Covet Feature Author: Abby Niles
As many of you may know, I'm a Publicist for Entangled Publishing, and I'm a huge paranormal fan. So, I'm so excited that we have launched our new Paranormal Romance line, Covet!! Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about our launch titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow us on Twitter, and LIKE our Facebook page.
Over the next several weeks I'll be featuring our authors from this fabulous new line as they each tell us about their top 5 favorite paranormal characters. Today's guest is Abby Niles. Please join me in welcoming Abby and celebrating her new release!
I’m really drawn to the paranormal genre. I always have been. It doesn’t matter if it’s magic, vampires or shifters, if I see that a TV show, movie or book has a paranormal edge, you’ve caught my attention and I’m willing to give it a try. Not everything works for me, but there are some characters that I fall in love with and not always in the I-want-to-have-your-baby way. I fall in love with the complexity of the character. My list of favorite paranormal characters is actually way more than just five. I can list five vampires alone that are my favorite, so I decided to pick and choose. I’ll start with my favorite, favorite.
Damon Salvatore
 |
| Source |
*Drool* The yummy older brother from The Vampire Diaries, which is also my favorite show on TV right now. Damon came into the show just bad. That first season I was iffy on him. You had Stefan, the wholesome younger brother who thought rationally, was sweet and thoughtful. Damon was the opposite. He acted before thinking, was cocky as all get-out, and really didn’t care what anyone thought about him, because he didn’t like anyone. In the second season his character grew. Yes, he was still cocky and reacted before thinking and he still did some very horrible things, but you started to realize that even though he was like that, Damon was loyal, would do anything to protect the people he cared the most about, and he became a whole lotta hot for me!
Klaus
 |
| Source |
He’s also from The Vampire Diaries, and unlike Damon, Klaus isn’t bad, he’s downright evil. He lacks remorse and emotions, has a superiority complex that makes him constantly show everyone around him that he is the original vampire and he’ll do what he wants. He kills without care. Staked his sister and brothers and kept them in a box for centuries. (You can’t kill an original with a regular stake, but you can put them out of commission for as long as the stake stays buried in them). He makes Damon seem like a playful puppy in comparison. Yet, I’m still drawn to him. He has these moments, especially with Caroline, where you can see just how lonely he is. Anyone watch the pilot for “The Orginals.” It’s a spin-off from The Vampire Diaries that will start this fall. I loved it! My favorite scene was him standing with that bartender as they watched a painter, and the bartender was saying how she believed the painter was expressing his loneliness and how much he wanted to be part of a family. The sheen of tears in Klaus’ eyes? Oh. My. God. Right there, that moment, was exactly why I’m fascinated with Klaus.
Rumplestiltskin
 |
| Source |
Are you seeing a pattern yet? When I first started watching Once Upon A Time, I was all about Charming. He was the good guy, fought against the evil queen and fought to win Snow White. I loved that. But the thing is, once he got the girl, there really wasn’t anything left to tell, and he’s faded into the background this season. Why? Really because when it comes down to it, he’s a one-dimensional character. All good and no bad. Who stepped up to the plate for me? Mr. Gold. i.e. Rumplestiltskin. I’ve been watching the series from day one, and I’ve finally had to admit, when it comes to the paranormal, I like the characters who come across unredeemable, who do things that are horrible in their paranormal world. BUT just when you think they’ve gone too far, you see a flash of good in them. Those moments makes them so complex and deep. Regina (i.e. the evil queen) is another example of that.
Jericho Barrons
The entire time I read Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series I was trying to figure out what the heck Jericho Barrons was. I kept guessing, and then something would happen that made me go, uh no, he can’t be that. The mystery and danger that surrounded him was positively enthralling. I loved trying to figure it out, and when it was finally revealed? Wow.
Grimm Roderick
The man who was terrified of the blood-lusting Berserker who lived inside him. I loved Grimm from Karen Marie Moning’s To Tame a Highland Warrior. He was a man completely besotted with the heroine, had known her for years, but refused to show his feeling for her because he was certain the berserker would one day hurt her. I loved Grimm’s struggle. Seeing how much he loved Jillian, how much he wanted to be with her. Then berserkergang would seize him, and that love switched to terror at the violent creature that emerged and what it was capable of. One of my favorite books. Who are some of your favorite paranormal characters?
