Blog Blitz & Giveaway: Death Watch by Annie Anderson

Death Watch
Annie Anderson
(Soul Reader #2)
Publication date: April 27th 2021
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

A prison break, a secret admirer, and a boatload of lies.
Just about everything Sloane Cabot knows about her past is a big old pile of malarkey. Couple that with the blank spot of how her family died, and she needs answers, like, yesterday.

But when a man shows up dead on her family’s grave, she knows it somehow has to be tied to that fateful night a year ago.

Too bad you can’t question the dead… or can you?

Goodreads / Amazon / Bookbub

—

EXCERPT:

A pair of guards opened the giant doors, bowing at Thomas as he guided me through. It was an actual struggle not to freeze at the entrance and stare. But man, did I want to. This place—while definitely what I would consider on-brand for a vamp nest—was one of the most magnificent buildings I’d ever been in. I wasn’t particularly interested in other churches, but this cathedral was just a beauty. A gallery of pews sat to the left and right of a wide aisle that led to a raised dais. Vampires filled the seats, dressed similarly to Thomas and me, their voices a low buzz of conversation. More people were sitting in the upper gallery, their opulent gowns and sharp tuxedos a happy reminder that Thomas had my back. Had I walked in here with leather pants and a whip on my hip, I had a feeling I would have been just a touch out of place.

Thomas continued his leading, guiding me down the aisle toward a stunningly severe woman sitting on what appeared to be a throne. Skin paler than death, eyes vamped out in a way that seemed permanent, and painted lips the color of blood, she was the most beautiful and yet most frightening woman I’d ever seen. Dark hair was piled on her head in purposefully haphazard curls, a few tendrils snaking out of the complicated up-do to artfully caress her neck. She wore a brilliant green gown that was so simple, and yet so achingly complex, it had to have cost a fortune.

We reached the end of the aisle, and Thomas bowed his head slightly. I copied him, wishing I would have received an etiquette lesson on the hour-long drive here. All I’d gotten was Thomas’ clenched jaw and silence.

“You have some nerve,” a woman growled, drawing my gaze from what had to be the queen of this nest to her right.

I quickly realized that the voice did not belong to a woman at all but a child. Pale-blonde hair and blue eyes were set in an elfin face of a vampire who had likely been no more than ten when she was turned. And that had to have been centuries ago. This little whisp of a “girl”—and I use that word lightly—had the look of a being older than dirt. Dressed in a black lace confection appropriate for a child beauty queen, she stood from her chair.

She then launched herself at Thomas.

I couldn’t exactly say why I did it. I mean, she had me by centuries, and Thomas could take care of himself. But as soon as her feet left the dais, I had the knife Clem had given me yanked from its sheath and was in front of the man in an instant.

Thomas owed me, not the other way around, but he’d been kind to me when I’d needed it, and I wouldn’t let him get attacked. No way, no how.

It was as if everyone froze. Conversations halted, guards stood stock-still, and even this slip of a thing stood arrested at the end of my blade, which was poised at her throat.

To this tiny—but by no means less deadly—vampire at the point of my knife, I said, “Settle down there, Blondie, or we’re going to have a problem.”

I had a feeling we probably already had one.

My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Ghosts, Heart-Wrenching, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Witches--

Sloane has no idea where her life is going, but when she ends up touching a cursed item things get even worse for her- looking like a skeleton will not make blending in to the regualr paranormal world any easier than it currently has. Trying to keep her head down does not seem to be working out for her so she might as well take out some enemies while everyone finds out her secrets. But some secrets she can't hide from, in fact they are coming for her.

Consider my mind blown since here I was, minding my own business, reading this book super content like, when BAM! I realize that this Soul Reader world and the world from the Grave Talker series meet in the most serious of ways! I had no idea this was going to happen (even though there had been references to a certain murdery soul stealer in book 2 of the grave talker series and some characters I should have picked up on) I just never saw it coming. That being said, I am on a countdown for a cross over, which has to happen soonish or my head might explode. This was super exciting to put together and I need more asap.

