A mystery hovers around the Haunted Bear Glacier near the remote town of Charming, Alaska. Town manager Chia Petit is determined to solve it. There's nothing she loves better than a good Alaska adventure-when she's not obsessed by her sexual needs or her obedience to rules, that is. Hindered by her annoying practical joker vampire roommate, helped by her happy-go-lucky dog shape shifter best friend, Chia has more than a few challenges ahead. Saddled with six stupid ghosts - the demons of past transgressions - as her constant companions, keeping the town of Charming safe and law-abiding should be her only worries. Not so. When Hung Durand, ultra-sexy bounty hunter and shape shifter extraordinaire comes to town, with romance on his mind, all bets are off. His tantalizing presence makes her adherence to rules vaporize as she contemplates shameless, naughty acts with the outlaw. The sharpshooting gal is prepared for bloody battle, the likes of which neither Hung nor Red Mountainbear, a blowhard, money-grubbing conservative from Fairbanks, has ever experienced. Her mission is to keep the peaceful, shape shifter refuge out of the clutches of those that would just as soon destroy it as they would mine it to fatten their wallets. Will Chia lose her town to those with dollar signs clouding their judgment, or will her undeniable, wanton attraction to Hung distract her efforts? Or, worse yet, will her vampire roommate take his crazy pranks too far, resulting in her untimely death? Find out in this jubilant, humorous, paranormal comedy romance. Interview with the Author: Q. What makes this urban fantasy unique? A. Possessing a love of adventure myself, I love to craft stories of being in the wilderness and facing the challenges that inevitably occur in the great outdoors. I decided to write an urban fantasy series about a remote town called Charming, Alaska. The town is populated by fishermen, hunters, and quirky town folk, as well as a wide variety of shape shifters and a vampire or two. The Charming, Alaska adventure romance series is a great blend of adventure, suspense and tantalizing romance, with the added fun of paranormal fantasy. I've added my own quirky preferences making this an enjoyable, exciting read. Q. So, do you plan on writing more Charming, Alaska adventures? A. Yes! Initial feedback from this first book has been overwhelmingly positive! I'll definitely tell more tales of adventure and romance in Alaska.
When it comes to writing sexy contemporary romance books, supernatural romances, or an erotic paranormal romance series, New York Times bestselling author Calinda B purrs with excitement, just like her fine Abyssinian cat. She's got a life full of adventure and stories, a head full of imaginative realities, and a willing partner to help her with "research." What more could an author ask for?
Power Shift: Hunting the Bounty Hunter beneath Haunted Alaska Skies is the first story feautured in the Paranormal Obsessions book. The Box Set starts off with the story of Chia and her quest to protect the shifters and humans in her small town. She is an enforcer and protector of her town. It should be a simple task and yet, when her position is compromised by an evil nemesis she is forced to rely on her vampire roomate, shifter best friend, and a very unlikely ally.
Hung is a bounty hunter who Chia is madly attracted to. Although they have shared a few connections throughout the years, they have never come to terms with the feelings they harbor for one another. Although Chia has been charged to capture (and possibly kill) Hung, she begins to see him through different eyes and possibly realize there might just be something there!
Overall, Power Shift was a good read. I felt like the secondary characters were extremely likable and the PRN elements were well developed and flowed naturally. The dialogue was smoothly constructed and the pacing was set at a steady rate with just enough action and mystery to keep me interested. What was slightly lacking for me was the under developed relationship aspect of the plot between Chia and Hung. I felt like it took slightly too long for these two to get together. I also would have liked more closure. The story had been building so intensely and then it felt like it ended rather abruptly. After reflecting on this read, I know I would like to check out more for this author.
~Now on to the next story in this series
~BR with my girl Loyda! Thanks for the fun times my friend!~ ~ARC graciously provided via the author in exchange for an honest review!~
Chia Petit is the Charming Alaska town manager and when ultra-sexy bounty hunter Hung Durand arrives back in town, this sharpshooting gal is prepared for battle which is a good thing because somebody’s out to steal her town in this offbeat paranormal fantasy.
Eccentric is a very good word to describe Chia, she’s got some very unusual quirks and annoying habits but when this charismatic woman decides to take charge that’s just what she’ll do and the reader can’t help but get lost in this humorous and exciting story as she sets out to save her town. All the characters in the story are peculiar in their own charming ways and demand attention and the fast pace keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense, excitement, humor and romance.
Tension and expectation builds throughout the story as the danger to shifters escalates and some weird magic seems to take over the town and let’s not forget the sexual tension that spices up the story every time Chia comes in contact with Hung. The well written scenes paint vivid images that capture the imagination while the well-orchestrated events ensure that the reader has to know what happens next.
