Book ♥ Soulmates

Question of the Day 5.18.13

2013-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

I brought the Plinky Question of the Day feature over to Book Soulmates because it was one of my favorite posts to create. It's a great way to get to know you guys better and vice versa. Sometimes the questions will deal with books or reading but, most of the time they won’t. Because, let’s face it, there’s more to us than what we read.

Describe your ultimate theme park ride. Roller Coaster? Water Ride? 3-D Experience?

I'm most definitely a roller coaster lover. I like water rides but, I hate walking around soaking wet afterwards. And I love the idea of 3-D rides but, for some reason they make me nauseous. I think it has to do with being in an enclosed space. Give me a fast and scary rollercoaster with crazy drops that doesn't slam my head in to the headrest while I'm on the damn thing and I'm a very, very happy camper. One of the best examples I can give you is Sheikra at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.

Holy crap what a ride! The drop is so crazy that I lost my scream midway down. It was INTENSE but, the best was that my head didn't bang around like a ping pong ball. Good times!

How about you dear readers? What's your ultimate theme park ride?

New Releases 5.14.13

2013-05-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

YA is dominating this week...and that's about it!

♥ Contemporary Fiction & Chick-Lit ♥

Recipe for Love (The Cupcake Diaries, #2) by Darlene Panzera

♥ Historical Fiction ♥
None

♥ Thriller ♥

Deception Point by Dan Brown

♥ Sci-Fi & High Fantasy ♥

Magician's End (The Chaoswar Saga, #3) by Raymond E. Feist The Tyrant's Law (The Dagger and the Coin, #3) by Daniel Abraham

♥ Urban Fantasy ♥
None

♥ Steampunk ♥

None

♥ Paranormal Romance ♥None

♥ Historical Romance ♥
None

♥ Contemporary Romance ♥

All of My Love by Francis Ray
Eyes Wide Open (The Blackstone Affair, #3) by Raine Miller
Ray of Light (The Days of Redemption #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray Summer in Napa (St. Helena Vineyard, #2) by Marina Adair

♥ Romantic Suspense ♥
None

♥ New Adult ♥
None

♥ YA ♥

School Spirits (School Spirits, #1) by Rachel Hawkins

Never (Lightbringer, #3) by K.D. McEntire

Out Of This Place by Emma Cameron

The Rithmatist (Rithmatist #1) by Brandon SandersonTowering by Alex Flinn

Parallel by Lauren Miller

Golden by Jessi KirbyWinger by Andrew Smith

The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston The Color of Rain by Cori McCarthy

Truth or Dare (Truth or Dare, #1) by Jacqueline Green

Formerly Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham

The Cydonian Pyramid (The Klaatus Diskos, #2) by Pete Hautman
The Rose Throne (The Rose Throne, #1) by Mette Ivie Harrison
Remember Dippy by Shirley Reva Vernick
Firecracker by David Iserson

Happy shopping and happy reading!

Question of the Day 5.11.13

2013-05-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Early bird, or night owl?

*Sigh* I wish I could go with one or the other but, these days it's neither one. I don't like waking up early and unless I'm somewhere where it's extemely inappropriate to fall asleep I have a hard time staying up past midnight. I used to be a total night owl. Unfortunately, those days have come and gone. Getting old sucks.

How about you dear readers? Are you guys early birds or night owls?

Blog Tour: Between These Lines by Jennifer Murgia

2013-05-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

Today, we have author Jennifer Murgia with us to talk about what it’s be like if HER latest book hit the silver screen!

I never told anyone how I felt about her. Not even Evie—not in so many words. And now, I’ll never get the chance to.
When a class assignment brings quiet Chase Mitman and the stunning Evie Cunningham together, a mutual attraction ignites. There’s only one problem—Evie already has a boyfriend—one who practically OWNS Whitley Prep, and her.

Knowing their relationship comes at a price, Chase’s life collides with Evie’s, and after entrusting her with a tragic secret, the last thing he’d ever expect is to learn she keeps a few of her own.

An innocent prank turns ugly. An anonymous note changes everything. And lives at Whitley Prep will never be the same.
From YA author Jennifer Murgia (Angel Star, Lemniscate, The Bliss), comes an emotional story focusing on the social agenda of students at a preparatory high school and the impact it has on their lives. BETWEEN THESE LINES offers a haunting reminder that sometimes the person you think you know the most is the one you know the least—and sometimes, that person is yourself.

Fans of Simone Elkeles and Tammara Webber will appreciate Murgia, who understands that first love is heady and complicated and full of surprises.

Between These Lines: Movie Madness

Isn’t it fun to dream? That’s what authors do 24/7. . .and if we’re lucky, it comes out as a book. But what if we took our dreams a step further and envisioned our characters up on the big screen? Really, if that happened to me, I think I’d faint!

So with smelling salts handy, because you never know what the future may bring, I’m going to pretend my latest YA novel BETWEEN THESE LINES will someday be made into a movie.

Because, yeah, it’s fun to pretend!

So picture this . . . a gorgeous, prestigious private school somewhere in Connecticut.

Ahh . . . Whitley Preparatory. Surrounded by lush green lawn, impeccable architecture and filled with secrets!

The main characters?

Shane Whitley, head of the Debate team, the Headmaster’s spoiled nephew. He’s most likely Harvard-bound but beneath that perfect image is a rotten core. He’s determined to put anyone and everyone in their place, no matter what the cost.

The perfect Shane Whitley? Chase Crawford

Enter the brooding bad boy. The James Dean silent type who sits at the back of the class avoiding everyone. That would be Chase Mitman, the boy with a haunted past.

The perfect Chase would be played by Mike Vogel.

And the perfect Evie Cunningham?

She needs to be ethereal, quiet, contemplative, and longing for something bright and beautiful. Her world has turned upside down until . . . Chase becomes her study partner.

