{Review} Dark Desire (Dark Series #2) by Lauren Dawes

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: November 24th, 2014
Finished Date: January 21st, 2015

Publishers:  Momentum
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 414

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

The time of Odin is over. The Aesir gods now live among the humans in their bustling modern cities. Their brutal dominion over the other gods and their eradication of the entire dark elf race may have ended, but their actions have not been forgotten.

With the death of Adrian still haunting Taer’s every waking breath, she dreams of getting revenge on the dark elf responsible for her brother’s murder. But when the one person she’s depending on to train her in the art of weaponry refuses to help, she has no other choice but to get instruction from the most unlikely of people. Driven by an undeniable desire, Taer finds herself learning more than just how to fight.

Eir, the goddess of healing, has had her spirit destroyed with the death of her twin at the hands of a deranged god. Still struggling with her loss, she is merely surviving each day. That is until a chance encounter with a human shows her that her broken heart can be mended in the simplest of ways.

The Review: Dark Desire is the second book in the Dark Series and just as good as book one.
Everyone is feeling the fallout from the climax of book one but none more so than Taer and Korvain who lost a brother – Adrian – and revenge is the order of the day. Taer is consumed with the need to kill the man responsible and will stop at nothing to avenge her brother, leading her to accept help from dubious places when Korvain refuses to train her in her weakened state.
Also feeling an overwhelming sorrow is Eir, the goddess of healing who cannot forgive herself for not saving her twin from Loki’s wrath. Unlike Taer, Eir goes about her life without revenge on her mind but struggles to survive the guilt …. That is until she meets someone who shows her there is more to life, that she needs to heal herself as she heals others and that one extraordinary human man can show her how to love again.
Loki is also regrouping, still more determined than ever to avenge his treatment from Odin, he starts to plot and scheme anew and what better way to start than with the help of a criminal overlord and his enforcers….. battles will be fought in different ways now but the stakes no less high.

So, I really enjoyed this second outing into the Dark Series and I found it a lot easier to slip back into this world of Norse mythology brought into current times. Whilst Bryn and Korvain are very present in this book, it was definitely Taer and Eir who took the leading roles throughout. Taer was broken in this, a complete turnaround from her character in book one and it’s understandable, you can definitely relate to her in this book as she is tormented in dreams about her brothers’ death, lives with the visible scars of that horrid event and no one wanting to help her achieve vengeance on his murderer because of her weakened state. I thought she really came into her own here and took chances and risks that she never would have before. I’m intrigued by the relationship that came about when she found a mysterious person to train her, he has all of my interest as much as Taer’s and I really hope we get more from them.
Eir is another character that is easy to empathise with, even though she and Taer are consumed with guilt, anger and grief, their processes couldn’t be more different. Taer grasps the anger and uses it to her advantage, being proactive in her quest for revenge but Eir is more solemn and deals with a lot of it internally. Eir is a caregiver so is unused to have to be on the receiving end of that, but what better way to mend her broken heart than finding love and a possible soul mate. This brings the romance to book two in much the same way as Bryn & Korvain did to book one. I felt the story needed this, the romance gave some tenderness into an otherwise sad instalment of the series and I just love to see the Valkyrie find love in unexpected places.
I felt the storyline wasn’t as dynamic as the previous book but that went hand in hand with the way book one ended so I wasn’t expecting all out action and big battles again because it made sense that everyone needed to regroup. I actually really enjoyed the different feel of this story, it was a lot more subdued and I think it balanced out really well. Taer’s thread brought the action, from her training and also from her dreams, they injected a certain fear into the book and I often wondered whether Taer was capable of what she had set her mind to. I really liked the new comer that entered her life, they have chemistry and a certain amount of sexual tension that may lead somewhere in future books. I liked her ending, I was shocked but satisfied and I was left wondering what was next for her and Korvain. I also liked the history that we got from the person who Taer was after, we got his story and therefore a greater understanding of where he came from and how he became who he was.
Eir’s thread brought tenderness and love to the story, giving a sweetness that was much needed amongst the grief and anger. I liked how she connected with her suitor and what they shared. I actually think he is a fab match for her and I enjoyed his story just as much as anyone elses. He was very protective of those he loved and there were times when my heart broke for both of them.
We still get to see what’s going on with the bad guys, as I said, we get Adrian’s killers story but we also catch up with Loki and see him putting more plans into action. He has the help from the criminal world and hired enforcers who also happen to be part of the dark elves – so very deadly and again he sets his sights on Bryn and co. I wouldn’t say his story was very prevalent in this but it is a great continuation from book one and you just know he is cooking up some scheme to put all our favourite characters in danger again! I can’t wait for more! 

4.5 flowers!

{Review} The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine

Posted by Donna
Release Date: December 31st, 2013
Finished Date: December 10th, 2014

Publishers: Balzer + Bray
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover

Pages: 371

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

The Review: Wren Caswell always the good girl who does what she’s supposed to do decides that she finally wants to do something for herself for a change, rather than what everyone else wants her to do.

Grayson Barrett had a good life until he messed it all up by being expelled from college after being caught charging people for test answers. Grayson is now back home and pretty unhappy. But when Wren and Grayson met after Wren saves Grayson’s life, the two find that they are attracted to one another and soon start spending time together. But will Grayson’s past pull them apart before they’ve even had a chance? 

