{Review} Tempting the Best Man (Gamble Brothers #1) by J. Lynn

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 28th, 2014
Finished Date: August 16th, 2015

Publishers: Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 172
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Madison Daniels has worshipped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering.

Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70's honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first...

The Review: Tempting the Best Man is the first book in the Gamble Brothers series by J.Lynn and it definitely started out with a bang! 

Madison Daniel’s has always been in love with her brother’s best friend since they were kids. And even though Chase Gamble has never shown any interest in her other than just friends – except for that one night four years ago, Madison still can’t help love him. But when they’re forced together at Madison’s brother’s wedding, they finally give into temptation once more. 

This is such a fab read I wish it was longer. By the time I’d read Tempting the Best Man I was seriously left wanting more. More pages, more Madison and Chase and definitely more adult stories by J. Lynn. 

I really enjoyed the plot of the story. I loved that the whole story takes place in a vineyard where all the family is staying too. It definitely made this story fun to read and I loved being able to get to know all the family all at once. Madison and Chase’s story while not completely unique – it’s a story I’ve read a few times before but J.Lynn adds her own spin to it and well it’s J.Lynn, you all know how much I love her work.

Madison and Chase were such great characters to get to know – they’re relationship is steamy and hot and I’m surprised they ever agreed on anything because they were both so damn stubborn. The banter back and forth was highly entertaining. I had quite a few laughs while reading this book and, the rest of the Gamble brothers….hello boys! Yes, I’m seriously looking forward to getting to know them better! 

In all, another fabulous read by one of my favourite authors and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the rest in the series.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

{Review} HEX: Saxton Academy Series by Mackenzie McGuire

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 20th, 2015
Finished Date: August 17th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 201
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

I’m Reece.
A month ago I died along with my two best friends in a car crash. Obviously, my death didn't last long.
Since then, I hear voices and the nightmares – don’t even get me started.
I just wanted to be normal. That meant leaving my lux L.A. life for the gothic, and icy, Saxton Academy in the mountains of Vermont. Away from the tabloids, I had a plan to get my life together. But that just isn't possible.
Thanks to hotties Eli McKinnon and Carden McDowell I discovered my life is a lie. They want to help me reach my potential.
I just want to be a regular girl.
But darkness is coming, and if I want to stay alive, I may not have a choice.

The Review: HEX is the first book in the Saxton Academy Series and we have something a little spooky on our hands.

Reece was an interesting character from the start; having survived a car crash that killed her two best friends Reece had survivors’ guilt and believed that she should have died too. She has started hearing voices and having nightmares, her mental health is taking a battering so when it’s suggested that she start afresh at an exclusive boarding school –she goes along with it, thinking it’s probably for the best.

When she arrives at Saxton Academy she gets off to a bumpy start but can’t help feel drawn to a couple of young men who also attend the school – Eli & Carden – they have a couple of secrets up their sleeves and have some startling revelations for Reece. Reece however wants nothing to do with what they’re up to, she wants to study and just be normal…. But life has other plans especially when the target is placed on her.

Hex was a good read, it had a good premise and plenty of spooky goings on to keep me interested, as I mentioned; Reece was a likable character that you can connect to straight away. Her circumstances were sad and you really felt the emotion of what she had been through and what was going on in her head, it was very believable of someone in her situation.

The other characters were good too – Eli, Carden and Tuesday – but could have done with a bit more depth to them, Reece definitely stole the show in that department. I mentioned that she feels connected to the boys, like they’re meant to be in her life and one turns into a romantic connection of the instalove variety and whilst that was okay, I’m always left wanting more from the relationship. I definitely would have liked more sexual tension and interaction between them before they take the plunge.

I liked the premise I always like the witch angle and find it’s really underused now, I love to read about the rituals and how they do them, I love the incantations and how they use ingredients etc. All great stuff! I also like what Reece brought to table and that by completing the three she can amplify all of their powers giving the feeling that this triangle will be something special. It was very much a getting to know you and your world first book that was filled with more mystery than anything else but that always held my attention and I was really curious about what was happening. I liked how her friends tried to make contact, the magic that surrounds her and her new friends and how they used it. I felt the danger was very understated until right near the end and with the exception of a couple of scares - it was over before it had begun. I also didn’t really get a good feel for the enemy, who was it exactly, why are they choosing her, what is the goal? Because the motive we did get, seemed a bit lame but never the less, I would read a sequel.