Keep in mind that both series (up to book 2 in each since that is all that is currently out) are independent series and do not need to be read together to enjoy- but I highly recommend reading both because something epic is on the way!

Ok, enough said so I don't spew all the spoilers I want to discuss, just know that this was intense. Overall this was a fantastic, super fast-paced read that I blew through in a day since I did not want it to put it down. There was tons of action, a lot of twists, paranormal elements as well as a surprisingly sweet romance. I can only guess what the next book will hold but count me in as soon as it is available!

Author Bio:

Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart, but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving her family around, she'll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a nomad with her husband, two daughters, an old man of a dog, and a young pup that makes life... interesting.

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Blog Blitz & Giveaway: Dead and Gone (Grave Talker #2) by Annie Anderson

Dead and Gone
Annie Anderson
(Grave Talker #2)
Publication date: February 23rd 2021
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

There are few things worse than being on the Arcane Bureau of Investigation’s naughty list.

To keep myself out of hot water, I’ve made a deal with the devil—using my skills as a grave talker to help the ABI solve some very cold cases.

But there is something mighty amiss in this task—especially when quite a few of these cases lead me right back to my home town of Haunted Peak and the secrets buried there.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Out less than a minute and already talking to spirits and punching ghosts. Way to go, Adler.”

That smooth voice did not belong to my best friend, J. Oh, no. I wasn’t that lucky. The big hunk of man-meat Siobhan had been talking about was not my partner, but the death mage ABI agent who’d simultaneously saved my bacon and torched it.

I swung my head to face Bishop La Roux, straightening my shoulders like I was going to have to punch him, too.

Dressed in a criminally hot pair of jeans and a T-shirt that should be illegal in at least five states, Bishop held out a bag with a very familiar logo on it like he was warding off a lion. Ignoring his messy hair and scruffy beard, I met his coal-dark eyes with suspicion. But instead of punching him like I had Hildy, I snatched the Si Señor bag from his hands, opened it, and dug in. The prison fare was a step above cat food, in my opinion, and just the thought of that yummy bit of heaven made my mouth water.

“Good to see tacos still work,” he said, chuckling. “You need a ride home?”

The last time he’d needed to bribe me, he’d done it with these tacos. Good god in heaven, I was a pushover. I ignored the ridiculously hot man in favor of unwrapping a taco one-handed and shoving an end in my mouth. My teeth crunched into the blissfully crispy half-steak, half-pork taco, and my eyes rolled back in my head.

“Maybe,” I said around a mouthful of food. If he were any other man, I might have felt weird about my rudeness, but just like Hildy, Bishop was on thin ice. Though, tacos were an excellent way to strengthen his footing.

That taco was gone in another two bites, and I swallowed the yumminess before continuing, “How’d you hear about me getting out? Even I didn’t know until today.”

Bishop gave me a sly smile. “A little birdy told me.”

“I suppose you could give me a ride if you don’t have anything better to do,” I conceded, my tone only mildly petulant.

“No, Adler,” Bishop said, his voice a hell of a lot closer than it had been a few seconds ago. I whipped my head back to find him solidly in my space. “I don’t have anywhere else I want to be.”

Well, okay then.

My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Ghosts, Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Witches--

Darby has spent the last 9 months locked away in a supernatural prison, being poked and prodded, just so that her friends and family could be safe- from her mother, of all people. When she is finally released, it is with the caveat that she must now work for the supernatural investigation team and solve cold cases for her previously mentioned evil mother. And this is where Darby's day goes from bad to worse...

Whereas the first book was nonstop action with just a few details revealed, this sequel was more a slow pace with tons of secrets and big bombshells being dropped along the way- along with multiple murder cases and mysteries to solve too. It feels like this book is setting up more to come in a future story- and do not start here, make sure to read the first book or you will be ever so confused!

I really liked this super complicated, detailed urban fantasy world- it has so many types of supernatural creatures and interactions yet plays them in a completely new and unique way to keep me guessing and engaged. And while Darby is the main character and this is her story, the side characters are real and complete people themselves, making them just as crucial to the story (and I adore the relationship dynamic between everyone- Except Darby's mom, she just might be the devil). Overall this is a great series to get lost in for reader who likes urban fantasy or police crime procedurals/ murder mysteries- with sassy main characters.

