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Must-read paranormals: 'Of Shadow & Stone,' 'Bound by Spells'

Serena Chase
Special for USA TODAY
Of Shadow & Stone by Michelle Muto.

HEA contributor Serena Chase recs adult paranormal, New Adult paranormal and sci-fi romances …

Of Shadow & Stone by Michelle Muto

What it's about (from publisher Skyscape):

Gargoyles were created centuries ago to protect mankind, but something went horribly wrong. Now only the sentinel—a mortal chosen to control the stone beasts—stands between them and their human prey.

When the latest sentinel is killed, Kate Mercer is destined to take his place. But Kate has enough going on in her life—like a skyrocketing film career, a delusional ex-boyfriend, and a crazed stalker who will stop at nothing to get to her. Kate is transported to a mysterious castle that serves as a sanctuary for the supernatural. Although beautiful, Shadow Wood is no safe place for a mere mortal. Yet Kate is drawn not only to the gargoyles but also to Ian McGuire, a charming novelist who might be in the greatest danger of all.

Her survival and Ian's depend on her ability to master the gargoyles before time runs out. Is fate really cast in stone?

Why you should read it: If the idea of a bestselling author and a famous actress experiencing a bit of otherworldly attraction before they even know the other is real isn't cool enough, throw in a Gothic manor (overseen by a gently dark and mysteriously knowledgeable man of means), an assortment of paranormal whatsits flying, loping and floating about, and a very original take on the purpose and nature of gargoyles. Fans of contemporary (and Gothic!) paranormal romance are going to love this book!

The author allows you to simply melt into the scene ... and the budding romance. There is plenty of heat between Kate and Ian, but for those of you (like me) who prefer to be off-scene during the intimate act itself, you'll be glad the author leaves that aspect of the romance behind closed doors.

Of Shadow & Stone is a creative modern Gothic paranormal that will make readers click to grab other titles in this author's backlist. Fun!

Bound by Spells by Stormy Smith.

Bound by Spells by Stormy Smith

What it's about (from publisher Perfect Storm):

Aidan Montgomery was not prepared for Amelia Bradbury to walk in—and then out—of his life. Neither did he expect to discover the powerful magic that had been hidden deep within him for the last nineteen years. Now, with the help of Amelia's best friend, Bethany, Aidan is on a quest to understand his destiny ... and find Amelia.

The decision to stand by her duty forced Amelia to walk away from her first chance at love. Trapped in Cresthaven at Queen Julia's mercy, she spends her days with Micah — an ally she still holds at arm's length — struggling to manage her heartbreak while keeping her mind focused on the task at hand. As Amelia continues to unlock the secrets of the Keeper power, Queen Julia's true motives are revealed, forcing Amelia to decide, yet again, how much she is willing to sacrifice.

Why you should read it: No worries of the dreaded "sophomore slump" with the follow-up to Bound by Duty! Even better than her debut, Bound by Spells showcases Stormy Smith's growth as a skilled crafter of stories.

In Bound by Spells, the mysterious Queen Julia's dark goals are revealed and Amelia and her powers are tested to her limits. Even though Amelia and Aidan only have rare instances of shared page time, the romance does not suffer for it; in fact, their separation adds a sort of desperation to the novel's exciting pace — one that will keep you up late to find out how Amelia will be rescued — and who among her loved ones and friends will survive. Featuring a cast of mages and shapeshifters with unique magical abilities, one destiny-shaping prophecy, a genocidal megalomaniac and a budding, heated romance (or two!), this book is paranormal gold! Read the first book in the series first, of course, but once you finish this one you're sure to be salivating for the next release in this not-to-be-missed romantic paranormal series.

What Stormy Smith has to say …

Of all the paranormal abilities you've designed for the characters in your books, which would you pick, if you had the chance to possess such a gift?

Stormy: Eventually, Amelia is able to control the weather, and with just a thought she can direct lightning, call on the wind and start storms. Ever since I can remember, I've loved Storm from X-Men, and that's where Amelia's power truly stems from. I would take that ability in a heartbeat! I have always felt connected to weather. The sun shining changes my whole outlook, but a thunderstorm is still soothing in its own right. Being an Iowa girl adds a certain appreciation for weather of all kinds and having Amelia's connection to Mother Nature would be truly amazing.

Sounds like your parents nailed it when they named you, Stormy! Apart from having otherworldly abilities, your main characters practice mixed martial arts. I know you are a fan of yoga, but is MMA a part of your fitness routine, too?

Stormy: I wish! My husband got me interested in watching MMA and I now have a deep appreciation for the technical skill and capability those athletes have. They also have such immense control over their minds. Sheer willpower and heart push them through situations most would abandon. While I do love yoga, I am also an absolute klutz, so I would likely hurt myself more than anyone else if I ever attempted MMA.

What is your favorite kind of scene to write: fight scenes, kissing/romance or the snarky repartee many of your characters exchange in dialogue?

Stormy: I have to say the snarky dialogue. There are a lot of places in daily life that people just don't appreciate quick wit and I love to work that into my scenes. Truly, it comes naturally to write, it's not saying it in my day-to-day that I have to put effort into! And for the record, fight scenes are the worst! Because I am so uncoordinated, I struggle to describe fight scenes in a way that actually makes sense.

Love, Lattes & Mutants by Sandra Cox.

Love, Lattes & Mutants by Sandra Cox

What it's about (from publisher Kensington):

Like most seventeen-year-olds, Piper Dunn wants to blend in with the crowd. Having a blowhole is a definite handicap. A product of a lab-engineered mother with dolphin DNA, Piper spends her school days hiding her brilliant ocean-colored eyes and sea siren voice behind baggy clothing and ugly glasses. When Tyler zeroes in on her, no one, including Piper, understands why...

Then Piper is captured and ends up in the same test center where her mother was engineered. There she discovers she isn't the only one of her kind. Joel is someone she doesn't have to hide from, and she finds herself drawn to the dolph-boy who shares her secrets. Deciding which boy has captured her heart is another story...

Why you should read it: Does this book sound fun, funky and weird, or what? And that cover? Cute! But if you're thinking this book is some sort of rom-com romp through Mermaidia, think again. It isn't. While there is some humor, it's not a rom-com. And, surprisingly, I liked it better for the lack of "cute" the cover and title led me to believe I would find.

Those who do not generally go for sci-fi don't need to worry about being bored with history, procedures and research. The author does a great job of just letting you know who Piper is and how her mutation works by seeing her live with it, both in and out of the water. The deep, first-person point of view makes for an in-the-moment read, and as the danger comes to a climax that cannot entirely be resolved (it is the first book of a series, after all!) and introduces a new sort of "family," as well as the possibility of a love triangle coming down the road — you will look forward to joining Piper on the next step of her dolph-girl journey. Recommended!

A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. Her Eyes of E'veria series — The Ryn, The Remedy and The Seahorse Legacy — is out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.

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