Book Review: The Ghost by Christine Rains

Title: The Ghost
Series: The 13th Floor #6
Author: Christine Rains
Publication Date: July 13, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format Read: Ebook
Length: Novella
Source: Author 

Chiharo Black lives with six supernatural tenants in a haunted building's mysterious thirteenth floor. Of course, no one knows she's there except the cats. Being a ghost can be a bit frustrating and lonely, but it isn't as bad as her mother made it out to be.

Until another ghost intrudes on her territory. Jeremy Emerson wants revenge on the vampire that killed him and won't stop until he has it. To top it off, a nightmarish shade sneaks in and leeches the energy from the building's residents before setting its sights on Chiharo and the thirteenth floor. She can't decide which one is more frightening: the one wanting to eat her soul or the one who might win her heart.

Chiharo must convince Jeremy to stand with her against the hellish parasite. If they cannot work together, the greedy fiend will not only drain their energy but everything that supports the thirteenth floor's existence. 

 

Teaser: Whoever said a person’s first kiss was always the best was never kissed a second time. [pg. 29 Word Document. I just love this line so much for the truth within it.]

Review: Christine Rains’ The Ghost ends the thrilling paranormal romance series, the 13th Floor.

Intelligent yet naive, Chiharo, a ghost, wishes the residents of her apartment building, particularly those on the 13th floor, could see her, but when a new ghost named Jeremy enters her building, she will do anything to get rid of the interloper. But a new threat to the town of Carmine has decided to live within her building. Chiharo and Jeremy must join forces against this vile fiend.

I love how Rains continues to entwine the stories from the 13th Floor, and we readers learn more about each one of them. Chiharo is sweet and young, yet her bravery shines through. Jeremy seeks revenge and has a foul mouth, yet Chiharo soon sees through his harder exterior to the good soul has. Their budding relationship is everything young love should be, despite the vicious monster trying to kill them.

Rains gives us more glimpses of the 13th Floor and the other tenants within the apartment building. The author’s take on ghosts is refreshing just like her take on the other supernatural tenants on the 13th Floor. The writing is fast-paced, and the plot sweet at times, horrifying, and quite thrilling, and the ending brought me to tears.

Overall, The Ghost by Christine Rains has turned out to be my favorite novella of the entire series.

 

Five Bookworms = I loved it!

 

Other Books in the Series

Read my reviews of The Marquis / The Alpha / The Dragonslayer / The Harbinger / The Oracle and the Vampire

Book Review: The Oracle and the Vampire by Christine Rains

Title: 1305 and 1306 - The Oracle and the Vampire
Series: The 13th Floor #5
Author: Christine Rains
Published: May 13, 2013
Format: Ebook Novella
Source: Author and Purchased on Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Having fallen for her gorgeous neighbor might not be so bad if Harriet McKay wasn't in her hideous banshee form every time Kiral saw her. Such is her curse. True, he's a vampire struggling with a drug addiction, but he's a good soul. Yet no one could love a cursed witch, especially one not even her cats respect.

After having a vision of Kiral's death, Harriet makes it her mission to save him. Never before has she attempted to change fate, but so strong is her love.

Kiral Ozdemir struggles to make it through every day. The craving for blood laced with drugs directs his every thought until he tastes Harriet's potent blood. The magic immediately addicts him, but she disappears. He's desperate to find her, racing blindly out into a city in chaos.

How can Harriet convince Kiral to see past her vile appearance and return her love? If only she can force him to listen to reason coming from a raving crone, perhaps she can save him from the demons hunting him and from himself.

Teasers: Such was her curse as a banshee. – 5%

She fantasized she would save him from himself, make him well again with her healing skills, and he’d sweep her off her feet murmuring how much he loved her in his breathy, exotic accent. – 8 %

He would kill her. Worse than just kill her. He needed to stay away from her.

He had to see her again. – 25%

She was going to make sure no one called her that ever again after tonight. – 54%

Review: A cursed witch, Harriet McKay wants to save the world, but she would settle for saving the man she loves in Christine Rains’ 1305 & 1306 – The Oracle and the Vampire.

