Showing posts with label Four Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Four Stars. Show all posts

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Inn on the Edge by Gail Bridges - Review


By Gail Bridges

Angela and her brand-new husband Josh have just arrived at their honeymoon destination, a romantic bed-and-breakfast hotel on the breath-taking Washington coast - the Inn on the Edge. But everything isn't as it seems. The lessons that come free with the room aren't for painting the lovely coastal scenery - the lessons are for better sex. Angie and Josh, shocked and titillated, immerse themselves in every sensual offering.It doesn't take long for things to go horribly wrong. The discover that the old man running the place is a sex demon, who has been stealing their sensual energy. Worse, he's dangerously in love with Angie and he has plans for her - plans involving an heirloom wedding ring.

Coming soon http://www.ellorascave.com/inn-on-the-edge.html

My Thoughts: I expected Inn on the Edge to be very sexy after reading a previous book by Gail Bridges. I was definitely not disappointed on that front. I was again intrigued with the creativity that Bridges puts into each scene in a book. They are all incredibly steamy. This book was full of a lot of intrigue, too. I was captivated by what would happen next with the sex demon and Angie.

The characters in this book are interesting. Each of them has a bit of back story that helps to shape who they are at the inn. The easy manipulation that is involved frequently is interesting. I kept waiting for someone to break away from what they were told was right. I liked the dynamics between the couples. I found the guides to be the most fun to read about. I loved how each of the people who were around had some sort of talent.

I thought that even with all the inventive sex in this book, one of my favorite parts was the mystery of the inn and its owner. He was a very well written and sufficiently creepy character. I constantly wondered what else he would be capable of and if anyone would ever be able to get away. I liked the end and I can imagine how the characters will move on with their lives after the honeymoon is over.

Rating:


About the author I have three grown children. I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our five cats. In the past I have worked in a variety of different artistic media. I have a BFA in painting from the University of Washington, and for over fifteen years I made award-winning Fine Art Jewelry (silver and handmade ceramics) and sold my work at local and regional Fine Art and Craft shows. My business, Vivid Arts, flourished - but always, I felt driven to write. Two years ago, no longer able to deny the writing muse, I took an open-ended sabbatical from my art shows. Since then, I've written two novels and a number of published and unpublished short stories.
Prize for the contest. Angie's Travel Painting Kit Acrylic paints, brushes, palette, canvas board and instructions; Mr. Abiba's Wooden "Tool" Box, for decorating; Josh's Magic Book, for decorating; Tazo Passion Tea; Dark Chocolate bar with almond bits. Follow the Book Tour Fill out the Form Below to Enter (Open to US residents) a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Meant for Me by Faith Sullivan - Review

Title: Meant for Me (Take Me Now)
Author: Faith Sullivan

Synopsis: Eric thought he had forever...before. 

Divided between reliving the past and embracing his new life with Ivy, Eric fears that love will once again be ripped from his grasp. Having faith in the future is hard. So many things can go wrong. 

Ivy is convinced that what they have is meant to be...but no one can escape the wheel of fate. 

Her love for Eric and the life they're creating make every sacrifice seem worthwhile. Until she's forced to reveal the truth surrounding her delicate condition. Even if it shatters his hope. 

Can they hold onto their newfound happiness or are events already in motion to keep them apart? 

My Thoughts: Meant for Me is the second book in the Take Me Now series. The story story starts around where Take Me Now left off, so if you haven't read the first book be prepared for spoilers in my review. I've been waiting to see what happens next in Ivy and Eric's story. Faith Sullivan delivered another amazing story that I loved reading. This book focuses a great deal on Ivy's pregnancy and a very unlikely deal that seems to have been struck. 

I found Ivy to be much more mature in this book. She still makes mistakes,  but her heart is in the right place throughout the book. I love that she is trying to find some way to provide for her family instead of just putting everything on Eric. Then there is our over protective alpha male type leading man. Eric is trying so hard to do everything for Ivy, even if she doesn't want him to. I love the protective instincts, but he is one stubborn guy once he has his mind set and that is not always best. An awesome part of this book was that it was told from several characters' points of view, not always Ivy and Eric. I loved the little glimpses into characters from the first book. It added something extra to the book.

I loved the roller coaster of this book. Some parts were hard to read, others were sweet and fun. Then there was that insane cliff hanger. I was just reading along and about lost it when things ended. I hope book three is almost ready, because I am dying to know what comes next for Ivy and Eric!

