All about me...

Book Review: A Little Night Magic by Lucy March

2012-03-01T04:54:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (31 Jan 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1250002672
ISBN-13: 978-1250002679
Olivia Kiskey needs a change. She’s been working at the same Nodaway Falls, New York, waffle house since she was a teenager; not a lot of upward mobility there. She’s been in love with Tobias, the cook, for the last four years; he’s never made a move. Every Saturday night, she gathers with her three best friends—Peach, Millie, and Stacy—and drinks the same margaritas while listening to the same old stories. Intent on shaking things up, she puts her house on the market, buys a one-way ticket to Europe, and announces her plans to her friends . . . but then she meets Davina Granville, a strange and mystical Southern woman who shows Olivia that there is more to her life than she ever dreamed. As Liv’s latent magical powers come to the surface, she discovers that having an interesting life is maybe not all it’s cracked up to be. The dark side of someone else’s magic is taking over good people in town, and changing them into vessels of malevolence. Unwilling to cede her home to darkness, she battles the demons of her familial past and her magical present, with those she loves at her side . . . and in the cross fire. Can the most important things in life—friendship, love, magic, and waffles—get her through the worst that the universe can throw at her?

ALittle Night Magic is a greatrainey day read. Perfect to shut the curtains, forget about the world and curlup on the couch with a good book.

Our protagonist, Olivia, is about to embark onthe adventure of a lifetime. After a failed seduction of best friend and allaround hunk, Tobias, she realises something has to change. Sick of small townlife, she make a break for freedom and books a ticket to Europeand plans to sell her house. But just as she writes off her small home town,things start getting a little more interesting…

ALittle Night Magic reallylives up to its title. This book didn’t feel like a full-on paranormal romanceor urban fantasy. It was a book about self discovery with a hint ofother-worldlyness.

While this book was well written and hadinteresting characters, I found my attention wandering very regularly. Itcouldn’t hold me and to be perfectly blunt, I didn’t care about the characters:who ended up with who, what happened to who etc. But even though I didn’t loveit, I’m sure other people will.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Griffin for providing me with this book.

Series Showcase: Iron Knight Giveaway!

2012-02-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

To celebrate my Iron King Series Showcase, I am giving away one paperback copy of Iron Knight. This giveaway is only available for those in the UK, but for my international followers, there will be chances to win other goodies very soon!

I've read lots of amazing series books recently, and I wanted to share some of my favourites with my followers. But I also want to get to know my followers better. So to win a copy of Iron Knight, all you have to do is be a follower of this blog, and leave a comment telling me something about yourself.

For example, mine would read: Hi! I'm Pamela, and after seven seasons, I am still totally unable to chose between Sam and Dean Winchester.

Easy!

There are extra ways to win bonus points, but these aren't mandatory. You can tweet about the giveaway (+1), post about it on Facebook (+1), blog about it (+5), etc. I really appreciate my followers spreading the word, and love, and working together to get to know each other better!

If you do decide to spread the word, just tell me in your comment along with links to it and a way for me to contact you if you have won.

Also, even if you aren't eligible to win, please still feel free to comment and let us know something about yourself, or spread the word! It would be much appreciated.

Closing date for entries is 5th March and the winner will be notified on 9th March.

Many thanks, good luck and much love!

Pxx

Find me on:

http://freetwittericons.net/

Series Showcase Part Four: Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

2012-02-24T02:56:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Mira Ink (6 Jan 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1848450605
ISBN-13: 978-1848450608
He gave up everything. All for a girl... and all for nothing. To emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought. Then Meghan Chase a half human, half fey smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive. With the company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and infuriating talking cat Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end a quest to find a way to honour his solemn vow to stand by Meghan s side.

I'm back with Part Four in the Iron King Series Showcase. Here we have a review of Iron Knight, which was, absolutely, completely, my favourite book in the series. And as a little something extra, I have an Iron Knight shaped surprise to come on Monday! Stay tuned...

In the last instalment of the Iron Fey series, Iron Knight is told by Ash. He swore tofind a way to be with Megan, to earn his soul to become mortal so he cansurvive the Iron realm. But the trials he face will not be easy; the hardest hehas ever known. But he is bound by his oath to try – to find a way to return tothe Queen he loves. With old and new faces to see him on his journey, Ash mustask himself whether or not mortality is something he wants.

Puck is once again assisting Ash, this time tohelp Megan. Though he himself loves her, Puck knows if anything should happento Ash it would destroy her. Ash and Puck seek out a familiar cait sith to helpthem find what they are looking for and to start them on the perilous journey.

IronKnight is a gritty and rawbook with characters plucked straight out of your own nightmares. Ash’s voiceis self deprecating yet determined, his love for Megan like a break in theclouds. His banter with Puck eases the tension before it racks back up again.

I held my breath for much of this book, tornbetween wanting to rush through it to find out what happens next, and wantingto prolong it so it could last forever. Terrified to read another sentence incase it ended badly.

Julie Kagawa created a world, and characters,that I fell completely in love with. After the final page was turned, I huggedthe book to my chest, happy and sad all at once. Devastated that it was over.But hey, that’s what re-reading is for.

Series Showcase Part Three: Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

2012-02-20T02:50:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Mira Ink (21 Oct 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0778304795
ISBN-13: 978-0778304791
In less than twenty four hours, I'll be seventeen. Although, technically, I won't actually be turning seventeen. I've been in the Nevernever too long. When you're in Faery, you don't age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I'm probably only a few days older than when I went in. In real life, I've changed so much I don't even recognize myself. My name is Meghan Chase. I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it. This time, there will be no turning back.

Back with Part Three of the Iron King Series Showcase with a review of Iron Queen. You know the drill by now - I want to know what YOU thought!

Megan Chase thought her trials were over. Shethought her time with the fey was done with; all her duties repaid. Now it wastime to return home and be happy…be with her prince. Banished and exiled, Ashand Megan can finally be together. But Faery isn’t quite ready to let Meganleave yet.

Only Megan can penetrate the Iron realm anddestroy the false king. Summer and Winter have joined forces to defeat the Ironfey but they are quickly losing ground. If Megan does not help, the Neverneverwill soon be lost…and all of fey with it.

Megan soon finds herself in the midst of dangeronce again, her ever present guardians at her side. Puck and Ash, the rivalswho are once again at each other’s throats over a girl. The amazing cait sithwho guides them into the heart of danger and now…gremlins. And I seriouslyloved the gremlins.

IronQueen had the most action ofall the Iron Fey books and I literally found myself on the edge of my seat forthe most of it. The tension reached dizzying heights, as did the romance. WithAsh swearing his devotion to Megan, nothing can part him from her side.

Julie Kagawa leaves you with one heck of anending that will have you tripping over your own feet to get the next book.

Series Showcase Part Two: Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

2012-02-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: MIRA Books (15 April 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0778304469
ISBN-13: 978-0778304463
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan s own fey powers have been cut off. She s stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can t help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

February is Iron King Series Showcase Month! I will be reviewing each book in the series, and ask my beautiful followers to tell me what they thought of the series - what you liked, what you didn't like, are you Team Grimalkin? Tell us!

Abandoned by the prince she thought loved her,Megan is slowly freezing in the Winter court. She stuck by her oath to Ash andagreed to go with him back to Tir Na Nog in payment for his help on the journeyto find her brother.

Megan is hated within the Winter Court. Accusedof lying about the impending threat of the Iron fey and the daughter ofWinter’s enemy, she has every reason to fear the Unseelie fey.

When the Sceptre of the Seasons is stolen fromthe Winter Court, Summer is quickly blamed, and war soon to follow. Only Meganknows the truth, that it was Iron behind the theft, with traitors inside thecourt aiding the Iron fey. Megan knows she must retrieve the Sceptre beforeboth courts destroy each other when instead they should be allying.

Iron Daughter didn’t feel like a sequel. It stood just asstrong as the first book in the series, and in a way, supports the first. Weget more background development and character growth, making it even more easyto fall for Ash and Puck. Megan herself is a stronger character, though sheherself would never admit it.

We see plenty of action in Iron Daughter, impossible situations and deadly missions. Megan ismore than adequately equipped with help on her travels, with unlikelyprotectors and feline guides cropping up.

This is one of the best YA fantasy series outthere. It is expertly written with extremely loveable characters and astoryline to keep you on the edge of your seat. And the kissing…oh, Lord, thekissing...

Series Showcase Part One: Iron King by Julie Kagawa

2012-02-13T02:34:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Mira Books (21 Jan 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0778304345
ISBN-13: 978-0778304340

My name is Meghan Chase. In less than twenty-four hours I'll be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset. I don't think it will be that way for me. Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical fairy king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face...and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

To kick start February's Series Showcase, I have a review of Iron King by Julie Kagawa. For everyone who has read it, please comment and let me know what you thought of it. What you liked, what you hated, were you Team Ash or Team Puck? I want to know! I also have a special surprise at the end of the Showcase, so stay tuned...

Megan Chase is an ordinary girl. In twenty fourhours, she will be sixteen. And just for once, she would like something to happen in her life. Livingwith her mother, step-father and half brother, Ethan, Megan often feels ignoredand taken for granted. The only bright spot in her life is best friend, RobbieGoodfell.

Megan thinks her luck is about to change when sheis finally on her life-long crushes radar. Too bad her luck backfires and shebecomes the target of a cruel and awful prank. Things go from bad to worse inMegan’s life when she discovers Ethan has been taken…and only she can get himback.

Robbie reveals to her that he is not what heseems and neither is she. She is part fey, and Ethan has been taken into Faery.She can get him back, if she’s brave enough to make the journey.

When Megan arrives in the Nevernever, shediscovers more about herself than she ever could have believed. She is not thedaughter of the mortal who disappeared when she was six like she thought. Sheis the daughter of Oberon, the Summer King which makes her an easy target formany enemies.

Megan attracts the attention of Ash, the WinterPrince. Winter and Summer have always been foes, but Ash may be the one personwho can help her get Ethan back.

Megan was a strong character to lead us throughthe story with a likeable voice and personality. Her struggles in the beginningof the book is something most teenagers can identify with. Being in firstperson, you really get inside her head, feel what she feels. And trust me, Ifelt every bit as mortified.

The introduction of Ash was beautifully done. Adark prince who says he may yet kill her, or at the very least betray her, Ashis the ultimate bad boy. His rivalry with Puck increases the reader’scuriosity, making them want to know every moment of their past.

Julie Kagawa has created a beautiful knew storyworld, combining old legends and modern dreaming with an incredible cast ofcharacters to keep the story going. The romance was tender and bittersweet, thehumour dark and twisted. I loved every second of this book.

Series Showcase!

2012-02-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

Recently it feels as though all the books I'm reading are series books. Some I have been a fan of from the beginning, but a lot are ones I'm only now getting around to. It feels amazing to devour the whole series in a matter of days! No more waiting years for the end book to come...no more agonising wait for answers.

To celebrate these amazing series, over the next few months I am going to showcase one series per month. Starting with..

Among the reviews there will also be a few giveaways over the coming months and I hope to get lots of follower involvement. Polls and chats about your favourite series and series characters.

I will still be featuring my regular reviews also, so tune in for those and the series fun!

Book Review: Fallen In Love by Lauren Kate

2012-02-06T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Doubleday Childrens (2 Feb 2012)
ISBN-10: 0857531646
ISBN-13: 978-0857531643

Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.

Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for.

True love never says goodbye . . .

What better way to fill the timebetween books in a series you love, than a lovely valentine’s novella?

Fallen In Lovehad the same feel as the other books in the Fallenseries, but shorter and with something beautiful – a new insight into theangels.

We get snippets of Roland’s lostlove, his struggle with balancing who he is and someone he thinks will never accept him...and wonders if it is even fair to ask her to try. Arriane gets her own chapter and Cam gets a small look in also (thank goodness - I am majorly Team Cam!)…but the mosttouching was Miles and Shelby and their portion of the book.

The nephilim work together with theangels to try and give Luce and Daniel something the never get – a Valentine’sday together and no drama with it.

There isn’t a lot to be said about Fallen In Love…it’s short and to thepoint and oh so perfectly written. Fallenfans will adore it and make the wait for Rapturethat bit more easier. Or harder. Depends how you look at it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the review copy.

Book Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

2012-01-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (27 Mar 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373210450
ISBN-13: 978-0373210459

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

It has been six months since Kateleft Eden and her husband, Henry. It is part of their deal. During the wintermonths Kate will remain by his side, helping him rule the underworld…but comethe spring she must leave. Do all the things she wants to do.

Kate expects a warm welcome home asshe returns to the palace that is now hers and the husband she has missedterribly. But instead she walks straight into trouble that no one really seemsto want to talk about. And her first exchange with Henry? It could have gonebetter.

Kate’s best friend, James, keepsassuring her it isn’t too late. She still has time to back out and leave theUnderworld. But leaving would mean Henry would lose his throne and begin tofade. But what no one seems to understand is she wants to be there…even if itseems like Henry doesn’t share Kate’s ever-growing love.

In the middle of her coronation,Kate comes face to face with the one thing the gods are afraid of – the onething that can destroy them. Their maker, the King of the Titans. But Kate wasnever one to back down from a fight, and when Henry is taken from her, she vowsto get him back. Even if it means asking the one person she never wanted tomeet for help. Persephone.

Goddess Interrupted takes us on a guided tour of the Underworld and each person’s personalafterlife. We cower at the Gates of Cronus’s prison, lie in wait for Henry atnight and hope he chosen Kate over Persephone, finally. We bask in the beautyof Adonis and stand up alongside Kate against her foes.

I adore any book that can make mefeel. Aimee Carter blew the lid off my emotions as I read this amazing book inone sitting. I am waiting with bated breath for the next in the series, andhave a feeling it is going to be an agonising wait!

