GeekGlitter

Blog Tour: Broken Blood (Dirty Blood #5) by Heather Hildenbrand

2015-03-24T22:14:00.000-05:00

Title: Broken Blood (Dirty Blood)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: March 11, 2015
Source: Via the author in exchange for a review.

I thought watching my Werewolf boyfriend get arrested for murder was the worst experience of my life. But then I was knocked out and dragged off to a cell of my own by the very people who were supposed to protect me from danger.

I thought being held prisoner in solitary confinement for weeks on end was the worst experience of my life. But then a visitor came, and I realized I’d been wrong all along. There are worse things than torture and death. Much worse.

He wants my blood. More than that, he wants to get into my head. To use my bond to control his army, to wipe the world clean of anything with dirty blood. I can’t let that happen, but if I don’t he’ll kill every single person I’ve ever cared about — beginning with my Werewolf pack.

The prophecy said I would have to make an impossible choice, but I must be doing this wrong — so far every choice I’ve made has only led to more pain and danger and death. Hunters are pitted against Werewolves and I’m alone in my war against Gordon Steppe. I can’t fight him off anymore; all I can do is try to keep him out of the important places. And I’m failing at even that.

I thought the demons were out there, clearly marked and clinging to the shadows. But they’re not. The monsters are within the ranks of those sworn to protect. The enemy is among us.

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

Dirty Blood has been one of my favorite YA series' ever! It is bittersweet that it has now come to an end. Broken Blood is the final book in this amazing roller coaster of a story. I am so sad to know that there will be no more. Ever. Like ever.

Tara is the raddest, most fun character. She still kicks butt and takes names. She has been through some crap since the first book, Dirty Blood but she is still just as strong and determined as ever. Wes is as drool worthy as always. He is my most loved book boyfriend of all time. Something about him is just... yum. And of course Cambria and her sarcasm, Chord and her bitchiness, Derek, Logan, Grandma and a whole slew of other characters that make Dirty Blood what it is.

I can't even describe this book without giving anything away. Just know that Heather has wrapped up Tara's story fabulously. I loved how it ended. It was a rocky ride to get where they are now, but they never gave up!

The Dirty Blood series is one that you will fall in love with. It is all about family, friendship, taking chances, thinking outside of the box and standing up for what and who you believe in. I can't say much more other than read it. Read them all. Once you pick up that first book, you won't stop until you've put down the last.

Heather is an amazing author. She is an amazing person. I'm glad that I could be a part of this journey. She has so many other great books and more to come! I, for one, can't wait to see what her mind continues to pump out.

So, yeah, pick up the Dirty Blood series. You will not be sorry. You'll be thanking me. Guarantee it. You can click the covers below to read my reviews on the previous books in the series.

REVIEW: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

2015-03-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Title: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Author: Stephen King
Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Source: Purchased my own copy.

Nine-year-old Trisha McFarland strays from the path while she and her recently divorced mother and brother take a hike along a branch of the Appalachian Trail. Lost for days, wandering farther and farther astray, Trisha has only her portable radio for comfort. A huge fan of Tom Gordon, a Boston Red Sox relief pitcher, she listens to baseball games and fantasizes that her hero will save her. Nature isn't her only adversary, though - something dangerous may be tracking Trisha through the dark woods.

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

This book seemed very out of the norm for Stephen King. It's just not his usual doom & gloom that I love about him. While this was a fun read & a rather quick read for a Stephen King book, I just was not that into it.

Our story revolves around 9 year old (but big for her age) Trisha. She gets lost in the Appalachian Mountains while hiking a trail with her mom & brother. I give Trisha credit. She's tough for a kid. Even now, at my age of 32, I don't know that I could survive in the woods for days on end. But she amazed me at the things she did for survival.

Trisha loves baseball & hangs onto her love for the player Tom Gordon as her main grasp on life. It's actually very touching how she looks up to him. And while Tom Gordon was an actual baseball player that I know nothing about, his fictional character seemed like a genuinely decent human being.

There is mention of something dark lurking in the woods. TGWLTG definitely does not scare though. And after the final showdown (which I absolutely will not delve into), I found myself questioning if the "monster" was even real or just the figment of a child's imagination.

I can't say that this would be high on my recommendation list but it would be on there none the less. TGWLTG was more of a story of survival told from a child's point of view than a tale of terror. Although I am still a huge Stephen King fan, this is not a favorite of mine.

Cover Reveal: Broken Blood (Dirty Blood #5) by Heather Hildenbrand

2015-02-25T11:13:00.000-06:00

I thought watching my Werewolf boyfriend get arrested for murder was the worst experience of my life. But then I was knocked out and dragged off to a cell of my own by the very people who were supposed to protect me from danger.

I thought being held prisoner in solitary confinement for weeks on end was the worst experience of my life. But then a visitor came, and I realized I’d been wrong all along. There are worse things than torture and death. Much worse.

He wants my blood. More than that, he wants to get into my head. To use my bond to control his army, to wipe the world clean of anything with dirty blood. I can’t let that happen, but if I don’t he’ll kill every single person I’ve ever cared about—beginning with my Werewolf pack.

The prophecy said I would have to make an impossible choice, but I must be doing this wrong—so far every choice I’ve made has only led to more pain and danger and death. Hunters are pitted against Werewolves and I’m alone in my war against Gordon Steppe. I can’t fight him off anymore; all I can do is try to keep him out of the important places. And I’m failing at even that.

I thought the demons were out there, clearly marked and clinging to the shadows. But they’re not. The monsters are within the ranks of those sworn to protect. The enemy is among us.

Are you as excited about this as I am? You should be. The Dirty Blood series by Heather Hildenbrand is one of my absolute favorite book series'. I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to get my little paws on this one!

AVAILABLE MARCH 11, 2015!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2015-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next

I have pretty much failed at doing this meme every Monday. I've started this year in kind of a reading slump. I'm trying really hard to break it, but Netflix is my downfall. Is anyone else stoked that they added all of those cheesy Lifetime movies? (guilty pleasure!) I've also been spending a lot of time cleaning. Like DEEP cleaning. I've let it go for way to long and it's time to bleach it all down. I'm also still working on Insurgent, so I'm not going to list that below. Was it hard for anyone else to get into this one? I keep telling myself I have to be ready for the movie, but that's not helping. Anywho, on with the books...

Ten days, twelve competitors, two million pounds cash.

What at first appears to be a wonderful opportunity for Damien Banks turns out to be the worst nightmare he can imagine.

Trapped inside a house with eleven strangers, and a booming voice known only as 'The Landlord' controlling his every move, Damien will be forced to compete not only for the money, but for his life.