The only actress who LOOKS like Evie to me is Amanda Seyfried.

So that’s my dream cast for BETWEEN THESE LINES!

Oh, and one more thing! Before you leave us, don't forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win some awesome goodies!

Thank you Jennifer for stopping by and telling us about who YOU’D love to see playing your characters and for allowing us to host :)

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blast: Tiger’s Quest by Colleen Houck

2013-05-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest–this time with Ren’s dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger’s Curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGER’S QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them.

Winner of a Parent’s Choice Award!

WHERE YOU CAN BUY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colleen Houck’s New York Times bestselling Tiger’s Curse series has received national praise with the fourth book, Tiger’s Destiny, debuting September 2012. Colleen is a lifelong reader whose literary interests include action, adventure, science fiction, and romance. Formerly a student at the University of Arizona, she has worked as a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter for seventeen years. Colleen lives in Salem, Oregon, with her husband and a huge assortment of plush tigers.

Colleen's Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Art: Up From The Grave (NH-7) by Jeaniene Frost

2013-05-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh!

So the good news: NIGHT HUNTRESS #7 BITCHESSSSSS!

Frakkin' finally! We miss Cat & Bones, like whoa!

And check out the cover! Cat looks HAWT! We wouldn't mind taking a gander at Bones, but maybe he's best left to the imagination...*whispers* the nakey imagination!

"Yeah, well, Bones and I had a couple months of relative quiet. Guess it's time to liven things up again."
~Excerpt from Twice Tempted (Night Prince #2)

And we are so glad that they're ready for more action ;)

There’s always one more grave to dig.

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

And now for the not-so-good news!
Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Avon

New Releases 5.7.13

2013-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

♥ Contemporary Fiction & Chick-Lit ♥

The Cupcake Diaries: Sweet On You by Darlene Panzera
A Step of Faith (Walk Series #4) by Richard Paul Evans

♥ Historical Fiction ♥

Long Live the King by Fay Weldon
Seduction by M.J. Rose
The Barbed Crown (Ethan Gage, #6) by William Dietrich

♥ Sci-Fi & High Fantasy ♥

Reawakened (Once Upon a Time, #1) by Odette Beane
Shadows of Falling Night (Shadowspawn #3) by S.M. Stirling

Guardian (The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, #3) by Jack Campbell
The Tower (Guardians of Destiny, #1) by Jean Johnson

♥ Urban Fantasy ♥

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse, #13) by Charlaine Harris
Dead Man's Deal (The Asylum Tales, #2) by Jocelynn Drake
Alien in the House (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #7) by Gini Koch

Generation V (American Vampire, #1) by M.L. Brennan
The Vanishing Tribe by Alex Archer

♥ Steampunk ♥

Heart of Iron (London Steampunk, #2) by Bec McMaster

♥ Paranormal Romance ♥

Nightbound (Lords of the Darkyn, #3) by Lynn Viehl

Eternal Demon (Mark of the Vampire, #5) by Laura Wright
A Highland Werewolf Wedding (Heart of the Wolf, #11) by Terry Spear
Taken by a Vampire (Vampire Queen, #9) by Joey W. Hill
Hearts of Shadow (Deadglass, #2) by Kira Brady

Undone (The Amoveo Legend, #4) by Sara Humphreys
The Cursed (League of the Black Swan, #1) by Alyssa Day
Guardian (The Protectors, #2) by Nancy Northcott

Running Wild by Joely Skye{M/M}

Keeper of the Shadows (The Keepers: L.A., #3) by Alexandra Sokoloff

♥ Historical Romance ♥

The Devil's Pearl (House of Trent, #0.5) by Jennifer Haymore
Lady Vivian Defies a Duke (Beau Monde #4) by Samantha Grace

♥ Contemporary Romance ♥

Ours To Love (Wicked Lovers, #7) by Shayla Black

Not Quite Mine (Not Quite, #2) by Catherine Bybee
Down London Road (On Dublin Street, #2) by Samantha Young
Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy? by Abigail Sharpe

♥ Romantic Suspense ♥

Sworn to Protect (Sugarland Blue #1) by Jo Davis

♥ New Adult ♥

Hopeless (Hopeless, #1) by Colleen Hoover

♥ YA ♥

Mystic (Soul Seekers, #3) by Alyson Noel
If I Should Die (Revenants, #3) by Amy Plum
Fall of Night (The Morganville Vampires, #14) by Rachel Caine
Icons (Icons, #1) by Margaret Stohl
The 5th Wave (The Fifth Wave, #1) by Rick Yancey

Riptide by Lindsey Scheibe
Fifteen Days Without a Head by Dave Cousins

Happy shopping and happy reading!

Discussion: Boyfriends

2013-05-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

COFFEE TALK
with Isalys and Jen

A few feature we're still tweaking whereby we discuss stuff we have on our minds. Sometimes it might be a vent session. Sometimes it might be a 'squee' session. Hell, sometimes it might even be a ramble session. Whatever it turns into we’ll try to make it one helluva good time.

Today’s topic is:
Real Boyfriends vs. Book Boyfriends

Isalys: Have you guys ever stopped to think about the qualities you love most in your book boyfriends and then realized that they are COMPLETELY different from the things you love about your real boyfriends/husbands?

Think about this! For instance, when it comes to my books I am a total sucker for the Alpha Male. Guys like Bones, Barrons, ALL the Lords of the Underworld...these guys with their 6’5” rippling bodies who grab you by the hair, look you straight in the eye and growl, “you’re mine!”

*melts into puddle of girly goo* What was I saying again? Oh yeah! There’s nothing more delicious than a dominant male...in my BOOKS!

