Scrape by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #8 (series ender)
117 p.
Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing, LLC
Published: 9/16/15
Source: From author for review

The last battle will be a nightmare… 

The Sandman has broken through to the waking world, bringing with Him a monster of a storm. Mirren Lambert and Vince Blackman set out to force him back into his own realm, while Malcolm Rook and Jordan Lane are cornered by an old enemy intent on revenge. They learn that there are no rules when fighting for the ones you love. 

In the midst of the chaos, Harlen Fawkes is charged with finding a way to make dreaming safe again. As nightmares lurk in the fringes, waiting to attack, he is driven to a bold decision that will change the world Darkside forever. All the while, his heart is with Sera—will the love of his life ever wake again? 

Steve Coll must come to grips with his altered nature. His passion for Maisie Lane transcends the darkness, and he becomes both a fearsome nightmare and the hero humanity so desperately needs. Armed with hope and love, he strikes out to defeat a powerful god. But will it be enough? Or has dreaming just become too dangerous? 

Scrape is the eighth and final installment in the Reveler serial, a hot paranormal romance set in a world where shared dreaming is a new pop culture phenomenon that allows people to indulge their wildest fantasies. But there are also unknown dangers Darkside; nightmares are slowly infiltrating not only dreams, but the waking world as well. And behind them all is a shadowy entity called the Sandman.

My thoughts:

Yep, this is the last book in the series and although every book here is short, none lack the punch of a novel with twice as many pages. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to our group and I knew it wouldn't be all sunshine and roses. I was correct in that asumption.

Without spoiling anything, I found myself wondering how everything will play out. As one after another loose ends were tied up, I didn't worry that the ending would answer all my questions. It did, but I did find that the ending with The Sandman a bit too easy once a certain character got involved, but I also liked the revelation that came with it in the final showdown. I guess revelers is a good series name. :)

I give this book 4 stars. It is a action packed book with a touch of romance thrown in for each paring. I especially liked Maisie and Steve's romance... but I will say no more. I highly recommend this whole series (which should be read in order) for those that enjoy UF and PNR.

The Sandman by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #7
 127 p.
Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing, LLC
Published 5/8/15
Source: From author for review

The world Darkside is in turmoil when Chimera Marshal Steve Coll, bloody and beaten, makes it back to Maze City and into Maisie’s arms. He bears a terrible message—The Sandman, the god of the world of dreams, is rising, and he’s bringing devastation to the waking world. Steve must embrace his dual nature to save those he’s sworn to protect. And yet, how can he fight a being who destroys everything in his path?

Even awake, no one is safe.

After the fall of the black market, Maisie Lane’s city is overrun with criminals who want her dreamscape for their own. She’s always envisioned Maze City populated, but not with people like these. Nevertheless, she must relinquish some of her control not only to save the man she loves, but to protect and defend her precious city. While friends and family face danger and betrayal, another enemy is lurking in the shadows.

As time runs out, Maisie and Steve must fight with everything they have, or lose it all, including each other. And even if they somehow prevail, nothing will ever be the same.

The Sandman is the seventh installment in the Reveler serial, a hot paranormal romance set in a world where shared dreaming is a new pop culture phenomenon that allows people to indulge their wildest fantasies. But there are also unknown dangers Darkside; nightmares are slowly infiltrating not only dreams, but the waking world as well.

Revel with me.

My thoughts:

Oh man! This one really had me totally pulled into this world. We were left with several questions from the last book and then BAM! Although most of those get answered we are hard hit with some things I didn't expect. Nope, totally blew me away! I don't want to say too much as I will give all away if I continue. I'll say that this was an excellent addition to the series and the twists here were excellent.

I give this book 4 stars. It would have been 5 but we are left with a wicked cliffie. Other than that, it is perfect. I cannot wait for the next installment which is the last book. I HAVE to know what comes next. I recommend it to those that love adult UF/PNR mash ups.

Delirium by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #6
100 p.
Published: 1/6/15
Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing
Source: Author for review

As the new Darkside Division head, Marshal Harlen Fawkes has a target on his back, and the Oneiros are taking their best shot. To complicate matters, a mercenary has been hired to infiltrate Maze City, jeopardizing the one safe place left in the dreamwaters. Harlen’s allies are divided while covering different fronts, but that means their collective strength is divided, too.