Author Bio:

Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart, but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving her family around, she'll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a nomad with her husband, two daughters, an old man of a dog, and a young pup that makes life... interesting.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Keeper Witches Series by Kristy Centeno

Keeper of Lost Souls

Keeper Witches: Book One

Bryn has survived high school bullies.

She’s fought demons and won.

She’s even learned to coexist with the permanent haunt of one of her arch enemies.

But she’s never had to contend with a boy she was attracted too.

Much less one that was dead.

When Johnny Zhao’s name pops up in her list of charges Bryn doesn’t think much of him. Until their first meeting ends in near disaster.

It doesn’t take long for her to realize Johnny isn’t a conventional soul in need. He’s much more powerful than any she’s seen before. He’s a coveted target, one that has much to offer demons.

Protecting him becomes a priority, one she takes very seriously.

Now if only she could convince him that he needs her help before his adversaries return to claim what they failed to collect the first time around.

Goodreads | Amazon | Apple | B&N | Kobo

My Review:

3.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Ghosts, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense--

I highly recommend reading the novella Crossed before starting Keeper of Lost Souls. It is the perfect introduction into Bryn and her life (and how she got a ghost roommate)- as well as how awesome and formidable she is. Yes, you can read this with out Crossed since this story started a new mission for Bryn, but don't miss out on the chance to see Bryn in action.

This was told in dual narration,alternating at chapters. We have Bryn, the brand new Keeper witch who is trying her best to deal with her real life insecurities as well as her supernatural duties of protecting souls. And then there is Johnny, one of Bryn's charges who is a protector in his own right but just so happens to be dead, but his mission is just as important. It was fun watching them butt heads, both strong personalities and set in their ways, it was fun watching them come together to fight against a bigger evil than could have been predicted.

The world building the author created was really cool, completely unique to any other supernatural series I have encountered before. There are different kinds of witches, all with their own skills and powers, tasked with missions to either battle or protect. And then there are Keeper witches who are basically guardians for souls who have not moved on, and they need to be able to spiritually guide the soul as well as be a fighter to protect the soul. There were all kinds of demons in the book too, enemies that the witches needed to stop. The story had so much action and battles that really helped to keep the plot moving forward as well as fill the story with excitement.

Overall this was an interesting story that I think is perfect for people who like witches, action, all kinds of supernatural and romance. I feel like there will be more books to come because Brynn is just starting her Keeper life so be ready for more!

-------------------------------------------------

Catch up on Keeper Witches Series

Crossed

Keeper Witches Book 0.5

by Kristy Centeno

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Bryn McCaskey lived by simple rules: kill demons, never use magic against school bullies, and avoid running her mouth in front of her Grams.

It all seemed easy enough to follow.

Until Rhyzel Connor rolled into her life.

Suddenly everything she thought she knew about demons is put to the test as she finds herself teaming up with the most unusual of teammates to save a fellow witch from a hit.

Only problem is she doesn’t know how trustworthy Rhyzel is.

When magic is involved a good outcome isn’t always guaranteed and Bryn will have to put her neck on the line to get to the bottom of the well, even if it means unmasking Rhyzel and everything he stands for in an attempt to solve the biggest mystery she’s ever come across.

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Kristy Centeno loves to spin tales of creatures that go bump in the night, with a sprinkle of romance to top them off. Her passion for writing stems from a lifelong enjoyment of reading and the pleasure derived from the magical worlds created by authors like her. She prefers her female leads strong, independent, and stubborn who will stop at nothing to save their loved ones and protect those they care for.

