none will survive unless Team Darkwing can find and rescue them. What will happen when Daphne, Benny Polycarp, and Cormac O'Reilly try to recruit new vampires to this critical mission? Can the terrorists be stopped before the girls wind up dead?

The Darkwing Chronicles is only getting better and better with each new book in the series! IN THE BLOOD is easily read as a stand alone as the necessary back history of the series is provided. We return to the core group in this one as Benny and Cormac play integral roles in the progression of the case. Who can't help but love these two characters, particularly Benny with her southern twang? The juxtaposition of Benny's Southern gal persona and her life as a vampire always makes me smile if only for the way Savannah Russe makes the picture fit.

IN THE BLOOD is quite graphic in some places, but not gratuitously so. IN THE BLOOD takes a much harder look at the evil side of terrorism, as there are some scenes that are quite intense. However, Savannah Russe never lets the reader forget the darker nature of the vampire, the nature Daphne tries to forget in spite of her platitudes about love and Lord Byron. Daphne's struggles against her vampiric nature take a new twist in this latest offering in The Darkwing Chronicles.

IN THE BLOOD continues along the urban fantasy line. If you are looking for a happily-ever-after vampire romance, then IN THE BLOOD is not for you. Instead, if you are looking for a dark, sometimes gritty, vampire tale tempered with lighter moments then IN THE BLOOD is exactly what you are looking for. Highly recommended!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

What's a virtuous and virginal knight to do when saddled with a fair but married damsel in distress?....Tarrant-Arragon is at it again!

Djinn Princess Electra-Djerrodina, sister to Tarrant-Arragon, is Queen of Volnoth. It had been a strategic marriage politically. However not until Viz-Igerd's older brothers had died leaving him King had the pressure been put on the pair to produce an heir. Every creative method of conception had been employed without success and still her husband would not admit that their two species were incompatible for reproduction. The situation was becoming urgent, if they didn't soon produce an heir they would be set aside.....or worse.

Electra however had devised a plan which, if successful, would produce the desired heir and no one would be the wiser. Well, except the true father. He would have to be someone discreet as well as potent and genetically compatible. He would also have to have a shared physical trait with her husband as well. The handsome young green-eyed Prince Djarrhett was her target. As luck would have it, her sister's public Mating ceremony was the perfect opportunity to approach `Rhett with her unusual request.

Of course the virtuous and inexperienced knight refuses the proposition but his libido is not appropriately put off. Segue to where INSUFFIENCENT MATING MATERIAL left off, on the Pleasure Moon of Eurydyce following Django Ra's fateful tarot reading. Electra arrives after her great uncle fails to return to their convoy and seizes another opportunity to convince `Rhett to do her bidding.

It's still a no go for `Rhett, but unfortunately his half brother Deveron gets a whiff of scandal when he discovers that the two have been together in Djarrett's bedroom. Deveron is suffering from frustrated rut-rage having caught the love-scent of a mystery female while on Earth. The two battle, `Rhett's possessive instincts come to the fore and Deveron is injured.

Seizing the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, Tarrant-Arragon strong-arms Djarrhett into taking up a quest to determine whether a Djinn or part Djinn female existed on Earth. In no position to refuse, `Rhett accepts the mission taking Tarrant-Arragon's man Grievous to serve as an Earth liaison, and Martia-Julia's younger son Thor-quentin who is in need of a good male influence.

Only Grievious is aware of the sleeping beauty lying in suspension inside one of the Trajant's sleep pods...that is until Electra awakens at the opportune moment completely unaware that she is no longer in her scheming brother's keeping.

Oh no, she's due to meet her husband for a public mating, and instead she's bound for Earth locked in a chastity belt with no key at hand, about to become rut-rageous in the presence of two male Djinn. `Rhett is incapable of rut-rage but there's still some question about Thor-quentin's paternity. He had to protect them both, but who would protect him? Tarrant-Arragon's great enemy, Rhett's father, the Saurian Dragon has his own plans for exploiting the scandal surrounding the Volnoth's missing queen. Whose plan will prevail? Or will `Rhett and Electra come up with one of their own?

I have not had so much fun reading about an untried hero since Dara Joy's futuristic reverse regency, RITUAL OF PROOF. Keep the ice water on hand, this latest dance around the chess board is hot as well as humorous. Moral of the story: never plan a gambit which involves a lawyer as the pawn! KNIGHT'S FORK is another great installment in the Gods of the Tigron series. ~ Reviewed for PNR Reviews

Rowena Cherry has delivered yet another wonderful story. Her prose is delicious, giving you a visual of every scene just as though you were there. With all senses engaged, the reader finds he or she cannot stop turning pages.

