Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Book Tour for Incubus by Amanda Meuwissen (Review & GIVEAWAY)


I'm thrilled to bring you an exciting and sexy paranormal read today, Incubus by Amanda Meuwissen.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this book, along with my impressions of it.  You can learn even more by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to be quick on the draw by leaving a comment (with your email addy) to win your own copy of this wonderful book!

Nathan only ever wanted a normal life, but for him, life, family, and love are anything but normal.
On the other side of the Veil, dark and light fae exist outside the knowledge of most humans. Nathan Grier was born human, but his twin brother Jim is a changeling. On the run since they were children, time for both of them is running out. Turning to fae hunter Sasha Kelly for help, Nathan must soon face his growing feelings for the other man while trying to save himself and his brother from a fate worse than death.
This series is an Urban Paranormal Fantasy/Gay Romance story that kicks off the beginning of an epic trilogy of love, family, and a fight to save the world.
EXCERPT:
“Plenty of innocent people get caught up in fae business and need saving. You say this friend of yours told you where to find me because you need my help getting rid of your mark. Fine. I’ll help however I can. But I could use some help in return.”
“Hang on,” Nathan tried to interrupt.
“Please,” Sasha implored them. “I didn’t tell you about the hunt I’m on for conversation. The next victim is supposed to die tomorrow night. I can’t work with other seals. Most of them don’t agree with my methods. And I can’t count on the police. You’re...pretty much all I got for backup right now.” His eyes were down-turned like Jim’s same pleading look that Nathan always had trouble resisting, just in a slightly different shade of blue. “You’re obviously armed and you know how to handle yourselves. I’m not trying to blackmail you, I just...need you. And if you need me, why not help each other?”
“That…sounds like a sensible argument,” Jim said, glancing sideways at Nathan for corroboration.
Nathan resisted glaring at his brother in reply. “Maybe you are what you say,” he said to Sasha, “but we’re not trained for this kind of thing. We know how to defend ourselves, sure, but we’ve never actively hunted anything before. That’s why we came to you for help.”
The smile that widened on Sasha’s face was playful, like it had been when he first introduced himself at the apartment. “Then it’s a good thing you’ll be working with a professional,” he said. “I won’t refuse to help you if you say no, but I have to finish this case. So either you help me,” he crossed his arms, entirely casual despite the weight of his words, “or you might have a long way to wait. Any questions?”
Nathan considered that, but since they had few options, he decided on a smirk. “Just one. Where did you find the box that stuff came in, anyway?” he asked, indicating Sasha’s red hair. “Your head looks like a frickin’ fire engine.”
Even Jim snorted at the comment.
Sasha didn’t laugh, but his grin was wide. “What box? This is my natural color.”
Nathan and Jim both chuckled.
“Nice trick with the eyebrows, man, but you’re not fooling anyone,” Nathan said.
“Oh really?”
There was something predatory in Sasha’s eyes as he stood and leaned over the table, but since Nathan didn’t really know Sasha yet, he wasn’t sure whether or not to take it seriously.
“Well, Mr. Grier, I could prove it to you,” Sasha said, giving Nathan a playful once over, “but I don’t think that would be appropriate in public.” He finished with a wink before turning toward the bar. “I’ll go get us another round.”
As soon as Sasha was gone, Jim busted out laughing.
“Oh shut up,” Nathan grumbled.

BUY LINKS:   AMAZON   |   BIGWORLDNETWORK

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Ms. Meuwissen has created a colorful yet dark world where there's a constant battle waging amongst the dark and light Fae for the soul of Jim Grier, whose birth and growing powers promises to unleash evil on all of humanity.  Nathan Grier sees him as only his brother, not the dangerous changeling others see him as, and will do anything to keep him from going completely dark.  Recently Nathan had to wager his soul in an effort to bring Jim home after he was kidnapped by the dark Fae who want to accelerate his Awakening.  Time is now running out to kill the Master who holds the deed to Nathan's soul as demented nightmares eat away at him and before he's driven to madness.  Their only hope is the sexy Sasha who has plenty of secrets of his own and a growing attraction to Nathan who's equally drawn to him.  While they battle their attraction they're on a road trip looking for a way to save Nathan's soul, all the while trying to keep Jim's growing powers under control.  This is a fast-paced story with lots of action and life and death circumstances.  The story starts off with a heart-pounding encounter and continues at a breakneck pace to culminate in a battle to the death where lots of blood, sweat, and tears are shed.  Though the conclusion is uplifting with an unconventional family being formed this is by no means the end of the story.  Jim is getting stronger and he fears what he might become.  Nathan loves him unconditionally and has faith that he'll stay on the side of good and with his burgeoning relationship with Sasha there's someone else to help keep Jim one of the good guys.

Nathan and Jim have been on their own, running for their lives, since they were young.  They have very few friends and no family beyond each other.  It's a sad and lonely existence which is why Nathan is so desperate to save Jim.  He doesn't want to be alone.  Jim senses time's running out but doesn't want to disappoint Nathan's belief in him so is trying hard to keep in control.  They're loyal to each other and seeing their occasional playfulness amidst danger is heartwarming to see as they deserve to remain steadfast brothers.  Sasha too knows the loss of family and friends.  He's an incubus who chose to become a hunter after his father was killed.  It's made him a pariah amongst his own kind as well as being seen as a danger towards humans.  I found him utterly delightful and sexy!  He's flirty by nature and desperately wants to belong to just one person.  Upon meeting Nathan he senses a connection and slowly, but not so subtly, tries to woo him even though Nathan has a hatred towards dark Fae after what they've done to Jim.  Sasha and Nathan's interactions are full of sexual tension and it's a slow journey, with a near death experience along the way, before they finally admit their feelings in an immensely satisfying interlude.

Numerous otherworldly creatures inhabit the world Ms. Meuwissen has created and each one is distinctive with their own abilities that put our trio in danger.  The overall mythos of these creatures enriched the story and made it more vivid and easier to become fully immersed in.  The groundwork laid here is exciting in its blend of action and romance.  The worldbuilding is unique and richly woven and adds a layer of darkness to an already dark story.  The characters of Nathan, Jim, Sasha, and their few allies add color and light and had me rooting for the good guys to win.  I'm completely invested in their happiness and greatly anticipate the next installment of this series and recommend it wholeheartedly to those looking for a unique and enthralling paranormal story.

My rating for this is an A+

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amanda Meuwissen has a Bachelor of Arts in a personally designed major from St. Olaf College in Creative Writing, and has been writing and posting fiction and blog articles online for many years, including maintaining the website and blog for the digital marketing company Outsell. Amanda spent a summer writing screenplay script coverages for a company in L.A., and is an avid writer and consumer of fiction through film, prose, and video games. This is Amanda’s 2nd book, the first being The Collector, published in 2012.
Amanda serves as the COO and Managing Editor for BigWorldNetwork.com and oversees editing and series selection, as well as being involved in marketing and promotion. Amanda is also featured as a narrator for several BigWorldNetwork.com series.


**********GIVEAWAY**********

Win an eBook copy of Incubus by Amanda Meuwissen by being the FIRST PERSON to leave a comment (MUST INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDY)!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER!

2 comments:

  1. Very nice review

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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    1. Congrats on winning the eBook bn! You'll be getting confirmation of our win soon.

      The Scarf Princess

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