My Book Boyfriend (#25): Tucker Avery

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme, hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. What is My Book Boyfriend you might ask.  Well it is a weekly meme where we talk about a literary crush including stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that make you swoon.  If you are interested in participating please check out the My Book Boyfriend Introduction Page over at Missie's blog The Unread Reader.

Today's Book Boyfriend is especially for Donna. I haven't read this series yet but it's on my TBR somewhere. It is cowboy Tucker from Unearthly by Cynthia  Hand

Stats: 
Status: Tucker is witty, gorgeous cowboy who is a true gentleman!

Hair: Golden Brown

Eyes: Hazy Blue 

Love Interest:  Clara

Tucker: "But she gave me the perfect gift." 

Clara: "What?" 

Tucker: "You.” 

“This isn't going to become one of those creepy situations where you show up at all hours of the night to watch me sleep, is it?" he asks playfully.”

“Nice to meet you, Carrots,” he says, looking directly at my hair. “Oh, I mean Clara.” 

My face flames. 

Tucker: "Is it okay to kiss you? 

Clara: What?
 Tucker: I won't get struck by lightning?
 Clara: (laughs) No lightning.” 

As I mentioned, I haven't read Unearthly yet. But is that's what Tucker looks like? Then I plan on reading it very soon. Thanks to Justin Deely for being Donna's Tucker. 

Come back next week when I'll have a Christmas Poughkeepsie brothers special :D

Thanks to Missie for creating this meme!

Teaser Tuesday (#33)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

1) Grab your current read

2) Open to a random page

3) Share one (1) OR two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

Just me again guys lol...

Jessica's Teaser Tuesday: Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

I'm reading this on kindle, so it's hard to go back and search for a quote. But I've just read one from Blake.  I really should start writing down amazing quotes when I'm reading. It would save a lot of time.

"My inamorata, you know where I'll be: where I'll always be. Waiting. For you."

I really want to share more quotes with you, but as I said I'm reading it on kindle and it's really hard to go through your kindle places for the quotes. There are some more amazing ones in this book, and a lot of funny ones. I'll see if I can get them for my review that will be coming very soon! 

That's it for today!

What's your teaser Tuesday?

A Review for Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles) by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

Posted by Donna
Expected Published Date: December 1st, 2011
Finished Date: November 22nd, 2011
Publishers: Random House
Source: ARC, For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 400
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

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The Review: Unleashed was my first book by this author duo Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie, I know right? Can you believe it! And after reading it I can honestly say I didn’t love it but I did enjoy it.

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Katelyn McBride lost her dad at a young age so she doesn’t expect to lose her mother years later, leaving her with no choice but to move to the middle of nowhere to live with her grandfather. Katelyn hates having to leave her friends and school and she is definitely not looking forward to starting over in Wolf Springs, but when she’s there things starts to pick up….however it doesn’t last long when she finds out teenagers are being killed in the woods. Wolf Springs has secrets, secrets that have been hidden through out centuries and Katelyn finds herself at the centre of them.

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When I started Unleashed I have to admit, our main character Katelyn or Kat as she goes by in Wolf Springs really annoyed me. I understood her situation and my heart when out for her losing her mother and especially having to move to a new place but she really did annoy me. I found her whiney and I didn’t like the fact that she never really gives her grandfather the benefit of the doubt, but despite this as the story progress’s I actually started enjoying her as a character. She did a complete turn around. When she becomes friends with mysterious Trick, I really enjoyed the qualities they bought out in each other. Their time together was flirty and fun and it was just what I needed in the story. But when Katelyn is introduced to Cordelia’s cousin Justin, I was instantly taken by him…he had such a presences in the book and I was eager to find out more. But if you asked me if I’m Team Trick or Team Justin….I honestly couldn’t answer at this stage.

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The secrets that Wolf Springs hold gave the story a certain enjoyable twist to it and it was pretty easy to spot that the Fenners are at the centre of the problems. Cordelia’s father was a horrid man and I’ve never wanted to slap someone like him before. He’s mean…just plain mean and nasty! There were also a few shockers to the storyline especially involving Katelyn and I have to say…I didn’t expect it not so soon into the story. I didn’t but it was definitely a good twist.