Electra-Djerroldina is delectable, but she's married. Will Djarrhett, the Saurian Knight and presumed heir to the Dragon's throne, realize he loves her in time to save them both from the mechanisms of his father and his cousin, Tarrant-Arragon?

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, and hope Ms. Cherry has more books planned for it. In the tradition of Forced Mate and Insufficient Mating Material, Knight's Fork has the flavor and essence of well-turned phraseology, intriguing plot and vibrant characters. I consider this a must read!

Diane Davis White
Author, Moon of the Falling Leaves

Volnoth Queen Consort Electra loves her mate Viz-lgerd, but knows they are checked when it comes to siring a child. She chooses Rhett as the sperm pawn for her offspring. However, she is unaware of two key facts about the pawn she has chosen. First he is the son of Volnoth's greatest enemy Ala'Asrer-Djalet, who is better known as the Saurian Dragon of the Djinn family; second he adheres to his vow of chastity.

Electra and Rhett are surprised by finding themselves attracted to one another. However, her brother Prince Tarrant-Arragon assumes they are having an affair. He insures they are trapped together on their way to earth. As they fall in love, his amoral father and her outraged family insist something must be done to the assumed lovers.

The latest chess futuristic romance (see FORCED MATE and INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL) is once again a strange but well written and fascinating tale. The story line is character driven as Electra tries to checkmate her reluctant knight. Fans will enjoy the latest sci fi romance from the creative Rowena Cherry as she has aliens falling into a taboo love which makes make for an intriguing albeit weird but entertaining saga.

Harriet Klausner

Knight's Fork by Rowena Cherry is a taut and heady romance story of epic proportions. Move over Helen of Troy and Paris, you've been bested by Rhett and Electra. I recommend this sci-fi romance to anyone who enjoys emotional chess and divining astrological tarot cards. - Lillian

Rowena Cherry is a brilliant writer. Blending humor and romance is much harder then most people believe and she does it effortlessly. Her third Djinn novel is an excellent example. KNIGHT'S FORK had me laughing from the first chapter all the way to the end.

Rhett is a hot and smart leading man that had me thinking of old Carry Grant movies and some of the great one-liners he delivered on the silver screen. Electra is an intelligent, beautiful woman who captures the reader's heart from page one. These two are thrust together through a series of hysterical misadventures that lead to a sizzling romance.

This novel has it all and I would recommend it to everyone. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this is the third book in the series and makes reference to characters and events in the previous books. Readers might want to read this series in order and not as stand-alone books.

~ Sarah Gentili

Janet Lorimer uses fairy tale imagery and gothic horror in Master of Shadows. But I was disappointed in the heroine's lack of common sense and was let down by the "big reveal" of the hero. The mystery was drawn out and predictable. Some of the writing seemed like something I might have read twenty years ago. Glad I got this from the library instead of spending money on it.

Janet Lorimer is a masterful writer. I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to pick up a book and be immediately sucked in by a great voice, a wonderful eye for detail, solid, compelling characters and a terrific story that hooks you immediately. Many years ago, I read some of Ms. Lorimer's children's books and am thrilled that she has moved to the world of adult fiction. If you like mystery mixed with a little fantasy, this is the book for you.

Only when I was nearly finished the book did it come to mind the story of Beauty and the Beast. This is a great romantic story of almost forbidden love and it reminded me of the characters, Catherine and Vincent from the television series "Beauty and the Beast". I loved those characters then and I love the characters portrayed in Master of Shadows. It is full of mystery, shadows, and suspense. I found the book hard to put down.

Master of Shadows was a wonderful book that kept me hooked until the end. Ms. Lorimer knows how to build suspense - not giving you too much or too little. And the surprising twists shake you up as soon as you think you know what will happen next. The descriptions help you picture exactly what is happening.
A fun and interesting read - a vacation in a book.

This book is great fun. In some ways it reads like an amalgamation of a magical story of a woman who finds a strange world within a forest and a modern criminal story of searching for a murderer. The book contains both aspects woven together with a certain element of mystery still at the end.

Ariel McPherson's life has been turned upside down with the disappearance of her father, especially when she and her mother discover that her father had a gambling habit and that they are ruined. They have had to move to a cottage in a holiday village that her mother owned but are finding that life in a tourist village is very different for people who don't have money any longer. Ariel is unable to find work and her mother is retreating into fantasies to cope with the devastation of her life.

