Novels On The Run

BOOK REVIEW - FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT by DARYNDA JONES - CHARLEY DAVIDSON # 1

2012-02-29T13:25:00.000+11:00

By : Darynda Jones
Published By : Piatkus, St. Martin's Press
Released : Available Now
Details : Paperback , 310 Pages

RATING : 4.25 SMEXI REYES STARS!!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper .

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.
This is a thrilling debut novel from an exciting newcomer to the world of paranormal romantic suspense.
Private investigator Charlotte Davidson was born with three things: looks; a healthy respect for the male anatomy; and the rather odd job title of grim reaper. Since the age of five, she has been helping the departed solve the mysteries of their deaths so they can cross over. Thus, when three lawyers from the same law firm are murdered, they come to her to find their killer.

In the meantime, Charley's dealing with a being more powerful - and definitely sexier - than any spectre she's ever come across before. With the help of a pain-in-the-ass skip tracer, a dead pubescent gangbanger named Angel, and a lifetime supply of sarcasm, Charley sets out to solve the highest profile case of the year and discovers that dodging bullets isn't nearly as dangerous as falling in love.

BOOK REVIEW:

Well wasn’t this read a whole lot of fun, with some uber smexi dreams thrown in, a mystery to solve, and a grim reaper who is almost a ghost whisperer type character. I didn’t ‘feel’ that whole grim reaper thing currently suits Charley’s character description. In further books, maybe, but this one made her appear more of a ghost whisperer, even though we were reminded she is a grim reaper. Well, put it this way, she isn’t the grim reaper you have in your mind.

Darynda has some wonderful snarky, fun dialogue for Charley. I really enjoyed this as she is a character who is always getting a bit of a beating from somebody, but she just dusts herself off and limps and winces herself through the book.

Enter a couple of guys who are very easy on the eye that make this book interesting. Reyes Alexander Farrow has some mystery around his character, he is our uber smexi and a bit naughty *waggles eyesbrows* lad and we also have Mr Cranky Pants, Garrett Swopes. There is something there with Garrett and his crankiness with Charley. Me thinks he is crushing.

Charley and her Uncle Bob aka Ubie work cases together, Uncle Bob getting all the credit as how do you explain that a ghost told you who killed them.

Charley is a bright light to ghosts and when she has helped them, they go through her and Bob’s your Uncle, you go upstairs or downstairs...yes I know that was bad of me, but it kinda fit..ha!

Charley tries to go about her day as a Private Investigator mixed with helping out the APD, Albuquerque Police Department, but ghosts keep popping up for one reason or another. Her father is retired from the Police force and has a bar. Charley has a stepmother who she does not get along with. It’s kind of an odd relationship she has with her father considering how Charley feels about her stepmother. Uncle Bob is more of the male influence in her life, watching out for her.

There is a great little mystery which introduces us to some great sub characters, alive and dead. Angel , Cookie, Amber and Rocket.

I did laugh cause once I named my boobies, when I was younger * red faced*, I don’t feel so silly now as Charley named hers......and her ovaries. I will let you find their names out for yourself. I think the ovaries are funnier..hehe!!!

This was a wonderful start to a series by a debut author. By the time you get to the end, you feel like a lot is going to change in book 2.

OOOo!! Because things have gone up a considerable sized notch.

Michelle

BLOG TOUR # 4 - BOOK REVIEW & EXCERPT - SUPERNATURALLY KISSED by STACEY KENNEDY - FROSTBITE # 1

2012-02-27T17:05:00.009+11:00

By: Stacey Kennedy
Published By : Ellora's Cave
Released : Available Now
Details : Ebook, 133 Pages

RATING: 4.25 KIPP & ZACH STARS!!!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

Ghosts harass and annoy Tess to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice. Kipp, a former cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five-year-old cold case of Hannah Reid’s disappearance, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever, or find the killer.

BOOK REVIEW:

Kipp, one hot, hot, cop who happens to be a ghost and a ghost whisperer type character, Tess, make for a great read.

Kipp talks dirty and he knows how to get Tess’s attention. How long can she hold out ignoring him. Sometimes it’s easier on Tess if she ignores the ghosts needing somebody to lend an ear. But, this hunk of a man/ghost will not let up until Tess gives him her attention. One way or the other Kipp is going to get Tess’s attention....

.....and he does.

Enter Zach, now colour me purple but if he isn’t as dishy as Kipp and totally one hundred percent alive. Zach and Kipp live/lived together, both cops worked the ‘cold cases’.

This is how Kipp wound up dead.

I loved the boys down at the station all having to be convinced that Tess wasn’t some pretty looney. Once everybody is on board they are all in trying to solve the five year old case of Hannah’s death.

This is the who - done - it?, part. I did admittedly work out that part, but my mind is all up in the air about Kipp. I have a good theory, but time will tell.

The smexy moments between Kipp and Tess make for some ...errr...creative thinking * fans oneself*.

I enjoyed this read and look forward to more in the series. Stacey leaves the ending open, there is more to learn about Kipp.

I really like Kipp and Zach’s characters. They are great guys. Tess is a wonderful character, who gets along well with the guys and has a good heart.

Stacey really lets you inside Kipp’s head and how it would feel emotionally to be a ghost. There is that little mystery left about Kipp, which I do have a theory on, but, I’ll have to read book two to find out.

FAVE QUOTES:

He sighed. “Why did we have to meet now?” He said it as more of a statement than something I needed to answer, so I kept quiet. “When you look at me like you are right now, I’d believe I was already in heaven.”

Kipp stared at me , dead serious. “if it meant it brought me you, then yes, I’m glad I died.”

http://youtu.be/2QvknfQ1oDo BOOK TRAILER

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW BLOG TOUR DATES

NOTE:

The excerpt below is a little steamy in parts, so if you are under the steamy age limit, please avert your eyes as this is an adult book = adult excerpt.

EXCERPT FROM SUPERNATURALLY KISSED

An icy wisp of air swept in behind me, causing my heel to twist as I stumbled. To the other pedestrians striding along the downtown Memphis street, the sensation would be brushed off as a cold breeze.

They were wrong. A spirit lingered here.

“Can you hear me?”

From the intrigue rolling in his voice, he hadn’t expected me to acknowledge him. Shit! I’d already given myself away. A mistake I’d rectify.

Without hesitation, I righted my stance and strode forward with purpose, forcing myself to remain deaf to the voice. If I ignored ghosts long enough, they moved on and searched out someone else who held the same irritating ability, whom I had yet to meet.

Much to my annoyance, the ghost stayed right on my heels and his presence remained strong behind me. The cold air at my back remained a contrast to the warm morning air in front of me. Every hair on my neck stood up and goose bumps pimpled a trail along my skin. If only I could rub them away, but I didn’t dare. Ignoring him would make him go away.

“You can hear me, can’t you?” the ghost asked again.

Spirits were typically harmless, but annoying. I’m dead, what’s going on, why am I a ghost—yada, yada, yada. I quickened my steps and made my way down Peabody Place in hopes he’d leave me alone.

“Wait.”

He sounded desperate, which meant a big headache for me. If I hadn’t worn my damn slingbacks, I would’ve tried to run and hide. But the three-inch Manolos and the tight, tailored gray skirt restrained my movements.

I passed Miss Polly’s Soul Food Café, and the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs drifted along the air. My empty stomach complained. My only thought after I woke had been caffeine. Now I wished I’d grabbed a muffin with my latté at Starbucks. With ten minutes to get to my desk, I couldn’t worry about such things.

My boss, Event Manager Dylan Cobb, would hand me my ass if I stepped into the office a minute late. Sadly, there’d never been a day I didn’t cater to his every need.
I approached Beale Street and sighed in relief, relishing the warmth surrounding me. Not only from the sun above—the spirit’s cold presence at my back had vanished. Pleased my dodge of him had worked, I took a sip of my energy in a cup and smiled. Coffee’s fantastic, the ghost is gone—life is good.

Another block passed under my heels before I reached the historical red-brick building. Randall Marketing, written in black block letters, decorated the striped green-and-white awning.

I opened the door to the office and strode in, greeted by a bubbly voice. “Good morning, Tess.”

“Mornin’.”

“Give me a moment here.” Doris shuffled paperwork around her desk, her auburn curls bouncing on her shoulders. The receptionist had always been messy, yet somehow organized. “There were a few messages on the voicemail for you.” She raised her head and held out the pink slips of paper. “A lovely day today, is it not?”

“Sure is.” So I lied. The ghost hadn’t kicked off my day on a high note. Not as if I’d tell her about my interaction with spirits. My ability to converse with spirits remained on a need-to-know basis, and as far as it concerned me, no one needed to know. I grabbed the messages from her hand. “Did your weekend treat you good?”

“I spent the entire weekend knee-deep in my garden.” Her cocoa-colored eyes lit up. “My best year ever, I’m hoping. You’ll have to come out and have a look-see.”

“I’d love to.” Doris treasured her gardens, so I tried to appear interested, even though my green thumb looked black.

Her smile brightened, but when the phone rang, she waved a goodbye and answered the call. “It’s another beautiful day here at Randall Marketing, how may I direct your call?”

Leaving her behind, I strode down the hall toward my office and sipped my coffee. The warmth slid down my throat and provided an immediate rush to my energy levels. At the third door on the right, I entered my bleak workspace with its pale-blue walls, closed the door behind me and approached the desk. I dropped down into the black leather chair and flipped through the messages. None were urgent enough to worry about now.

I powered up my computer, but a knock at the door had me glancing up. Before I got a word out, the door swished open and I cringed, fully aware of the looming trouble.
Caley, the officer manager and my best friend since the age of four, looked like a typical Barbie. Perfect skin, long flowing blonde hair and a body men drooled over. I might have been jealous of her perfection since I couldn’t pull off her looks even with a makeover—so maybe a little envious—but her appearance had always been a front. She was the devil in disguise.

She scowled, shutting the door behind her with a slam. “Do you mind explaining where you were all weekend?”

“At home.” I batted my lashes. “Why? Did you try to call me?”

She pointed her finger, narrowing her eyes at me. “Don’t you try that shit on me. I called you all weekend and your phone went straight to voicemail.”

“Hmm…” I pretended to ponder. “The battery must have died.” She had enough gall to just come over, but the little hint had been a subtle way of telling Caley to leave me alone.

“Liar.” She plopped down in the seat across from my desk. “Where were you? I wanted to go out.”
“Nowhere. Honestly, I vegged on the couch.”