3.5 Stars!

Thank you to Mackenzie McGuire for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} Shifter: City of Wolves by Avery Burch

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: August 3rd, 2015
Finished Date: August 17th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 301
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

 

She's an elite.
He's a wolf and an outcast.
Their forbidden passion will move worlds.

Everyone knows wolves love with a dangerous passion. They lock on a woman and never let her go. From the moment they imprint on her, they will kill for her, and die for her.

Lyla is more than rich. She's one of The Elite, a paranormal class that rules society with an iron fist. She arrives in Manhattan to begin training as an enforcer.

Zac is an orphan, an outcast, and a shifter. Turning into a wolf is an unforgivable crime in the elite regime. Enforcers hunt down and kill anyone who can shift.

When Zac and Lyla meet, they know love is hopeless, but their powerful attraction is simply too great. Fighting to overcome the ruthlessness of their society, Zac and Lyla learn that true love can overcome any obstacle, but not without dire consequences.

Shifter: City of Wolves, is a paranormal romance that features passionate romance, intensely real emotion, supernatural powers, and forbidden shifter love. It contains mature themes.

The Review: I really enjoyed this book but I found the second half better than the first. In the first half it was quite slow, we get all of the character and world building which of course is good but the second half is when it all kicks off and we get lots of action which the story really needed at that point. I thought that the premise was good and gave a believable theory about this dystopian world, what had happened to the population and why they were grouped the way they were. As always with stories like this and where one group of people holds power over others; we get the feel that those considered beneath the Elites aren’t so much the animals/savages as those who hold the power are and those who dream of more. I can’t say I liked the Elite side of the coin, they are stuck up socialite types who frown upon people, flaunt their wealth and grasp at anything to gain power. Living behind gated communities as if they are kings of the castle, they aren’t nice people at all and they enjoy the segregation between themselves and everyone else. Oswald especially is a loathsome individual, I have to say the author did a really good job of having written a truly dastardly man with sadistic tendencies – I don’t think I’ve hated a villain so much in a long time and I really wanted to see him and his sidekick Lex die…. Simple as that. I also could not stand her mother, she was nothing sort of a bitch and a hypocrite – who in their right mind would make their daughter marry their Uncle? It made me really uncomfortable and sick to my stomach especially when he tried to ‘join her’ in bed *shudder*.

The story also revolves around a love that shouldn’t exist, forbidden if you will because Lyla is an Elite whereas Zac is a shifter. If you aren’t into instalove then I’m afraid this book is not for you because it is love at first sight. We have Lyla who is really innocent and naïve in the beginning, but she comes into her own and starts to see things as they really are throughout the story -which does make her more endearing. I really felt for her because of her situation, she was just trapped and Zac represented everything she couldn’t have but wanted. I thought they both shared that innocence but Zac was a bit more worldly thanks to his ‘father’ and knew how cruel life could be but all of that sense flies out of the window for both of them when the hormones kick in and he risks everything for love.

I wasn’t really a fan of the instalove in this, yes I get the fated mates principal but I would have liked them to have gotten to know each other more in depth before they took their relationship anywhere… they seemed to turn from virginity to nympho in one go and I’m sorry but the sex scenes were cringeworthy, some of the dialogue used had me rolling my eyes and cringing. Plus, they had sexytime at the most inopportune moments, for instance – right after Zac was practically at deaths door and they are trying to escape a burning building, in the corridor of a hotel…because they wouldn’t make it the few feet to the room ?? but saying that, it was the only thing I really had a problem with throughout the book.

Most of the action kicks off towards the end but it was worth the wait, it was fab! We had full on urban warfare, rioting, slaughter and insurgency. Innocent people dying at the hands of a megalomaniac who just didn’t know when to back down, even right up until the end the stubborn SOB was still finding ways to hurt people and I would have loved to have killed him myself! So to sum everything up – it was really good read, well written for the most part, a series that although it has teething problems, I could get behind it and it has the potential to be great so I would definitely read a sequel.

 

Thank you to Avery Burch for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

{Feature} Waiting on Wednesday (#125)

 

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

Donna's WoW

Built (Saints of Denver #1)
by Jay Crownover
Release Date: January 5th, 2016


From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes an electrifying new spin-off series,Saints of Denver, featuring all the characters fans have been dying to read about.

Sayer Cole and Zeb Fuller couldn’t be more different. She’s country club and fine-dining, he’s cell-block and sawdust. Sayer spends her days in litigation, while Zeb spends his working with his hands. She’s French silk, he’s all denim and flannel.