When Ariel's mother sends her out to collect water from a noted local spring deep in a wood, Ariel's life changes. She meets a strange person at the spring who doesn't let her see his face but who talks to her, warning her about dangers in the wood. However Ariel has to return, despite all the scary tales told to her by a local village woman who looks after them. Soon Ariel finds herself spending much more time with the mysterious man, Louvel, as she goes to work for him in his enormous house within the wood. Louvel's servants all seem to be strange people - either very tall, very short, fat or otherwise unusual. And yet the bars on the windows suggest that the house might also be a prison, there are strange noises on full moon nights, there are lots of odd rules and Ariel still has never seen Louvel's face, despite them spending time together.

When Ariel has to return home to deal with new leads on the disappearance of her father she finds herself cut off from Louvel's life and somehow back in an engagement with her former Fiancé, Michael. However the threads of her life seem intertwined, Louvel appears to still be watching over her, there are links between a woman living in Louvel's house and the death of Ariel's father. Can she find out who was to blame for her father's disappearance without imposing on Louvel's privacy, can she keep her mother and herself safe, has she brought danger to Louvel's people - and who are those people. And why won't Louvel let her see his face?

The story is written in a great manner with atmospheric descriptions of the wood and Louvel's mansion contrasted with the very everyday life when she is in the village or back living at Michael's house. Ariel's investigation into the events surrounding her father's disappearance seems to occur rather easily with her finding out the necessary information without too much trouble and yet Louvel's hand is always in the background, guiding her and keeping her safe. We never really learn how Louvel is able to do many of the things he does and yet that mystery is part of the fun of the story. The revelation of Louvel at the end of the story wasn't a particular surprise to me but the book's discussions of the nature of beauty and treatment of those with disabilities or disfigurements was food for thought.

In conclusion, this was an excellent read with interesting characters, several mysteries and a satisfactory ending.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007

Original, convincing, with
likeable and fully rounded characters. I can hardly wait to see what this highly talented new writer comes up with next.

I found that reading Mortal Touch was a pleasure ! The characters are very well drawn and all interesting. Vampires in this teling had several "new" attributes which ought to have been written long ago. The plot progress had numerous unexpected turns that also fit the story so there was no illogical events. The ending wrapped up the story very nicely but certainly left it open for a sequel which I look forward too.

Inanna Arthen's highly original vampire novel will appeal to readers of Poe, Lovecraft and Shirley Jackson as well as fans of modern vampire fiction. Arthen avoids the typical clichés of the genre; her vampires have reflections, day jobs, and sex lives.

The title, "Mortal Touch" and the tag line "All I need to do is touch you," both hint at Arthen's unique approach to bloodletting: her vampires don't need fangs, and their pale but otherwise ordinary appearance allows them to fit in all too easily with their human neighbors.

The novel, set in a small Massachusetts town, immerses the reader in a gripping story with eccentric but likable characters and a strong sense of place. These are the Vampires of New England; you won't find them in a New Orleans brothel or on a European stage, calling attention to themselves. Arthen's eerily believable undead hang out quietly at antique stores and cafés, and you won't see them coming for you before it's too late.

Highly recommended!

This book is an excellent beginning to what promises to be a very enjoyable series! Arthen's characters and dialogue are very believable and the plot moves along at a measured but lively pace. Her vampire mythos is refreshing in that it follows folklore a bit more closely than those created by other contemporary authors.

I look forward with great anticipation to the next entry in the Vampires of New England series.

This is an absolutely terrific book! Arthen slowly builds up the suspense. Who is this mysterious new writer who has moved into town and has everyone talking? The owner of a small gift shop is determined to find out, before her best friend gets seriously hurt. Arthen authentically recreates the feel of a small New England town, while introducing vampires who are decidedly different: for one thing, they have no fangs.

Highly recommended for those who like their vampires a little off the beaten track.

Phantoms of Old Louisville is the second in David Domine's fascinating collection of authentic ghost stories from the largest Victorian neighborhood in the country. You can read this one first or you can read Ghosts of Old Louisville first, it doesn't matter because each book reads well by itself. This one, like the first, is a great collection of stories dealing with reportedly haunted locations in the area known as Old Louisville. But, don't worry if you're not from Kentucky. These stories are fascinating no matter where you come from. If you love ghost stories, as I do, you will love this book. Each chapter combines equal parts supernatural events with local history and wonderful architecture. The author makes the neighborhood come to life and draws the reader in on a fascinating journey to the past. The level of writing is excellent, and the only thing that surpasses it is the unbelievable degree of storytelling involved. Although it is a work of creative non-fiction, it has a novelist's flare about it. This, like the first, is a book that will keep you up all night till you have finished it early the next morning. I cannot wait for volume III! Thanks to the author for an entertaining and informative read!