Caley snorted. “You lead such an exciting life.”

My mouth parted to offer a snappy retort, but a cold wisp of air brushed across my skin, causing my lips to snap shut. Damn! I thought I’d got rid of him.
“Hello.” Caley snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Leave the aliens behind and return to Mother Earth.”

I blinked, trying to force my attention back to her, yet failing. The ghost knelt right beside Caley—not kneeling, of course; more like floating, since ghosts were never able to obtain physical contact with the world around them—and my focus held strong on him, unable to stop myself from ogling. He stared intently, with one crystal-blue eye, while the other was a chocolate color. His strong jaw, the muscles clenching along his cheeks, all spoke of power. But as he ran his hand through his untidy sandy-colored hair, his expression showed playfulness. His black tank top left his arms exposed and muscles upon muscles layered those arms.

“Anyways,” she said, dragging my gaze back to her. “I had to go out with Susanne because you left me high and dry.”

I laughed. Caley’s horny, twenty-year-old stepsister had the body that men chased after. “You did have the option to stay home, you know.”

Her eyes widened. “On a Saturday night?”
“Yeah, you know, get some popcorn, watch a movie and relax.”

She frowned. “If you don’t stop your grandma behavior, your va-jay-jay is going to shrivel up and die.”

The ghost chuckled.
His smooth laugh hit me like a cup of warm cocoa, causing my insides to melt. Nothing amused me. First off, Caley had been so wrong—maybe a little right—but I’d never admit to her accuracy aloud. Second, reacting in such a heated way to a ghost definitely didn’t hit my to-do list today.
“Excuse me.” I spoke not only to Caley, but also to the irritating ghost. “My va-jay-jay is just fine.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear you’ve still got some spunk.” She stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Because we’ve got a double date tonight.”

“A what?” Dear God!

She grinned from ear to ear. “Yes, my dearest Grammy, we’re going out.”

“With who?”

“Two guys I met on Saturday night. You’re coming with me, either willingly or unwillingly, so suck up your hesitations, babe, because saying no isn’t an option.”
“But it’s a Monday night.” Not saying a date didn’t sound like fun. A month had passed since my last attempt at dating—which failed miserably—but a man Caley chose while drunk? No thanks. My sex life might have been as dead as the sexy ghost in front of me, but I’d still search for a way out. “I have to work tomorrow.”

She wagged her finger in classic Caley fashion. “You’re a grandma.”

Most times, I respected her persistent personality. She never backed down, always dreamed big and went for the gold, but her grit hadn’t been all rays of sunshine. Her determination made her annoyingly tenacious. I had to agree or she’d never give up, and getting her out of my office sounded all too good. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”
“Oh, stop looking so pissy. We’ll have fun. Promise. I’ll come to your place at eight.” She opened the door, glanced over her shoulder and winked. “Leave the granny panties at home.”

* * * * *

The day came and went. My head pounded, not because my boss had been as demanding as any two-year-old, which he did often, but because the ghost hadn’t shut up. The past hours, even after I returned home to get ready for tonight,he’d tried his best to gain my attention. Good thing I’m great at tuning people—ghosts—out, or I would’ve caved after hour two.

“I’m not leaving until you admit you can hear me,” the ghost said.
With a flick of my shag-cut brown hair—that actually didn’t give me any trouble tonight—to dismiss him, I strode next to Caley, heading back toward the downtown core. Dressed in my low-riding, dark wash jeans and blue plaid three-quarter-length-sleeve top, tied to leave my midriff exposed, at least I looked half decent while I suffered through the embarrassing blind date.

The ghost’s tone came a little louder and more abrupt. “Dammit, woman! Will you stop ignoring me? It’s annoying.”

I’m annoying him? I nearly laughed at the ridiculous notion, but did not intend to give myself away. I’d held strong for nine hours. Soon, he’d catch the drift and piss off.
Caley knocked my arm. “Will you stop looking so tight assed?”

I glanced away from the sidewalk and smiled at her. “My ass is tight.” Okay, not eighteen-year-old tight, but only twenty-five now, I worked hard to keep things tight.

She chuckled. “You’re…”

“Damn right, you do, sweet cheeks,” the ghost said.

Caley stopped dead in her tracks, which caused me to stumble. “What’s got you blushing?”

I righted my stance, raised my hand to my face and, to my horror, my cheeks were warm. “I’m not blushing. I I I’m hot.”

“Unless you somehow turned into a lesbian and have fallen for your best friend,you’re acting weird.”

“I do love you.” At her widened eyes, I laughed. “But I don’t want you in the sack. Seriously, I’m just hot.”

The ghost’s voice deepened. “Ah, a way to grab your attention, I see.”

The little purr hanging off his tone made my stomach flip-flop. Clearly, I craved some attention and needed to get some in a bad way if I reacted in such a heated way to a non-living person.

I shoved the ridiculous reaction away and focused back on Caley, falling into stride with her. “Who’s the guy I’m hooking up with tonight?”

“He’s just your type.” She wiggled her brows. “You’re going to thank me later.”
“What do you mean my type?” I liked men, all types of them, and I’d never confine my options into a little box. Caley had apparently taped the box shut and shipped the package.

“He’s a pro baseball player and is home visiting his family for a couple days.”
“A pro, huh?” Maybe I had fooled myself into believing I didn’t have a type, because hearing baseball player made my interest rise. Images of skintight white pants and a scrumptious ass filled my mind.

“Yeah, he’s got the looks too.” She nudged her shoulder into mine. “And the money.”
“Women,” the ghost muttered.

I ignored the ghost like the ghost he was, turned onto Beale Street and Coyote Ugly Saloon appeared. A line of people outside meant an hour of waiting. Not as if I thought we’d have to wait. I had Caley with me, after all.

She snatched up my hand, yanking me forward, and hurried her steps. “Brandon,” she called out.
Two men turned toward her, and evidently, Caley knew my type better than I did, since either of the men would have fallen into the fantasy category.
“I’m so glad y’all came,” Brandon said.

Caley gave one of her pageant smiles. “We’re glad you asked us to come.”

“You must be Tess.”

I glanced toward hunk number two. He held the typical all-American look—brown hair, blue-eyed, charming smile, and with his dimple, I suspected he could woo his way into anyone’s bed. Maybe even mine if he played his cards right tonight.
“I’m Trent.”

“Nice to meet you.” I ogled his trim body and handsome face and caught sight of the big white D on his navy-blue hat. “You play for Detroit?”

He nodded. “Both Brandon and I do. We were lucky enough to get a little time off to see the family.”

“Figures, Detroit sucks,” the ghost said.

I smiled, keeping my focus on Trent, ignoring the annoyingly sexy voice by my ear.
“Come on, let’s go get a drink.” Caley wrapped her arm in Brandon’s and approached the bouncer. If one good thing came from her charismatic pushy attitude, she’d always been quite the social butterfly. No one, including me, ever said no to her.
“Did you grow up here in Memphis?” I asked Trent.

“Born and raised.”

Seemed as if he wanted to say more, but Caley interrupted with her typical impatient yell. “Come on, y’all.”

I glanced over my shoulder to find her waving her hands. “We’ve been summoned.”
Trent chuckled.

I strode past the irritated crowd, who didn’t have a Caley in their group to push their way through. Entering the bar, loud country music, accompanied by hoots and hollers, rang out around me. The stench of sweat made my nose crinkle. Caley pointed to a table across the way and I maneuvered through the partygoers, following her.
At the table, Trent held out a stool and gestured for me to sit. He sure played his cards right to a royal flush. I slid onto the stool, and he asked, “What’s your drink?”

“A cold beer sounds great.”

He winked. “My kind of lady.”

The boys headed to the bar. I glanced over at Caley, who bounced up and down on her seat in excitement. “I did good, right?”

I nodded, not at all ashamed to give her props for her choice. “He’s not only sexy as sin, but a gentleman too. You did great.”

The ghost snorted.

I’d forgotten all about him and had hoped he wouldn’t follow me into the bar. Nothing would ruin my excitement now. A long time had passed since I’d met anyone worth meeting. The ghost wouldn’t put a damper on my fun.

Within minutes, Trent and Brandon returned to the table with four beers in hand. I claimed a bottle, took a long sip and sighed in happiness. After the day I had, the beer comforted me. The alcohol refreshed the senses, revived the mood and removed the tension sitting heavy on my shoulders.

Trent grinned. “Looks like you needed a drink.”

I licked the dribble of beer from my lips. “I’ve been craving a beer all day long.” I set the bottle onto the table. “So, tell me, what’s it like to play baseball as a pro?”

I’ve never regretted saying words more in my life. One question led to a twenty-minute conversation I wished I’d never instigated. Caley, the traitor, had vanished onto the dance floor with Brandon, which left me with the pompous stud.

“I’ve grown as a player…” Trent went on.

“This guy is a fucking joke,” the ghost said.

I almost turned my head to nod, but of course refrained. I continued to listen to Trent’s words without truly hearing what he had to say. I merely muttered “yeah” or “cool” when appropriate.
“If I were him, I would’ve skipped the conversation all together and had you back in my bed the moment I laid eyes on you.”

He did not just say that! My stomach leapt up into my throat and my body warmed in places that shouldn’t from a ghost. He’d only said words—not used soft touches to entice me—but the way his voice carried into my soul, the effect had been similar to sweet caresses. “The coach has been pleased…”
The ghost’s tone dropped an octave. “I wouldn’t have wasted the time with small talk. I would’ve used my mouth to learn my way around your luscious curves and used your responses to tell me about the woman you are.”

I squirmed on the stool in an attempt to ignore the soft purr of his voice sending shivers down my spine. I even leaned in further toward Trent and tried to concentrate on his boring conversation.

“After I tasted your sweet skin and saw your desperation for more, I would kiss your mouth until your lips were rosy and swollen. I’d deepen the kiss by tangling my fingers through your hair and holding you close to feel all of me.”

I gulped, crossed my legs and squeezed them tight. He’s a ghost! Nothing that involved him should arouse me. But the pulse between my thighs declared he held the power to make me undone.

“I’d kiss my way along your jaw while I lowered my hand to trail along your stomach. Then I would seek to discover all those little places that make you squirm.”
He ran his finger from below my ear all the way to my nape. His touch forced my eyes closed. A cold shiver danced along my skin to leave goose bumps in its wake. Wild sensations stole my logical mind. My will to ignore him plummeted.