If I die before I wake…

Summoning her courage, Sera must face the harsh Scrape winds to add her strength to Harlen’s fight. But nothing can combat the forces rising in the deep as they finally make their move. Danger comes from all sides at once, leaving Harlen no choice but to use the woman he loves as a proxy to penetrate the Black Market. And yet doing so leaves them utterly vulnerable, adrift in the sands, as nightmares descend.

Delirium is the sixth installment in the Reveler serial, a hot paranormal romance set in a world where shared dreaming is a new pop culture phenomenon that allows people to indulge their wildest fantasies. But there are also unknown dangers Darkside; nightmares are slowly infiltrating not only dreams, but the waking world as well.

My thoughts:
Another short book in this series and the action never seems to stop! We get to know a bit more about Harlen and Sera and what they are capable of in this book. We also get to know a bit more about Harlen's background. What I really loved is that Sera was a capable asset to the group and really had a brain and foresight.

I do have to say that Erin Kellison is evil in the way she ended this book. We just finished another episode getting us to the final showdown and then we get a glimpse of what was next. Okay, ending! What? No! Good thing the next book is out. :)

I give this story 4 stars. It really is remarkable in how much she can pack within so few pages. I cannot wait for the next story!

Bring Me A Dream by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #5
111 p.
Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing
Published: 8/19/14
Source: From author for review

The madman and the nightmare…

Vincent Blackman is a little…unhinged. He recently fought a nightmare from the world Darkside and won. Now he fears nothing and wants revenge on the man who had his father brutally murdered. And how convenient to find an ally in Mirren Lambert, his enemy’s gorgeous and sexy daughter. Unfortunately, she’s made a few enemies of her own.

She might be a nightmare, but she’s also his ultimate fantasy.

Mirren was born half human, half nightmare. She was on the run from her ruthless father, but when he abducted her young son, she knew he had to be stopped once and for all. Dangerous Vincent is just who she needs to help her, though she has a perilous part to play as well, infiltrating her father’s circles to discover his secrets. They learn something dark is stirring in the dreamwaters, and it’s reaching toward the waking world. Vincent might be holding on to the last of his sanity, but that’s okay, as long as he holds on even tighter to her.

Bring Me A Dream is the fifth installment in the Reveler serial, a hot paranormal romance set in a world where shared dreaming is a new pop culture phenomenon that allows people to indulge their wildest fantasies. But there are also unknown dangers Darkside; nightmares are slowly infiltrating not only dreams, but the waking world as well. And behind them all is a shadowy entity called the Sandman.

Revel with me.

My thoughts:
Okay, what is it about the bad guy and girl? This is their story and I loved how interesting it was. Maybe it is finding out the motivation and what drives them to be bad? Well, in this case the motivation isn't bad at all. In fact it is noble. Don't let that disappoint you, their solutions are anything but noble. :) In fact, it is like most "bad" guys like this, their emotional states and morals seemed to be stunted but they keep trying even if they know it is wrong.

This was a fun episode in the series. I was shocked by a twist and I hope we get to know more about why that happened. I now have to know more about the Sandman and Erin Kellison has me totally hooked on what comes next.

I give this book 4 stars and wished it was longer. I'm so glad the next book is out so I can devour it as well.

Night's Deep Hush by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #4
96 p.
Published: 7/12/14
Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing
Source: From author for review

Dreaming turns dangerous... 

Malcolm Rook and Jordan Lane are on the run from powerful forces that seek their deaths. But they are discovered by someone from Rook's dark past. Under no circumstances will Rook allow this criminal to learn how talented Jordan is in the world Darkside. Instead, Rook succumbs so that she has a chance to survive. 

Rook has been abducted and Jordan assumes the worst. She's fallen for him and will do anything to get him back. Alone on the streets, she concocts a plan that will take her into the black market of dreams to find help. An unlikely ally comes to her aid, and together they search and fight...one for love, the other for vengeance. 

Night's Deep Hush is the fourth installment in the Reveler serial, a hot paranormal romance set in a world where shared dreaming is a new pop culture phenomenon that allows people to indulge their wildest fantasies. But there are also unknown dangers Darkside; nightmares are slowly infiltrating not only dreams, but the waking world as well. 

Revel with me.

My thoughts:

Another short but active installment in this series. While I hated the cliffie of the last book, this one was much more manageable. We still need to know more about what is going on with the overall arc but the main story almost feels compete. It is complete for the most part for Rook and Jordan a couple we know from the first book. It isn't complete since there is much left hanging for the next installment.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars.You have romance and adventure. This is a good book for those that enjoy a cross between UF and PNR. I have been enjoying my time with this series. I'm just glad more of them are already out there so I can continue this story to find out what comes next!!

