A Review for Romeo Redeemed (Juliet Immortal #2) by Stacey Jay

Posted by Donna

Release Date:  October 9th, 2012

Finished Date: August 18th, 2012

Publishers: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Source: For Review 

Format: eGalley 

Pages: 384
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Cursed to live out eternity in his rotted corpse, Romeo, known for his ruthless, cutthroat ways, is given the chance to redeem himself by traveling back in time to save the life of Ariel Dragland. Unbeknownst to her, Ariel is important to both the evil Mercenaries and the love-promoting Ambassadors and holds the fate of the world in her hands. Romeo must win her heart and make her believe in love, turning her away from her darker potential before his work is discovered by the Mercenaries. While his seduction begins as yet another lie, it soon becomes his only truth. Romeo vows to protect Ariel from harm, and do whatever it takes to win her heart and soul. But when Ariel is led to believe his love is a deception, she becomes vulnerable to Mercenary manipulation, and her own inner darkness may ultimately rip them apart.

The Review: Last year I fell in love with Juliet Immortal and so when I heard the author was releasing a sequel told from Romeo's point of view, I was extremely excited. I wanted to get into Romeo's head more and get his side of the story but while I enjoyed Romeo Redeemed, I didn't love it as much as the first book.

This time around we see Romeo living out his eternity alone and slowly rotting away. He killed the love of his life, Juliet and now he's paying for it. Well that is until he's given an opportunity  to right his mistakes and he takes it with open arms. Romeo's task - is to travel back in time to save a girl named Ariel, who holds the fate of the world in her hands. However, Romeo has to make Ariel fall in love him but he's wearing the face of the one person she truly hates. Can Romeo save Ariel before the soul-less Mercenary get her? And can Romeo save himself from an eternity alone?

I love the cover for this, look how gorgeous it is. Anyway, While I think Stacey Jay did a great job with Romeo Redeemed, I think it fell slightly short to Juliet Immortal. My main problem was I got a bit confused with the different point of views. I liked Romeo's and Ariel's point of views but it was hard with Juliet's because we were taken back to 1304, back to when she was killed by Romeo. Trying to get all the facts from Juliet and keep up to date with Romeo and Ariel's problems was a bit hard. However despite this, I still enjoyed the book. I loved how Stacey Jay has a way with drawing you from the very first page. Her stories are written beautifully and there very heart-wrenching. You feel everything the characters feel and it's full of emotions. 

I hated Romeo in the first book but this time you can't help but love him. It's a slow process though because as the story moves along, you like him more and more. Ariel, I really liked her from the start, even though she's a weak character, she's not a helpless one and I think her and Romeo were a great match. 

Now that ending, talk about a shocker. I'll say this I didn't expect that huge twist that came but what a fantastic twist it was. Everything happens in this book for a reason and fate plays a key part of it and I really enjoyed it. 

A Review for Timepiece (Hourglass #2) by Myra McEntire

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 12th, 2012

Finished Date: August 28th, 2012

Publishers: Egmont USA

Source: ARC, For Review 

Format: Kindle 

Pages: 336
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, time slips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travellers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organisation. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

The Review: “I'm a bad ass. A bad ass who bakes when he's depressed.” 

I'm still trying to decide between a 2.5 rating or a 3 because I really have mixed feelings on this book and here's why.

When I finished Hourglass, I immediately dived into Timepiece because I was looking forward to seeing what was next in store for Emerson & Michael, so you can imagine my surprise when I start reading, only to find out that Timepiece is actually told by Kaleb and not Emerson, like before. Ahhh! Now I like Kaleb, but a whole novel from his point of view in my opinion....just didn't work. 
After getting used to Emerson in the first book, it took a while to get into the story told by Kaleb and it was a big risk by the author to do and yes, it was something different that not many author's do, and even though so many people loved it, I just didn't think it worked. I kept expecting something important to happen that couldn't have been told by Emerson....and it just didn't happen. I think this story would have been better by alternative point's of view from Emerson and Kaleb but the main problem for me is now I'm not to sure IF I will read the third book. I think it all comes down to who will be the narrative. If it's Emerson or Michael....definitely, I'll read it, but if it's any other character....I'm really not sure. 

