A Review for Angelstone (Dark Angel #2) by Hanna Peach

Posted by Guest Reviewer, Melanie
Release Date: May 31st, 2013
Finished Date: May 10th, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle  
Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

After escaping from the Hollows and the Michaelea lightwarriors, Jordan takes Alyx and Israel to Aradale, a secret Rogue community, where they appear to be safe − for now. But did they bring the enemy with them? “Mini”, the strange and speechless young girl they rescued from the Hollows, is not as she seems. Why was Elder Michael keeping her locked up? What is she hiding? 

Alyx and Israel are driven further apart as Israel continues to obsess over making Adere human and Alyx hides two secrets from him: that he may be part-demon and that she may be carrying his child, a tri-blood keye that can be used to unlock Hell. 

Out in the mortal cities, pieces of Black Stone, the only material that can disrupt the angels’ healing abilities, continue to be stolen to make weapons for Samyara’s dark army. Alyx and her friends must stop them, but this means infiltrating holy and guarded places to steal the Black Stone − a monastery in remote China, a mosque in Saudi Arabia, an art gallery in Florence and a cathedral in Peru.

Can they win this deadly race against the Darkened?

The Review: 4.5 Stars!

Angelstone picks up right where Angelfall left us – Alyx, Israel, Jordan & Mini have all escaped with their lives but not to safety, not yet - for their battle is just beginning. As they journey to the rogue community, Jordan becomes a teacher to both Alyx & Israel separately as Alyx tries to master the dreamscape in order to be less vulnerable to Michael and Israel attempts to block the magic that left him feeling weak & vulnerable. Alyx is struggling with her feelings for Israel and even though she ended it at the end of the last book, she finds it hard to shut her emotions down and whilst Israel’s heart and attention seem to be solely on Adere – he can never truly be hers – plus there’s also a couple of secret issues to consider, tangling her thoughts and emotions. Jordan further complicates matters when he reveals he wants Alyx for himself. The trio seem to be at a stalemate, not able to move here nor there for complications. When they finally reach the rogue stronghold that Jordan calls home, Alyx, Israel & Mini are introduced to the rebellion. Using magic on Mini, we finally find out what Michael’s plans for the youngster were, how she was treat and how they want her but in uncovering Mini’s secrets, someone else’s secrets are in turn revealed…. So now Michael’s plans are found, so are Samyaras – to find the Black Stone and turn it into weapons against the Seraphim – so it’s up to the rogues/free thinkers to thwart their plan by beating them to the punch but will things run smoothly because just as much as the rogues hold information, so too does their enemy.

This was a great sequel, the action and plot really got moving for me and kept my interest all the way through. I really liked Alyx & Israel’s progression as characters both as a pair and alone. Alyx, whilst still kick ass, showed a softer more vulnerable side as her warring emotions came to the forefront, she is realising the depth of her feelings for Israel, comparing those with Jordan and she even took on a maternal role towards Mini. I loved to read this happen because she always seemed to be ever the warrior and I think it softens her and endears her more to the reader. Same with Israel, although I had never viewed him as weak we get an insight to the fact that he never thinks he is good enough and even makes attempts to rectify it which actually makes him seem braver in some ways, like he’s becoming more dominant and making people sit up and notice him. As a pair they could be unstoppable, they gel, they fit together like puzzle pieces but that doesn’t mean they will just do it, they have a lot more upheaval in their futures and their ‘relationship’ in whatever form it comes must be worked out as much as their own selves. 

 The plot was a lot more exciting for me and the pacing was spot on. I struggled with the first book for a while because there was a lot to get across but I knew that once that was over ,that things would pick up and Angelstone was solid all of the way through. I love it when a book keeps me on my toes and this did. I liked the introduction of the new characters and also the appearance of some old friends, each had something to give to the story whilst not distracting from the main characters. There are a good few questions from book one answered in this which was satisfying but also lead onto more questions about what’s to come. I think the whole storyline & the world that has been created are great, I love the diverse collection of people, I love the way they use magic. I even like how the bad guys roam the earth… it’s all quite unique, intriguing & exciting! I can’t wait to see where things will go now, especially following the ending we got in this – I suppose it can only get better because this definitely surpassed book one. 

Angelfire will be FREE through Amazon for 28 May to 1 June 2013. Link HERE!

Angelstone will be on sale for US$0.99 for 31 May and 1 June only.

Except of Angelstone!

“So,” Israel said, “could I learn to defend myself against your magics?” 

“Interesting.” Jordan made a small noise in his throat. “Could a mortal raise a defense against the magics?” Jordan began to pace. “Your only option against the elemental magics – fire, water, earth, air – is just to get the hell out of the way. But the Seraphim don’t need magics to defend themselves against mental magic attacks. DreamWalker and MemorySong can be deflected by using the defender’s own will, his or her inner power... theoretically, if a mortal’s mind was strong enough, they may be able to learn to raise their mental defenses in the same way.”

It sounded like this Rogue was issuing a challenge. “I’ll do it.” Bring it, Rogue-boy. “What do you want me to do?”

Jordan stopped pacing and spun so that he was facing Israel. Jordan looked at Israel in silence for long enough that Israel began to feel uncomfortable. There was almost a leer to Jordan’s stare. The side of Jordan’s lip tilted up. “Are you asking for my help, mortal?”