Book Review: Bond With Me by Anne Marsh

2012-01-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 396 KB
Print Length: 322 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0505528584
Publisher: Leisure (24 Aug 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B005NWRL16

Fallen angels… They rule Moscow’s seedy underworld, promising untold pleasure to the females who dare to mate them. That promise — and Brends Duranov’s own raw sexual power — has hopefuls mobbing the velvet rope outside his elite club G2’s.

But Mischka Baran has no intention of hooking up with one of the Fallen. Not even after Brends gives her an unforgettable taste of the sin and seduction he can deliver with those wicked lips. She’s after information, not a stint as some Goblin’s toy of the month. What she doesn’t know is that with a sadistic killer carving up his brethren, Brends is playing for keeps, hunting the one woman whose bloodline can end the mayhem, whose bond can restore his lost wings.

G2s is Moscow’s hottest spot. At the centre of theseedy underworld is the Fallen Angels, Goblins, banished from Heaven and stuckwithout their wings on Earth. Brends Duranov is one of the Fallen and owner ofG2s. Swarms of hopefuls wait outside, hoping to be chosen by him, hoping for aglimpse into his world.

All Mischka Baran wants is to findher cousin, Pell. Pell disappeared after a fight with her family, and Mischkatracked her to G2s. She knows there is one man who can help her find Pell, theone man she wishes to never meet: Brands.

Brands cuts her a deal. He promisesto find Pell, but for a price. Mischka must bond herself to him, body and soul.Mischka has no intention of selling her soul…but how else would she findPell?

Pell isn’t Brands only problem –someone is attacking and killing his brethren and their mates, leaving only abloody mess in their place. Could the two be connected? One thing is forcertain…he isn’t letting Mischka go without a fight.

Brands is the ultimate sexy, bad boyyou just can’t help but want. With a wicked sense of humour and body to diefor, Brands dominates the page. Mischka is his perfect counterpart – a strongnatural, sharp tongue whilst still being feminine.

I adored Mischka and Brands’ story.The action rose in peaks, the sexual tension scorching the page. Let the loverssteal you away from reality.

Book Review: The Ruby Kiss by Helen Scott Taylor

2012-01-24T18:25:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 525 KB
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing (3 Nov 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B0067MDC8W

A POWERFUL NIGHTSTALKER

Nightshade hungers to bring the strong and beautiful to their knees beneath the ecstasy of his bite, but he has never known sexual lust—not until he meets Ruby McDonald, the curvy redhead who wields attitude and strength like an ax, and who would be the perfect mother of his children. Caught in a clash between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, he vows not only her survival but also to win her heart.

A MORTAL WITH A SECRET
Plagued by magic inherited from a father she never knew, Ruby wants answers. Nightshade has them. And when he crashes into her bedroom late one night, the fairy’s silvery eyes, dark intensity, and striking black wings tempt her with a whole lot more: a mysterious world waiting to be explored, a dangerous love that binds her in body, mind, and spirit…and the children she thought she could never have. Ahead looms a choice between freedom and a power some would kill to possess. Should she deny her desires, or succumb to the seduction of… THE RUBY KISS

When Nightshade crashes, literally,into Ruby’s life, nothing will ever be the same. On his way to guarantee hislittle brother’s safety, Nightshade plummets through Ruby’s skylight, thanks toa bird getting in his way.

At first Ruby is terrified of the huge male crash-landing on her bed. But evenas his black as night wings unfurl and she takes in the enormity of hispresence…and muscles…she knows both that he is nothing like anything she hasever encountered before…and also that he would never hurt her. Nightshadereveals that he is a fairy, one with bloodlust and the vampire bite. And hewould very much like to bite Ruby.

Nightshade has never felt the strongpulls of sexual need, yet Ruby and her curves is stirring up the lust insidehim. To Nightshade, mating is merely the means to making a child. To Ruby, itis something she can never have. But she’s more than willing to introduceNightshade to the pleasures of recreational sex.

As Ruby is drawn into Nightshade’sworld, it becomes clear there is more to her than meets the eye. She is more apart of his world than she could ever have imagined…and her dormant power couldchange her life forever.

As much as I wanted, I just couldn’tget into Ruby’s story. The promise was there, but it wasn’t a story I couldsink into. Her romance with Nightshade, whilst often full of heavy pangs andloaded glances, then flat out hotness, it just wasn’t believable, and oftenfelt selfish. Secondary characters and plots tripped the story up and made itfeel stilted.

I found my attention wanderingwhilst reading, which says a lot about what I’m reading. It would be suited forfantasy romance fans, but for me, it fell a little flat.

Book Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

2012-01-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (January 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210426
ISBN-13: 978-0373210428

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back

New Girl wasone of the best YA contemporary novels I have read in ages.

Arriving at the prestigious Manderley Academy, things are going to bedifficult for its newest student. Ripped from her sunny Florida life right before senior year, thecold and isolated Manderley is a world apart from what she is used to. Herroommate is hostile and bitter, the other classmates openly stare and whisper.When she learns what happened to Becca Normandy,the girl who disappeared, people look at her as though it’s her fault she isn’t there anymore.Constantly measured up to Becca, she can’t help but also compare their lives.

She tells herself it’s only oneyear. After that she can forget all about Becca Normandy and Manderley. But someone iscatching her eye, making the gossip-mongers talk more than normal. MaxHolloway. Becca’s boyfriend.

New Girl felt like the modern YAretelling of Rebecca. The setting,the holding back of the main character’s name, and the ghost of the ex hauntingthoughts and footsteps. It was expertly written and I found myself intriguedand wrapped up in the mystery and suspense. Not to mention the delicious MaxHolloway.

I’m encouraging everyone to readthis one.

Book Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

2012-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (1 Feb 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0310728185
ISBN-13: 978-0310728184

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Enjoying a quiet moment in the woodswhilst she sketches, seventeen year old Nikki is attacked by vicious dogs. Asshe runs for her life, she is observed by three young men. Vine, Raven andMace. Halflings on a mission. But with Nikki’s eyes wide open during the dogattack, the rescue isn’t going to go unnoticed.

As Halflings, the children of Fallenangels and mortal women, they are bound to carry out any mission entrusted tothem, with the hope that one day they will be admitted into Heaven. And nowtheir mission seems to involve Nikki. Posing as high school students, theyintegrate into her life, growing closer to her and flirting with danger. TheHalflings carry a curse where Heaven will be out of reach and their souls willbe damned if they fall in love with a human.

Nikki knows there is somethingdifferent about the three boys. And she can’t stay away from them. With theirgood looks and obvious appeals, they open her eyes in ways the other boys ather school never have before. Mace makes her feel safe beyond measure as sheswims in his cerulean eyes. Raven makes her feel strong and able as he teachesher how to fight.

I cannot express enough howrefreshing it was to come across a YA protagonist like Nikki. Too oftennowadays when a teenage girl is confronted with things she believed impossible,she accepts it no questions asked, because the guy telling her gives her theeyes. Nikki is resistant at first, accepting a little at a time what she knowsdeep down in her heart to be true.

I loved being able to get into thehead’s of Mace and Raven – two very different characters but with the samefocus and goals. And now with one thing in common: Nikki. There have never beentwo different types of guy vying for a girl’s attention. Mace, one of thestrongest male characters I’ve ever come across, determined to do the rightthing yet unable to stay away from what could ultimately become his downfall.Literally. And Raven. The ultimate bad boy. Already resolved in his beliefs, hesees no reason to stay away or heed warning.

Halflingswas an awesome romantic adventure with loveable and sympathetic characters. Theplot was easy to follow yet kept me engrossed and guessing to the very end. Iabsolutely adored all Halflings and their inner musings. One thing is forcertain – I cannot wait for the next instalment of what is sure to be a hitseries.

Book Review: A Midsummer Night's Sin by Kasey Michaels

2012-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Books; Original edition (22 Nov 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373776101
ISBN-13: 978-0373776108

Meet the Blackthorn Brothers—three unrepentant scoundrels infamous for being mad, bad and perilous to love.

Handsome as the devil and twice as tempting, Robin “Puck” Blackthorn lives for the pleasures of the moment. His only rule—never dally with an innocent woman. But when an encounter at a masquerade ball leaves him coveting the one woman who refuses to succumb to his charms, Puck realizes that some rules were made to be broken…

Scandalized to discover that the masked man with whom she’d shared a dance—and a forbidden embrace—is in fact the ton’s most celebrated rake, Regina Hackett vows to keep her distance. Yet when her dear friend vanishes, it is to Puck that Regina must turn. And as they embark on a dangerous journey through London’s darkest alleys, Regina will discover that beneath Puck’s roguish facade lies a man who will stop at

nothing to protect her—or to convince her to take a chance on an unrepentant sinner.

A Midsummer Night’s Sin is the second instalment of the Blackthorn Brothers series. Robin ‘Puck’Blackthorn is well known in the ton for revelling in pleasure…and a famousbastard. But when attending a masked ball he finds himself lusting after theone woman who refuses to fall for his charms.

Regina Hackett didn’t want to go tothe ball, especially not unescorted, but when her dear cousin Miranda begs herto go so they can enjoy one night of freedom, she doesn’t have it in her torefuse. The evening takes drastic turns as Regina finds herself in a forbidden embracewith the ton’s most famous rake, and they discover Miranda has been taken.

Puck vows to aid Regina in finding her cousin, but in doing sothey uncover their fair share of secrets in the Hackett family, and embarrassingtruths come to light. But with all their faults, Puck is still infatuated with Regina. And as they spendmore time together, Reginais sick of fighting the desire she knew was there the first moment they met.

Filled with taut romance and a darkmystery, A Midsummer Night’s Sin is atreat for anyone to enjoy.

India Dark by Kirsty Murray Blog Tour

2012-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Templar (1 Jan 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1848772106
ISBN-13: 978-1848772106

A story of secrets, lies and lost innocence. MADRAS, 1910: Posey Swift and Tilly Sweetrick are caught up in a scandal that will change their lives forever. Singing and Dancing across a hundred stages as members of a troupe of Australian child performers, they travel by steam train into the heart of India. But as one disaster follows another, money runs short and tempers fray. What must the girls do to protect themselves, and how many lives will be ruined if they try to break free?

India Darkwas an epic story of adventure, lies and growing up around the world.

Posey Swift is caught between a rockand a hard place when her mother and grandmother argue over what is the bestplan for her future – work versus education, when Tilly Sweetrick encouragesher to pursue an altogether different path. Tilly tours with the LilliputionOpera Company who tours the globe singing popular music hall songs and stagingrevue’s and theatrics.

Posey’s life is changed forever whenshe lands a role with the company and leaves Melbourneto tour Asia and India.Many of her fellow Lillipution’s are disgruntled as they had been promised totour America.This small deceit is only the first of many when to the girls.

While Posey is small and naïve,Tilly is forward and blunt. Tilly tries to tell Posey how the company reallyworks, who cannot be trusted and who is using her, but Posey cannot see pasther rose-tinted glasses. Only when thecompany director Mr Arthur, or ‘The Butcher’, shows his true colours does Poseyrealise not everything is as it seems.

India Darkwas an incredible story. You could feel the stifling heat close in around youwhile the girls travelled by steamer or were locked in their hotel rooms. Thereis a sense of realism among the fantasy of this novel, a beating heart at itscore. This book is based on a true story, and these characters bring it all themore to life. It will enchant anyone todelves between its pages.

Book Review: The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal

2012-01-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 268 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (Mar 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 080754535X
ISBN-13: 978-0807545355

It's an unsettled summer for Sirena. Back in Texas, her family's splitting apart, but here in Rhode Island, at the cottage of her free-spirited aunt, it's a different world. There are long days at the beach and intriguing encounters with him. Pilot. He's the lifeguard with shamanic skills. He both saves her and makes her feel lost at sea. Sirena explores her obsession with Pilot and discovers his mysterious--almost magical--gifts.

Lifeguard wasa warm, romantic read that felt sun-kissed and as tumultuous as the ocean.

Sirena’s parents thought it would bea good idea for her to spend the summer with her aunt at the beach…so shewouldn’t have to deal with their impending divorce. Sirena takes the newsbadly, blaming herself and feeling lost and alone. Until she meets him. Thelifeguard. Beautiful, mysterious and deep.

Pilot is not just a lifeguard, hehas been taught shamanic healing by his grandfather. Sirena is not the only onewith dark and agonising thoughts rumbling around inside her. Pilot also has hisdemons, and reasons for his unbreakable commitment to his job.

Together, Pilot and Sirena learn howto let go of things out of their control, and fall into the beginning warmth oflove.

A perfect read to cast aside thedreary winter chill, and warm you from the inside out. A lovely light holidayread.

Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh

2012-01-05T05:21:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 5 KB
Print Length: 400 pages
Publisher: Mills & Boon Nocturne (1 Jan 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B00699I8YG

Micah: The Dark Prince As the dark lord who condemns souls to damnation, Micah is nothing but a feared barbarian wrapped in impenetrable black armour. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows – the daughter of his enemy. Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armour to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden, or their whole world will be lost…

Lord of the Abyss is my favourite instalment of the Royal House of Shadows series. Micah,the youngest prince of the kingdom of Elden, who wasscattered along with his brothers and sister to distant realms in a bid to savetheir lives by their mother, is now a far cry from the prince he used to be.The Blood Sorcerer cursed him, ensnaring him to the Black Castleat the edge of the Abyss where he must condemn the souls destined for theabyss. Covered in impenetrable armour, he is feared and ruthless with nothinginside him but darkness. Until one woman dares to help him remember who he oncewas.

Liliana, daughter of the BloodSorcerer is nothing like her parentage. She does not murder or torture, yet sheis almost as strong as her father. Liliana is gifted with visions, and has sentthe eternal downfall of Elden. Unless she can help Micah remember his true selfand return him home. And so Liliana braves the Black Castleand lands at the mercy of the Lord of the Abyss.

Bit by agonising bit, Micah’steasing and arrogant nature peaks through his dark armour. He is enamoured byLiliana and the stories she tells of the four princes and princess, especiallyby the youngest prince. It isn’t long before he longs to touch her, to tasteher. And lord help her if she isn’t mesmerised by him also. But Liliana knowshis feelings will darken when he learns who she really is.

