Book picks similar to
Hell in a Head Gasket by G.A. Chase
fantasy
urban-fantasy
freebies
free-reads
Death's Dark Horse
Ruby Loren - 2014
Her younger sister, Jo, has been spotted hanging around Witchwood’s vampire population and their parents are sure she’s getting herself into trouble. But when January tries to intervene, Jo gallops off in a cloud of dust. Literally. Now all she wants to do is play bass guitar, bake cakes, and find her sister again, but trouble always seems to find her. It’s probably something to do with her other job as a vampire slaying, bounty hunter. When January is instructed to kill someone a bit too close to her heart, will her feelings interfere with her ability to terminate her target?
Destiny Blues
Sharon Joss - 2013
With Mattie Blackman, it's demons. At work, in her car, even at the foot of her bed. And with the FBI on the hunt for a rogue demon master, she's desperate to get rid of them. Thwarted at every turn to solve her problem through legitimate channels, she turns to Shore Haven's sexy mage for the answer: a fate she refuses to accept. But as the serial killer's victims pile up, Mattie realizes there's only one way to stop a demon master. To save her friends and the people she loves, Mattie must choose between her life and her destiny. “…amusingly off-beat…fun…romp.” – LocusDestiny Blues is the first book in the Hand of Fate urban fantasy series.Fans of Mercy Thompson, Sookie Stackhouse, or the Iron Druid will likely enjoy this series.
Gaia
Monica La Porta - 2013
Two years later, back in Rome, she should be enjoying college life; instead, the memories of his lapis lazuli eyes and Mona Lisa smile still haunt her. Gaia longs to meet him again and unwittingly sabotages her romantic life by refusing to move on. Only her anthropological studies about the mysterious Etruscans make her feel alive. A chance to breathe new air is presented to her when she wins a full scholarship to study abroad at the University of Washington. In rainy Seattle, Gaia finally meets the man of her dreams, but he proves to be... otherworldly. Meanwhile, in her field of studies, what starts as an interesting archeological finding about a six-fingered human image, soon evolves into the discovery of the millennium, but not where Earth is concerned. Although Gaia is a companion novel of Elios, you can read these in either order. They are both stand-alone stories from different points of view. You met Gaia and Elios in his book; now hear her story.
Romancing the Null
Tina Gower - 2016
Lies the fates spin as half truths. Lies of destined love. And statistics. As a fateless, Kate Hale is immune to the first two, but the third kind of lie is her profession. After spending years as an actuary for the Traffic Department, Kate is promoted to Accidental Death Predictions. It’s all she’s worked toward, and her career is finally on track. But when an oracle delivers an impossible death prediction and insists on her help to solve the case, she might lose any chance of impressing the brass. Her only hope comes in the form of the police liaison assigned to her department, latent werewolf Ian Becker. Becker can grant her the clearance to find answers, but he’s a wild card with a shady past who doesn’t play well with others. Every prediction has a loophole, but if Kate can’t solve the case before the crime is fated to occur she won’t just lose her job–she’ll have the blood of an oracle on her hands. Romancing the Null is the first book in an exciting new urban fantasy romance series. Fans of Mercy Thompson, Charley Davidson, or The Dresden Files will likely enjoy this series. The Outlier Prophecy Series: Romancing the Null (book one) Big Bad Becker (Novella) Conditional Probability of Attraction (book two) The Werewolf Coefficient (book three) Standard Deviation of Death (book four) Shifter Variance (book five ~ fall 2016)
Dark Angel Series Books 1-3: Angelfire, Angelstone, Angelsong
Hanna Peach - 2014
His angel Guardian. A love written in the stars.Forget everything you know about angels.You'll likely find Alyxandria slicing demons with her blades rather than plucking at harp strings. Whether it's with weapons, unarmed or with the "borrowed magics" of distilled angel-blood tattoos, she trains harder than any other Seraphim warrior to prove she is nothing like her parents who abandoned her to become Rogues. When Alyx starts displaying the signs of a strange new magic, most don't believe her and no one has answers for her. The web of lies she uncovers will shatter her world and she'll be forced to risk everything for Israel, a gifted mortal she barely knows. Alyx and Israel will soon realize that their destinies are inexplicably tied - and that their choices will determine the fate of Earth itself.It begins in Angelfire. The series is now complete! Angelblood (Dark Angel #4) and Angeldust (Dark Angel #5) and both out now (not included in this box set).