This cocky prick was going to make him say it. Israel grumbled a little before acquiescing. “Yes, Rogue, I am asking for your help.”

Jordan’s face broke out into a grin. Israel didn’t have a good feeling about this. 

“On the basis that I think that this will be… an interesting experiment, I agree to help you.”

“Great.”

“On one condition.”

Of course there had to be a condition. “Which is?”

Jordan pursed his lips and stepped up to Israel. This Rogue was a few inches shorter than Israel, but he had this thing about him that made him seem bigger, taller, than he actually was. Israel lifted his chin higher. 

“Which is?” Israel repeated. He wasn’t intimidated by this Rogue, magics or not.

“You’ll do exactly as I say, when I say it.”

“But—”

“And no arguing with me.”

“You said one condition.”

Jordan narrowed his eyes. “And no arguing with me.”

Israel growled deep in his throat. “Fine. I accept your conditions.”

Author Bio:

“I write about fantastical things, especially creatures with fangs, magic or wings.

I want to tell you tales that will rip away the glamor from your life, keep you running and fighting and gasping long past the devil’s hour and maybe, just maybe, reality will look a little bit different when you return.

Sit with me around this witchlight. Let me tell you a story.”

At the beginning of 2013, Hanna left her "respectable" career, packed up her life and sold everything except for what fit in a suitcase to be a full-time writer and go "gypsy-ing" across Europe. Even she thinks that she is a little crazy sometimes.

Hanna Peach is the author of Angelfire, book 1 of the Dark Angel series. Angelstone, (Dark Angel #2) is due for publication on 31 May 2013 and Angelsong (Dark Angel #3) is due late 2013.

Website: https://www.hannapeach.com

A Review for Crash (Crash #1) by Nicole Williams

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 6th, 2013
Finished Date: May 28th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback 
Pages: 365

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Southpointe High is the last place Lucy wanted to wind up her senior year of school. Right up until she stumbles into Jude Ryder, a guy whose name has become its own verb, and synonymous with trouble. He's got a rap sheet that runs longer than a senior thesis, has had his name sighed, shouted, and cursed by more women than Lucy dares to ask, and lives at the local boys home where disturbed seems to be the status quo for the residents. Lucy had a stable at best, quirky at worst, upbringing. She lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, has her sights set on Juilliard, and has been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Up until now. 

Jude's everything she needs to stay away from if she wants to separate her past from her future. Staying away, she's about to find out, is the only thing she's incapable of. 

For Lucy Larson and Jude Ryder, love's about to become the thing that tears them apart.

The Review: “The name’s Jude Ryder, since I know you’re all but salivating like a rabid dog to know, and I don’t do girlfriends, relationships, flowers or regular phone calls. If that works for you, I think we could work out something special.” 

Crash was just the type of book I needed to get me out of my reading rut. I wasn't actually planning on reading this series yet, because I wanted to wait until the third and final book was released so I could read them all together, but, curiosity got the best of me and, honestly, I'm glad I did.

Crash was exactly the type of story I was hoping for, one full of misunderstandings, swoon-worthy scenes and characters that were easy to fall in love with. I haven't enjoyed a book like this in what feels like FOREVER, and with Nicole Williams writing style really reminding me of  Simone Elkeles work, well then, that was always going to be a win in my book.

The story starts off immediately within the first few chapters and I loved that Nicole didn't drag the start out. I needed something to drag me in straight away and she did that so well. Lucy and Jude have such an entertaining 'meeting' that you can't help fall in love with them straight away - especially Jude. ;) The story also really managed to set so many emotions off for me because each scene is written so beautifully and packed with a punch. The connection between the characters literally leaves you breathless! 

Jude is the town's bad boy, always getting in trouble, being arrested and has the worst reputation around, were as, Lucy is the new girl and is immediately labelled the school slut because of her connection with Jude. What I loved was how protective Jude was over Lucy. Petty much from day one, he protected her - even though Lucy didn't need it because she's such a strong character that stands up for herself, but Jude wants to protect her because she's the most important thing in his life. I loved that. Even despite all their misunderstanding, you can see what a good thing they have. Lucy helps Jude believe in himself and gives him the love that no-one has ever done before. He literally doesn't have any faith in himself as you can see from the quote below;

“If I ever mess things up again, whether it’s a misunderstanding, or shit luck, or I just do what I was created to do and screw everything up,” he paused, exhaling, “I want you to promise me you’ll leave. Drop me like a bad habit and don’t look back because god knows, it can’t be me that walks away since I’m incapable of it.” 

What I also enjoyed about the story was that Nicole threw in a few curve balls into the story, that I honestly didn't see coming. The story is just full of excitement and spine-tingly moments that it's hard not to love. However my only teeny tiny complaint is,  I did feel this story was more YA rather than NA but still, it's a fantastic read nonetheless.

So in all, Nicole Williams has won me over with Crash and I'm so excited to read more of Lucy and Jude's story in Clash. 

Waiting on Wednesday (#41)

 

"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

Forever Too Far (Too Far #3)
by Abbi Glines
Release date: June 10th, 2013

Rush promised her forever... but promises can be broken.