Rating:


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Friday, November 15, 2013

America's Darlings by Gail Bridges - Review


by Gail Bridges

Genre: Erotica
This book contains explicit content not intended for people under 18 years of age. Leah Collins is a sexual gymnast, a brilliant athlete poised to compete in the Mexico City Olympic Games of 2112. She takes pride in her advanced skills in the sexual arts, but performing Courtesan’s Treat and Raging Volcano in front of thousands of cheering fans is no easy task, especially when sexual malfunctions threaten. At her side, a pillar of strength and compassion, is her best friend, Benson White. He is the one who scrapes her from the ground when her self-destructive tendencies surface. Benson is a talented sexual gymnast in his own right, the other half of America’s Darlings. They hope for a gold medal. What neither of them expects is to fall in love.

Buy on Amazon | Ellora's Cave

My Thoughts: America’s Darlings was everything I expected it to be. The idea of adding sexual gymnastics as a sport, whether it’s in the Olympics or not, is wild but I loved how it was explained. The way that the act of sexual gymnastics was made into something that sounded breathtaking was great. I especially loved when they would become the scene they were performing.

I found the characters to be troubling. That’s not a bad thing; I think they were meant to be that way. Leah was a mess. I don’t know that it was all her fault. A part of the book alludes to the fact that she may not have always been. That makes me wonder a bit more about her back story. Bennson is a great guy. He is constantly there for Leah and supports her. The other gymnasts were interesting. The discussions about how different countries performed reminded me of watching the Olympics now.

I think this book had a lot of great scenes. The sex scenes range from sweet to super hot and even a bit more than bargained for. I found the protesters and press parts to be entirely believable. They searched for weaknesses and attacked, much like they do in today’s world. This fictional future where sex is so openly accepted was exciting and possibly a bit scary. 
Rating:

Meet the author:

I have three grown children. I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our five cats. In the past I have worked in a variety of different artistic media. I have a BFA in painting from the University of Washington, and for over fifteen years I made award-winning Fine Art Jewelry (silver and handmade ceramics) and sold my work at local and regional Fine Art and Craft shows. My business, Vivid Arts, flourished - but always, I felt driven to write. Two years ago, no longer able to deny the writing muse, I took an open-ended sabbatical from my art shows. Since then, I've written two novels and a number of published and unpublished short stories.

Follow Gail:

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Website | Literary Addicts | Goodreads

Leah's Favorite way to spend an evening:
Knit a Cozy Scarf
(Prize includes):
Pattern with complete instructions to knit a scarf, in your choice of stitching design
Knitting needles
2 skeins of yarn
Tea
Chocolate
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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Haunted U by Jessica Gibson - Review

Ezzie Lovegreen lives in a world where witches and ghosts are real. That doesn’t mean she’s not surprised when she’s suddenly being haunted by one at school. With the help of her best friend Stella, her boyfriend Beau, and her grandmother Winifred, Ezzie must find out what happened to the ghost and set her free. Secrets will be revealed that could change Ezzie’s life forever. Will Ezzie be strong enough to face the challenges set in her path?  

Kindle

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My Thoughts: Haunted U by Jessica Gibson is a fun paranormal story with a sweet romance. I don’t read many books that surround ghosts or merpeople, but I really enjoyed this one. The story was quick to catch my attention and keep me interested. I found it to be a light and entertaining read.

The characters in Haunted U are personable. They lead normal lives; college, dinners, dating, yard work, but add in the supernatural. I liked Ezzie’s character a lot. She doesn’t want to hurt people or make anyone uncomfortable, but she still seems completely at ease with who she is. Even when she doesn’t have all the answers she stays true to herself. I enjoyed her relationship with Beau. He is a sweet guy, beyond sweet at times. He had moments where I found myself thinking “awww”. Their relationship is another example of love over time. The immediate spark can be fun, but I really love the stories where they find their love over time. Her grandma Winifred was great. Her dedication to helping others is wonderful and something I really enjoyed. Some of my favorite characters ended up being the ghosts. Gerald was by far the funniest, and I enjoyed learning Charlie’s story.