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I have to warn you there is a cliff-hanger at the end. Was it good? It was okay…nothing really major in my opinion and I think it could be easily solved in the next book. I guess I’m kind of hoping the authors do something major to start off with for book two, just to keep it unpredictable but what I also didn’t like was the Twilight comparisons. Yes I do love Twilight….its one of my favourite but I don’t wish to read it done over by different authors. I want something original and I believe this series can be original.

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All in all, Unleashed was a good start to an exciting series, one I will look forward to continuing in the near future.

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Thank you to Random House for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

Blog Tour Guest Post with Kelley York.

When to Let Go by Kelley York 

We all get attached to our stories and our characters. We want so badly to see them succeed. After we've put in months—sometimes years—to make something of a book, it's hard to imagine just...setting it aside. Forgetting about it. Moving on.

I see authors out there with a book. Maybe it's a bad book, maybe it's a really effing terrific book. Either way, they haven't had luck placing it with a publisher or an agent.

So, they revise.

They rework.

They edit.

Months of fixes. Possibly years. And still, nothing.

Meanwhile, you might ask them, "What else are you working on?" and they will pause and say, "Nothing. I've been spending all my time on this book, so..."

This isn't a good thing. Of course it's great to edit the hell out of all your books, preferably before sending them out into the wild. But how long before you decide enough is enough and that, just maybe, this book is good but it isn't good enough? How long do you wait before you realize it's time to move on and write something else?

I don't think there's any definitive answer. I queried my first book for over a year (with a few-months break in the middle to hugely revise). I had a few close calls so I kept thinking I just had to find the one.

But the one never came.

Looking back, I'm thankful for that. Because with every book you write, the more you grow. The stronger your writing becomes. Honestly, I'm glad it was HUSHED, my second book, that finally made it because it was so much stronger than my first. Just as my third book was stronger than my second...and the one I'm working on now? Will be stronger still.

We learn. We adapt. We change and we grow.

But that won't happen if you're stuck on one project, trying to patchwork it to perfection.

If you have something you've been trying to place for way too long and it's keeping you stagnant, keeping you from moving forward, from working on something else...it might be time to let go. Your muse will thank you for it. 

Author Bio: Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets.  (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.)  She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid. Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley's website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog

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Hushed - Synopsis:
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He's saved her. He's loved her. He's killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn't protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he's never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn't matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another - Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who's ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer's committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn't get what she wants...And what she wants is Evan's death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Amazon: Click this link to buy Hushed

Barnes & Noble: Click this link to buy Hushed

Read Jess's review for Hushed - Epic Rating!

'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was unputdownable!!!

--YA Fantasy Guide--

A Review for Cicada by Belle Whittington

Posted by Donna
Published Date: July 14th, 2011
Finished Date: November 20th, 2011
Source: For Review from Author
Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Summertime had always been carefree and fun for Blair Reynolds and her friends--until they came upon something that was not human. As the group of friends band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human...something unnatural. And their existence relies on their ability to keep a secret.

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The Review:  Cicada is one of them novels that before you start, you know nothing about. Even before reading the blurb....it doesn't really give you an insight of what the story is actually about. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting but boy was I shocked when I found out.

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Now I bet you think I'm going to tell you what the story is about....well....I'm not. I don't want to spoil it for you guys because like me, I'm glad it was a surprise. But I will tell you what I thought about it without giving to many details away.

The story was mysterious and slightly dangerous but it was seriously thrilling. The characters were some of the best I’ve read about from a self-published author and found myself truly connecting with them. Belle gave that right amount of emotion to each scene and I loved it. My favourite characters were of course Everett and Blair at a close second. The story has twists and turns through-out and keeps you guessing. Although I would have liked to have had some answers a little sooner, I still did enjoy the story.

And finally, I’ll say that the ending was a shocker. Just when we finally start to find out things…..yep….you guessed it Belle ends it. Ahhhhh! I definitely have a love hate relationship with cliff-hangers.

Overall, Belle Whittington has created a unique series and I’ll look forward to reading more from her in the future.

A Review for Return to Paradise (Leaving Paradise #2) by Simone Elkeles

Posted by Jess
Published Date: September 1st,  2010
Finished Date: November 25th, 2011
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 291
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The blurb from Goodreads: Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything. 

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She's dermined to make a new life for herself. 

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie's accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.

The Review: "We lie back on the pillows together, and he places small, slow kisses across my neck. "Trust me," he whispers against my lips. "Maggie, you're my paradise." 