Torn between his love for his family and his love for Blaire, Rush has to find a way to save one without losing the other. In the end one has to be more important. Letting go isn’t easy.

Blaire believed in her fairytale... but no one can live in a fantasy.

Her love for Rush and desire to have a family keep her believing that they can find a way for this to work. Until she has to make the right decision for her and the baby. Even if it breaks her heart.

Can they find the forever that they both want or has it all just gone... too far?

Jess's Thoughts: Oh look Abbi is releasing another book! YAYYYYYY! This is probably my favourite series of hers, and I absolutely cannot wait for Rush and Blaire to get their happy ending. I'm so excited for this. It gets released the day go on holiday, so I'll be reading it then! SO EXCITED. And look at that beautiful cover. Wow.

Donna's WoW

Endless Knight
by Kresley Cole
Release date: October 1st, 2013


In the second book of the Arcana Chronicles Evie has now fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress. And Jackson was there to see it all. In the aftermath of killing Arthur, the tarot Alchemist, Evie realizes that a war is brewing between the other teens that, following the apocalypse, have been given powers and its kill or be killed. 

Things get even more complicated when Evie meets Death, the mysterious, sexy Endless Knight. Somehow the Empress and Death share a romantic history - one that Evie can't remember, but Death can't forget. She is drawn to the Endless Knight, but is in love with Jack. Determined to discover why she's been granted these powers, Evie struggles to accept her place in a prophecy that will either save the world, or completely destroy it.



Donna's thoughts: Ooh I can't wait for this but I am worried. I hate love triangles in a sequel, so I'm hoping this goes well!! Anyway, I love the cover! =)

<
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 Skin Deep by T.G Ayer

Posted by Guest Reviewer, Melanie
Release Date: April 30th, 2013
Finished Date: May 21st, 2013

Publishers: T.G Ayer Books
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle 
Pages: 390

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Panther Shape-shifter Kailin Odel just wants to be normal. Leaving her clan, and her Alpha responsibilities, to live with her grandmother in Chicago had been the best thing for her. Only then did she discover her ability to track and kill the soul sucking undead creatures called Wraiths. Now she protected the humans, and had something to be proud of.
But, when she discovers the body of a murdered shape shifter, Kailin has to come to terms with the reality that her own kind are just as vulnerable as the humans. 
The closer Kailin gets to the killer the more she has to face the intricacies of her people. When the time comes can she accept who and what her real purpose is?

The Review: I freakin’ loved this book!

As the synopsis states, Kailin Odel is a panther shifter who left her clan to live a ‘normal ‘ life, but life has turned out to be anything but normal for her. Even though she is in the care of her Grandmother, she is pretty much left to her own devices which enables her to hunt ‘Wraiths’ – undead entities that inhabit the living like parasites, feeding on their souls - something Kai found she had a knack & the vision for. So, whilst jostling school, her part time job as a trainee rehab councillor & hunting the soul sucking undead – life is pretty hectic for our main character and it’s about to get worse…. When the flayed body of a shifter is flung from a car, Kailin goes to help but ends up becoming a target herself. Wounded and not wanting to become part of a police investigation for fear of revealing her secret, she lies to the leading detective, Logan Westin – a man she feels an intense connection to. With the disappearance of other shifters & rumours of a drug able to intoxicate even shifters being distributed, it becomes clear there is more to this than meets the eye and as Kailin tries to rally the various shifter clans, she becomes the target as someone wants her dead! What she is about to find out will rock her world but can she be strong enough to defeat the enemy?

So yeah, I loved this book. It was exciting and filled with action just the way I like them. Kailin is an admirable character, seriously independent and trying to live as normal a life as possible but feeling obliged to hunt the Wraiths that only she can see. We all know things don’t always go the way we want them and even though she distances herself from her family clan, blood is thicker than water and when she comes across a threat to them, that side will always have a priority in her life, however much she wants it otherwise. Her age confused me, I think she is 17/18 and is an over – achiever, she did come across as very mature and it felt like I was reading about someone who was 20+. This was the same with her love interest Logan, he was a great character, quite mysterious with his own story that is begging to be told but again, way more mature than his given age – 17- and also in a job with power & responsibility that doesn’t quite fit his age range. Anyway, apart from that, I really liked their lurve connection and it hints at a possible cosmic thing or maybe it was his own power surfacing, I’m not sure but you all know how much I love soul mates so here’s hoping.

I loved the world they are from, I’m a huge shifter fan anyway but when you add other supernaturals to the mix then I’m definitely interested. The storyline was great , quite a gory start to a whodunit and once the murders/abductions got going, the wraith hunting took a back seat but that wasn’t a bad thing because it didn’t stay that way. I loved the different POV’s and really appreciated the killer’s POV too because it gives greater insight into what’s happening and you get a ‘feel’ for the kind of person they’re dealing with. I loved the twists and turns along the way and the secrets that came to light, it seemed to be that everyone was hiding something with the revelations causing some great drama and none more so than the latter 20% of the book because even when the killer has been found, we are still in for more and I loved it! With the non stop action & drama throughout, this book took on a UF feel and held my interest all the way through which was perfect for me. My only grumble was that I wished the characters had been in their 20s because as I mentioned, they had a more mature feel as did the storyline & it would have allowed some extra hotness to the romance aspect but it doesn’t detract from the fact that this was awesome read and I personally can’t wait for the next. 