Let the games begin...

AMAZON / GOODREADS

Stephen King has always been one of my favorite authors, even tho there are many of his books that I haven't read. I've slowly been building a pretty nice collection just from going to thrift store so I figured it was time that I began reading some of them. Most of them are so massive that they're a little intimidating but I'm taking the plunge finally. I absolutely loved this movie as a kid so here's hoping the book is even better!

What are you reading this week? I'd love to know!

Blog Tour Stop: Losing It: A Collection of Vcards Review

2015-02-13T07:55:00.001-06:00

Title: Losing It: A Collection of Vcards

Author: 22 Best Selling Authors

Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Source: Via the authors in exchange for review.

22 Bestselling YA authors reveal what went on behind the curtain in your favorite YA novels! From paranormal to contemporary, this collection features over 200 pages of ALL NEW CONTENT full of deleted scenes, extended endings, and more from the young adult series’ you love.

In this YA/NA crossover collection all of your favorite heroines are cashing in their VCards! YA just got steamy, sexy, and not afraid to go all the way!

(Due to the graphic nature of some content, this collection is recommended strictly for mature readers.)

Stories include excerpts and extended material--ALL NEW CONTENT featuring the following YA novels & authors:

The Grimoire Saga by SM Boyce

The Death Series by Tamara Rose Blodgett

Penny Black Trilogy by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Dirty Blood series by Heather Hildenbrand

The Mythology Series by Helen Boswell

Stories About Melissa Series by Bethany Lopez

Keegan’s Chronicles by Julia Crane

The Tate Chronicles by K.A. Last

Fragile Creatures by Kristina Circelli

The Spellbound Trilogy by Nikki Jefford

Judgement of the Six Series by Melissa Haag

A Dark Faerie Tale Series by Alexia Purdy

The Double Threat Series by Julie Prestsater

The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende

Ovialell Series by Tish Thawer

The Runes Series by Ednah Walters

The Cornerstone Series by Misty Provencher

The Waiting Series by Ginger Scott

Forged Series by A.O. Peart

The Arotas Series by Amy Miles

Funeral Crashing Mysteries by Milda Harris

The Wolf Trilogy by M.R. Polish

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

I loved everything about this collection! It's like a private peek into the love lives of some of our favorite characters from YA novels. While I haven't read all the stories yet, I can't wait to finish it! I'm only familiar with 3 of the authors in this collection, but some of the stories I've read so far have made me want to read more! I've added to my already humongous TBR pile.

These stories are short, sweet and to the point. But you also get little details that you didn't get from the novels. Dream sequences, Love spells, just a hidden moment that we didn't see in the book. They are fantastic! And most of them are not crazy detailed, so I wouldn't really call this erotica, but I would recommend being over 18 to read these.

I can't wait to dive into some new to me authors now!

Review & Giveaway: Deviation (The Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand

2015-02-04T08:12:00.000-06:00

Title: Deviation
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: December 30, 2015
Source: Via Netgalley for review.

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.

Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . . .

This is a new release of the previously self-published title.

AMAZON / GOODREADS

I have previously reviewed Deviation before but a lot has happened since then! Heather Hildenbrand was picked up by a publishing company and rewrote it! So, of course I reread it! And I loved it even more than I loved the first version!

We pick up with Ven, Linc, Daniel, Melanie & more still trying to take down Titus Rogen. So many new things happen in Deviation that I'm not sure I can even tell you about them. I hate to give out spoilers, and I feel like the slightest detail is a spoiler!

All the characters are the same, fantastic characters from book one, Imitation. Ven is awesome. She comes across as fearless, even tho we know she is scared out of her mind. She has such a huge heart and wants to trust and love everyone she comes in contact with. Well, with a few exceptions. Linc is still straight yum. I love everything about him! And we get to meet his mother in Deviation and she is everything a mother should be. Daniel is still Daniel, but we get to meet his Imitation, Neil. Neil is just one more example that Imitations are people too. He has a heart and feelings just like anyone else.

There are so many twists and turns in Deviation that it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Questions are answered and more questions arise. And the ending? Cliffhanger. It makes me even wonder how they can get out of the situation they have been put in. I can't wait to read the next book and find out!

The even cooler part? Imitation was chosen to be optioned for a TV Series for NBC! How freaking amazing would that be?! So basically, what I'm telling you is that you need to read these books. You won't regret it. You will love them. I promise!

5 Hearts!

Plus if you sign up to be a subscriber to Heather's Mailing List, The Love Birds, not only will she keep you up to date on new releases, fun things, and occasional exclusive giveaway goodies, BUT you are entered to win a signed swag pack just for being a subscriber! On 2-7-15 ONE random, lucky winner will win a pretty sweet prize!

A signed paperback of Dirty Blood and Imitation swag pack!

To sign up, click here!

Review: Cold Shadows (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #2) by J.L. Bryan

2015-01-27T13:25:00.000-06:00

Title: Cold Shadows (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #2)
Author: J.L. Bryan (website)
Publication Date: November 28, 2014
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

Footsteps in the attic. Toys that play by themselves. A dark presence in an upstairs room.

Paranormal investigator Ellie Jordan faces a difficult new case. Her new clients are a family haunted by multiple ghosts and a poltergeist that wrecks their home at night. Their seven-year-old son’s invisible friends may not be imaginary at all, but the restless spirits of dead children.

To clear her clients’ house of the dangerous entities, Ellie must unravel the mysterious deaths of another family who lived in the old mansion more than a hundred and sixty years ago—and she must do it before the ghosts can carry out their malevolent designs on her clients and their children.

AMAZON / KOBO / GOODREADS

Cold Shadows is the second book in the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Series. Cold Shadows was another great read by J.L. Bryan. This story features a whole ghost family who haunts the old house of Ellie's new client. Cold Shadows has suspense, thrills and a twist ending that I did not see coming!

I still love Ellie's character. She is a girl on a mission but never misses the chance to throw in a bit of sarcasm. And Stacey, bless her heart, she is a trip. I love watching her grow into the job of ghost trapping. Its fun to still see her quirky, came from money side show through at times. And the fact that she is all about some Jacob! I would definitely be OK with these two getting together. I wouldn't object to seeing more of Jacob in this series.

Now, this story started out not blowing my mind. It was still super interesting to read about but I just wasn't feeling it as much as the first book. This little ghost family is more self contained. Their history is just about them. While they had a tragic story to tell, it just didn't get my engine going. That is, until the end. Even I, miss self proclaimed horror buff who can predict everything, didn't see this one coming.

And that is what makes for an excellent book.