Zeb’s wanted the stunning blonde since the moment he laid eyes on her. It doesn't matter how many smooth moves he makes, the reserved lawyer seems determinedly oblivious to his interest—either that or she doesn't return it. Sayer is certain the rough, hard, hot-as-hell Zeb could never want someone as closed off and restrained as she is, which is a shame because something tells her he might be the guy to finally melt her icy exterior.

But just as things start to heat up, Zeb is blindsided by a life altering moment from his past. He needs Sayer’s professional help to right a wrong and to save more than himself. He can’t risk what’s at stake just because his attraction to Sayer feels all consuming. But as these opposites dig in for the fight of their lives, battling together to save a family, the steam created when fire and ice collide can no longer be ignored.

  Donna's thoughts: Another book by Jay? YES PLEASE!

Melanie's WoW

Wicked Edge (Realm Enforcers #2)
by Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: November 10th, 2015

“Zanetti gives paranormal a sexy MC twist!”—New York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde

If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!
Daire Dunne is more than ready to take a quick break from his duties as a Coven Nine Enforcer. When he spots a sexy blonde across a Titan’s of Fire party, it’s not long before she’s on the back of his Harley on the fast track to his apartment. Unfortunately, one overheated kiss in, the woman drugs Daire and steals valuable files that can’t fall into enemy hands. The second he comes to, the hunt is on...

Now that Cee Cee has the information to take down an enemy that destroyed her family, she can implement her perfect plan for revenge. Nothing will stop her, not even a shockingly sexy enforcer barging into her life. Not even the spectacular, fire-branding sex engulfing them. But if Daire ever figures out who her family really is, all bets are off...

Melanie's thoughts: I loved book one and just know that I will love the sequel also.

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{Review} Lost (The Caelian Cycle #1) by Donnielle Tyner

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 19th, 2015
Finished Date: August 10th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 209
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

During WW1, a meteorite crashed, releasing a mist that changed the DNA of all who were exposed. One hundred years has passed and society is divided between the Norms and the Caelians, whose changed DNA awakened dormant gifts, called Talents.

Sadie is over it!

She’s an orphan, her boyfriend was murdered, and she’s the only Caelian at St. Vincent’s without a Talent. Once she turns 18, there will be no place for her in the world. That is, until a chance encounter with Kian, a Caelian boy who makes her feel uncomfortable and alive at the same time.

Secrets of her past are uncovered and Sadie’s latent, rare Talent is exposed. With great power comes the hunters, hired by an egomaniac who wants to use Sadie’s power to establish Caelian dominance. On the run with Kian and her friends, Sadie will have to decide: hide or fight.

Will Sadie accept her new reality or will she stay lost?

The Review: Lost is the first book in The Caelian Cycle series and straight off the bat we have the mystery of who is Sadie?

We are brought into a world where a meteorite had crashed to earth and released particles that changed the DNA of those exposed. It’s now a century later and there is a clear divide between the ‘Norms’ – normal humans – and the Caelians – altered humans – because the Caelians have ‘Talents’ that have passed on through the generations of those exposed to the meteorite. You may think that Caelians would rule the world but you would be wrong and most are sent away from their families and adopted by schools that are funded by some of the more affluent Caelians and at 18 they can chose to work for those families. That doesn’t look like it’s going to happen for Sadie because although she is clearly Caelian, she has no apparent Talent which is just her luck considering she’s an orphan who has never know her parents and her boyfriend was recently murdered.

After being dragged out to a party one night, she meets a mysterious young man – Kian – who she is strangely drawn to and it seems he knows more about Sadie than even Sadie herself because he knows just who her father is. Things start to get even more strange for Sadie when her Talent finally appears because not only is it rare, it makes her a target and when the hunters start to come out of the woodwork…. She has no choice but to run with the only person who knows anything about her – Kian.

I really enjoyed this introduction into the world of Caelians, I thought the premise about the meteorite crashing and altering the DNA of those around, giving them Talents was really interesting and believable. I was glad that it was set in modern times with a chance to see how it affected the world. I liked Sadie’s character, I thought it was easy to connect with her because she was an orphan and with her having no Talent, that made her an outcast amongst outcasts. During the prologue we read of Sadies birth which gives her an air of mystery straight away because I immediately wanted to know who her parents were, why she couldn’t be with either of them, was she powerful? And why was it kept secret? She was put straight into St. Vincents and has been there ever since. She was quite solemn to begin with but got more confidence as the story progressed and became more of a fighter due to her circumstance. I really liked the connection with Kian, that added some hotness to the story and a little sexual tension that I always appreciate. I thought there was going to be a love triangle but it never amounted to anything so I’m happy to see what happens next for them both.

