Guest Review: Passing Whispers by Lisa Anne Vance

Passing Whispers

By Lisa Anne Vance

Kindle Edition

Published December 1st 2010 by eXtasybooks

ASIN

 B004FN1V6K

Courtesy of author for review

When Detective Endel Sorra is killed during a robbery two weeks before Christmas, the lives of his family are shattered. His wife Kate, bitter, angry and full of hatred, blames herself for his tragic death. Hector Ramos, the store clerk who was also shot in the robbery, will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. The teenage shooter, Jake Conway, overcome with guilt for his crime, commits suicide and leaves behind his girlfriend Jenna, who is seven months pregnant. After she dies of a heroin overdose, the baby is left to be raised by Jake's mother, a foul, uncaring drunk who keeps him solely for the extra cash she gets in her monthly welfare check. Having lost their only child, Endel’s parents have no hope of ever becoming grandparents.                                                It will take nothing less than a miracle to repair these broken lives. When Kate Sorra comes across the Snow Globe that her husband had given to her the first Christmas they were married, she gets that miracle. But will it happen in time to save them all?

GoodReads

4 Loveys!

The first thing the reader will notice about this novel is how the characters appear to become alive and befriend the reader. The despair of Endel’s grandparents is tangible, the dirtiness of Jake's mother is apparent, and Kate's horror and sadness evoke similar emotions in the reader. Some of the scenes that the reader will appreciate consist of Kate remembering her husband, who is killed in a robbery. The sweet serenity and obvious love will entrance the reader and motivate him/her to read a few extra pages. The reader is exposed to multiple deaths throughout the novel: the killing of Endel during the robbery via a gun, the heroin overdose of Jake's teenage girlfriend, and the suicide of Jake himself. This novel has highs and lows: the highs being memories of Endel and the lows being the deaths and sadness of the protagonist, Kate. The reader will likely find him/herself persuaded into the idea of a Christmas miracle, he/she will want it to be true. The author is careful with the characters' emotions, a hard task in a realistic novel. The ending does not leave the reader on that horrible cliffhanger, it is satisfying. This novel would be terrific for young adult/adult readers who appreciate a little, subtle magic mixed with realism.

Krystal - Live to Read

Cover of the Week - June 13th, 2011

A sexy wolf shifter series that I need to start soon!

Heart of the Wolf #6

Fate turned nurse Carol Woods into a wolf, but she refuses to let being alupus garou define her life. Ordered by her pack leader to find a mate and commit to shifting, there is only one gray wolf that catches Carol's interest; but Chaz McKinley makes it very clear that unless she's willing to accept what she is, he wants nothing to do with her. When a virus outbreak leaves local pack members trapped in their wolf form, will Chaz and Carol learn to trust each other before it's too late for the pack and their one chance at true love?

GoodReads 

NR: The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

The Vampire Narcise (Regency Draculia #3)

by Colleen Gleason 

Paperback, 400 pages

Published May 24th 2011 by Mira

ISBN 077832995X 

Courtesy of NetGalley

Skilled in the seduction of men, both mortal and immortal, Narcise Moldavi is the greatest weapon in her twisted brother's war among the Dracule. Until she falls for Giordan Cale.Her first searing encounter with Giordan seals their fierce connection for their eternal lives. But Giordan's vow to help Narcise escape her brother's rule is followed by a betrayal more agonizing than sunlight.Wounded but determined, Narcise ensnares vampire hunter Chas Woodmore in her quest for revenge and to reclaim her life. He wants her, worships her, will kill for her. And the Dracule never forget a wrong— nor do they forgive.

GoodReads

5 Loveys!

I was blown away by the third installment of the Regency Draculia series by Colleen Gleason. The Vampire Narcise was an emotional roller coaster through hell for both the characters and reader alike.

Even though this is the third novel in a series I think it could be read as a stand-alone. With the first two novels; The Vampire Voss, I was so-so with. The Vampire Dimitri was better but the way the story was set up there for book three, and the pattern that those novels followed, I thought The Vampire Narcise would be more of the same. Boy was I ever wrong and I am so glad that I stuck through the series! I loved Goirdan when he first graced the pages in the previous novels and was rooting for him, but I thought The Vampire Narcise was going to go in a very different direction and to say that I was pleasantly surprised by it’s dramatic turn would be an understatement; I was ecstatic! The plot was new and fresh centering on Narcise’s captivity by her evil brother, Cezar Moldavi, and meeting Goirdan Cale. There is an instant attraction between the two and they carry on a budding relationship in secret that is so lovely in such a dark atmosphere. Here is one quote from Goirdan to give you a bit of a tease; “It’s only you, Narcise. Sometimes a man just knows.” Eventually though, Cezar becomes aware of his sisters actions and puts Goirdan in a terrible position that ultimately leads to a horrible misunderstanding causing a decade of heartache.

