Showing posts with label Xpresso Book Tours. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Clowders Book Blitz

Welcome all! Do you love horror? How about cats? Are you looking for your next horror packed novel that is filled with mysterious cats? Then look no further! We have a special treat for you today - Clowders is FREE! So, if this book intrigues you...keep reading and be sure to grab yourself a copy!

Clowders by Vanessa Morgan

Genre: horror, supernatural thriller, cats

Age group: for adults

Description

Clervaux, Luxembourg. This secluded, picturesque town in the middle of Europe is home to more cats than people. For years, tourists have flocked to this place – also known as “cat haven” - to meet the cats and buy cat-related souvenirs.

When Aidan, Jess and their five-year-old daughter, Eleonore, move from America to Clervaux, it seems as if they've arrived in paradise. It soon becomes evident, though, that the inhabitants' adoration of their cats is unhealthy.

According to a local legend, each time a cat dies, nine human lives are taken as a punishment. To tourists, these tales are supernatural folklore, created to frighten children on cold winter nights. But for the inhabitants of Clervaux, the danger is horrifyingly real.

Initially, Aidan and Jess regard this as local superstition, but when Jess runs over a cat after a night on the town, people start dying, one by one, and each time it happens, a clowder of cats can be seen roaming the premises.

Are they falling victim to the collective paranoia infecting the entire town? Or is something unspeakably evil waiting for them?

Their move to Europe may just have been the worst decision they ever made.

Inspirations

Although the book's location – Clervaux in Luxembourg – exists in real life, Clowders is actually is inspired by Japanese cat islands, such as Tashirojima and Aoshima. where tourists visit to meet and play with cats. On these islands, cats outnumber the human population, and they are known for their cat-themed decorations and merchandise. The only difference is that these cat islands aren't cursed.

Cat tourism not a new concept, but it's gained popularity in recent years. Destinations like cat cafes and cat islands attract tourists from all over the globe who want to interact with cats. These places often have themed decorations and merchandise centered around cats. Cat-related tourism offers a unique experience for animal lovers and travelers alike.

Are you interested in knowing more about these destinations? Then check out the author's blog, Traveling Cats, which is all about cat tourism.

About the author

Vanessa Morgan is the editor of the movie reference guides When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampire Movies, and Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children. She also has had one cat book (Avalon) and four supernatural thrillers (Drowned Sorrow, The Strangers Outside, A Good Man, and Clowders) published. Three of her stories have been turned into movies. She has written for myriad Belgian magazines and newspapers and introduces movie screenings at several European film festivals. She is also a programmer for the Offscreen Film Festival in Belgium. When she's not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching movies, eating out, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats.

What others have to say about Clowders

"A startling new voice in horror" - Lucky McKee (director)

"Vanessa Morgan has the gift of pacing and spookiness." - Scott Nicholson (author)

"One very fine writer for both books and screen - Vanessa has a style that is intoxicating." - Grady Harp (Amazon Top 100 Reviewer)

"The female version of Stephen King." - Pedro Chaves (director)

"A first-rate horror story." – Port Jericho (blog)

"A surprisingly scary book." – With Love For Books (blog)

"An intelligent piece of classic horror with a family at the heart of the story." – The Shades of Orange (blog)

"Clowders is a book that reminded me a lot of vintage, small-town European horror from the likes of Herbert, Hutson, Clark, and Campbell. Vanessa Morgan weaves a creepy, suspenseful tale about urban legends and rural superstitions, with a plot that feeds on paranoia and fear." - Sally Bend (author)

"I think Clowders has a Children of the Corn vibe. Replace the corn with cats, and replace the kids with adults. You'll find the same theme." - Kathy Finfrock (author)

"A horror novel written in a way that has me picturing its scenes as though I'm watching a horror movie." - Miranda Burski (author)

"Great story. Solid characters. Well crafted suspense." – Hatched Mouth (YouTube)

"A good shiver-causing read." - Toni Lesatz (author)

"Really terrifying." – Bookshelf Life (blog)

"Full of suspense and terror." – Warm Days Will Never Cease (blog)

"It's riveting and chilling and unlike anything I've ever read. I can already see it as a movie." – Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, and Meows (blog)

"I really enjoyed having no idea if the impending doom was real or just a figment of the townspeople's imagination. It really left me second guessing what was truly going on." – The Book Return (blog)

"My hats are off to Vanessa Morgan for her ending. She didn't settle, and she hit the right plot points." – The Literary License (podcast)

"Ms. Morgan has certainly scratched out a special niche in the horror genre with Clowders." – Tome Tender (blog)

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Moon Flower Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for Moon Flower by Heather Ewen-Foster! This is the first book in her series surrounding Sonia and the Vampires of L.A. Don't miss out!

Moon Flower is an adult urban fantasy novel by Heather Ewen-Foster. Prepare to be swept away into an engaging vampire novel that details the lives of Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, and her friend Sunny Michaels in Hollywood, California. Life is good until its not.

Sonia has lived in Hollywood for just over three decades now, and life has been quiet. She and other vampires have been living in L.A. in relative peace and quiet. However, all of that is about to take a turn when vampires start turning up missing, with the unfortunate and dark discovery of one in particular. At the time of the horrific discovery, Sonia has no idea that a power play is currently ongoing. All she knows is that something dark, sinister, and dangerous is hunting them and that more is yet to come.

Moon Flower, Vampires of Los Angeles, is one of those books that you dive into eagerly and that by the end of the book you’re looking around for more. Like a tasty treat that quickly becomes your new favorite, you’re going to be eagerly anticipating coming back to Sonia’s world when you reach the final page of this novel.