Lord of the Abyss was dark, teasing, romantic, sexy, terrifying and everything else inbetween. This has been a fantastically written series with an electric ending.I for one cannot wait to re-read them all again.

Book Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

2012-01-02T03:21:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harper Voyager (4 Aug 2011)
ISBN-10: 0007425473
ISBN-13: 978-0007425471

A Handmaid’s Tale for a new generation…

Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery has only four years left to live when she is kidnapped by the Gatherers and forced into a polygamous marriage. Now she has one purpose: to escape, find her twin brother, and go home – before her time runs out forever.

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb – males only live to age twenty-five and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden’s genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape – to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden’s eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Orphaned twins Rhine and Rowan know exactlywhen they are going to die. They live in their parents home, sleeping in shiftsand desperately trying to stay away from danger. Thanks to genetic testing andmistakes of older generations, when the scientists found a way to cure disease,they radically shortened life spans. Twenty five for males. Twenty for females.Desperate to keep the human race thriving, girls are stolen and sold intomarriage with the sole purpose to reproduce. Rowan has always tried to keep hissister safe, but nothing could have prevented the day Rhinewas stolen.

Sixteen year old Rhine,along with nineteen year old Jenna, and thirteen year old Cecily, are bought bythe formidable Housemaster Vaughn to be the wives of his son, Governor Linden. Linden’s first wife,Rose, is suffering her last days, gripped by the disease that will claimeveryone when their time is up.

Rhine vows to escape and somehow get back toher brother, but with locked windows, and stuck on one floor of the mansion, Rhinemust earn Linden’strust if she is to break free from her cage.

The character of Rhineleapt off the page for me, her fears becoming mine and her entrapment making mefeel claustrophobic. Her interaction with Gabriel, an attendant in the mansion,brings the small bit of light into her world of darkness.

A new dystopian series, Wither is sure to be an absolute hit. With shocking content and disturbingview of the future, the author pushes the limit yet also keeps the charactersand events startling real. I for one cannot wait for the sequel.

The Best of 2011 - Top 10 Reads of YA & Adult

2011-12-31T02:53:00.000-08:00

According to my Goodreads account, I've read over 140 books this year. I'm quite impressed with this number; it's more than last year but it is also inaccurate. There are so many books I borrowed and didn't record on Goodreads. So many I re-read. But here what it is a true account of - 140 new books discovered. So it was no wonder when I sat down to write my Top Ten Reads of 2011, that I struggled to pick only ten out of all those books. In the end, I said, sod it, I'll have two categories. So here they are - my favourite reads of 2011. They have made me cry, laugh, swoon, shift uncomfortably, want to hide it in the freezer, but they are all on this list for a reason. And here they are.

Top 10 Adult Reads of 2011

No. 10

I absolutely adored Stone Cold Seduction. Hot guys, fierce heroine, betrayal, lost memories and intense action. What's not to love?

No. 9

The movie does not do this book justice. An epic historical romance with the intoxicating pull of the circus.

No. 8

This book put me through the ringer. I felt every emotion possible. Read it now, and get the tissues ready.

No. 7

This is to represent the entire Royal House of Shadows series. It was epic, amazing, romantic, hot and sweaty and just, well, amazing.

No. 6

The Last Letter From Your Lover stayed with me a long time after I read it. Definitely one of my all time favourite reads.

No. 5

I really got into the WW2 historical romances this year. This was one of the best.

No. 4

Ethereal. Beautiful. Mesmerising. Blissful.

No. 3

And the Band Played on haunted me.

No. 2

For another complete series. Kat kicks ass. Bones is...Bones...

No. 1

This series grabbed me by the throat and still hasn't let go. Rock on January for book 5!

Top Ten YA Reads of 2011

No. 10

Edgy. Gripping. Dark.

No. 9

Edgy romance. One of my favourite non-paranormal reads of 2011.

No. 8

One of my first trips into dystopian. And of course the beginning of a dystopian obsession.

No. 7

Andrea Cremer's world of Guardian wolves is dark and dangerous. And oh so intoxicating.

No. 6

Why am I always a sucker for a bad boy?

No. 5

Forgotten was like nothing I'd ever read before. And haven't since.

No. 4

Zombies and Victorians and hotties oh my!

No. 3

Two of my favourite things - romance and Greek mythology.

No. 2

See what I mean? Obsession...

No. 1

Do I really need to say anything?!

So there you have it. But I'm curious - what are some of your favourite reads of this year? Let me know!

Book Review: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

2011-12-29T11:32:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Ebury Press (21 July 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0091940184
ISBN-13: 978-0091940188

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart

Folklore and mythology have always been a largepart of Callie’s life. Her parents told her stories that felt real to her, andafter their untimely death, a handsome prince visited Callie in her dreams tocontinue their stories. But they all stopped when Callie started researchingher book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers.

Callie is on the hunt for the perfect teachingopportunity at a university. She is less than impressed with Fairwick, butnevertheless something draws her in, enticing her and changing her mind tostay. Especially when she discovers Honeysuckle House and it seems to call herhome.

When she moves into her new home, Callie isgreeted by an old friend. Her handsome prince returns to her dreams, only thistime he is not interested in telling her stories. Every night Callie hasintensely orgasmic and toe-curling dreams of him that feels so real her musclesache come the morning. Her co-workers at the university stage an intervention,and inform her that she is being preyed upon by an incubus. But he isn’t theonly mythical being at Fairwick, and Callie learns she has been living andworking alongside witches, faeries, even vampires. Callie knows she must expelthe incubus before he devours her, but expelling him from her heart proves alot more difficult that banishing him from her home.

TheDemon Lover had an amazing mixof folklore, sexual intensity and mystery. It was refreshing for a book to goback to the bare bones of paranormal, the ancient views of demons and mythicalcreatures rather than the somewhat jaded modern types. The relationship betweenCallie and her incubus is intoxicating and their chemistry leapt off the page.

Callie’s discovery of what Fairwick is reallylike proves life-altering for her, and leads her to question her ownbackground. Watching Callie grow as a character and make incredible decisionswas a pleasure to read, and I am sure not to forget The Demon Lover for sometime yet.

This book is full of heat, difficult choicesand incredible sacrifice. Be drawn into the incubus’s charm and let this storyseduce you.

Book Review: Her Dark Knight by Sharon Cullen

2011-12-26T11:25:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 456 KB
Publisher: Carina Press (28 Nov 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B005UPRRBA

Madelaine Alexander is on a mission. When her boss sends her to the hottest nightclub in town to meet with the owner, she won't be deterred, even if that means standing in line for fifty-eight minutes in torturous heels while she'd rather be home in her pj's with a bowl of popcorn.

A Knight of the Templar, Christien Chevalier was given immortality along with the responsibility of protecting the treasure of the Templars. He's been unwavering in his task for centuries until his one true love—who died seven hundred years ago—shows up in his club, demanding his attention.

Christien couldn't protect Madelaine when they first fell in love. She was married to a lord and he was simply a knight. Now, through some unknown miracle, she stands before him again and they have a second chance. But Christien fears that Madelaine is being used as a pawn in a dangerous game, a game of good versus evil that could affect all of mankind...

Every obstacle is standing in Madeleine’s way.She has urgent papers for the owner of the hottest nightclub in town, and knowsher life isn’t worth living if she returns to her formidable boss, Giselle,without them. After arguing with the bouncer and enduring a torturous wait inkiller heels, she makes it inside.

When Madeleine meets Christien Chavelier, sheknows she has met him before. There is an unmistakable connection between them.Madeleine is confused by the encounter, but Christien is suspicious, believingsomeone has placed her in his path for a reason…to keep him distracted. Christien is a Knight of the Templar,granted immortality to protect the key that could bring about the Armageddon ifit fell into the wrong hands.

The more time the spend together, the morecertain Christien is that Madeleine is the reincarnate of his love he lostseven hundred years ago. Madeleine has dreams of her past life, and ofChristien. She experiences their love, and it isn’t long before it becomes herown.

It isn’t all smooth sailing for the reunitedlovers. Dark forces are at work against them, intent of their ruin…and revenge.

HerDark Knight has an intricateplot full of dips and turns to keep the reader of their toes…and keep thosetoes curled thanks to the hot chemistry between Christien and Madeline. With amix of doomed historical love and modern romance, this novel has something foreveryone. A fantastic page turner.

Book Review: Too Wicked To Wed by Cara Elliot

2011-12-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever; Import edition (19 Jan 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0446584576
ISBN-13: 978-0446584579

Outspoken and independent, Lady Alexa Bingham enjoys the heady freedom of making all her own decisions, even though the challenges of overseeing her family's country estate are daunting. But when a chance encounter with London's most notorious rake awakens a secret longing for adventure, she accepts her aunt's invitation for a Season in Town . . . only to find that breaking the rules of the ton has serious consequences.

The Earl of Killingworth uses his rakehell reputation to hide the fact that poverty has forced him to work for a living. As the owner of a gambling den and brothel, Connor has no time for glittering ballrooms or innocent young ladies. But after a reckless wager leaves him with a new business partner, he is forced to take a risky gamble . . . Will the cards fall in their favor? Alexa and Connor begin to play a dangerous game of intrigue and deception as they seek to outwit a cunning adversary who wants to put them permanently out of business. But if they are not careful, it is the flames of their own fiery attraction that may destroy them.

A chance encounter lands Alexa in the lair ofthe most notorious rake in Town, it irrevocable changes them both. Outspokenand unafraid, Alexa is refreshing for Connor, the Earl of Killingworth, and forAlexa, she has never met anyone quite like Connor.

When her aunt asks her if she would like tovisit to spend a season in Town, Alexa eagerly agrees. But glittering ballroomsand forced pleasantries aren’t what she thought they would be, and Alexa findsherself craving the company of someone she shouldn’t, if not to spice up herevenings a little. Alexa struggles against the confines of the ton and makesthe rash decision to pose as a male to enjoy a little freedom. And with a luckyhand at cards, Alexa wins half Connor’s business…a gambling hole and brothel.

But Connor has bigger things to worry aboutthan his new female business partner. Someone is determined to see him fall…andwilling to go to deadly measures to ensure it. With Connor injured, he andAlexa retreat to his crumbling family home and pose as newlyweds to stopwagging tongues. But somewhere down the line, their lie doesn’t feel false, andit is all to easy to forgot about the dangers awaiting them back in the realworld, while they are surrounded by wild countryside.

Alexa and Connor’s love story was intoxicating,and very, very frustrating. With great action and steamy romance, Too Wicked To Wed is an amazing regencyromance with a strong beating heart, sure to lure anyone in.

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

2011-12-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 512 KB
Publisher: Jamie McGuire, LLC; 1 edition (26 May 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B0052VUNHC

**For mature readers. Contains sexual situations and strong language**

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn't drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs--and wants--to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby's resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis' apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

WhenAbby meets Travis, there is an instant connection. One she wants to avoid, onehe is fascinated with.

Travis is Eastern University’sliving legend – the guy famous for one night stands, who the girls can’t stayaway from…even when they know better. Abby is a good girl – keeps out oftrouble and avoids Travis’ type like the plague. But fate seems intent onpushing them together.

Curious about the girl who isn’t fazed by hischarm or swoons at his biceps, Travis wants to know all about Abby. He comes upwith a bet – if he loses, he must abstain from sex for one month. If she loses,she must live with him for one month. Either way, things are going to changebetween them.

I cannot begin to describe how much I lovedthis book. Electric banter, sizzling chemistry and bittersweet whisperings, Beautiful Disaster has it all. And I amso not ashamed to say, I totally fell under Travis’ spell.

Abby and Travis will entrance you, their storykeeping you up into the night as you say to yourself ‘just one more chapter’.For once, I’m keeping my review short and sweet. Too much said would ruin thisjem of a book. Just read it. Like, now.

Cover Reveal: Sleepers by Megg Jenson

2011-12-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

Introducing the new artwork for Megg Jensen’s bestselling novel SLEEPERS!

To celebrate the re-launch of SLEEPERS in January of 2012, Megg is giving it a new cover with artwork from the incredible PhatPuppy.

An adoptee raised in a foreign land, sixteen-year-old Lianne was content with her life as handmaiden to the queen, until a spell cast on her at birth activated. Now she's filled with uncontrollable rage and access to magic she thought had been bled from her people years ago. Even her years of secret training in elite hand-to-hand combat and meditation can’t calm the fires raging inside her.

Her heart is torn between two boys, the one she’s always loved and the one who always ignored her. But when the kingdom threatens to tear itself apart due to rumors surrounding the queen’s alleged affair, who will Lianne protect and who will she destroy?

On sale now for only 99 cents!

Check back here for my review of this awesome YA novel.

Book Review: Reality Jane by Shannon Nering

2011-12-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 704 KB
Publisher: Bancroft Press; 1 edition (26 Oct 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B0060AYIBQ

Set behind the scenes of America's most popular guilty pleasure—reality TV―Reality Jane delivers a high-spirited, delicious tale of finding love and a career in Hollywood while juggling lipo envy, singlehood angst, and the resounding results of success.