I've heard that there is going to be lots more to come in the lives of Ellie, Stacey, Jacob and their boss (dear lord, I can't remember his name!). I already have my little paws on Book 3, The Crawling Darkness (which comes out on February 5th) and I can't wait to dive in a little deeper!

If you love anything and everything about ghost stories, pick up the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper series. You can thank me later. :)

4 Hearts!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2015-01-26T08:19:00.004-06:00

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

I apologize for not posting last Monday. But I was pretty much still reading what I posted the week before! So I didn't think it'd do much good just post about the exact same thing. Here it is a brand new year and I'm already having trouble with my reading. I want to read, I do. I just can't seem to make myself sit down and actually do it! But, I'm gonna work on that and hopefully things will get smoother.

I also missed posting a review last week. My grandfather hasn't been doing to well and I spent most of my time helping my parents get things ready for him. He's lived with them for a few years now, but recently was put on Hospice. So we had to make room for a hospital bed and all that jazz. He seems to be doing a little better but He is also 98 years old. So we think his time is getting close. Prayers and good thoughts are always appreciated!

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.

Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn't want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . . .

This is a new release of the previously self-published title.

So what are you reading this week?!

Review: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper by J.L. Bryan

2015-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper
Author: J.L. Bryan
Publication Date: August 27, 2014
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

Ellie Jordan’s job is to catch and remove unwanted ghosts. Part detective, part paranormal exterminator, Ellie operates out of Savannah, Georgia, one of the oldest and most haunted cities in North America.

When a family contacts her to deal with a disturbing presence in the old mansion they’ve recently purchased, Ellie first believes it to be a typical, by-the-book specter, a residual haunting by a restless spirit. Instead, she finds herself confronting an evil older and more powerful than she’d ever expected, rooted in the house’s long and sordid history of luxury, sin, and murder. The dangerous entity seems particularly interested in her clients’ ten-year-old daughter.

Soon her own life is in danger, and Ellie must find a way to exorcise the darkness of the house before it can kill her, her clients, or their frightened young child.

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

I thought Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper was fantastic! J.L. Bryan weaved a fascinating story of ghosts, the occult and survival. I'm a huge fan of horror, but never so much of ghosts. That didn't matter with Ellie Jordan, I was sucked in from the beginning.

Ellie Jordan is a ghost hunter. She works for a small paranormal investigating firm. She's taken on a new partner named Stacey to help out. Ellie likes to work alone. She's open to bringing Stacey along but doesn't hold out much hope for her working out. Watching the friendship bloom between these two through out the book is fun. It reminds me a lot of myself. I don't take very well to new people and tend to push them away at first.

Ellie is a beast. She gets scared but never shows any fear. There is no way I could make myself do half the things she did. She has one mission and that is to get rid of the ghost, no matter what. Stacey comes from money but wants to branch out on her own. She gets started working with ghosts accidentally but ends up loving it. She is spunky and funny and I really enjoyed her character.

I actually don't want to reveal to much of this story because it's more fun for you to uncover it own your own! Ellie Jordan has many twists and turns and discoveries that you are constantly questioning what the big picture is. And the ending? Awesome. I almost think it was the best part of the whole book.

Some of the plot line is kind of predictable. I've spent most of my life watching horror movies, so it wasn't hard for me to guess the outcome of certain happenings. But that didn't take any of the enjoyment away. I literally ate this book up in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down!

You will not be disappointed with picking up Ellie Jordan: Ghost Trapper. J.L. Bryan's writing is fantastic and this story is one that you don't want to miss out on!

5 Hearts!

REVIEW: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

2015-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Source: Purchased my own copy.

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a magical story about love, friendship and family unlike any you have read before. I fell so completely in love with this book, that I wanted to cry when I turned that last page.

The concept of this story is brilliant. It's rare to find a non-children's book that has pictures through out. I loved it! Mr. Riggs allows you to still use your imagination while giving you an extra boost in experiencing the characters.

The story follows our main character, Jacob, as he deals with his grandfathers death. Jacob grew up hearing all the tales of curious children his grandfather grew up with. After the accident, Jacob begins to question if his grandfathers "tales" were really true. So he sets off on an adventure in search of Miss Peregrine and some answers. He never expects what awaits him on that mysterious island.

I will admit that going into this, I never even imagined that the story would contain the things it does. Magic, time travel, monsters. I guess I really thought it was about peculiar children. I was blown away by the way Mr. Riggs wrote this story. The writing itself is fantastic. There are so many twists and turns and shocking moments that I lost count. (Not that I was really counting..)

Mr. Riggs also paints a picture in your mind that you'll never forget. There are so many characters that I can't even begin to talk about them all. But each one is special and peculiar in their own way. You can't help but fall for each and every one.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is not just a book, it's a journey. One that you are not prepared for. But a journey that will leave a mark on your soul. (CHEESE! Are you understanding me when I say I love this book??)

Read it. Now. Quick, fast but not in a hurry. And prepare yourself for Book 2, Hollow City. I for one can't wait to get my hands on that!

5 Hearts!

COVER REVEAL: Losing It: A Collection of Vcards

2015-01-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Losing It: A Collection of VCards coming Feb 11, 2015!

In this YA/NA crossover collection all of your favorite heroines are cashing in their VCards! YA just got steamy, sexy, and not afraid to go all the way!

(Due to the graphic nature of some content, this collection is recommended strictly for mature readers.)

Stories include excerpts and extended material--ALL NEW CONTENT featuring the following YA novels & authors:

The Grimoire Saga by SM Boyce

The Death Series by Tamara Rose Blodgett

Penny Black Trilogy by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Dirty Blood series by Heather Hildenbrand

The Mythology Series by Helen Boswell

Stories About Melissa Series by Bethany Lopez

Keegan’s Chronicles by Julia Crane

The Tate Chronicles by K.A. Last

Fragile Creatures by Kristina Circelli

The Spellbound Trilogy by Nikki Jefford

Judgement of the Six Series by Melissa Haag

A Dark Faerie Tale Series by Alexia Purdy

The Double Threat Series by Julie Prestsater

The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende

Ovialell Series by Tish Thawer

The Runes Series by Ednah Walters

The Cornerstone Series by Misty Provencher

The Waiting Series by Ginger Scott

Forged Series by A.O. Peart

The Arotas Series by Amy Miles

Funeral Crashing Mysteries by Milda Harris

The Wolf Trilogy by M.R. Polish

1-click yours now! Pre-order available for Kindle here.

The Good Girls Have Gone Wild!!

Don’t want to wait? Want a sneak peek NOW behind the curtain with these authors? Request access to the Champagne Room on FB, a private, VIP group where you’ll get excerpts, giveaways, and the dirty details about the VCards we’ve cashed in…in our stories, of course!