The storyline was great, I think we all know when someone doesn’t have powers that they should…. They will end up being someone special and that’s how it looks for Sadie. For the most part we are getting to know the characters and the world they live in, about the Talents and how they’re used plus we have the parentage mystery to contend with but when Sadie comes into her powers – everything changes and a huge amount of danger and action is added to the plot. Sadie will be forced to defend herself in fight scenes, run from the danger that follows her, deal with her dangerous burgeoning powers, accept that she may not want to know who she is related to, that her friends will always be in danger because of her and deal with even more loss than any girl should. This was a great book with great potential and I do look forward to more – hopefully finding out a bit more of her parentage!

Thank you to Donnielle Tyner for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

 

{Guest Review} Pure Insanity (New Suicide Squad #1) by Sean Ryan, Jeremy Roberts

Posted by Brandon
Release Date: July 21st, 2013
Finished Date: August 17th, 2015

Publishers: DC Comics
Genre: Graphic Novel
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 192
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

 

Setting the world’s most dangerous super-criminals against the most insidious threats to national security: that’s the idea behind the elite black-ops unit officially designated as Task Force X. It’s perfect…on paper.

But the real world rarely goes according to plan. Threats evolve. Teammates turn on each other. Blood and betrayals flow like rivers. And that’s why Task Force X is better known as the Suicide Squad.

Vic Sage aims to change the equation. Replacing Amanda Waller as the puppet-master of Suicide Squad’s motley crew, he’s introducing wild cards like Deathstroke and the Joker’s Daughter to whip the existing team-Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and Black Manta-into shape. But the world’s deadliest assassin and the Clown Princess of Crime have ideas of their own…and no explosive implants to keep them in line.

Can this new Suicide Squad survive-or will it implode before it even begins?

Collects issues #1-8

The Review: In Pure Insanity we are introduced to the ‘New Suicide Squad’ for some near impossible missions.

This edition has the squad gaining a few new members and they head out on two missions. The first is a mission to Russia, where they must gather information on what the Russian military is up to. Mission two sees them in China, where they must destroy a warehouse full of genetically enhanced soldiers with super powers.

I really liked the casting choice of characters for this book, there were a few new introductions that made fun additions to the squad. I like how the characters don’t always get along, it creates some interesting dialogue and shows some great character development to the story (especially Harley Quinn). She would also be my favourite character from this story, her insanity really fits the story and she has some of the funniest moments too plus I was really intrigued by her character developments regarding Joker.

I thought the story was very interesting, I loved their pre mission interactions with each other – it really put a smile on my face and made me laugh. I didn’t really care much for the time spent on the government peoples’ parts of the story - not so much Amanda Waller’s moments because hers are interesting because she runs the squad – but the others bored me and I wanted to see the squad in action because I was really enjoying their parts. When the story does focus on the Suicide Squad, it was awesome! The missions were filled with non stop action and epic fight scenes that I really enjoyed and appreciated and the little twist regarding one of the characters was cool.

I loved all of the artwork, it was great and the action scene drawings really drew me in and I could imagine it all. I especially love the cover art; awesome as hell!! I would and definitely will be reading the sequel, in fact I look forward to it! The series has the potential to be one of the most humorous, fun and epic series that I’ve read.

 

4.5 Stars!

 

Thank you to D.C Comics for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} The Company Store by H.D. Gordon

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: August 3rd, 2015
Finished Date: August 10th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: YA, Dystopia, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Thanks to the greed of man, Earth is dying. Climate change and human greed has wrought mass destruction over the planet, and a fraction of the population remains.

The Company Store controls the last civilization, known as the Single Nation Circle. Those outside the Circle are Outliers, outcasts and gangsters who do whatever it takes to survive.

Samuel Poe is the 18-year-old leader of the Poe Boys, the Northern Outlier gang. With resources ever dwindling, Sam knows he must be the toughest of the dogs fighting over the scraps if he hopes to keep himself and his people alive.

When Sam meets Anna Rose, daughter of Mr. Company, the most powerful man in the dying world, he finds himself in a deadly race toward resources and a new life.

Much like those of their ancestors, the choices of the two star-crossed teenagers will echo through the ages, the fate of the human race resting on their shoulders.