Reality Jane follows Jane Kaufman, a Canadian journalist who, because of a lucky connection, finds herself in LA as a producer on a hot new reality show. Mingling with rock stars, attending Grammy parties, and visiting the Sex Kitten Mansion, Jane sees her new career as a one-way ticket to the big-time! But for a small-town girl thrust into the cutthroat Hollywood scene, 90- hour work weeks, heartless bosses, and superficial womanizers are a rude awakening.
Just when her love life seems at its bleakest, along come not one but two guys vying for her heart: hunky Alex, a hot up-and-coming reality show host, and Grant, a sweet, sincere cameraman who’s unfazed by Hollywood fame. With a sizzling sex life on the horizon, and maybe even true love, Jane’s fondest hopes seem en-route to full realization when she lands the cherry gig of all time: a producer’s post on TV’s hottest new self-help talk show.
But the deeper Jane ventures into reality TV, the more completely un-real her life―personal and professional―becomes. And the realities of life behind-the-scenes—like goading people to confess their deepest, darkest secrets on cue—are chipping away at her very soul.
Lead character (and narrator) Jane embodies the perfect blend of smart-ass sarcasm, weary cynicism, and hopeful romanticism to appeal to today's readers. She also possesses a biting, acerbic wit that casts devilish, laugh-out-loud observations on the Hollywood scene, which are sure to please celeb watchers and reality show junkies alike.
A hugely entertaining glimpse at the world of reality TV from one of its own, who’s lived and breathed the business practically since its inception, Reality Jane is the chick-lit novel that reality TV junkies and chick-lit enthusiasts have long been waiting for.

Reality Janetook me on a rollercoaster ride of success and what it meant to sacrifice inorder to achieve it.

Jane, a journalist from Canada, finds herself thrust into the fast pacedHollywood lifestyle all thanks to a luckyconnection. Jane is the new producer on a reality show. Her life suddenlybecomes a blur of Grammy parties, Sex Kittens, rock stars and backstabbing. Itdoesn’t take long for her to realise the glitter of Tinsel Towndoesn’t always cover the greed and darker side.

Just when her life and career seemat its bleakest, Jane is offered a new opportunity on a hot new show. The newshow brings not one, but two hotties into Jane’s life – upcoming TV host, Alex,and down-to-earth and gorgeous camera-man, Grant.

But Jane must make some choices anddecide what is more important to her – integrity or success, love or career,honesty or lies.

Reality Janehad the perfect mix of my two favourite things – reality TV and chicklit. Thisis an awesome read for anyone who loves either of these, and the awful decisionof choosing between two men…

Book Review: Crave by Melissa Darnell

2011-12-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 431 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (25 Oct 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373210353
ISBN-13: 978-0373210350

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

When Savannah is suddenly dropped by all herfriends and new husband, Tristan, in the fourth grade, it feels like her worldis ending. She gets no explanation or warning and in the space between one dayand the next she goes from popular to ridiculed.

High school is no different. Thekids in the Clann who were once her closest friends still tease and tormenther, shout names and make life intentionally difficult for her. Except Tristan.Tristan pretends she doesn’t exist, which somehow feels even crueller.

But things are changing for Savannah. When a bad caseof what she thinks is the flu leaves her bedridden, only her estranged fathercan clue her in. She is a half vampire, and is going through the change. Andher change comes with some rules. Don’t make eye contact, unless she wantspeople to become obsessed with her. Keep clear of the Clann kids. And under nocircumstances should she go anywhere near Tristan.

Too bad some rules are meant to bebroken…

Told in alternating view pointsbetween Savannahand Tristan, this book is a great new twist in the YA market. Crave is a paranormal Romeo and Juliettale of forbidden love, defying parents and growing up. The first in a brandnew series that is sure to be an amazing hit!

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

2011-12-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Harvill Secker; First Edition edition (15 Sep 2011)
ISBN-10: 184655523X
ISBN-13: 978-1846555237

In 1886, a mysterious travelling circus becomes an international sensation. Open only at night, constructed entirely in black and white, Le Cirque des Rêves delights all who wander its circular paths and warm themselves at its bonfire.

Although there are acrobats, fortune-tellers and contortionists, the Circus of Dreams is no conventional spectacle. Some tents contain clouds, some ice. The circus seems almost to cast a spell over its aficionados, who call themselves the rêveurs - the dreamers. At the heart of the story is the tangled relationship between two young magicians, Celia, the enchanter's daughter, and Marco, the sorcerer's apprentice. At the behest of their shadowy masters, they find themselves locked in a deadly contest, forced to test the very limits of the imagination, and of their love...

A fabulous, fin-de-siècle feast for the senses and a life-affirming love story, The Night Circus is a captivating novel that will make the real world seem fantastical and a fantasy world real.

The Night Circus was a beautiful work of fantasy, impossible love and best ofall…magic.

The circus arrives with no warning.No announcements precede its arrival. It is simply there, when yesterday it wasnot. Patrons of the circus grow entranced by the acrobats, amazed by theillusionist, intrigued by the fortune teller. The Night Circus is not likeothers – the only colours are black and white, it only opens at night and ithas countless number of tents that amaze and astound.

But there is more to the circus thanmeets the eye. It is also the place of a fierce competition – a duel of magicsand the entire circus is their game board. Celia and Marco were selected whenthey were only children to compete against each other by two old masters. Bothare educated differently, one by books, one by pain, but both are talented intheir own ways. Around each other, Celia and Marco are free to be entirelythemselves. Intoxicated by this freedom, they tumble headfirst into love.

The Night Circus is by far the best book I have read this year, by a very long shot. Itsmix of fantasy and reality and dizzying love and heartache swirls around thereader until it feels as though they could be sitting in the circus itself,perhaps at the Wishing Tree or warming by the bonfire eating chocolate mice.

Anyone who reads this book isguaranteed to become entranced and hypnotised by the charm of the poetic prose.I for one cannot to re-read this amazing book.

Book Review: The Queen's of all the Earth

2011-12-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 310 KB
Publisher: Bancroft Press; 1 edition (30 Sep 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B005RFEDSS

As her freshman classmates move into dorms at Cornell University, Olivia Somerset suffers a nervous breakdown. When months of coaxing and analyzing fail to rouse Olivia from her stupor, big sister Miranda decides the sisters should fly off to Barcelona for some “vacation therapy.”

After a mistake at their Barcelona hostel puts the Somersets in a large co-ed dorm room, Olivia and Miranda are saved by kindly Mr. Brown and his son Greg, who happily volunteer to surrender their private room. But while Olivia feels an instant connection with brooding Greg Brown, Miranda sides with fellow guest and cocky American travel writer Lenny, who believes
the Browns are just plain weird, and must be avoided at all costs.

In the midst of an urbane priest-in-training from Peru and hordes of Scottish soccer fans, from the shops of La Rambla to the waters of the Mediterranean to the soaring heights of Montjuic, Miranda works to protect her still-fragile sister while Olivia struggles to understand her burgeoning adulthood, her feelings for Greg, and the fear that makes the next step in her life so impossible to take.

The Queen’s of all the Earth is very much a coming-of-age story, butinstead of being in early teens, it is in the form of a college freshman,Olivia Somerset.

Olivia suffers a breakdown anddefers her freshman year of college. Her sister, Miranda decides the best therapyfor Olivia is a vacation to Barcelona.With the sultry summer heat and gothic architecture as a backdrop, Oliviastruggles to figure out who she really is, how she really feels, and how to goabout taking that next step to move her life forward.

At the hostel the Somerset sisters are mistakenly placed in aco-ed dorm, rather than the private room they requested. Enter the Brown’s. MrBrown gallantly gives up the private room he shares with his son, Greg, to thesisters. Miranda is wary of the Browns, but Olivia has an all-togetherdifferent reaction to Greg. There is an instant spark which only furtherconfuses her.

The Queen’s of all the Earth was an easy read to glide through and thereader will feel the warm Spanish sun kiss their skin as they soak in thewords. Olivia’s story is very interesting, and I’m sure would be valuable toanyone struggling with a major change in their life.

A perfect read to warm you up inthese chilly winter nights.

Book Review: The Juliet Spell

2011-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (27 Sep 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373210396
ISBN-13: 978-0373210398

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.

Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Waypast. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

Miri’s school is putting on aproduction of Romeo and Juliet…and Miri is determined to be Juliet. Sherehearses and memorises lines but it isn’t enough. When Miri is turned over forthe part, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

Miri casts a spell but it backfireson her. Rather than getting her the role she wanted, she inadvertently pluckedWilliam Shakespeare’s younger brother, Edmund, out of his time, and dropped himin hers.

Edmund is confounded with thefuture, seeing everything with childlike curiosity and marvel…especially whenhe finds out how famous Will is in the future. Miri enlists Edmund’s help withthe play, but he does her one better. He tries out for Romeo himself…and getsit. Suddenly Miri is understanding Juliet a whole lot better.

The Juliet Spell was a light and quirky read. It is written a little immaturely attimes, though its content is definitely not for the younger end of the YAspectrum. While it was a witty and brilliant new take on the genre, there wassomething missing for me. Some element not present to take it from an okay bookto an amazing one.

The characters felt underdeveloped,and to my irritation, took things as they came. A teenage girl summons a boyfrom the past and says he will live with them? No problem. You suddenly realiseyou have feelings for the boy? Okay. The boy is catting around with uber-bitch?No worries. The book’s saving grace was Drew – highly loveable character withall the right answers and reactions. The downside was he didn’t have enoughpage time.

The Juliet Spell is a perfect read for anyone who likes light YA with a hint of romance,time travel and doomed relationships.

Book Review: Next to Love

2011-11-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Picador (7 Oct 2011)
ISBN-10: 0330544500
ISBN-13: 978-0330544504

Babe, Grace and Millie have been best friends since their first day at their small town’s only kindergarten. Despite their differences, they’ve played together, grown up together, shared each other’s secrets. And when World War Two becomes a reality for America too, the girls begin a new phase of their lives together – each quickly marries her first true love. With the men away, life is difficult for these newly married women, but when no fewer than sixteen telegrams arrive on a single morning in 1944, bearing news of the worst kind from the War Department, the girls know that nothing will ever be the same again . . .

As each woman struggles to rebuild a life, they face not only the challenges closest to home – the brutal effects of war, the question of remarriage, of how to tell a child about their absent father – but also the wider issues of a country in flux – sexism, racism, anti-Semitism. Tinged with tragedy, yet filled with hope, Next to Love is the story of three women at the heart of the century – a celebration of their friendship across decades of the most unthinkable adversity. It is a remarkable novel you are unlikely to forget.

Next to Loveis the most gut-wrenching, romantic, devastating and best book I have read thisyear. Bar none.

The novel centres around threefriends – Babe, Millie and Grace as their husbands and boyfriends get pulledinto the second World War. What I loved about this book was it showed in rawdetail what it was like to be the ones left behind and how home could be justas wrecking as the home front.

The author didn’t hold back on asingle thing and the stark honesty was like a powerful fist with each newdevelopment. The story spans decades, beginning as their men leave and thewomen have to get jobs and raise the children alone, leading up till thechildren are almost adults themselves.

There is so much I could say aboutthis book, and if I’m honest this review is startlingly hard to write. As withany wartime book, a sense of loss is expected. But the author managed tocompletely destroy me while I read the words. The characters became so real theloss felt personal, like I was reading about friends, not fiction.

All I can do is urge everyone toread this book. Read it and love it. I guarantee it will stay with you for daysonce you finish.

Book Review: Piper's Passion Cookies

2011-11-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

*PUBLISHED BY:*	Painted Barn Publishing
*ISBN:*
*PUBLICATION DATE:*	2011
*WORD COUNT:*	7050

Piper Bell finds her grandmother’s old wooden chest while rummaging through the attic. Inside is a book, Granny Bell’s Magic Recipes. The cookbook couldn’t have come at a better time, because she has to bring cookies to the neighborhood pool party. With the touch of an enchanted easy-peasy ingredient, Granny Bell’s passion cookies promise to capture even the most reluctant man’s attentions—and her love life could certainly use a little magic.
She tests her first batch on the poolside bachelor partygoers, and Voila! The fruit cookies are a success. Men are swarming her like yellow jackets on watermelon, including Magnolia Acres’ newest hottie, Dr. Donovan Tate. The passion begins and things heat up… but Piper soon wonders if she should’ve stayed out of the kitchen.

Piper’s Passion Cookies is a fun, flirty and hilarious read from an author that is destined tobecome a household name. C.E. Hart’s quirky and unique writing style willentrance many readers as her stories warm their hearts.

When Piper finds her grandmother’scook book in the attic, she finds the perfect recipe for her to bake for theneighbourhood pool party. Passion cookies. And she has just the man in mind to give a fewto – newest neighbour, Donovan.

So if you’re in the mood for a quickand heart warming read that will make you giggle, swoon and cheer out loud, Piper’s Passion Cookies is the book foryou. Grab it now, and remember this author’s name.

Geek Girl Blog Tour

2011-11-22T03:43:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: Sweetwater Books (8 Dec 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599559250
ISBN-13: 978-1599559254

Jen's life of partying and sneaking out has grown stale. So on a whim, Jen makes a bet to turn Trevor, a goody-two-shoes geek, into a "bad boy." As she hangs out with Trevor, however, she finds it's actually kinda fun being a geek. But when Trevor finds out about the bet, Jen must fight for the things she's discovered matter most: friendship, family, and, above all, love.

I’m luckyenough to have Cindy Bennett here with me today, answering a few questionsabout her amazing YA novel Geek Girl,and about life as a writer. After the interview, you can read my review of Cindy’sbook. I’d love to hear what you guys think, so leave a comment, and if you havealready read the book, how much you liked it.

Hi Cindy,thanks so much for dropping by today J First of all, I justwant to say how much I enjoyed Geek Girl, I could hardly put it down! Where didthe inspiration for Jen and Trevor’s story come from?

I needed towrite a short story (1500 words) to enter a writing contest. As I sat down tothink of ideas, for no particular reason the idea of a girl who consideredherself bad popped into my head. I wanted to put her with someone who was thepolar opposite, and the idea of a geek came to me. But how to get themtogether? That’s when I decided on the bet angle, and from there it pretty muchwrote itself. Once I had finished, I could not get Jen & Trev out of myhead. I thought about them constantly. They were demanding to have their storytold in full, so I obliged. It was actually a fairly quick process to write thewhole book, though I felt a bit stifled by the original short story. It was kindof like writing with an outline, which I don’t do. Once I let go of the idea ofit having to follow the short version absolutely, it came much easier.

Were you anything likeJen (or Trevor) as a teen?

