Dark Waters

Dark Waters by Shannon Mayer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a fun read with an original twist on the mythology aspect of it. The focus here was on Irish myths instead of more commonly seen Greek/Roman Gods. The family aspect of this read was also a bit unusual. We are introduced to two sisters that are very close. Quinn is the older sister that has practically raised her younger sister Ashling. Their mother has had little to do with them and their grandfather is in a mental institution, and even he has his favorite of the two.

As the story unfolds, Quinn quickly learns that her life is not what she has always believed it to be. The loss of her sister to the monsters that she never knew existed has opened her eyes and caused her to fight for those she loves. My biggest problem was understanding the family dynamics portrayed in this story. Its never really explained why their mother doesn't want them, or why their grandfather behaves the way he does towards them.

Overall, I enjoyed this read although it left me with a lot of questions. And some things were rather predictable, the ever present love triangle was no surprise. But I am intrigued as to where this story is going and I plan on reading the next book in this series.



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Cover reveal: A Closer Look by Karen DellaCava

Title: A Closer Look

Author: Karen DellaCava

A Closer Look book description:

“…and there were these moments—when we laughed on the phone, or met for a kiss-and-run, when I noticed the sweet way he looked at me—well, I felt so good I could  almost  forget about my secret. But in the back of mind, it was like an invisible fist was lurking, one that followed me around, just waiting for the chance to rip out more hair.”

High school freshman, Cassie Donavan, is a stand-out sprinter about to move up to varsity track. Mom, a former teen model and Robin Lakewood, a competitive teammate are more than enough to handle when Cassie discovers her body is turning against her. On New Year’s morning she awakens to her pillow covered with her long hair. Mom and Dad explain alopecia areata—a secret they’ve kept from Cassie since she was three. And now it’s happening again. Cassie is losing her hair.

Life gets even more complicated when Cassie falls for jazz sax player, Tommy Sweeny.

Every day Cassie battles with her reflection, desperate to keep her hair loss a secret. Only her family and best friend, Tara Speziale, know the truth. With her rapidly changing appearance, relationships with Mom and Tommy are strained, damaged. And when Tara urges Cassie to race at a crowded track meet, Cassie is trapped in her worst nightmare. Shattered, she hides at home embarrassed and ashamed. Does she dare renew her trust in her family and friends? Will Cassie have the courage to take a closer look?

***

Author bio:

Karen DelleCava is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and her short stories have appeared in Highlights magazine. When Karen isn't reading, working on her next novel, or playing Scrabble, you can find her at the gym in step aerobics or Zumba classes. A Closer Look is her first young adult novel.

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Awakening

 

 

 

Awakening
Elene Sallinger

This is the story of Claire Ryan and Evan Lang. 35-year-old Claire joins a local book club for romance readers in order to get over the breakdown of her 10-year relationship, there she meets book shop owner Evan, a dominant man who has never recovered from the sudden death of his submissive wife.
As their relationship develops and they embark on the path of Claire’s submission, it becomes harder and harder for Evan to keep his emotional distance. Claire is open and responsive and he wants her badly, but refuses to let himself go.
As Claire falls deeper in love with Evan, she realizes that he is holding back and decides to end their relationship, forcing Evan to confront his own past and his feelings in order to save his new love.
Winner of the New Writing Competition at the Festival of Romance 2011


About the Author:
Hailing from Washington, DC, Elene Sallinger first caught the writing bug in 2004 after writing and illustrating several stories for her then four-year-old daughter. Her writing career has encompassed two award-winning childrens stories, a stint as a consumer-education advocate, as well as writing her debut novel, Awakening - a novel of erotic fiction that won the New Writing Competition at the Festival of Romance 2011.

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Excerpt:
‘I feel safe here.’ She waved a hand around to encompass the bookstore. ‘You make me feel safe. Despite your attitude, I don’t believe you would hurt me.’ Claire flushed such a sweet shade of pink as she spoke, her hazel gaze roaming the store as she looked everywhere but at him.
Safe. She thought she was safe with him. That he wouldn’t hurt her. Evan sat in stunned silence for the briefest moment before a red tide of fury suffused his body. Fury at Marianne for dying and leaving him alone when she had been the centre of his life. Fury at Claire for tempting him and reviving desires that he’d believed were dead and buried with his love. Fury at himself for being so damned foolish and afraid in the face of his temptation. In that moment, he knew himself for a coward and he snapped.
‘Safe. You think you’re safe with me?’ he all but sneered at her. ‘You know nothing.’ He spit the words at Claire as he leant, forward his hands clenched into fists on his knees. She shrank away from him, pushing so far back into the leather club chair her feet no longer touched the floor. Her eyes were wide with shock and the beginnings of fear. Shame crawled over his skin and he reached for self-control, only to lose it all over again when her small, white teeth bit into her trembling lower lip.
‘Damn you!’ He slammed a fist down on the arm of his chair, causing her to jump at the violence of his action. ‘You are anything but safe with me. Every time you walk through that door all I can think about is bending you over my lap and spanking that pretty little ass until it is shiny, red, and stinging. Then fucking you from behind so that the sting feeds the orgasm I give you. I fantasise about binding you and whipping those sweet little tits, your pussy, and your ass. Marking you everywhere so that each time you look in the mirror you remember me and how I put them there, and then beg me to put more on you when they heal. I want to drench you in my come, fuck you in every goddamn hole, and make you scream until you can’t speak.’
As the words died on his lips, he dragged in a breath and took Claire in, really saw her now that the apex of his anger had passed somewhat. She was glassy-eyed and panting. The knuckles of her slim, elegant fingers were white and she gripped the arms of her chair as if her life depended on it. She looked like she was having a panic attack.
Fear and shame overrode his anger and he lurched forward, coming around and sitting on the table before her. He took her face between his palms. She was so tiny, his hands seems to swallow her up.
‘Claire.’ He spoke softly, soothingly, as he rubbed his thumb over her cheeks. ‘Claire, please. Look at me.’
She turned just a fraction, closing her eyes and refusing to look at him. Her motion brought his thumb to rest on her lower lip. Quickly, so quickly he almost missed it, she licked his thumb. It was the barest touch, but the sight of her pink tongue against his skin was more than he could take. What control remained to him was lost.
‘Damn you,’ he repeated, but this time it was the hoarse whisper of a drowning man. ‘Suck it,’ he demanded as he thrust his thumb between her full, rosy lips. She obeyed instantly, enveloping the digit in wet, velvet heat.