“Tess,” Caley shouted.

I opened my eyes, and after taking a moment to focus, I discovered not only Caley staring at me, but Trent and Brandon too.

She frowned. “What’s wrong with you?”

I shook my head and released the breath stuck in my throat, which came out in a slow wisp of air. “Nothing—I’m fine.”

“I’d lower myself between those luscious legs of yours, tempting you and teasing you. I’d stare into those pretty green eyes of yours until they widened in pleasure.”
“You’re not fine,” Caley retorted. “Your face is bright red.”

“I’d wait until your hips arched toward me and begged me to take you. Then, and only then, would I give you what you desire.”

I grabbed my beer, took a big swig and a couple more. All eyes stared at me with blatant confusion. Part of me wanted to move away, while the other needed to hear more.

“Ah, Tess,” Caley whispered. “Seriously, are you okay?”

I paid my obvious inappropriate behavior no attention. The fantasy the ghost built in my mind needed to have a conclusion. “Yes. Yes. I’m good.”

“I would thrust against you, demanding you react to my intentions. You’d scream out and I would echo the sound with a moan of my own, as I used all my strength to satisfy you.”

Caley chuckled nervously.
I gripped the edge of the table in front of me and held on tight.
“You’d come into your orgasm because I’d leave you with no other choice. But I wouldn’t stop there.” He ran his finger along my exposed lower back and the coldness against my hot skin made me shiver. “Without giving you the chance to recover, I’d flip you over on your knees,” his tone dipped lower, “and fuck you senseless.”
I shot up from my seat, which caused the stool to slam back into the person behind me, who swore in return. “I have to go.”
Caley nodded. “Ah yeah, I think you do.”
Without another word—or a goodbye to the living men or the dead one who had got me all hot and bothered—I bolted from the bar and ran so hard my calves burned, reminding me of the three-inch heels strapped to my feet.

The ghost didn’t follow me and nothing pleased me more. I needed some space, time to return to reality or to pleasure the need out of me—either would do.

Within only a few minutes, I arrived at my condominium, which appeared more like an old textile factory, but inside were renovated modern apartments. The arousal burning inside me hadn’t vanished. The wetness between my thighs was a constant reminder of the ghost’s words.

I ran up the stairs while I took my keys out from my back pocket. At the thick mahogany wooden door, I raised my key pass to the scanner, grabbed the chrome door handle and swung it open.

Just three doors down, I opened the door to my condo before slamming it closed behind me. I didn’t bother to lock the door and did the only thing I thought of now. I sprinted to the bedroom, stripped out of my clothes and finished the fantasy the ghost had built in my mind.

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.
Stacey welcomes comments from readers.

You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com

BUY LINK:

SUPERNATURALLY KISSED

ENJOY!!

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - WINTER'S SHADOW by M.J. HEARLE - WINTER SAGA # 1

2012-02-27T14:13:00.000+11:00

By: M.J. Hearle
Published By : Pan Macmillan
Released : Available Now
Details : Paperback, 424 Pages

RATING : 5 MYSTERIOUS BLAKE STARS!!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

Blake Duchamp...

He's all that Winter Adams can think of. Ever since their fateful meeting at Pilgrim's Lament. Ever since he looked at her with those emerald eyes. Ever since he saved her life.

But Blake isn't all that he seems. There is a strangeness about him, something dark and otherworldly. Something dangerous. In his attic is a secret he would kill to defend, but Winter seems to have a special ability to make him forget his duty. And he is her only protection against the gathering darkness.

The only problem is, to protect Winter, Blake must risk exposing her to an even greater danger.

Himself.

BOOK REVIEW:

When I was reading Winter’s Shadow, I actually stopped for a pause and threw my arms in the air and yelled , ‘Hallelujah’....why? M J has brought something wonderfully refreshing to the YA genre, he has been very clever and thought up a new type of paranormal being and he keeps you guessing. There are different aspects of other paranormal characters that he has drawn on and moulded his own.

Blake Duchamp’s character is mysterious, haunting, a little dark/Gothicish, a little frightening. You feel how much he needs to keep his distance from Winter, yet he can’t. There is this ‘thing’ that starts between them at ‘Pilgrim’s Lament’. This ‘thing’ simmers under the surface between them for a lot of the book. It is no surprise they fall in love.

As the reader, I was very curious about Blake and felt very drawn to his character. I was racking my brain trying to figure out what he was. M J is very good at keeping that a secret, keeping us very intrigued to know more. The pages just kept turning, the mystery surrounding Blake ever present.

The story is told mainly in the NOW , but we go back in time to understand more of M J’s characters, their history. I loved this.

M J knows how to write a female lead, flawlessly. Winter Adams has no annoying traits. She is not a clone. She beats to her own drum. I love her mode of transport, Jessie. She uses ‘old school’ 35mm film, rather than digital. She has this retro feel about her character. She knows how to handle people very well, including her sister, Lucy. Harry the newspaper geek, although an annoying guy, Winter knew how to be the better person around him. I liked that. It’s no surprise that somebody like Blake came into her life as she isn’t the type of girl to go for the Jock type guy.

Then there are the cats. Lots of cats.........

I really enjoyed the sub characters and the ‘skivers’. They were important to the storyline. With Sam’s character description, I always knew he wasn’t just going to be the new dude at school. His description led me to believe that he was going to play an important role in the book. Not just eye candy.

DUE FOR RELEASE
MAY 1ST 2012

The story escalates to quite a climatic end that was quite emotional and I can’t wait for Winter’s Light to see where M J will take me. I hope Winter gets a new Nikon. I have my Minolta ‘old school’ and I love it.

I came a tad late to this party, and I am so glad I made it, after all late is fashionable. I highly recommend this wonderful male Aussie author.

If you know my reviews I don’t hand out 5 stars, easily, this is a wonderfully entertaining 5 star YA read that will keep you guessing.

FAVE QUOTE:

‘Why would you ever choose to die?’

‘Because a life with no end, loses meaning. Death defines life. One day, I hope to find a good reason to die.’

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - WOLFSBANE by ANDREA CREMER - NIGHTSHADE # 2

2012-02-26T21:04:00.000+11:00

By: Andrea Cremer

Published By : Atom, Hachette
Released : Available Now
Details: Paperback, 390 Pages

RATING : 4.5 REN, SHAY & CONNOR STARS!!!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended.Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered.

But then the Searchers make her an offer,one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack and the man she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

BOOK REVIEW:

‘Nightshade’ left me rather confused about Ren and Shay. What I mean was my personal feelings towards who is my Team guy. NOW, Andrea has added Connor. I love Connor, he is so playful, yet ready to act when called upon. I know he isn’t for Calla, but I think he is rather a gorgeous character.

Wolfsbane, was a lot different to what I was expecting. Andrea takes the reader behind the scenes with the ENEMY, the Searchers. The Guardians are led to believe the Searchers are the enemy in Nightshade. We discover in Wolfsbane that the Keepers have been telling a bag full of porky pies. All is SO not what it seemed. I really enjoyed meeting the different Searcher characters. Me thinks cranky Ethan may be ogling a certain somebody.

Andrea certainly flipped the storyline for us and opened up all these wonderful new places she can take us.

We don’t get a lot of Ren, which was kind of sad, but the storyline was presented to us in a way that he didn’t fit into a lot of the book. Shay was in the forefront in this book. I would like Shay, and then sometimes I did wonder about some of the things that came out of his mouth. He definitely knows he has competition with Ren and Calla’s feelings for him.

I know readers have a concern with Andrea’s wolves shifting back to human with their clothes intact, but I do get it. This is more a magic thing. Not a werewolf, Twilight style wolf. They are shifters and it’s a magical thing. Not a bone crunching, cracking, painful thing. More a I dream of Jeannie style blink, and you are a wolf, blink and you are a human. Well, without the blink, ha!

Hehe! There would have been some red faces the amount of times Calla did her shifting if she was in the nuddy. Imagine that girl having a supply of clothes handy. Guys can do with a lot less. We are talking bras, knickers......put the bra on take the bra off...like seriously, who needs that.

I loved the new characters and sub characters Andrea has brought in. The more the merrier I say. There is more a magical feel now to Andrea’s Nightshade series. Visually this series now would make great movies. Wolfsbane had a lot more visually interesting scenes and a bit of snarky thrown in.

Oh and that ending.........Calla, Calla, Calla, you better have a bag full of excuses ready for that one.... considering.

This book is a great introduction into the Searchers life, throw in some snarky, witty dialogue, love, lust , magic, loss, heartache, bravery, discovery, action and I am still confused about where I stand with Ren and Shay. My heart says Ren, but I just don’t know. I may end up settling with Connor, he seems a lot less intense and although he is hiding his own pain, he seems the less complicated choice at the moment.

Trust me things are going to be complicated with this triangle of love in Bloodrose.

I shall get my hands on Treachery , the novella before I head on over to Bloodrose shortly. Oh the tangled web we weave.......

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - THE DARKENING DREAM by ANDY GAVIN

2012-02-25T23:30:00.003+11:00

By : Andy Gavin
Published By : Mascherato Publishing
Released : 25th December 2011
Details : Paperback, 382 Pages

RATING : 4.75 Dark, Engaging Stars!!

Thankyou to Andy Gavin for his book to review.

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

The Darkening Dream is the chilling new dark fantasy novel by Andy Gavin, creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter.

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.

1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.

With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal?

No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be herself.

BOOK REVIEW:

The Darkening Dream takes place mainly in Salem, Massachusetts 1913 over a five week period. This book has its dark, sinister, bone crunching, creepy moments and it has its lighter kiss stealing moments.

Andy uses religion, as a force to be reckoned with. There is a horn and it is a very important horn, it could bring the world to its knees in the wrong hands. It needs to stay hidden and under the protection that only few know of its where-abouts.

The demon loving warlock, Pastor Parris and his side kick, Betty and Al Nasir the bone snapping ( I actually felt some of those), flesh tearing, frightening vampire, are working in cahoots, along with Al’s henchmen, to locate the horn, by whatever means necessary.

Sarah Engelmann has dreams or visions. I like Sarah she is an enormously intelligent girl who has lessons with her Rabbi father, Joseph. She reads and speaks languages that are old. You feel early in the book that she is special.

The twins Sam and Anne are Sarah’s life time friends. Sam is just waking up to Sarah no longer being the little girl he played with, he is seeing more. He also now has competition.