The fifth novella in the 13th Floor series, Christine Rains has done it once again in creating a unique and original story featuring a vampire who happens to be an addict and a witch who can’t remove a curse upon herself. Harriet McKay is sweet, caring, smart, and a daydreamer. A banshee and crone by night, she transforms into her beautiful witch and nurse self during the day. Kiral craves redemption, despite being a self-loathing addict and vampire. I loved the contrasts and similarities between the two characters and how their journey together. Once again, Vetis, the villain from The Marquis, is back and more diabolical—and a tad crazier—than ever. For me, Harriet’s cat familiars Ellie and Kerr hold a special place in my heart as they grow to respect their witch. And watch out for Harriet’s clients, especially spunky Catherine Miller. They are an awesome addition to the cast.

Unlike the other 13th Floor novellas, readers get a chance to see both points of view between Harriet and Kiral. The alternating chapters worked brilliantly, and I loved getting a deeper sense of the main characters and seeing both their struggles. In a way, both Kiral and Harriet need saving, and it’s through each other it can happen—if Harriet’s vision of Kiral’s death doesn’t come true. The Oracle and the Vampire is a fast-paced and intense story filled with horrific events as well as touching moments.

Once again, Rains also continues to build the wonderful world she created. I love how Rains integrates her stories within a similar timeframe, so we readers can see the crossover between events and characters. Her hints of things to come always excite me from book to book as one seemingly insignificant mention in one book can become key in the other. It shows how well-thought out the series is and makes it an enjoyable experience. 

The Oracle and the Vampire by Christine Rains may be a quick read, but this novella—and series—sticks with a reader. So if you’re looking for original paranormal romance, then look no further than Rains’ 13th Floor series.

 

Five Bookworms = I loved it!

Other Books in the Series:

 

Click here to read my review.

 

Click here to read my review.

 

Click here to read my review.

 

Click here to read my review.

T is for the 13th Floor series by Christine Rains

 

For 2013's A to Z Challenge, I am talking about book series, particularly some favorite series as well as series I've been waiting to read for a LONG time.

T is for ... 13th Floor series by Christine Rains

Christine Rains is one of my best friends, and when she told me about her idea for the 13th Floor series, I knew it was a winner. Paranormal people living on a floor that doesn’t technically exist. So much fun. To date, my favorite story so far is The Dragonslayer, but I’ve enjoyed them all. They are unique and fresh in a genre that is overrun by the same ol’, same ol’.

Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football and fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.

Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes: The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

Click here to read my review of The Marquis.

Having been cooped up in her apartment for months, Stefanie Porter didn't think one run in the woods would matter. The wolf within her needed to stretch her legs, but obviously she didn't have very good instincts. Her former pack found her, and they almost catch her too, but a mysterious lone wolf jumps in to help Stefanie escape.

The pack is driven by their cruel Alpha, Wyatt. He refuses to give Stefanie her freedom even after she lost the challenge to lead them and left their territory. She can hide in her apartment, or the lone wolf can teach her some of his unusual urban survival tricks. James Roberts might be a bit geeky, but he's smart and looks hot when the argyle sweater comes off. He has a ridiculous ambition to become a superhero, and it might be admirable if Wyatt couldn't rip him limb from limb.

With the pack scouring the city for her, Stefanie must convince James to teach her, or fight not only for her life, but his as well.

Click here to read my review of The Alpha.

On the rooftop of neighboring building, dragonslayer Xanthus Ehrensvard fires at his target, Governor Whittaker. How he missed the shot, he doesn't know, but fleeing the scene, he picks up an unwanted passenger. Gorgeous reporter Lois King saw Xan's face, and she believes it's the story to make her career. Except he can't let her walk away knowing what he looks like. Xan has to show her the Governor is a bigger threat to the world than he is.

Xan knows dragons never went extinct. They evolved with human society, taking on mortal forms, and slithered their way into positions of great influence and power, just like the Governor. But it's no easy chore proving to someone that dragons still exist, and even more so, they're disguised as famous people. Xan must convince Lois or find another way to silence her. An option, as he gets to know her, he likes less and less.

After all, dragonslayers are no longer celebrated heroes but outlaws. Just as the dragons wish it. But this outlaw must make a plan to slay the dragon or risk its retribution.