The Review: H.D. Gordon sure does give her reader food for thought in her latest offering. As the synopsis tells us – Earth is dying. Every resource is controlled by fat cat corporations – namely The Company Store – led by Mr Company. What remains of the population have formed groups; those within the Single Nation Circle are ran by Mr Company and everyone contributes to a big pot in some way so that they can receive allotments of food, water etc. but the downside is that you are forever beholden to the ‘The Company Store’. Those people who aren’t born there and live outside of its walls are called Outliers and they also have groups that are ran by cunning gangster like leaders giving their existence an organised crime syndicate kind of feel, where they will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of their ‘families’. Things are very dire for everyone but none more so than the Outliers. Samuel Poe is the leader of the Poe Boys and he runs the Northern region, surviving in caves and the last remaining forest area. Sam may be young at 18 but he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as leader, he views each and every one of those in his care as his family and has done some terrible things to ensure all of their safety. He is an intelligent young man considering he hasn’t had much of an education, but street smarts are always worth a lot more in a savage world. One day, Sam stops a girl from being hurt and escorts her to the walls of the circle, they are both drawn to each other but the trouble that will come from their relationship has danger written all over it and when each side is threatened by the others – how will they stop the inevitable? Can they save everyone? Or will they all keep up hostilities and kill whatever is left of a dying Earth and its inhabitants? I really loved this book, the author could write the phone book and still reel us into her world. I’m not a massive fan of dystopian novels but I love this author and I love a story with a message. Sam’s character is very complex and multi layered, he has the persona of a hard man, he is a brute, an enforcer, a leader – someone who gets things done at any cost but we are also privy to his thoughts and motivations which gives us another layer to him. Through that we get a grasp of his intelligence, how he views the world, the people, his surroundings and his responsibilities so that you’re left without a doubt that he is more than capable of his burdens. When Anna Rose comes along, we see a softer side to him, his coldness melts for this girl, he would risk anything for something so sweet in his harsh life because Anna had an innocence about her that beckoned him. Their moments together were incredibly sweet, they gave an air of forbidden romance too with her being from the SNC and him being an Outlier and I loved how it offset the harshness of their world. The storyline was great, I can’t go into it as much as I would have liked but it really grips you and takes you on a race against time kinda journey. It was rather slow going in the beginning as the world is built up, you could really get a sense of desolation for the Outliers and to live there is to face a survival struggle every single day where not only are food and water fought over but everything! People would sooner kill you than have you in their territory and the more savage you are, the more likely you will survive. It gives a long glimpse into the breakdown of civilisation and what will become of the people. The Outliers aren’t the only savages though because those with power in the SNC are not afraid of abusing theirs either, especially when it comes to the Outliers and what people think of them. The story steadily introduces problems between all of the leaders and you can really feel the mountain of tension that will come crashing down. There is a mutual goal that Sam & Anna Rose much strive for, we feel the imperativeness of it throughout the story and it’s easy to route for them but always thinking what will happen to everyone else at the same time. Then the chaos builds and we are shown the true face of a lot of characters that leads to an epic showdown of their own making. The story is bleak, it is violent, it shows humanity at its worst…. But also at its best and what some people will do for the greater good – even forsaking their own selves. It has a message of love and hope but it also is a stark warning that this could come to pass, if we don’t wise up about our world, treat her with care, stop the pollutants, chemicals, nuclear waste even everyday rubbish plays a part – we will lose her, she won’t be able to sustain us anymore… and that to me is scary and also a tragedy. So please, while you enjoy this story, also be mindful to its message and pass it on… or this could very well be a glimpse into our future. 

Thank you to H.D. Gordon for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

 

{Review + Giveaway} The Affiliate (Ascension #1) by K.A. Linde

Posted by Donna
Release Date: September 15th, 2015
Finished Date: May 31st, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland—an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks.

When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have...

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

The Review: I love how many YA fantasy stories are popping up lately and The Affiliate is an even more special book for me because it’s written by K.A. Linde – one of my favourite bookish friends. With the author being such a huge fantasy fan I was excited to see her take her hand to it and I can’t say I was disappointed! I think K.A. Linde did a fantastic job with The Affiliate and I hope to see many more fantasy stories from her.

The Affiliate is a unique read. I’ve read many fantasy stories and the ones that I have loved, have each been for their own reasons. The reason for me loving The Affiliate is because it’s so unique. I’ve simply not read anything like it. Cyrene’s story is brave tale, one about a girl heading into an uncertain life that is full of mystery, danger and politics and magic. Magic plays a big part of this story and it’ll certainly wrap you up in the mystery around it. It’s rich in detail and woven into the story perfectly and the mystery surrounding the letter that Cyrene receives will leave you dying to know more.