Enter Alex Palaogos, the handsome Greek immigrant who along with the mysterious Dmitri and his grandfather, Constantine, have arrived in Salem to settle down.

The four teenagers, Sarah, Alex, Sam and Anne are drawn into dangerous situations as they try to save Emily, Sam and Anne’s little sister and learn more about the evil that is surrounding them.

We as the reader are seeing the story through the eyes of several characters. Andy moves us in and out of their head with the use of short chapters. Pastor Parris is one of the creepier characters. He really enjoys the wrong side of the track.

I enjoyed Andy’s tale filled with various religions, magic, darkness, death, gruesome murders and vampires you should be afraid of, the non sparkling variety.

Andy is light on the romance, not for Alex trying, and packs a punch with the ending. I can only assume there will be a book 2.

If you are after a dark ( there will be blood), intelligent, paranormal read that does not play nice with its characters, who are weaving their way, by whatever means, to get to the horn to covet it for its power or to keep it safe, then this is the book for you.

Who can you really trust?

Good will take on evil and it will come at a price, it always does.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - CURSING ATHENA by LISA SANCHEZ - ORDER OF SEVEN # 1 - NOVELLA

2012-02-25T23:15:00.000+11:00

By : Lisa Sanchez
Published By:
Released : March 6th 2012
Details : Ebook, 49 Pages

RATING : 4.25 TIDY TY STARS!!!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

For Danika, the only thing worse than going commando while wearing a fugly, silver bodysuit, was dealing with her deadbeat, ex-husband James. Catcalls, unwanted groping and lecherous stares weren’t really her cup of tea either, but she’d endure all of it and more if her new job serving cocktails at Masquerade meant ridding herself of his mountain of debt. It was just a job, after all, and what choice did she have with James' creditors breathing down her neck? What she didn't bargain for, however, was falling heels-over-head in lust with a two-hundred-plus pound, shape-shifting immortal from Ancient Greece.

On a mission to take down a parasitic demon, Ty doesn't have time for distraction. Not even when that distraction could prove to be his possible lifemate in the form of sweet, innocent, yet sexy-as-hell Danika. But when the leech he’s hunting goes after the cocktail waitress, all bets are off. Unable to resist her siren call any longer, Ty surrenders himself to Danika, body and soul, treating them both to a night they'll never forget.

BOOK REVIEW:

If you like Gena Showalter’s, Lords of the Underworld series and Black Dagger Brotherhood style of man, then I think you are going to like Lisa’s new series.

This tasty novella sized entree into this series was a great read. Although only 49 pages long, I could have kept reading more about Tydeus aka Ty. This little novella is told primarily over one night and we quickly become connected to Ty and Danika’s characters. I hope Mason pops up in future reads, he seems a hoot.

Danika is doing what she needs to do to get by. It doesn’t mean she is easy. Enter Ty and two worlds collide, BAM!

Lisa always throws in her witty dialogue when she writes and this little novella is no exception. I am already looking forward to the next full length book in this series. I would love this teaser into the series to be written into a full length book, to slow the uber uber speed dating down.

This little snack was very tasty, I now want the whole meal.

Michelle

INTERVIEW & INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY WITH FEATHER STONE AUTHOR OF THE GUARDIAN'S WILDCHILD - BLOG TOUR # 3

2012-02-23T22:06:00.009+11:00

INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY

I would like to welcome Feather Stone to Novels On The Run and thank her for taking the time to answer some questions.
Michelle: I just want to say that I am truly loving this book. I love that it is set in the future and it has a really great meaning behind the book. It does frighten you a bit to realise that something natural could have such a disasterous impact on our planet in the future and then on top of that, politically, humans could also further the damage in the future having an impact of a different nature, all leading to a dark future. I am loving Samura Waterhouse and Sidney is such a great character. I love the spiritual/Guardian aspect and how you have the mystery of Joy’s death, the Admiral who just quietly needs a ‘stinky dead fish slap’ from me and you are weaving these characters altogether. Sam is rather smokin’ hot.

Feather: Oh, those words are music to my ears, Michelle. When I hear someone enjoyed The Guardian’s Wildchild, I know that last ten years were worth the effort.
You liked Sam, eh? He’s a challenge but could be worth it. I had a thing for Danik. Still do!

Michelle : I think Danik deserves his own book...hint!!
Michelle : This story mainly takes place on the USS Nonnah. Have you previous knowledge of ships or did you start from scratch and do the research?

Feather: A writer is advised to ‘write what you know.’ But this advice went unheeded when I received the inspiration to write The Guardian’s Wildchild.
Both my husband and I have cruised extensively so I know about pleasure ships. I did interview people who had served on naval ships during war and peace time. I managed to create a way of using the military service information blended in with a cruise ship. It was a bit of a leap but I could envision the military taking over civilian assets in time of a crises.

Michelle : The ships destination is Acapulco. Is there a reason you chose this destination. I mean like a spiritual reason?

Feather: In taming our country’s land, we have buried its soul under concrete and technology. Thankfully, we have not plundered and uprooted everything on our planet. Places in Mexico and South America still carry the seed of their past, unspoiled.
A few years ago I travelled from Cancun to the Maya ruins in Mexico. Our bus stopped at an old town. As I stepped off the bus, I wondered if I had been in a time warp. The people and the landscape appeared from centuries past. In an odd way, the town felt more real and alive than the artificial world I live in. Memories of struggles, legends, wars, romance, family lineage, and pride was as evident in the Mexican faces as fiercely as it had for the previous thousands of generations.
Any place that remains untouched, unspoiled retains the spirit of the creator. There is a force in these places that is palpable. I think it frightens most of us because we know that we are at the mercy of something we don’t understand. We have simply forgotten our connection with spirit and become overwhelmed with its power in these sacred places.

Michelle: You have formed a world for the reader that is heading towards a dark place in its future. Do you have a fear of this yourself? We have lost masses of people to tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, disease on a smaller scale to your Quake of 2020.

Feather: Okay, I’m going to get on my soap box here!
In our romance novels authors are skilled in creating a romantic atmosphere which invariably leads to intimacy and sex. There is nothing romantic about the results of irresponsible sex - a starving child, a man in prison, a woman on the streets because the parents were ill-equipped to be role models and provide a future for their children.
I’m not sure what is more alarming – the rate of human population growth, or the fact that few seem to consider (or care about) the consequences of over population. If we had a growth on/in our body that spread at the rate the human population is growing, we’d call it a cancer and take radical steps to remove or stop it – which the planet just might do.
There now, I’ve vented. But my opinion is nothing compared to the volumes of scientific data on the subject of our planet’s future or the horrors that lay in wait for the human race. It’s not good, folks!
In case you are wondering, my hubby and I chose to not have children. We rescue abused and abandoned animals.

Michelle: Your writing flows wonderfully and you really have me in a reading trance with this book. Where were you and what were you doing when the idea for this book came to you?

Feather: Many writers will tell you that they don’t know where the inspiration came from. It’s so true for my previous stories. But The Guardian’s Wildchild was different.
Now, I’m not creating an interesting piece of fiction in response to your question. I have experienced the paranormal since I was a child. When I was about seven I met my spirit guide while walking home from school. The events continued on occasionally, but often enough that I became comfortable with the experiences. I used to think I was odd until I confided in friends, and discovered many people have these experiences but prefer not to advertise it.
About ten years ago, I experienced time/space travel – probably not an accurate description. The English language fails to have terms to describe with accuracy these kinds of events. The experience was so profound and detailed, that I could not forget it. I thought that if I wrote about it, the nagging energy would evaporate. For days, I stayed at the keyboard relating the story of my experience. Instead of being relieved by the memory, the story began to grow as I asked questions about what I saw and experienced. Five years later I had 1000 pages of double spaced typing. The story virtually took over my life.

Michelle: If you could pick a song that you felt described Sidney, what would it be? I like to ask this question of authors and put the song lyrics in my posting.

Feather: Oh, that sounds wonderful. I played a lot of Enya (especially “Wildchild”) while writing the story. But the song that most represents the rule-breaking, determined, passionate woman is Dido’s “White Flag”. It would be interesting to see what other songs the readers would pick.

Michelle: This song is PERFECT for Sidney.
Michelle: If you were a Guardian, what type would you be?

Feather: At this time, I consider myself a sleeping Guardian struggling to wake up. I have moments of enlightenment, transformative realizations of who and what I am. Then it’s gone, except for the memory. So far, I’ve lacked the courage to step into the Light for more than a moment.
Michelle: Could you please give me 5 words that describe each of the following: Samura, Sidney, The Guardian's Wildchild, Admiral Garland, Madame, Greystone.

Feather:

Samaru: disciplined, meticulous, compassionate, intelligent, powerful

Sidney: passionate, brave, loyal, spiritual, powerful

The Guardian’s Wildchild Story: search for truth, power, love, trust, joy

Admiral Garland: wealthy, paranoid, lonely, angry, ambitious

Madame: insane, vengeful, intelligent, ambitious, fearless

Greystone: powerful, spiritual, devoted, wise, calm

Michelle: What was the name of the last book you read that really rocked your world?

Feather: Non-fiction book that rocked my world was “Endurance – Ernest Shackleton”. In 1914 Ernest Shackleton left London for what was destined to be one of the world's greatest polar adventures. In fact, his efforts on this trip are widely regarded as the greatest polar survival story of all time. His achievements and leadership in the fact of virtually impossible odds refreshes one’s core beliefs - about leadership, about people, and about striving to do your best - no matter the situation or the odds facing you.
Fiction: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: I love stories that take me to a place I’ve never been before. A different time, culture, or a challenge of survival.

Michelle: What genre/genres would you put you book into?

Feather: You know, I don’t like putting stories into categories. Most of my editors considered it to be a paranormal romance. I thought of it as mysticism / adventure. My husband didn’t think of it as any of those choices. I think it depends on the reader and what they focus on. One reader may focus on the spiritual aspects whereas another will be drawn into the murder mystery. Others will see the military setting as the primary interest. Some will be hoping Sidney finally melts the heart of the rulebook totting captain. I didn’t sit down to write a romance novel, or any other genre. I wrote the story as it was told to me by the characters of the story.

Michelle: Thank you for chatting with us and I wish you all the best with your book.

Feather: Thank you, Michelle. I am honored that you have chosen to quiz me on my book.