The settings were beautiful. I would love to get into my favorite part, but that would be a spoiler. Jessica Gibson made places come alive though. I think that Haunted U is a great start to a series. I liked how the issues were resolved, as well as the introductions to new issues for future books. I will be excited to see the next book in this series. 
Rating:

About Jessica Gibson Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she’s down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the “someday” section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write. Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future. Follow the Book Tour Enter to win one of two paperback and swag packs from Hayson Publishing. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Seclusion by C.S. Rinner - Review

Title: Seclusion
Author: C.S. Rinner

Synopsis: Raegan wasn't normal, even before she was abandoned on her aunt’s doorstep. Not extreme makeup or ugly clothes different, but psychic visions and healing powers different. Either way, in high school, different is bad. This curse has kept her from having the life she’s always wanted. When an invitation to attend Dr. Ezekiel Drake’s Science Academy offers her the chance to meet more teenagers with special abilities, Raegan seizes the opportunity for a normal life.

The school seems perfect, offering her new friends, a new boyfriend, and a new normal, until Raegan's psychic powers link her to a dark stranger. She finds herself inexplicably attracted and connected to this mysterious boy who threatens to change her newfound happiness. Worse than merely causing trouble with her boyfriend, this link forces Raegan to look deeper into the world she’s entered, and what she learns makes her realize that being different isn’t the worst thing that could happen to her. From Amazon.

My Thoughts: I was very excited to get the chance to read Seclusion. The cover is awesome and the synopsis got my attention, two main things that help me choose a book to read. I got right into the book and it definitely had me hooked. On a few occasions I felt like parts were a little forced, but it didn’t distract me from the story.

I loved the characters. Raegan is the main character, and she is a great main character. Her relationship skills with boys may be a little wishy-washy, but then again she’s never dated, so I actually liked watching her learn about the different kinds of love she could feel for a person. I also loved that she gets to grow so much throughout the book, not just her personality and confidence, but also her abilities.

Damen, Chase, and Jay; where to begin? The guys in this story did have a major affinity towards Raegan, perhaps a little unbelievable, but it still worked out well. Damen and Jay, both tall dark and handsome, and Chase a classic jock, yeah Raegan had her hands full. Damen was broody and stand offish, Jay was happy and fun, and Chase was serious and loyal. Again, one of my favorite parts was watching their abilities grow. It was great to see their relationships with Raegan evolve as well. I almost wish things had ended differently with the guys, but really it was very sweet.

As far as secondary characters and villains go, I enjoyed them all. Raegan’s other friends, Elsie and Connor were great. They were a cute couple, and immediately took up with Raegan helping her in some possibly dangerous missions. I never expected the villains in this book; I was pretty sure it was going to go a different way, so that was an awesome twist.

All together this book was a great read. I was completely invested in the outcome, and I wanted to read more. I noticed a few little things here and there that could be fixed, but they didn’t take away from how much I loved the book. I thought it was exciting and it had originality to it, and it was made relatable with current pop culture references. I would suggest this book to people who enjoy paranormal romance. I think this is a perfect first book for budding author, C. S. Rinner, and I hope eventually she is pulled to write more about these characters. 

Rating:

Buy Links - Amazon

About the Author: I'm an avid reader and enjoy a good story line and entertaining characters. I hope my book is an easy and enjoyable read! I'm currently working on the first book of a vampire trilogy which I hope gives a different and new perspective to the typical vampire romance. As far as Seclusion goes, I see maybe a prequel and Jay's story in the future. 

I am a family first type of person. I love spending time with family and friends. Which takes up the majority of my time. 

Writing has been a new adventure and I loved every moment of creation. I appreciate your time and support as well as reviews!

If you'd like an update or to share your thoughts or questions you can visit my Facebook page C.S. Rinner!

Connect with the author: Goodreads / Facebook

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Dressed In White by Jessica Gibson - Review


Dressed In White Lorelei Peters had everything she had ever dreamed of. Amazing friends, a sexy boyfriend, and a job that she absolutely loved. Dillon Brockwell was all she had ever wanted. Handsome, successful, and he loved her as much as she loved him. Life was going along the way it was supposed to, until someone from Dillon’s past shows up and shatters everything to pieces. Can Lorelei and Dillon get through all the craziness and make it down the aisle? Or will lies of omission be enough to derail them forever. Purchase on Amazon - Kindle / Paperback Follow on Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Literary Addicts 
My Review: Dressed in White was an interesting romance. Lorelei and Dillon seem meant to be, that is if they can get past the mess Dillon’s past keeps creating. I enjoyed their sweet moments and felt for them during the hard moments. Occasionally I felt like the story was a little forced or rushed, but for the most part I just loved finding out if they would ever get married.
Lorelei and Dillon are both ambitious and persistent people. I thought they were pretty perfect for each other. I loved Roxie, she was a lot of fun. I hope there will be a book about her in the future. I also really loved Kayla and Dane. I may have actually been more interested in them at times. I cannot wait to read the next book just because I want to know how they end up.