Like all great stories there has to be a great love and The Affiliate definitely delivers in that way. Cyrene’s love interest is one so forbidden it makes the story even more dangerous but also a suspenseful one too – yep, she falls in love with the King. King Edric! And even though he has his faults, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Theirs is a love story you can’t help root for – my favourite kind and I just can’t wait to see what happens next.

So if you haven’t already added The Affiliate to your TBR list. Do it now. You don’t want to miss out on this adventurous tale by a stunning writer!

Thank you to K.A. Linde for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

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{Feature} Waiting on Wednesday (#124)

 

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

Donna's WoW

A Mad Zombie Party (White Rabbit Chronicles#4)
by Gena Showalter
Release Date: September 29th, 2015

The battle rages on.

Ali Bell and Cole Holland's crew of zombie slayers thought they'd won the war against Anima Industries, the evil company responsible for capturing and experimenting on zombies in an effort to discover the secret to immortality. In the last epic clash, the slayers lost many of their crew and closest friends. But Frosty, the ice man himself, has not recovered from one casualty in particular—the love of his life, Kat Parker.

On the path to self-annihilation, Frosty receives a message from beyond—Kat's spirit returns, insisting he partner with rogue slayer Camilla Marks. Frosty will do anything for Kat. Except that. Camilla is the one who betrayed them all, leading to Kat's death.

But when Anima rises from the grave to become a force the slayers may not have the strength to overcome, Frosty, Camilla and all the slayers will have to work together to survive. And one broken slayer will learn that sometimes, the line between hate and attraction is blurred…and the road to redemption isn't through revenge, but in letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.

  Donna's thoughts: I was so surprised to here that there is going to be a forth book in this series. I loved the others and while the story was left open, I didn't think the story could do much further. Well clearly I'm wrong! I'm definitely excited about getting Frosty's POV though!

Melanie's WoW

Autumn Thorns (Whisper Hollow #1)
by Yasmine Galenorn
Release Date: October 27th, 2015

In an all-new series, New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn invites readers to Whisper Hollow, where spirits walk among the living and the lake never gives up her dead…

Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and when I returned, I inherited my grandmother’s house—and her gift. As a spirit shaman, it’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.

When I was little, I was told my mother ran off. But now it looks like she was murdered. With the help of my mysterious neighbor Bryan, we begin to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, and in doing so, unearth a dark force seeking to bury Whisper Hollow. Now I must work with the dead, rather than against them, because our enemy will do whatever she can to destroy the town, and she means to start with me.

Melanie's thoughts: Another new series going onto my TBR - this sounds very good.

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{Review} The Last True Vampire (Last True Vampire #1) by Kate Baxter

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 13th, 2015
Finished Date: August 12th, 2015

Publishers: Headline Eternal
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

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

Launching an unmissable new series for fans of J.R. Ward, Nalini Singh, Lara Adrian and Larissa Ione. THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE is deeply sensual, intensely emotional, and bursting with heartstopping action.

Soul Survivor.

He is the last of his race. King of the vampires. Michael Aristov roams the nightclubs of LA after dark, haunted by his past and driven by his hunger. The only Ancient One to survive the obliteration of his race, he's forced to hunt like a common vampire, governed by lust. Nothing can fulfil his needs ... until he meets the woman who finally awakens his soul.

Sweet Salvation.

Claire Thompson is the only mortal who can satisfy Michael's insatiable craving. She's sassy and seductive, and her intoxicating blood draws Michael like a moth to the flame. Their first fiery kiss sweeps Claire into a deadly world where darkness rules desire, and falling in love is the greatest danger of all. Everything is now at stake, for Claire has the power to seal Michael's fate - and the future of the vampire race - forever.

This unforgettable series continues with The Warrior Vampire.

The Review: I’m always on the lookout for a new adult paranormal romance series and so when I notice a book that is being compared to the likes of J.R Ward, I find myself intrigued straight away so of course The Last True Vampire intrigued me.

Katy Baxter has kick her new series off with a bang and we’re immediately thrown into the lives of Claire and Michael.

Michael is the last true king of the vampire race after everyone else was destroyed by the slayers centuries ago. Since then, he’s been tormented by his past and because of his weaken state, he is trying to avoid the Dhamphirs that are relying on him to turn them but it will remain that way until he finds his mate.

Claire is a human girl who works a dead end job as a waitress. Struggling to make ends meet Claire has no other choice but turn to her other side job by trying to hustle people just so she can make rent. It’s while out one night that Claire finds her new target, Michael but when they meet Claire realizes that Michael isn’t no ordinary guy and there’s something bigger happening – Claire is Michael’s mate and soon she’s thrust into his dangerous life when she discovers she will help save the vampire race.