The Wishing Well Curse

Title: The Wishing Well Curse
Author: Lynn Donovan
Published: April 15, 2013
Word Count: 64,000
Genre: Christian Gothic/Paranormal
Content Warning: G-Rated
Synopsis:
Zeke Clay is down on his luck. He’s lost everything—an apartment, an education, a girlfriend, his job…

When a mysterious letter comes from a law firm in Colorado, he decides things just might be looking up. Now he stands to inherit a fortune, but it comes with a price. He must break a family curse and restore true love. What does he know about breaking a curse? And who is this Great Uncle Luther Clayton, who claims Zeke is the one? Can he piece together the clues left by his dearly departed?

Who can he trust? The Apache Indian attorney? Her great nephew? The leather-clad, Harley riding Pastor? Least of all, himself?

What about the Ghosts?

…And why does his three-year-old tattoo bleed every time he gets near the wishing well?

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About the Author:

Lynn writes from her heart and five decades of experiences she has accumulated as daughter, wife, mother of four, and grandmother of seven when creating her stories. She categorizes herself as the “sandwich generation” because she is caring for her mother who has Alzheimer’s and is one child away from an empty nest. Besides blogging, Lynn enjoys reading and writing mainstream fiction and speculative fiction, but you might find a historical romance among her collections as well. She currently lives in Southwest Kansas but looks forward to building a home in Colorado. She attends a Creative Writing class at the local college to sharpen her talents and increase her creative juices.

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Spotlight: Storm Queen by Marissa Dobson

Storm Queen Stormkin Series – Book One Marissa Dobson One vibrant hope… Bar owner Kayla Benson never thought of herself as extraordinary until the battle between Stormkins and Sunkins blew her comfortable life apart. Dropped heart first into the wild complications of court politics and dangerous insurrection, Kayla is drawn to three seductive and powerful men. Will Kayla be able to stand on her own and rule Storm Hollow or will her mixed heritage be her demise? Two determined warriors… Nightmare and Dreamer searched all their lives for the Queen who would restore the Stormkins to their rightful glory. Never did they suspect a common bar owner would be the answer to those prayers. But now that they’ve found her, they will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and in their arms. His last chance… Darkness only knows one life—the path of the assassin—but Kayla provides him with hope for the future, a desperate hope for a better existence. Never could have imagined the place he would find it was in her bed. Three powerful men and one vibrant woman must find passion and redemption to survive… Kayla must shed her expectations and become Queen of Storm Hollow, claim her men, unite her court and change the world…no pressure. Buy Links: Sunshine Press ~ Kindle ~ Nook ~ Smashwords ~ All Romance Ebooks ~ Kobo Print Coming soon Youtube Book Trailer: Link (http://youtu.be/54Uzpxa_N4I) Embed Code: Excerpt: “How the hell did you get in here?” She exhaled the words on a harsh exhale. “That is not imperative at the moment. You must come with me.” “Like that’s going to happen.” Covering her anxiety with a snort, she backed up to the door. Adrenaline chased away her fatigue and she searched for the handle. “It’s time for you to leave, the bar’s closed.” Between one heartbeat and the next, he was in front of her. The overhead light glistened off his skin. An intangible force pushed her back against the cool metal of the door. Desire washed away her fear. “Who are you?” Violent, inexplicable need harshened her tone. “That matter’s not.” “It matters to me. You’re in my bar after hours. I have the right to know your name.” “Nightmare.” The name sent chills up her spine. “Nightmare, huh?” Just what I need some punk from the local gang trying to shake me down. She looked him over. His dark grey suit cast a question on gang affiliation. He’s not the type I’d expect to be causing problems for business owners. What is he into? Maybe not a gang…could the mob have moved into Sweetwater? “I can bring your deepest fears alive.” His rich voice sent a rush of heat through her body. She raised an eyebrow in question. Great, an escaped mental patient walks into a bar…can this night get any worse? “If you don’t believe me look down.” The cool dare interweaving the words drew her gaze toward the floor—and it disappeared beneath her feet. She stood on a steel beam hundreds of feet in the air. Frozen and unable to move, her heart thundered in her ears. Squeezing her eyes shut, she swallowed the hard lump in her throat. This isn’t real. She repeated the refrain, but not even the knowledge of standing in the bar dissuaded her mind from what her eyes told it. She dangled a thousand feet in the air, and panic engulfed her. “Believe me now?” He taunted. “Please…” I’m going to die. A tear escaped her clenched eyes and she peeked down again, the acrid taste of bile in the back of her throat. The floor became solid once more and she collapsed. Sucking in noisy gulps of air, she tried to reconcile the insane with the real, but her mind rebelled. “Come with me now before we’re late.” Nightmare ordered, his impassive visage cold and unforgiving. “What do you want?” She choked out. “I mean you no harm…” “No harm? Are you out of your mind?” It took everything she had not to vomit. “You just had me dangling on a steal beam. Get out.” He squatted in front of her, remorseless. Catching her upper arm in his hand, she thought he wanted to pull her up, but froze and instead dropped to his knees beside her, his head bowed. Alarmed further, she watched him warily. “What is it? Are you okay?” “You’re a Queen.” His voice barely rose above a whisper. “A Stormkin Queen. The one I’ve searched for.” About the Author: Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She is a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are never done learning. Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with. Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He is her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night. Her writing buddies Max (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to me bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways. She love to hear from readers so send her an email at marissa@marissadobson.com or visit her online at http://www.marissadobson.com. Website ~ Facebook ~ Facebook Street Team