I thought this book was a fun read. I did feel like a few things almost seemed unresolved from Dillon’s past, but overall I loved the ending. I think once a few kinks get worked out this book will be even better. Either way, I am ready to read more. I will be looking forward to what Jessica Gibson writes next. 
Rating:


  About Jessica Gibson Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she's down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the "someday" section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write. Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future. Follow the Book Tour
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Two Brothers: Origin by Sofia Diana Gabel - Review


Two Brothers: Origin (A Ramtalan Trilogy)

Genre: YA What teenage boy doesn’t want to fit in and have friends? That’s what Argus Dachel, 17, wants more than anything, but because he’s half alien, and a New Breed, that’s not as easy as it seems. And it sure doesn’t help that he and his brother, Tai, are being pursued by a secret government agency. To top it off, now in their senior year at public high school, both boys risk exposure when Argus uses his extraordinary strength to defend himself against the school bully, falls for 16 year-old Lola and then learns that New Breeds are set for extermination by another group of hostile aliens. As government agent Max Jackson gets close to discovering the brothers’ identity and the hostile alien forces close in, what chance do Argus and Tai have of survival?

Buy on Amazon | B&N

 My Review: Two Brothers: Origin had my attention from the beginning. I think it moved relatively quickly. I felt bad for the brothers; how much can a person handle so quickly? I guess it helped that they were part alien. I did find myself questioning some of the relationships, but I suspect that it will all be explained at some point.

Argus was a naive and completely sweet teenage boy. He was sort of blind to how other people saw him, and it was almost unbelievable. That being said, I still found him to be a very likeable character. I actually enjoyed reading about him discovering the world outside the careful bubble his aunt kept him in.

Tai was frustrating. I felt like he was written to be the more aggressive and girl-getting twin. Oddly he never seemed to have a girlfriend; instead he just seemed to run his mouth a lot. He would have moments that I would be shaking my head at, and then he would redeem himself a little. I wanted to like him because I liked Argus so much. It wasn’t that he was written poorly, more so that I feel like he is almost an antagonist.

There were many other characters. I found them all to be very well written, even if I didn’t like them all. I always find myself drawn to the abilities characters have in books like this. I loved how the brothers’ abilities progressed throughout the book.

I will be looking forward to what else they can do in future books. This book was full of twists and turns that readers will enjoy. It was exciting and well written. I think this is a great first book, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. 
Rating:

About the Author:

Born in Sydney, Australia, Ms. Gabel now lives in the United States with her family and hairless Sphynx cats. She has dabbled in several careers, including archaeology and wildlife biology, but writing is her true passion. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno, obtaining two bachelor degrees and has taken additional courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Ventura College in Ventura, California, and is currently enrolled in graduate school for archaeology. Like writing, learning is a part of her life. She is a multi-genre writer, with a historical romantic suspense novel, a women’s fiction novel and a science fiction novella recently published, as well as several short stories published online and in print. Her latest novel is Two Brothers: Origin, A Ramtalan Trilogy, a young adult science fiction novel. Her favorite quote paraphrased from Sir Francis Bacon: Knowledge is Power. Follow on FaceBook | Twitter | Website | Character's FaceBook Follow the Book Tour Prize is a $25 gift card Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

Friday, September 6, 2013

Unexpected by Faith Sullivan - Review

Title: Unexpected
Author: Faith Sullivan

Synopsis: One day forever changes the destiny of college overachiever, Michelle Rhodes.

Shattered, confused and alone, no one understands the trauma consuming her until she meets Connor Donnelly.

A native New Yorker, he believes he can aid in getting her life back on track. But what if he's even more broken inside?

Offering her a chance at a fresh start, Connor convinces Michelle to move in with him. Hiring her to waitress at his bar, their mutual attraction only complicates matters.