Kristy currently resides in Pennsylvania with her five kids, a quartet of noisy parakeets, and a spoiled puppy. When she’s not working or writing, she juggles her free time between raising a handful of minions and pursuing other career goals.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Shadow Magic (Macabre Academy Book 1) by Sherry J. Soule

Book Blurb:

Shadow Magic

Macabre Academy Book 1

by Sherry Soule

Genre: Paranormal Mystery Romance

Ghost summoning? No biggie. Raising the dead? Bring it on. Solving my sister’s sudden disappearance? A bit more complicated…

I’m Serena LeStrange, a necromancer who prefers to hide her freakishly fabulous skills from others. Only my sister makes me feel less of a weirdo, so when she mysteriously vanishes from college, I enroll at Macabre Academy to start my own investigation.

Except this is no ordinary school for the magically inclined, it’s home to all monsters—even the most dangerous ones. And after meeting an incredibly gorgeous vampire and a sinfully hot reaper, I find myself entangled in a passionate, yet forbidden, flirtation. To complicate matters, I get stuck with a ghostly genie sidekick and suspect a sinister sorority of misdeeds.

But to solve the mystery, I’ll need all the help I can get. Someone at Macabre knows what happened to my sister, and I won’t stop until I dig up the truth.

Unfortunately, some dark secrets prefer to stay buried.

Do you enjoy not-so-cozy paranormal mysteries, slow burn romances, and unconventional heroines?

Welcome to Macabre Academy, the first spellbinding book in a paranormal mystery romance trilogy!

PG-13: *No F-bombs, sex (slow burn), or graphic violence, but there are steamy kisses.

Heroine: A quirky supernatural Nancy Drew.

Premise: An older university-age paranormal academy series with mystery and light humor.

Goodreads * Amazon

My Review:

3.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Ghosts, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Zombies--

I found Shadow Magic to be an interesting play on the Magical Academy genre, with older characters in their later 20s instead of the younger age group (18ish year olds) I am use to. I did have some questions about why the new college students were so old, and the only reason I can deduce is that the supernaturals live hundreds of years so maybe they start college later and/or mature later. There was a lot of tongue in cheek type humor in the story, especially when pertaining to the names of the characters and creatures, and the plot moved along at a nice pace. My favorite part of the story was the world building which was so huge and detailed, with all kinds of paranormal kinds represented as well as layers of society and politics I appreciated.

This book had a basically impossible love triangle in it. There was Dante, the Grim Reaper, who was a sharp dresser and understood the loneliness that lived in Serena's soul. And then there was Blake, the Vampire player frat boy who wants to have fun with Serena but knows she is lying to him. Basically both relationships are doomed from the start since both guys admit that they can't date outside their species, but I really really love a certain sweet, broody reaper and hope for them to defy the odds and have an epic romance!

The main mystery Serena is investigating is basically resolved, but the ending has a shocking twist that the next book in the series will need to resolve. This is the perfect series for anyone looking to read an action packed supernatural academy read with every kind of paranormal creature possible, lots of drama and a touch of mystery (and maybe the next book will have more romance!).

Author Bio:

Sherry Soule is a Multi-Genre Author, who lives in Northern California with her family and two spoiled rescue cats. She likes to surround herself with positive people and reads daily.

Sherry writes exciting tales of passionate romance, epic drama, and thrilling suspense. Many of her books have been on the Amazon bestseller lists and nominated as top picks in the "Best Paranormal Romance" categories on numerous review sites.

Subscribe to Sherry's newsletter to get a free eBook: https://bit.ly/37Jpl8T

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Dark In-Between by Elizabeth Hrib

The Dark In-Between
Elizabeth Hrib
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: May 5th 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Action-packed and emotionally powerful like big- and small-screen hits such as The Sixth Sense and Supernatural, The Dark In-Between by Elizabeth Hrib is sure to stay with you long after the lights go out.

Something lurks in the shadows between life and death.

A terrible accident brings sixteen-year-old Casey Everett’s life to a halt—literally. Pulled from the water, Casey is rushed to the hospital and miraculously revived. But her sudden return to the living is shadowed by the drowning of her best friend, Liddy.

Overcome with grief, Casey returns home for the summer only to find the memories of the accident won’t let her go. Shadow-drenched nightmares. Whispers in the back of her mind. Her friend’s screams. Casey thinks she’s losing it… until she watches a boy fall from the sky.