The Scarlett Smith Chronicles
Selene Charles - 2018
Not too long ago she was just a regular Southern Belle in love with her soldier, dreaming of a life full of babies and white picket fences. Then she died. Now she's a vampire in a shifter's world trying to make sense of her sudden thirst for blood and her strange ability to read the emotions off of others. Especially as it pertains to death—she and death have a strange affinity for one another now, but best not to dwell on that subject too long. She's still totally just a normal girl, except now she solves murders and drinks a little type-O on the side. No big deal, she's certainly nothing special or amazing...right? Except every once in a while she senses something stirring inside of her. Something dark. Something ancient. And something very, very powerful. But for now it's just easier to pretend she's nothing more than a vampire with a badge and a gun who just so happens to have the hots for not one, but two different shifters one of whom is her step-brother. No one ever said being dead would be easy. Book 2 My name is Scarlett Smith. And I’m a vampire who was raised by a pack of wolves. Little crazy, I know. But let’s not get hung up on semantics here. Because I’ve got a story to tell. There’s something inside of me. A darkness. And she’s really starting to make herself known, think Harley Quinn on ’roids and you might get the picture. She’s powerful and definitely unhinged, but I don’t have time to focus on that right now because I’ve got bigger fish to fry. From the Alpha shifter on trial for breaking the unbreakable oath to a local vampire clan wanting me to party like it’s 1699, I’m in neck deep—pun intended. Have no fear though. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeves and some unexpected allies in my corner. Sure, there are bound to be a few surprises along the way, and I’m guessing they aren’t all good. But, no one ever said being dead would be easy… Book 3, Scarlett Smith is back, but this time the stakes couldn’t get any higher… Mercer and I we shouldn’t have done what we did at the Infantes Castle, not killing the vampires, cuz…let’s face it, they totally deserved to die. No, the other thing. Binding ourselves to each other. Mating. The cost was too high. And now, our love might make us lose everything we hold dear. Now we've been summoned to Georgia to meet with the Alpha Council. Clarence is guilty of conspiracy to commit murder against his pack, but somehow he’s only gotten a slap on the wrist for it. Something’s just not right. I know it and so does Merc, but we’re helpless. We have to go to Georgia, we have to fight to save Silver Creek. But when we get there and I find out what the council really wants me to give up, I’m not sure I can. I’m not sure I will. But a betrayal is coming for me. A big one, one that will shatter all the things I’ve ever believed in or held sacred. And before three days are up, the world as I know it will never be the same again. Join me on the explosive finale that you are sure to never forget… (Included bonus short story content set in the Southern Detective universe!) COMPLETED SERIES! CLIFFHANGER FREE!
Reaper's Deliverance
Miranda Stork - 2014
Go onto his next life, more terrible than his last, or become…a Reaper. Ryder’s life has little meaning to him. A violent hedonist who left his broken childhood behind, he would rather spend his time chasing women and smashing up bars than consider his future. But when it all comes to an abrupt end, he’s forced to make a decision that changes everything. Elizabeth is a single mother, and the light of her life, her son Thomas, is terminally ill. With no time for a job, a normal social life, and definitely not a relationship, her world is turned upside-down when Ryder strides in with his biker boots. She’s always known there was something more to the universe than what she can see. But when she learns the real reason for him being in their lives, she has to do something she hasn’t done for a long time. Trust someone. When little Thomas is threatened by an evil that would misuse his special gift, they must work together, along with a troubled but caring group of reapers. Time is running out to get him back, and Helheim beckons with its black jaws. All of them must fight, and be prepared for the centuries-waiting battle they will kick off. And will Ryder finally gain his redemption? *Please note, this book is in UK English. And there's also swearing, sexual scenes, violence, and a lot of sarcasm.