Review: Skin Deep by T.G. Ayer

ABOUT THE NOVEL:

Title: SKIN DEEP

Series: The DARKWORLD Series

Volume: 1

Genre: Urban Fantasy - NA

Publication Date: 30^th APRIL 2013

Format E-Book : B00CKGOKY4 http://amzn.to/Yi5rg4

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13:  978-1484836705 http://amzn.to/18sBHPs

Publisher: Infinite Ink

Pages: 390

Add on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13604857-skin-deep

EXCERPT:

"The cold cocking of guns set my body on fire.

It also did something worse. With mortal fear gripping me, my imminent Change wasn't taking second place anymore. My body churned the fear and my Panther grasped at the visceral power of the adrenalin in my veins.

I ran.

A gunshot echoed around the garden, the sound ping-ponging off the aging brick walls of the surrounding apartment buildings.

I gasped as a blast of searing pain slammed into me.

As a bullet buried itself deep within my shoulder."

DESCRIPTION:

Panther Shape-shifter Kailin Odel just wants to be normal. Leaving her clan, and her Alpha responsibilities, to live with her grandmother in Chicago had been the best thing for her. Only then did she discover her ability to track and kill the soul sucking undead creatures called Wraiths. Now she protected the humans, and had something to be proud of.

But, when she discovers the body of a murdered shape shifter, Kailin has to come to terms with the reality that her own kind are just as vulnerable as the humans.

The closer Kailin gets to the killer the more she has to face the intricacies of her people. When the time comes can she accept who and what her real purpose is?

***

Excerpt 1

Icy pain sliced through my bones, the muscles of my arms, and the flesh of my back. My spine and thighs rippled, shifted. Changing.

Damn. Too fast.

I spared a rueful glance at my new leather pants. And ran faster.

Had to make it to the Rehab Center a few blocks away. I ran, my speed super-human, my need super-charged, covering ground fast enough to make it to safety before my Panther took over.

I took the corner of the street behind the Center at breakneck speed, and headed for the nearest of the gaping holes pockmarking the rusted fence.

The wind changed before I stepped off the curb. My ears peaked and I skidded to a halt, panting slightly, my backpack thumping against my side. The scream of tires on blacktop echoed on the night air, shattering the silence as it grew ever louder.

Closer.

Followed in tandem by the whining wail of sirens. A battered sedan scorched down the street, suspended on the turn on only two wheels. The angry whip of charred rubber spiked the air. Horizontal again, the car jumped the curb and skidded sideways, avoiding a collision with the fence by mere inches.

I shrank into the shadows at my back, expelling a long, stale breath. My Panther, still confined within my body, bucked and jerked, craving release.

I let her surface.

A little.

For now, super-sight would be welcome. Unlike the ability to run like the wind while still in my Human skin, tapping into my Panther's sight required a partial transformation—a risk I needed to take as my gut screamed danger.

Adrenalin surged, different again from the calm fervor of my wraith hunts. I blinked. Heat nipped at my corneas as I released my Panther sight—enough to give my eyes feline vision.

Sight, which sliced deep into the black nothing hugging the sidewalk, transformed my eyes into a solid Panther emerald. For the moment, plain old Kailin Odel was back to being Kailin of the Clan Panthera.

My cat sight adjusted, focused. The blackness surrounding the darkened vehicle changed depth and color, became lighter, clearer.

