Surge

by Paul DiPersio

Sometimes when life closes a door, it opens a window ... to hell.

WARNING: This book contains scenes of graphic sex and violence, and is intended for mature audiences only.

Michael Drake came to the quaint seaside town of Fairfield Bay to build condos, and found the girl of his dreams.

Amanda—a beautiful, emerald-eyed, raven-haired mystery woman, way out of his league, soon to be his wife.

Then, one Halloween night during a violent thunderstorm, Amanda answers the phone, and a freak lightning surge stops her heart cold, plunging her into a coma. When she awakens, she’s not the same woman Michael fell in love with ... not the woman he planned to marry.

According to the local neurologist, Doctor Hammond, the tragic accident damaged the delicate neural pathways of Amanda’s brain, plaguing her with a litany of bizarre side effects, and altering her personality, maybe forever.

According to the local librarian, Miss Wadsworth, something more sinister is at play. An evil spirit, lurking in the musty attic of Amanda and Michael’s antique Colonial, has at last found a portal into this world, and a human vessel in which to unleash its fury.

Michael just wants his fiancée back. And he’ll do whatever it takes to save her.

Even if it means following her down a deep, dark hole of pain and suffering to the very bowels of hell.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2019

About the author

Paul DiPersio is a Cardiac Nurse and a freelance writer with a degree in Political Science from Villanova University. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, stepdaughter, twin sons, and the ghost of a cat named Monkey. Many of his stories take place in the mysterious fictional towns of Cutler Hollow and its seaside neighbor, Fairfield.

Reviews

[TrulyDeeplyBookishly_708456 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please note that all opinions are my own!!

Wow..... this is not normally my preferred genre to read in, but there was just something about the blurb and cover that both appealed and appalled me. Since reading it, I've woken up twice from nightmares. I just can't get this chilling goodness out of my head.

Paul DiPersio's writing is in a league of it's own!! Childhood drama paired with mystery, gives just the right amount of chill to keep you not only on the edge - but also have you checking that you're really alone, before you enter any dark rooms late at night.

I wouldn't say this is much of a ghost story, it's more of a psychological thriller, mixed with a delicious dose of suspense and mystery. So if that's your favourite cocktail, allow yourself to down this in one go!

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[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. I was very interested in the story in the beginning but as the story unwove, past the middle of the book, it became more and more unbelievable. The erotica was unexpected. I'm no prude but it didn't add to the story in my opinion. I stopped caring about the characters by the end of the book.

[Payal Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surge is more about childhood sexual abuse than about any spiritual encounter and the chills that it gives you are equally deep and horrific. The author paints a grim sinister atmosphere that is dark and gloomy just as the weather projected out of doors. Amanda suffers a lightning bolt and her personality changes for the worse. She is more uninhibited, is constantly in pain, irritable, and even harmful. However, she is lucky to have a fiancee who loves her in spite of it all. He is ready to bear as much pain as Amanda with a wounded right hand and a fired ear and is ready to accept her with all her warts and moles. The story is hauntingly beautiful and grips you in from the first page to the last. I particularly liked all the precise medical terms and explanations that the author presented making the book more real.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

This book is not my usual genre. I am glad I stepped out of my box and engulfed myself in this strange yet riveting read. It was definitely a adventure.

Ghost story? No. Psychological thriller? Yes. Mystery and suspense? Yes. Did I love the book? I don't know. All I know is once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. I was like Amanda drawn into a place I can't explain.

I am giving it five stars because it was well written, it kept me glued to my kindle and I was mesmerized from the beginning.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struck by lightning - a New England thriller

Massachusetts author Paul DiPersio has now published four thrillers - MALENA'S KISS, BLOOD MOON CARNIVAL, WOLFHEART and SURGE. In addition to having earned his degree in Political Science from Villanova University, he is now a Cardiac Nurse and has added fictional writing to his resume! Paul's skill at writing mystery thrillers is enhanced not only by his imagination and his proximity to the fictional towns in Massachusetts where he places his stories, but also by his intricate understanding of medicine and all the paraphernalia and situations to which he has become accustomed. But either an author can create a terrifying plot or simply 'create' a scenario that suggests fear is that point at which Paul DiPersio steps to the front of the line.