The author has created a bizarre but fascinating little town with some very unusual elements and characters and while I was concerned that I wasn’t going to like Chia very much at the beginning, she soon charmed me, had me chuckling and cheering her on, so I can’t wait to visit Charming Alaska again and find out what happens next.
Chia Petit is trying to keep her job but outside forces want to destroy everything she's worked for and thensome. Hung Durand isn't making Chia's job easier either. Charming wants Hung gone for good no matter the cost. Hung's just trying to do his job as a bounty hunter. Chia's laws are making it difficult to even do that period. Can Chia keep her job? Is Chia willing to give up her attraction to Hung? Who wants Chia's job? Your answers await you in Power Shift.
I like the direction this series is going so far. The characters and story are complicated, complex, rich, bold, and mysterious. I'm interested in seeing where this series goes.
My Thoughts - 3 out of 5 Unicorns - I liked it!!! ***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!!
This is the first book by Calinda that I’ve read. It is the first book in the series.
This book was interesting and unusual. I definitely do not understand all the unusual things that happened in the book. The names are definitely unique too. I enjoyed the book, and I will probably check out book 2 to see if I get answers to questions I have. There is plenty going on and lots of different paranormal elements. This world is new unique and unusual. Chia has interesting friends and problems. There is plenty of humor and quirkiness adding to the uniqueness of this story. Lots of mystery and action to keep your attention.
If you are looking for something new unique and baffling, then you will like this book.
Calinda B's Power Shift is set in Charming, Alaska. This is a rollicking tale involving the two primary characters of Chia Petit and Hung Durand. Calinda B is always amazing and continues to demonstrate remarkable writing skill here. She combines humor, magic, and romance in a story that is thrilling, enchanting, and furiously paced. If you haven’t yet read Calinda B, Power Shift is a great story to taste her work. 4*
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.
From reading prior books by Calinda B, I knew I’d enjoy this one. I found the book blurb intriguing and the promise of laughs was just what I was looking for. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when there are shifters, vampires, ghosts and plenty of sexual tension to get you from beginning to end in one sitting. I simply couldn’t put it down, hence another sleepless night.
Chia Petit is the city manager for Charming, Alaska. Born and raised in Charming, Chia has developed the habit of making rules for everything. Truth be known, Chia is just a bit OCD about her rules and Hung Durand is always breaking the rules. The question is does she want to shoot him or bed him more? This is one gal that is a gun-toting spitfire. Imagine if you will a five-foot munchkin that goes toe to toe with vampires, shifters, you name it. It’s like she has no fear. Of course, that’s just appearances because there are plenty of times when she’s shaking in her boots, she’s just not going to let anyone see it. Oh and the six bothersome ghosts… I think this says it all: “Dag nab it. What is it with me? I can’t make up my mind about something, I do something I feel ashamed about and wham! A baby energy blip is born.” These six ghosts that very few can see have Chia looking like a total spastic at times as she bats them away.
Along for the ride are her trusty sidekick, Cecil the husky shifter and D’Raynged, her vampire roommate. Cecil and D’raynged were the perfect foils as secondary characters to build and show the reader the depth of Chia as a strong heroine. Between Cecil’s obnoxious leg humping stunts and continuous sexual innuendo and D’Raynged’s practical jokes, these two keep Chia on her toes. As if she needs to be kept on her toes with all the turmoil and action surrounding her and her quickly deteriorating town these two keep her hopping.
Since Chia found out about the shifters in town as a young adult, she found that she has an uncanny ability to identify them. As she puts it, “It’s like gay-dar, only I call it shift-dar.” Although she accepts the existence of shifters and vampires, Chia hasn’t really thought about the existence of magic. Perhaps she really should have. After all her grandfather told her, “Magic is in the eye of the beholder, sweetheart. Look. It’s all around us every day.” In fact, “Magic is nothing more than the understanding and manipulation of energy.” Well now magic has come hunting her and she’s going to get an up front and personal introduction to the subject in the form of one power hungry manipulative SOB that wants her town and Chia has her hands full dealing with the situation.
If magic has it out for Chia it has it out for the bounty hunter, Hung Durand in spades. Back in town to execute a few bounties and perhaps do a bit of seducing, Hung didn’t intend to end up trapped with a bounty on his own head. Fending off an overzealous Chia and staying alive has become a challenge. A real challenge indeed when all the man wants is to get in Chia’s pants. She’s absolutely perfect for him. Watching these two interact was a real treat. I caught myself with the giggles and laughing aloud so many times. If the comedy wasn’t enough, the sexual tension between the two definitely had me turning pages. Poor Chia every time she thought she might actually catch the bugger he was shifting into some new creature and flying away.