Well what can I say. I didn't think I'd like this one as much as the first, but I did. I loved it. Possibly loved it more than Leaving Paradise. 

Return to Paradise starts 8 months after Leaving Paradise, and Caleb is in trouble...again. He manages to get bail and is optioned in to joining the Re-START program which gets kids who have been in jail or affected by drunk driving tell their stories to others around the country. Caleb reluctantly goes along because it's either that, or jail...again. And from there he meets Maggie again who's there to tell her story, and so this sets off a chain of emotions for them both. 

I loved it. It was great to be fall back in with Maggie and Caleb. I liked Maggie a lot more in this book, she's become a lot stronger and lot more kiss ass than previously. Caleb, well Caleb to begin with was a total jerk and I wanted to punch him in the face a few times, but then he got his act together and turned things around. But the Caleb thing worked well because it Simone Elkeles managed to do it in a way where we see exactly how strong Maggie is now, and that she doesn't fall for some of the crap he pulls in this book. I loved all the new characters that were introduced in this book, especially Matt and Lenny. 

I connected a lot more with Caleb and Maggie in book 2. The only frustrating thing with this book is the beginning interaction with Caleb and Maggie again. One minute they're arguing and shouting at each other, the next moment they're almost-kissing in a lake. A lot of this happens through out the first half of the book, and it just got a little frustrating, but it also made it really fun to read, especially reading about Maggie taking control of the Caleb situation, so I guess the bads balance out the good stuff. 

This book had me out right laughing (no thanks to Lenny), he has some amazing one liners that you just simply laugh your head off! 

The ending to this book was beautiful, I didn't feel dissatisfied with it at all. It pretty much had me on edge a little because I wasn't sure where it was going. But if this ending doesn't make you love Caleb more than there's no hope for you. I have one word for this ending: 'Castle'. I shall say no more. 

Anyway, I definitely recommend this book to all Perfect Chemistry lovers and that this book and Leaving Paradise has become another one of my favourites of 2011.

A Review for Crushed Sugar (Ophelia Dawson Chronicles Novella #1) by Kimber An

Posted by Donna
Published Date: March 25th,  2011
Finished Date: November 12th, 2011
Source: For Review from Author
Format: Kindle
Pages: 50 
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Be careful what you wish for. Ophelia’s had a wicked crush on Martin since they were kids, but she was always just his geeky little friend. Then, on the first day of her junior year, he’s suddenly and wildly attracted to her. She can’t imagine what’s changed, but shocking her small school’s social order fills her with vindication for insults suffered. Ophelia meets Adrian right after and true love extinguishes the wicked crush. In secret, he gives her courage against a specter threat. Tristan Li is pale and hungry, and draws Martin’s immediate ire. He knows things about Ophelia which she assumes are delusions brought on by an aggravated illness like her own, diabetes. When battle breaks out between his ancient race and new blood, even the courage of her secret love might be crushed.

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The Review: After getting the Ophelia Dawson Chronicles for review I decided to start with the novella because it’s a prequel to Sugar Rush the first book in the series. Now personally, I’d rather read the prequel before the actual book. I like to know the back story before and not the other way around but I can’t help think maybe I made the wrong choice with this.

Although I thought this novella was okay, I have to admit I didn’t really enjoy it and considering that it’s only 50 pages I wouldn’t have expected that. I felt that the story started off quite confusing and I couldn’t really understand what the fuss over Martin was and while I was trying to get a feel for the characters I couldn’t really connect with any of them. Not only that but I also felt the story jumped around a bit and it left me with quite a few questions but I have to admit, I’m not really all that interested in finding out the answers.

What I did like what the ideas that the author had with the Owl and of course I really like Tristan and Adrian. However they didn’t really out weigh the way I felt about the rest of the novella. I don’t necessary think the author did a bad job, I actually know a few people who enjoyed this series but maybe it was my fault for reading the prequel before the actual book. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t connect with it but I’ll be honest when I say I’m not sure if this series is for me. Maybe I’ll give Sugar Rush a go in the near future…..but we’ll see.

Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

A Review for When Copper Suns Fall (Copper Suns #1) by KaSonndra Leigh

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie 
Expected Publish Date: December 6th, 2011
Finished Date: November 25th, 2011
Source: For Review from Author
Format: Kindle
Pages: 381
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The Blurb from Goodreads: In fifteen-year-old Chela Prizeon’s city, alchemy is forbidden and angels hide among the mortal. With a deadly virus ravaging the globe, Chela’s nightmarish memories compels her to experience a past riddled with gloom, and now her brother is infected. Chela’s only hope is the Caduceans, slayers sworn to protect the last seven Light Keepers and the ancient memories they share. A group led by the sometimes elusive, sometimes infuriating boy who intrigues Chela. But can she trust this boy with the mysterious past, someone who can influence her memories? With the Caduceans aid, Chela races to defeat her rivals, to unearth dark family secrets, desperate to find a cure…only to discover the glutovirus is far more than a simple disease.

The Review: 3.5 out of 5: Chela’s world is filled with rules, rules that are strictly followed, rules about who to consider the enemy, rules about taking medication, rules about what kind of people can live where, rules about how to dress and who to date, lots of rules. That’s quite understandable really considering the world is a delicate state, the elements are ravaging the world and a deadly virus is infecting people. That’s not to mention the myths of beasts and all things scary if you leave the safety of Castle Hayne. But when Chela’s twin brother Micah is infected with the glutovirus and falls into a year long coma and the doctors want to use him as research, Chela starts to question those rules. As she approaches her 16^th birthday she stops taking her medication thinking that there may be something to Micah’s theory about it not being right and sets of a chain of events that will challenge and change all she thought she knew, and she discovers things about herself that even she has trouble believing. As she meets two mysterious boys she is pulled in two directions, but which is the right one? Everyone seems to be hiding something and even those you trust with your life can turn your life upside down and that isn’t even the half of it!

I’m in-between liking and really liking this book, as first books go it was good. The beginning was slightly slow and a bit confusing with all the new world rules, what was happening, who was who, who couldn’t be where etc. but the pace soon picked up and got going and became a lot easier building to a really good ending that does leave you wanting more. The world is set in 2067, so not too distant a future, set in a new USA that has suffered through the Tidal years ever since the great war, believed to have been started by two presumed extinct groups, the Caduceans and the Tainted. It is a quite grim dystopian world dealing with unstable weather, disease and pollution, colonising into sectors known as The Nation of Corunum and only selected people can live within its walls, normally people who have some sort of gift. Chela is one of the people lucky enough to live in Castle Hayne due to her father being a VIP and we see a shy girl happy to ‘tow the line’, hiding herself from people who may discover her secret, change into a determined girl whose thoughts were to do the right thing and to protect all she knows and loves no matter the consequences or what it might cost her. Her whole world is changed with the revelations she finds out and even though she is tempted a couple of times to do the opposite of what’s needed, she rises to the challenge. I’m saying nothing about the two boys or the secrets they may be hiding because they are major parts of the book and I really don’t want to spoil the enjoyment that comes with finding those out, needless to say they involve a few open mouth moments. All in all, a good first to a new series with an interesting plot that is going to carry over well into future books, has left me curious and wanting to know what’s going to happen now for Chela and the people in her life after the conclusion of this book and looking forward to the next one.
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Thank you to KaSonndra Leigh for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

The Paranormal Turkey Tour-Up to 200$ in Cash Prizes!

Ah yes, Thanksgiving. Nothing says the holidays like sitting around a fully decked out dining room table with mouthwatering temptations waiting to be gobbled up. Everyone waits anxiously for the big reveal… the turkey!

Lovingly prepared since early that morning, the turkey is brought out in a covered, silver serving platter. Aunt Edith smacks little Tommy's hand as he attempts to steal a candied yam dripping with marshmallow. The collective breath is held as the silver cover is removed… revealing… a zombie turkey!

What—what? That's right folks, this year, we are celebrating this American holiday paranormal style. And what says paranormal holiday better than a walking, talking zombie turkey?

This zombie turkey brings you important tidings of great prizes that shall be for all people… who participate and win of course.

November 25-27 you could win up to $200 in prizes!