I wanted to hate Narcise in some instances, for her quick accusations and her lack of understanding and listening but I could also see how she could of mistook the situation. There was no way I could hate such a strong character that survived so much. Instead of cowering down to her brother and the atrocities he set upon her she learns to defend herself making her almost invincible. Both main characters were exceptionally strong though, in strength and spirit, despite the horrible abuse wrought on them. And Goirdan Cale, well, we could only hope to find a man as good as him to spend eternity with. These characters will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page, I promise you that.

Gleason has developed a unique world with the Draculia, steeped in major historical events that were weaved into the storyline masterfully. The plot was deep, intense and dark with the possibility of love, although in no way promised, being the only light. 

The Vampire Narcise is a story of love, sacrifice, trust, action, determination, hope and forgiveness and I would recommend it to all. Even if you don’t read the rest of the series, you must read this book! 

Interview & Giveaway with Devil Without a Cause author Terri Garey

Today I have the fabulous paranormal romance author Terri Garey visiting us for an interview! 

*~*~*~*~*~*

PRA: Hi Terri and welcome to Paranormal Romance Addict! Thank you so much for stopping by for an interview, I am a big fan of the Nicki Styx series and am really looking forward to more Sammy in your new series, The Devil’s Bargain.

TG: Thanks for having me!

PRA: We first meet Sammy Divine in your Nicki Styx series, but for those who are unfamiliar with them *whaa?* can you please give him a brief introduction?

TG: Sammy Divine, High Prince of Darkness, goes by many names: Samael the Fallen, Satan, Lucifer, Beelzebub, the Great Shaitan… need I go on? J   He’s the world’s original bad boy, the deeply misunderstood fallen angel whose lust for the flesh led him to defy his Creator.  Forever damned, cast out of Heaven, blamed for the destruction of Paradise, Sammy has his own version of what happened in the Garden in Eden, and he’s pretty determined to tell it!  He feels that HE was the one tempted, and then punished for taking a bite of that particular apple. The havoc he wreaks in the world is his way out lashing out at mankind for bringing about his fall from grace.

PRA: Can you tell us a little bit about the first book in The Devil’s Bargain series, Devil Without a Cause?

TG: In a way, Devil Without a Cause picks up where the Nicki Styx series left off, but events are now being told from Sammy’s point of view.  Forever changed by his love for Nicki, a mortal who chose another man over him, he’s no longer content just being the reigning King of Darkness.  When an old friend, the Archangel Gabriel, offers him a chance to possibly regain his wings by playing guardian angel, he takes it, though he’s hell-bent on doing things his own way!

PRA: What is one thing Sammy would never be caught dead doing/saying?

TG: “I’m sorry.”

PRA: You juggle several main characters in this novel; Sammy, Finn and Faith. How do you find a good balance between the three?

TG: I won’t deny it was a challenge, but one I relished and enjoyed.  Most Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance deals with one couple only, but I wanted to intertwine their lives with Sammy’s, so that as they grew and developed, overcoming obstacles and learning things about themselves and each other throughout the book, he did, too.  The hardest part was keeping Sammy from completely stealing the show!

PRA: What do you think readers will love best about the couple of Devil Without a Cause, Faith and Finn? What makes them perfect for each other?

TG: They complement each other in ways they never expected, and by doing so, complete each other. Finn has everything money can buy: fame, fortune, a stellar career as a rock star, but no roots, no grounding, no family.  Faith has very little in the way of money or possessions, but she has her five year old son, a warm heart, and plenty of love to give.  They come together through tragedy, their needs at cross-purposes, but discover that sometimes, you really do have to give to receive.  To say more would be a spoiler.  J

PRA: Besides new characters, what is the main difference between The Devil’s Bargain and the Nicki Styx series? Are Sammy’s books more difficult or easier to write then Nicki’s?

TG: The Devil’s Bargain books are much darker, and much sexier than the Nicki Styx series, mainly because of the personality of the main characters:  Nicki is a bit of a smart-aleck, while Sammy is a tortured (albeit very sexy) soul.  I loved writing them both, even though they’re very different in style.

PRA: Do you have a favorite scene that you can share with us?

TG: Too many to count.  J   You can, however, read an excerpt at http://www.tgarey.com/dwacexcerpt1.html, or you can “Browse Inside” the first sixty pages of the book by going here: http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061986390&WT.mc_id=biHTMLWidget03414015-d7f0-4857-af8b-1b5eb7ded10a 

PRA: What do you think readers will like best about Devil Without a Cause?

TG: I think they’re going to enjoy reading about TWO hot guys instead of just one.  Finn is definitely smokin’ in his own right, while Sammy…  well, he’s one of a kind.  J

PRA: What’s next for Sammy?