In real life though, not so much. I am not above admitting that I’m kind of an alpha female and that while I love me a good alpha male in books, in real life I’d probably sock ‘em right in the mouth, or junk! In real life, I love a man who is kind, compassionate, gentlemanly, and hilariously funny! I’d certainly be okay with a 6’5” rippling body, but considering that I’m 5’5” and weigh 100 lbs soaking wet, we’d probably look ridiculous, lol.

Jen: I’m totally with you on this one my friend. I love when my book boyfriends are all growly, slightly possessive and mildly intimidating. There’s something about these brooding heroes that make the me in my head want to climb these lads like a tree. They make my knees go weak. I really enjoy watching my heroines face off with these delicious Alphas. Especially when they make the ladies all flustered and throw them off their game.

However, the me in real life would be none too pleased if my real life boyfriend displayed any of the signs I listed above. Slightly possessive?! Yeah right! Him and I would have some serious issues. I wouldn’t do well if he was the slightest bit intimidating either. I love that my real life boyfriend is easygoing. If he had been just an itty bitty bit intimidating I would’ve run for the hills.

Isalys: I married the perfect guy for me who is all of the things I listed above and not a gigantor! Luckily, I also have my MANY book boyfriends to satisfy my other boyish tastes. And what’s my motto, ladies? (If you guys really know me you should know this ;)

“A Book Slut is the safest kind of slut to be!”

I really should get this on a t-shirt already!

Jen: Another type of book boyfriend that I love to read about but would definitely not dig in real life is the elusive bad boy. We all know the type ladies. Dark good looks, edgy, rough around the edges and exudes that air of danger. He’s also the guy who is a little bit cocky, probably slightly arrogant and who either drives the heroine crazy which leads her to seek him out and/or who completely dismisses our heroine which leads her to seek him out. The me in my head is all like, ‘RAWR! You can run by you can’t hide!’ The me in real life wouldn’t touch that guy with a ten foot pole. Been there, done that and absolutely not the least bit interested.

Isalys: Indeed! Also good BOOK boyfriend material; not actual boyfriend material. Example, Victoria Scott's The Collector. All who have read this book know exactly what a "bad boy" looks like, and he looks like Dante Walker. He epitomizes the bad boy with his rugged good looks, I-am-untouchable attitude, arrogance and money in spades, etc. Yet bring one of these bad boys home? My dad would have flipped his shit and locked me up! lol

Now it's your turn! Tell us about your favorite book boyfriend and if they're anything at all like the real men in your lives!

Blast: The Infernal Detective by Kirsten Weiss

2013-05-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

When Riga Hayworth finds a dead body in her bedroom a week before her wedding, it’s par for the course. When the corpse drives off with her fiancée… That’s a problem.

Riga knows dead. More intimately than she’d like. So when a murdered photographer gets up and walks away, she’s believes there’s necromancy afoot. And when she discovers that several of her wedding guests are under the influence of dark magic, she’s certain. But how can she catch a killer and stop a necromancer when even her nearest and dearest are lying to her?

The Infernal Detective is a fast-paced, paranormal mystery, where nothing is quite as it seems, and magic lies just beyond the veil.

WATCH THE TRAILER

THE INFERNAL DETECTIVE, the fourth book in the Riga Hayworth series, published by misterio press, will be available on Amazon May 21, 2013.

To promote the novel, the author created an alternate reality game – a virtual “novella” in the world of The Infernal Detective. The Infernal Detective video book trailer is the gateway to the game, which leads players through character blogs and a Pinterest board.

Hidden in the text are links to stories within stories, and a scavenger hunt for a “junk oracle.” The first fifty players to solve the game and report in to the author will receive an advance electronic copy of The Infernal Detective for Kindle, Nook, or Kobo.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kirsten Weiss is the author of the Riga Hayworth series of paranormal mysteries:
the urban fantasy, The Metaphysical Detective, The Alchemical Detective, and The Shamanic Detective.

Kirsten worked overseas for nearly fourteen years, in the fringes of the former USSR and deep in the Afghan war zone. Her experiences abroad not only gave her glimpses into the darker side of human nature, but also sparked an interest in the effects of mysticism and mythology, and how both are woven into our daily lives.

Now based in San Mateo, CA, she writes paranormal mysteries, blending her experiences and imagination to create a vivid world of magic and mayhem.

Kirsten has never met a dessert she didn’t like, and her guilty pleasures are watching Ghost Whisperer reruns and drinking good wine.

Kirsten's Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

1 Winner will receive
1 - Infernal Detective T-Shirt in the size they prefer
1 - Infernal Detective Charm

Shipping in US Only, No PO Boxes. Must be 13+ To Enter

Note: This giveaway is completely separate from the scavenger hunt mentioned above. You need not complete it to enter for this awesome prize from the author!

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Question of the Day 5.4.2013

2013-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

What's the one habit you'd change about yourself, if you could simply flick a switch and have it happen?

Before I launch into my ramble I just wanted to say that we're in friggin' May already. May people! Where did January, February, March and April go?!?! *sigh*

Anywhoozle, I think the one habit I'd change with the flip of a switch would be my aversion to exercise. I do it when I know I have to but, it's not something that I naturally want to do of my own free will. What can I say? On the inside I'm the female version of Homer Simpson. Give me a comfy couch and a doughnut and I'm a happy camper. Hopefully that will slowly start to change this year. *crosses fingers*

How about you? What one habit would you change if you all it took was flipping a switch?

Random Acts of Kindness: May Sign-up #RAK

2013-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

{Please click on the RAK button above to be re-directed to our Book Soulmates Store on Amazon. You can find all your favorite titles there and add them to your shopping cart.}

Since it is our blogaversary month, we decided to have a little extra fun this month. We are giving away (1) hardcover copy of Scarlet by Marissa Meyer to one of our lovely RAK participants. The ONLY requirement is that you sign-up for this month's RAK, and of course that you complete the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COMPLETE RULES RE-CAP:
Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

Easy peezy!!