Anyway, the story itself was okay. I enjoyed being back in the time travel world and I loved finding out new details but I found myself lost in places. There was a lot of details about Chronos and Duronium etc, but the main thing was, I didn't really care for Kaleb....so I felt more than disconnected to this book. I liked him in Hourglass, he was the troubled best friend who was cheeky and funny but getting into his head wasn't as good as I would have expected. He has a lot of issues, family problems, girls etc... and it just got a bit tired some but he is funny guy so that was a highlight of the book. His relationship with Emerson it just weird, I understand she listened to him but is that really enough to fall in love with someone? Especially when that someone is dating you the guy whose like your brother? I don't think so, and I just didn't understand the connection they shared. Now Kaleb and Lily had potential, I liked Lily and I loved that she stood up to Kaleb and all his bull crap, but their relationship just felt rushed. He went straight from pining over Emerson straight to Lily and I'm not sure I 100% believe in their relationship. 

Overall for me, this story being told from Kaleb's point of view just didn't work and I'm disappointed with it. Now while I can't knock the author for trying something different, I was hoping for something more and I just don't think the author delivered it and of course, this played a huge factor in my rating. Don't hate me Hourglass fans but it just didn't work for me! 

Waiting on Wednesday (#26)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

Infinite Sky 
by C.J Flood

Release date: February 14th, 2013

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Iris Dancy’s free-spirited mum has left for Tunisia, her dad’s rarely sober and her brother’s determined to fight anyone with a pair of fists.

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When a family of travellers move into the overgrown paddock overnight, her dad looks set to finally lose it. Gypsies are parasites he says, but Iris is intrigued. As her dad plans to evict the travelling family, Iris makes friends with their teenage son. Trick Deran is a bare knuckle boxer who says he’s done with fighting, but is he telling the truth?

 <

When tools go missing from the shed, the travellers are the first suspects. Iris’s brother, Sam, warns her to stay away from Trick; he’s dangerous, but Iris can no longer blindly follow her brother’s advice. He’s got secrets of his own, and she’s not he sure can be trusted himself.

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Jess's Thoughts: This is being released by Simon & Schuster next year. I'm actually looking forward to it. I don't believe Gypsie stories have been done before (I could be wrong). I mean I've not read anything remotely gypsie, and I'm so intrigued by this. I'm interested to meet Trick, he sounds fascinating. 

Donna's WoW

 Breaking Point (Article 5 #2) 
by Kristen Simmons
Release date: February 5th, 2013
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After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.

Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….

Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.

Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.

With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?

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Donna's thoughts: I'm seriously dying for this book. Article 5 was one of my favourite reads of 2012. I fell in love with everything about this book and I can't wait to re-read it before Breaking Point is released! 

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What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

A Review for Hourglass (Hourglass #1) by Myra McEntire

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 14th, 2011

Finished Date: August 27th, 2012

Publishers: Egmont USA

Source: Gifted 

Format: Hardback 

Pages: 390
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

The Review: “I love you - broken in pieces, whole, however. No matter what the future brings, no matter what was in the past.” 

3.5 stars! 

I've had Hourglass sitting on my shelf for well over a year now after Haley from ya-aholic gifted it to me - so thank you Haley! It's one of them books that I've just never got around to reading - even though it sounds amazing, but luckily I managed to snag book two - Timepiece, off of NetGalley for review and so my opportunity to read Hourglass finally arrived. 

I went into the story not really knowing what to expect. I've heard good things about it but not really what the general story line was....so when I finally got started, I was surprised to find out what it was. First I thought, "ummmm a ghost story, that should be interesting" but to my surprise, it wasn't a ghost story at all but a time travel story. I haven't had much experience with time travel except with Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris - which I loved, and Tempest by Julie Cross - which I didn't like, so I didn't really know if I was going to enjoy this but again, it surprised me because I really did enjoy it.

Hourglass is a very unique book, one that is surrounded by a lot of mystery. Our main character Emerson, has had a rough time, losing her parents, being committed due to seeing strange things and most of all talking to people who aren't really there. Without the help from Michael, Emerson really wouldn't know what's going on but while he explains some stuff to her, she knows he's still keeping secrets...so this is where the mystery comes in. As a reader the author really keeps you on you're toes and keeps you guessing all the way through, and the story is not without exciting twists and turns. 

What I enjoyed about this story so much was the relationship between Emerson and Michael, it was very lovable and just makes you swoon. They do have a lot of trials ahead of them and I can't wait to see more from them and hopefully see more of their relationship in the next book. 