Animated Architecture: Modern Magick Collected Volume 1
Charlotte E. English - 2018
But to the Society for Magickal Heritage, that just isn’t good enough. The Witch: Friend to the unicorns, lover of pancakes, and wielder of potent artefacts, star agent Cordelia “Ves” Vesper will stop at nothing — okay, very little — to drag ancient magicks back out of the grave. The Waymaster: New recruit Jay Patel has some rare and powerful arts at his disposal. With a penchant for old books and motorbikes in near equal measure, he’s a force to be reckoned with. The Necromancer: Prankster Zareen Dalir may be high-spirited but she’s got a darker side. A much, much darker side. Head of the Toil and Trouble division, Zar’s the best kind of bad news. The Baron: Is Baron Alban the handsomest troll alive or... forget it, yes. Yes, he is. But he’s not just a pretty face. With the powerful Troll Court at his back and a smile to slay an army, Alban’s a staunch ally. Join these four champions, the enigmatic “Milady” of the Society, and the sentient house they call Home as they fight to keep magick alive! This new compendium brings you the first three wild adventures all in one.
Blood and Magic
Melissa Sercia - 2018
Dhampir. Undead. Cursed.
With supernatural powers and an insatiable need for blood, her existence is cursed.
When Gray awakens from a three-year spell induced coma, she not only discovers her lover as the one responsible, but that he has joined with a dangerous organization known as the Consilium to help them create a new breed of hybrid demons. Humans and Witches are being taken against their will, and fear is growing throughout the covens.Gray never had a choice—forced to become a monster, the Dhampir. Yet after four hundred years, she still yearns for her humanity, like a long-lost echo from another life. She cannot allow the Consilium to do this to anyone else. With a renewed lust for vengeance, and a target on her back, Gray must use the one thing she swore never to in order to stop them—blood magic.Armed with a magical pirate ship, an immortal monk, and a flower plucked from the Underworld, Gray will stop at nothing to start a war. Yet in her quest to track down her enemies, she uncovers a dark family secret that threatens to destroy the last shred of humanity she has left."Melissa Sercia packs a punch with her debut novel with its rich world building and unique interpretation of gothic literature. It’s a must read if you’re looking for a fresh take on gothic fantasy.” – Science Fiction Author, Samantha Huewagen ★★★★★
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Q: Why do you write?
A: When I was a kid, reading was a way for me to escape into magical worlds. I was about twelve years old when I first started writing and making up my own stories. It made me feel like I had a connection to the literary greats. Like I was in some sort of secret magical club. Today, I write to try and capture that magic in hopes to inspire writers and readers alike. To take my readers on a journey. An adventure. An escape. I write to breathe life into characters, to transport readers to fantasy settings, and to hopefully make people believe in magic again.
Q: What books do you write?
A: I write Fantasy and Science Fiction and all of its sub-genres. My current series, Blood and Darkness, is adult Urban Fantasy. I love playing with the real world and spinning it on its head, adding magical elements and creatures to it, and creating worlds within worlds. I keep a very long notebook of story ideas filled with everything from Portal Fantasy, Steampunk, and High Fantasy to Dystopian, Hard Sci-Fi, and Space Opera. BLOOD AND DARKNESS
BLOOD AND MAGIC (book 1)
FLESH AND BONE (book 2)
GODS AND DEMONS (book 3)
Q: Why should readers pick up your books?
A: Blood and Darkness is a fast paced, page turning Urban Fantasy series. If you are a fan of Gothic settings, sexual tension, ancient prophecies, dark magic, and deep rooted mythology, then you will love this series. Ultimately, Blood and Darkness is about love and betrayal, revenge and redemption, and all-out war. From the first page of Blood and Magic to the last, you will not be able to put this series down. These characters will haunt you, their stories will stay with you, and they will leave you wanting more.
Slayer's Kiss
Cassi Carver - 2012
But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets. When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter. Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes. No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her… Warning: Contains a kick-ass heroine with a foul mouth, a kind heart and a raging libido, and two fallen angel warriors who wouldn’t have her any other way. Watch out for sex in the clouds, a magical island of hedonism and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the term “hot-wings”.
Kate Benedict Series 1-3
Carrie Bedford - 2017
She’s competent, reasonable... and somehow able to see a death-predicting aura over the people around her—from the new prime minister to her oldest, closest friends—through the posh streets of London to the beautiful Tuscan countryside. And she can’t help but help others avoid the unthinkable at all costs.Fans of traditional British (but not too cozy) mystery, savvy female sleuths, and suspense with a metaphysical twist will love this paranormal trilogy —now available for a killer price!