Links you will need:

Sign up for May 2013 [HERE]
See who else is participating [HERE]
If you have any questions regarding RAK, please contact us via the following:
rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com

Tips:

1. When talking about RAK on Twitter, please use the hashtag: #RAK. It makes it much easier to keep track of the conversations, answer questions and/or tweet back! =)

2. When submitting your wish list, please make sure that it is set to PUBLIC viewing. Some people have had trouble with wish lists that were set to private. We want to be sure that no one is left out of getting great RAKs.

3. Some of you have gotten frustrated because you can't get your links to appear active. This is a very easy fix :) Just make sure that when you enter your link, do NOT hit the Enter key. Instead, hit the TAB key which will send you to the next field on the form. Additional spaces entered after the link will leave the link inactive. However, if this does happen to you, no worries, we'll fix it for you.

Blast: Have No Shame by Melissa Foster

2013-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

The racially-charged prejudice of the deep South forces eighteen-year-old Alison Tillman to confront societal norms—and her own beliefs—when she discovers the body of a hate crime victim, and the specter of forbidden love turns her safe, comfortable world upside down.Alison has called Forrest Town, Arkansas home for the past eighteen years. Her mother’s Blue Bonnet meetings, her father toiling night and day on the family farm, and the division of life between the whites and the blacks are all Alison knows. The winter of 1967, just a few months before marrying her high school sweetheart, Alison finds the body of a black man floating in the river, and she begins to view her existence with new perspective. The oppression and hate of the south, the ugliness she once was able to avert her eyes from, now demands her attention.
When a secretive friendship with a young black man takes an unexpected romantic turn, Alison is forced to choose between her predetermined future, and the dangerous path that her heart yearns for.

HAVE NO SHAME is an emotionally compelling coming of age novel featuring a young woman who cannot reconcile the life she wants with the one she’s been brought up to live.Have No Shame will resonate with anyone who has ever fallen in love, and those who have been forced to choose between what they know in their hearts to be true, and what others would like them to believe.

PRAISE FOR

“A gripping and poignant novel dealing with a subject once taboo in American society.”
~Hagerstown Magazine

“Have No Shame is a powerful testimony to love and the progressive, logical evolution of social consciousness, with an outcome that readers will find engrossing, unexpected, and ultimately eye-opening.” ~Midwest Book Review

“A historical novel of love and its triumph, told with a unique and compelling voice.”
~Bestselling Author Kathleen Shoop

“Have No Shame is a delightful eye opener and a rather poignant book that everyone everywhere should put on their must-read list.”
~Readers’ Favorite

“A dynamic and heartwarming tale of young love, giving testament to those who struggled so we can live in an integrated society.” ~Author Rachelle Ayala

“…a stunningly impactful read.”
~Rabid Reader Reviews

“A book that brings the evilness of racial bigotry to light, through the eyes of one awakening to its reality.” ~Cindy Smith, avid reader

“[HAVE NO SHAME] Perfectly catches the South at the dawning of the Civil Rights Movement. Melissa Foster takes us on an adventure that twists and turns unpredictably to a tense climax that renders this novel a true page-turner. This is undoubtedly the best novel I have read in a long time.” ~Roderick Craig Low, Author of ‘Promises of Love and Good Behaviour’

“This book is not just a story; it’s an experience.”
~Author G.E. Johnson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Facebook | FB Fanpage | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

GIVEAWAY

1 Winner will receive a gift bag full of goodies, including:
-Snacks
- Signed copy of CHASING AMANDA
- Signed copy of COME BACK TO ME
- Signed Copy of MEGAN’S WAY
- 1 Pink Journal

Shipping in US Only, No PO Boxes. Must be 13+ To Enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Releases 4.30.13

2013-04-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

♥ Contemporary Fiction & Chick-Lit ♥

None

♥ Historical Fiction ♥

None

♥ Mystery / Suspense / Thriller ♥

The Tooth Tattoo by Peter Lovesey

Poppet by Mo Hayder

The Devil in Her Way: A Novel by Bill Loehfelm

Plugged by Eoin Colfer

♥ Sci-Fi & High Fantasy ♥

None

♥ Urban Fantasy ♥

Oath Bound (Unbound, #3) by Rachel Vincent

Dark Days (Black London, #6) by Caitlin Kittredge

Rogue Descendant (Nikki Glass, #3) by Jenna Black

♥ Steampunk ♥

Bronze Gods (Apparatus Infernum, #1) by A.A. Aguirre

♥ Paranormal Romance ♥

Wicked as She Wants (Blud, #2) by Delilah S. Dawson

Born of Fury (The League, #7) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

One for the Wicked (Dark Mission, #5) by Karina Cooper

Moon (New Species, #10) by Laurann Dohner *rawr cover*

♥ Historical Romance ♥

The Prince's Bride (The Royal Trilogy, #3) by Julianne MacLean

What a Lady Needs (The Redgraves, #2) by Kasey Michaels

A Passion for Pleasure (Daring Hearts, #2) by Nina Rowan

Lord of Wicked Intentions (The Lost Lords of Pembrook, #3) by Lorraine Heath

♥ Contemporary Romance ♥

Half Moon Hill by Toni Blake

Barefoot in the Sun by Roxanne St. Claire

Roses in Moonlight (MacLeod, #13) by Lynn Kurland

Wind Chime Point (Ocean Breeze, #2) by Sherryl Woods

Beneath the Secrets Part 3 (Tall, Dark & Deadly, #3.3) by Lisa Renee Jones

The Rocker That Savors Me (The Rocker, #2) by Terri Anne Browning

♥ Romantic Suspense ♥

Headed for Trouble (Troubleshooters #16.5) by Suzanne Brockmann

Midnight Secrets (Wildfire, #1) by Ella Grace

Against the Edge (The Raines of Wind Canyon, #8) by Kat Martin

♥ New Adult ♥

This Girl (Slammed, #3) by Colleen Hoover

♥ YA ♥

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden, #2) by Julie Kagawa

Forbidden Feast (Eternal Dead, #3) by Joelle Sterling

The Program (The Program, #1) by Suzanne Young

Breathless (Elemental, #2.5) by Brigid Kemmerer

Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy, #2) by Wendy Higgins

Anthem for Jackson Dawes by Celia Bryce

Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise

The Loop by Shandy Lawson

Absent by Katie Williams

The Ward by Jordana Frankel

Rumor Central by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Happy shopping and happy reading!