Click here to read my review of The Dragonslayer.

Meira Harper loves both her jobs: talking about beautiful shoes and fetching souls for Zeus. But the Thunder God threatens the harpy's loyalty to her job when she receives the call to bring the soul of gorgeous Sam Wright. Meira pleads with her boss to let him live. Zeus agrees, but Sam must fight for his life. If Sam can win three challenges, he can keep his soul.

The gods never play fairly, though, so Meira needs to find ways to help Sam with the challenges. She cannot outwardly cross her master, but she refuses to let the man she loves lose his soul. They haven't even had a chance to start a life together.

Sam's soul is on the line. Meira's will be too if she's caught, but that's a risk she's willing to take.

Click here to read my review of The Harbinger.  

Teaser Tuesdays: 1304 - THE HARBINGER by Christine Rains

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

35% of Word Document

As she passed Sam, his fingers grazed her wing. "You still look like an angel to me."

I love this line because it says so much about Sam and how much he loves Meira, even in her uglier harpy form.

What's your teaser?

Book Review: 1304 - THE HARBINGER by Christine Rains

Title: 1304 - The Harbinger
Series: The 13th Floor, #4
Author: Christine Rains
Format: Ebook Novella
Source: Author
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Meira Harper loves both her jobs: talking about beautiful shoes and fetching souls for Zeus. But the Thunder God threatens the harpy's loyalty to her job when she receives the call to bring the soul of gorgeous Sam Wright. Meira pleads with her boss to let him live. Zeus agrees, but Sam must fight for his life. If Sam can win three challenges, he can keep his soul.

The gods never play fairly, though, so Meira needs to find ways to help Sam with the challenges. She cannot outwardly cross her master, but she refuses to let the man she loves lose his soul. They haven't even had a chance to start a life together.

Sam's soul is on the line. Meira's will be too if she's caught, but that's a risk she's willing to take.

 

Review: Christine Rain’s 1304 – The Harbinger takes an original twist on the games gods’ play.

The Harbinger blends Greek mythology with the modern day. Meira is a marked harpy, and she’d do anything for shoes and the man she loves. I love how loyal and strong Meira is, and I get her attraction to Sam—a hero worthy of the title, despite his flaws. Rains’ modernized Greek gods adds to this novella, and I love their drama and pettiness and how even they can show great heart.

The romance is sweet and passionate. The reader can feel the connection Sam and Meira have. I found myself holding my breath during some of the ingenious challenges. Rains’ can take even a normal challenge like the labyrinth and make it fresh. The writing style is fast-paced and pulls the reader into the story. And once again, we catch another glimpse of what makes the 13th floor tick.

1304 – The Harbinger by Christine Rains is another great addition to her fantastic 13th Floor series.

 

Five Bookworms = I loved it!

Other Books in the Series

 

Click here to read my review.

 

Click here to read my review.

 

Click here to read my review.

Waiting on Wednesday: 1304 - THE HARBINGER by Christine Rains

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

1304 - The Harbinger
By Christine Rains
Publication Date: March 13, 2013

From Goodreads: 

The gods never play fairly, though, so Meira needs to find ways to help Sam with the challenges. She cannot outwardly cross her master, but she refuses to let the man she loves lose his soul. They haven't even had a chance to start a life together.

Meira Harper loves both her jobs: talking about beautiful shoes and fetching souls for Zeus. But the Thunder God threatens the harpy's loyalty to her job when she receives the call to bring the soul of gorgeous Sam Wright. Meira pleads with her boss to let him live. Zeus agrees, but Sam must fight for his life. If Sam can win three challenges, he can keep his soul. 

Sam's soul is on the line. Meira's will be too if she's caught, but that's a risk she's willing to take.

You mention Greek mythology and gods/goddesses, and I'm there. I can't wait to read 1304 - The Harbinger. If you're looking for unique paranormal romance novellas, then you'll want to try Rains' 13th Floor Series.

What's your "waiting on" pick? 

Teaser Tuesdays: 1303 - THE DRAGONSLAYER by Christine Rains

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

46% of Kindle Edition

“Dragonslayers.” Lois snorted. “Right out of fairy tales. Yeah, right.”