THE AURALife spins out of control for London architect Kate Benedict when she sees a dancing aura above certain people’s heads that seems to signal death. Suddenly she’s psychic. But that can't be! Psychic’s not acceptable in her circle, where the supernatural is strictly for the superstitious. And yet…people are dying. People close to her.Kate's tentative attempts to talk about her new-found metaphysical gift are met with eye rolls, so much so that she can’t even tell the nice Scotland Yard detective who's investigating the death of a close friend, Rebecca Williams. And now Rebecca’s neighbor has an aura.So what's Kate to do but try to save him by turning detective herself? A break-in and attack on her boyfriend confirm that the murderer’s catching on that Kate knows too much. But he (or maybe she) has no idea that what Kate knows is a little on the paranormal side.
DOUBLE BLINDTwo politicians and her best friend have the death-predicting auras London architect Kate Benedict can see despite her most fervent wishes. She’s had the dubious gift for a year now, and suddenly there’s no longer any ignoring it.But the only way to get to the two pols is via her old friend, DCI Clarke; yet her warnings go unheeded. Her frustration builds when her best friend, Anita, refuses to believe in their existence as well — even when one appears over Anita’s boss in the hospital where she works. And then Anita develops her own aura.
THE FLORENTINE CYPHERLondon architect Kate Benedict’s weekend begins with “Follow that cab!” and takes us off and running on an international adventure, ticking off picturesque locales from London to a Venetian palace and the Tuscan countryside, pausing just long enough for a quick tour of Florence’s Duomo, with danger dogging every step.What began as a quiet Friday night dinner date with an old childhood friend turns into a manhunt when Kate arrives at the rendezvous just in time to find her friend Ethan leaving in a taxi. Kate is alarmed to see the distinctive swirling pattern above his head that only she can see, and that she has come to recognize as a portent of imminent and mortal danger. When Ethan’s disappearance is followed by a series of cryptic text messages, Kate goes looking for him at his sister’s house in Florence, Italy, but it’s immediately cl
Special Offers
M.L. Ryan - 2011
Then, she had to find another job when her boss went to prison for running a prostitution ring in his spare time. Three years later, Hailey still hadn’t gone on a date and she milks chinchilla for a living.Her life was about to get weirder.While in pursuit of inter-dimensional miscreants who use their arcane powers to prey upon humans, Sebastian Kess was ambushed and mortally wounded. To save his life, he used his own magic to convert his soul to binary code and transfer it into Hailey’s soon-to-be shipped Kindle eBook reader. When Hailey inadvertently releases him and he inhabits her body, she finally has a man inside her, just not in the way she imagined.Hailey must come to grips with the existence of the parallel dimension of Coursodon and the realization that magically inclined non-humans walk the world all while dealing with Sebastian’s arrogant banter in her head. Her predicament also introduces her to another supernatural, the handsome could-be-the-man-of-her-dreams Alex Sunderland. The action moves from Hailey’s hometown of Tucson, Arizona to New England and across Europe as she and Alex try to returnSebastian to his own body while staying one step ahead of the criminals who want to keep him where he is.Special Offers, the first book of the Coursodon Dimension Series, combines urban fantasy, paranormal romance, a bit of science fiction and a healthy dose of quirky humor.
Frozen Prospects
Dean Murray - 2011
When his sponsors are killed in an ambush a short time later, he instead finds his probationary status revoked, and becomes a pawn between various factions inside the Guadel ruling body. Jain's never known any life but that of a Guadel in training. She'd thought herself reconciled to the idea of a loveless marriage for the good of her people, but meeting Va'del changes everything. Their growing attraction flies against hundreds of years of precedent, but as wide-spread attacks threaten their world, the Guadel have no choice but to use even Jain and Va'del in their fight for survival. Publisher's Note: Frozen Prospects is followed by Thawed Fortunes.
Bound by Prophecy
Melissa Wright - 2013
He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action.What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.
Galdoni
Cheree Alsop - 2011
Kale, rescued by three high school students and nursed back from the brink of death, is given the chance to experience life as a human. When he is captured, he has to use what he learned in the world outside the Academy in order to free the other Galdoni and return to the human girl he loves. Dark and exciting, Galdoni pushes the boundaries of love in a world of violence.