As more details surrounding Connor's past emerge, Michelle uncovers the full magnitude of the loss he's trying to hide. Refusing to let her feelings for him hinder his recovery, she makes a decision that winds up hurting them both.

By sacrificing her heart, Michelle thinks she is helping Connor come to terms with his grief. Little does she know, Connor is gambling everything for the sake of having a future with her.

What happens is truly unexpected.

My Review: Unexpected touches on a hard time for anyone in the US. It took me by surprise as the memories of that day came back to me. I found myself relating to Michelle in a way, but also not fully comprehending what a person in that position could have truly gone through. I found myself in tears during parts of the book. It is very emotionally touching, not just a romance. 

I like Michelle's character. She has so many obstacles to face, and she struggles really bad to overcome them. I like that we get to see what causes her to fall apart, and then get to see her start to build herself back up. With each setback or complication she looks for a way to overcome, thanks in part to Connor persistence, and I think also in part to her own strength. 

Connor is an interesting character. He sort of comes out of no where and moves himself into Michelle's life. He has good intentions, if a bit self-serving at times, and he helps her a lot. His hot and cold ways were frustrating but for the most part I respected his reasons. I didn't even start of knowing he was kind of broken, but his healing is pretty amazing to read.

I think Unexpected is a sweet romance that touches on a very sensitive time for people. It gives a really beautiful story of how two people help each other recover from tragedy and find some hope in their future. 
Rating:

Buy Links: Amazon / B&N

In honor of the 12th anniversary of September 11, Faith Sullivan will be donating 50% of the proceeds from Unexpected during the month of September 2013 to the 9/11 memorial fund.

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Take Me Now by Faith Sullivan - Review

Title: Take Me Now
Author: Faith Sullivan

Synopsis: How do you survive the internship from hell?

Don't fall in love.

Ivy thought being a reporter-in-training at the Independent Gazette would be her dream summer job. Little did she know, interviewing Eric, a landscaper with a heart of gold, would derail her plans. It turns out Ivy's boss, Lauren, has been eyeing his chiseled physique for quite some time.

But at twenty-four, Eric already has a tragic past, one that he is still reeling from. Even though his ordeal turned him into some sort of local celebrity, it's been a while since he's shared his bed with anyone. When he comes to Ivy's rescue out of the blue, it's not long before the two of them start seeing each other behind Lauren's back. When they get caught, Ivy's journey toward a college degree is jeopardized and her relationship with Eric is severely put to the test.

Career versus love? In the end, a shocking turn of events provides Ivy with a revelation she never saw coming. From Amazon.


My Review: Take Me Now is a very well-written New Adult book. New Adult seems to really be taking the reading world by storm, and I’ve been along for the ride. Take Me Now focuses on Ivy, as she is trying to find her way as an intern, and Eric, as he is trying to get over his tragic past. I actually loved the sweetness in the story, especially their meet-cute.

Ivy seems like a typical college girl. She has her immature moments. She is hung up on an old crush and she lets some people walk all over her. That was a little frustrating, but she grows as a character, and that made it better. It also made it more believable. Instead of a perfect girl, or someone who is insanely needy, I felt like Ivy was someone I could actually know and even like.

Eric is a seriously hunky working man. Not just a pretty face, but a guy who gets his hands dirty. I wish I could elaborate more about him, but I would end up getting to spoilery. Not my style, so I’ll just say that man knows how to love with everything he has. He is sweet, loyal, and chivalrous. Oh, and he has an awesome dog.

Ivy and Eric don’t have it easy. Sure they have that instant spark, but they work for their relationship. Plenty of obstacles seem to pop up from their pasts and the present. There was plenty of drama and romance. I wasn’t expecting the ending at all, but I loved it. I can’t wait to find out what happens next, in Meant for Me. I think lovers of New Adult books will really enjoy this book.