A Review for The Demon's Song (Hearts of the Fallen #1) by Kendra Leigh Castle

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: April 21st, 2013
Finished Date: May 15th, 2013

Publishers: Entangled Publishing
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle 
Pages: 242

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. At least, that's how it seems to Sofia Rivera when her attempt to help a friend ends in a blood-soaked confrontation with creatures that aren't even supposed to exist. With a group of rogue vampires determined not to leave a single witness to their violence hot on her heels, Sofia finds herself saddled with an immortal bodyguard—Phenex, the fallen Angel of Song.

While the vampire king roots out the corruption threatening to take down his underworld kingdom, Sofia will have to deal with a fallen angel whose dark beauty is often at odds with his ornery nature. Slowly, Sofia and Phenex give in to the strange attraction neither can deny. And as the darkness closes in around them, Phenex begins to wonder whether even the wickedest Fallen might find his own happy ending...and his heart

The Review: The Demon’s Song was definitely my kind of book, in fact I would say these type of books are my guilty pleasure. I cannot resist a story of a broken/troubled/misunderstood alpha male with hidden depths and a woman who comes along to unravel him, leading to his redemption…. These stories call to me, who doesn’t want to believe that love will conquer all and make everything right in the world? I know I do – the one true pure thing that we can all offer someone that is freely given and has the power to change everything. I suppose that makes me a romantic but it’s probably why I eat these type of books up and this ticked all of my boxes. The characters were likable and I could easily connect with them, I like that Sofia didn’t just accept things straight away, I liked that she made an attempt to resist Phenex’s appeal and that she wasn’t so quick to throw her humanity away when offered. I loved Phenex’s evolution from basically a spoilt brat who wanted & got everything his heart desired into someone who began to realise that sometimes, putting someone elses’ happiness before his own can be so much more rewarding in many ways, especially when you risk losing that person forever. The storyline is good, we have a series thread being that Phenex & some fallen brethren are now on earth, having being given refuge by the vampire race from the forces of hell who want them dead, live in the vampires secret underground home. The fallen protect the balance between good and evil on earth which gives plenty of scope for future storylines, as does the rest of the Fallen Angels that were introduced because they are definitely worthy of their book. As a stand alone the storyline would have been good, plenty of action, sinister bad guys, good vs evil, secret supernatural community, romance, hot men, fiesty women…. But the fact that it’s a series makes me eager for more and this definitely showcases its series potential. 

Mini Review's for The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise & Hidden by Marianna Curley

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 30th 2013
Finished Date: May 15th, 2013

Publishers: Balzer + Bray
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle
Pages: 320

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

In The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise, super-smart, somewhat geeky Audrey McCarthy can’t wait to get out of high school. Her father’s death and the transformation of her one-time BFF, Blake Dawkins, into her worst nightmare have her longing for the new start college will bring.

But college takes money. So Audrey decides she has to win the competition for the best app designed by a high schooler—and the $200,000 that comes with it. She develops something she calls the Boyfriend App, and suddenly she’s the talk of the school and getting kissed by the hottest boys around. But can the Boyfriend App bring Audrey true love?

Fans of Lisi Harrison’s Alphas series will adore the romantic, funny YA novel The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise.

The Review: "Aiden looked at me with more heat than anyone ever had before. My heart thrummed in my chest. His arms tightened around my waist and my legs went weak. And then he titled his chin and I couldn't think any more."

As soon as I heard of The Boyfriend App I knew I wanted to read it. As must as I know what app's are and how they're used, I'm not a techie person, so of course, this story intrigued me because I wanted to see how Katie Sise could create a story around app's. And now after reading, I'm pleased to say The Boyfriend App is a fun, geeky and enjoyable read. 

The main character, Audrey was very easy to like, she was spunky and fun and she was easy to connect to. What I liked about Audrey so much was that her app idea's where so fun - even though it was a bit unrealistic, I could still look past that and imagine a world where the Boyfriend App was real. 

While reading this story I actually found it quiet hard to choose a love interest I preferred and I found myself actually rooting for both of the boys - which is unusual for me because I'm usually on one team. So either way, I would have been pleased if she'd ended up with either. 

In all, while I thought The Boyfriend App was a little unrealistic, it was still a pleasant read and it's one I know a lot of readers will enjoy. 

Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 14th, 2013
Finished Date: May 11th, 2013

Publishers: Bloomsbury
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback
Pages: 325

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Ebony has always known that she is different. Her violet eyes mark her out, and her protective parents have kept her in a gorgeous valley, home-schooled, safe from everything—almost as if she’s being hidden. But she’s changing: glowing, getting more and more beautiful, and stronger than anyone knows. Ebony can’t stay hidden for ever, and when she meets complicated, intense Jordan, something explodes inside her—something that can be seen from the heavens; something that changes everything. Ebony is a stolen angel, concealed on Earth. Now the heavens have found her, they want her back.

Fans of Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush Saga and L.A. Weatherly’s Angel series will adore Hidden. Full of irresistible romance and breath-taking suspense, this is a sensational start to a brilliant new series. Get ready to be swept away by this spellbinding story of eternal love.