I just love Lois. She's so feisty and makes a great foil for Xan.

What's your teaser?

Book Review: 1303 - THE DRAGONSLAYER by Christine Rains

Title: 1303 – The Dragonslayer

Series: The 13th Floor, #3

Author: Christine Rains

Format: Ebook Novella

Source: Author

Genre: Paranormal Romance

 

On the rooftop of neighboring building, dragonslayer Xanthus Ehrensvard fires at his target, Governor Whittaker. How he missed the shot, he doesn't know, but fleeing the scene, he picks up an unwanted passenger. Gorgeous reporter Lois King saw Xan's face, and she believes it's the story to make her career. Except he can't let her walk away knowing what he looks like. Xan has to show her the Governor is a bigger threat to the world than he is.

Xan knows dragons never went extinct. They evolved with human society, taking on mortal forms, and slithered their way into positions of great influence and power, just like the Governor. But it's no easy chore proving to someone that dragons still exist, and even more so, they're disguised as famous people. Xan must convince Lois or find another way to silence her. An option, as he gets to know her, he likes less and less.

After all, dragonslayers are no longer celebrated heroes but outlaws. Just as the dragons wish it. But this outlaw must make a plan to slay the dragon or risk its retribution.

Review: 1303 – The Dragonslayer by Christine Rains puts a modern spin on dragons and dragonslayers.

Once again, Rains has created a unique paranormal romance within her 13th Floor series. In The Dragonslayer, readers see more of the 13th Floor’s tricks and meet some new tenants of the floor. I love how the stories are interrelated to each other, so you can see how events match up. What is very special and ingenious about this novella is the worldbuilding of dragons and dragonslayers. Dragons have morphed into powerful people, and the dragonslayer is no longer honored as a hero, but they must move in shadows to destroy these dragons.

With a fast-paced plot and smoking hot yet sweet relationship budding between the neat and often shirtless dragonslayer Xan and spunky, take-no-for-an-answer reporter Lois, this novella keeps the reader reading. Rains excels in dialogue. Lois is Xan’s perfect foil, and their back-and-forth dialogue kept me giggling and grinning. The governor, who just happens to be a dragon, is a wonderful villain. He’s powerful, crafty, and he just wants to take over America. So far, he’s the most dangerous villain in the 13th Floor series, and he kept me guessing. I didn’t know what would happen next.

I would recommend Christine Rains’ 1303 – The Dragonslayer to readers who enjoy original fast-paced paranormal romance. 

 

Five Bookworms = I loved it!

Other Books in the Series:

 

You can read my review here.

 

You can read my review here.

Waiting on Wednesday: 1303 - THE DRAGONSLAYER by Christine Rains

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

1303 - The Dragonslayer
By Christine Rains
Publication Date: February 13, 2013

From Goodreads:

On the rooftop of neighboring building, dragonslayer Xanthus Ehrensvard fires at his target, Governor Whittaker. How he missed the shot, he doesn't know, but fleeing the scene, he picks up an unwanted passenger. Gorgeous reporter Lois King saw Xan's face, and she believes it's the story to make her career. Except he can't let her walk away knowing what he looks like. Xan has to show her the Governor is a bigger threat to the world than he is.

Xan knows dragons never went extinct. They evolved with human society, taking on mortal forms, and slithered their way into positions of great influence and power, just like the Governor. But it's no easy chore proving to someone that dragons still exist, and even more so, they're disguised as famous people. Xan must convince Lois or find another way to silence her. An option, as he gets to know her, he likes less and less.

After all, dragonslayers are no longer celebrated heroes but outlaws. Just as the dragons wish it. But this outlaw must make a plan to slay the dragon or risk its retribution.

The Dragonslayer comes out today! Yay! I've loved Christine's 13th Floor series. It's so unique. And what can be better than a modern day dragonslayer story!

What's your "waiting on" pick?

Teaser Tuesdays: 1302 - THE ALPHA by Christine Rains

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

1302 - The Alpha by Christine Rains

Page 9 of Word Document ARC

He might’ve made all the girls swoon if it wasn’t for his eyes. Not a lick of kindness in them.

Do you have a teaser? Leave one or a link to one in the comments.