Rating:

Purchase links: 
Amazon / B&N

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Friday, August 16, 2013

To Love A Wolf by B.K. Walker - Review

To Love A Wolf (Wolves of Shadow Falls)
Genre: Paranormal Erotica Romance
Passions are fueled...Two World's collide...
What would you do if your future had another plan for you?Cevin Harpster is in his residency year to obtain his M.D. He's looking forward to his new life after graduation, where he will open his own practice and marry his high school sweetheart. When Cevin suddenly starts dreaming of a beautiful woman he can't help but wonder if he may be going insane, as she seduces him night after night, taking him to heights of ecstasy he never knew he longed for. As the dreams become more frequent, his sex drive rockets and his fiance', Sam, finds Cevin's new desire for experimenting enticing, even if a bit rough, when his sexual experiences from his dreams are used on her. Weird things continue to happen in Cevin's dreams, when he learns that this mysterious woman actually exists, and he is meant to be her mate and lead a pack of wolves he never imagined to be real. When dreams and reality meet...someone always gets burned!

My Review: Reviewing novellas is never easy.  There never seems to be enough to talk about without giving away the story, but I’ll give it a shot. To Love A Wolf grabbed my attention right from the start. The dreams Cevin has are descriptive and a bit scary to imagine. While there wasn’t in depth details in every part of the book, I was still interested in what would happen next.

Cevin and Sam are a sweet couple. They seem so great together. Sam has got to be one of the most understanding women ever. She takes every new obstacle that Cevin faces in stride. She stays by his side and I love that. Cevin fights for his life with Sam and his life as a doctor. I’ll be interested in how he is in later books. Another great character was Alejandro. He seems loyal to Cevin right away.

To Love A Wolf is a fast paced, spicy read. I think it will be great for adults who enjoy paranormal erotica. I can’t wait to read the next book. 
Rating:

Purchase on Amazon

About B.K. Walker
When dreams and reality meet...someone always gets burned! Jack of all trades, master of none, so she believes.
BK Walker is first and foremost a mother and a wife. With three beautiful children and a wonderful husband, she enjoys her days living on their farm in Eastern Pennsylvania.
When she's not writing, she manages her time organizing virtual book tours for other authors, and coaching authors through her mentor programs at BookIt BK. Putting most of her time into research, BK is always seeking for the most effective ways to market and promote books and business alike.
Art is a secondary love, and you may often find her sketches popping up on one of her blogs, or simply catch her reading the magic created in the pages of a great novel. Who knows, it just may be yours. http://www.bkwalkerbooks.com
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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Within the Realm by Jillian Neal - Review

The Gifted walk among us. They are unseen, but in plain sight. The Earth’s energies are as visible to them as the tangible world is to us and they can harness and bend these forces to their will. Atop the Pentagon resides the government of the Gifted Realm. Rainer Lawson is set to join the ranks of Elite Officers in the Gifted Police force. With his fellow officers, they will work together, using their abilities, to try and end the most sinister criminal organization in existence. His parents fought and died to re-establish the Realm, and he won’t allow them to have sacrificed in vain. The will to protect those he loves has always driven Rainer, but his desperation to protect Emily, the love of his life, consumes him. While passions ignite and vengeance is sought, Rainer may discover that all of his money, fame, and power, could cost him the only thing that has ever truly mattered. -

See more at: jillianneal.com

Buy: Hardback | Paperback | Kindle | B&N

My Review: I found Within the Realm to be a very interesting book. It follows four Gifted young adults as they leave behind the last vestiges of their childhood and move into their new adult lives. It was very believable as far as typical college kids graduating and starting careers. Then, you add in the characters' abilities to summon and use energy and you get a whole other element to the story.

I don’t read many books that follow male stories. Within the Realm mainly tells Rainer’s story (love that name!!). He is sweet, respectful, and pretty much an all-around awesome guy. Emily can be sweet but she has so much spunk. More than once I chuckled at the things she said and did. Occasionally the story flips over to Logan, who is Emily’s older brother. He has typical big brother moments, but when it comes to his Adeline he is a major softy. Jillian Neal wrote some incredibly romantic guys.

I really enjoyed this story. The way the Gifted interact and even work together with the Non-Gifted is really interesting. I loved all the explanations of the different types of Gifted there are, called Predilects. The way each Predilict affected how the person controlled the energy around them was interesting.