Red—an angel fallen to earth to regain his wings—takes her to Limbo, a place that exists somewhere between the living and the dead. Now, in order to save her best friend, Casey must learn to walk these mysterious and dangerous paths or else risk losing Liddy’s trapped soul to something worse than death.

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My Review:

3.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Another-World, Ghosts, Scary, Supernatural, Suspense, Teen--

Casey is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her best friend, overwhelmed with guilt that the accident was her fault. When a boy falls from the sky in front of her and claims to be an angel, Casey has no idea what is going on. It seems that something happened to Casey during the accident and now her friend's soul is trapped, with only Casey to hear her cries.

I was pretty certain that this was going to be a forbidden romance between a certain elusive fallen angel (who was always hungry) and an angsty depressed girl when I was just a few chapters into the story but I was happy to be proven wrong. Instead they were reluctant partners in a battle to reach a life or death goal. That being said, there was a touch of romance in the story that I was completely behind. I loved the relationship dynamic between Casey and her other best friend Evan, he was the happiness and love that she never knew she needed.

Overall this was a really interesting concept about life and death and moving on, filled with some scary encounters and a lot of heartbreak. I am also a fan of the fact this is a standalone read so you don't have to wait for another book to continue. If you are looking for an emotional read with angels, lost souls and learning to forgive yourself, then this is the perfect option. This would be the good next read for fans of the Hush Hush series or The Fallen series by Lauren Kate.

Author Bio:

Elizabeth Hrib was born and raised in London, Ontario where she studied nursing at Western University. She now calls the East Coast home, where she works as a nurse in Halifax. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found at the piano, planning her next Netflix binge, or attempting to keep her small, windowsill garden alive.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: A Feast of Phantoms (Lingua Magika #1) by Kat Ross

A Feast of Phantoms
Kat Ross
(Lingua Magika, #1)
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: February 18th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Steampunk

Lingua Magika is Kat’s latest series, a fast-paced Western steampunk fantasy with a dash of romance and adventure! A Feast of Phantoms is Book #1, with at least two more to follow.

THE JOB

It was supposed to be simple.

Help Marshal Sebastian Hardin escort his prisoner one stop on the railway to Charter Oak.

Just one stop.

But when that prisoner is a savant who talks to ghosts, even the simplest plans have a way of falling apart.

THE LAW

Sheriff’s Deputy Ruth Cortez always does the right thing. Lucky Boy is a company town, dependent on the rich and powerful Carnarvon family. Besides which, the charismatic Sebastian Hardin isn’t an easy man to say no to. When his transport derails in the middle of the prairie, Ruth begins a relentless manhunt that leads straight into the dark heart of the Carnarvon empire.

THE FUGITIVE

Lee Merriweather favors sharp suits and fast trains – especially when he’s stealing them. At the ripe old age of 18, he’s managed to become the most wanted criminal in three territories. Lee can’t resist playing cat and mouse with a small-town deputy, but what starts as a game becomes deadly serious.

THE FIXER

Sebastian Hardin is the Carnarvons’ right hand, loyal to the death and willing to keep any secret to protect the family. They want Lee alive, but with the young savant’s disturbing abilities it won’t be an easy proposition. Whoever catches Lee gets the keys to the kingdom and the Carnarvons aren’t the only ones hunting him down. Sebastian has enough problems without falling for Deputy Cortez – but you can’t always choose who you love.

THE PHANTOMS

They terrorized the settlers until Calindra Carnarvon learned to speak their language. Her empire relies on controlling their telekinetic powers, but Lee Merriweather could destroy it all. And not even Lee suspects the shocking truth of the phantoms’ real nature.