Katie, thanks so much for having me on A Book Obsession today!!
Abby
Thanks Abby! Love the choices. Le sigh on Damon Salvatore. I loved him from the very first time he walked on TVD. Stefan who?? Also Barrens, he's every woman's naughty pleasure. To spend a whole day with him? *fans self*
Author Info:
In her late twenties, after having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. Next thing she knew, she was actually submitting to publishing houses. And was immediately rejected. That didn’t stop her though. She found herself some kickass critique partners, honed her craft, and continued submitting.
And eventually sold a short story, then a novella, then a novel, and now a series.
Today, she juggles work, home life, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?
In her downtime, which isn’t often, you can find her playing ‘Just Dance’ with her kids or trying to catch up on her never-ending to-be-read list. She also loves Zumba, and refuses to admit she looks more like Animal doing his Muppet flail than a sensual Latin dancer.
Find Abby online:
Book Info:
Is the gift of eternal love a blessing or a curse?
After years of counseling grieving shifters, psychiatrist and half-shifter, Dr. Jaylin Avgar has become jaded on shifter mating. She wants to marry a human and forget about the love for eternity crap. Then she meets Aidan O’Connell, an infuriatingly laid back shifter who represents everything she doesn’t want. Yet, the more he pursues her, the more she craves a future with him. Only one thing stands in her way: death. Can she overcome her fear of losing Aidan to the one guarantee in life?
Millionaire consultant, Aidan O’Connell knows he’ll one day meet a woman who’ll awaken an unrelenting mating instinct. Unfortunately, that woman is Jaylin, who has no qualms about telling him that he and his so-called eternity can shove it. When she pushes him away, he takes a drastic step so she can no longer escape. The close proximity throws the instinct into overdrive. Can he control the need engrained in him until he’s certain she will reciprocate the bond, or will a moment of weakness doom him to hell on earth?
Kirsten Reviews: The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint
The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint, Illustrated by Charles Vess
The magic is all around you, if only you open your eyes....
Lillian Kindred spends her days exploring the Tanglewood Forest, a magical, rolling wilderness that she imagines to be full of fairies. The trouble is, Lillian has never seen a wisp of magic in her hills--until the day the cats of the forest save her life by transforming her into a kitten. Now Lillian must set out on a perilous adventure that will lead her through untamed lands of fabled creatures--from Old Mother Possum to the fearsome Bear People--to find a way to make things right.
In this whimsical, original folktale written and illustrated throughout in vibrant full color by two celebrated masters of modern fantasy, a young girl's journey becomes an enchanting coming-of-age story about magic, friendship, and the courage to shape one's own destiny.
While The Cats of Tanglewood Forest is intended for a younger audience, anyone who likes fairy tales and folklore, or animals will find something they enjoy in this story. The book, written by by Charles de Lint and illustrated by Charles Vess is a wonderful blending of story and illustrations, and is a pleasure to read and peruse.
The appeal of fairytales is both in the fantastic elements, as well as the way that they can tell one story, and teach a lesson at the same time.
The protagonist of the book is a young girl named Lillian, who begins her adventure in the woods behind her aunt’s farm after following a deer into the woods. Along the way, Lillian meets a number of interesting creatures, and also finds out what happens when a person makes choices, how the results affect others, and the need to correct mistakes and right wrongs.
Lillian doesn’t just go on a journey as a young girl; after being bitten by a snake and rescued by the stray cats that she has been feeding, she also takes on a cat form, and even has animal companions that help her. One of these is a fox that is mischievous, but a good guide. Along the way, Lillian needs the help of Old Mother Possum, and learns that asking for something and getting what you want are two different things, and everything has a cost.