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 Three days. Four YA paranormal books. Five chances to win!
And who are these crazy paranormal authors? Check them out. It's like the Nightmare Before Christmas, Thanksgiving style!
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Emlyn Chand, author of Farsighted
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"Psychic or not, you'll never see the end for this one coming! Emlyn Chand is pioneering 'the next big thing' for YA." ~ Emily Reese, author of Second Death.
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Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.
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Monster Mash: Emlyn says… I. AM. WEREWOLF! And why's that you ask? First off, my name (Chand) literally means moon in Sanskrit. Next, werewolves are super cool--we can blend in with common folk, and then out of nowhere, kapow! I'm a werewolf, and I sure am hungry. Lastly, Team Jacob 100%. Now excuse me while I cock back my head and howl at my namesake.
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Patti Larsen, author of Family Magic
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"Patti Larsen is truly gifted because I read Family Magic cover to cover and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment!" ~ from Goodreads review
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Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord, but she just wants to be ordinary. When her coven comes under attack, Syd must face the fact only her power can save her family's magic.
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Monster Mash: Patti says… I am a witch. Naturally. I weave spells with my words, cast incantations from my keyboard, mix up the very best potions in my cauldron of documents. You want to stay on my good side. Trust me. Unless you enjoy waking up as something... unnatural.
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Kimberly Kinrade, author of Forbidden Mind
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"Forbidden Mind is a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment." ~Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews
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Paranormal teens with unimaginable powers. An evil organization with deep secrets. When Sam, a girl who reads minds, meets a boy who controls minds, she discovers her future isn't what she thought. Together they must escape and free the others… or risk losing everything—and everyone—they love.
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Monster Mash: Kimberly says… I may look like a demon, but I'm actually a succubus. Enchanting and seductive, I weave stories that will fuel your passions and make you fall in love. But be warned… once you fall under the spell of my words, your world will never be the same.


John Corwin, author of The Next Thing I Knew
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Corwin does a phenomenal job of including humor throughout this novel. This book was like . . . Ghost (the movie) meets The Host (by Stephanie Meyer) meets MIB (Men In Black the movie). ~Maryann, Chapter by Chapter
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The afterlife is the last thing on Lucy’s mind until she and every other human on the planet drop dead and find themselves in the hereafter. Lucy drags her social life back from the grave and enlists her friends to figure out the rules of the afterlife and, more importantly, to discover who or what killed everyone and why anyone would do such a mean thing.
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Monster Mash: John says… I am a ninja. After all, vampires are simply ninjas with fangs. They can hide in plain sight, right in your living room. Jump out and scare the wits out of you. Drop a smoke bomb and poof! All you’re left with is stinky smoke in your house and soiled underclothes.

The Prizes

Four $25 Book Entries: For each of the four books in the contest, you can enter to win $25 (up to $100 in giveaways!) Simply buy a copy of the book (each is priced at just 99 cents for this special promotion) and email the proof of purchase for that book OR submit the first sentence of the fifth chapter for that book to ParanormalTurkey@gmail.com. Winners will be chosen randomly. Each person can submit one entry per book. Here are the links for each book:

• Farsighted by Emlyn Chand : http://ow.ly/7tqhx
• Forbidden Mind by Kimberly Kinrade: http://amzn.to/rKraMo
• The Next Thing I Knew by John Corwin: http://amzn.to/tSlj8A
• Family Magic by Patti Larsen : http://goo.gl/r2Bsm

And... if you buy all FOUR books, you are entered to win the Grand Prize!
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The Grand Prize
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One randomly selected reader who enters to win all four book prizes (Family Magic, Farsighted, Forbidden Mind and The Next Thing I Knew) will win the grand prize of $100.
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So go on now and pick up a copy of these fantastic paranormal reads before the zombie turkey eats you!
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What? Still around? Then enjoy these fun book trailers and Paranormal Turkey Tour trailer. (Then go buy the books.) Also, leave a comment and help your favorite blog host win a $50 prize!
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Notes:

• All winners will be chosen randomly using random.org.
• Amazon links are provided, but books purchased through any online vendor will qualify with proof of purchase.

A Review for Whirl (Ondie Quartet #1) by Emma Raveling

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie 
Published Date: October 7th, 2011
Finished Date: November 23rd, 2011
Publishers: Mandorla Publishing
Source: For Review from Author
Format: E-Book
Pages: 258
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The Blurb from Goodreads: Seventeen-year-old Kendra Irisavie is an ondine, a water elemental caught in the middle of an ancient war. The Aquidae are immortal dark demons who will stop at nothing to destroy the fragile balance of the Elemental world. Fierce and independent, Kendra has always played by her own rules. Gifted with the powerful magic of Virtue and trained to be a deadly fighter, she has spent her life breaking hearts and getting into trouble. When her life explodes one violent night in a northern California city, a dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past. Alone and with no one to trust, she must now navigate through a dangerous new world, face the temptations of a forbidden romance, and remain true to her duty and destiny. All while the Aquidae continue to hunt her down, in the hopes of eliminating her forever…