Power Shift is one book I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a bit of paranormal, a dash of suspense and a whole bushel full of laughs. If I had a complaint, it would be that there could have been more interaction between Hung and Chia. There were times I felt there was more interaction between Chia and Cecil than between Hung and Chia and yet she was obsessed with Hung. In spite of the lack of personal interaction between the two at times, the tension was always there. The author made sure you always knew Hung was in the forefront of Chia’s thoughts and when the two were actually together, they definitely sent the sparks flying. Power Shift is a fast paced and at times hilarious read I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
This story has it all from ghosts to sprites, from vamps to shifters, and one very strong leading lady. This is the story of a girl born in Charming, Alaska who moved with her parents to the bustling city-life of New York as a child. Chia Petit soon realized that the chaos and noise was not for her and after much pleading with her parents returned to Charming to live with her grandparents. Chia is now the city manager of Charming who has created a safe haven for supes and humans alike.
It always seems to be a power struggle for men to have a woman in the leadership position, especially when that man is an egotistical and maniacal manipulator. It's up to the woman to stand her ground and play her hand well; never reveaking the best cards until the time is right. This is the way of life for Chia Petit. Her rival, Red Nighthawk, wants her job and her lands; but she's not willing to simply roll over and let him take it all.
With Red and his ruffians causing loads of chaos in and around Charming Chia is at the end of her rope. She has problems of her own, namely six ghosts of deeds she's done in the past and a bounty hunter named Hung Durand. The bounty hunter is constantly going against her rules of stating business before he enters Charming, and this has the town in an uproar. The fact that Chia has strong feelings for Hung only makes her job more difficult; she struggles between doing him and doing him in.
As the story progresses so does the excitement and emotions. In the end, will Chia be able to conquer her nemesis or will he take her out? Can Charming ever return to being a happy and relaxing place for one and all? Will Chia realize her true powers and stand up for that which she believes in?
This was an amazing story which I was lucky enough to receive in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!
A wonderfully offbeat paranormal story. Charming, Alaska is filled with a wide assortment of supernatural creatures and mysterious goings on. This unusual cast of characters cover the gambit of mysterious, funny, erotically sexy to deadly. Chia the town manager is run ragged trying to keep up with all the various troubles. She is also trying to enforce the laws and to ensure the safe and smooth running of the town. Calinda B. draws you in to this unique cast of characters and keeps you wondering what quirky thing will happen next. This book was provided to me for an honest review.
I received this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. How refreshing it was to have such a new outlook on paranormal and mainly shifters. There was a wonderful amount of funny wit, and the sexual draw between two of the characters was enticing. Each character and the town was an important part of the story. Loved it!
I love Calinda B. She never fails to entertain me. The main characters are loveable and the bad guys are really bad. There were some serious moments but there were many laugh out louds and chuckles too. When Calinda releases book 2 in this series, I'll be the first in line to buy it.
Great Story! ! Chia Petit is trying to keep her job but outside forces want to destroy what she has accomplished in Charming, Alaska. Bounty hunter, Hung Durand isn't making Chia's job easier either. Charming wants Hung gone, but Hung's just trying to do his job.
I adored reading this book, this is the second book in this series and readers really need to read the first book beforehand to understand the dynamics of the town and the people within it.
I loved reading about the town of Charming, i have always loved Alaska and the beauty of it and the way that this author describes the surroundings is so clear and so vivid, you can see yourself there in this stunning place. This is an amazing action packed storyline that keeps you hooked, there are so many surprises in this story, you just don't know what is going to happen next and I love that about this story, it makes you want to just keep on turning the pages of this book to find out what happens next. I really can't wait to read the next book, especially with how this book ends!
Chia is just brilliant to read about! The way that her character is so relatable, she struggles with things that many people struggle with. She has a deep need to care for people in her town, to make sure that they are safe, that her town remain the haven that it is for everybody. I love her strength and fully understand her struggles. Her interaction with the other characters is so enjoyable to read about. One of the characters I loved seeing her interact with is Cecil, you see how much their friendship changes and grows throughout the book, it really made me smile. Then we come to Hung. He is brilliant to read about, one of the things I loved the most was his protective instincts and his tenacity towards Chia.
I adored this book, it really is amazing and I seriously recommend this book and this author to everybody!!!!
Town Manager Chia Petit, enforcer of the laws, chased after an unregistered bounty hunter along the pre-dawn icy and darkened streets. Aside from the slippery surface offering no traction, the 6 ghosts that fluttered around her head obscured her view, and a pack of dogs -- eager for a chase -- nipped at her heels and tripped her. Her target, of course, got away again.