The pairing of Vess’ art and de Lint’s writing are a wonderful combination, and while the story is interesting, it’s the illustrations that truly complete it. The other thing that really makes the story stand out, and feel like it’s not completely unfamiliar, but has that edge of ‘just outside of reality’ that all fairytales and folklore have is the setting. Woods have always been great settings for stories, and this one gives Lillian a world to explore, and one that she can continue to learn about, even if she’s not having adventures with the animals. In its own way, the woods and other places that Lillian explores are their own characters, just as important to the plot as anything else.
(Received a copy from the publisher)
Rating:
Order Links:
Other Reviews:
Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (28)
Welcome to the Let’s Talk weekly discussion meme!
Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.
This week's question:
Do you take advantage of Freebies? or Do you think Freebies are a good selling tool for authors and publishers? (Thanks, Shirley/Creative Deeds)
If by freebies, you mean Swag and other stuff? Then yep sure, I love cool STUFF just as much as the next gal. I have a spot on my bookshelf that's getting ridiculously full from all the swag, etc.
If you mean freebie promotions on ebooks, then HELL yeah! I love getting free books. I mean who doesn't, especially since you aren't out any money if the book is just terrible for you. You can just move on to the next without wasting anything other than a bit of time. But honestly and time spent reading, even on a bad book isn't time wasted to me.
And yes I do thing they are a good selling tool for authors who have more than one book out. If they offer the first book in the series for free, then tons of people will download it that might not of otherwise. Many will fall in love with the story and wind up purchasing the rest. It also works for stand alones, because if you enjoyed the book, then you'll want to check out the rest of the author's books.
How about you? Do you stalk Amazon for the free book promotions or does the weeding through to find the gems make you leery?
Early Review: A Witch's Handbook to Kisses and Curses by Molly Harper
A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses by Molly Harper
Half-Moon Hollow #3
Complication One: Her grandfather was Mr. Wainwright and the artifacts are lost somewhere in what is now Jane Jameson's book shop.
Complication Two: her new neighbor, Jed Trudeau, who keeps turning up half naked at the strangest times, a distraction Nola doesn't need. And teaming up with a real-life Adonis is as dangerous as it sounds, especially when he’s got the face of an angel and the abs of a washboard—can Nola complete her mission before falling completely under his spell?
Nola Leary would like nothing more than to stay in Ireland working at her family's clinic, but after giving her promise to her grandmother on her deathbed, she finds herself travelling to Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky. She needs to find four artifacts that were given to her grandfather who she's never met before her family loses their magic. Problem is that her grandfather has passed away and no one knows where the artifacts are now. Even worse, her sexy neighbor is serving as a terrible distraction. She's got a someone back home so she doesn't need the complication of his constant lack of shirt and washboard abs. Avoiding him may not be easy but if she's to have any hope at saving her family's magic she'll have to. Thank goodness this witch has more than a few things up her sleeve.
I really love Nola's character. Her entire world had been turned upside down and she's been set upon this seemingly impossible task that brings up personal issues for her, and yet she stays determined to do what it takes to save her family's magic, no matter the personal cost. She's also hit with countless roadblocks along the way, but she stays strong throughout, only further endearing her to me. Speaking of roadblocks, one of them is in the form of her oh so sexy and distracting neighbor, Jed. I really loved watching the pull and play as she was determined not to fall for him, because A, she has someone back home (even though their relationship is rocky at best) and B, she's determined to find the artificial and get back home as soon as she can. There just isn't time for monkey business. Or so she thought. It doesn't take long for his charms to start wearing her down, and I have to say I was glad for it. The dynamic between them was really steamy, which I loved, but it was also really sweet, making it rather refreshing honestly. I love a good sexy story just as much as the next gal, but sometimes it is nice to see the sweeter side mixed in as well, and these two really fit the bill.
As much as I loved the previous spin off book it was a bit sad for me to part from Jane and company, so I was really happy to see them play a much larger role this time around. They are such a crazy, kooky, and rather rowdy bunch, but they are fiercely loyal to each other. Since they quickly accepted Nola into their fold, this allowed this dynamic come right back into play. Trust me, if you want to have half a chance at surviving Half-Moon Hollow you'll need to get on this group's good side pronto. Of course being accepted into that family also means you will be mercilessly tormented and teased at every available moment, but hey that's what family is for right? I especially loved Andrea's consequence at losing a bet. Priceless. There are so many more hilarious moments that I could share, but I'll let you experience them for yourselves.