Request exclusive access here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/332424686965271/

*Must be 18 to enter

REVIEW: Enamoured by Shannon Curtis

2015-01-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Enamoured
Author: Shannon Curtis
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Source: Via Netgalley.

Once Upon a Crime…

Melanie wants to get incriminating information on her evil stepfather and she’ll get it —even if it means giving in to an odious toad’s demands. Cole is undercover, and when the opportunity arises for him to get closer to the criminal he’s investigating, using the man’s beautiful stepdaughter, he grabs it.

Esmerelda is a Fairy Godmother Enforcer charged with getting the Frog Prince fairy tale back on track. But fate has saddled her with a partner, and Rumpelstiltskin — with his sexy bad boy swagger — has a hidden agenda of his own.

In the Fairy Isle, nothing is as it seems…

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

A fairy tale retelling in the modern world? I'm a sucker for fairy tales. I mean Once Upon a Time is one of my favorite TV shows. But I have to say that Enamoured just didn't cut it for me.

Our story is centered around Melanie and Cole. Melanie's stepfather is evil, controlling, abusive and shady. She's determined to find something on him so she can get rid of him once and for all. Cole is an undercover cop. HIs target? Melanie's stepfather. As their paths cross, Melanie and Cole begin working together. But it doesn't take long for romance to strike.

Esmerelda is a fairy godmother. Her current job is to watch over Melanie and make sure her "tale" plays out as its supposed to. The problem? Cole is not part of the tale. She also has been given a partner for this particular case. Rumpelstiltskin. He's on a sort of probation and this job will tell his fate.

Now all of this seems like the setup for a pretty good story. But I was just left feeling kind of confused. It seems Ms. Curtis has tried to jumble as many fairy tales into one story as she possibly could. Add in the fact that Enamoured is a novella and it's just all to much. We've got a reversed Cinderella situation, a frog prince hint with Melanie's real love partner and Cole, who just doesn't belong.

Enamoured was a quick read to fit in between books, but I felt like it just fell short. Melanie and Cole's chemistry was fun and sexy. Esmerelda and Rumple's situation was comical. Give the chance to expand into a longer book, Enamoured might be improved upon. But as it stands, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Unless you just have to see for yourself. But you know what they say, "Curiosity killed the cat.."

2 Hearts!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

2015-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

Last week I didn't get as much read as I planned to. So I'm still working on 2 of my picks last week! It was my birthday weekend, so I'm gonna use that as my excuse to not reading much. LOL. Anywho, I'm gonna throw one more into the mix this week and see how I do.

Footsteps in the attic. Toys that play by themselves. A dark presence in an upstairs room.

Paranormal investigator Ellie Jordan faces a difficult new case. Her new clients are a family haunted by multiple ghosts and a poltergeist that wrecks their home at night. Their seven-year-old son’s invisible friends may not be imaginary at all, but the restless spirits of dead children.

To clear her clients’ house of the dangerous entities, Ellie must unravel the mysterious deaths of another family who lived in the old mansion more than a hundred and sixty years ago—and she must do it before the ghosts can carry out their malevolent designs on her clients and their children.

What are you reading this week? I hope y'all are doing better than me!

REVIEW: Amaranth (The Resistance Trilogy #1) by Rachael Wade

2015-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Amaranth (The Resistance Trilogy #1)
Author: Rachael Wade
Publication Date: July 27, 2011
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

Hoodoo-influenced Southern Louisiana seems like the perfect place for Camille to escape her abusive past and dysfunctional family. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with the handsome Gavin Devereaux and plummet into the world of Amaranth, a place of exile for reformed vampires.

Wrestling to escape a deadly ex-boyfriend while giving Gavin a chance, Camille is confronted with decisions that threaten not only her life, but the lives of her inhuman friends she has come to love. Entangled in her friends’ quest for freedom, she dives into their realm and faces the threats of Amaranth’s ruler—the mother of all vampires—and her own inner demons.

Now Camille must decide whether she will derail her life and make the ultimate sacrifice for the monsters that interrupted her bumpy path back to sanity—what she still wants so desperately—or escape with Gavin before it’s too late for both of them.

AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE // KOBO // GOODREADS

I went into Amaranth with magical expectation. Southern Louisiana, Hoodoo and Vampires sounds like perfection to me. But I finished feeling a little bit let down.

Our main character, Camille, settles down in Southern Louisiana after running from an abusive relationship. After 2 years and another abusive boyfriend in her new home, she meets an unexpected stranger. Once Camille and Gavin's paths cross, her world is turned completely upside down. She's introduced to another place and creatures that she never knew existed in real life.

I wanted to like Camille, I really did. But I found her really hard to relate to. She's gone through so much abuse in her lifetime. I just couldn't understand her ability to fall in love with Gavin so easily. Especially when he always acted so shady. I did like Gavin. He always had good intentions, He just didn't execute things properly.

I felt like the story progressed to quickly. Once Camille found out the Gavin was a vampire, BAM!, we're thrown into the fight of our lives. Amaranth is the hidden world for reformed vampires and they believe that it also holds the cure. Amaranth was very fast paced and a quick read. I made it through in one sitting. I absolutely loved the plot for this story. I just closed the pages feeling like I could have learned so much more!

Rachael Wade's writing style was easy to follow. The only real "peeve" I had was that the story contains the phrase, "I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding." TWICE! I loathe that phrase.

Overall, Amaranth was a good read. It has a great story line and some really good characters. I just wish we'd had the chance to learn more about them. This is a series, so perhaps that's something that improves in the next couple books.

At some point I may continue on with The Resistance Trilogy but for now, I'm good with stopping at Amaranth.

3 Hearts!

Challenges for 2015!

2015-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

This will be my first year attempting Reading Challenges, except for the Goodreads one. And I have epicly failed that one for the past 2 years. So I'm aiming high with a goal of 100 books for 2015. That really shouldn't be that hard to do as long as I don't hit a reading slump like I did this past year. You can add me on GR if you'd like and we can keep up with one another's progress! Aside from Goodreads, I'm participating in 2 other challenges.

The Read Your Freebies Challenge hosted by The Book Vixen. I'm really digging this one because I have so many books on my iPad that I've purchased from Amazon for free. SO MANY. And I haven't read a single one yet. So I'm excited to now have some motivation to dip into these books that looked so good! I'm shooting for 36 books this year. I feel like that is a decent amount to start with. And it helps knock down that GR 100 book challenge! You can get more information about this challenge over at The Book Vixen and keep up with my progress on my Challenge Page!