All in all, Hourglass was a fun read, I wouldn't say it was amazing but I'm reaching for book two as we speak and I'm hoping it will be just as good, if not better than this. 

A Review for Defiance by C.J Redwine

Posted by Donna

Release Date:  September 6th, 2012

Finished Date: August 15th, 2012

Publishers: Atom 

Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 403 
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Rachel’s world is confined to the protective walls around her city. Beyond them are violent wanderers, extreme terrain, and a danger straight out of legend: a beast called the Cursed One that devastates everything in its path.

When Rachel’s father goes missing, she is desperate to search for him. But her attempts to flee the city bring her to the attention of its overbearing ruler. His efforts to control her make the world within the walls seem as dangerous as that outside.

Her only chance at escape is Logan. Once her father’s apprentice, and now her only protector, he feels that helping her might mean losing her completely. But if he can put his feelings aside, they might be able to save more than Rachel’s father. They might be able to break down the walls, and set their people free.

The Review: I'm not really sure where to start with Defiance because it's been a few weeks since I read it and I'm still a bit shocked by how much it surprised me. Before I started I guess I thought this book would be predictable, I thought I knew how the story would play out and I'm so glad to be wrong, because it was a very unpredictable and a fantastic read. 

Rachel lives in a city where everything is confined. She's not allowed to wander on her own without a protector and nor is she able to show people her true nature. Her true nature is all thanks to her father - Jared Adams, who instead of allowing her to become a helpless women, trains her into becoming a deadly warrior. But when Rachel's father doesn't return home from a mission, everyone assumes he is dead and therefore Rachel is appointed a new protector and guardian - her father's apprentice, Logan. As much as Rachel hates Logan, deep down they have a connection that they keep hidden but, she knows he's the only one she can trust to help get her father back. But with the Commander taking interest in Rachel and The Cursed Ones who destroy everything in their wake making more appearances, can Rachel and Logan really take on this big a task of going into the Wasteland and rescue Jared Adams? 

Defiance is one of them books that once you start reading, you don't want to stop. It captures you from start to finish and even when you're finished, you want more. Author C.J Redwine did a brilliant job creating a very unique and enthralling read, one that will have you melting at the brilliantly written point of views. Yes, you heard me. Defiance is told from both Rachel and Logan's points of view. How cool is that? I find that it's very rare to have both male and female points of views in a book like this. Usually it's more in YA contemporary books but, this is why this book is so special because you get both two very, very awesome characters points of views, both who take two very, very different journeys and I absolutely loved it! 

Now talking of the characters, they were great. Rachel and Logan have some many lovable qualities, it's hard not to love them. Both of them are strong, stubborn and determined - both very good warriors and fighters, and both care about their loved one's more than anything. I think this is why they have such a good relationship because they can rely on one another and not only that but, they can see affection and love from the other. And Logan is totally swoon-worthy....Rachel is one lucky girl. ;)

I really loved this book in total, it's a breathe-taking read, one that is full of heart-pounding and exhilarating scenes and definitely an unforgettable journey, and I can't wait to for the next book. 

A big thank you to Atom for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

UK Blog for Stolen Night by Rebecca Maizel + Int Giveaway

The High Gate Vampire. 

To celebrate the release of Rebecca Maizels novel Stolen Night sequel to Infinite Days, we wanted to do an interesting blog tour for her amazing novel. So on our blog today we wanted to celebrate the release of Stolen Night, now if you don't know about Rebecca's novels the vampires were not so nice at the beginning, so we're going to start by telling you about a vampire story from long ago in London... The High Gate Vampire. 

1839 is when the cemetery was opened to the dead. Built by Victorian hands and sealed with the love of loved ones buried there. Hate, love and vampires hung in the air and here's the story......

Two seemingly unconnected incidents occurred within weeks of one another in early 1967. The first involved two 16-year-old convent girls who were walking home at night after having visited friends in Highgate Village. Their return journey took them down Swains Lane past the cemetery. They could not believe their eyes as they passed the graveyard’s north gate at the top of the lane, for in front of them bodies appeared to be emerging from their tombs. One of these schoolgirls later suffered nightly visitations and blood loss. The second incident, some weeks later, involved an engaged couple who were walking down the same lane. Suddenly the female shrieked as she glimpsed something hideous hovering behind the gate’s iron railings. Then her fiancé saw it. They both stood frozen to the ground as the spectre held them in thrall. Its face bore an expression of basilisk horror. Soon others sighted the same phenomenon as it hovered along the path behind the gate where gravestones are visible either side until consumed in darkness. Before long people were talking in hushed tones about the rumoured haunting in local pubs. Some who actually witnessed the spectral figure wrote to their local newspaper to share their experience. Discovery was made of animal carcasses drained of blood. 