#BSMPhotoADay is back in May!

2013-04-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

We are so happy that the #BSMPhotoADay challenge that we hosted on Instagram back in March was such a huge success! In fact, we decided to bring it back for the month of May. I'm sure you all noticed that we skipped April. We actually decided to do that simply because we thought it best to spread it out a bit. It also gave us some time to work on the list for May as well as some other, themed-challenges we plan on revealing this Summer :)

Reminders

We will be conducting this challenge on Instagram, but you're welcome to join via Twitter. Just tag your photos: #BSMPhotoADay.
The Book Soulmates account on Instagram (http://instagram.com/booksoulmates) will be run by the both of us. Photos uploaded by Isalys will be tagged to "@Slimmy415" and photos uploaded by Vanessa will be tagged to "@VaneBookChick". Jen, our new associate blogger, will likely join us as well so her photos will be tagged @notnowimreading. Those are our personal accounts and a way to identify who uploaded which pic.

If you decide to join us, which we sincerely hope you do, please don't forget to tag us so we can see all the awesome pictures and follow you back (if we don't already)!

Have fun and see you on Instagram...or Twitter!

Jen's Mini Review: Outpost by Ann Aguirre

2013-04-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Outpost (Razorland #2)
Author: Ann Aguirre
Publication: September 4, 2012 by Feiwel & Friends
Pages: Hardcover, 320 pages
Reviewed by: Jen D.
Reason for Reading: Because book 1 was amazeballs!

DEUCE'S WHOLE WORLD HAS CHANGED SINCE READERS FIRST MET HER IN ENCLAVE.

Now living topside in a community called Salvation, she has a whole new set of problems. Down below, she was considered an adult, and she contributed to the enclave. Now, above ground, she's viewed as a brat in need of training by the people of Salvation. She doesn't fit in with the other girls: She hates cooking, sewing, and school. Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven't changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce pursues a chance to serve in the summer patrols–those responsible for making sure the growers and planters can work the fields without danger of Freak attack. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks are smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn the tide.

Hello lovely readers. For my next mini review I've decided to go with book two in Ann Aguirre's Razorland Series. Something tells me you're not surprised by this. *wink* So before I begin, I just want to state that I'm going to try my best to keep this mini-review spoiler free. I am not fan of spoilers because it takes something away from my reading experience so I definitely don't want to spoil anything for you guys.

Anywhoozle, Outpost picks up where Enclave left off. Our group arrives at Salvation a little worse for wear. In the safety provided by Salvation's wooden walls, our characters recoup and try to adjust to a new way of life. You'd think this would make for a slow start, but Ms. Aguirre does an excellent job of bringing to light Deuce's (and to a certain extent the rest of the group's) struggles dealing with small town life and the roles that are defined for men and women (which are much different than the one's Deuce is used to). Frustrated with her situation, she seeks out a way to contribute to the town.

Luckily, for her and the town, she earns a spot on the summer patrol and puts her special skill set to excellent use. Certain events happen while Deuce is out in the field that leads to a domino effect of all hell breaking loose. Essentially what happens is the first half of the book takes you on an emotional and sometimes painful journey of self-discovery while the second half of the book renders you paralyzed from its intensity. Ann finishes book two with an interesting twist that has me beside myself with anticipation for book three. If you haven't picked this series up yet, I highly recommend you do it as soon as possible. You won't be disappointed!

Blast: Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Four months after Ben disappeared through the portal to his home universe, Janelle believes she’ll never see him again. Her world is still devastated, but life is finally starting to resume some kind of normalcy. Until Interverse Agent Taylor Barclay shows up. Somebody from an alternate universe is running a human trafficking ring, kidnapping people and selling them on different Earths—and Ben is the prime suspect. Now his family has been imprisoned and will be executed if Ben doesn’t turn himself over within five days.

And when Janelle learns that someone she cares about—someone from her own world—has become one of the missing, she knows that she has to help Barclay, regardless of the danger. Now Janelle has five days to track down the real culprit. Five days to locate the missing people before they’re lost forever. Five days to reunite with the boy who stole her heart. But as the clues begin to add up, Janelle realizes that she’s in way over her head—and that she may not have known Ben as well as she thought. Can she uncover the truth before everyone she cares about is killed?

WHERE YOU CAN BUY

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Elizabeth Norris briefly taught high school English and history before trading the southern California beaches and sunshine for Manhattan's recent snowpocalyptic winter.

She harbors dangerous addictions to guacamole, red velvet cupcakes, sushi, and Argo Tea, fortunately not all together.

Her first novel, UNRAVELING (Balzer+Bray, April 2012), is the story of one girl’s fight to save her family, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.