The Library Challenge is hosted by Book Journey. This one really stood out to me because I miss going to the Library. I practically lived there growing up but haven't been a whole lot in the last 10 years or so. I'm planning to change that! I'm committing to 20 books for this challenge. Maybe more, who knows? I'm just excited to get back into my local Library! You can get more information about this challenge at Book Journey and keep up with my progress on my Challenge Page!

And that pretty much sums it up. Sweet and Simple. So, what challenges are you participating in this year? How many books are you wanting to read in 2015?

REVIEW: Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand

2015-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Title: Whisper
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: August 13, 2014
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

The Cherokee believe when a person dies, their soul is reborn. Life is repeated. An endless cycle of lessons to be learned, love to be found, destiny to be fulfilled. For the past six months, in every flower, every bird, I've imagined my parents, relieved of their human forms. Now, after five months at the Skye View Wellness Center, it was summer. A time for parties and friends, but that's the last thing I want to do. So when my best friend Erin convinces me to attend a bonfire at Eagle Point, I can't handle the crowd full of sympathetic stares or drunken class clowns who would use my tragedy as a way into my heart - or my pants. The solitude of the woods offers an escape, until I stumble upon a boy, unconscious and bleeding, his pockets stuffed not with identification but with poetry illustrating the beauty of dying. I've seen enough death. I will not leave this boy's side. Even after he wakes, when the only thing he can remember are visions of events that haven't happened yet...

AMAZON // KOBO // GOODREADS

Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand is an amazing story of love and grief. I turned the last page feeling all the feels. Not many books can do that to me. I have a heart of stone...

Whisper is a cCherokeegirl who experiences the tragic loss of her parents. She suffers to the point of attempted suicide and being admitted to a mental hospital. After being released and knowing how to cope with her grief, she tries to move on with her life. Then enters Dylan. A boy she finds badly hurt and helps nurse him back to life. Dylan awakens things in her that she didn't know existed. He is the key to her life, past, present and future.

Once again, Heather has blown me away. Not only is her writing captivating, but she knows how to pull you into her stories. You don't just read Heather's books, you live them.

I completely fell in love with every character in Whisper. From Whisper herself, to even the bad guy. Whisper is strong, caring and independent. She has been through hell, but she came out on top. She stood for what she believed in and took no crap from anyone. Her instant connection with Dylan was fantastic. In the process of saving his life, he saved hers. Dylan was everything. Gorgeous, protecting and loving. He awakes from his injuries with amnesia. The journey of him remembering who he is, is fascinating. One of my favorite book boyfriends to date!

Heather tackles so many issues in Whisper. Attempted suicide, tragic loss, murder, the list goes on. Whisper is full of Cherokee folk lore, magic and a sense of family that lasts hundreds of years.

I could talk about Whisper for hours, but I won't. What I will say is do yourself a favor and get your hands on this book. I absolutely loved it and I know you will too!

5 Hearts!

It's Monday! What are you reading? (#1)

2015-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

Since we are starting a new year, I'm kind of starting fresh with my reading. I've been in sort of a "not wanting to read" mood the last couple of months. So I don't have any recently read books to tell you about today. Only current and upcoming!

Ellie Jordan’s job is to catch and remove unwanted ghosts. Part detective, part paranormal exterminator, Ellie operates out of Savannah, Georgia, one of the oldest and most haunted cities in North America.

When a family contacts her to deal with a disturbing presence in the old mansion they’ve recently purchased, Ellie first believes it to be a typical, by-the-book specter, a residual haunting by a restless spirit. Instead, she finds herself confronting an evil older and more powerful than she’d ever expected, rooted in the house’s long and sordid history of luxury, sin, and murder. The dangerous entity seems particularly interested in her clients’ ten-year-old daughter.

Soon her own life is in danger, and Ellie must find a way to exorcise the darkness of the house before it can kill her, her clients, or their frightened young child.

(My copy was provided by the author in exchange for a review. Be sure to check back on the 20th to see what I thought!)

That's about it for my first round of It's Monday! Short and sweet. So what are you guys reading this week? I'd love to hear! I'm always looking for more books to add to my ever growing TBR pile!

Fated Release Blitz & Giveaway

2014-08-21T15:28:00.003-05:00

The Fated 5 have come together to bring you a collection of five steamy new adult urban fantasies about sacrifice, second chances, destiny and love against all odds.

With fan favorites from new adult and urban fantasy bestsellers Rachael Wade, Nikki Jefford, Stacey Marie Brown, Alyssa Rose Ivy and Heather Hildenbrand.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

***Available for a LIMITED TIME only!***

Five full-length novels only 99 cents.

Amaranth by Rachael Wade – Camille moves to Southern Louisiana to escape her abusive past, not expecting to fall in love and plummet into the world of Amaranth, a place of exile for reformed vampires.

Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter by Nikki Jefford– Thanks to her rare blood type, Aurora’s forced to hunt vampires in Alaska. Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire.

Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown – Ember has never fit in. After she lands herself in a facility for troubled teens, she meets the darkly mysterious and hot as hell, Eli Dragen who is keeping secrets that can’t stay hidden much longer.

Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy – A summer in New Orleans leads to a chance encounter with the infuriating yet alluring Levi. Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand – Five months after Whisper is released from the Skye View Wellness Center she stumbles upon an unconscious boy at a bonfire party who holds the key to breaking her curse.

Enter to win a custom Fated charm bracelet.

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Sign-up for a free Fated Bonus Bundle and chance to win a $50 Gift Card and Live Chat with the Fated 5.

RELEASE DAY: WHISPER BY HEATHER HILDENBRAND

2014-08-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

Title: Whisper
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Genre: New Adult Paranormal

The Cherokee believe when a person dies, their soul is reborn. Life is repeated. An endless cycle of lessons to be learned, love to be found, destiny to be fulfilled. For the past six months, in every flower, every bird, I’ve imagined my parents, relieved of their human forms.

Now, after five months at the Skye View Wellness Center, it was summer. A time for parties and friends, but that’s the last thing I want to do. So when my best friend Erin convinces me to attend a bonfire at Eagle Point, I can’t handle the crowd full of sympathetic stares or drunken class clowns who would use my tragedy as a way into my heart – or my pants. The solitude of the woods offers an escape, until I stumble upon a boy, unconscious and bleeding, his pockets stuffed not with identification but with poetry illustrating the beauty of dying. I’ve seen enough death. I will not leave this boy’s side.