TG: The second book in the Devil’s Bargain series, A DEVIL NAMED DESIRE, will be released in February 2012, and it’s just as devilishly delicious as the first.

PRA: Can you share with us five fun facts about Terri Garey please?

TG: Hmm…

1)     I’m addicted to tangerine popsicles.

2)     I grew up in Florida, always wondering why tropical prints and socks with sandals were considered a fashion statement.

3)     I’m crazy about all things Halloween, but I’m a major scaredy-cat, and won’t watch scary movies.

4)     I make it a point of pride to never act my age.

5)     I have three sisters who are as crazy as I am, but in completely different ways, and I love them all dearly.

PRA: Thank you again Terri! Is there anything else that you would like to share with readers before you go?

TG: Just a big thank you for having me, and I hope you enjoy DEVIL WITHOUT A CAUSE!  Oh, and stop by my website at http://www.tgarey.com to enter some cool contests, read about my other books, and take a “virtual visit” to the world of Nicki Styx!

~*GIVEAWAY*~

Terri is graciously giving away one copy of her newest release, Devil Without a Cause, to one lucky reader. 

To enter, just leave a meaningful comment or question for Terri and make sure to leave an email address to contact you if you're the winner! 

Giveaway is open to US residents and will end at 11:59pm on June 22nd. One winner will then be picked at random and contacted via email. 

Today's Relapses 06/07/11

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: Berkley Hardcover

ISBN-10: 0425241130

Word has leaked to Anita Blake that hit men are headed for St. Louis- and that she, Jean-Claude, and Richard are the targets.

Shadow Walker by Allyson James 

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN-10: 0425241823

Stormwalker Janet Begay returns home only to have the ground collapse beneath her-literally. After tumbling two hundred feet underground, Janet is rescued by her dragon boyfriend, Mick. But something dark touches Mick while in the sinkhole, and Janet might lose him forever unless she recruites the most unlikely of allies to stop the growing shadow.

Frostbound by Sharon Ashwood

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Signet

ISBN-10: 0451231953

As a snowstorm locks down the city, someone beheads the wrong girl. Vampire-on-the-lam Talia Rostova thinks it was meant to be her. And now she's the prime suspect in her own botched murder and the prisoner of her smoking-hot-neighbor: a hellhound. And the hot-blooded Lore was bred to serve and protect, so he's not freeing Talia until he's sure she's the prey and not the hunter...

Nightfall by Ellen Connor

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Berkley Trade

ISBN-10: 0425241696

First in a stunning new post-apocalyptic paranormal romance trilogy. Growing up with an unstable, often absent father who preached about the end of the world, Jenna never thought in her wildest nightmares that his predictions would come true. Or that he would have a plan in place to save her-one that includes the strong, stoic man who kidnaps and takes her to a remote cabin in the Pacific Northwest. The mysterious ex-Marine named Mason owes a life-debt to Jenna's father. Skilled and steadfast, he's ready for the prophesied Change, but Jenna proves tough to convince. Until the power grid collapses and mutant dogs attack-vicious things that reek of nature gone wrong. When five strangers appear, desperate to escape the bloodthirsty packs, Jenna defies her protector and rescues them. As technology fails and the old world falls away, Jenna changes too, forever altered by supernatural forces. To fight for their future, she and Mason must learn to trust their instinctive passion-a flame that will see them through the bitter winter, the endless nights, and the violence of a new Dark Age.

Vampire in Atlantis by Alyssa Day

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN-10: 0425241793

The most unexpected of all allies to Poseidon's warriors has proven to be the fiercest-Daniel, a vampire and Night Guild mage. But even the strongest alliance can be destroyed when a vampire's oath crosses paths with a maiden's quest, and an eleven-thousand-year-old desire is reborn.

Everdark by Elle Jasper

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Signet

ISBN-10: 0451233778

When Savannah tattoo artists Riley Poe is ambushed by an undead enemy, she inherits some of the traits of her attackers-and a telepathic link with a rampaging vampire. Now, she's experiencing murder after murder through the victims' eyes. And her new powers will not be enough to stop the horror-or the unending slaughter...

Storm Kissed by Jessica Andersen

Paperback: 480 pages

Publisher: Signet

Language: English

When sexy Nightkeeper Dez goes rogue, the bounty hunter enlisted to catch him is Reese, his former lover. The sexual energy between them is hotter than ever-but the life-and-death stakes attached to the chase may pull them apart for good.

Forgotten Sea by Virginia Kantra

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN-10: 0425241831

Fallen angel Lara Rho is desperate to prove herself a seeker by rescuing the restless sailor Justin Miller. He's no angel, but she is irresistibly drawn to him-and is soon drawn into an adventure of danger and discovery.