I wasn’tlike either of them. I wasn’t bold enough to be Jen, or ambitious enough to beTrev. I was a complete wallflower. I didn’t want to be noticed in any way,shape, or form because I was painfully shy. You’ll find small pieces of me inall of my characters, of course, but sometimes those pieces are just things I’dwished I were at that age, such as being as courageous and forward as Jen is. Iwas a bit of a rebel, as well. I didn’t conform well to rules and expectations.

I hear that! What washigh school like for you?

High schoolwas something of a blur. I had the intelligence to excel, but lacked the desireor drive. I was so shy that I didn’t participate in anything extra-curricular,or try to join in any of the clubs—though I did try out for dance company acouple of times since I loved to dance, but my grades kept me from being ableto participate. I met my husband in high school, who was the complete oppositeof me: outgoing, bold, courageous, loud, football player. He was perfect for meso I never had to say anything to anyone when I was with him. With him I didparticipate in a lot of activities.

Hehe, another case of oppositesattract! What made you want to be a writer?

I thinkI’ve always wanted to be a writer. I’ve always loved to read, and felt I couldwrite good stories as well. But it really changed in high school. I had anEnglish teacher in 9^th & 10^th grade Honors Englishwho really taught me my deep love of literature and even more a desire to be awriter. He’d have us do a “10 Minute Writing” at the beginning of each class,where he would give us a random subject, and for 10 minutes we would justwrite. I looked forward to that more than anything else all day. He would tellme I wrote well, and encouraged me to think about writing more. That was when Ireally truly believed I could do it, I could be a real writer.

Wow! You were lucky tohave such an encouraging teacher! Every writer has a different way in whichthey work – how do you like to do it, what’s your writing routine?

I reallyjust plop down on the couch with my laptop, TV is usually on, family aroundsome of the time, sometimes I’m writing in the middle of the night alone. Idon’t ever use an outline, though I do usually have an idea of where my storyis going, where I want it to end. Of course, sometimes that changes as I write.If I have an idea for a particular scene, I’ll write that out and then add itin later, if it fits. If it doesn’t, I discard it. I try to write daily, thoughlately that’s been difficult to accomplish.

I’m very meticulousabout where I write – it can only be at my big old desk with nothing but musicin the background! But I’m right with you on outlines ;) What do you do to findinspiration?

There are afew different things. My favorite is to go for a ride on my Harley where I canspend the time just imagining different stories. That’s the best, becausethere’s no one else with me, just road noise and my imagination. Sometimes Ijust go to a quiet place and think of ideas, like lying in bed at night in thedark. Other times I might pop in a movie that fits the mood I’m looking for, orlisten to some music for the same. There’ve even been times when something I’mwatching on TV (usually some type of educational program) will give me an ideafor either a scene on my current project, or even a whole story.

What can your readersexpect to see next from you?

I’mcurrently finishing up a book called ImmortalMine. It’s a little different than my other books as it has a touch of theparanormal in it. And it will likely have a sequel since I still have a lot ofstory to tell and I’m already at around 80k words. At heart, though, it isdefinitely a contemporary YA romance. Hopefully that will be available soon.

I hope it will be too!

Thanks foranswering my questions, Cindy, it was lovely having you here! Read on for myreview of Geek Girl.

"Think I can turn that boybad?”

A simple sentence changes Jen Jones’life forever. Jen is a hardened partier goth girl with a penchant for gettinginto trouble. She’s 17 and a foster kid, looking to stir up enough trouble toget sent back into the system and onto another family. And Jen has her eyes seton geeky Trevor to help her accomplish the task.

Trevor is cute by geek standards,pretty eyes and to-die-for dimples. Sensitive and polite, Trevor is the polaropposite of Jen. To befriend the geek, Jen shamelessly pursues him – enduringsci-fi flick after sci-fi flick, bouts of time at a retirement centre, hisdoubly geeky friends…and bowling. Lots of bowling. All for him to take notice.

And notice he does. As make-believeand reality start to blur, Jen can’t help notice just how cute Trevor reallyis, how genuinely nice he is and what a catch he would make for any girl. Butthe worst thing…he seems to be rubbing off on Jen. She starts to see her oldfriends for what they really are, how partying isn’t the answer, and ignoringthe past doesn’t mean it’s gone.

Like Trevor, Jen’s foster family,the Grant’s, only have her best interest at heart. They do everything they canto make her feel welcome, but after a lifetime of neglect and abuse, Jen can’thelp but doubt their intentions. It will take a lot for Jen to realise thatmaybe she is worth it…and maybe she is worth loving after all.

Geek Girlhas an easy, lightness to it, despite its sometimes dark subject matter. It wasa pleasure to watch not just Jen, but Trevor, grow as characters as they openedup to each other, and the possibility of what might happen.

The most special thing about thisbook was how it came alive for me. Jen and Trevor were solid characters thatfelt very true, and because of that, they leaped off the pages. Jen’s troubledbackground gave the book a dark twist, but one that is a very real reality fora lot of kids. It was a pleasure to watch her overcome her past and deal withit, allowing her to move on to something better.

Jen’s relationship with the Grant’swas almost as enjoyable to read as her relationship with Trevor and I have toadmit…brought a tear to my eye more than once.

Geek Girl isa must read for anyone who loves romance, YA, family-orientated fiction or adamn good read. I’m recommending this to anyone who will listen.

Keep up to date with all Cindy's news and info on her website: www.cindycbennett.com

Book review: Saint's Gate by Carla Neggers

2011-11-17T03:10:00.001-08:00

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Mira Books; 1 edition (23 Aug 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0778312356
ISBN-13: 978-0778312352

When Emma Sharpe is summoned to a convent on the Maine coast, it's partly for her art crimes work with the FBI, partly because of her past with the religious order. At issue is a mysterious painting depicting scenes of Irish lore and Viking legends, and her family's connection to the work. But when the nun who contacted her is murdered, it seems legend is becoming deadly reality.

Colin Donovan is one of the FBI's most valuable assets—a deep-cover agent who prefers to go it alone. He's back home in Maine after wrapping up his latest mission, but his friend Father Bracken presents him with an intrigue of murder, international art heists and a convent's long-held secrets that is too tempting to resist. As the danger spirals ever closer, Colin is certain of only one thing—the very intriguing Emma Sharp is at the center of it all.

A ruthless killer has Emma and Colin in the crosshairs, plunging them into a race against time and drawing them deeper into a twisted legacy of betrayal and deceit.

Saint’s Gatewas an awesome read of mystery, action and attraction. FBI agent Emma Sharpe iscalled to the Sisters of the Joyful Heart convent one night by one of thesisters. While Emma is waiting for the gate to open, the sister was murdered.

Emma finds herself in the middle ofa complicated plot regarding a mysterious piece of artwork. The Sharpe familyare art detectives, and are employed in the cases when artwork is stolen. ToEmma and her superior, Yank, it doesn’t feel like coincidence that she was calledto the convent when she was.

Yank arranges for the tall, dark andhandsome Colin Donovan to keep an eye on Emma as she investigates the crime andit isn’t long before he realises he wants to see a whole lot more of Emma.

But both Emma and Colin have theirsecrets that may or may not hinder them on the investigation. The book waswonderfully written, engaging the reader so they felt right in the thick ofthings as the mystery unfolded.

The first in a series, Saint’s Gate is sure to be a hit, especiallywith the electric tension between Emma and Colin.

Book Review: Knight's Curse

2011-11-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Luna Books; Original edition (23 Aug 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373803400
ISBN-13: 978-0373803408

A skilled knife fighter since the age of nine, Chalice knows what it’s like to live life on the edge—precariously balanced between the dark and the light. But the time has come to choose. The evil sorcerer who kidnapped her over a decade ago requires her superhuman senses to steal a precious magical artifact…or she must suffer the consequences.

Desperate to break the curse that enslaves her, Chalice agrees. But it is only with the help of Aydin— her noble warrior-protector—that she will risk venturing beyond the veil to discover the origins of her power. Only for him will she dare to fully embrace her awesome talents. For a deadly duel is at hand, and Chalice alone will have to decide between freedom…and the love of her life

Knight’s Cursewas a modern-day tale of high adventure and virtue – the quest for what isright, and the ultimate battle over evil.

Chalice grew up in a monastery afterher mother died after childbirth, and only met her father when he returned toclaim her, and ensured she could never leave his side again. Chalice knows theman is not truly her father, but there was little she could do to overthrowhim. Chalice is bonded with a gargoyle and cursed, so if she is parted from himthe curse will turn her into one herself. Chalice is trained as a thief toprocure artefacts and objects of mythical power. The time comes for Chalice to decide what shehas to do – give in to the dark side, or take a leap of faith and shoot for thelight.

Knight’s Cursewas full of action and mythical legends, an epic read. The light romancebetween Aydin and Chalice was tender and steamy all at once, and left thereader aching for more. There hasn’t been a fantasy/action book quite like Knight’s Curse in quite some time, and Idoubt there ever will be.

An awesome read for anyone who lovesmodern day fairy tales and legends.

Book Review: The Kingdom of Childhood

2011-11-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (UK) Ltd (4 May 2012)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1848450702
ISBN-13: 978-1848450707

I suppose in the beginning it was a love story... The Kingdom of Childhood is the story of a boy and a woman: sixteen-year-old Zach Patterson, uprooted and struggling to reconcile his knowledge of his mother s extramarital affair, and Judy McFarland, a kindergarten teacher watching her family unravel before her eyes. Thrown together to organise a fundraiser for their failing private school and bonded by loneliness, they begin an affair that at first thrills, then corrupts each of them. Judy sees in Zach the elements of a young man she loved as a child, but what Zach does not realise is that their relationship is for Judy only the latest in a lifetime of disturbing secrets.

Judy is a kindergarten teacher inher forties, watching her family unravel and feeling powerless to stop it. Zachis sixteen and struggling to come to terms with his mother’s affair. Themiss-matched pair are thrown together whilst organising a fundraising for theirfailing private school. At first it is dangerous and intoxicating…Judy feelingalive once again, Zach getting his first tastes of pleasure. But their romancequickly takes a dark edge, an emotionally damaging and life-alteringrelationship that can only end in disaster.

The Kingdom of Childhood was exquisitely written, capturing the youth of Zach and desperation ofJudy flawlessly. The author has a no-holds-barred approach to writing, lettingthe taboo topic fly free of its own accord.

Whilst it was brilliantly written,it is a book I somewhat regret reading, for the simple reason of how exhaustedand disturbed it left me. It was very reminiscent of Lolita where an adult robs the youth of a child and feels no guiltwhatsoever, only thinking what more they can gain.

I’m on the fence on how to rate thisnovel. Perhaps you will have to judge for yourself.

Book Release: Escaping Normal

2011-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to say today is the day my book, Escaping Normal is released. It is available from Total-E-Boud Publishing here:

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1428

Escaping Normal is a paranormal romance with a steamy side, so if you like the sound of that, read on...

Sammi is an intern for a TV talent show, hating life and desperate to escape the monotony, when her wake-up call finds her. A member of a band involved with the show, the dark and mysterious Blaine, shows an intense and sudden interest in Sammi. For the first time, she wonders if maybe she shouldn’t have been so eager for things to change.

With Blaine permanently fixed in her mind, she dreams of him—violent, bloody and intensely sexual dreams that only pull her towards him more. Sammi knows there is something uniquely different about Blaine—something she doesn’t know or understand…but something she wants.

Every second spent with Blaine is one spent with danger. But every second spent without him feels worse.

Sammi wanted to take a bite out of the big apple, but will she escape with her life before it bites back? More importantly...will she want to?

Book Review: Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

2011-11-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire; Original edition (Nov 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1402260520
ISBN-13: 978-1402260520

The Picture of Dorian Gray meets Pride and Prejudice, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

New York City, 1882. Seventeen-year-old Natalie Stewart's latest obsession is a painting of the handsome British Lord Denbury. Something in his striking blue eyes calls to her. As his incredibly life-like gaze seems to follow her, Natalie gets the uneasy feeling that details of the painting keep changing...

Jonathan Denbury's soul is trapped in the gilded painting by dark magic while his possessed body commits unspeakable crimes in the city slums. He must lure Natalie into the painting, for only together can they reverse the curse and free his damaged soul.

Natalie Stewart leads us through thestory of Darker Still, a hauntingromance with a dark edge. Natalie is different to other girls her age – sheisn’t attending parties, dinners and events in the hopes of finding a suitablematch. She has just returned home from boarding school at a convent where herabnormality was hidden from society. Natalie is a mute, and has been sincewitnessing her mother’s death at a very tender age.

But things are about to change forNatalie. When she overhears her father and his friends discussing a supposedlyhaunted painting of a rich and handsome British lord, Natalie is intrigued andgripped by the story…and knows she has to see the painting for herself.

Natalie was a charming character,and the story gothic and dark but with a loving romance to take the edge off. Darker Still had a mesmerising qualityto it with a fascinating storyline. However, I found the fact that the book waswritten in diary format stilting and distracting. While their romance wastender and sweet, Denbury’s and Natalie’s journey to love felt false andrushed, like the reader was ‘told’ how they felt, rather than showing us andmaking it feel more lifelike.

Darker Stillis a great read for YA romance fans who like a dark edge to their books.

Book Review: Twilight Fulfilled

2011-10-31T02:19:00.000-07:00

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Mira Books; Original edition (20 Sep 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0778312674
ISBN-13: 978-0778312673

Utanapishtim has paid dearly for the sin of creating the vampire race—imprisoned in a living death for centuries, driven to near madness. With a single white-hot glance, he immolates his descendants…and the vampire Armageddon begins.

Beautiful and deadly Brigit Poe, not wholly vampire but fiercely loyal to that shared bloodline, is called into action. She abhors yet cannot deny her destiny: to vanquish the once-great king of the immortals and save the vampire race.

Two warriors, equally matched in power and determination, are soon locked in an unwinnable battle, only to discover a passion so shocking it threatens every truth they've ever known—even as they must face one final battle that seems fated to end in death and heartbreak for them both.