Even after he wakes, when the only thing he can remember are visions of events that haven’t happened yet…

ADD TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR

OR PURCHASE FROM:

SMASHWORDS / AMAZON

Author of Across the Galaxy, Whisper, and the Dirty Blood series. I write, read, and fuss at my kids. Oh, and I do laundry, lots of laundry. I’m pretty good at it, too. Sometimes I even read WHILE doing laundry – and fussing at my kids. I’m a multi-tasker.

For more information on my books, release dates, or just general stalker material, um, I mean FAN material, visit my website. www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com. I love hearing from readers!

Likes and dislikes? I love vintage tees, hate socks with sandals, and if my house was on fire the one thing I’d grab is my Amazon Fire TV! (oh yeah, I’m a fan of puns.)

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Review: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

2014-08-11T15:52:00.000-05:00

Title: Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
Author: April Genevieve Tucholke
Publication Date: August 15, 2013
Source: Read via my local Library.

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town… until River West comes along. River rents the guest house behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard.

Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more?

Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery... who makes you want to kiss back.

Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch.

ADD THIS TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR

OR PURCHASE FROM:

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, in my opinion, was fantastic. It's gothic and haunting mixed with love and friendship. A fabulous story of a girl who falls in love with a boy who isn't what he seems. Classic "never judge a book by it's cover" scenario.

Violet lives in a small little town by the sea. She spends her time with her best friend, Freddie and her brother. Her parents are always traveling and it seems that this last trip, they've forgotten they even have children back home. When money gets tight, Violet rents out their guest house to River. A stranger in town. And that's when stuff hits the fan.

“River had never lost his cool, not since I'd know him. That was the thing about River. He was calm. Calm as a summer's day. Calm as a gentle nap in the sun. Even when girls were fainting and men were slitting their throats in front of you.”

River is dark and mysterious. A cool cat. (did i really just say that?) He's essentially a devil in disguise. He befriends Violet, Freddie and Violet's brother. I loved River. He was bad boy to the bone. Devil may care attitude. Everything that makes a girl's heart swoon. Violet adored him. Even after she became wary of what he may really be, she couldn't get enough.

April Genevieve Tucholke's writing style is hypnotic. She shares just enough creepy descriptions to really get your mind rolling. I loved the vintage feel that this story had. Like a quaint, little town that was lost in a time warp. Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea will suck you in and spit you out before you know what hit you. It's disturbing, fascinating, upsetting and witty. I literally paused my life until I was done reading.

From the local legends of mysterious cave men and missing children, to the horrific scenes that play out before your eyes, BtDatDBS is full of everything you could want in a horror story.

“Sunshine, if I ever disappear, please tell people that I ran after the Devil, trying to get my soul back.”

Hands down, one of my favorite reads so far this year. If you can stand a little grit, then I urge you to give Between The Devil in the Deep Blue Sea a read. I'm pretty sure it'll top your list too!

I give Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 5 Hearts!

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Rivals (Skid #2) by Doug Solter

2014-08-08T08:57:00.002-05:00

Title: Rivals (Skid #2)

Author: Doug Solter
Publication date: September 23rd 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Eighteen-year-old Samantha Sutton is back for a new racing season in Formula One. The hot new racing star of Wolert Porsche has everything she wants. An awesome team. An awesome car. And the perfect boy. But her optimism sinks when her boss steals arch-rival Emilio Ronaldo away from Ferrari and makes the sexist jerk her team’s premier driver.

Stressing about Emilio, Samantha struggles with her new public life as a teen sports star. Finding time to be the best girlfriend to Manny proves more and more difficult. It also doesn’t help that Manny’s ex-girlfriend Hanna shows up. The girl who was just released from a mental hospital.

The pressure on Samantha becomes unbearable. Paranoia, mistrust, and jealousy take over. She lashes out at everyone as the world seems determined to bring her down.

Can Samantha rise above it all and win the world championship? Or will this be the end of everything?

ADD THIS TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR!!

Growing up in Oklahoma, Doug Solter began writing screenplays in 1998 and became a 2001 semi-finalist in the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences' Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. His script Father Figure was one of 129 scripts left from 5,489 entries. Doug made the switch to writing young adult novels in 2008. Doug is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Doug respects cats, loves the mountains, and one time walked the streets of Barcelona with a smile on his face.

Check out everything "Doug" here:

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / WEBSITE / TUMBLR / GOOGLE+

I, for one, am excited to continue this series! Rivals looks and sounds awesome. I was given the opportunity to review Skid on my blog a while back and I really enjoyed it. Be sure to check out my review, HERE. Also, Doug has a special little deal going on right now for signing up for his newsletter. If you sign up, you get your pick of an audio book or an ebook of Skid for FREE! So, what are you waiting for?! Sign up for Doug's newsletter HERE.

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SPECIAL BONUS:

Check out this excerpt from Rivals!

“Are you ready to meet your new teammate?” Benito asks.

Not really.

Outside the main garage, the three of us take the little sidewalk that leads to the scenic overlook near the back of the office building. The overlook is this cozy spot with chairs and benches. Lots of Wolert Porsche employees walk over here to have lunch or to take a break from work to stare at the pretty view of the deep valley and the pointy tops of the Alps surrounding it.

A slight breeze runs up the valley and smacks the side of the mountain we’re on. The sun spreads Emilio Ronaldo’s shadow over the molded-stone pavement as he leans against the wood safety rails that prevent people from falling over the steep drop.

I join him along the rail.

Emilio takes a long drag from a cigar, blowing out a large plume of smoke. He tucks his hand inside his sport coat and pulls out another cigar. “Do you smoke?”

“Seriously? You’re offering me a cigar?” I ask.

“They’re very good. Very strong. Grow hair on your chest.” Emilio grins.

Yeah, right. Smoking a cigar is a macho-guy thing. They need it to feel like men. Hmm. I wonder if little-old me is intimidating him again. The same girl who made him flinch during that race at Spa. That would be awesome if I’m getting under his skin.

Emilio slips the cigar back into his coat. “But if you don’t feel adventurous I understand.”

Wait a second. Is he saying I’m too timid? That I can’t handle a cigar just because I’m a girl?

“I’d love a cigar,” I say, acting like it’s no big deal.

Emilio pulls out the cigar. I snatch it and place it in my mouth. The foreign object lays heavy on my tongue and feels like I have a wad of paper stuffed in my mouth.

“You need to cut off the end first.”

“I know that.” I pull the cigar out and notice the round end that isn’t cut off. I bite into that and rip it off with my teeth. I taste flakes of pure tobacco on my tongue and it’s like ash and it’s disgusting and I spit it all over the stones at my feet.

Emilio smiles and holds up some rectangular-looking tool with a round hole in it. “I have a cutter. You don’t have to bite the end off.”