Within the Realm has romance and action with an added bonus of sci-fi and fantasy. I think the next book will really take off with the action. I think it will appeal to readers who enjoy sci-fi/fantasy romances. I would definitely suggest that readers be over 18 due to sexual content. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Rating:

 

Author Bio

Jillian Neal is the author of “The Gifted Realm” series of novels. She has a passion for telling strong, character driven stories that stretch the imagination. Her debut novel “Within the Realm” was released in 2013, with the next installments of the series soon to follow. She lives near Atlanta with her husband and children. For more information, visit her website at http://www.jillianneal.com   Follow: http://facebook.com/jilliannealauthor Twitter -@ jilliannealauth Website - http://jillianneal.com   Follow the Book Tour

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Death Dealer by Ashley Robertson - Review


Death Dealer

by Ashley Robertson Death: a word Mia Baron was all too familiar with since the murder of her parents when she was a young girl. Her drive for vengeance was the reason she became a Death Dealer—a soul guide through the spirit realm—signing her life away in her own blood. Pain forged a concrete wall around her heart and no one or nothing would ever penetrate it…until she got what she desired most—revenge. Deacon Gage craves justice for his own horrific tragedy that forced him into the same life Mia chose, with the same promise of vengeance dangling just out of reach. His expert training makes him an Elite—one of the few Death Dealers to ever achieve such a status—and no one can shift his focus from the blood he seeks. But when the two are partnered for yet another job and a heart-shattering case rips open Mia’s heart, Deacon realizes he’s the only one who can save her…at a price that might be too much to pay: opening his heart to her. The clock is ticking and her life hangs on the balance of whether he can truly let go or will hold onto his desire for blood. Buy on Amazon | Smashwords | Goodreads

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed Death Dealer. The idea of these people who lead souls to the correct door was very interesting. I don’t typically read novellas because I always wish there was more to the story. While Death Dealer was a quick book, I still felt like I got a lot of story out of it. The characters were interesting, the plot was exciting, and there was back story.

Mia and Deacon were great characters. Mia seems like a tough girl, which in her line of work I guess you’d have to be. She fights hard throughout the book, and shows strength of character when things get hard for her. Deacon is kind of like her knight coming to her rescue and standing by her side. I liked the back story of their partnership and getting to read how they realize they feel something more for each other.

The descriptions were amazing. Some novellas skim the details, but Ashley Robertson packed as much as she could into this book. There was so much suspense. I found myself holding my breath waiting for an outcome. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series. 

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About the Author:

Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida, and loves writing about anything paranormal. She also composes poems and songs, though she learned long ago she doesn’t have a singing voice. When she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, sharing personal training and nutrition advice via ExtremeMakeovers.com, traveling and exploring new places, and drinking fine wines and gourmet coffees from her Nespresso machine. *2013 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALIST in the Fantasy genre for her book UNGUARDED* Visit her website to learn about her upcoming releases, guest blog posts, and featured giveaways at: AshleyRobertsonBooks.com Follow Ashley: FaceBook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | LinkedIn | Literary Addicts Follow the Book Tour Ashley Robertson is giving away One: Signed Books Swag Bag (includes Crimson Groves, Unguarded, and Death Dealer. Plus graphic custom bookmark and custom made swag from The Book Swag Shop) Two: $30 Gift Card to either Amazon or B&N (winner can choose). Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Tangled Up in Trouble by Olivia Hardin - Review

Tangled Up in Trouble by Olivia Hardin

Lynlee Lincoln isn’t just a witch, she’s also a Neutralizer. Her job is a juggling act to keep magical and undead clients out of trouble. But getting back together with her old flame throws one more ball into the mix and romance with a guy who has two kids can get complicated. When her old mentor asks her to investigate the goings-on of a dark witch, things turn messy. The witch is stalking supernatural creatures to collect ingredients for a potion that Lynlee can’t seem to figure out. To keep those closest to her from becoming the next victims, she may have to confront the demons within herself.  

My Thoughts:Tangled Up in Trouble is a fun and exciting paranormal thriller. I love the idea of a sort of policed system for the paranormal. Not quite punishment, since there wasn’t much of that going on, but a way to keep it a secret from the humans. I’ve read a few other books that always have some secret group of leaders who keep things under wraps. I love that we get to see a group like that in this book, but much more in depth.

Lynlee Lincoln is a Neutralizer, which means if some magical and undead creature (MAUC) gets into trouble she orbs in and saves the situation. Lynlee is a witch, who is still a little unsure of her powers. I like that instead of being all big and bad constantly; Lynlee has some insecurity about herself and her relationship with Beck. Beck is surprisingly strong and seems to be taking the whole magic thing (as a non-magical human) pretty well this time. In the first book, Trolling for Trouble, we learn about his issues with magic, so I am glad has gotten over it. I love Rhiannon. She is Lynlee’s friend and a werevamp. Her character entertained me, she is a lot of fun and pretty fierce when someone she cares about is in danger. I enjoyed the different explanations for the different MAUCs throughout the story.