Someone shoved the rear door open, and I cringed as it creaked and complained. The occupants remained shrouded in the shadows of the vehicle's interior. Something large, long and heavy hit the ground with a dull thunk. Then the sedan revved as unseen sirens drew closer, louder, and it spun around and skidded off the curb.

The battered car roared off, a police cruiser close on its tail with sirens screaming blue murder. It didn't take a genius to figure out the parcel had to be awfully incriminating, for them to chuck it into the garden in such a flaming hurry.

My nostrils twitched at the stench of exhaust smoke, and my heart thumped as I waited to cross the street. I flicked a furtive glance at the dull red glow of taillights disappearing into the darkness. A breeze skimmed the sidewalk, ruffling my hair, and I hurried across the street as the sounds of sirens faded in the distance. I paused a few meters from the bundle, released my Panther's nose and sniffed. Whatever I'd expected to scent on the air, it wasn't the tang of copper drifting toward me—strong, rich and intoxicating.

Blood. Fresh blood. A luscious odor, laced with tendrils of the familiar.

I moved closer, my mind warring with my emotions. This was no bundle of rags, or some stolen junk those thugs had thrown away, but a living being. The blood surely meant the person now lying on the sidewalk needed medical attention.

I stood over the bundle, the cloying odor of the blood filling my nostrils, and hesitated in a moment of doubt and fear.

Now or never.

I took a deep breath and crouched beside the silent form. My hand quivered as I reached out and touched the scratchy, ragged fabric covering the shoulder of the silent figure. At first it resisted my tug, stiff against my touch, but one more gentle urging turned him toward me.

I gasped, my throat closing on the sound. My heel caught as I pulled away, and I staggered backward as hot horror burned through my veins. The face glistened, bloody and mangled. Raw muscles and ligaments lay exposed, bare. A low moan of horror echoed around me. Chills streaked up my spine when I realized the stricken sound had originated from my own throat. The familiar richness of him clouded my mind, clogging my throat and drugging my senses.

A Skinwalker.

My throat spasmed, silencing a shriek as he stared at me. His breath whispered—shallow, irregular, the sound ragged as he labored in his final moments. He gripped with desperation to the disappearing threads which held him to this mortal earth.

His face held my gaze, and somewhere behind ribs of ice

Spotlight: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

Title: The Forgotten Ones

Author: Laura Howard

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Synopsis: 

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

Author Bio: 

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Social Media Links: 

Blog|Facebook|Twitter

Excerpt: 

Sean jogged over with the bat and held it out for me, grinning. “Pick your pitcher, Allie-O.”The smirk on Ethan's face was a challenge, and I couldn't resist. “Ethan has the ball, he can pitch to me.”He made a big show of stretching and winding up before he finally tossed the ball at me.I smacked the ball over the pool house, and Sean started shouting and cheering, making me smile. Ethan shook his head, but he was smiling. He clearly thought I would be an easy out.I made it all the way to the final round, kicking Sean and Jeff out of the game. I'd played softball and run track all through school to pad my transcripts.“You gonna let her win, E?” Jeff called, winking at me from the picnic table where he sat drinking a beer.Ethan chuckled, showing off those damn dimples. He looked down at the ball in his hands and back up at me with a grin. “If I do, will you let me take you out?”I snorted, trying to look braver than I felt. “Not a chance.”“Wait a sec. I like this. Let's make a wager,” he said.The guys were all hooting and hollering at me, my face was no doubt crimson.“What do I get if I win?” I bit my lip, feeling all their eyes on me.“I'm thinking, hang on,” He held up his finger, his brow furrowed in thought. His eyes widened with excitement, and I knew I would regret whatever he had to say.“If I win, I get a kiss.” If it was possible, my cheeks grew even redder. They were all laughing and making cat calls now.“And, if I win?” I looked up at his face.He looked at me for a second, considering. “If you win, I won't ever ask you out again.”This earned a chorus of “Yeah, right” and “No way” from the guys.My mouth fell open, I had not been expecting that, but his face was sober. The laughing around us fell away for a second, and I could only stare at him feeling the color drain from my face. His expression remained solemn, and he met my gaze head on.I nodded stiffly, and swallowed. “All right.”His grin came back in full force. “Oh, and Al?”I raised my eyebrows at him.“I won't lose.”

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Review: Sudden Hope by Mira Garland

Book description: When your nightmares become reality and you can’t wake up, what do you do? Celeste is a normal teenage girl. After the loss of her father, her life seems to be in constant turmoil. She realizes her worst nightmares are occurring while she's still awake. Just as it looks like her life is on the right path, things go terribly wrong and leave her in a spiraling whirlwind of emotion. Trying to find her father’s killer and dealing with an ex that will do anything to get revenge, she feels like she is falling. The only thing that is holding her together is her support system, her friends and Danny. Celeste loves Danny more than life itself, although now just feels as if it's not the time to be with him. He is the answer to her dreams. He is her one true love and most importantly her sudden hope. Only life isn't fair and doesn't play by the rules.