Darksider by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #3
124 p.
Publisher: Fire Flower Publishing
Published: 6/9/14
Source: From author for review

She has always been his dream…

Chef Serafina Rochan believes her recurring nightmares of pursuit are a symptom of her anxiety about opening her second restaurant. But when the stalker appears in the waking world, she swallows her pride and calls the one man she trusts to go into her dreams, even if it means risking her heart.

When Marshal Harlen Fawkes receives Sera’s call, nothing else matters. Time has not eroded the power of his feelings for her. After years apart, they go Darkside together and cannot resist the longing and desire their connection evokes. The past and present collide, and Sera abandons all reservations to embrace Harlen again, if even for one night.

In order to protect her, Harlen aligns himself with disavowed friends, and in so doing is drawn deeper into the secrets and perils of the dreamwaters. As the tide of darkness rises, Harlen faces his demons…but not without Sera, who fights just as fiercely for the dream of a life together.

Dream dangerously.

My thoughts:
I really got into the last book and was curious about this one. We meet a new couple, Harlen and Sera. I immediately liked both of them and they are old lovers reconnecting because Sera is being haunted in her dreams. One that has come true and she finds herself being stalked. We get enough background with this couple to connect to them and it helps that they had this past with such a short book. It works. The mystery seems to be growing from the other books and so this is a series that should be read in order. The mystery arc builds from one book to another.

I really was into this book and then *bam* ending. Cliffie! NOOooooOOOO! I hate cliffies especially when I'm enjoying the book. I wish this one was longer but I'm also glad that the next one is out now. I need to read it. I don't think it needed a cliffie to make me want to read the next book but it still worked. :p

I give this book 3 1/2 stars and recommend it to those that love a dark PNR.

Lay Me Down by Erin Kellison

Series: Reveler #2
110 p.
Publisher: Flower Power Publishing, LLC
Published: 5/12/14
Source: From author for honest review

Able to navigate sleep’s vast dreamwaters, wild child Maisie Lane makes easy money as a courier delivering packages from one dream to another. So what if her employers are on the shadier side of the law? Her sister thinks she’s living for the pleasure of the moment. Pleasure is involved—why shouldn’t it be?—but every step Maisie takes is part of a careful plan. That is, until she crosses into a dream so evil, she has no choice but to run. 

Special Agent Steve Coll is tasked to recruit Maisie for Chimera, the organization that polices shared dreams. At first he’s taken with her funny and carefree spirit, then brought to his knees by her tough and passionate soul. Touching her is forbidden ecstasy, but Steve can’t resist breaking the rules with Maisie. A darkness is gathering, evil preparing to strike, and only Maisie stands between it and innocent lives. No matter what happens, Steve won’t let her stand alone—he’ll die before he leaves her side.

My thoughts:
I read the first one (still a free ebook at your fave retailer) and enjoyed it, but I have to say I enjoyed this one more. I think it is because the complex world here is pretty well established. I also was surprised that the short length didn't feel short to me. It felt like the perfect length. I'm always worried with a short book the romance will feel like insta-love (not a fan) but it didn't feel that way at all, especially when the couple first come at each other in the first book and it isn't love at first sight.

I give this book 4 stars. There is action, romance and some smexy times within the 110 pages. It is great if you want something short but not exactly sweet. It did have it's sweet moments but with so much action, it didn't last. I really enjoyed the characters and this is a series that needs to be read in order. I recommend it to those that enjoy PNR with a UF twist.

Unhinged (Splintered #2) by A.G. Howard

Series: Splintered #2
384p.
Published: 1/7/13
Publisher: Amulet
Source: NetGalley and the Publisher for review.

Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of. 

That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs. 

As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind. 

If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head.

My thoughts:
 Read and loved the first book, Splintered. I have to say that this is the first YA series where a triangle actually works. I think it works because there are 2 distinct sides of Alyssa and so each guy compliments that side well.

My biggest problem with this book is Alyssa. Oh she frustrated me for most of the book with her attitude toward Morpheus. Yes, he is exasperating, but everything he does is more like coyote of legend. He tricks her to get out of her own way and help her on her journey. He also seems more self sacrificing even when he is being selfish. It is an interesting combination and the reason he is my favorite complex character. At least Alyssa does learn from her mistakes in the end.