What is more appropriate for a ghost story than a New England stormy night? Paul takes us there by opening this fascinating and engrossing novel about a couple in love whose lives are suddenly altered by a thunderstorm during which the girl Amanda is struck by lightning, lapses into a coma, and awakens as a brain damaged altered person. The man involved is Michael and is distraught at both the tragedy and by the change in Amanda – a change that seems to be linked to a evil spirit dwelling in the attic of their atmospheric old home and Amanda has become the vessel through which the evil spirit can surface. The struggle Michael faces leads to a strange by satisfying end.

The cast of characters fits the plot well – Paul’s medical acumen once again serves him well in shaping the interaction of medicine and science and paranormal shadows into a fine, credible story – a factor that enhances the mystery. This, fellow lovers of thrillers, is a very well written book - the sign that this author is moving rapidly to the front of the line of American mystery books. Keep the light on…

[Kara Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'm going with 2.5 stars on this one. I was so intrigued by this plot. I wanted to love this book, but I had a hard time with it. When I reached the end I thought I must have missed something. Halfway through I still had high hopes about how it would end and I was definitely let down.

That all being said it was an easy and quick read. I wouldn't classify as paranormal, but again I might have missed something.

[EroticaAfterDark (Lilith)]

#erotica #new #release #newrelease Paul DiPersio #Dark #EroticSuspense #Paranormal
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Merged review:


#erotica #new #release #newrelease Paul DiPersio #Dark #EroticSuspense #Paranormal
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2U645ms
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2uZ5wsJ
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Z4IFJV

Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
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changes may occur throughout the day

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surge by Paul DiPersio is an impressive mystery ghost story that takes place in New England. As Michael and Amanda are just beginning their lives in a small town, even considering eloping, a tragic accident occurs. When a lightening strike hits Amanda through a land line phone, both her life and Michael's life are irrevocably changed. Her personality is completely altered as she recovers, and even may contain an evil spirit that has been unleashed through her. With the author's experience as a cardiac nurse, you certainly get a glimpse of what it takes to recover from such a horrific event. Michael must figure out what happened and how he can help Amanda heal not just from her physical wounds but psychologically as well. The author's medical experience combined with impressive writing and story telling make this engaging book a must read. A compelling ghost story that is both riveting and written with a fast yet thorough pace, this book is highly recommended for a fantastic read that will keep you entertained for a long while.

[Infinity's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to say about this one. It was interesting and easy to read, but I frequently found myself just screaming at it. It wasn't awful, but I expected more from such an interesting concept. Woman changes after lightning strike, as a concept, sounds so appealing but this book had no teeth.
The middle of the book was interesting, but by the halfway point the woman was already doing things that no person in their right mind would put up with. And the ending was completely gut-renchingly awful, the plot lead to a peak that did not explain a single thing, SPOILER ALERT: Is this even paranormal?
Fans of soft thrillers may find a great read but I was not a fan. I received my copy for free, from the publisher.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading "Surge," I couldn't wait to get going on what promised to be both an engaging read and a way to purge my brain of a disappointing recent read that had also promised hints of the paranormal. I am pleased to report that this book was indeed engaging, blending together psychological suspense and thrills with just a hint of the supernatural (after all, what good is Halloween without a ghost story?).

The summary for this novel lets us know that there's a lot going on, and the story didn't waste any time in getting started. Thankfully this wasn't a case of a story having too much to fit into a small space; DiPersio pulled us right into the action of the story and kept us engaged until the final pages. At first, I wondered if the story was even started too quickly, as we aren't given a true introduction to our characters before the action starts, but as I thought about it more, I realized that I didn't feel as if I had missed out on anything important in their background, so the quick start suited me just fine.

This book was a quick and engaging read. It dragged me along with it as I tried to keep up with the new bits it threw at me. The blend of suspense and horror was well-balanced, and I think I'll have to see if DiPersio's other works have a similar tone.