My review: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! Just wow! I gave this book 5 stars because I couldn't give it the 15 it deserves. This is the first book in a very long time that I have read in one sitting, and when it ended my first reaction was to beg the author for a sequel. This book is written from the point-of-view if CC, a 17 year old girl who has gone through one of the worst things possible; the loss of a parent. When her father was murdered, CC was left to live with her abusive mother and step-father who were intent on making her life terrible. She is put through more than most people can fathom, but with the help of her amazing group if friends makes it through. I identified with the character and spent a great deal of time sobbing with her. If you love a good read that draws you in and refuses to let you go even once it ends this is it. Mira did an amazing job and.wrote what in my opinion is the perfect story.

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The Tale of Mally Biddle

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The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

When Mally Biddle agreed to spy upon the King of Lenzar and his overbearing knights she knew she was heading into danger. She didn't know she'd find a family unlike any other.

Posing as a servant in Bosc Castle, Mally serves tea and tends fires for the most dangerous men in the kingdom. Her goal is to learn the truth of what happened sixteen years ago, when the infant princess met her death ... a death that is surrounded by more questions than answers.

Along her search for the truth, Mally meets the energized Lita Stump, the strict and matriarchal Meriyal Boyd, and the opinionated Archibald Diggleby. Then of course there are the knights: Leon Gibbs who is slicker than a greased hog, Adrian Bayard, hot tempered and violent, and the worst of the lot: Sir Illius Molick, Captain of the Knights. And then there is Maud, a mysterious woman who just might know everything...

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Praise
"To say I loved this book is an understatement. Mally is a wonderful character and she encounters so many quirky folks on her assignment. Very well written and engaging story! And an added bonus of a love triangle! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!! I will definitely be looking for more from this author!"
~April Holgate

Author Melissa LeGette
Melissa LeGette lives in Georgia where she helps run a family farm, so her nails are a fright. The Tale of Mally Biddle is her second novel.

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Ends 6/5/13

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Prince of War

Prince at War by Monica La Porta

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Awesome! This is the third book in the Ginecean Chronicles and as usual Monica La Porta does not disappoint.

Prince at War picks up right where Pax in the Land of Women leaves off. Prince and Pax are being pursued across the desert by the Priestess and Pax's mother, the President of Ginecea. All they want is to be left in peace to raise their child. But fearing for the life of their unborn child they keep running and hiding as long as they can. Their heterosexual love is not only seen as wrong but it is also forbidden especially between a Pure Bred woman and a lowly male.

This book, as well as the others before it in this series, grips you from the very beginning and doesn't let you go. Its one that is hard to put down. I could have devoured it in one sitting if it wasn't for little things like work and eating. La Porta's writing style is so fluid its like water. The story flows from the very beginning and I hated to see the final pages come.

Prince of War ties up this series wonderfully. All the truths come out, all the questions answered, and endings as well as new beginnings are shared. There are moments that are bittersweet as well as some that keep you on the edge of your seat. Love, Love, Love this series and would recommend this to anyone that loves a great read.



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Nevermore Press Memorial Day Sale

In celebration of the Memorial.Day weekend Nevermore Press is having a HUGE sale!!! There are several amazing books for free and several for 99cents. This sale will run from 5/24 to 5/27.

Free Links : Daddy by Bryan W. Dull ~

Sewer Drains & Lighthouses by Bryan W. Dull ~

Unexpected Moments by Brandy Michelle~

Delivery Disaster Delight by Brandy Michelle~

ON SALE FOR $0.99:

Anastasia by Dawn White ~

Anastasia's Surrender by Dawn White

Wingless and Damned by Dawn White ~

Wingless and Forsaken by Dawn White~

Wingless and Cursed by Dawn White

Wingless and Forgotten by Dawn White

What Happened in Peru

What Really Happened in Peru by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a short read with some fun stories about the very HOT Magnus Bane. It told about his adventures in Peru with Ragnor Fell and Caterina, a very blue lady. It was mostly fun and slightly bittersweet as we came to learn more about Magnus and his past. The title is misleading however as nothing is really explained. This is the first of a series so maybe there is more information coming.

I think I would have enjoyed this short a lot more if the kindle version had been intact. There were missing parts and passages that jumped around. So be warned, you may not get all you are paying for.

Overall, not a horrible read. If you enjoy Magnus in the Mortal Instruments series you should pick this one up. But its not necessary to the other series.



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Fyre

Fyre by Angie Sage

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the final installment to the Septimus Heap series and I absolutely hate to see this series come to an end. We have watched Septimus and Jenna and all the other characters grow and change over the course of this series and this book does a wonderful job of tying things up.

There is so much that I loved about this book. We see how the kids have grown up and changed so much. Jenna comes into her own as she learns to become queen. Septimus knows he has to make a decision about his future and does so with maturity. Even the adults go through a lot of changes. Marcellus, Marcia, Milo, and others are a big part of this book. And while Septimus may not be the absolute main focus of this book, he is still very much a big part of it. I would have loved to have seen more of Spit Fyre in this book. He, along with Stanley the mail rat, was kept along the sidelines. There were also some bittersweet moments as we saw how Aunt Zelda had aged. All of us have had an aging parent, grandparent, or other relative and know how difficult this can be. We really felt how this can be as we see Zelda having difficulties. Wolf Boy also had changes in his life as its revealed who is really is and what his future holds.