My book review of The Guardian's Wildchild HERE

INTERNATIONAL

GIVEAWAY TIME

ONE LUCKY FOLLOWER WILL WIN

EBOOK COPY OF

THE GUARDIAN'S WILDCHILD

GIVEAWAY STARTS NOW

FINISHES MIDNIGHT 29TH FEBRUARY USA TIME

TO ENTER :

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ABOUT INTERVIEW

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PLEASE BE A GFC FOLLOWER - LEAVE GFC NAME

IF YOU WANT TO TWEET THE INTERVIEW/GIVEAWAY

LOVELY!!

GOOD LUCK !

ENJOY THE TOUR!!

Michelle

Author's Website: http://www.featherstoneauthor.com/

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6L_YX24kzs&feature=player_embedded

WINNERS - RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS BLOG HOP

2012-02-23T09:50:00.002+11:00

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE YOU ARE OUR WINNERS

THE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS BLOG HOP

PRIZE #1 = GABBIE #29 - Aust

PRIZE #2 = ALICIA EZELL #33 - USA

PRIZE #3 = FIRESTARBOOKS #19 - Canada

PRIZE #4 = SARAH SPICER #30 - Aust

PRIZE #5 = CAYCE #34 - Hungary

PRIZE #6 = RICA #3 - Philippines

There were 56 entries.

I have emailed you all.

Please respond within 48 hours.

Thankyou to everybody for entering.....until the next hop:D

Michelle

INTERVIEW WITH BRODI ASHTON & COLE FROM EVERNEATH

2012-02-22T21:10:00.001+11:00

Interview with

BRODI ASHTON

author of

Today on the blog I have the pleasure of interviewing not just a wonderful debut author, but the sinister (yet sexy!) lead villain in the newly released novel EVERNEATH. That’s right folks, Brodi Ashton and the conniving (yet alluring) Cole have joined us today and will answer a couple of questions.

Firstly, congratulations Brodi on such an awesome debut novel. Praises and rave reviews are everywhere on the web!

-Thank you so much!

How does it feel to be in such demand and to know that you created something that so many are enjoying?

- It feels surreal that something that started out in a little room - with just me and my computer - is now being read around the world. It’s amazing. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over getting emails from readers who connected with the story.

So now that Everneath is out…..how long are the masses going to have to wait for book 2? Any chance you can slide in a sneak peak here to keep them even more at their wits end??!!!

- I’m just finishing up on revisions for book 2 right now, but since it doesn’t come out until January of 2013, I can’t say much. But what I can say is: If you’ve read the first book in its entirety, you’ll have a good idea of what needs to happen in book 2!

I checked out your blog post detailing your launch party (Brodi Ashton's Launch Party by Numbers). WOW! What a turnout! You’d have to be pleased with such an awesome response. Was it a little overwhelming standing up their knowing that you and your creation were the ONLY reason for that many people to be there?

- Very overwhelming! Everyone was so supportive. But it helped to have the Power Point presentation there, so I could give them something else to focus on besides my chubby cheeks.

Now your road to publication may be vastly different, or even at times similar to many debut authors…..what are some moments that were total StandOut awesome moments for you during your journey?

- EVERNEATH wasn’t my first book. I wrote another book that didn’t sell. When I showed my agent-at-the-time the first draft of EVERNEATH, he didn’t like it. Eventually, I split up with him because of it, and I thought that might be the end for me. But when I started querying again with EVERNEATH, I ended up with ten offers of representation. That was absolutely a defining moment, and let me know I had something special.

Now not to leave Cole sitting there any longer….you’d think he has somewhere to be!! Welcome Cole to Novels On The Run and thanks for taking time out of your day to chat with us. You do kind of look pretty nice draped over the arm of that hotel couch! Hmmmmmm…..oops sorry!! Where was I?....

-It’s okay. People often lose their train of thought when they look at me. It happens.

The Dead Elvises….great band name. What a great front to allure the emotionally needy fans so you can strip their emotions and get “high”. Is this the real or only reason for creating the band? Or do you and the other guys actually have a passion for music?

- I live for music, and so do the guys in the band. It’s why we all came together. We just merged our passion for music with our immortal lifestyles as well. We get to live our dream, and we never run out of nourishment.

What song would sum up The Dead Elvises? What would be the bands’ anthem song?

- I would say “Ulysses” by Franz Ferdinand. It’s all about taking that first trip, and then never going home again.

Is there any style of music or particular artist that you just put your down and refuse to play?

- We don’t touch Celine Dion. And Reggae is for pansies.

Where can we get the guitar picks??? They “Rock”!!

- As with many things in life, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time.

Cole…clearly your time during the Feed with Nikki was pretty intense and even intimate..being entwined with her for so long. The overwhelming need you find yourself feeling for her since you left the Everneath, could that be love? Or just purely a side effect of the feed?

-If I’m not going to be straight with Nikki about my feelings, it wouldn’t be very crafty of me to spill the beans on your blog… But the fact is, it doesn’t matter what I say about love. Until the object of my love believes I’m actually capable of it, my feelings will go unrequited.

Cole, can you describe your own memory (emotional and physical) that you went through during the Feed?

- The Feed is a very intimate, and personal thing for an Everliving. It is the moment we face the meaning of our lives. We stare down the fragility of our own existence, the cost of our immortality, and we renew our pledge to this life we have chosen.

- At least, that’s what we are supposed to think about. During this particular Feed, all I could think about was the girl in my arms.

Well I am sure you both have plenty of places to go and things to do….so again, thanks so much for chatting with us.

- Thank you for having us!!

I hope you all enjoyed those few questions. If you haven't read EVERNEATH yet, add it to your TBR list and grab a copy. To find out more about Everneath check out my review HERE.

Also take the time to check out Brodi's own blog - Brodi Ashton

ENJOY!

MARISSA

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY - RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS GIVEAWAY HOP FEB 17TH - 21ST 2012 - SIGNED JANA OLIVER, CASSANDRA CLARE, TIM O'ROURKE, RACHEL CAINE ITEMS TO WIN!!!!!

2012-02-17T14:18:00.009+11:00

HOP FROM 12.01AM 17TH FEBRUARY 2012 ( USA TIME)

YOU CAN FINISHING HOPPING 21ST FEBRUARY 11.59PM ( USA TIME)

INTERNATIONAL!!

We are back on a hop and Read For Your Future and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer are our hosts for this event.

I HAVE LISTED ALL MY TEAM GUYS THAT I LOVE FROM YA BOOKS.

WHAT I WANT YOU TO DO IS GIVE ME THE NAME OF THE SERIES EACH OF MY TEAM GUYS IS IN.

HINT !

SCROLL DOWN MY RIGHT SIDE BAR AND YOU MAY FIND SOME TEAM BADGES. IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE. TEAM WILL , IS CALLED TEAM WILL. I HAVE ONE TEAM BADGE HIDING ON THE LEFT SIDE BAR ( NEAR BOTTOM )

THIS WILL TEST THE YA BOOK ENTHUSIASTS.

FILL OUT THE ENTRY FORM

RANDOM ORG WILL CHOOSE ALL THE PRIZES

PLEASE GFC FOLLOW US IF YOU AREN'T ALREADY AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT ON OUR POSTINGS.

NOW FOR THE AWESOME PRIZES

IF I AM GOING TO MAKE YOU THINK

THEY HAD BETTER BE GREAT PRIZES, RIGHT?

4 CORRECT FOLLOWERS PICKED WILL WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1ST NAME DRAWN WINS
SIGNED A4 SIZED PRINT

1 X SIGNED BY RACHEL CAINE
A4 SIZED PRINT
MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES
MADE BY SUZI MIDNIGHT
SUITABLE FOR FRAMING

2ND NAME DRAWN WINS

5 SIGNED BOOKPLATES

SIGNED BOOKPLATES
CASSANDRA CLARE KINDLY SIGNED THESE
ON HER VISIT DOWN UNDER
1 X CITY OF BONES
1 X CITY OF ASHES
1 X CITY OF GLASS
1 X CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS
1 X CLOCKWORK ANGEL - PLEASE NOT 2 CLOCKWORK ANGEL SHOWING
YOU RECEIVE ONLY ONE OF THEM
JUST PEEL AND STICK IN FRONT OF YOUR BOOKS
MISS SUZI MADE THESE BOOKPLATES

3RD NAME DRAWN WINS

2 X SIGNED BOOKPLATES

I AM SHOWING 2 SHEETS OF BOOKPLATES
WINNER ONLY GETS:
1 X SIGNED FORSAKEN BOOKPLATE
1 X SIGNED FORBIDDEN BOOKPLATE
NOT THE SHEET!
JANA OLIVER KINDLY SIGNED THESE FOR ME
MISS SUZI MADE THE BOOKPLATES UP

4TH NAME DRAWN WINS

FIRST 3 BOOKS
in
KIERA HUDSON SERIES
by TIM O'ROURKE
DIGITAL BOOKS ONLY
VAMPIRE SHIFT
VAMPIRE WAKE
VAMPIRE HUNT

PLUS!!!!

1 X SIGNED BY TIM O'ROURKE
A4 SIZED PRINT
KIERA HUDSON
SUITABLE FOR FRAMING
MISS SUZI PRINTED THIS UP FOR ME TO GET TIM TO SIGN
ANY FLASHES OF LIGHT IS JUST ME TAKING PHOTO

BONUS PRIZE 5 & 6

Tim O'Rourke is rocking the globe with his Kiera Hudson Series
As stated in my comments below if I got to a certain amount of entries I
would add 2 extra prizes, well we got there and past it SO

I am adding the chance for 2 extra winners to each receive
1 each signed Vampire Shift # 1 Bookplate
Peel and Stick in front of your paperback.
Tim has currently only VS in paperback and Ebook the rest of
Kiera Hudson series is only digital at this stage.
Miss Suzi kindly made these bookplates for me.
Tim kindly signed them.

GOOD LUCK!!

HAVE FUN ENTERING!!

Michelle

BOOK COVER REVEAL - FINN FINNEGAN by DARBY KARCHUT

2012-02-17T13:48:00.001+11:00

We are pleased to help out with the book cover reveal for Finn Finnegan. According to Spencer Hill Press, 'Finn Finnegan is kind of a cross between Harry Potter and the Spiderwick Chronicles, and it's a really fun read!'

Sounds great!

Finn Finnegan

Author: Darby Karchut
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (http://www.spencerhillpress.com/)
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Formats: Paper, e-book
Genres: Middle Grade/Young Adult, Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-937053-32-1

Book Blurb

Finn (not bleedin' Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.

Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn's survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of "fighting Irish."

Michelle

BOOK COVER REVEAL - ONYX by JENNIFER L ARMENTROUT - LUX # 3

2012-02-17T08:28:00.000+11:00

ONYX

RELEASE DATE 14TH AUGUST 2012

Onyx has had a little makeover to match in with Obsidian and Shadows

I really like the new look, I shall be adding to my set when available.

Shadows Excerpt HERE

Michelle

RANDOM POSTING #50 - THE HUNGER GAMES MOVIE COUNTDOWN

2012-02-17T02:06:00.002+11:00

I know.....I have yet to read the books!!! And I have some serious couch time owed to me so I can plow through them in time for the movie!!

My husband came to me a while ago and asked if I had any books on my shelves that would be good for him...so I said why not try The Hunger Games?! He has nearly finished Mockingjay and is now VERY MUCH looking forward to the movie release. He checks out all the trailers and tidbits hoping to get a sneak peak at more stuff each time!!!

He even has chatted via Skype with blog partner Michelle about the book!!!

So I trolled on the net and came across the countdown widget above....I think it looks great! So I thought I would share it. I've put some trailers below - just in case there are few that havent seen them....or even just for those that can't get enough!

ENJOY!

MARISSA

GIVEAWAY - BALTHAZAR by CLAUDIA GRAY - 2 PAPERBACKS !!

2012-02-17T01:50:00.001+11:00

BALTHAZAR

By: Claudia Gray

Published By: Harper Collins

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

GIVEAWAY

The lovely people at Harper Collins have given me some Balthazar books to giveaway, THANKYOU!!! I will be holding 2 giveaways. One now and one later on.

Claudia Gray is coming to Australia in March so a giveaway is in order.

I have so many overseas lovely bloggers I speak to , I must make this Australia only for entries as publisher is kindly posting direct to winners.

I would love for our blog to get some more Australian followers who enjoy reading. So if any of our lovely Australian followers would like to recommend our blog to their friends and get them to follow us that would be awesome.

I have several book giveaways coming up in the near future that are going to rock your socks off, so it would be great to get more Aussies involved with reading and having the chance to win some great reads .

When I can I always include International followers in giveaways, but sometimes we can only do Australia due to our kind publishers donating wonderful books and posting direct to winner.

All I would like for this giveaway entry to have a chance to win one of 2 Balthazar books is:

In comments leave your email address
State that you are an Aussie
Leave your GFC follower name ( as we want you to follow us)
Please subscribe to our emails so you can keep up to date with our postings.
If you want to tweet our giveaway, that would be lovely, but only if you want to.

Random Org will choose winners.

Balthazar isn't released until 6th March 2012.

I will run this competition from NOW until midnight 6th March 2012.

2 Names drawn on the 7th March 2012, I will contact via email asking for address details and then I will pass your details onto publisher for them to post direct to you.

GOOD LUCK!!

Michelle

BOOK GIVEAWAYS - AUTHOR SUE LAWSON - FORGET ME NOT & PAN'S WHISPER

2012-02-17T01:49:00.003+11:00

By : Sue Lawson
Published By : Walker Books, Black Dog Books
Releases : 1st March 2012
Details : Paperback, 232 Pages

Book Blurb: Taken From Goodreads

The story of one family's voyage on the Titanic.

"I am filled with the worst feeling. Everyone says it is the safest, most luxurious ship in the world, but something about it is extremely unsettling."

Evelyn Gilmore does not share her brother Thomas’s excitement about travelling on the maiden voyage of the luxurious Titanic.

For Evelyn the ship is taking her away from everything she knows and loves. For Thomas it is taking him to his new life.
How could they know what the trip would bring?

PAN'S WHISPER

Released : 1st October 2011

When you’re fighting to forget, what would make you remember?

Pan Harris is is brash, loud and damaged. Ordered into foster care, Pan is full of anger at the mother who abandoned her, and the older sister who kept her from her father. Pan is certain that she knows the reality of her past – until she meets Hunter, the boy who understands her story better than anyone else, and who just may be the key to unlocking the truth of Pan’s memories. But are some memories best left forgotten? And is Hunter worth Pan breaking her most important rule – Never. Trust. Anyone.

I have these 2 books kindly donated by Walker Books to giveaway.
2 books = 2 winners
Random Org to choose winners , please feel free to write your first preference in the comments area.

Aussie entries only accepted, sorry our lovely overseas followers.

Please leave your email address in comments with:

Your GFC Name as we would like you to follow us.

Please subscribe to our email , to keep up to date with our postings.

If you want to tweet giveaway, that would be lovely, but not a requirement.

That's it! Too Easy!

I am on blog tour for Forget Me Knot in April so look out for that.

GIVEAWAY STARTS NOW!

ENDS 14TH MARCH 2012

Good Luck!!

Michelle

GIVEAWAY - TIM O'ROURKE - EBOOKS, BOOKMARKS - INTERNATIONAL - COME ENTER

2012-02-16T23:55:00.001+11:00

GIVEAWAY TIME

1ST AND 2ND PRIZES

2 X SETS OF EBOOKS -

BLACK HILL FARM/ANDY'S DIARY

ALL PRIZES OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL

3RD PRIZE

1 X SIGNED by TIM O'ROURKE

VAMPIRE SHIFT BOOKMARK

I choose one of these, Tim's signature is on back

4TH PRIZE

1 X SET OF 2 UNSIGNED BLACK HILL FARM/ANDY'S DIARY BOOK MARKS

MADE BY MISS SUZI

Suzi sent images of bookmarks but said not best photos
Bookmarks will be gorgeous and perfect!!

All you need to do to enter is subscribe to our email
GFC follow us - leave GFC Name in comments
Leave your email address in comments
Would be great if you could tweet giveaway, but not necessary.

GIVEAWAY STARTS NOW

FINISHES MIDNIGHT OZ TIME

29TH FEBRUARY 2012

We are on the Random Acts of Kindness Blog Hop Starting

17th February 2012 ending 21st February 2012

Pop over there also to enter giveaways for some awesome items signed by Tim for his Kiera Hudson series and other authors and book giveaway.

Oh and here is another wonderful button made by Miss Suzi

Thanks Suzi xxx

TEAM KIERA

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - ANDY'S DIARY by TIM O'ROURKE - BLACK HILL FARM # 2

2012-02-16T15:27:00.001+11:00

By: Tim O'Rourke
Published By : Tim O'Rourke
Released : Available Now
Details : Digital Book, 186 Pages

RATING :
5 WHO DUNNIT? STARS!!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

In his confession, Ben McCloud told Detective Chief Inspector John Walker about the four murders that took place at Black Hill Farm. But what about the others? There are two sides to every story and this is Andy’s.

'Andy's Diary' the second book in the paranormal romance series: ‘Black Hill Farm’. For young adults aged 16 years and over.

BOOK REVIEW:

Another captivating read from Tim O’Rourke. There are twists and turns at every corner.

We are mainly on a journey with Andy, her version of events at Black Hill Farm. I felt like I was looking through her eyes the whole time, I could really feel her emotions.

John Walker has got himself in a bit of a pickle and he needs to show his innocence. He is now in the interviewee’s chair, a suspect. How things have changed.

Tim has written quite a brilliant mini series here, one worthy of publishing. You think you are onto something and then Tim knocks you sideways with another twist.

Tim is a real thinker, he is very clever at deceiving his readers into believing one thing, and then when the readers is comfortable thinking they may be clever and working out where Tim is going........Bam! Another twist gets thrown in.

Book # 1, Black Hill Farm will, shock you, captivate you and make you ‘feel’ all sorts of things towards the characters. Book # 2 Andy’s Diary will have you back tracking with Andy in a real who dunnit mystery with twists and turns and all is not what you think. There are other players....* waggles eyebrows *

Brilliant!

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - THE GUARDIAN'S WILDCHILD by FEATHER STONE

2012-02-16T08:55:00.001+11:00

By: Feather Stone
Published By : Omnific Publishing
Released : Available Now
Details : Digital Book , 288 Pages

RATING : 4.5 SAM STARS!!
Book Blurb: Taken From Goodreads

The Guardian's Wildchild is a story that's unlike anything you've read before. It's not a typical romance story of starry eyed lovers in the throes of passion. No, Sidney Davenport and Captain Samaru Waterhouse are adversaries, at first.

Sidney Davenport is gifted in the paranormal, but carefully conceals her powers from the world. Even in the crises that threaten her life, she refuses to use her powers of telepathy, telekinesis, space/time travel. If her enemies discovered the truth of who she is, her Guardian people would be at risk. She calls upon her spirit guides, Seamus and Celeste, to guide her through a mine field of the insane - Madame and Captain Butchart.

But, God help Sidney, she can't deny her attraction to the man who has orders to perform her execution - the tall, dark eyed Captain Waterhouse. He's meticulous, disciplined and trusted by his ship's officers and naval seamen.
Captain Waterhouse is walking a fine line between his mother's Buddhist influence and a dark destructive path. He is about to scrap his higher morals to bust out of his hell. When a female prisoner is delivered to his ship, he has no idea she is capable of turning his disciplined life into a storm of unimaginable experiences. His prisoner's enemies, he discovers, are also the ones who hold his life in the palm of their hands.

The ending? Not a fairy tale ending here. But enough said.

Through stunning imagery, an intricate and adventurous plot, and a strong cast of characters, Feather Stone gives readers a fast paced story woven with murder and magic.

BOOK REVIEW:

I absolutely loved ‘The Guardian’s Wild Child by debut author Feather Stone. I love the author's name!

This is a book I wouldn’t normally read, and I am glad I did. Sometimes in life you get drawn towards things and I think this book was one of them.

This book had me in a bit of a reading trance, where I just wanted to keep reading and reading. It is set in the future and the first few chapters take us in leaps of years to get to where we meet Samura Waterhouse. The first few chapters explain to the reader what has happened after the Quake of 2020 and the political thing that followed. There are certain people who are working towards claiming total power and anybody getting in their way will be swiftly eliminated. The Guardians know of the darkness the planet holds in its near future and some of them together with the underground try to stop the path that will be taken. I am trying very hard not to give away the story.

I am trying to wrap my head around how to write this review as there is a lot that goes on in this book, it all weaves together to bring an outcome that was different and I loved it.

The characters are not teenagers. They are men and women who have lost and also are trying to find. There are several messages in this book. Feather kept me so entertained. I loved the spiritual side of her story. It wasn’t boring it was very interesting and powerful. Feather really does make the reader think about our planets future.