Content Notes:
Linguistics - This book was well-written, and there weren't any points when I thought the wording or structure was wrong. Nor did I notice any grammatical flaws. There were a few points when italics were used in excess, I think with the purpose of adding to the tone of the conversation, but I did find it to be a bit distracting.

Profanity - There is a fair bit of strong profanity in this book. While it is not constant, I would still say it is used often enough to be called frequent.

Sexual Content - Amanda and Michael live together, and do have a fairly active sex life as a result. I was surprised at how detailed that sex life was in several places, but those bits would be easy enough to gloss over, as they are not essential to the plot. Prostitutes are mentioned in several contexts a man mentions that he was once turned down by one; Michael is searching for a missing Amanda and several people think he is looking for a hooker , as are affairs Amanda half-worries Michael might leave her for an old girlfriend; Amanda hooks up with an apparently random woman after her accident and is seen by Michael .

Violence & Gore - As can be expected for a thriller, "Surge" touches on some unpleasant topics including: self harm Amanda cuts her arm up at one point, and it is implied that she has scars from previous self harm, alcoholism Michael struggles with alcohol, his younger brother is mentioned to be an alcoholic, and their father was an abusive alcoholic; Amanda's mother died from being an alcoholic , drug abuse Michael has an ex who may have been involved in selling hard drugs; hard painkillers are not always ingested in their proper doses, by both Amanda and Michael; Amanda is revealed to be a former heroin addict, and she is found in a drug den at one point , domestic abuse Amanda and Michael were both from abusive households. Michael's father hit his mother; Amanda's mother was an alcoholic, and we learn just enough of her step-father to know he was awful , and sexual abuse Amanda's step-father drugged her and sold her sexually when she was fourteen . A good chunk of the story takes place either in a hospital or a clinic, so there are varying descriptions of people who have been injured. Michael mentions throughout the book that he has anger issues, particularly when he has been drinking. There are a few fights, someone is stabbed, and a man is very nearly murdered.

I received a digital copy of "Surge" through Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let's start by saying that I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And as painful as it might be, I'm going to give my honest opinion. This may have been the worst book that I have personally ever read. I finished it despite hating almost every minute of the reading and I genuinely tried to have an open mind.
That being said, the book's premise sounded interesting and probably could have been. However, the entire plot is shrouded in terrible character descriptions and the author's thinly veiled discriminatory bias against women, lower-class workers, drug addicts and pretty much anyone outside of "normal." If you can look past these faults, you are faced with the fact that we know little to nothing about the main female character other than her physical appearance, despite this book being a story focused on her. The lead male character is shallow and judgemental of those he deems below him. There is little character development and the plot seems to get lost in the author's descriptors of love scenes. As I thankfully neared the end of the book, the tempo of the plot picked up and I was at last able to immerse myself into it more since the overly descriptive details about women's bodies weren't as frequent. But that came to a crashing halt when it is revealed (SPOILER) that the lead female character had been raped repeatedly by her stepfather's friends at the age of 14. This addition added little to the storyline and felt gross. I finished the book only to realize that all I ended up knowing about the lead female character was that she had been repeatedly raped at 14, she had been struck by lightning at the beginning of the story and that she had an on and off addiction to drugs. Her character felt little more than another object in the story, no depth, and no distinction. As someone who enjoys books from a variety of perspectives, it is difficult for me to find a book I truly despise. But I've found it.
All that being said, I do not recommend this book to anyone. If you do choose to read it, I recommend tracking the sentences that contain stigmatizing or outdated language about women or the mentally ill. It's surprising to me in this era that an editor would have let the book be published with as many as this book had.

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning Surge just grabs the reader with the anticipation that a lightning strike could bring about a ghost. Paul DiPersio is a veteran in paranormal suspense and excels in setting up his characters. When Amanda is freakishly struck while talking on the phone during a storm, a ghost from her past enters her life. Michael is at his wit's end when the girl he loves is replaced with a vile person. He questions if he can ever get Amanda back or did this accident reveal her true nature?
 