Overall, I LOVE this series as well as this wonderful ending to it. Even though this is a great series for Middle Grade Age, its a fun read for adults too. I loved the humor and the magic as well as the family and relationships. I would recommend this series to anyone that is just looking for a fun read.



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Branded Trailer Reveal

Title: Branded

Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Release Date: June 28, 2013

Genre: Mature Young Adult, Dystopian

Book Description:Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Author Bios:

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan. Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.Links:twitter @abiandmiss.com 

website and blog www.abiandmissy.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AbiandMissy

goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded

Book Trailer: http://video214.com/play/PlssJogkXB4H85hKKomnOA/s/dark

The Farm

5 out of 5 Stars

The Farm

By: Emily McKay

      Imagine a world where the United States has been overrun by a mutated vampire virus that has changed every day men and women into hybrid human/vampire creatures called Ticks.  In The Farm that is exactly what happened.  Scientist found a way to alter people into Ticks that prefer to drink the blood of teenagers but will settle for any living creature.  Teenagers from all over the United States have been forced to live in camps were their blood is being farmed to feed the Ticks.  Lily is a normal 17 year old girl living on the farm with her twin sister Mel.  Mel is severely Autistic and can barely speak.  Together the twins devise a plan to escape the farm before their 18^th birthday.  However their plan is thrown for a loop when Carter (the mysterious bad boy from Lily’s past) shows up at the farm.  Carter, Lily, Mel and two others (Joe and McKenna) escape the farm, with the help of Sebastian (the vampire); only to be confronted with reality that the vampire virus has destroyed the human life in the United States as we know it. 

Throughout the story details about Carter’s mission to save humanity are revealed; along with how the vampire virus was created and how it can be defeated. I won’t give away any of the juicy details, you’ll have to read the story to get those.

I have read plenty of books with a zombie virus, and more vampire novels than I can count; however, I have never read a book with a vampire virus. I found that aspect of the book to be very refreshing.  I also thought the farming of the human blood was very original.  Unlike in zombie novels where the surviving humans are just wondering through the country looking for supplies and just trying to survive, The Farm addresses what happens when the government tries to step in and “save” the surviving teenagers and still try to care for those infected with the virus.

Lily and Mel’s relationship is very interesting.  Lily is very focused and determined.  Her mindset is that Mel is unable to make decisions for herself and that it is up to Lily to care for Mel.  Also, there is the sisterly aspect to the relationship.  Lily loves and cares so much for her sister that she is willing to risk her life to try and keep Mel safe....to the point that Lily willing to die to keep Mel safe.  As an older sister I could relate to the need to try and protect my sister. 

Mel on the other hand is very introverted (as most Autistic people are), and has a very strong connection to keep Lily safe.  Even though Mel has great difficulty trying to communicate with others by the end of the novel it is very apparent that Mel is willing to sacrifice herself to save Lily.

I am unsure if McKay has any Autistic children or family members, but I think she did a wonderful job of making the reader not only understand what it feels like to be unable to communicate with others properly, but also get the reader to connect with Mel as if she was one of the readers friends or family members. 

I also think McKay did an amazing job of choosing the “hero” in this story.  I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say that I was very glad that the “hero” turned out to be this person.

Carter is a very complex character.  On one hand he is a soldier trying to defeat the vampire virus, but on the other he is simply a teenage boy.  Over the course of the story the reader learns the Carter truly means well toward Lily, but he must go about things the a certain way.  By the end of The Farm it is pretty apparent that Carter is willing to do whatever it take to keep the group safe, but not at the cost of risking what is left of humanity.

The ending to the book was kind of bitter sweet, and left me with a lot of questions.  What happens now? Will their plan work? Where does Lily go from here?  When I finished the last page, I was very upset that the book was over.  This is not uncommon, but this time I was upset enough that I went to The Farms official webpage to do some research.  McKay has posted on the website that there will be a sequel, called The Liar and it is set to be released in November 2013.  Although I am upset that I have to wait until November to find out what happens to Lily, Mel and the others; I am very glad that there will be at least another book to wrap up the loose ends!

Over all, I loved this book! I thought it was very original and thought out.  It was very well written as well!  I would recommend The Farm to any one 12 years and up.  Compared to some of the other novels that I have blogged about, this one is definitely one of the least violent.  There was no sexual conduct at all.  The language was very mild and very few and far in between.  Since vampires are involved there is, obviously, some gore but it is very mild.  The fight scenes are very thought out but not to the point that they are ridiculous, and they are not overly graphic.

For more information of The Farm go to www.//escapethefarm.com/ This is the website the I visited to get information on The Liar. Enjoy!

“You fight for what you believe in.  You fight for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Even when you want to give up.  Fighting for what was right, no matter the odds, was heroic enough.  You didn't need a superpower to do the right thing.  You only needed the will to get it done.”

 

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen Book Blast

 

 

Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen

Was Mr. Darcy real? Is time travel really possible? For pragmatic Manhattan artist Eliza Knight the answer to both questions is absolutely, Yes! And Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley Farms, Virginia is the reason why!