The Review: After having Hidden sitting on my shelf for a good 6 months, I was unsure whether to read it or not. However when Suzanne from Paranormal Pages told me how much she loved this book, I decided to give it ago (despite the negative reviews I've seen). And honestly, I did enjoy it. 

Angel books tend to be either epic wins or epic fails and I have to say, this is the first time where I'm in the middle. While Hidden was a good read, I did have some problems with it, but not to stop me enjoying it completely...and here they are;

- I loved that the story was told from Ebony and Jordan's point of view BUT, I don't honestly see why Jordan's was necessary to the story. 

- I was hoping the relationship between Ebony and Jordan would be explored more BUT when Thane came, it was none existent.

- Ebony was a fiery and likeable character BUT sometimes here stubbornness annoyed me. She didn't take anything on-board and wouldn't listen to anyone.

- While I enjoyed and was intrigued by the story, I sometimes felt that the dia­logue was at times, jumpy and I felt that the middle of the story was pumped with too much with information. 

- The ending was action packed and exciting BUT it ended so abruptly and wasn't all that shocking. 

So in all, while I did have some problems with Hidden, I still enjoyed it and would probably read the sequel if the opportunity came along. 

A Review for Copper Girl (Copper Legacy #1) by Jennifer Allis Provost

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 25th, 2013
Finished Date: April, 11th, 2013

Publishers: Spence City
Source: For Review - SHP UK Share Group

Format: Paperback
Pages: 248

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Sara had always been careful.

She never spoke of magic, never associated with those suspected of handling magic, never thought of magic, and never, ever,let anyone see her mark. 

After all, 

the last thing she wanted was to end up missing, like her father and brother.

Then, a silver elf pushed his way into Sara's dream, and her life became anything but ordinary.

The Review: Copper Girl is the start of what could be a great series.

Following a war between those with magic and those without, Humans won. Now magic is governed, if you have it, you either work for the government or die! Sara has magic, in fact her whole family have it and her ancestry is powerful but she can’t let people know what she’s capable of, she can’t let them know that her mark is a symbol of that magic because if anyone found out… she’d end up missing just like her father & brother. So she hides it & goes about her life the same as everyone else, working a boring job & towing the line until one scorching hot day whilst taking a nap in her car… a silver haired elf makes an appearance and makes her day even hotter but also turns her life upside down.
This was a great read, a mix of dystopian and fantasy which blended together really well. I like a character with secrets and nearly all of the characters in this book are hiding something, none more so than our leading lady Sara. She is full of magic and hides her ancestry well which is necessary for the times in which they live. Sara seemed quite boring in the beginning, going through the motions of daily life and whilst not really happy to do so, is definitely not going to bring attention to herself lest she be found out. Her family were powerful in more ways than one and were very prominent in society before the war but now live in a sort of disgrace due to their ‘fathers’ abilities and his stature before his disappearance and the later disappearance of her brother, leading her to live an extremely cautious life which is understandable. She knows little of her magic so is quite shocked at the appearance of an elf who seems to know more about her than herself. As she discovers herself, what she is and capable of, she blossoms under the guidance of Micah again in more ways than one. Their first encounter is quite steamy and I liked that they injected some romance into the story… it did have a connected feel to the relationship so I’m hoping for some fate/destiny type of relationship.

The storyline again was great, the first half of the book seemed to be about building the relationship & finding out about how the new mundane world came about, how it worked etc. so very much a getting to know you & your world scenario. Then once we start to get real answers, the plot becomes a whole lot more interesting as we explore the Otherworld where Micah is from. I love fantasy worlds, the potential is only limited by the imagination of the author and I liked what we got in this. We are introduced to new places, learn about some new species and start an adventure which splits between the 2 worlds. I like how this was done and I absolutely loved the secrets that came out during the story because as I said, there are a few. I liked the idea of the powers certain people possess and their differences, the histories that could surround them, I liked to see Sara trying to own those powers and what the whole course of action means to Sara’s family. This book was definitely a grower where it builds and builds to crescendo and you just know things will never be the same for those involved. I really look forward to book two and now some skeletons are out of the closet, I’m hoping for a lot more action & magic in the ‘Otherworld’ – this is a great start though.

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler is iBookstore's Book of the Week! Get it FREE!!

I’m Not Her by Janet Gurtler is currently featured on iTunes "iBookstore Book of the Week” as of  May 21st. 

The book is being offered FREE for this week, and we were hoping you will go and grab a copy, so you can discover the magic of Janet Gurtler’s characters and stories.

Buy: I'm Not Her on iTunes.com. *Available on iTunes.com

“For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel envy…” 

I’m Not Her is a journey of self-discovery for one teen who learns more about herself and her relationship with her sister and family when tragedy strikes. 

Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that’s okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. 

Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn’t hold it together, who will?

Author Interview with Janet Gurtler

What inspired you to write I’m Not Her?

I wanted to look at what would happen when someone who is perfect and has everything (on the outside) suddenly has it drastically taken away. And what happens when family roles are suddenly altered or reversed. I remember envying others when I was a teen and wanted to look beneath the illusion of “perfect”.