Goodreads / Amazon

My Review:

4.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Another-World, Ghosts, Scary, Steampunk, Supernatural--

The story is narrated by Ruth, the most morally grounded character that I think I have ever met. There is no gray with this woman, only black and white and you will always find her on the true and moral side. I really enjoyed getting to know her and see how she reacts in every situation, how she chooses her actions with her calm demeanor and no frills attitude. I loved watching her relationship dynamics with the other characters, be it Doc who we never get to see and tries to educate Ruth, the stoic marshal who is not sure what to make of her or Lee, the charming yet devious mastermind. I will say though that I am curious to see if anything or anyone might be capable of shaking this girl up.

There are just so many cool details that the author used to create the story, seemingly subtle but well placed and important. Linguists are people who can speak to the spectral entities, using all kinds of sounds and speech patterns depending on the entities classification. And the phantoms are what help to power most things, be it a train or a city in general, given orders (suggestions?) by a linguist specializing in that certain tongue. It was honestly such a cool mix of Wild West gunslinger, meets steampunk world building meets the horror element of ghost and overall supernatural.

Also, the title is explained in the book and it really was super witty.

Ok, I just proved that I am a fan girl for this author and find her story crafting ability goes above and beyond what I expect- every time. Each book of hers that I have encountered gets better and better. I am 100% committed to continuing this journey with Ruth to catch the elusive bad guy (? I will go more with mischievous than actual bad) and will be back for the next book. I do hope though that there might be some kind or romance blossom in the next story (there was none here) because I am always a sucker for love and I enjoy both the two potential (in my opinion) love interests. 

Overall A Feast of Phantoms was completely original and engaging, the perfect read for fans of westerns, mixed with action with danger, supernatural (can more books be cool fusions of all kinds of things like this was?), and a tough cookie of a main character.

Author Bio:

Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She’s the author of the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman fantasy series, the Gaslamp Gothic paranormal mysteries, and the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day. She loves myths, monsters and doomsday scenarios. Check out Kat’s Pinterest page for the people, places and things that inspire her books.

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Review: Long Witch Night (Red Witch Chronicles #2) by Sami Valentine

Book Blurb:

Lights, Camera, Poltergeist. A Hollywood dream becomes a nightmare.

Called to a movie set, Red investigates a haunting that threatens to turn a Christmas flick into a slasher film. Allied with a soulmancer, she has to save the Hollywood A-Listers from a phantom that wants souls instead of autographs.

Busting ghosts is easier than laying her own personal demons to rest. With a paralyzed mentor, a sexy vampire playing hard to get, and petrifying anxiety about her own mysterious origins, Red is struggling to find the holiday spirit.

Everyone wants their fifteen minutes of fame in Los Angeles, Red has to find out who is willing to kill for it.

…Before the poltergeist takes her out first.

Long Witch Night is the second book of the Red Witch Chronicles, an urban fantasy series containing magic, paranormal adventure, and vampire mayhem along with swearing, violence, and adult situations. Perfect for fans of Kim Harrison, Patricia Briggs, Jasmine Walt, and Ilona Andrews.

Find out more about the book on Goodreads

My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Another-World, Ghosts, Mystery, Scary, Supernatural, Suspense, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Witches--

I have been looking for another urban fantasy to jump into and I know I found the right one. Keep in mind that this is a sequel and MUST be read in order for anything to make sense, the world and characters are slowly developing across the books and the plot is ongoing so do yourself a favor and start with book 1.

“You’re trying an exorcism? Do you know who I am, little girl?” Maxwell demanded.

“You’re god of the Dreamland, blah blah blah.” Red stood, folding her arms as she lifted her chin. “Well, consider this Ragnarök, motherfucker.”

Long Witch Way was so incredibly good! The first book in the series was interesting and peaked my curiosity something fierce, confirming for me that I was going to continue the series. But, geez, I never saw the second book coming! It was non-stop action, scary scenarios, near death encounters, ghosts and witches, terrifying battles, a touch of torture, angsty relationships with a love triangle (quad??), dreamworlds, tons of mystery and surprises, the best kind of group dynamics and character building, and just a tease of the truth that both Red and I are searching for. Yep, I did not want to put the book down and the ending yet again hooked me for more!