His tale of love and romance in Regency England leaves Eliza in no doubt that Fitz Darcy is the embodiment of Jane Austen’s legendary hero. And she’s falling in love with him. But can the man who loved the inimitable Jane Austen ever love average, ordinary Eliza Knight?

Eliza’s doubts grow, perhaps out of proportion, when things start to happen in the quiet hamlet of Chawton, England; events that could change everything. Will the beloved author become the wedge that divides Fitz and Eliza or the tie that binds them?


 

Armored Hearts

About the Book ~

Title: Armored Hearts
Author: Pauline Creeden & Melissa Turner Lee
Published: April 30, 2013
Word Count: 52,000
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Content Warning: G/PG Rating due to mild sexual tension and minor violence.

Synopsis:
When a crippled young lord rescues a girl falling from a tree, it reveals a secret about himself and his mother's side of the family that could put him at the center of a war with beings he thought only existed in fairy tales.

Tristan Gareth Smyth lived his entire life stuck at home at Waverly Park and left behind while his Grandfather makes trips to London, all because of his blasted wheelchair.

Then an American heiress falls in his lap, literally, and he must find a way to keep her at a distance to protect not only his secret, but everyone around him from an assassin sent to kill him.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | GoodReads

No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop

 

 

 

Its time once again for a No Strings Attached Giveaway. In honor of up coming Memorial Day, I've decided to giveaway a book set during WWII. Up for grabs is my copy of The Postmistress by Sarah Blake.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

What would happen if someone did the unthinkable-and didn't deliver a letter? Filled with stunning parallels to today, The Postmistress is a sweeping novel about the loss of innocence of two extraordinary women-and of two countries torn apart by war. 

 



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Trail of Bones

Tour Schedule

Trail of Bones

Ready for a new adventure? Are you a fan of fantasy, young adult, science fiction and action stories?

“No mercy, No rules - Welcome to the Trail of Bones!”

Run with Purpose – battle cry of the Shade Wolves

Magnus, the runt of a litter of Shade Wolves, wants nothing more than to be a loyal, strong member of the pack. But when an ancient enemy threatens his friends and family, he faces a choice that could tear him from all he's known and loved.

Born in captivity, the giant panther Kelor knows nothing but suffering and loss. He struggles to find his place in this world of terror, and he battles to protect his family without succumbing to the darkness lurking inside him.

Falling captive to the evil Warden, the two are forced to fight in the battle of the beasts known as 'The Trail of Bones'. How will Kelor and Magnus learn to work together? How will they escape a fate of despair and death? How will their choices affect their comrades? Their enemies? And the forgotten magic that could doom all life of their world?

Let the adventures begin!

A fun, exciting, clean read for teens, young adults, adults and readers of all ages. Pick up your copy of this fantasy adventure today!

Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan, Orson Scott Card, Jim Butcher and other fantasy and science fiction authors? You’ll feel right at home with Trail of Bones. This fantasy story offers a strong moral message, suspense, action, and mystery, in a world full of magic, unlikely heroes, and devious villains.

Amazon

Book Trailer

Excerpt:
 

A series of long, haunting howls echoed through the forest and the night sky. Adolphus nervously looked in the direction of the continuing symphony of yowling wolves. Somewhere, deeper in the forest, the pack was at their den, and something was not at all right.

He had never heard them howl for so long and bark so loud. He was scared but did his best to hide it. So he bravely held up the torch with one hand and firmly gripped the bone handle of his dagger with the other. He would defend the village to his last breath and sacrifice his life if necessary.

Adolphus was only seven years old, but he stood alone atop the wooden watchtower. The young barbarian was a spry, big-boned lad who stood nearly five-feet tall. His hair, black as the night sky, was tied into several long braids that hung below his shoulders. His skin was dark brown, but smooth and unblemished. The muscles in his arms and legs were well developed. His chiseled, strong jaw made him look older than he was, but he still had the heart and mind of a boy.

            Suddenly, a large hand slapped his shoulder, startling the young Adolphus so that the torch slipped from his grip and slid down the front of his buckskin, nearly catching him on fire.

            “Father!” he yelled as he adeptly caught the torch before it hit the ground. “That’s not funny, and you shouldn’t do that to a watchman.”

            “So you think you’re ready to be a watchman now, is that it?” said Chief Thayne Draghone.

            “I’m old enough. You told me once you were only five when you stood your first watch,” said the boy, defiantly.

            “I did indeed. The youngest of our tribe to do so, but the number of seasons had nothing to do with it. I earned the right. I was ready. Are you?”

            The boy looked down, not happy or prepared for his father’s question. But after a moment, he returned his father’s scrutiny. 