I’m Not Her is about two sisters finding their way through a tragic event. Did you draw from experience with Tracey (your sister) the dynamic between Tess and Kristina?

I was kind of shy around Tracey when we were teens. She was three years older than me and so much more sophisticated back then. THAT changes drastically ha ha just kidding. Tracey was taller and thinner (still is) and I envied her. I did use some of our dynamics in the book sister relationship, but Tess and Kristina are more forced into growing intimacy while Tracey and I developed ours more naturally. Tracey and I also bonded over the weirdness of our parents (but don’t tell them that. ) 

Everyone deals tragedy differently. At what point did you know you were going to pair humor with hardship and how did you learn to balance the two?

I think dry humor is my intrinsic way of dealing and I passed this trait on to Tess. I like humor in sad situations if it is used appropriately. Tess’s humor is much like my own. Kind of self depreciating and okay maybe a little inappropriate at times, but it’s a way of coping. As Tess becomes stronger and is able to express herself more, she’s able to get the things she thinks outside of her head and it helps lighten some really dark moments with her sister.

Now for some fun stuff: What’s a typical day of writing like for you?

Write write. Facebook. Write write. Twitter. Write Write. Goodreads. Write write. Google. This goes on from 9-3 and then I pick my son up and take him to swim club. I may write again in the evening if I’m deep in a book, but usually that’s when I waste more time reading celebrity gossip or reading other people’s YA!

You say you’re addicted to the Internet, where can fans find you most?

In my living room? On the couch. Oh. Where on the INTERNET?? Tee hee. I am always on Twitter and Facebook. Every single day. Many thousands of times a day! I'd love to hear from anyone who read I'm Not Her and liked it! If you didn't like it, please take it up with my mother.

Janet's Other Books;
  

A Review for The Journals of Kara and Jason by Charlie Wood

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Release Date: May 9th, 2013
Finished Date: March 4th, 2013

Publishers: Bloomsbury
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle
Pages: 139

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

A different kind of paranormal romance.

Eighth grade is not going well for fourteen-year-old Kara Bridges. Her best friend Stace has suddenly stopped talking to her, and she is having a hard time adjusting to life without her only real friend.

Luckily for Kara, she soon meets Jason, a foreign exchange student from Europe. And though Jason is more than a little awkward, he and Kara quickly form a friendship, bonding over what it's like to feel like an outsider who doesn't belong.

However, when Jason suddenly returns four years later when Kara is a senior in high school, she realizes not everything was what it seemed. Kara's world—and the way she looks at the world—is about to change forever.

THE JOURNALS OF KARA AND JASON is a 40,000-word novel about being young, falling in love, and all the terrible, wonderful feelings that come along with it.

The Review: I just want to start off by saying this book was beautiful. It is indeed ‘A different kind of paranormal romance’ as we follow a pair of 14yr olds as they discover the value of an unconditional friendship at a time in their lives when everything is wrapped up in hormones. When we first meet Kara, she has lost her best friend and is struggling to come to terms with the why of it all. I’m sure we have all been there when we were 14 and you seem to drift away from friends towards others, as you meet new people and try to fit into what you need to be. Kara is the one left behind, she’s slightly bitter& alone until she meets Jason, a foreign exchange student being bullied by some ‘Jocks’ and steps in, creating a tentative connection between the pair. Jason is slightly odd, a bit weird, not really fitting in anywhere but with the help of Kara, he blossoms. They share a lovely friendship, building into more intense feelings that they both don’t realise are there, they’re both confused about what they feel and deal with it in typical fashion. But it’s not only about that, what they give each other is unconditional and as Jason becomes comfortable in himself and his surroundings, he also helps Kara get over the feeling she had of being friendless. They have fun, they talk, they laugh, they share something that builds into a sweet and innocent first love which is a joy to read, until Jason suddenly leaves, leaving Kara heartbroken and back to the self -doubter she was at the beginning of the book.
After a break in both journals, Kara returns 4 years later, along with Jason and we get the truth-because someone was most definitely keeping secrets. People always say ‘you never forget your first love’ and nothing could be more true for Kara & Jason but at what cost?

I don’t really read books about younger teens, I don’t think anyone would willingly revisit their early teens but honestly, I thought this book was great, it was a joy to read and I’m glad I took the chance. The relationship between our two main characters was lovely – their outlook on life, the way they grabbed it, the enthusiasm they shared, the acceptance of each other for who they are, the fun they had, the laughter and ultimately their love – was beautiful. You could feel everything they were going through, how intense those emotions are at 14, how you’re on the fence of self discovery& first love, seen through innocent eyes and a naivety that was so sweet and likable – I just loved it, if only we all still saw things from that perspective. The latter part of the book is the paranormal part, just a smidgen but just enough and we get to see how much this connection between them has changed things. It was nice twist because I was starting to wonder where that element was, I would have liked more but it fit perfectly and I wasn’t disappointed. This was a really good read that is so easy to get lost in, I know I read it in one sitting and most of it was done with a smile on my face and a good feeling in my heart…. I hope you all give this feel good book a go too. 