Tangled Up in Trouble is fast paced and full of action. The hunt for the dark witch introduces readers to a lot of interesting characters and danger. I can’t wait to see how Lynlee and Beck’s relationship is holding up in the next book, and what trouble Lynlee will find herself dealing with. If you enjoy a fun and suspenseful paranormal book, Tangled Up in Trouble would be perfect for you.
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The first book Trolling for Trouble is forever FREE. Get caught up on the series.  

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About the Author

When Olivia Hardin began having strange movie-like dreams in her teens, she had no choice but to begin putting them to paper. Before long the writing bug had her and she knew she wanted to be a published author. Several rejections plus a little bit of life later, and she was temporarily “cured” of the urge to write. That is until she met a group of talented and fabulous writers who gave her the direction and encouragement she needed to get lost in the words again. Olivia’s attended three different universities over the years and toyed with majors in Computer Technology, English, History and Geology. Thenl one day she heard the term road scholar and she knew that was what she wanted to be. Now she “studies” anything and everything just for the joy of learning. She's also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and she’s sometimes accused of being artistic.
A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband, Danny and their puppy, Bonnie. Connect with Olivia and Get information about releases, contests, news and more here:
Follow the Tour The author is giving away three prize packs containing a signed paperback with a bookmark from the Book Swag Shop. $50.00 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Wilted Wings by Shadow Stephens - Review

Wilted WingsWilted Wings

Power, greed, and envy fill Damon and Ilisha’s world. Their hope of settling into a life of peace and family remains out of grasp. Damon is kidnapped and forced to stand trial for the death of his father while a breed of hybrids designed to destroy all angels is set loose. With no choice but to leave her earthly mother and baby behind, Ilisha struggles in a world of high politics and family feuds. She must become an ultimate warrior to save her husband and both the worlds she loves.

Purchase Wilted Wings now on Amazon.

My Thoughts:  Wilted Wings is the second book in the Broken Butterflies series. The story continues with Ilisha and Damon. They are fighting off some serious evil in this book. The book starts down on Earth, which is being overrun by evil, and quickly shoots off to the kingdoms of Heaven. The scenery in this book sounds so beautiful. The descriptions of the different kingdoms are so vivid.

The characters of Wilted Wings were interesting. I loved watching Ilisha come into her own up in the kingdoms. She had to learn the politics so quickly, and she did such an amazing job. Damon can be kind of an overbearing jerk, but that is just my opinion. He loves his family fiercely though, and is willing to do anything to protect them and his kingdom. I enjoy Caligula’s character the most. She’s so snarky and pretty bad a** when it comes down to it. The bad guys in this book were a horrible level of evil. Bram is back in this book, and I am left wanting to both love and hate him. He is such a fickle character.

I don’t read many angel books, but from what I’ve read, Shadow Stephens is nothing like the others. The different kingdoms are an interesting part of this book. I also love the butterflies. They add a beauty to the violence in the story. There are other differences, but then I get into spoilers.

Wilted Wings is definitely an exciting book. I think readers will enjoy it. There is a little something to interest many readers. There are battles, politics, some mystery, and quite a few steamy moments. I will be interested in seeing what happens next for all these angels.
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About Shadow Stephens

Avid Cleveland Browns fan, animal lover, and paranormal addict are just a few ways to describe Shadow Stephens. Shadow grew up in Ohio and West Virginia, which gave her a fear of snakes and the ability to fix anything with duct tape. She has been writing since childhood, but wrote her first novel three years ago. She now resides in Utah with a veritable menagerie of pets and a million ideas in her head just waiting to be put on paper. When she isn't ghost hunting, Shadow can be found writing paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels. This will be her first published book, with many more to follow. Follow Shadow Stephens: Website | Facebook | Twitter Watch out Video chat with author Shadow Stephens July 17th at 7PM EST on Literary Addicts Take part in our Book Tour event on Facebook July 16 - 18 All Day Long for Amazon Gift Cards and ebooks! Follow the Tour Shadow Stephens is giving away a $50 Amazon Giftcard, open Internationally. Fill out the form below to enter! a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.