I found Surge intriguing, though more of the exotic nature than expected. Paul DiPersio creates an atmosphere that will surprise his readers as it twists into a different plot. The love and devotion Michael displays for Amanda will keep the reader enthralled, wondering how much more he will take knowing who her demons are. If you enjoy a thriller with more of an adult theme, you would enjoy this novel. Definitely a mature read.  

[Rachel Kester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Paul DiPersio tells the tale of Michael Drake, a man who moves to Fairfield Bay to start a new life with his charming soon-to-be-wife Amanda. However, one stormy night, they receive a phone call which Amanda answers. Drake soon finds that his fiancee was struck by lightning during the call which eventually puts her into a coma. Eventually, Amanda awakens, but Drake finds that she is a completely different person. However, he soon discovers that this might not have just been a freak accident, but rather part of a sinister plan by a spirit who lives in their attic.

DiPersio writes with a captivating style that will have you flipping through the pages to find out what happens next. The plot is full of twists and turns which will leave you shocked and intrigued. While it might be a little bit of a long read for some (232 pages) those pages will fly by thanks to the interesting story hidden inside.

[Julius Blitzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice reading! I was impressed by the idea of the author. I was very interested to read, as if I plunged into that world. The idea of a lightning bolt that hits a girl and changes her is wonderful. She will not be another person anymore, this case has changed her life and the lives of her loved ones. Here there are tests for all heroes who must overcome the tests and show their character. I enjoyed reading, content and interpretation. Everything was so interconnected that it would be difficult to stop reading. I always love something a little mystical in books, so I enjoyed reading so much. I felt a magical atmosphere during the whole reading. I advise all lovers of fiction to buy the book Surge, I think that you will not regret the time spent. I will definitely advise it to my friends, because it surprised me.

[Shanell Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the most intriguing books I’ve read lately.

I have to admit that “Surge” is one of the most intriguing books I have read in awhile! Amanda gets struck by lightening by a freak accident through the phone of all things. It plunged her into a coma and when she awakes she is a completely different person. Almost as if she has been inhabited by a demon of some kind. Her fiancé, Michael must figure out how to get his beautiful fiancé back. This story is full of twists and turns and literally kept me up all night reading! I couldn’t stop! I had to know how the story would end. I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. This is definitely a mature read but so worth taking the time to read! The book had a realistic feel to it that I chalk up to the correctly used medical terms and scenarios.

[Jimmy Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story from beyond

Surge is written by Paul DiPersio and will grab your attention and keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. This story takes you on a crazy journey when Amanda is hit by a lightening bolt while talking on the phone. Micheal is quickly to her side and begins cpr, saving her life but unsure what was brought back when she returned from the dead. As Amanda recovers, it is clear that she is a totally different person and Micheal must figure out what happened and how to fix it before it is too late. This ghost thriller is a fun read that will keep you interested til the very end. I recommend this one to all the fans of ghost stories or thriller mystery as well. Check this one out folks, it is a good one.

[April Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Reading Deals for free in an exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. I story seems like an average couple who are going through a medical crisis. The lightening accident affected Amanda more than she realized. She starts to sing and talk in a little girl's voice, sleepwalking, and talking about past memories. During the trama, Michael discovers he doesn't really know the woman he is to marry. When he leaves for a doctor's appointment, Amanda disappears. What he finds is truly horrifying while searching for her.
The book will keep you in suspense. It takes about half the book to get to the mystery but it is worth the wait. There are very graphic sex and violence scenes. It not what it seems which made the story very good.

[Archie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrill, Mystery and Love!
Should I say Mystery thriller or a ghost story that is kind of interesting as it changes the life of two people. Interesting facts from author's experience combined with mystery fiction makes it a gripping fast paced plot. Michael and Amanda are soon going to get married, but a sudden lightning strike on one Halloween night leaves Amanda in coma. When she awakens things have changed, she is not the same person and Michael, who is deeply in love with her wants to face all challenges to bring back her love of life. This story of love, relationship, being supportive even in worst conditions really tests the pulse of love.