Twilight Fulfilled is the 18^th instalment of Maggie Shayne’s hit series. Thisbook focuses on Brigit Poe – vampire half-blood. Brigit and her twin brotherJames are the only two of their kind, and neither aren’t without their…charms.James is the ‘good twin’ who has the power to heal. Brigit is the ‘bad twin’and has the power to destroy. To shoot death lasers out of her eyes, to beexact.

When the first immortal, Utana, wasresurrected, he believes he must destroy his race of vampires to earn favourwith the gods. Only Brigit can stop him before the eliminates her entirefamily.

When Utana and Brigit meet, sparksliterally fly. Plus a few cars, trees, general debris. But more than that thespark of passion ignites between them. Utana is sworn to destroy Brigit and herkin, Brigit sworn to protect her own.

Twilight Fulfilled was a pleasurable read, an original story with charming characters. Ienjoyed watching the development of Utana and Brigit’s romance and as theystruggled to come to terms with what it meant for both of them.

Any fans of Maggie Shayne willdevour this book whole.

Book Review: Lord of the Wolfyn

2011-10-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (18 Oct 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373618700
ISBN-13: 978-0373618705

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden.

To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance.

Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.…

For practical Reda Weston, nothing could explain how reading a sexy version of "Little Red Riding Hood" catapulted her into another realm—face-to-fang with the legendary wolf-creature who seduced women. A wolf who transformed into a dark, virile man….

Dayn cursed the Sorcerer that turned him wolfyn and damned him to a lonely fate. As a beast, he mated with women to gain strength.

Strength he needed to rescue his royal parents. But as a man, he craved Reda's heated, sizzling touch. With little time left, Dayn had to either embrace his wolf to save his kingdom…or fight it to save his woman.

Lord of the Wolfyn was another fabulous instalment of the Royal House of Shadow series. Inthis book, we meet Dayn, a prince of Elden, sent to the realm of the wolfyn athis kingdom’s downfall. But Dayn has more in common with his enemy than he everknew…

Reda is in the mortal realm,struggling to overcome the traumatic experience of watching her partner getkilled. As a cop, freezing isn’t an option, but it seems to be Reda’sspecialty. With her mental state fragile, she finds herself drawn to an unusualshop where she is reunited with a book she had a strong connection with as achild…the first and original edition of Red Riding Hood.

Dayn has spent two decades in thewolfyn realm, awaiting his guide that will take him home. He has hidden histrue nature, a blood drinker with the unusual ability to shift into a wolfyn,to himself, knowing that it would get him killed. But things are shifting intoalignment, and his guide arrives when he needs her most.

Reda awakens to the handsomewoodcutter from her book. But it isn’t her who needs rescuing, it’s Daynhimself.

Lord of the Wolfyn has to be my favourite book in the series yet. I fell in love with thecharacters, the story, the setting. It was a pleasure to watch Dayn and Redafall for each other, realise their feelings and struggle on how to act on them.

Along with a beautiful romance,there is plenty of action and heart-pounding intensity in the book. Lord of the Wolfyn has made it onto myjust-one-more-chapter bookcase. I cannot wait for the next in the series.

Book Review: Midwinterblood

2011-10-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Indigo (6 Oct 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1780620098
ISBN-13: 978-1780620091

Have you ever had the feeling that you've lived another life? Been somewhere that has felt totally familiar, even though you've never been there before, or felt that you know someone well, even though you are meeting them for the first time? It happens. In 2073 on the remote and secretive island of Blessed, where rumour has it that no one ages and no children are born, a visiting journalist, Eric Seven, and a young local woman known as Merle are ritually slain. Their deaths echo a moment ten centuries before, when, in the dark of the moon, a king was slain, tragically torn from his queen. Their souls search to be reunited, and as mother and son, artist and child, forbidden lovers, victims of a vampire they come close to finding what they've lost. In a novel comprising seven parts, each influenced by a moon - the flower moon, the harvest moon, the hunter's moon, the blood moon - this is the story of Eric and Merle whose souls have been searching for each other since their untimely parting. Beautifully imagined, intricately and cleverly structured, this is a heart-wrenching and breathtaking love story with the hallmark Sedgwick gothic touches of atmosphere, blood-spilling and sacrifice.

Midwinterbloodfelt like several different stories of the same event…which basically it was.Sometimes a gothic horror, at others a tender romance, Midwinterblood takes you on a dangerous adventure with vampires, Vikingsand forbidden love.

The story begins with Eric Seven,cynical journalist investigating the magical properties of Blessed Island whereno one ages and there are no children. Eric struggles to keep his wits abouthim as he slowly succumbs to the…charm of the island and its inhibitors. Whenhe meets Merle, it is love at first sight and even if he doesn’t understand it,he knows that it is right. What he doesn’t know is that he has met Merlebefore. Many times before. Sometimes as a friend, a mother or a lover. Theirsouls are connected, destined to find each other in each new life.

Marcus Sedgewick writes with simple,lyrical prose that somehow makes the horror he shows bloody and beautiful all at the same time. Hisplot is genius, beginning the story a the end and working his way back. Itcould have been a disaster. Instead it was amazing.

Fan of Sedgewick’s edgy writing willlove his latest work of triumph, and while this one in particular would bebetter suited for the older end of the YA spectrum, I have no doubt that adultsof all ages will adore this book. I know I did.

Book Review: Dearly, Departed ARC

2011-10-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Doubleday Childrens (29 Sep 2011)
ISBN-10: 0857530003
ISBN-13: 978-0857530004

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

Dearly, Departed is part of the new craze sweeping the YA market – zombies. The authortakes on an awesome adventure of love, daring, upper classes, war and betrayal.And I loved every moment of it.

Nora Dearly is a high society ‘NewVictorian’ girl. When she returns home from boarding school, a year since herfather, Dr Dearly, passed away, Nora encounters a strange man. A man whoinsists he knows her father and wants to reunite the pair. He is chased awaybefore Nora can even consider his offer. But meeting him wasn’t the strangestthing to happen to Nora.

One evening, a swarm of zombiesdescend on her house, intent on making a meal out of her. The man returns againfor Nora, swooping her out of danger…and landing her in even hotter water. Theman is Bram – sixteen year old captain of the zombie army, dangerouslygood-looking even in death, and apparently one of the good guys. Thoughconvincing Nora is a challenge of an after-lifetime.

The book splits between a fewvarious characters – Nora and Bram primarily. This means we don’t miss a secondof the action and get to see the world of Lia Habel through different eyes.

I absolutely adored Bram and Nora – theirfeisty relationship and tenderness drew me to the story like a moth to theflame. The action pitched with each passing page, new information and feelingsmaking the book completely irresistible.

Nora and Bram were two of the mostcharming characters I’ve come across in a good long while, and I sincerely hopethere is a sequel to Dearly, Departed.Because frankly, the world just isn’t as entertaining without them in it.

Book Review: The Kissing Tree ARC

2011-10-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Sweetwater Books (8 Dec 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1599559366
ISBN-13: 978-1599559360

After five long years, Georgiana McLaughlin returns to the only place she’s ever considered home—the same place she stole a kiss from Ridge Carson under the community “kissing tree.” But this time he’s a man, and reconciling their past is just the beginning. You’ll find yourself applauding each new chapter filled with fun, romance, and adventure in this captivating, heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back.

The Kissing Tree made me actually swoon out loud. Tad embarrassing when you’re on atrain!

Five years ago, Georgiana McLaughlinleft with her mother and brothers to visit with their aunt in New York City. No one told her they wouldn’tbe returning to her childhood home in Colorado.Georgiana left behind not just the rest of her family, but her two bestfriends, Samantha and Ridge. Right before she left, Georgiana stole a kiss fromRidge…one neither of them forgot.

But now Georgiana has returned, andRidge isn’t the boy she remembered…he has grown into a strong and handsome manwho still retains his boyish teasing nature. Feelings that never really wentaway suddenly flare to life for both Ridge and Georgiana, but things aredifferent than they were before. Both are older, less sure of their actions.Not to mention the rich and handsome Dawson thatGeorgiana left behind in New York.

The Kissing Tree was the kind of book that lingered with me whenever I wasn’t readingit. It was achingly romantic and laugh-out-loud funny. I adored the banterbetween Georgiana and Ridge, and how Georgiana more than handled the men on hergrandfather’s ranch.

This novel is not just a romance one– it is about family and commitments, and the difficult choice betweenfollowing your heart or your head. A sure pleaser for anyone who adoresromance, comedy or historical fiction. An author to watch.

Book Review: Tortured Rake ARC

2011-10-13T04:01:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (UK) Ltd (15 April 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0263889580
ISBN-13: 978-0263889581

Nathaniel... Icon. Celebrity. Heartthrob.

Underneath the movie star's good looks is a man battling with the demons of his past. No one knows the real Nathaniel, they only see the pin-up, the man he pretends to be. Until one night he is forced to rely on Katie Field, an ordinary young woman from a very different world to Nathaniel's. She may be starstuck but she isn't blinded by the bright lights of fame. Can Nathaniel trust her enough to reveal the man behind the mask? Let the seduction begin...

Tortured Rake was a book that took me totally by surprise. I curled up with it,fully expecting a sexy, fun, adventurous ride. Colour me surprised whenunderneath its glossy and glib exterior, was a vulnerable hero with a traumaticpast.

Nathaniel Wolfe is a name everyonehas heard. Legendary actor, sexiest man alive and ridiculously wealthy,Nathaniel is used to being in the spotlight. Little Katie Fields, relativeunknown costume designer, is not. But all that is about to change. Nathanielneeds Katie’s help. When she aides him, Katie is thrown headfirst intoNathaniel’s decadent world where nothing is as it seems…and nothing is real.

Katie wants nothing more than tomeet Nathaniel Wolfe – the realNathaniel Wolfe, that is. Not the Hollywoodversion the rest of the world is familiar with. But Nathaniel isn’t one to lethis guard down or let people get close to him. Good thing for Katie, she hasways of talking people around.

I adored Katie and Nathaniel’sstory. It was a pleasure to watch them both grow as characters, how theycomplimented each other and how their feelings progressed. Nathaniel is theperfect leading man for any book – strong, sexy and just a little bit broken.And Katie is just the woman to fix him. The book was extremely well written andheld my attention effortlessly throughout.

I definitely look forward to more inthis series.

Book Review: Eye of the Crystal Ball

2011-10-10T04:05:00.000-07:00

Kindle Edition

Published June 23rd 2011

When Sara was newborn her parents left her at the doorstep at Mr. and Mrs. Schneider's house.

When Sara was ten she discovered she was telekinetic. She began to move stuff around when she got angry just by her will alone.

When Sara was twelve her real parents came for her and took her with them to live like the Gypsy that she was - or Romani as they like to call themselves. They told her she was going to fulfill a prophesy. That it was once said that out of the Romani people the greatest sorceress who had ever lived would be born.
When Sara was thirteen she had a baby brother and when she was fourteen he got very sick with a strange illness.
To save her baby-brother Sara sets off on a quest to find his cure - well knowing that it will cost her dearly.
Soon Sara finds herself going through the Singing Cave, crossing Wild Witches Valley, talking to a ten foot giant snail, rescuing the Beads of Souls from the Hell-hounds, escaping a spell in Vamila, the Forest of Vanity, visiting the king at the City of Lights before she finally reaches the Black Castle where she is told the Eye of the Crystal Ball can tell her how to cure her brother's strange illness.

But nothing is free in this world - and as Sara soon will know - everything has a price.

The protagonist of our story isyoung Sara. As a baby, Sara was left on the doorstep of a kind couple, only tobe reclaimed by her paternal family at age twelve. Sara’s real family are gypsies,and Sara had to get used to a whole new way of life. Not to mention come toterms with the fact that she is a part of a huge gypsy prophecy.

When Sara’s baby brother becomesill, Sara sets off on an epic quest to find his cure. She encounters giantfast-talking snails, Hell Hounds…even a unicorn. As with all quests, our herogoes through tests of endurance and will…but will Sara make it in time to saveher brother?

The author keeps the reader guessingthroughout the story, plenty of twists and turns to keep the action up. Thisstory would be suited to younger readers, possibly fans of Harry Potter. Thefantasy at times was reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle Earth, but for youngerreaders.

But even with the best of stories,one thing is guaranteed to distract me – grammar. The Eye of the Crystal Ball would benefit hugely from a thoroughedit – it would make the story and the characters shine beautifully without thereader being distracted by something unrelated to the story.

Book Review: Penitence

2011-10-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing (29 April 2010)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1933963832
ISBN-13: 978-1933963839

Book Two. Seeing good and evil spirits is a gift Zoe guards with her life. Despite her guardian angel's disappearance, Zoe forces herself to accept that she still has a purpose-but how does she carry the weight of her brother's drug abuse, the hardship of living with an autistic sister, and a best friend who's obsessed with a guy who only wants Zoe? She's never felt more alone. When a mysterious spirit appears, Zoe thinks she has a new guardian angel. Instead, her brother's addiction worsens, her parents are on the brink of separation, and her best friend tries to kill her. The spirit she thinks is her new guardian isn't there to protect her: he's out to destroy her family and seize Zoe's soul. . . for Hell. Will Matthias' return mean that he is Zoe's guardian angel again? Or is their love the reason the jaws of Hell now gape open?

Penitienceis the second book in the Heavenlyseries, picking up right where we left Zoe in Heavenly.

Jennifer Laurens eases us back intothe story effortlessly, reminding us where the story ended in the last bookwithout sounding repetitive.

When Zoe re-enters her body afterexperience perfection in Paradise, it’s clearshe doesn’t want to be there. She wants to be back in the loving arms ofMatthias where there is no pain, only love and absolute certainty of what shecraves.