Google + | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

GIVEAWAY

1 Winner will receive a Signed Copy of Unbreakable & Swag
(Bookmark, Sticker, Poster & Magnet) by Elizabeth Norris.

2 Winners will receive a Swag (Bookmark, Sticker, Poster & Magnet) by Elizabeth Norris.

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New Releases 4.29.13

2013-04-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

♥ Contemporary Fiction & Chick-Lit ♥
None

♥ Historical Fiction ♥

None

♥ Mystery / Suspense / Thriller ♥

The Hit (Will Robie #2) by David Baldacci

♥ Sci-Fi & High Fantasy ♥

None

♥ Urban Fantasy ♥

Tempest (MetaWars, #3) by Kelly Meding
Hot Blooded (Jessica McClain, #2) by Amanda Carlson
Diana's Hound (Bloodhound's #4) by Moira Rogers

♥ Steampunk ♥
None

♥ Paranormal Romance ♥

Her Warriors' Three Wishes (Dante's Circle, #2) by Carrie Ann Ryan

♥ Historical Romance ♥

The Marrying Season (St. Dwynwen, #3) by Candace Camp
The Mystery Woman (Ladies of Lantern Street #2) by Amanda Quick

♥ Contemporary Romance ♥

Difference a Day Makes, The (Perfect, Indiana, #2) by Barbara Longley

♥ Romantic Suspense ♥
None

♥ New Adult ♥

Crush (Crash, #3) by Nicole Williams
Twisted Perfection (Perfection #1) by Abbi Glines

♥ YA ♥

Chosen at Nightfall (Shadow Falls, #5) by C.C. Hunter
Angel Fever (Angel, #3) by L.A. Weatherly
Quintana of Charyn (Lumatere Chronicles, #3) by Melina Marchetta
Unbreakable (Unraveling, #2) by Elizabeth Norris
Darkness, Kindled (Fire Spirits, #4) by Samantha Young

The Elite (The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass
The Rules (Project Paper Doll, #1) by Stacey Kade
Natural Born Angel (Immortal City, #2) by Scott Speer
Darius & Twig by Walter Dean Myers
How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer

The Silver Dream: An Interworld Novel by Michael Reaves, Neil Gaiman, Mallory Reaves
Exile (Mercy, #2) by Rebecca Lim
Manicpixiedreamgirl by Tom Leveen
The Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher

Happy shopping and happy reading!

Review: Never Seduce A Scot by Maya Banks

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Never Seduce A Scot (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #1)
Author: Maya Banks
Expected publication: September 25, 2012 by Ballantine Books
Reviewed by: Isalys
Reason for Reading: I purchased this book because I was in the mood for some romance ;)

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

Strolling through the aisles of Barnes & Noble, I had walked by these books dozens of times but my unfamiliarity with Maya Banks' work made me drag my feet on buying one. It was at the recommendation of Amanda from On A Book Bender that finally convinced me to bite the bullet and start one of Maya's Highlander Series. Thank you, Amanda! I could not put this book down...quite literally!

The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, the two most powerful clans in the Highlands, have been at war with each other for generations. King Alexander is tired of his two greatest allies always being at odds so he commands that the young Montgomery Laird marry the only daughter of the Armstrong Laird. If they do not agree to this betrothal, then there will be hell to pay. With no choice but to obey, Graeme Montgomery rides into enemy territory to claim his bride.

Graeme was strong, commanding, understanding, and practical. Although he wasn't pleased by the king's command, he understood the importance of following orders in order to protect his people and he did so with an open mind. He believed the rumors of Eveline Armstrong's instability to be true, yet upon meeting her he was greeted by a beautiful woman who was far more keen than she was given credit for.

I simply loved Eveline! Gentle, kind, resourceful, determined, and fiercely protective, she is the ideal heroine. After suffering from a nearly fatal riding accident, she used her disability (deafness brought on by the accident) as a way to escape marriage to a cruel man from the neighboring McHugh clan. Unfortunately, in doing so, her family began to think that she had injured her mind and was now daft or "not quite all there". After several years, she was content to accept a simple, quiet life with her family...until she met Graeme Montgomery.

There was an almost instant connection between Graeme and Eveline. Not quite love at first sight, but definitely acceptance at first sight. Despite their families' bitterness, they both sought to make the best of bad situation.

Graeme and Eveline faced two challenges. The first was getting the Montgomery Clan to accept Eveline as their new mistress. This was no easy task. Eveline nearly worked herself to death in an attempt to fit in and she accepted the ridicule with aplomb. Graeme tried to be patient and understanding of his clan's animosity toward her, but when he learned of all that they put her through he felt that he had no choice but to threaten them. He would not allow his people to punish an innocent woman. I loved this about Graeme! I wanted to be right there with him, yelling at his people for their abusive behavior. His goodness showed in everything he did.

The other challenge was Ian McHugh. Eveline thought she escaped him, but Ian decided that he was not done with her yet and used her to gain the upper hand and be "top dog" in the highlands. I don't want to say anymore about what happens because it was a turning point for not just Graeme and Eveline's relationship but also the relationship between the Montgomerys and Armstrongs.

There were a couple of details that were unclear, but frankly, I loved the romance so much that it overshadowed the necessity for the missing information. The romance moved along at a good pace and by the time they declared their love, I had a huge, dopey smile on my face.

"I love you, Eveline," he whispered, though he knew she could not hear him. "Somehow, I'll make you hear me and you'll know that I love you as fiercely as it's possible for a man to love a woman."

You better bet your plaid that I'll be getting my hands on "Highlander Most Wanted", which is the story between on Graeme's brother, Bowen and a lass named Genevieve.

Question of the Day 4.20.13

2013-04-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

We cry for lots of reasons: sadness, pain, fear . . . and happiness. When was the last time you shed tears of joy?

The last time I cried tears of joy was during my friend's wedding. Her and her husband wrote their own vows and as they read them you could feel the love that they have for one another. It was such a beautiful moment to be a part of. While her husband recited his part he got a little choked up and that brought on the water works. It wasn't a full on ugly cry or anything but tears were definitely shed.

How about you? When was the last time you shed tears of joy?

Ally Condie Book News!