Sonia is the main character of this story as the author focuses on detailing her story. Sonia is an interesting character as she allows us glimpses into her past, back when she was still human. Sonia is showcased as typically being very careful and aware of her surroundings. She’s taken a touch of a shine to a particular human, Alex. She’s not engaged with him, yet, but all of that is about to change when an unwanted encounter with an addict pushes them towards their first interaction.

Of course, as you can imagine, for vampires staying out of the spotlight is preferable. The less attention that they draw to themselves the better. You can, of course, understand why. They tend to be striking in some form or another and are hard to forget. So when some situations begin to arise surrounding Sonia, she starts drawing unwanted attention. This in turn puts her in the eyes of someone whom she’d prefer to not be under the microscope with.

You’re probably wondering...when does the “gripping” aspect of this story kick in? Well, honestly, it kicks in pretty quickly. Sonia’s dealings with Alex will pique your interest in “What exactly is going to happen with them?” One element that you’re going to love about this book is the elegant layering of it and how everything gradually comes together.

The dynamics between Sonia and Alex are interesting and well crafted as they shift into developing further. There is definitely an attraction between the two of them, but it isn’t long before the author decides that things are going just a touch too smoothly and throws in a neat little wrench. You’re going to love it...and maybe hate it...just a little though. LOL! Of course, nothing would be complete without some fun antics from another vampire, Sunny Michaels. He’s gorgeous, famous, funny, and a touch unpredictable, but he’s definitely someone you want on your side. Sunny definitely brings some humor and unpredictability to the story that will keep you on your toes. Of course, the little surprises that Sunny himself has up his sleeve bring a breath of freshness to this story in a particular department.

Author Heather Ewen-Foster brings a nice amount of freshness to this story. She goes so far as to “debunk” some of the “myths” that surround vampires. One aspect that I truly like is how she writes her characters. Yes, they drink blood (some human, others bovine/animal) but she makes sure to emphasize key points. One in particular is that the blood vampires drinks helps them, but it’s not an immediate fix. It doesn’t go from the mouth to the vascular system like so many other stories portray vampires. Injured? Drink some blood and cue quick healing. This particular attention to detail absolutely captured our attention and definitely made an impression on us. So, we just know that it will be with you as well.

Now, where does the real threat come in? Well, it comes in subtle ways so make sure you pay attention to certain hints that the author drops in the story. One is going to come pretty early in the book. It will be easy to dismiss it and forget it, but we’re going to warn you now...don’t do it! Hold on to that tidbit of information and cling to it! Because more is coming!

The vampiric dynamic in this book is interesting as well. You’ll get a glimpse of some of the more powerful vampires that call L.A. home. You’ll also see that they really aren’t interested in the problems of the “lowers.” This point is only emphasized when vampires start going missing. While Sonia isn’t close to any of those missing, she still feels concerned as to what has happened to them and comes to the only plausible conclusion – that they are...no more. The author points out that, like with humans, vampires are known to take out each other, but this? This is something more...something darker.

The deeper Moon Flower goes the more engaging and interesting you will find this novel. It won’t be long before you find yourself halfway through the book, and looking around trying to find out what time it is. LOL! Yes, this book is that good. The deeper the story, the more intriguing it all becomes as power plays come into focus, and the true danger is unveiled.

Hoping for some romance to heat up these pages? Well, you’re going to have to wait on that. While Sunny is more than a lady’s man the author keeps his escapades off the pages beyond a bit of hinting here and there. Sonia has some sparks swirling around her, but nothing to give the sparks some tinder to cling to. Now, that doesn’t mean that nothing could happen in the future, because that is definitely possible! For us, that’s definitely something to look forward to. Especially to see where things go between not just Sonia and Alex, but Sonia and Sunny, too. He’s pretty irresistible, so...why not? LOL!

Are you hoping that there will be more of Sonia’s story to come in the future? Well, the author does say at the end that Sonia and the vampires of L.A. will be back so…that’s good news right there! You’ll be able to tell as you read this book that Sonia’s story can’t possibly end here! There has to be more to come! There just has to be!! Power struggles? Change coming? Sparks of romance? We have to return to L.A. to find out what happens next! So, for sure, we’re going to be looking forward to reuniting with Sonia and the other vampires (and humans) in the future! Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long!

Moon Flower is an engaging novel that readers who enjoy vampires, urban fantasies, drama, and a healthy dose of intrigue will surely not want to miss!

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Heather Ewen-Foster, and Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!

Moonflower: Vampires of Los Angeles
by Heather Ewen-Foster
Publication date: November 7th, 2023
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:

Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, thought she had found peace in the quiet neighborhood of Whitley Heights, Hollywood. But when a mysterious creature starts slaughtering young vampires, Sonia is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With her friend Sunny targeted by an ancient monster, Sonia must uncover the truth behind these brutal attacks. Desperate to save her friend and end the bloodshed, Sonia navigates the treacherous politics of the vampire world. Along the way, she finds herself torn between her irresistible attraction to Alex, the enigmatic human journalist helping in her investigation, and her deep bond with sexy and charismatic Sunny, Alpha Vampire extraordinaire.

As the sinister plot unravels, Sonia’s race against time becomes a pulse-pounding battle against an impossibly powerful foe. Will she uncover the truth before more lives are lost? And what sacrifices will she have to make to protect those she loves?

Moon Flower is a spellbinding urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. Heather Ewen-Foster’s suspenseful tale immerses you in a world of danger, romance, and mythical creatures. Get ready for an electrifying adventure that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FLbGks

Want more of this tour? Click the link below and check out everyone else!

https://xpressobooktours.com/2023/11/15/tour-sign-up-moon-flower-vampires-of-los-angeles-by-heather-ewen-foster/

Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

$25 giftcard and signed copy of Moon Flower

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235657/

Book Tour Organized By:

Xpresso Book Tours

Bunny's Reviews