Samura aka Sam is a stunning character. He has lost a great deal in his life. Sam’s wife was murdered, he knows that much and he believes it was somebody on the Naval Base, he just isn’t getting any cooperation from his seniors. He is trying to solve the mystery of why his wife was killed and who was involved.

The story is mainly set on the USS Nonnah.

Sidney Davenport lives on Hawk Island. You will not find it on any map. She is a wonderful character who has a Red Hawk named Celeste as her friend. We get painted a wonderful picture of her spirit guide Seamus and Greystone her mentor. They all help her in this book. She has a cheeky brother named Danik who helped get her into the pickle she has herself in.

Captain Samura Waterhouse and his crew use the Nonnah to get them to Acapulco and back retrieving the cargo for Admiral Garland. The Admiral has a hold over Sam, his two young boys. Sam must do as ordered and the Admiral will not harm his sons. The Nonnah is also used to take prisoners out to sea and execute them.

Enter Sidney who has found herself a prisoner on the USS Nonnah and awaiting execution by Captain Waterhouse, two bullets to the head. No blood spilt on US soil. What has Sidney found or done that has attracted this type of attention from Captain Butchart? Sam sets about trying to figure out why Captain Frank Butchart wants Sidney executed on her arrival on his ship.

This book was a wonderful surprise. Sam and Sidney are great characters. There are some wonderful sub characters, Lieutenant Lorna Paddles is one of them, she is cheeky, and a bit sassy. I loved her.

Thank goodness there is an author who gives us a realistic infirmary scene complete with catheter.

I’m going to be totally honest and say that I don’t think the book trailer does this book anywhere near the justice it deserves. Sorry. I understand the words of the trailer, I’m not sure what I am trying to add to the trailer, but, for starters Samura is Japanese.

This book has, betrayal, fearless characters, powerful messages, love, painful loss, some scenes are very gut wrenching, great sub characters, a strong storyline and telekinesis. I’m trying to figure out what genre to stick this book into as it has thriller aspects, clean romance, danger, murder, in the future, spiritual, political, powerful execution scenes, and it is a very clean book. You are never bored, the pages turn easily.

It’s a different read which will pull on your emotional strings in some scenes and leave you totally gasping in another, it has a very unexpected ending, a very powerful ending.

Michelle

RANDOM POSTING #49 - DARK DIVINE VALENTINES SPECIAL

2012-02-15T13:11:00.000+11:00

Today I have a special treat for all the Bree Despain - Dark Divine fans.......

Bree has sent some scrumptious Dark Divine Valentine Treats for everyone to oggle at!! I hope you enjoy them and Valentines Day! (We've already had VD in Oz!!)

For more love from Daniel, Jude, Talbot, and Grace, be sure to look for THE SAVAGE GRACE, the 3rd and final book in the Dark Divine trilogy, releasing on March 13th, 2012 in the USA. (Less than 1 month away!)

You can preorder from Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Savage-Grace-Dark-Divine-Novel/dp/1606842218/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329233567&sr=8-1

OR

Preorder a ***SIGNED*** copy from the King's English Bookshop here: http://www.kingsenglish.com/event/bree-despin-savage-grace

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK COVER REVEAL - DEAD FLESH by TIM O'ROURKE & BOOK REVIEW - BLACK HILL FARM by TIM O'ROURKE - BLACKHILL FARM # 1 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!!

2012-02-13T19:09:00.006+11:00

NOVELS ON THE RUN

MISS SUZI MIDNIGHT

WANT TO GIVE A GREAT BIG SHOUT OUT TO

TIM O'ROURKE .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM !!!!

Your Kiera Hudson series is incredible and as I have just found out , so is Black Hill Farm series. I have my review for book # 1 below.

I want to thank Suzi for putting this AWESOME banner together for me. She is a very talented person and designed Tim's Black Hill Farm series, book covers. If you want Suzi to design a book cover for you, head over to our merchandise section ( look up top bar) and contact her through email supplied.

I also have another surprise for Tim and everybody who is Team Potter. Thankyou again to Miss Suzi Midnight for putting this together for me. Tim's Kiera Hudson series was missing a little something for us bloggers......we are all very fond of Potter so here is something to put on your blogs.

Save Pic As
then go into design and browse the pic
and add

Hope you like it Tim.

Now I am still not finished......

On the 16th February, stop by the blog and I will be having a giveaway with my book review of Andy's Diary, Black Hill Farm # 2.

Again Thankyou Miss Suzi for making all this for me, I so appreciate your time, the cheque is in the mail.

And here is Tim's book cover for Dead Flesh the first book in the second series for Kiera Hudson DEAD FLESH COVER .I can hardly wait.

How cool is this cover?

I love Kiera is wearing Murphy's cross..awwww...

I have it on good authority ( Tim told me) that the Kiera on the cover is explained in Dead Flesh. A lot darker looking cover. Notice the fleshy coloured dress. Carles has out done himself again!

I love it!

DEAD FLESH COMING .....EARLY 2012

My review for Vampire Hollows HERE

By : Tim O'Rourke
Published By : Tim O'Rourke
Released : Available Now
Details : Digital Book, 161 Pages

BOOK # 1 IN THE BLACK HILL FARM SERIES

RATING: 5 DARK, CAPTIVATING STARS!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

Detective Chief Inspector John Walker hasn’t a suspect or motive for the murders at Black Hill Farm. That is until sixteen-year-old Benjamin McCloud walks into Beechers Hope Police Station, asking to be arrested for the killings. During twelve police interviews, Benjamin gives a disturbing confession about his relationship with Andrea and how his love for her became a dangerous obsession.

Finding themselves alone on a remote farm and desperate to stay together, Benjamin and Andrea’s world spirals out of control. And as they fight for survival, every step they take leads them into an ever darker world of deceit, blackmail, and murder.

A dark romance for young adults recommend for sixteen-year-olds and over.

WOW!

CREEPY!

VERY DARK

INSANELY CAPTIVATING!

A THRILLER THAT TWISTS THE READER

INSIDE & OUT

TIM IS FEARLESS WITH HIS CHARACTERS!

BOOK REVIEW:

I could so easily see this book made into a play. I visualise the stage with the left hand corner set up as the interview room where Chief Inspector John Walker, the suspect, Ben McCloud and Ms. Hughes, the Appropriate Adult sit and the interview takes place. Ben’s story is recorded regarding the events that took place at Black Hill Farm.

The lights go dark over left of centre stage.

The lights go on over centre stage. The scenes are acted out from Ben’s point of view, telling the story of Black Hill Farm.

Right of centre stage, would be John’s scenes.

This is an incredible read, very dark and twisted. If you have read any of Tim’s Kiera Hudson series, he doesn’t shy away from gore, dark moments and twists and turns in his story telling.

Hold on to your seats in this tale of Andy and Ben, cousins who live at Black Hill Farm with Andy’s father, Uncle Michael. Ben is an orphan and he has come to live with his relatives.

This story has few characters. Andy, Ben, Uncle Michael, Parker, the fortunetella, John Walker and of course last but not least, Emily-the-old-cow.

Andy and Ben are characters that I felt almost sad for. They have many secrets that are dark and dangerous. They are barely holding on.

Tim weaves a lot into this book and what happens at the end............EeeEeeppppp!!

This is a very different, twisted, dark, captivating tale which has even more to offer the reader in book 2, Andy’s Diary.

This is not a happy tale filled with unicorns and rainbows, it is a stunningly twisted tale of characters who want to be loved and have been let down too much by those that should have cared and not given enough time with those that did.

Tim in my eyes is unfolding to become a true Master of deceiving the reader.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - VAMPIRE HOLLOWS by TIM O'ROURKE - KIERA HUDSON # 5

2012-02-12T15:48:00.005+11:00

By : Tim O'Rourke
Published By : Tim O'Rourke
Released : February 13th 2012, Kindle
Details : Kindle , 285 Pages

RATING:
5 SUSPENSE FILLED STARS!
6 AWESOMESAUCE END OF SERIES STARS!

Vampire Hollows - Amazon

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

With nowhere else to run to but the Hollows, Kiera Hudson finds herself in a world like no other. Entrusted with a secret, she has to make her way to the mysterious Light House set hundreds of miles beneath the Earth. As she makes her journey, Kiera’s companions are being murdered one by one. But is the killer amongst them and is it Elias Munn?

Not knowing who to trust, who to love and who to believe, Kiera makes the most dangerous journey of her life, in search of the Elders hidden within the walls of the Dust Palace. With time running out, Kiera knows she must finally choose which race should live and which race should die.

The final instalment in Kiera Hudson Series One.

BOOK REVIEW:

I finished Vampire Hollows in the wee hours and this is how I felt.

OMG!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLL!!!

SCOOOOOOORREE!!!

HOLY BATSHIT BATMAN!

I LAUGHED, I CRIED, I HURT!

BRILLIANT FINAL INSTALLMENT!

This would have to be one of the best endings I have read for a series wrap up, trust me, Tim did not hold back. I was peeking between my fingers. What Tim does to the reader.......... and you will never guess, some things!

My heart was hurting.

Tim has hit it out of the ball park! I literally cannot say much in this review as all Tim’s old and new fans are going to have to read his final instalment in the Kiera Hudson series to understand what I mean without me doing spoilers.

Tim so expertly wraps this series up with everything he has woven all the way through Kiera Hudson series. He really is very impressive.

What I can say is I virtually needed a paramedic on standby for the latter two thirds of this book. Tim was killing me with emotion. I was almost screaming at him. I needed a punching pillow.

Talk about brain scramble. I would be thinking I knew..........but then.........and then.........and , well, THEN................. it was becoming exhausting. I was playing tennis inside my head, all these possibilities. It was rather brilliant of Tim what he has done. I couldn’t be happier with the ending.

There is so much I want to say and I just can’t. I can’t even say Mr Cranky Pants name...ssshhhH!!!! I can’t say any of their names or else I will spill. Everything you have loved about Tim’s writing in his earlier books in this series is magnified in Vampire Hollows.

Tim has written the creepiest scenes and he will sucker punch you and.......he will hurt you.

I give the ending 6 out of 5, Pure Awesomesauce!

Freaking Awesome!!

FAVE QUOTES:

   We’ve just followed the pizza-boy halfway up a mountain to some doorway set into a mountainside, and we don’t know what’s on the other side of that door!”