Waiting on Wednesday (#40)

 

"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

The Firey Heart (Bloodlines #4)
by Richelle Mead
Release date: November 19th, 2013

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe

Jess's Thoughts: Another Richelle book from me this week. Really loving this spinoff to  Vampire Academy, and I cannot wait to read this. After the events of Indigo Spell, this is going to be amazing. More Adrian and even more Sydrian...together. *sigh*. Perfection.

Donna's WoW

The Sound 
by Sarah Alderson 
Release date: August 1st, 2013


When aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nantucket, playground for Boston's elite, she's hoping for a low-key summer reading books and blogging about bands. Boys are firmly off the agenda.

What she doesn't count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets, falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy, and falling out with a dangerous serial killer...

The gripping new stand-alone novel from the author of Hunting Lila. Out August 2013


Donna's thoughts: Sarah Alderson is one of my favourite authors, so I'm super excited to see her write a contemporary book. I know it will be epic!! 

<
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 Unbreakable (Unravelling #2) by Elizabeth Norris

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 6th, 2013 
Finished Date: May 4th, 2013

Publishers: HarperCollins
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle 
Pages: 416

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

24 meets the X Files in the amazing follow up to Unravelling.

Four months after Ben disappeared through the portal to his home universe, Janelle believes she’ll never see him again. Her world is still devastated, but civilisation is slowly rebuilding, and life is finally starting to resume some kind of normality. Until Interverse agent Taylor Barclay shows up. He’s got a problem, and he needs Janelle’s help. Somebody from an alternate universe is running a human trafficking ring – kidnapping people and selling them on different Earths. And Ben, with his unique abilities, is the prime suspect. To make things worse, Janelle learns that someone she cares about – someone from her own world – has become one of the missing.

Now Janelle has five days to track down the real culprit. Five days to locate the missing people before they’re lost forever. Five days to reunite with the boy who stole her heart. Can she uncover the truth before everyone she cares about is killed?

In this heart-pounding sequel to Unravelling, author Elizabeth Norris explores the sacrifices we make to save the people we love and the worlds we’ll travel to find them.

The Review: “Everything that tried to stand between us doesn't matter. 
We might have broken a little. But now we're stronger in those broken places. And we're going to face whatever comes next together.” 

3.5 Stars! 

Elizabeth Norris blew me away with her debut novel; Unravelling, so you can imagine how excited I was when I managed to get an advanced copy of the sequel; Unbreakable (Thanks HarperC!). I was dying to be back in this fantastic world but I found the sequel wasn't as enjoyable as the first book. *Sad face*

Unbreakable ended on a huge cliff-hanger, a cliff-hanger that was completely jaw-dropping, so I was excited to see how Elizabeth started of Unbreakable. Now, I'm not saying I completely hated it because I didn't but, I didn't think it had as much spark as Unravelling. I enjoyed the new plot (kind of), I enjoyed getting to know the characters even better but what I missed was Ben. Ben made a huge impact on me - I mean how could he not? So when he didn't make an appearance until just after half-way through the book, I was gutted! He definitely didn't have enough time in the spotlight and I missed his presence. I found the plot of the story just plodded along until he returned - which is sad because I really wanted this sequel to be epic! When Ben then returned, the story picked up. I found I was finally interested in the book but of course, no sooner than it got interesting, it ended. Catch 22 really! But in the end, there really wasn't enough Ben! 

As I mentioned I only kind of liked the new plot and the reason for that was, it didn't really see the point of it. I much preferred the plot from Unravelling and thought it would have been better if it was a spin off from that. But trafficking humans into another world really didn't do anything for me. I kind of feel like the first half of Unbreakable wasn't needed and maybe this series would have worked better as a stand-alone, rather than a duo, but hey, that's just my thoughts. 

Despite my problems that I had with Unbreakable, there were so good points to the book too. Janelle will always be one of my favourite reasons that I enjoy this series. I love her as a main character, she's kick-ass, feisty and so snarky. She's everything you want from a main character and then, there are the secondary characters like Barclay and Jared. And also I was really satisfied with the conclusion. The ending was action packed and had me gripped to the edge of my seat, I loved how everything came together and of course, Ben and Janelle's ending was great. 

So, in all, even though I had some small problems with Unbreakable, I would still recommend this series to everyone. I have to say I'm excited to see what comes next from Elizabeth Norris because if it's anything like Unravelling, then I know it will be epic! 

Wings of Arian on sale TODAY!!

Wings of Arian will be on special for one day only TODAY at 99 cents for Kindle, Nook and Kobo.  (Possibly Itunes, if their site can change it fast enough.)

Purchase Links:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo Books

Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie. With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life. She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar. However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation. And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions.

Wings of Arian Excerpt:

Emane came to her after dinner with two swords and handed her one.
“What is this for?” she asked, as the weight of the sword jerked her arm to the ground.
“I have decided you need to learn how to fight,” he said, laying his blade across his hand, examining it.


“You have, have you?” She grunted, trying to wrench the sword back up.
“Well, Aleric and I decided.”

Emane shrugged, dropping the sword back to his side. “If I do get separated from you and you happen to run out of magic, you need to be able to defend yourself. I have already spoken to the Guardians and they have promised to make you a sword that is your size. But for now, we will practice with these.”

“Emane, I don't even know how to hold one of these things.”


“Lesson number one, it is called a sword.”