Editorial Reviews

Salisbury is a rising star in genre fiction. This book makes a unique and exciting contribution in the fantasy realm. The first of great things to come. --Jake Black, "The Authorized Ender Companion" "Smallville" "Ender's Game: Recruiting Valentine"

Amazon Reviews

Conclusion:
A fantasy adventure that features lots of action and intrigue that is geared to a YA audience.
There are moments in this tale that are especially well done... story telling at a level that I'd be interested to see what this author would do with an adult orientated fantasy work.
As a dedicated YA work... 5 Stars.
~ Ray Nicholson

The beginning of a great adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book of the Trail of Bones series. It is an unpredictable adventure, with heartwrenching acts of love and friendship. The story ended before I was prepared to put my Kindle down, and now I will wait anxiously for the second book to be published. In the meantime, I think I'll read it again with my eleven-year-old son; I'm sure he'll love it as much as I do. Give it a read!
~ HRL

Enthralling story line that really pulls you in
…The characters were some that I will not easily forget because he explains their background in a way that makes the reader really connect and believe they are real. He creates a world that I long to see. I really grew to both love and hate different characters. I think that is a sign of a really great author when they can make us feel so much emotion towards a character.
~ Janason

About Chris Salisbury

Chris Salisbury has been writing fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and action thrillers for years in independent films. Now he’s expanded his love of good movies, such as Gladiator, Counte of Monte Cristo, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Star Trek, to the world of books. Trail of Bones is the first book in a planned four part fantasy, young adult series targeted at readers of all ages.

The father of four enjoys a wide range of interests from scuba diving to softball, coaching basketball to playing Battlefield 3 on his Xbox 360 or NCAA Football with his sons. He is also a big advocate for literacy and reading for young boys. There seem to be few titles that appeal to young boys and young men to hold their attention, trigger their imaginations and create a love of reading. Chris is out to change that.

In addition to the Trail of Bones series, he also has a number of other titles in development including historical fiction, action, suspense thrillers, and several science fiction properties. There’s a lot more on the horizon, so enjoy Trail of Bones but be sure to look for more captivating titles from Chris Salisbury in the near future.

Blog * Website * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/13

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Review: I Love My Doctor But.... by Dr. Lawrence Gold, M.D.

Book Description:  You have questions for your physician, but don’t ask them? Your physician has questions for you, but he/she doesn’t ask them. That’s one hell of a way to run an airline, a railroad, a government, or a medical practice. Why? Fault is besides the point, but difficult or painful questions unasked or unanswered threatens your health and compromises the physician’s ability to help. I Love My Doctor, But… empowers patients and their physicians and offers common sense solutions to important problems in medicine today. The book makes specific suggestions about:
1. Malpractice
2. How much care is enough
3. Matching patient and physician
4. Finding a physician
5. Online information
6. Getting along with your physician
7. Take away suggestions
8. When to go to the emergency room
9. Glossaries: medical terminology and medical specialists

Author Bio: "The war in Vietnam interrupted my postgraduate medical training with a year in Colorado Springs and another as a Battalion Surgeon in Vietnam. I spent seven months in the Central Highlands with the 4th Infantry and five months in an evacuation hospital in Long Binh outside Saigon where I ran the emergency room. I returned intact in 1968 to complete my training in internal medicine and diseases of the kidney, nephrology. I worked for twenty-three years in Berkeley, California in a hospital-based practice caring for patients with complicated illnesses often in ICU and served as Chief of Medicine. My wife Dorlis and I retired in October 1995 and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge for a life at sea in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Four years later, exhausted from repairing everything on board, (often many times) we sold the sailboat and within a year took the lazy man’s out; we bought a Nordic Tug, a trawler. We motored around Florida, the Bahamas, the entire East Coast and completed two ‘Circle trips’ to Canada and back, eight months, the first time, five months, the second. I wrote professionally as a physician to inform but rarely to entertain, at least not on purpose. My novels include: First, Do No Harm April 2007. No Cure for Murder August 2011, For the Love of God January 2012, Rage 2012, and Tortured Memory 2013. In the last two years, I’ve written three screenplays based on my novels and hope to see one or more produced for the screen. I submitted my screenplay, Rage to the 80th Annual Writer’s Digest contest and won honorable mention (57 out of 11,000). We live in beautiful Grass Valley with 15 year old Mike, a terrier mix and Bennie, a 8year old Yorkie who just looks like he’s on steroids."

MY REVIEW: 5 of 5 stars
I Love My Doctor But... is an amusing, easy to read, informative piece of non fiction that I learned from and thoroughly enjoyed reading. In this book meant to be used to improve doctor patient relationships Dr. Lawrence Gold touches on many important topics including what patients should expect from their physician, what physicians expect from their patients, typical patient complaints, and much more. His use of cartoons and other humorous devices helps hold the reader's attention while getting across this vital information.  This is a book I have been and will.continue to suggest to everyone I know, because the information included is important for everyone to know. Dr. Gold also included a short glossary of medical terminology that everyone should know. I found this book very helpful and believe that all who read it and absorb the information within will as well.

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Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop

 

 

 

Love in Bloom 

Giveaway Hop

Featuring Lighthearted/Contemporary Young Adult Romance

& Sweet, Clean Adult Romance

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Portrait of a Book

May 16th to 22nd

 

 

Up for grabs in this weeks giveaway hop is a copy of a book that I have recently reviewed. Creatura by Nely Cab. Its definitely a book that fits the category of clean YA Romance.  I will ship the winner a copy from the Book Depository therefore this giveaway is open to anywhere they ship to. As always, its not a requirement to follow but its always appreciated.

 



You can find my review here.


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