It’s been a while since I’ve read anything with a vampire theme so it definitely welcomed addition to my TBR pile, actually so much that as soon as I received it, I started it straight away. And in truth while I did enjoy the story it doesn’t live up to some of the other books that I’ve read. I did find I lost interest in parts.

I liked both Claire and Michael. Both of them were headstrong and stubborn characters and at times I found that slightly frustrating because they never seemed to agree on anything especially in the very early days. As their relationship started to develop this does calm down but it’s a constant back and forth pull with these two. But once they finally start getting on the same page, their relationship is the best part of the book. The connection they have is fantastic and their chemistry was steaming for most part of the book.

The premise of the story I liked. That Michael was the last vampire and it was on his shoulders to save his race. It was simply impossible without his mate but I felt like he should have done more to find her – I know he’d given up hope but still, people are depending on Michael! The slayers were even scarier than I first thought they would be. And the story had a few good action scenes too.

In all, The Last True Vampire was an enjoyable read and even though I had a few issues with the story, I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for the sequel which is Ronan’s story. 

Thank you to Headline Eternal for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

                                            

{Review} The Phoenix Shadow (Arcadian Wars #2) by M.H. Soars

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: July 28th, 2015
Finished Date: July 28th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: NA, Paranormal Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eBook
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

When the walls of lies begin closing in, who do you trust?

There is nothing worse than failure, especially one that results in your school being attacked by a ruthless enemy. Still reeling from the aftermath of the previous night, Sam and her cousins must deal with another crisis: Alexia has run away.

To top it off, there are new players in town. The young Arcadians will be forced to work closely with the prestigious Nox Elite. But they will soon find out that nursing a bruised ego is nothing compared to fighting a faceless enemy, battling personal demons, and dealing with revelations that will forever change their lives.

*Note from the author: Due to strong language and mature content this book is recommended to readers 17+. This is a Paranormal Romance novel

The Review: The Phoenix Shadow is the second installment of the Arcadian Wars series and is packed full of answers…
In the last book we find that Alexia and Ethan are the ‘chosen ones’ but they aren’t really taking it very well; Alexia has ran away and her protectors/cousins are dealing with the aftermath. Whilst the answers everyone is hoping to find are more forthcoming, it only leads to more conflict within the group as relationships begin to break down and new comers put a spanner in the works. The Nox Elite are not only focussed on protecting the ‘chosen ones’ but also on finding the dealer and manufacturer of a deadly drug that is affecting the youth in town and also dealing with the possessed who are intent on harming not only other…but themselves.
So, I enjoyed this book and it was very easy to get back into. Although we have a prophecy with a pair of chosen – Alexia & Ethan – I was glad that this didn’t revolve solely around them because I was very into the other characters last time around and they share just as much of the story. Alexia and Ethan are struggling to come to terms with their status in the Arcadians prophecy, they haven’t taken the deception very well and then there is the whole siblings/non siblings strife that the deception brought to the table. Ethan wouldn’t even be helping if it wasn’t for Alexia and her views so they get on with it. I liked these two together in book one and like them together now, apart from needing to bond to release some pent up power they pretty much take a back seat for most of the story although they do share some very pivotal scenes. I liked seeing them work together and be able to be open with each other which gave them an air of maturity especially when they can put aside their grievances with the others over their secrets and lies to do what is right for the greater good.
Sam and Matthew were another stand out couple for me in book one and I was glad to see them get more of a starring role, Sam stole the show for me here and I really like her character. She has a really tough time of it in this book as Gary lets her in on her origins, she and Matthew go through turbulent times and her pull to Julian seems to be getting stronger plus her friend is barely talking to her and her sister is acting very strange for one of the Nox Elite and when you’re so in tune you can feel the others emotions….. not good.
The storyline is a very good progression but very reactional to what you find out in this book so I can’t really say much about what happens. For the most part there is a lot of relationship drama between everyone, and I don’t just mean bf/gf stuff – there is some pretty big disclosures that could affect many people. There is a lot of emphasis on the Arcadian protectors being given their memories back of a time that could be too traumatic for them and lends the question as to whether they should be given them back because it’s already affecting one of our characters. The enemy has plans afoot again and they are using possession as a tool but also drugs so the gang have to investigate that and find out where it’s coming from because it has ties to their race. Elsewhere, we get a little romance from Alexia & Ethan as they attempt to follow the prophecy, by bonding and making their connection stronger… will it work?
There are some great scenes throughout both emotional & physical. More than one character will have their life in the balance which knocks the whole group, as the secrets are unraveled a lot of emotions are raw and they all will need to build bridges with each other. The battles they have seem to be getting more frequent and more intense so let’s hope they continue to protect themselves and their charges. There’s a little twist that comes to light that brings up more questions about the prophecy and will someone please just tell me what the deal with Sam’s necklace is?