   “Pizza-boy?” Sparky whimpered.

   “I think he’s talking about those spots on your face,” Isidor

said. “Get used to it, he says that sort of shit to me all the time.”

   “Couldn’t you lot use the front door like everybody else?” he

snapped over his shoulder. “I heard you were all a bunch of

mavericks, but this takes the piss!”

   “You mean there’s a front door?” I breathed..

   “Where are we?” I breathed, feeling breathless at the sight

before me.
   “A promise is a promise,” he smiled back at me, and I loved

that smile. It wasn’t his cocky smile, the one I’d so often wanted to wipe from his face, but it was the nice smile – the one that I had so often wanted to kiss, the one that made my heart race.

   “I said, I love you. Even though you can be the most

infuriating arsehole I’ve ever met, you smoke like a goddamn

chimney, you’re arrogant, foul-mouthed, and -”

   “Okay, so they are all my good points,” he cut in, “What don’t

you like about me?”

   “And what about you?” I asked him. “Do you have faith in me,

Potter?”

   “Does a bear shit in the woods?” he smiled and winked at me.

   Potter winked one of his black eyes at me, and said, “Sweetcheeks, two o’clock!”

   “What’s happening at two o’clock?” I breathed, shocked at

seeing him.

   “I’m holding a tea party,” he smirked. “What do you think I

mean when I say ‘two o’clock’?”

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW: SWITCHED by AMANDA HOCKING

2012-02-12T00:40:00.001+11:00

Title: SWITCHED

(Trylle Trilogy #1)

Author: AMANDA HOCKING

Publisher: Tor / Macmillan Australia
Version: Paperback 335 (incl Torn excerpt)
Acquired: Received from Macmillan Australia for Review

RATING: 4.5 FINE-TUNING FINN STARS!!

Description:

What if your entire world was built on a lie?

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in...

She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why...

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist. Förening, the home of the Trylle.

Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall everything that Wendy cares about.

The fate of Förening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever..

REVIEW:

Well I'm certainly impressed!! Amanda has given a very imaginative and very interesting world focusing on the Trylles (trolls). Not the dumpy under the bridge variety of Troll....but the very stylish and often wealthy human looking trolls.

We don't normally get the other side of the Trolls in stories... we get to learn in Switched the reasons behind swapping human and Trylle babies at birth - and it's a well thought out plan to ensure the continuance of their kind - and also a way to fund their stylish lifestyles! Plus the rules and regulations of living under a monarchy within normal American society.

After a childhood with a mum that attempts to kill her and is certain she is not her child, Wendy finally discovers the truth when she meets Finn - a fellow Trylle. As shocking and hard to believe as it is...Wendy must come to terms with her new found status as Princess of the Trylle....and with it comes certain danger and possible death (or at least kidnapping).

Finn is charged with her care and also teaching her the ways of the Trylle. A job he is very well skilled for as the "right hand man" of the Trylle Queen (Wendy's true mother). Finn's "job" is in jeopardy when his feelings towards Wendy become more than his job description allowed for. Displeasing the Trylle Queen can never end with a reward.

Wendy rebels as any teenager would and longs for the closeness that she could have Finn. But of course this pairing was never meant to be. Finn is of a different "class" than Wendy and it's just not accepted.

Add to the romantic perils Wendy and Finn face, throw in the evil Vittra and their desire to kidnap Wendy and Amanda Hocking has given us a very enjoyable start to the Trylle Series...one which I am very eager to read further.

After being a self published author through this series (and others) originally, I am not surprised at all that Amanda Hocking was finally picked up by a big publisher. She certainly has a great talent within her that she has tapped into and I am sure has many more stories to tell and keep us entertained with.

Now a word on the book covers........

The one I have posted at the top of the blog is the final US edition cover....and I LOVE it!!! Below are the two covers available in Australia and also UK, Asia & South Africa. The orange tone feature is the "adult" release cover and the pink tone feature is the "young adult" release cover. Waaaaahhhhh!!!! I want the US cover!!!

ENJOY!

MARISSA

BOOK COVERS - OBSIDIAN AND SHADOWS by JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT - LUX NOVELS

2012-02-11T17:13:00.002+11:00

If you have read any of my reviews of books by author Jennifer L. Armentrout , well you know I love her stories. I have such fun reading her books. They are a wonderful escape.

Anyhoo, Shadows a Lux Novella is being released 21st February 2012 Daemon's brother Dawson got a look in and he has a story to tell us.

Obsidian got a cover makeover so I thought I would show you the two covers together . I can't wait for Onyx.

Aren't they gorgeous!! Jennifer is really making a name for herself. If you haven't read any of her books, well high time you did. I HIGHLY recommend her stories. Check out my reviews in the left side bar under her name. I give no spoilers. I like everybody to find out for themselves , especially the beautiful guys she writes so well in her books. No wham bam insta love here!

Half-Blood and Pure ( Covenant Series) I absolutely adore Aiden St. Delphi, stunning guy character and Alex is an awesome female lead.

Obsidian, well all I will say is , an Alien ( Daemon) has NEVER EVER been hotter . Who knew I would love a YA book with an Alien male lead? Jennifer has so much wit and fun with her characters at the same time delivering us action and wonderful stories. Onyx book 3, can't come soon enough. Yes, Shadows is not a half book it's classified as # 2.

Oh and we have many more books to come from Jennifer, she has written 13! The lady is on fire! In my opinion, if it's got Jennifer's name on the front, you are pretty much guaranteed an awesome read.

Oh yes and notice the words Bestselling Author...very impressive Jennifer:D

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - DRINK DEEP by CHLOE NEILL - CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES # 5

2012-02-10T12:06:00.002+11:00

By: Chloe Neill

Published By: Orion, Hachette

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback, 321 Pages

RATING : 4.25 MAYHEM STARS!

Book Blurb : Taken From Goodreads

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night,

Take these broken wings and learn to fly........

BOOK REVIEW:

I love the Chicagoland Vampires series, it is a great Urban Fantasy read. I did miss Ethan in this book. I think anybody who loves this series will tell you that a gaping hole was left behind. Even the characters in this book are feeling it, big time.

This brings me to Jonah. He is no Ethan, but he is gorgeous and you can see how much he would like a relationship more than partnership with Merit. He is a tempting morsel.

I was having a little trouble totally feeling this instalment until we got past the half way mark, maybe because of that gaping hole that Ethan left behind, maybe something else?

Oh the GP dude, Frank. (looks around for my smelliest stinky dead fish, so I can slap that boy upside of silly) Chloe REALLY makes you loathe the guy.

I would have loved to have seen Gabriel and his pack in this instalment. Obviously they weren’t necessary. I think with Ethan making it into dreams, I needed big Gabriel to call Merit, ‘kitten’. I think I was just lost without Ethan. Jonah was like this putty filler, who filled in the cracks for me. Interesting to see where Chloe takes Jonah and Merit now she has signed on the dotted line.

Chloe has given us some wonderful twists in the latter part of the book, these got me back to feeling in the zone with this series. I’m hoping more Faerie influence may become a part of this series.

Jeff is still so adorable I could pack him up and take him home. He has such a way with the little ladies..hehe!

Oh Catcher, what are we going to do with you..........?

There is a scene in this book , hence my little Blackbird lyric intro, it was quite touching. Made me swallow a lump.

I enjoyed this instalment, and am looking forward to reading ‘Biting Cold’, there are some things left in the air at the end of this book and maybe some new beginnings?

I have a pet peeve, I am not digging the UK covers at all. The girl is so not Merit. No offence, just blagh! I don’t like the poses. These books have some grit and the covers aren’t Urban Fantasy....did I just say all that out aloud...oops!

FAVE QUOTES:

   “You ever think about coaching baseball, that kinda thing, when you and Mallory have kids? You know , doing the whole soccer dad routine?”

   Catcher threw a pistachio in the air and caught it in his mouth. “While hoping they don’t fry the universe from day one? Yeah, that thought has occurred to me.” He sat up straight and looked at Jeff. “can you imagine some little girl with Mallory’s hair? The blond, I mean.”

   “Heart. Breaker,” Jeff said. “You’ll have to keep a shotgun by the front door just to ward off the players. Or I guess , you could have Mallory do it for you.”

   “I could,’ Catcher allowed, then --------- realizing I was in the room -----looked up and glared right at me. “ I’ll do that right after I have her kick Merit’s ass for spying.”

   I grinned and stepped inside , offering each a wave. “Hello, proud papas of children not yet conceived.”

   “You’re still alive.”

   “Last time I checked. And here’s a fact to add to your database----fairy blood turns vampires batshit crazy.”

Now the scene in the book, musically only ,sounded more like this..

Michelle

TIM O'ROURKE SELF PUBLISHED AUTHOR STORMING THE AMAZON KINDLE CHARTS # 2 SPOT, STEPHENIE MEYER # 1 SPOT!

2012-02-10T09:59:00.003+11:00

#2 Spot

If you haven't started Tim O'Rourke's Kiera Hudson series ...well what are you waiting for. I love Tim's series. Just click on side bar under Tim O'Rourke, I have reviews and interviews.

Well have a lookie at this link The Writers Workshop

Stephenie Meyer occupies # 1 and # 3 spot.

Tim occupies # 2 and # 4!!

CONGRATULATIONS TIM!!!

The image (left) is taken straight from Amazon’s website – it’s the Kindle bestseller chart for “Children’s Love and Romance”.

# 4 Spot

You have to take in to consideration that Tim is self published , doing it ALL by himself.

Well we know Stephenie has some wonderful publishers and teams of media to help her along, not that she needs it.

This series is wicked fun and Potter you will grow to love him.

I can't say enough about this series of Tim's .

Check out my left side bar under Tim O'Rourke, I've said lots!

Currently 4 books plus a novella available at Amazon.

Vampire Shift

Vanpire Wake

Vampire Hunt

Vampire Breed

Wolf House - Novella

Vampire Hollows - Releases 13th February 2012

I have said Tim is the next Amanda Hocking, big call I know, so publishers do take the time to check him out. He has sold tens of thousands of his Kiera Hudson series.

BOOK COVERS by
MS. SUZI MIDNIGHT

I will be having something here on 13th February UK time, can't say what as it is a surprise for Tim...so don't anybody tell him....ssshhhh! But it is to do with his Black Hill Farm series, the series he wrote before Kiera Hudson.

Hope to see you back on the 13TH!

Michelle