I know that the romance is not really the focus of the story, but let's be honest, romance is almost always my focus in a story. That being said, this story has suitcases, maybe a large car truck, filled with relationship baggage. It is convoluted and complicated, to put it mildly and I am so here for it! But I am team Kristoff, gotta love his undead, unsouled heart and his understanding.

Anyway, this was such a great follow-up to a already cool world and I am so here for more. This is the perfect read for any urban fantasy lovers, and great for fans of vampires, action and mystery.

Audiobook Review: Donn's Hill (The Soul Searchers Mysteries #1) by Caryn Larrinaga

Author: Caryn Larrinaga

Narrator: Jessica McEvoy

Length: 9 hours 54 minutes

Series: The Soul Searchers Mysteries, Book 1

Released: Aug. 1, 2017

Publisher: Twisted Tree Press

Genre: Supernatural Cozy Mystery

"Grief can change us... rewire our brains and shift the way we look at the world..."

After returning home from her father's funeral to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman, Mackenzie Clair is looking for a fresh start. She thinks she'll find it in her favorite childhood vacation spot, but returning to Donn's Hill awakens more than nostalgia. Mac regains a lost psychic ability to talk to the dead, and the poltergeist haunting her apartment is desperate to make her use that gift to find his killer.

Aided by her new roommate - a spirited Tortoiseshell cat named Striker, and the ghost-hunting crew of the nationally televised show Soul Searchers, Mac struggles to learn how to use her powers. But she'd better get a handle on them fast, because someone in town is hiding a deadly secret. If Mac can't somehow divine the truth, Donn's Hill will never be the same.

  My Review:

4.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Ghosts, Heart-Wrenching, Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense--

I think this had a very sad vibe to it with Mac having a lot of past baggage that she had not fully come to terms with yet, dealing with the recent loss of her father and betrayal of her boyfriend to the unknown past with her mother and the secrets of her visitors. I usually try to avoid books that are more serious like this but I did not feel overwhelmed by the sadness in the book because I think the author did a good job of putting danger and mystery in to keep the pacing of the plot moving.

Also, the cast of characters was quirky and had so much personality, be it solid and dependable Graham (who I am hoping Mac with fall in love with- no this was not a romance, but a girl can dream), Kat the friendly neighbor who shows up just in the right time, even to the crotchety Mayor and the lecherous old man who always shows up. But most importantly, there was a nosy, curious and incredible insightful cat Striker that was the perfect tool/character to help Mac find her way.

Donn's Hill is the second series I have read by this author and I found it to be just as unique and engaging as I hoped it would be. This was a great jump into what I am hoping will be more creepy, mysterious, interesting books set in Donn's Hill with Mac. I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys complicated murder mysteries, scary encounters and ghost interactions, ghost hunting reality shows and great characters. I really enjoyed listening to the narrator give Mac life and sass in this first book and I look forward to more adventures with Mac and her friends.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Caryn Larrinaga. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

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Caryn Larrinaga is a self-described horror evangelist and paranormal junkie. Her debut supernatural mystery novel, DONN’S HILL, won the League of Utah Writers 2017 Silver Quill Award in the adult novel category and was a 2017 Dragon Award finalist. Her short fiction has won multiple honors and been featured in local and international anthologies. Watching scary movies through split fingers terrified Caryn as a child, and those nightmares inspire her to write now. She lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and their clowder of cats. Visit www.carynlarrinaga.com for free short stories and audiobooks.

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Between peddling video games and teaching yoga in her home state of Arizona, Jessica McEvoy attempts to conduct a career as a professional voice actress. This, however, is moderately undermined by the fact that she records in a dimly lit closet with her microphone balanced on a stack of old board games (Junior Scrabble and Powerpuff Girls Monopoly form a strong foundation), but she hopes that no one holds that against her.

Though her main work consists of narrating audiobooks, her first dive into the voice world was through the NoSleep podcast after answering a post from the LibriVox forums. Having been raised on horror movies and scary stories, she was beyond excited to be able to work on the show. Many stories, tortured screams, deranged villains, and creepy little girl giggles later, Jessica hopes to work on the podcast for seasons and seasons to come.

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