Now I feel like an idiot. Emilio must be enjoying this. Another genius plan to embarrass and humiliate me. Too late to stop now. I hold out the cigar and he cuts off the end. I put the cigar back in my mouth.

Emilio takes out a lighter and flicks. The flame licks the end of my cigar. “You must inhale to draw the flame in and light the tobacco.”

I breathe in and smoke fills my lungs.

Oh My God! I cough hard and bend over, belching smoke from my mouth like a dragon. I feel my eyes watering. A definite sign my body is yelling. What the hell are you doing to me, Samantha?

Enjoying my discomfort, Emilio inhales his cigar, the end of which glows bright red. Like a demon.

I take another drag on the cigar and my lungs belch out the foul smoke again. But I try to stand casual. Like the smoke doesn’t bother me.

“I would like to begin,” Emilio says. “By mentioning that our past grievances should be left in the past. We are both competitors. We both fight to win. But starting today, we will be teammates. Do you understand? When both of us do well, the team does well. The team will always matter more than one driver. I look forward to working with you. Not against you.” Emilio takes a moment for a puff on his cigar. “What is your opinion on that?”

My opinion? Someone actually wants to hear my opinion? It’s a mountain of cow puke. That’s my opinion. This is still my team and Emilio is not going to come in here and take it away. All this crap about team this and team that. It’s only to put a pacifier in my mouth so I won’t complain. Be the good little girl, Samantha. Play nice and get along with the boy who stole your place on the team.

I puff on the cigar and cough. Jeez. That’s what this cigar is. It’s a pacifier. Make baby Samantha shut up.

I take the cigar out of my mouth.

“Is it too strong?” Emilio asks.

This guy can read people crazy-well. He read me like a book right before our final race at Spa. Emilio detects weakness in others like a hawk drifting over a limping sheep, patiently waiting for it to fall over before attacking.

I won’t let him read me ever again.

“I agree. We so got into it last year and it was insane.” I use my sweet girlie voice that fools most guys. “And there were times I actually wanted to kill you. Like that time at your home in Brazil?”

“I remember,” he says. “I mentioned something about how you could never win the world championship.”

“Because I was a woman and didn’t have the killer instinct or something like that.”

Whoa. Easy, Samantha. Don’t lose it. Stay in control. Do not let Emilio beat you.

“Yes. Something like that,” Emilio says, his voice quieter. “You proved me wrong. The way you hunted me those last few laps at Spa. You were ruthless. Unyielding. You chased me down like a cunning animal that had learned patience and the art of intimidation. My observations please you?”

Crap. He caught me smiling.

“It was impressive. We are teammates now so I can mention this. You are not some female racer who shows off her body more than her racing skills. You are quite different.”

If that’s his version of a compliment, I guess I’ll take it.

REVIEW: The Outside by Laura Bickle

2014-07-28T16:03:00.000-05:00

Title: The Outside
Author: Laura Bickle
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
Source: Via Oyster Books

One girl. One road. One chance to save what remains…

After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s up to one Amish girl to save her family, her community, and the boy she loves . . . but what will she be asked to leave behind in return?

ADD THE OUTSIDE TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR

or buy at

AMAZON / KOBO

I didn't think that The Outside could top the first book, The Hallowed Ones but I was wrong. The Outside was full of action, Greek mythology, science fiction & vampire nuns. Yes, you read that correctly. Vampire. Nuns.

Katie, Alex & her English friend, Ginger are shunned from the Amish community and sent into the dangerous Outside. With the hope of locating Alex & Ginger's families, they set out on a journey north. Ginger was also in The Hallowed Ones. She was an older lady who bought puppies from Katie's golden retrievers. She was trapped inside the community when hell broke loose. I loved Ginger. She was like a mother figure to Katie.

The Outside deals with loss, survival & faith. Katie sticks to her guns when it comes to her beliefs and how she was raised. Alex clings more to science and the Greek gods. It's interesting to read the stories and see how they are applied to the situation that they are going through.

The vampires are still blood thirsty monsters. We experience many more in The Outside than the first book. Their journey is not an easy one. Every night brings the threat that they may not see the next morning. A lot of this reminded me of The Walking Dead. Just in the survival/fighting lifestyle that they were leading. A few of the situations that they encounter are touch and go. It would be terrifying in real life!

My favorite scenario is when they camp out inside the department store. It was such a touching/feeling moment. And I loved the survivors they run into along the way but i'm not sure that I'm a fan of the solution that they discovered. It was a strange one but it didn't change how I felt about the story as a whole. It worked. And overall, it was fantastic.

You need these books in your life. Trust me. You will not be sorry.

4 KA-BOOMS!

Review Blitz & Giveaway: A Risk Worth Taking by Heather Hildenbrand

2014-06-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Title: A Risk Worth Taking
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

When 22-year-old Summer Stafford’s parents split halfway through her senior year at college, Summer’s world is rocked. Everything she thought she knew—heck, everything she thought she wanted for her own life—feels like a lie. The truth is love is a risk. And the true kind, the kind that lasts, might even be a fairy tale.

Reeling from the divorce, Summer derails her own future by breaking up with her parent-approved boyfriend and giving up her lifelong plans for a big-city career. She moves back home, business degree in hand. Dad needs her to fill the gaps her mother left behind; Summer needs to find who she is outside of the cookie-cutter life that failed so miserably for her parents.

Ford O’Neal’s future involves one person: himself. He doesn't have a permanent address and he definitely doesn’t commit. To a place or a person. Raised by hippies, he plans just far enough ahead to secure his next stop, this one landing him at a work-study program at Heritage Plantation where he can grow his own herbal and medicinal creations.

Summer is gorgeous and smart and fun to be with, the perfect way to pass five months. It won’t be love—Ford’s got too many things to accomplish, too many places to go, before he settles down. Yet Summer pulls him in, challenging him to rethink his own philosophy.

When Ford’s five months are up, each of them must decide if love is really worth the risk.

ADD A RISK WORTH TAKING TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR

or buy it from:

AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE

A Risk Worth Taking was my first NA book. It was fresh, fun & a bit sassy. I'm really not one for "love stories" but Heather drew me in with this one. It snatched my attention from the get go and I couldn't help but root for Summer & Ford!

Summer wants nothing more than to leave home and enjoy being in the city. But after her mother leaves, she doesn't have much choice but to move back and help out her dad with the business. What she doesn't expect to come home to is a hot new employee. Summer is the best character. She's fun, quirky & seems like someone I could totally relate to. The BFF type. I really enjoyed her character. I can't think of anything about her that turned me off! The hot new employee would be Ford. Delicious Ford. I actually love the name Ford! It's unique and I haven't come across a Ford in any other book so far. He can be a little frustrating at times. He knows he isn't going to be at the farm long and doesn't want to hurt Summer. Which makes sense, but still.. get over it. The whole "I love you but we can't be together" plot just irks me.