They had been so exsanguinated that a forensic sample could not be found. It was only a matter of time before a person was found in the cemetery in a pool of blood. This victim died of wounds to the throat. The police made every attempt to cover-up the vampiristic nature of the death. Seán Manchester informed the public on 27 February 1970 that the cause was most probably a vampire. He appeared on television on 13 March 1970 and repeated his theory. The VRS, whose specialist unit within a larger investigatory organisation (now defunct) had opened the case twelve months earlier, established a history of similar hauntings that went back to before the graveyard existed. A suspected tomb was located and a spoken exorcism performed. This proved to be ineffective.

Life around high gate doesn't sound so good does it? Hopefully that vampire will turn good like Rebecca's ones. Until next time .... Mwahahaha.
  

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A Review for My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Posted by Jess

Release Date:  June 14th, 2012

Finished Date: 1st August 2012

Publishers: DIAL

Source: Bought 

Format: Kindle edtion

Pages: 400
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

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“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

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The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

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A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

The Review: Pretty awesome book.

I'd wanted to read it for a while and I finally got around to it a few weeks ago. It was a fantastic summer read. I absolutely whizzed through this book. I just couldn't get enough of it. It's a fabulous story with real life issues around our main protagonists Jace and Samantha.

Samantha is the rich Senators daughter, who live next to the big family called the Garretts. Samantha isn't supposed to talk to the Garretts....ever according to her mother because "they're not good enough" in her eyes. But that doesn't stop Samantha from looking over at them everyday for 10 years and finally striking up a conversation with the 3rd eldest son, Jace. Jace is amazing. He's so swoon worthy he makes you melt. Their relationship was beautifully written, starting out as a friendship which quickly bonded into romance. Both of these characters are very easily likeable and you'll be rooting for them from the get go.

The story is fast paced and won't leave you bored. Huntley inserts some real life issues into this story and has our characters handle it all very well. It was extremely well thought out, and it felt like a movie playing out in my head all the way through.

I can't say I cared too much for Samantha's mother. She wasn't a very likeable character but I think that was the point. I barely had any sympathy for her and most of the time I just down right wanted to hit her over the head! She was so up herself. I realise most of it was for show being the senator but the way she treated Sam and the way she judged the Garretts wasn't necessary at all. She's the downfall to this book. I generally prefer parents in contemp romances to be fun and kookie in some way. This parent...so wasn't. Pretty much where 1 star dropped for me.

I must just make mention of George and Patsy. The youngest (I mean like babies) of the Garrett family, they are like the CUTEST kids ever. I mean like ever in books I've read so far. I've always loved books where we have a younger sibling that's so fun and cute, but to get two? Simply awesome. They'll have you 'awwwwwwww-ing' in your seat.

This is one of the first books I've read by Huntley Fitzpatrick and I believe it's her debut novel, but I plan to read more from her when she publishes more. She mostly definitely has a knack for telling a good story with real issues, and making the guy completely drop dead gorgeous that you'll be sighing in your seat.

If you're looking for something fun that tackles with real issues then definitely pick this up. Simply wonderful first novel. I wish I could read more from the Garretts and Samantha.

A Review for Royal Street (Sentinels of New Orleans #1) by Suzanne Johnson

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie

Release Date:  April 10th, 2012

Finished Date: August 17th, 2012

Publishers: Tor Books 

Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 336
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

As the junior wizard sentinel for New Orleans, Drusilla Jaco’s job involves a lot more potion-mixing and pixie-retrieval than sniffing out supernatural bad guys like rogue vampires and lethal were-creatures. DJ's boss and mentor, Gerald St. Simon, is the wizard tasked with protecting the city from anyone or anything that might slip over from the preternatural beyond.

Then Hurricane Katrina hammers New Orleans’ fragile levees, unleashing more than just dangerous flood waters.

While winds howled and Lake Pontchartrain surged, the borders between the modern city and the Otherworld crumbled. Now, the undead and the restless are roaming the Big Easy, and a serial killer with ties to voodoo is murdering the soldiers sent to help the city recover.