I do warn you of the ending. It is cliffie-ish. It does stop at a logical place, but still so much is left to be done. Seriously can't we have a 800+ pg book? I mean the Harry Potter series proved that kids can do that and so can older kids known as adults who enjoy this series. Gimmie all of the story! *sniff* Okay, off my soapbox. :)

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. Despite my frustrations with Alyssa, I found myself really enjoying my time here. This is, so far, my fave retelling of Alice in Wonderland.

Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst

Conjured
by Sarah Beth Durst
368p.
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Published: Sept. 3, 2013
Source: NetGalley and author for review

Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember. 

At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.

 My thoughts:
This book is frustrating. Now before I go further, let me explain that it is a good thing. :) You are supposed to be frustrated and a bit confused. You are following the protagonist, Eve and she is frustrated and confused. She has memory loss and is trying to feel her way, trying to figure out who she really is and why she is being protected by the witness protection program. Yes, those answers come, but it is only revealed when it is revealed to Eve.

There is also a surreal dreamlike quality to most of the book. Eve slips into dreams or visions and we aren't quite sure if it is real and pieces to a puzzle or just her fantasy. It does provide clues, but you are just uncertain as to exactly what those clues are.

In the end you are rewarded with answers and a clear understanding as to what is going on within this universe. Even a twist I didn't expect. It is odd, strange, and a bit convoluted as a paranormal carnival might be. It's dreamlike in it's ability and if you like these things, you won't be disappointed in this book. I give it 4 stars.

"A Little Bit Psychic" by Aimée Avery

This book by Aimée Avery was a delight. It was a small quick read of about 110 pages. I started this one quickly after I finished "Mr. Darcy, Vampyre" since I thought I'd continue the Jane Austen theme.

In this 21st century version of Pride and Prejudice, both Lizzy and Darcy liked each other from the start. Since they knew each other as children. Lizzy is psychic and sees things that eventually come true. The big characterizations of Pride and Prejudice still exist in this new telling. Yes, there are still misunderstandings that stand in their way. Yes, Darcy is as stubborn as ever. Especially when his plans go awry and he is still too inflexible and unwilling to change them. And yes, Lizzy is sharp of wit and humor who is still self conscious of her beauty.

I gave this book 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a small quick read. It is well done and really doesn't need more pages for the story to be rounded out. Go read it, you will enjoy it!

A Circle of Souls

A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandi is a murder mystery thriller with a slight paranormal twist. Amazon's quick summation is as follows:"The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. With the murderer on the loose, the police desperately look for any clues to lead to his identy. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist in a nearby hospital is also in a desperate search to find the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings s devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya's parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope. When these two situations converge, they set off an alarming chain of events. In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder."

I got this book from the author as an ARC. It is my first and I was very intrigued to read it. I had worked in a hospital for children with psychological problems and wanted to see his take on it. The author didn't disappoint and was very accurate in his description in that area. The story on the whole draws you into the mystery even though you are a "witness" to the initial crime which starts the story. Within the book, you are reading several points of view, but because of the layout of the chapters, you never get lost. The paranormal aspect begins with Naya's dreams and the main character, Peter, who is determined to figure out exactly what those dreams mean.

My main complaints with the book are perhaps minor and really doesn't take away from the story as a whole. First, he does not cuss. Now this isn't anything bad, but it is an adult novel and kids in a situation in a locked-down facility do and will cuss. If told from Naya's perspective, it wouldn't have bothered me, but it continued with Peter and the others as well. I wondered if the author had a problem with cussing.

Another problem I had was with the philosophy of fatalism. It was explained too simplistically. Even within the concept of fatalism there is an aspect of free will. No matter how contradictory that sounds, the aspect is there. Usually it is explained not as an something that you will do without choice, but if you go against fatalism, your life will not be as fulfilling and happy as it would have been otherwise.

I also felt the ending was a bit abrupt. I will not say more as it could ruin the ending, but I would have like a bit more of it drawn out. Not by much, but a little. Even with this criticism I will say the ending was interesting and sets things up for a possible second book. One that should also prove to be a good read.

On the whole, however, I would say that this book is good. It holds you interest well and keeps you trying to figure out exactly how and why until those mysteries are revealed. One that gets the wheels turning in your head and satisfies you with a ending that makes you want more.