2013-04-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Ally Condie, author of the amazingly awesome Matched Trilogy has just announced she’s writing two new books! They’re for a completely different series BUT I’m sure they’ll be just as addicting as her Matched series. Check out what she had to say:
[Source]

The first of the two books won’t be out until Fall 2014, so there is a little while left to wait, but I am having SO MUCH FUN writing this book. Here’s a bit from the press release (edited a little because I am the biggest spoiler-phobe in the world):

Ally Condie, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Matched trilogy, to publish two new novels with Penguin Young Readers Group

New York, NY – March 11, 2013 – Ally Condie, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Matched trilogy, will publish two new novels with Dutton Children’s Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, it was announced today. The first book, scheduled for publication in fall 2014, tells the story of Rio, who has waited her whole life for the opportunity to leave her safe, underwater city of Atlantia for life on the surface. But when her life takes an unexpected twist and Rio must remain below, she is left with increasingly dangerous questions about the complex political and religious system constructed to govern the fragile divide between land and sea.

Woot woot! We’re doing the happy dance!

We met Ally in an author event and she is just the sweetest!

Check her out:

Review: Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

2013-04-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Gabriel’s Inferno (Book #1)
Author: Sylvain Reynard
Published: April 4, 2011 by Omnific Publishing
Genre: New Adult
Reviewed by: Vanessa
Reason for reading: Pleasure :D

Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption. When the sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide. An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love and redemption, "Gabriel's Inferno" is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man's escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible...forgiveness and love.

I’ve sort of been on the fence with the rating on this one. On the one hand I enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. On the other hand, there were a few things that either pissed me off or had me screaming “Just screw already!” and “Ok ok, I get it. You know Italian history. Enough!"

Gabriel Emerson (The first main character):
The good: He is HOT and SEXY! He really knows how to seduce a woman and keep her wanting more. Although he’s pretty rude throughout the first half of the book, he reels you back in by getting sweeter toward the end and definitely wanting to “please” his woman.
The bad: He’s a rude, obnoxious, and a pretentious asshole (Of course! God forbid there’s a hot and sexy nice guy as the main character. *Please note the sarcasm*). He definitely has demons in his closet and because of them, he’s rude and insensitive and treats people like dirt. I absolutely hated how he would treat Julia sometimes. For example, when he says “Look at me when I’m talking to you” or when he would get jealous at the one guy friend she had (who by the way treated her nicely and was never touchy-feely with her).

Julia Mitchell (The second main character):
The good: She’s a sweet, naïve but intelligent virgin who’s still waiting for her prince charming (literally). She met Gabriel one night and had an instant connection with him. Unfortunately, she never saw or heard from him again until years later when she ends up in the class he’s teaching. I love that she’s super sweet and believes in kindness.
The bad: I felt like screaming "Wake up girl! Stand up for yourself! Stop being a damn victim!" Boy did she irritate me sometimes! There’s a fine line between being sweet and kind, and being a push-over. Just sayin’.

Overall, although it irritated me a bit, I still enjoyed it and really wanted them to end up together. He does win my heart in the end. I also enjoyed how detailed the author was. You can tell he (yes, he. The author is a man) is really well versed in Italian history.

I give this book a 4 :)

FYI:

This is who I picture as Professor Emerson. You’re welcome.

Movie Trailer: Romeo and Juliet

2013-04-17T13:30:00.000-04:00

Ok. Is it just me, or does it seem like this year there are some pretty awesome movies coming out for us book lovers?!
via Youtube Channel ‘MovieClipsComingSoon’ --

Romeo and Juliet are "star crossed lovers". When two enemy families meet, forbidden love ensues. A William Shakespeare classic.

I have to admit. I felt like saying ‘Duh’ after reading that description but I still had to share it since it’s part of the movie lol.
Who else is excited about this awesomeness?!

Movie News: Catching Fire Trailer + Pics

2013-04-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

via Youtube channel ‘TheHungerGamesMovie’

Wow! Can we say goose bumps?! We are EXTREMELY excited about this movie! We’re thinking of getting together for the premiere for an awesomely fun girl’s night. How about you guys?

Coming to theaters November 22nd, 2013...
Watch the trailer and experience the phenomenon like never before, only at the Hunger Games Explorer! - http://www.theHungerGamesExplorer.com

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE is directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE opens on November 22, 2013.

Lionsgate Presents; A Color Force/Lionsgate Production

And…. for your viewing pleasure… movie stills from Catching Fire!

New Releases 04.16.13

2013-04-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

♥ Contemporary Fiction & Chick-Lit ♥

None

♥ Historical Fiction ♥

None

♥ Mystery / Suspense / Thriller ♥

Taking Eve (Eve Duncan # 13) by Iris Johansen

A Man Without Breath by Philip Kerr

Pale Horses (Jade de Jong, #4) by Jassy Mackenzie

Midnight Sacrifice by Melinda Leigh

♥ Sci-Fi & High Fantasy ♥

Fyre (Septimus Heap, #7) by Angie Sage

Promise of Blood (The Powder Mage, #1) by Brian McClellan

♥ Urban Fantasy ♥

Shifting Selves (Elements, #2) by Mia Marshall

♥ Steampunk ♥

None

♥ Paranormal Romance ♥

Lone Wolf (Shifters Unbound #4.6) by Jennifer Ashley

Wicked Cravings (The Phoenix Pack, #2) by Suzanne Wright

Burning Ice (Werewolf Sentinels #6) by Marisa Chenery {eBook}

Mark of the Bear (Hades' Carnival, #2) by N.J. Walters {eBook}

♥ Historical Romance ♥

None

♥ Contemporary Romance ♥

Stranded with a Billionaire by Jessica Clare

King Cobra (Hot Rods, #1) by Jayne Rylon

After Hours by Cara McKenna

♥ Romantic Suspense ♥

None

♥ New Adult ♥

Gravity Happens (Forcing Gravity #2) by Monica Alexander

Off Limits (Off Series, #2) by Sawyer Bennett

♥ YA ♥

What Really Happened in Peru (The Bane Chronicles, #1) by Cassandra Clare & Sarah Rees Brennan