To make it worse, Gerry has gone missing, the wizards’ Elders have assigned a grenade-toting assassin as DJ’s new partner, and undead pirate Jean Lafitte wants to make her walk his plank. The search for Gerry and for the serial killer turns personal when DJ learns the hard way that loyalty requires sacrifice, allies come from the unlikeliest places, and duty mixed with love creates one bitter gumbo.

The Review:  Royal Street is a great start to a new series involving Sentinels – who are Wizards in their various forms and governed by a group of Elders – they protect the borders of the real world from preternaturals who want to crossover from the Otherworld and live on earth for their own gains, they will do just about anything to stay here offering bargains and such to the Sentinels but are usually sent back to where they came from. Until Hurricane Katrina comes along and thins the veil between the worlds and lets loose a whole host of ‘pretes’ with their own agendas and to make matters worse the main New Orleans Sentinel – Gerry St. Martin - has gone missing. His apprentice – DJ- is recalled back to the devastation to lend a hand in regaining control of the area and whilst her priority is returning the escaped pretes, she has taken it upon herself to find and hopefully rescue her mentor. But, the Elders throw a spanner in the works by assigning her a partner, a very distracting partner who is an enforcer with his own mission and it may end up being in direct conflict to DJ’s for whilst he is investigating some murders that seem to be ritualistic (and DJ’s area of expertise) he also has doubts that Gerry is simply dead and word is. . . Gerry has made a deal with the other side. So, DJ  is in a quandary – can she trust her new partner? Can they help stop the serial killer? Can she solve Gerry’s disappearance and keep his good name? and keep out of the clutches of a few enemies she’s made along the way? Let’s just say she is definitely in for a few revelations. .

I was very impressed with this book, I’m a huge UF fan and I haven’t read enough of it lately so it was nice to delve back into it again and no better way than this. Drusilla Jolie aka DJ Is a cool main character, I liked everything about her – her skills are good and while she is capable with her magic, she isn’t all out ‘Kick Ass’, she’s capable of defending herself but is often out matched and her magic isn’t as reliable as it should be – until she finds something of use and does just that! She’s an interesting character and I really wanted to learn more about her, I loved what we got from this but it feels like there are a lot more discoveries to be made. Alex and Jake were great too, I love a man with a hero complex and both of these guys have it in spades and with hot bods to match plus a little something, something that you will discover in the book. Needless to say, both men have a bit of rivalry going on and not just about DJ but hey, I love it when two guys try to win a girls affection and I would certainly have trouble with these two. Another character of note is Jean Lafitte, ghost pirate and well known ladies man which equals fun times and precarious situations for DJ and an intriguing character indeed.

The storyline was really great too, the setting is New Orleans during the time of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. I loved the way that was used because not only were we getting a cool UF story but we got the story of real life events, the devastation, the loss, how the changes affected the people, the environment – everything - and then we get the historical and cultural figures and belief systems that are weaved into a story of supernatural. The story itself just screamed New Orleans, I don’t want to say too much for fear of giving something away but if you read it you will know exactly why I say this. I really liked it, the setting, the characters, the plot, the bit of romantic complications, the reveals and even the pacing and I can’t wait to see where its going to go next. I imagine there will be a lot of changes for DJ and this has left me with many questions, it’s one of those books where it’s a great set up but you know the best is yet to come so bring on the sequel! 

Waiting on Wednesday (#25)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

Toxic (Denazen #2)
by Just Accardo

Release date: September 11th, 2012

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When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep... And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

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After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead..

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Jess's Thoughts: Loved the first one. Probably going to love this one even more, it sounds completely epic. Really cannot wait for this one! 

Donna's WoW

 Reflected in You (Crossfire #2) 
by Sylvia Day 
Release date: 11th October 2012
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Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine.
< My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We'd never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.
< We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession.
<
Donna's thoughts: Oh gosh, I NEED this book like NOW! I want, want and want it now too and I need Gideon Cross again! Yeah, I loved book one, it's going to be my new obsession over the next few weeks. And I love the UK cover, I'm eager to see if it plays a role in the book. October can't come quick enough!

<
What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

A Review for Bared to You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day

Posted by Donna

Release Date:  July 19th, 2012

Finished Date: 20th August 2012

Publishers: Penguin UK

Source: Bought 

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 360
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Our journey began in fire...

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart.