The country setting was fantastic. I grew up on a farm. Not nearly as big as this one and ours wasn't a business, but still. It felt like home to me. I instantly grew to love the whole crew. Everyone in A Risk Worth Taking is lovable. While reading you feel as tho you are a part of this big family and it's a joy to follow them on their journey.

You will experience all the emotions with A Risk Worth Taking. Love, abandonment, hate, sadness, ALL THE EMOTIONS. It really is an amazing story of taking chances and living your life to the fullest. We never know what can happen if we just open ourselves up and let our hearts show us where to go.

I HIGHLY recommend A Risk Worth Taking. You will not regret picking this book up. In fact, you will thank me for it. So, you're welcome!

Author of Across the Galaxy, Whisper, and the Dirty Blood series. I write, read, and fuss at my kids. Oh, and I do laundry, lots of laundry. I'm pretty good at it, too. Sometimes I even read WHILE doing laundry - and fussing at my kids. I'm a multi-tasker.

For more information on my books, release dates, or just general stalker material, um, I mean FAN material, visit my website. www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com. I love hearing from readers!

Likes and dislikes? I love vintage tees, hate socks with sandals, and if my house was on fire the one thing I'd grab is my Amazon Fire TV! (oh yeah, I'm a fan of puns.)

WEBSITE // FACEBOOK // TWITTER

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The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

2014-04-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

Title: The Hallowed Ones
Author: Laura Bickle
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Source: Read via Oyster.

Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers can get a taste of the real world. But the real world comes to her in this dystopian tale with a philosophical bent. Rumors of massive unrest on the “Outside” abound. Something murderous is out there. Amish elders make a rule: No one goes outside, and no outsiders come in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man, she can’t leave him to die. She smuggles him into her family’s barn—at what cost to her community? The suspense of this vividly told, truly horrific thriller will keep the pages turning.

GOODREADS // AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE // KOBO

I absolutely loved The Hallowed Ones. Ms. Bickle did an amazing job with this story. It was the perfect blend of horror, gore and God.

Katie is a 16 year old Amish girl. She's happy with her life and her faith in God but she seeks more. She's excited about her upcoming Rumspringa. To experience the Outside world and see what life has to offer. She spends her days with her best friend, Elijah. She knows that he'll be her husband one day but she's focused on enjoying their lives in the present. I loved Katie. I thought that she was the perfect little rebellious Amish girl. She did her chores, respected her parents and cared for her little sister. I don't feel that her rebellions were that bad. She acted on her gut, what she felt in her heart. No one can be disliked for that. Elijah, on the other hand, I did not care for. He just seemed a little to good. He had that, "I'm to high and mighty for this petty stuff" attitude.

Katie defies the Elders of her community by taking in Alex. He's hurt and she can't turn a blind eye to that. I like Alex. I like Alex and Katie together. And I loved how he defended her and took all the blame on himself. Selfless. That's admirable. I can't wait to find out how their relationship progresses in the next book!

That brings us to the vampires. I've always been a vampire fan. I was excited to see them depicted as vicious monsters instead of gorgeous creatures. Vampires are monsters. They should be scary! Ms. Bickle made them scary. From the red, glowing eyes to the blood soaked carnage they left behind them, They were terrifying.

I don't think that I've read anything about the Amish before. It was intriguing. To learn about their lifestyle and their beliefs was just an added bonus to the story. I also really enjoyed Katie's struggle with her faith. It was realistic. We all struggle with our beliefs, especially in times of tragedy. It was something that I loved seeing her work out.

I would recommend The Hallowed Ones to everyone. This has been one of my favorite books that I've read so far this year! I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to dive into the next book!

Infinity Unleashed by Sedona Venez

2014-03-31T14:44:00.000-05:00

Title: Infinity Unleashed (Valkyries: Soaring Raven #2)
Author: Sedona Venez
Publication Date: December 10, 2013
Source: Via the author in exchange for an honest review.

A new adult story of Betrayal. Sex. Addiction. Love. And Power...

Mason's diabolical plan had actually worked.

In a matter of minutes he had kidnapped me, stripping me of everything...money, family, and freedom. It was humbling, depressing, and damn infuriating but I refuse to go down without a fight. I refuse to be defeated.

Boulder will find me. I didn't know how, but I felt it deep in my soul.

Boulder...the one man that made my body quake with just one look. It was madness. There was so much I didn't know about him. For that matter, there was so much that he didn't know about me…like the evil darkness lurking inside me, waiting to be unleashed.

Could he accept me without judging?

That's where most men failed. Accepting the real me. But after years of hardening my heart, and sealing it behind a steel cage, I was ready to give myself to him freely. Knowing, that he planned to take everything I offered with both hands, until all I thought of...and wanted...was him…

GOODREADS // AMAZON // BARNES & NOBLE

Infinity Unleashed is the second book in the Valkyries: Soaring Raven series. If you read my review of the first book, Infinity, then you know I wasn't sold on it. Which means I wasn't excited to continue my reading. I must admit that Infinity Unleashed was much better than the first. Although, I still wouldn't consider myself a fan.

It's pretty action packed from page one. Infinity has been kidnapped by Mason and taken to the tiger-shifter compound. Her memories have been wiped due to being sedated and drugged. She's told that her friends and family are dead. She is to become Mason's mate and rule the tiger-shifter community. Or something, it's all quite confusing.

Boulder is determined to find Infinity. She is his true mate and he will do everything in his power to bring her home safely. I want to like Boulder, I really do. But he is so cave man. My woman. My mate. I protect you. You are mine. I am yours. Blah, blah, blah. The only sexual scene in the whole book is during Boulder and Infinity's mating claiming thing. I swear if I read the words, "I am yours and You are mine" one more time, I was gonna barf. I got it the first time it was said, you don't have to keep reminding me.

The cussing was right on par with the first book. Excessive. I reached the point where in my head, I completely skipped the bad words and the story sounds so much better! So much cussing is not sexy, it's trashy. I think this was the one thing that bothered me the most with Infinity and Infinity Unleashed.

Overall, the story line is fantastic. I really do love it! It's just not fun to read about when it's in such poor taste. I honestly don't think I will be continuing with this series. I still wouldn't recommend these but I also wouldn't say don't read them either. Try them out for yourself! Just because it didn't float my boat, doesn't mean it won't float yours.

*** This is a new adult paranormal novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers. ***

Review copy from the author via Xpresso Book Tours.