Matthias doesn’t appear like Zoeexpects him to. She pleads and prays for him to come to her…and his absencecuts deeper than the glass wounds from her accident. Zoe’s aunt steps in asAbria’s guardian, only confirming Zoe’s worst fears that something has happenedto the love of her life.

Even though life without Matthiasdoesn’t feel like living, Zoe knows she must pick herself up and move throughlife regardless. If not for her sake, than her family’s, which is hangingtogether by a thread. Zoe’s stoner brother, Luke, falls off the wagon and hitsthe booze and weed heavier than ever before. Her parents are arguing more andmore, and the students of Pleasant Grove High School are getting increasingly out of control.Especially best friend Britt…and Zoe’s worst nightmare, Brody.

The opening pages of Penitence are stark and brutal to read.Zoe’s raw agony radiates off the page and sinks deep under the skin of thereader. While it is uncomfortable, it is not off-putting, and only draws thereader further into Zoe’s world…making it come alive around them.

There wasn’t a point in this bookwhere I wanted to put it down. It quickly became one of my ‘just one morechapter’ kind of reads. You know, where you tell yourself just one more chapter before doing the dishes. Just one more chapter before turning out the light at bedtime. Just one more chapter before I get offmy butt and go to work.

The characters of Penitence were outstanding. Usually,secondary characters can get lost in the story, become under developed anduninteresting. Never with Jennifer Laurens. I enjoyed wondering where theircharacters would go, what they would do next…who would fall victim to the evilspirits lurking around Zoe’s friends and family.

As always, I adore Jennifer Lauren’sstyle of writing. Many authors, YA ones in particular, stay away from harshtopics, sugar coat things rather than tell it like it is. Jennifer Laurensisn’t afraid to look beneath the surface, write about real problems and howteenagers actually act. A lot of people could benefit from her writing – teensand parents alike. Especially with the Heavenlyseries.

Penitenceends on a cliffhanger that will leave readers gasping for more. As for me? I’mway more than eager for the final part of the Heavenly series – Absolution.

Book Review: Legacy

2011-10-03T03:10:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 701 KB
Print Length: 464 pages
Publisher: AmazonEncore (4 Aug 2009)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B0028Y5O7U

I noticed his eyes. They were blue, sharp and intense. Despite the youthful glows of his suntanned face, his eyes were cold and unfriendly, suggesting he had great experience in the world and was now expecting the worst.

In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair.

When the palace guard captures and intruder—a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy—Alera is alarmed…and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands.

In this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom.

Legacy istold through the eyes of the Crown Princess Alera as she faces the mostdifficult decision she will ever have to make. She must choose the man she isto marry and who will inherit the crown of the King. Alera’s father makes hisopinions on who he would like this to be very clear…but unfortunately Aleracannot abide his choice.

When Alera encounters an intruder inthe castle – a Cokryi her age with mesmerising steel grey eyes, her decision ismade even harder. Especially when she starts to fall for him. But their lovecould destroy her kingdom. For both share a dark destiny that could bring aboutthe end of her world as she knows it.

Legacy hasthe promise to be an amazing book. It has an intriguing storyline, interestingcharacters and tension and action to keep the pace up. Unfortunately the storydrowns under the weight of overly-described scenes, constant clothingdescriptions, very contradictory behaviour from the main character and the mixof old and modern speech.

I feel if the characters had beenmore defined they could have carried the story better, but as they are now theyfeel too one dimensional. The character of Princess Alera put the final nail inthe coffin for me. She was very up and down with her decisions, wanting to be astrong woman and be taken seriously, then acting like the classic damsel indistress. She has a betraying nature that does not make her a sympatheticcharacter. Often as I read I thought her sister would have made a better maincharacter.

Legacy wouldbe enjoyed by historical and YA lovers, perhaps the older end of the spectrumdue to the length of the book. We end on a cliffhanger that will ensure plentyof readers come back for the sequel.

Book Review: The Shadow Wolf

2011-09-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (23 Aug 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373618670
ISBN-13: 978-0373618675

On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she's still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?

The Shadow Wolf is a taut, sexy, emotional rollercoaster of a ride.

The novel follows escapee ShadowWolf Megan as she flees her island prison to take her two nieces to New Orleans and hopefullyto someone who can help them achieve a better life. Alex Robichaux is known toall shadow wolves as the go-to person who will aide them. Hungry, tired anduntrusting, the three stumble into the path of Gabriel Robichaux, famousEnforcer with a savage reputation against shadow wolves. But the man they meetassures them he will not lay a finger to harm them, and takes them to his homewhere they find out his reputation is just to protect him – as he is the onewho really helps the shadow wolves.

Slowly, Megan’s fear of Gabrieldissipates. Wanting and attraction taking its place. As they give in to theirmutual desire, it becomes clear they are destined mates. But will Megan want itto stay that way when she learns of Gabriel’s true nature?

When a common enemy infiltratesGabriel’s home, they flee to New Orleans where they seek help from his family.

The Shadow Wolf has plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting, and amystery that keeps the readers glued to the page. Told in alternating POV’s ofGabriel and Megan, we get a unique insight into the inner workings of boththese intriguing characters.

Megan is a sympathetic character –traumatised with valid fears. It was a pleasure to watch Gabriel help herovercome the fears. The romance between the two was scorching hot but alsosweet and gentle.

The Shadow Wolf was an absolute delight to read and fall in love with. A fab new novel.

Book Review: Beyond the Grave

2011-09-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (23 Aug 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0373210310
ISBN-13: 978-0373210312

A haunting new tale in the Past Midnight series...

I can’t move forward with my life until I know my demons are confined to the past...

Being Charlotte Silver, the daughter of famous paranormal investigators, means my life isn’t like that of other teenage girls. Especially after what happened to my parents. Things changed. I missed prom and deferred my big college plans. But I still have my boyfriend, Noah. He’s everything I could want—if I can figure out what’s up with him. Suddenly Noah is secretive.

I fear it has something to do with what happened to us three months ago. The bruise Noah suffered during a paranormal attack has never completely faded. Now I’ve learned Noah is researching demons. And when he disappears, it’s up to me to find him—before something else does

Beyond the Grave was spooky and chilling - ahaunting ghost story with a warm beating heart at its centre.

The series continues with this newinstalment, joining Charlotte and her paranormal-searching family once again.After the awful events of One HundredCandles, Charlotte’sfamily are trying to heal themselves and get back to normal. But they all knowit won’t be normal until they are all reunited. And as Charlotte’s sweet boyfriend Noah startsacting strange, she realises that things might get a whole lot worse beforethey can get better.

Beyond the Grave has an intricate take on the ‘other-worldly’ and paranormal phenomenon.It has a typical ghost hunter style feel but the great and sympatheticcharacters take it into another level of amazing. While I enjoyed all thecharacters, I would have liked to see more development for them and for thesub-plots also.

The novel breathes loss with everypage but its courage and unshakeable faith makes it almost inspirational. Themain character of Charlotteis very determined and has great motivation – the salvation of her mother andboyfriend.

While it is said that this is thelast in the series, there is definitely room for another sequel.

Book Review: A Dragon Foresaken

2011-09-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 209 KB
Publisher: Krystal McLaughlin (17 Mar 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B004SP14H6

In a world of mystery and magic, Daphne is unique.

Unlike her friends, who have awakened to the magic inside of them, Daphne was born with it. Daphne was born a Dragon.

When her past begins to resurface, forcing her into a web of lies and deception, she is forced to accept unexpected alliances and risk everything for the sake of love. Something that she swore she would never let into her life.

As the newest installment of The Enchanted Island Series unfolds, she'll learn that nothing is ever what it seems, and when webs get this tangled, everyone's fate hangs in the balance, and nothing is coincidence.

In A Dragon Foresaken, thesecond instalment in The Enchanted Island series, the story thistimes follows Daphne on her mission to find adopted sister, Anna.

Daphne is an orphan – hazards ofbeing a dragon. As a child she bounced around foster homes, never settling longenough to make friends or any kind of connection. But then she met theHensley’s and she thought she’d found a home. Until tragedy tore them apart.

On her travels to find Anna, Daphnemakes a few odd alliances. A few beloved characters from the first book of thestory crop up, much to my delight. ADragon Foresaken was more intense than TheWitches Lottery. For one thing, there was way more action. Daphne was akick-ass character with incredible strength and power – very reminiscent of Buffy.

But like Buffy, Daphne has herflaws. Like insisting she can handle everything alone. But like the Scoobies,Daphne’s friends are just as stubborn.

There is great suspense in the bookthat keeps the reader glued to the page, not wanting to miss a single thing. Thetwists and turns were well placed – catching the reader unawares just when theythought they had things figured out.

And a tender romance was the perfectbreather for all the action. Like the first book, A Dragon Foresaken was enjoyable and a pleasure to read.

Book Review: Ecstatic Evil

2011-09-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 197 KB
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B005C1AMK0

Tova Gallagher isn't just your average tough as nails, intelligent Bostonian. She also just so happens to be half-demon, and halvesies have an important role to play in the supe world. Whether they choose to go with the instincts of their demon or human half is supposed to predict the outcome of the endtimes, and now Tova has a deadline to choose sides. But all of that is hard to care about when she's just met a sexy stranger on the edge of the Charles River.

Tova Gallagher is a half breed –half human, half demon. She lives in Bostonand works with books. She is relatively happy with her existence, but when herdemon side of the family gets insistent about her picking a side, Tova is lessthan happy.

The only upside to her new predicament,is her encounter with Greg, who seems just as unusual as she is. The sparkbetween Tova and Greg is obvious from their first meeting…and only grows themore time they spend together.

And while the two sides of Tova’sfamily are arguing over which she should choose, there is Greg who has secretsof his own, but introduces Tova to possibilities she never knew existed.

Tova was a heck of a character.Badass and vulnerable, she was a pleasure to get to know throughout the story.While Ecstatic Evil is full of action and is a sexy, sensual read, what took mybreath away was the tenderness – the big, beating heart at its centre. All Ican say is…I hope this isn’t the last I see of Tova and Greg.

Book Review: The Witches Lottery

2011-09-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 204 KB
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B004IZLJSA

When Sophia and Drew McKibben's parents are killed in a tragic car accident, they are shipped off to live with an aunt they never even knew existed. Believing that they are moving to a privately owned island just off of the coast of Mystic, CT to live alone with her, they are surprised to find a sort of under-aged bed and breakfast.

Sophia draws the attention of one of the locals, Falen, immediately. He always seems to know exactly what she is thinking, and to her frustration, everything she does seems to amuse him. When a newcomer to the island brings with him a sense of deja vu, she begins to ask herself the ultimate question: Am I going crazy?

Sophia's world starts to unravel when she notices her own brother acting just as abnormal as the rest of them. When she begins to realize that the life she left behind looks even more bizarre then the one she was forced to leave it for, she's faced with a decision to make: embrace the new life that has been given to her, or drown in the past. Either choice brings with it more secrets and deceptions to unearth. The problem now is that the two worlds may actually be more intertwined than she thought.

In The Witches Lottery, our protagonist is Sophia. While still comingto terms with the loss of her parents, Sophia and her brother Drew, are shippedoff to live with an aunt they never even knew existed…on a remote island withexactly one house.

Sophia knows there is somethingdifferent about her aunt Celeste who looks so much like herself, and also thepeople staying with her. A few other teens Sophia’s age live with Celeste whoall seem to know more than Sophia.

In the midst of her grief, Sophia’sworry for her brother Drew mounts day by day, as occurrences that she cannotexplain increase. Bizarre dreams and even more bizarre behaviour leaves Sophiafeeling like she’s losing her mind. And the constant teasing from gorgeousFalen doesn’t help any.

On the eve of her sixteenthbirthday, Sophia finds out what everyone has been keeping from her. She is awitch. Along with this self discovery, Sophia finds out that her mother knewwhat she would become…and she would have powers unrivalled by any other. Butsomeone would do anything to have for themselves.

I thought Sophia was an extremelyenjoyable and charming character. She was well written and it was a pleasure towatch her grow as the novel progressed. Her interactions with both Falen andNick were full of delicious tension and anticipation and perfect interludes toSophia trying to figure out what her new found powers mean.

The first in a new series, the Enchanted Islandseries is sure to be popular with any YA lover. And without sounding clichéd, The Witches Lottery was simply…magical.

Book Review: Misfit

2011-09-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Amulet Books (1 Aug 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1419701207
ISBN-13: 978-1419701207

Jael has always felt like a freak. She's never stayed in a town for longer than a year, she's never kissed a boy, she never knew her mum, and her dad's always been super-strict, but that's probably because her mom was a demon, which makes Jael half-demon, and most definitely not a normal sophomore at St. Mary's High School. Jael thought she had it under control, though, until her sixteenth birthday, when a mysterious present unlocks the story of her family's dangerous history and Jael's untapped potential. She discovers that the reason her family moves around a lot is because they're being chased by a particularly vindictive Duke of Hell, Belial. Jael must learn to master her demon side in order to take him on, while also dealing with a twisted priest, best friend drama, and the spacey blonde skater boy who may have hidden depths. In this paranormal YA novel, Jon takes on the dark side of human nature and the risks of believing dogma blindly, as well as the immediate threat of the pantheon of demons that are trying to meddle with humanity. With Jon's funny, heartfelt prose, Jael's story soars.

Our story is centred aroundsixteen-year-old Jael. On the evening of her birthday, her strict father givesher something she has desired – a piece of her mother.

Jael’s father won’t talk about hermother – not since her eighth birthday when he told Jael she was a half demon…thatshe got from her mother. Jael has never felt like she has fitted in. Spendingher life moving from one place to another, Jael never got the chance toproperly settle somewhere and make a life for herself. Fortunately for her, in Seattle, she found bestfriend Britt, and geeky skater boy Rob.

Jael’s birthday gift, a necklacefrom her mother, unlocks her dormant demonic powers. But with this comes therisk that higher demons who despise half breeds like herself, will find her.

There was great use of theology inthe novel – both demonic and angelic. Misfitwas full of both action and humour with also a light romance, so there issomething for every kind of taste.