The Review: On the front cover of my book there's a little sticker that says, "If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, you'll love this." Well, I loved Fifty Shades so I knew I wanted to read this, especially if it was being compared to this but you know what I didn't expect? I didn't expect to love Bared to You more, but I did. So...move over Christian Grey and make way for Gideon Cross! 

Wow....just wow. I can't believe how much I loved this book and I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This book is always going to be compared to Fifty Shades of Grey, they have the same rich, hot, alpha male's with troubled pasts and female's that can bring the males to their knees, but the different is there's no BDSM relationship. Now before you Fifty Shades of Grey haters start, Bared to You is so much more than Fifty and you may find that if you try this you might enjoy it too, so don't be put off by all the Fifty talk. 

What I loved about this book was the fact that it felt very realistic. Eva isn't a innocent girl that doesn't know about sex, she's a women that had a troubled past and she like to be in control of her life. She won't settle for being controlled by her family or Gideon. I loved that about her. I loved that she won't allow Gideon to control her but instead, makes him see her as an equal. Now Gideon, he's a rich, powerful young man who loves to be in control in and out of bed. Eva really changes his life, he finds it hard to let people in because of his dark secrets he is hiding and boy, do I want to know his secrets. Despite Eva and Gideon's obstacles, I really think they make a fantastic couple. I'm really rooting for them and I'm very eager to see what the next two books have in store for them. 

The story itself is heart-wrenching, packed with emotions and passionate scenes. It's beautiful and touching and let's not forget the hot scenes between Eva and Gideon. Sparks literally fly off the pages when you read this book and it will leave you begging for more. 

If I haven't convinced you to read this book yet, then I'll leave you my three favourite quotes...ENJOY! 

1) "I can't go long without you either, Eva. You're an addiction...my obsession..." - Gideon 

2) "I'm an animal with you," he murmured. "I want to mark you. I want to possess you so completely there's no separation between us." - Gideon 

3) “You forget who submits, Eva,” he said gruffly. “I’ve given up control for you. I’ve bent and adjusted for you. I’ll do anything to keep you and make you happy. But I can’t be tamed or topped. Don’t mistake indulgence for weakness.” - Gideon 

US vs UK (#55)

Welcome to Book Passion for Life's 54th US vs UK book cover battle. 

The idea of this battle is once a week we'll post 2 sets of books of our choice, one US cover and one UK cover, and we'll just give our opinion on which one we love the most. Which cover captures the story, which one would catch our eye if we saw it on the shelf in a shop. The US cover will be on the left, and the UK cover will be on the right.

The Scores so far are:

US: 16 UK: 18  Draw: 21

US vs UK Round 55

 Bared to You by Sylvia Day

 VS  

Jess says: Ah I loved this book! I actually don't really like either of these I prefer the original one with Gideon on the front, BUT if I had to choose? Then I pick the US for the cuff links because they fit the story a lot more. God this book is so awesome! 

Donna says:  I literally just finished this book and all I can say is wow! But the covers, I actually love both, however now reading the book, I understand the US cover a lot more. So I'm going with the US because of what the design on the cuffs mean. 

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

 VS  

Jess says: Ooh not heard of this book, need to add it to my TBR I think. I like both of these, but I have to agree with Donna, the UK seems a lot more fun and out there. I think this type of US cover has been done, it seems this cover gets reused a lot. 

Donna says: This is a pretty easy choice for me and I'll say it now, UK! It's looks so much fun and it's very eye catching. It's makes me want to pick up the book straight away, where as the US one looks a bit dated. I think they could do with re-designing it. 

Add it to your Goodreads TBR list:

Which do you prefer? Leave us your comments below!! =) 

__________________

Okay guys, this weeks US vs UK goes to..........It's a draw!

Showcase Sunday (#14)

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

Donna's Showcase

For Review:

The Hunt by L.J Smith

This is So Not Happening by Kieran Scott 

Hollow Pike by James Dawson 

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Entice by Jessica Shirvington

The Wolf Princess 

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor - Sample 

Early Birthday Present from Sam @ Realm of Fiction 

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley 

Early birthday presents from my friend Nat

She actually sent me a amazon giftcard but these are the things I bought with it. Because I'm getting in cake making I bought essential tools. 

Thank you so much Nat! 

Early Birthday Present from Carly @ Fiction Fascinations 

A big thank you to Sam, Nat & Carly - I love my presents, thank you so much! And thank you the publishers, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Chicken House, Orion & Hodder's Childrens books.