I recently moved to Old Louisville and knowing nothing about the area, read the first book by David Domine, Ghosts of Old Louisville. I was sorry when the book ended and started immediately on the second book, Phantoms of Old Louisville. I also took the Ghost Tour of Old Louisville, which was hosted by David Domine himself, last Friday night. I am so glad that he did write about these old homes and the area, otherwise I would not have known any history or folklore to accompany me here, on my move from Los Angeles to Old Louisville this last January. He allowed those of us on his tour into his wonderful home, which was magnificent. I could see the actual place where one of the purported hauntings happened and it was decorated and restored beautifully which made it an extra bonus. These books have given me a perspective on this area that I really would not have had if they weren't available. I am so waiting for October and the "haunting" season to begin. Another aside, I still don't know if I really believe in "ghosts", however, when reading these books late at night, I found myself having to put them down, and listening very closely to the sounds of my own Old Louisville home, and sometimes, I couldn't start reading again until the next day.....just too many chills and possibly a wild imagination at work. I found these books to be wonderful reads, never dragging, held my attention, and I now use them for reference when looking at the places and events described.

In his latest book, Phantoms of Old Louisville: Ghostly Tales from America's Most Haunted Neighborhood, David Domine does an admirable job following up on the chills and thrills of last year's bestselling Ghosts of Old Louisville: True Stories of Hauntings in America's Largest Victorian Neighborhood. In this sequel, Domine has managed to unearth even more tales of the dearly departed in the grandest Victorian neighborhood in the country, and he presents them to the reader with the same engaging prose and mouth-watering descriptions he employed in his first book. And, as before, he has managed to capture a distinct feel for the neighborhood he loves so much, and he successfully uses it to create a mood piece that transports the reader back to a time when spirits from Beyond looked on as bustled ladies served tea in elegant front parlors, servants gathered for modest meals in the back kitchen and the domestic arts (unlike today) occupied a hallowed spot in American households.

I look forward to his next book and recommend this one to all who enjoy a good ghost story with added architectural tidbits and lots of local flavor.

Very well written and spell-binding! In short, another great book by David Domine. These stories bring to light the ghostly past of America's supposedly most haunted neighborhood. After reading this volume, you might tend to agree. Apart from hair-raising stories of the supernatural and the ghosts and goblins that populate this historic neighborhood, these tales include interesting historical tidbits that backup many of the aspects of these accounts. It seems that are many, many reportedly true encounters of the paranormal in this unique neighborhood, and David Domine has spent a bit of time digging up this haunted past. The author incorporates enticing descriptions of the local architecture that bring the stories to life, and to satisfy your appetite for more, he includes details of the wonderful dinner parties that he hosts. Check out his cookbook Adventures in New Kentucky Cooking with The Bluegrass Peasant for a preview of some of his famous dishes.

His first book in this series is: Ghosts of Old Louisville: True Stories of Hauntings in America's Largest Victorian Neighborhood

Another great book by David Domine. Fascinating stories full of history and just the right amount of ghostly tales.

Rose Pressey
Author of "My Haunted Family"

4th book in Dragon Knights series, good story but not quite as many steamy scenes as the first three... still can't get enough of that dragon romance!

I liked reading about Nico "Prince of Spies". He was a mystery you knew very little about him. He is sent to find his brother King Roland's wife Queen Alania's twin sister Arikia.Stolen years ago, a dragon healer like her sister's and mother. She is held by mad King Lucan starved & tortured for months by him. Nico has found Arikia his mate. Nico & Riki burn up the pages when they get together.A must read, if you like dragon stories.
I enjoyed the book.

There are very few authors that I will automatically buy their books without even reading what a book is about, but if the name Bianca D'Arc is anywhere on it I just have to have it. This is book 4 in her Dragon Knights series and I love it. If you have not read the other 3 books in this series run out and get them today you won't be sorry.

This book was a great follow-up to D'Arc's other Dragon Knight books.

Nico is captured by the Skith & finds Riki chained to the Skith king's bedside. They escape & travel to rejoin Riki to her family. Fights, Flights & Dragon Shape-Shifting. Add in True Love & who could ask for more?

Best if you have read the first 3 books in the series.

This book is just one more in a great series! I got it and read it the same day. Can't wait for the next book by Bianca D'Arc!!