The town itself, in Charming, Alaska is a sort of refuge for supernatural beings and Chia wants to keep her town safe. With bounty hunter Hung Durand distracting her, this is not an easy task – especially when she keeps having to fight her attraction. Someone wants to take over the town, but they will not have an easy time of it against Chia and her crazy friends. This book was a laugh a minute and thoroughly enjoyable! Grab a copy and follow along on Chia’s crazy adventures! The story line is fast-paced and intriguing. The characters are pretty much likable – or at least tolerable in a humorous way! Will Chia “get her man”? Will she figure out the mysterious plot against her town and foil the plans of the greedy? There is an amazing amount of fun in this book, and if you love paranormal tales, this one goes to the top of the list to read! Highly recommended!
I started this series off with its prequel, Power Shift, which introduces Charming, Alaska, and it's fantastic mayor Chia Petit. That was a great book and everything gets even better in Power Shift, the official book 1 of the series. Astoundingly to me, The Charming Shifter Mysteries is already on the way to becoming a favorite series, the kind you just feel compelled to devour each book of upon publication. Chia is the epitome of the sort of kick-a** heroine I adore and she's so much more, a fully rounded character with real, significant, responsibilities that she willingly takes on. Her gang, from her vampire roommate and her Husky dog shape shifter best friend, to her shape shifter bounty hunter partner (for now), and growing romantic interest, are superbly drawn. The other supporting characters, friend and for, are also very well done. The plot, with everything put into it to solve the mystery and protect Chia's town and it's shifters, is a thrilling mix of adventure and mystery that just works perfectly. Add in a wonderfully crafted world for everything to move in, and great writing. The result is a real joy to read and one I highly recommend.
So, this was book 2 in the Charming Shifter Mystery Series and it left me a little confused. The biggest question for me was how the dynamic between Chia and her bestie Cecil changed in this book. The comedic banter between the two was gone for the most part. It may be partially due to the narration which was not my favorite - I found the narrator could have done this read more - IDK how it's written in the actually book but it seems that the word ask was said as ax in multiple places (that is such a pet peeve of mine and may not bother others). I thought that some of the speech was stilted and choppy, especially for D who was a great character in the first book and I think I still like him but it was just really hard with this narration. What I did love was how the story line dug deeper into Chia's parents and grandparents and the mystical that surrounds her. I also loved that we found out how Hung got his name and would love to know more about his past. I also loved the conclusion which gave great closure to the twists within and also left enough open to make you excited for book 3.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
I thought this book had an interesting story line and was enjoyable to read. The main character, Chia, is the leader of the town of Charming, Alaska, which is full of regular town people plus people with special powers to shift bodies between human and animal. Chia is trying to keep the town safe for everyone plus keep peace between the regular town people and the shifters. However, there are people trying to take leadership away from her and get rid of all the shifters. I really enjoyed reading about Chia and her relationships with the different people in the town, especially with the shifters. It was fun to imagine people being able to switch between a human body and an animal body. Also, I liked seeing everything that was happening from Chia’s perspective. She is a very strong person with some issues from her past that she still needs to deal with; and she is a great character to root for. Overall, this book was very thrilling to read plus had some great humor to it.
It took a lot for me to finally get into this book. This first half was slow going for me. I couldn’t understand why the dynamic between Chia and Cecil, and Chia and Hung, and Chia and D'Raynged, and… well… Chia and everyone was so very different than it had been in the previous book. I was also easily frustrated by the overwhelming number of references to Chia’s lust and their mental, physical, and emotional manifestations. The second half of the book, where the intrigue takes precedence over Chia’s base urges was much more enjoyable to me. I loved that we got peeks into Hung and Cecil’s pasts as well as some hints about the powers Chia might possess. I still have questions I’d like answers to, and it looks like Chia has a new nemesis to deal with, so I’m intrigued to see what else this series has in store. I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a box set.
Being I use to love to watch a certain bounty hunter show this was right up my preferences for reading. Chia still has alot on her plate but in this one a character rolls into town that clouds the mind some would say-Hung. With this one being full of action along with her gang of friends too you quickly disappear into this town. Still hunting for answers but also having a detour that comes in one fine form. This one will keep you looking for the next thing thanks to all that is in this read. Imagination will go into overdrive thanks to characters and setting. This author does a good job too of feeding that imagination with this place. Since you will be caught up until the last page you will be more than ready for the next one since this one will seem to be over too soon.