“All right, a sword,” she said, placing a hand on her hip. “Problem number two, I can’t lift it.”


“Try,” he said, jerking his head towards her sword.


Rolling her eyes, she grabbed the hilt, struggling under the weight of it, managing to pull it up a few inches before the weight dragged her back down to the ground. Emane burst out into laughter, taking it out of her hands.

“Well worth it!” he grinned, shouldering her sword. When she looked at him confused, Emane leaned forward as if telling her a secret, “I really just wanted to watch you not be able to do something.”

“Are you serious?” she sputtered. “You gave me that sword just to laugh at me? Did you even talk to Aleric?” Her face flushed.

“Of course I talked to Aleric.” Emane was trying to stifle his laughter but it wasn't working. “And I am going to teach you to fight.” He buried the swords into the ground so that they were standing straight up. “But we normally don't start with those. He pulled out two wooden swords he had stashed behind a tree. “Normally we start training with these,” he said, spinning them around in an arc before presenting her with the much smaller, much lighter wooden sword.

She snatched it out of his hand. “You really are a jerk, you know.”

“Hmmm,” he said smirking, tossing his sword from one hand to the other. “I'm happy with jerk. It’s much nicer than what you used to call me.”

“You're that too.” She half grinned.


“Nope, we have downgraded to jerk and I am keeping it.” He started circling around her. “First things first, you need to protect yourself. I will try to get past your guard. If you block me, you win. If I get past your guard, I win. And,” he drug out. “I will expect to be paid with a kiss.”

“What do I get if I win?” she asked.

Emane took advantage of the question and jabbed in quickly, connecting with her arm. “One kiss for me,” he winked, backing out again.

“That was cheating!” she objected.

Emane swung around the blade, lightly connecting the flat side of the sword between her shoulder blades.

“Two kisses for me.”

“Oohhh,” she growled. “You are an arrogant horse’s ass!” She took a protective stance and blocked the next blow.

“Nice job.” He danced around her and connected with her opposite shoulder. “Three kisses for the horse’s ass,” he gloated. “Come on, Kiora, you have to move your feet.” His eyes glinted mischievously.

She started to move and circle, following his lead. She blocked blow after blow, but missed at least one out of every three. “Come on, Emane,” she complained. “Take it easy on me. It’s my first day.”

“I am taking it easy on you,” he laughed. “You’re terrible!”

“Thanks a lot,” she said, trying to force a glare at him. “You’re not exactly encouraging.” She lifted her sword to block another shot.

Pushing his sword down over hers, he leaned in, “I actually like the fact that you’re terrible, more kisses for me.”

Kiora heard a few snickers from behind her and noticed that the camp was turning up to watch the training session. Pushing back, Emane jabbed in and caught her in the stomach.

“Hey!” she yelled, doubling over.

“That’s at least fifteen kisses, I am losing count.” Spinning in a wide lazy circle, he asked the spectators, “Anyone want to keep track for me?”

“You...are, such a...”

“Uh-uh,” he said, shaking his finger at her, “we have little ears amongst us, watch your language.”

“Jerk” she yelled.

“That’s better.” Emane swung again and she soundly blocked.

It went on like this for longer than she had wanted. The crowd cheered when she blocked a shot and they counted kisses when Emane made it past her guard. And they laughed at every joke he made, which only encouraged him.

“Please,” she gasped. “I am dying, can’t we take a break?”

“Breaks are for girls!” He taunted her, dancing around her with the stupid, albeit gorgeous, grin plastered on his face.

“I am a girl, Emane.” He moved in to take another shot, which she barely blocked. “I mean it, Emane, I am going to cheat if we don't stop.” He raised his sword over his head. With a flick of her wrist she swept his feet out from under him. He reached for his sword, but with another flick of the wrist, the sword slid across the ground out of his reach. She dropped to her knees, putting her sword to his neck, “Do you yield?”

The crowd was in hysterics. Emane stretched his neck looking around. “How many kisses am I owed?” he shouted to the crowd.

“Seventy-two,” the answer came.

“Hmmm, seventy-two kisses,” he put both arms behind his head. “That should be enough. Yes, I yield.”

“Thank heavens!” Kiora collapsed on the ground next to Emane as the crowd cheered and laughed with approval.

Emane rolled over and leaned on his elbow, looking down at her through half-open lids. “I think the Lady should pay up.” He leaned down and kissed her “One down, seventy-one more to go.” Emane jumped to his feet and offered her a hand up. “All right, folks, that’s it for today.” There were some moans and groans as the crowd dispersed.

“You are shameless, you know that?” she said, brushing off her pants.


“So you tell me.” He threw his arm over her shoulder. “Let's go get something to drink.”

Author Bio & Links:

Devri Walls lives in Kuna Idaho with her husband and two kids. She has worked as a music teacher and currently, a preschool teacher. She majored in theater and her love of a story still drives her today. Thankfully, she has finally found an outlet for all the voices in her head. Her first novel, Wings of Arian, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and Apple. The second book in the Solus trilogy, Wings of Tavea is scheduled for release Nov 2012.

--Author Website: http://www.writingmyfuture.com/

--Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5768569.Devri_Walls

--Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevriWalls

--Twitter: https://twitter.com/DevriWalls