The Review: Kendra is an Ondine, she has been raised and trained everyday of her life so that when she came of age she could join her Mother in her daily hunting of the Aquidae, their natural enemy, evil demons intent on destroying the balance between the elements and killing the people who possess the magic of the elements. After the sudden death of her Mother, Kendra is sent to live with foster parents until she receives a note on her 17^th birthday telling her that she must go to Haverleau and that someone would come for her because now she has come of age the Aquidae will be able to sense her all the more and she is no longer safe. After being thrust into the enemy, she is rescued by a mysterious stranger who just happens to be her ride to the secret community of the Ondine. Once there and enrolled in school she finds out some shocking news about who she is and where she’s from and that everything she’d been brought up to believe isn’t the norm. So whilst struggling with the usual school drama, boys, bitches, friends and falling for the wrong person  . . . she also has to master her magic and become something she never wanted to be and all whilst avoiding attempts on her life.

I really liked this book, it’s a really good start to a series of four. Whilst it’s reminiscent of Vampire Academy in the basic plot the overall story is not. This is the first time I’ve read anything to do with Ondines and it was a nice change compared to all the vampires and werewolves kicking around. Kendra is a great character, feisty and independent, used to doing her own thing when and where she decided, She always knew she was going to hunt the Aquidae just like her mother did but when she dies and Kendra’s life is turned upside down we see a more determined Kendra. She had always moved around and didn’t make any attachments but was given the opportunity at school, she made friends and found she had things to fight for when she thought she had been alone and caged in. Everything she knew and thought to be right, was wrong and instead of bowing down to it, she challenged it and showed them all a different way. I can’t wait to see how her character develops in future books. I’ll try not to be too spoilery because I don’t want to give anything away . . .  I loved the plot, we get the enemies fighting each other, a community hidden from enemies, a boarding school full of the usual cliques, magic, different races in the Ondine community, teen angst, secrets and lies, multiple love interests, an interesting binding/marriage thing, forbidden love and a big fat prophecy! What’s not to love about all that?

The world the author has created is quite interesting and I’m curious to see where it’s going to lead. While everything is wrapped up nicely in this book I still have lots of questions and my own thoughts on where I want the story to go and arghh, the ending . . . .  please don’t leave it like that. . . . loved it and I need the next book now!

My Book Boyfriend (#24): Cam Caballero

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme, hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. What is My Book Boyfriend you might ask.  Well it is a weekly meme where we talk about a literary crush including stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that make you swoon.  If you are interested in participating please check out the My Book Boyfriend Introduction Page over at Missie's blog The Unread Reader.

This weeks book boyfriend comes from Rachel Vincents book Blood Bound. It is in fact...Cam Caballero. I fell in love with Cam from page one, and my Cam is today modelled by Channing Tatum...

Stats:

Status: He is one of the most powerful name trackers. He's still in love with Olivia Warren even though she left him 6 years earlier...

Age: 26

Hair: Dark

Eyes: Green

Love Interest:  Olivia Warren (Liv)

Description: Tall, muscular physique from years of training as a Tracker employed by one of the two most powerful organizations in the city.

"And suddenly the memories were too much to fight. She was right there, after so many years, and she wasn’t pushing me away. So I kissed her, and she kissed me back, and suddenly it was like she had never left."

“Why can’t you just admit you still want me? We both know it’s true.”

“Would it help to know I tracked down and beat the shit out of that asshole you moved in with a couple of years ago? The one who stole your car?”

I felt my jaw drop open, but the words wouldn’t come. I could only gape at him. “Are you serious?” I asked at last, and he nodded solemnly. “Over a car?”

He blinked, but his gaze held mine captive. “It had nothing to do with the car, Liv.”

"He opened the front closet and hauled out the huge duffel bag taking up most of the floor space, then hefted it onto the bar with a solid thunk, while I surreptitiously studied the way his arms and still-bare chest bulged with each movement.

Training agreed with him. A lot."

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Ahhhhhh CAM! I love you!! I swooned so much over this man it's ridiculous. I'm sharing him with you all today, and thanks to Channing Tatum we can all have awesome dreams tonight...

Thank you to Missie for hosting this awesome meme each week..