Dead Silence (The Body Finder, #4) by Kimberly Derting

True (Elixir, #3) by Hilary Duff

Game (Jasper Dent, #2) by Barry Lyga

Taken (Taken, #1) by Erin Bowman

Unbelievable (Port Fare, #2) by Sherry Gammon

The Grass Is Always Greener (Belles, #3) by Jen Calonita

Domination (C.H.A.O.S., #3) by Jon S. Lewis

Nobody's Secret by Michaela MacColl

Furious by Jill Wolfson

The Milk of Birds by Sylvia Whitman

The Symptoms of My Insanity by Mindy Raf {April 18th}

Happy shopping and happy reading!

Review: Immortal Eclipse by Sherry Soule

2013-04-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Immortal Eclipse
Author: Sherry Soule
Expected publication: April 30,2013 by Moonlight Publishing, Inc.
Reviewed by: Isalys
Reason for Reading: ARC of e-book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

A devoted fashionata and practical New Yorker, Skylar Blackwell doesn’t believe in the supernatural—until she inherits Summerwind Mansion. . . .

When her uncle is brutally murdered, and the cops seem uninterested in following up the case, Skylar journeys to California to seek answers. Her search for clues is soon overshadowed by haunting nightmares of a young woman also murdered in the house.

Now the inhabitants of Summerwind are mysteriously dying, leaving no evidence as to how or why, and Skylar finds herself in a deadly race against time to expose the killer—before they strike again.

The problem is . . . whoever it is may not be human.

Armed with only wit and Pradas, Skylar begins questioning the servants, but the growing list of suspects includes the sexy and brooding caretaker, Dorian, a man desperately trying to forget his tragic past. And a major distraction for Skylar.

Determined to play detective—instead of the fashion police—and unravel the dark history of the mansion, Skylar is plunged into an otherworldly mystery that not even she can explain away. As the boundaries between reality and dreams blur, Skylar’s greatest challenge is to stay alive long enough to learn the truth.

I have been turning the book over in my head for days. I have rambled to friends about what I loved, liked and disliked. I have so many thoughts and opinions that I feel like my head is going to burst in a spray of confetti letters.

This is probably one of the most difficult reviews I've had to write in a while because there is more that I liked than disliked, yet the two things that I feel fell short are important enough that they're keeping the story from reaching its full potential.

In Immortal Eclipse, we meet Skylar who recently inherited her uncle's estate after his untimely demise. One of the stipulations in her uncle's will is that she must live on the property for a period of 30 days before she can claim any money. She is not convinced that her uncle died of natural causes and because her life in New York is at a standstill, she decides to move into the estate in California and wait it out until she can claim her inheritance.

Upon arriving at the estate, Skylar immediately learns that she is not welcome there. With the exception of the brooding but deliciously sexy caretaker, the kind cook, and nervous maid, the rest of the staff is cold, unfriendly and suspicious. Soon after, the spooky begins! Apparitions, weird dreams and murders plague Skylar and the staff at Summerwind. Skylar is now determined to figure out why the people of Summerwind are dying and to try not to end up dead herself.

Without giving too much away, author Sherry Soule has taken the most interesting elements of Dorian Gray and Dark Shadows along with the gothic, haunting feel of The Woman In Black and created her own creepy and interesting tale.

Hands down, the thing I loved most is the setting and atmosphere. It was so easy to get lost in the world that Sherry created. I could easily envision myself roaming the halls of the old, haunted mansion and getting spooked by chanting, ghostly apparitions and flickering lights. I also absolutely love ghost stories and I was fascinated by the backstory of how the property came to be haunted. The scenes where Skylar encountered the ghost were action-packed and had me at the edge of my seat. The ending was particularly thrilling!

The murder mystery was also well done. All the while that Skylar is trying to get to know the staff and hiding from a vengeful ghost, she's also trying to understand how and why the people of Summerwind are being picked off. Was it Colonel Mustard in the Library with the rope or perhaps Mrs. Peacock in the Conservatory with the knife?

The first thing, or rather the who, I had the most trouble with is the main character. Skylar is materialistic and shallow which I can accept if only because she knows this. However, her need to mention the brand of everything she put on became too much. I also felt that Skylar was inconsistent and dense at times. Her maturity fluctuated between that of a teenager and her true age of 25. The middle of the story felt slow and I blame that on the main character. Sherry left us enough breadcrumbs throughout that as a reader you can begin solving the mystery. Yet it felt like Skylar wasn't quite catching up at the same rate. I found it troubling that I was ahead of the main character. I oftentimes felt myself wanting to shake her and yell "open your eyes, woman!"

I really liked the secondary characters. They were diverse, interesting, complex, cruel, kind, demented, and sexy. Don't misunderstand me, I did not dislike Skylar but because this story is told in first person present, it was a bit disconcerting that I found the secondary characters more interesting than she was.

The other thing that was 'meh' for me was the romantic element. This story is set up as a New Adult, but I feel that if Sherry had gone "adult" with it, it would have allowed her to really explore the romance as it ought to have been. Dorian's (the aforementioned brooding but deliciously sexy caretaker) secret and painful past make him a perfect tortured hero. Their attraction to one another and their sexual tension is nearly palpable yet they only danced around it and it never came to a completion.

As it stands, I feel like this story would make a better movie! The haunted setting, mystery and plot would translate beautifully to film. I do feel that Sherry shows great promise, though! If she were to take the romance up a notch or two and give Skylar a bit more polishing, this could really be a GREAT spooky story!