In true Molly Harper style, A WITCH'S HANDBOOK OF KISSES AND CURSES had more laugh out loud moments than not. I cannot count the number of times I received funny looks from my family as I would burst out laughing while reading this book, but it was completely worth it. If you are looking for a fun, light hearted paranormal read, then A WITCH'S HANDBOOK OF KISSES AND CURSES is perfect for you.
(Received a copy from the publisher via Edelweiss)
Rating:
Pre-order:
Other Reviews:
Previous Books:
- Driving Mr. Dead
- The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
(Review post Sample)
Moonglow by Michael Griffo
The Darkborn Legacy #1
The Darkborn Legacy #1
Something strange is going on with Dominy Robineau. All her friends in Weeping Water, Nebraska, have noticed—and it’s way beyond teenage blues. As weeks pass, Dom grows consumed by anger, aggression, and violence, and she seems powerless to stop it. Then she turns sixteen, and things get really dangerous.
When her best friend is murdered, Dominy’s father is compelled to reveal the truth behind the darkness that threatens to both overtake and empower her. Her boyfriend, Caleb, swears they’ll find a way to change her destiny. But others are hiding secrets too, and gifts that are far more terrifying than hers. And even as she struggles to control her new abilities, Dom must contend with an enemy who wants her to use the beast within to destroy all those she loves, before she destroys herself…
Dominy's been going through some very unsettling changes lately. She's quick to anger and violence has become like a second nature and it's only getting worse. Then on the night she turn sixteen the unspeakable happens and her life is forever changed and her father finally reveals the truth behind what has been happening to her. The answer is more shocking and unbelievable than she ever could have imagined. Suddenly life becomes centered around the mystical and everything holds more questions than answers. With limited time, Dominy must learn to control herself before her darkside consumes her and everyone around her.
While the characters in MOONGLOW weren't completely flat and two dimensional, I can't really say that they were three dimensional either. I mean there was romance, but I definitely didn't feel anything about it as it was just kind of laid out there. Honestly, the only character who had any depth at all was Dominy's best friend, Jess, and she gets killed off in the very beginning. In fact the entire time I was reading this book, I couldn't really figure out the characters' motivations for anything they were doing. So, I was rather blaze about their whole plight. At least that was something happened later in the book that absolutely appalled me to the point where I literally disgusted with Dominy. She made an absolutely inexcusably selfish decision that came back to bite her in the butt anyway. To be honest I felt that she deserved the negative turn of events, and honestly when you start wishing ill towards the main characters, it really shows the lack of connection.
Considering the length of this book I really very surprised that things weren't developed more than they were. In fact more time was spent on lengthy descriptions rather than really developing the plot or characters. The "big bad" was one of those in your face evils, yet the reasoning behind that evil was completely unsatisfying. In fact the whole circumstances surrounding the issues with Dominy really felt like they were just slapped together without any real cement to bind it all together. For a book to be really enjoyable for me, it has to have both strong characters and a well developed mythology/plot. Unfortunately MOONGLOW fell short in both of those categories.
As I look back over this review, I realize that I didn't really have anything positive to say about the story. It wasn't that MOONGLOW was a terrible book, it just had a really hard time keeping my attention due to the issues I talked about above. In fact, because of those problems, I found myself skimming more often than not as I tried to find anything that would grab my attention. But unfortunately those moments were far and few between. All in all MOONGLOW was a rather mediocre read for me as there just wasn't anything memorable about it. I highly doubt I'll be continuing on with this series. Perhaps this book will appeal more to others, but for me it's a pass.
(Received a copy from the publisher)
Rating:
Pre-order:
Other Reviews:
(Post With Blockquote Sample)
(BOOK BIRTHDAYS IMAGE)
Blood Oranges by Caitlin R. Kiernan
My name’s Quinn. If you buy into my reputation, I’m the most notorious demon hunter in New England. But rumors of my badassery have been slightly exaggerated. Instead of having kung-fu skills and a closet full of medieval weapons, I’m an ex-junkie with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time. Or the right place at the wrong time. Or…whatever. Wanted for crimes against inhumanity I (mostly) didn’t commit, I was nearly a midnight snack for a werewolf until I was “saved” by a vampire calling itself the Bride of Quiet. Already cursed by a werewolf bite, the vamp took a pint out of me too. So now…now, well, you wouldn’t think it could get worse, but you’d be dead wrong.
Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons
Article 5 #2
The second installment in Kristen Simmons's fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series.
After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.
Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….
Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.
Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.
With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?
Crash by Lisa McMann
Visions #1
If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. The suspenseful first of four books from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.
Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.
What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.
The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.
In this riveting start to a gripping series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act—and act fast—to keep her vision from becoming reality.
House Rules by Chloe NeillChicagoland Vampires #7
In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.
At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.
It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.
Hunting Daylight by Piper Maitland
Acquainted With the Night #2
Out of the shadows...
For more than a decade, Caro Barrett has had doubts about the death of her husband, who disappeared while looking for a tribe of day-walking vampires in an African rainforest. Now, their daughter is struggling through her teenage years without a father. Waiting in the wings is an ancient vampire ready to possess Caro's heart--and to protect them both from harm. And, with her husband declared legally dead, Caro feels it is finally time to move on...
A hemisphere away in a windowless compound, an Ottoman vampire lies dying from a rare blood disease, which has made him vulnerable to the faintest bit of light. Yet he is determined to vanquish its power over him--to feel the sun on his face one last time. And in Caro's darkest fears he will be lifted into the light of day...
Soulbound by Tessa AdamsLone Star Witch #1
As the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter—and a member of Ipswitch’s Royal family—Xandra Morgan should be a witch of incredible power. But things don’t always turn out like you expect…
While she hasn’t lived up to her family’s expectations, Xandra has come to terms with her latent magic and made a life for herself in Austin, Texas, running a coffee shop where she makes potions of a non-magical nature. While things aren’t perfect, Xandra is happy—until she runs into powerful warlock Declan Chumomisto.
Xandra hasn’t seen Declan in years, and though she’s still overwhelmed by his power, she doesn’t trust him. And when her own powers awaken one night and lead her to the body of a woman in the woods bearing the symbol of Isis—the same one that has marked Xandra since the day she met Declan—she’s filled with a terrible suspicion, soon confirmed: the woman is connected to him.
Xandra doesn’t want to believe that Declan is capable of murder, but as the body count mounts, and Xandra’s own powers spiral out of control, she’s not sure she can trust her own instincts…
Stolen Nights by Rebecca MaizelVampire Queen #2
Lenah Beaudonte should be dead. But having sacrificed herself to save another, she finds herself awakening with strange powers that are neither vampire nor human—and a new enemy on her trail. In her vampire life, Lenah had thought that being human was all she ever wanted; but the human heart suffers pain, heartbreak and loss.
With her new powers growing and the dark force of the Nex after her soul, Lenah faces a choice: between the mortal love of gorgeous Justin, whose passion fed her human soul, and taking a different path to become the mistress of her own destiny, wherever that may lead...
Amazon The Book Depository
Under the Gun by Hannah Jayne
Underworld Detection Agency #4
When you’re near the top of the Underworld Detection Agency, the claws really come out…
Quick thinking and loyalty have taken human Sophie Lawson a long way in the UDA—along with a healthy dose of magic immunity. But when her old boss Pete Sampson asks for help after a mysterious two-year disappearance, she’s determined to find out what high-placed demon has put two ruthless werewolf killers on his tail. Of course, sucking up to her icy vampire department head and negotiating a treacherous inter-office demon battle are the kind of workplace politics that could easily get a “breather” way worse than reprimanded. And sexy fallen angel Alex is doing whatever it takes to heat up Sophie’s professional cool and raise feelings she’s done her best to bury. Too bad their investigation is about to uncover the Agency’s darkest secrets…and powerful entities happy to sign one inquisitive human’s pink slip in blood…
Amazon The Book Depository
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me #2
tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.
Amazon The Book Depository
(NEW SIGNATURE)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
.jpg)