I just finished reading Power Shift, the second book in the series Charming Shifter Mysteries by Calinda B and actually I still do not know if I prefer this book or the first in the series, Storm Shift. Both books are very entertaining, fast and easy to read, but in Power Shift we have a very well achieved continuity, the author presents us with new characters and a villain that the reader will really hate. Chia Petit, our protagonist, will define her love-hate relationship with Hung Durand, while facing a series of mysterious events that endanger her work as manager of the small and idyllic Charming, Alaska. A strong female character, a handsome bounty hunter, vampires, shifters and a greedy and murderous villain... What else?
This book was full of shifter mysteries, intrigue and a bit of romance in the little town of Charming.
Chia Petit is facing a lot of adversity from the people and shifters in her town. She is tasked to hunt down the bounty hunter Hung Durang while also fight against Red Mountainbear to keep her position as town manager. Will she be able to pull it off with her best friend and resident husky Cecil by her side? Or will she be derailed by the deadly pranks between her and her vampire roommate?
Great story that kept me turning the pages. I can’t wait to read book 2.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
First let me say that I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my feedback. I always leave an honest review.
With that said, on to the review; I loved this story. Chia seems like a normal young woman, but she's got lots (and I mean lots), of spunk. She's definitely a feisty, tiny female who you will love right away. She's got a funny, horny best friend, a sheriff that's really trying to guide her, but has no clue how, and lots of crazy psychos running around still, (and this is book 2), & last but not least, a very hot bounty hunter to deal with. :)
This is a gr8 interesting mystery. I really recommend this read 5 Thumbs up.
Will Chia is still a tuff cookie, and can not stop her feelings for Hung. She cares for Cecil her is a husky shifter and if it was not for him I don't know if she would make it on some of her fights. Both Hung and Cecil protects her and loves her. Of course you have to laugh at her roommate and her the way they play tricks on each other. Will Chia finally give into her feelings for Hung? Can she save the Shifters, her town and herself? The only thing I felt about the story is some of the scenes seemed almost the same as the 1st book. I received an arc copy for my honest review.
This is the second installment of the Charming Shifter Mysteries series. Chia must save her town from an evil shifter, Red Mountainbear and in the meantime, juggling a budding attraction to sexy bounty hunter, Hung Durand and a new vampire roommate. This is a fast-paced story, with unique characters and plot, witty dialogue and a semi-cliffhanger, as Chia's current challenge was resolved, but the overarcing storyline continues through the next 3 books in the series. You'll want to read them all!
I just love Chia and all the shifters in this town. I enjoyed the first story I read but this one I think is even better. It is seriously funny I would love to live there and be friends with Cecil I think he is a sweetheart. It had some darkness as well which was exciting but I prefer the humour. The Vampire cracks me up just his name is enough to make me grin from ear to ear. I cant get enough of this series I hope it will be long running.
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
This is a unique story with fun and crazy characters. Everything about the town, storyline, and characters is bizarre and intriguing. So many weird things happen in the story I'm not sure what it was exactly about. I definitely want to continue reading, as I would like to fully understand the story. There is enough fantastical elements to keep things moving, and I think anyone who is a fan of Calinda or fantasy would enjoy.
Chia doesn't want to kill the man she loves but she will if she has to. Hung is back in her town once again not following the rules. The town wants his head on a platter and Chia out of a job. Will Chia and Hung be able to work together and save the town and shifters from Red Spotted Rick? Will they finally Gove in to their feelings? I laughed so hard while reading this book. Can't wait for the next one. I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review
Charming is getting to be a bit too much for our heroine. With a new danger in town, she's having to fight her feelings for Hung even more now than ever before...that way it won't hurt as bad when she has to kill him. That man is one fuzzy feeling away from causing her even more problems. With the new man trying to take her job, she's fighting for her life, her wellbeing, and her friends. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Wow this is a great read. Chia is the town Manager. She is determined she is going to solve the mystery of how the shifters are dying. This read is a great addition to this series. It has some pretty humorous parts. This Author really brings the Characters and scenery out. You can see the scenes clearly in your mind as you read. Theres lots of twists and turns. A great read a definite must read. Shauna Joesten
I really enjoyed the story and the diverse characters. You have many different paranormals living in a very interesting town that is challenging for her to run. The challenges keep coming along with a potential romance. The author balances a lot of elements in this story and it definitely kept my interest.
Power Shift continues the story of Chia, Hung and Cecil "Dawg-man" a couple years after book one ended. I love how the characters are more fleshed out, Chia finally figures out what her grandfather meant There is another book in this series and I can't wait to read it. I love reading about shifters and this one is full of them. Edit Delete