3.5 Stars!

Thank you to M.H. Soars for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

{Review} Girl From Above: Betrayal (The 1000 Revolution #1) by Pippa DaCosta

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: April, 2015
Finished Date: July 24th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: Adult, Sci-Fi
Source: For Review
Format: ARC

Pages: 175
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

 

"My name is #1001, and I am not ready to die." I’d only just begun to live.

When Captain Caleb Shepperd is released from prison, all he wants to do is keep his head down and earn a living smuggling illegal cargo through the nine systems. So when a synth stows away on his ship, and brings with her a crap-ton of problems, including guilt-ridden secrets he thought he’d escaped, he’d prefer to toss her out the airlock. The problem is, she’s priceless tech, and he’s fresh out of credit.

#1001 is not meant to exist. Created for a single purpose, she has one simple order: to kill. But not everything is as it seems. Buried deep inside, she remembers... Remembers when she was human. And she remembers what Shepperd did to her. She’s not ready to die, but she is ready to kill.

From the bestselling author of the Veil Series comes an action packed story of love, redemption, and revenge.

Pippa DaCosta captures the grit and realism of her urban fantasy stories and injects it, along with some down-and-dirty passion, into the sci-fi genre.

WARNING: 18+ only. Contains graphic adult content, including sex, drug use, violence, and a plethora of curse words. Not for the easily offended.

The Review: Girl From Above: Betrayal is the first instalment of ‘The 1000 Revolution’ series and was very intriguing.
This is one of those books where a lot of it is revealed as the story is told so there isn’t a great deal I can say without it spoiling the plot so I’ll have to tread carefully. Set in a different galaxy and time, this is a sci fi story that brings mystery from the start as we meet #1001, we don’t know much about her other than she is a synth/clone type being that are usually used as assassins or jobs with covert missions. She seems to be having some trouble with her functions, sometimes she hears orders to kill, sometimes she hears malfunction commands and sometimes she has memories of a time that she has vague memories of. Her memories feature the betrayal of a smuggler –Captain Caleb Shepperd- and it’s no surprise that she finds her way to him.
Caleb just takes each day as it comes, after his release from prison he is scraping a living by smuggling illegal cargo on his ship. After one particular close shave, he finds that they have a stowaway aboard and this one will bring nothing but trouble – especially if her number is any indication because she shouldn’t exist. What he should do – is head straight back and hand her back over – but what he needs to do is sell her to the highest bidder ASAP…… but things never go to plan, do they? Caleb will be lucky to get out of this mission alive but then again, it would give him an end to his miserable existence.
So, I really rather enjoyed this book; I like a good sci fi adventure now and again so this scratched that itch. Most of the story is set aboard Caleb’s ship as they travel through space in an effort to unload their cargo. We end up with four characters at the start but the main characters are Caleb, his captain Fran and #1001; they all have secrets but the ones we are interested in the most are Caleb’s and #1001s and we are well aware of them from the start which adds to their appeal and gives them an air of mystery.
As they travel we learn about the galaxy, the political climate, which planets are tied to one place or govern themselves. We learn about the natives, what type of people frequent certain places and how one deals with public relations. Action comes by way of warships that chase them, where they must hide, outmanoeuvre and flee from them…. It made me think of the Millennium Falcon when attaching itself to the debris so that it could get away from the bad guy. It isn’t totally set in space though as we visit a couple of planets and their inhabitants, this gives us a glimpse into the unsavoury side of life and how the smugglers conduct themselves – loyalty is not a word they understand. Caleb finds himself in more than one bad situation where his life is on the line or the authority are on his tail which then leads to some fighting, planning and rescue; mostly from #1001 who can’t decide whether she wants to save him or kill him. #1001 gets flashes of a memory throughout and malfunction type messages but there can be no denying that she is tied to Caleb in some way and that is a major part of the story that ties everything together.
This is a very much getting to know you and your world book but it sets up a really interesting scenario by the end, one that this only just touches and I’m really intrigued and curious to see where it goes next. This was a great introduction to the series and really grabs you, so yes I will be looking out for the sequel.

Thank you to Pippa DaCosta for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.