In some ways, Jael was a refreshingYA character. It was nice to see someone go through a life altering change andnot come to grasps with it instantly, like a lot of other protagonists seemable to do. Jael acted, quite simply, like a slightly immature sixteen year oldwould. She is a flawed character and often very misguided, but I felt she didgrow as the novel progressed.

I felt with a few tweaks the novelcould have been a lot stronger. There were quite a few shortcuts that I thoughtwere taken and had they not been, the story would have been better for it. Ifound one point distracting where the story shifts suddenly from Jael to herfriend, Britt, which also if it had been avoided the story would have beenstronger.

Misfit givesthe impression there is more to come for Jael. This series is sure to be pickedup by younger teens.

Book Review: Soul Beach ARC

2011-09-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Indigo (1 Sep 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1780620063
ISBN-13: 978-1780620060

When Alice Forster receives an email from her dead sister she assumes it must be a sick practical joke. Then an invitation arrives to the virtual world of Soul Beach, an idyllic online paradise of sun, sea and sand where Alice can finally talk to her sister again - and discover a new world of friendships, secrets and maybe even love . . . . But why is Soul Beach only inhabited by the young, the beautiful and the dead? Who really murdered Megan Forster? And could Alice be next? The first book in an intriguing and compelling trilogy centred around the mystery of Megan Forster's death.

Soul Beach was a thrilling, heart-stopping and romantic read.

Our protagonist is sixteen year old Alice who is grieving for her big sister, Meggie. Four months ago, Meggie was strangled…and the killer hasn’t been caught. Just when Alice thinks her life is slowly starting to move forward again, it is thrown straight back into a loop by the arrival of an email. From her sister.

Alice receives an invite to the elusive social network site, Soul Beach, where she can talk once again with her sister. At first she believes it is a sick joke and ignores it, but when she hears the plea of her sister, Alice cannot ignore it.

Soul Beach becomes a morbid fascination for Alice. Full to the brim of the young and beautiful, and dead, the Beach becomes more real to her than her own reality. It seduces her senses and while she is fully grounded in her room, earphones in and looking at the laptop screen, she can almost feel the warmth from the sun, feel the sand beneath her feet and hear the gentle slapping of the waves.

In her own reality, Alice’s friends are losing patience. Almost overnight Alice loses what progress she made over the death of Meggie and becomes a recluse – her own priority the Beach. But the people on the Beach are eager for Alice to return to her reality – to help them…and undercover the truth behind their deaths. Because no one who died of natural causes is on the Beach.

Soul Beach was exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. With random excerpts from the killer’s perspective, it gives the book a certain fearful reality to it, and how people we encounter everyday are capable of brutal acts. Most importantly it shows us how fragile life can be.

I adored Alice and sympathised with her as she battled to keep up a normal façade when she is feeling anything but. She is a motivated character and well driven, and I cannot wait to see where ends up in the second instalment of this new trilogy.

Soul Beach has something for everyone – sadness, piles of emotion, murder mystery and an impossible romance. We were left with a heck of a cliff-hanger that ensures the wait till the next book will be excruciating indeed.

Book Review: A Private Affair

2011-09-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Orion (21 July 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 140910172X
ISBN-13: 978-1409101727

Sam, the ugly duckling who grew into a swan. Now beautiful and wealthy, with a glittering career, no one can understand why she's still on her own. When she meets a handsome stranger on holiday, things finally seem to be falling into place... Meagan, a true survivor. The teenage runaway who worked her way off the streets, she was swept off her feet by Tom, a young army officer, to live on the other side of the world, finally escaping the family she loathed... Dani, the beautiful misfit, desperately looking for daddy in all the wrong places, and finding instead a man who will teach her everything that is wrong and corrupt about love. And Abby, the model wife, everything her husband and family could want and more, but never being herself. Until a dark secret threatens to pull her well-ordered life apart. A Private Affair is the new spellbinding tale of love and friendship, glamour and guilt from bestselling author Lesley Lokko.

A Private Affair follows the lives of Sam, Dani, Abbi and Meaghan. All very different women with very different upbringings and backgrounds. All from different places all over the world. But one thing connects them – a man.

The novel shows a unique insight into what it is to be an Army Wife, to have a husband absent for long stretches of time and the desperate acts of lonely people.

A Private Affair is split between being told by all the women over different time periods of their lives. It shows how they came to be and the road they took to get there.

I thought the novel was harsh and brutal, but in a very good way. There were no rose coloured glasses when showing the true nature of some soldiers or how they treat their wives. It felt very real, and the characters of the woman simply brought the book to life.

A sense of trepidation crept over me while I was reading, that far off sense of fear that cannot be places.

Though a hefty book to get through, it was worth every word. A very thought provoking read.

Book Review: Darwin's Children

2011-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 390 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Penumbra Publishing (10 May 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B0050CL8R2

Life can get pretty complicated for any seventeen-year-old girl, but for a home-schooled telepathic black girl trying to survive in a prestigious private school in small-town Jonesborough, Tennessee, it can be maddening – especially when her telepathic father keeps eavesdropping on her thoughts!Jaycie Lerner’s family isn’t the usual mom-dad-kid setup. Jaycie’s mom’s MIA, but Allison, her personal live-in ‘trainer,’ is more than a mom, with her own special abilities, like being able to lift cars and run incredibly fast. And Jaycie’s godfather John is more than persuasive – he can literally convince anyone to do anything.As far as the rest of the world’s concerned, Jaycie’s on the outside looking in. The townsfolk love Jaycie’s pediatrician father, but she doesn’t fit in with ‘normal’ kids, and she doesn’t really want to. Most of her free time is spent training to keep her telekinetic and telepathic powers under control. But there’s one thing she can’t control – and that’s her feelings, especially when her best friend Matt is nearby. If only he knew what she was truly capable of...Everything seems to be status quo for Jaycie until she receives a cryptic message from a stranger and meets a very unusual girl new to Jonesborough. Then all hell breaks loose!

Darwin’s Children was a great new paranormal YA. The author took abilities and gave them a new twist to make them fresh and exciting. The abilities have been seen more in vampires and other paranormal creatures in recent years. The characters with their powers are more reminiscent of X-Men than Twilight. But that doesn’t mean Darwin’s Children isn’t without its bite or two…

Our protagonist is Jaycie, who is down to earth and charming and faces a hard time in every direction – new definition of her relationship with best friend, Matt, snobby school and equally snobby classmates, her growing powers, and helping new friend Haylee.

Darwin’s Children, while hilariously funny and romantic, is equal parts and awesome action book – the ultimate Good Vs. Evil showdown…with Haylee and Jaycie the ultimate avengers.

The author kept it real throughout the book while still effortlessly maintaining the fantasy elements, the lines blurring so you believe it could actually happen. The tension rose as did the action, but still gave you time to breath with steamy Matt-shaped interludes.

Overall, Darwin’s Children was a charming and intense read.

Book Review: Sleepwalkers

2011-08-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 566 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0757315887
Publisher: HCI Teens (3 Oct 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B0058O3HKI

Privileged and popular Caleb Mason is celebrating his high school graduation when he receives a mysterious, disturbing letter from his long-lost childhood playmate, Christine. Caleb and his jokester friend Bean decide to travel to his tiny hometown of Hudsonville, Florida, to find her. Upon arrival, they discover the town has taken a horrifying turn for the worse. Caleb's childhood home is abandoned and his father has disappeared. Children are going missing. The old insane asylum has reopened, and Christine is locked inside. Her mother, a witch, is consumed with madness, and Christine's long-dead twin sister whispers clues to Caleb through the static of an A.M. radio.

The terrifying prophesies of the spirits are coming to pass. Eighteen clocks are ticking; sixty-six murdered souls will bring about the end of the world. As Caleb peels back layer after layer of mystery, he uncovers a truth more horrible than anything he had imagined, a truth that could only be uttered by the lips of the dead.

Sleepwalkers was a perfect blend of horror and suspense. The author kept the reader fully engaged as the story developed, the tension mounting page by page.

Primarily leading us through the story is rich and privileged Caleb. He has the rest of his life planned out…until a letter from a childhood friend changes everything. After all, the best way to make God laugh is to make a plan.

Instead of heading to Africa like planned, Caleb’s letter takes him back to his roots, but things are not quite as he remembered. The place is dilapidated and falling apart, the wilderness reclaiming the man-made instrusion. Most disturbing of all was his abandoned childhood home.

The residents of the town have turned a blind eye to the mysterious disappearing of the children – certain people not even raising an eyebrow.

Caleb’s search takes him to the Dream Centre – a converted insane asylum – where he is reunited with Christine, his childhood friend, who gives him yet another cryptic clue to what is happening in his hometown.

The clock is ticking for Caleb, who must get to the bottom of the strange goings on…if he wants to escape with his own life intact.

Sleepwalkers was reminiscent of Stephen King, who is the creater of horror novels as we know today. The author has a witty and sharp dark sense of humour which I loved and lightened the haunting pages without completely distracting from the fear.

Any YA, horror, mystery or suspense fan will love this book. It is not to be missed.

Tick tock.

Book Review: Hunting Kat

2011-08-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 238 KB
Publisher: Carina Press (4 July 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B005078OME

As a mercenary, Kat Darah doesn't have to pass for a normal human. On the edge of the solar system, she's just another biped. Most of the time.

Nearing the end of his military tour, Lt. Christopher Rygard debates the idea of hanging up his uniform for good. Looking for answers at the bottom of a glass of scotch, he meets Kat. One shared night of mutual desire seems harmless. But when their tryst is interrupted by attackers hunting Rygard, Kat must reveal her other form, the predator beneath the human façade.
Together they embark on a dangerous mission—a race against time to meet the enemy's demands, while trying to deny the passion between them. Rygard is faced with a terrible choice in the face of duty: Report the existence of a human turned shape-shifter. Or forget he ever met her.
25,000 words

Hunting Kat was a sexy, action-packed and thrilling ride of sci-fi fantasy adventure.

Our protagonist, Kaitlyn, is the kick-ass heroine of the book. There is no doubt Kaitlyn is one of the most interesting characters I have come across in a long while. With a beautiful and tough exterior, she manages to keep herself distanced from most people…particularly men.

Kat is content with her life as a merc, but those closest to her feel she needs some down time. Kat is tricked into a two-day holiday, where she meets Rygard during a bar brawl. Rygard ticks all the boxes for Kat – handsome, uniform, can hold his own against her. The sparks fly between the two and it isn’t long before Kat leads him back to her room.

Their evening is ruined when Rygard is attacked and Kat reveals her closely guarded secret in order to defend him.

The tension between Rygard and Kat was incredible and had me chewing on my nails. The action was superb – incredible fight scenes with plenty of suspense and gore. I adored the tenderness between the two protagonists, carefully balanced with the scorching passion.

Hunting Kat is one to gobble up in one sitting and is definitely not to be missed.

Book Review: Seers ARC

2011-08-22T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Bonneville (8 Oct 2011)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1599557924
ISBN-13: 978-1599557922

For Kate Bennet, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O'Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.

Seers was a fabulous new take on paranormal YA. It is a very difficult to create an original story in a genre over-run with paranormal beings, yet the author has done just this.

Our protagonist, Kate, leads us through the story. She was a very sympathetic character and one I feel a lot of young people could identify with. Kate faces a daily struggle of keeping up appearances, making sure the mask that covers the grief she sometimes finds overbearing, doesn’t slip.

When Kate meets hot, Irish, transfer student, Patrick, her carefully maintained world stars to crack and crumble around her. As her feelings for Patrick grow, she cannot ignore what has been missing in her relationship with Aaron.

But it isn’t just boy drama Kate has to deal with. Nope. She has the added complication of being a seer – a human with the ability to read auras. This makes her the subsequent target of Demons. Good thing for Kate she has a guardian or two watching her back.

The author keeps the tension up to the limits, making the reader ache to race through the pages to find out what will happen next. The action in Seers is incredible with immortal battles and an act that threatens to further rip Kate’s fragile family apart.

Seers was an enjoyable story and I could not put it down. The only thing I found distracting was the sudden POV shift from Kate to Patrick. I enjoy split POV novels, but Patrick’s chapter seemed to come out of nowhere and I found myself tripping a little to get back into the story. That said, Patrick’s eyes are nice to look through.

This book is perfect for any action, YA, paranormal or romance lover. Something for everyone!

Book Review: Fezariu's Epiphany

2011-08-20T02:40:00.000-07:00

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 522 KB
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1456500597

Suffering a betrayal as a young boy, Fezariu turns his back on his family. Convinced their way of life will help him leave his past behind, he joins the Merelax Mercenaries. In a quest to prove himself and survive his dangerous assignments in the Colonies, he's forced to forge new alliances but works hard to distance himself emotionally. Despite his determined focus to move on his thoughts are drawn back to Clarendon where the White Oak, an infamous brothel, holds the secret to his past and the childhood friend he abandoned still remains.

The author weaves an amazing world, bringing to life both characters and locations. Many fantasy novels get lost in the fantasy, too concerned with the worlds than the actions of the characters. Considering it is the characters who lead the reader through the story, this is a major faux pas.

Fortunately for Fezariu’s Epiphany, this is not the case. The surroundings for the author’s cast of character practically becomes a character in itself. The smell of baking bread and delicious cream pastries added to the charm of Alycea. The stench of the White Oak to the struggles of Jessamine. The smell of the burning city before Fezariu’s first campaign with the Merelax Mercenaries.

I lost myself in the story, of the plight of Jessamine and the struggles of Fezariu, the ache of loss within Alycea. The characters remained with me between my bouts of reading, playing on my mind and tempting me back.

Fezariu’s Epiphany has something for everyone – a tale of sweet, uncomplicated love, fierce action, incredible battles, trials of faith and conscience, sacrifices and heroic bravery. Fezariu’s Epiphany is more than a fantasy novel, and it is not to be missed.