[Kelsey Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When reading the excerpt and other reviews (Goodreads), I had high expectations for this book, and let me tell you...I was NOT disappointed!

This book was everything I expected it to be and more. It was totally engaging, from the first page to the last. I felt the story never slowed and while a lot was going on, the author did an amazing job fitting it all together perfectly. This was the first piece I've read from Paul DiPersio; After reading Surge, I'm finding myself wanting to check out more of his work!

[Catknipnd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surge started off as a supernatural book. When she survived a lightning strike then started acting differently, I was expecting a possession but it changed direction and went off in the direction of a gothic romance. The explicit sex scenes were not really needed and detracted some from the story. It could have had a bit more development of the wife’s character so we could see how much she changed. The fact that the main character was an EMT but still gave drugs with alcohol was a bit off putting. It kept my attention but it couldn’t make up its mind what kind of story was being told.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book wasn’t what I expected it to be, but I can’t fault it for that. I thought it was a quick and (mostly) enjoyable read. I enjoyed the writing and the humor that was used, with my only significant grievances caused in large part due to the subject at hand. I believe it would prove to be even more enjoyable to an avid reader of the genre. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.

[Shannon Carraway · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT was good...got weird. Ending rushed not enough details.

[Jeanine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two thirds graphic sex scenes, One third storyline. Very disappointing.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surge is a mystery story written by Paul DiPersio, a freelance author who lives in Massachusetts. This fiction book is not for a general audience since it contains sex and violence scenes.
Part fantasy thriller, part drama and part love story, this novel is about a woman called Amanda, who suffers an accident during a storm. She answers a phone call which puts her into a coma. Fortunately, she recovers but her husband, Michael Drake, finds out that her personality is completely different, in fact, he feels that his wife is another person.
If you enjoy mystery and ghost stories, this is a book to check out. Paul is a fantastic writer and creates a blistering pace that flows very well. The action is solid, suspenseful and each chapter ends in ways that demand you keep reading. He not only writes with an intriguing style, but includes many thrilling twists and turns that makes it hard to put the book down. The characters are also well-developed and each of them adds their own unique suspense to the story.
I would gladly recommend you to read Surge. Personally, I can’t wait to look more into what the author has to offer.

[Aprilleigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an odd book with a rather disappointing ending that rapidly introduced two new characters before resolving in one of the cheesiest ways possible. The author never really explained what was going on in Amanda's head or why Creepy McCreeper started calling her when he did. Her medical issues had to be relevant or why spend so much of the book discussing them. And if they're relevant, why were they completely ignored in the last part of the book? It's like the author had two different incomplete story ideas and decided to mash them together. This felt like a first draft of a debut novel.

That said, I was loving all the medical details and explanations until they went nowhere. If the author can pull that kind of writing together with a decent story, I'd give him another try. However, this book was enough to convince me that he would benefit from a good editor who will give it to him straight. If there's another book I'll be waiting to see what others think.

I got my copy free as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I think it's safe to say that came with no strings attached. Loved the idea, but the execution needs polish.

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairfield Bay was supposed to be a great opportunity for Michael Drake. He would com and build a few condos, but he ended up staying for so much more. Amanda was the girl of his proverbial dreams and he planned on marrying her. Well even the best plans can get interrupted and his did. Amanda is struck into a coma and when she finally awakens, she is not the same. Is it simply a medical or maybe a paranormal phenomenon? Differing opinions aside, Michael knows one thing for sure, he loves her so much that he will do literally anything, no matter how terrifying to get her back.
Oh, this book had so much, romance, thriller, medical/paranormal mysteries. I mean what was the cause for her drastic personality change? You really won’t find out until closer to the end if there is something to the whole sinister entity thing. I really enjoyed the story, and I have already recommended it to a few friends.

[Keva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surge has well developed characters, the author’s descriptions of the setting are rich and allowed me to picture the town and it’s various establishments very well and I so wanted to swept away by the story. For me things moved to slowly, this wasn’t a book that was a nail biting page turner. That’s why 3 stars but I will be checking out Mr. DiPersio’s other works.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book free of charge and am leaving this review voluntarily.