 You would think with a title like The Promise of Amazing this book would be amazing but unfortunately it’s not which I’m so, so disappointed about because it was one of my most antipacted reads. I’m not the biggest fan of insta-love and in my opinion they aren’t realistic but, at times some authors do a really good job, however this wasn’t the case with The Promise of Amazing. Unfortunately the biggest downfall with it is the insta-love because it happens right at the start of the story – which was just way to soon. I struggled to connect to the characters because of this. The book is over 300 pages and they ‘fall’ for each other pretty quickly and so it made the rest of the story drag. There was no real suspense to their relationship, nothing really to root, no trying to unravel the characters feelings for one another because it was all out in the open so soon and I found myself rolling my eyes at the two characters. Eek, I didn’t like it. The insta-love just didn’t work in this book and I really wish the author had found a way draw out their relationship because if she had, I think this book could have been slightly better than it was. 

As characters I liked Wren more than Grayson. She was a decent character. But Grayson, I just didn’t like him. I didn’t like his reasons for the things he did and I didn’t like the way he treated Wren – considering his was supposed to love her. The thing that Grayson was involved in wasn’t as great as I was expecting either. I guess you can say I just didn’t click with him as much as I would have liked. 

 In all, The Promise of Amazing wasn’t a great read for me but I am going to give this author other chance with the next book, The Secrets of Attraction and hope for the best.

{Book Promo} Love & Other Lies by Madeline Ash

Love & Other Lies
by Madeline Ash 
Published by: E-Penguin
Publication date: January 20th, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Buy: Amazon UK /  Amazon US

Small town vet Abby Benson has fled to the country to put her shameful past behind her. She’s just beginning to find her feet again when handsome stranger, Rue Thorn, arrives in town and begins to stir things up. Rue is gorgeous, kind and thoughtful and the two share an instant attraction. But convinced he’ll despise her if he learns about her history, Abby reluctantly keeps him at arms length.

Determined to win Abby over, Rue tries to reshape himself as the sort of guy he thinks she might be interested in. And for a while it seems his act is working. But when he finds out that Abby has been lying to him, it isn’t long before everything start to unravel …

A moving story of trust, forgiveness and the power of love from the author of Uncovered by Love and The Playboy’s Dark Secret.

What Makes a Hero?
In Love & Other Lies, Rue is a good guy hero. He’s kind-hearted, thoughtful, and easy going. Unfortunately this is exactly the wrong kind of man for Abby. She’s a reformed compulsive liar, terrified of a relapse, and can’t bear the thought of dragging a decent man into her mess. She doesn’t consider that he’s exactly the right kind of man for her, because he can see she needs support and gives it without question.
Funny how the wrong man turns out to be her hero!

Now, on the topic of heroes…about a year ago, a friend of mine commented that romance heroes aren’t actually heroes. She believes it’s a misnomer – they’re hardly saving the world. This made me wonder what makes a romance hero heroic? Why are they called heroes at all? I can’t answer on behalf of all lovers of the romance genre – there are many types of romance hero – but there are certain qualities that all the heroes in my books possess to make them worthy of the title.

My heroes are:
Admirable. The hero needs to act in a way that others admire – including the heroine.
Courageous. They always find the courage to fight their demons – and to fight for the heroine’s love. 
Strong: My heroes are resilient, often having to endure internal conflict.
Kind: Even burdened by internal conflict, they never act inexcusably.
Combined, these qualities are all it takes, in my opinion!

What are the ideal traits of your perfect hero? 

AUTHOR BIO:

Madeline lives and writes in Melbourne. She is an author with Destiny Romance and Tule Publishing.

Online, she calls madelineash.net home, although she does have capricious blogging tendencies so might not always have fresh tea ready for visitors. That's not to say she doesn't welcome company.
She writes contemporary romance.

Author links:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6856663.Madeline_Ash
https://www.facebook.com/MadelineAshAuthor
https://twitter.com/Madeline_Ash
http://madelineash.net/

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{Feature} Waiting on Wednesday (#102)

 

"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

The Heart of Betrayal 
(The Remnant Chronicles #2)
by Mary E. Pearson
Release Date: July 7th, 2015

Intrigue abounds in this hotly anticipated sequel to The Kiss of Deception!

Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save her life, Lia's erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar's interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen.

Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: there's Rafe, who lied to Lia, but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be barbarians. Now that she lives amongst them, however, she realizes that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country... and her own destiny. 

Donna's thoughts: I read the first book over Christmas break and loved it. I can not wait for more.

Melanie's WoW

Burned (Fever #7)
by Karen Marie Moning
Release Date: 20th January, 2015

It’s easy to walk away from lies. Power is another thing.

MacKayla Lane would do anything to save the home she loves. A gifted sidhe-seer, she’s already fought and defeated the deadly Sinsar Dubh—an ancient book of terrible evil—yet its hold on her has never been stronger.
When the wall that protected humans from the seductive, insatiable Fae was destroyed on Halloween, long-imprisoned immortals ravaged the planet. Now Dublin is a war zone with factions battling for control. As the city heats up and the ice left by the Hoar Frost King melts, tempers flare, passions run red-hot, and dangerous lines get crossed. Seelie and Unseelie vie for power against nine ancient immortals who have governed Dublin for millennia; a rival band of sidhe-seers invades the city, determined to claim it for their own; Mac’s former protégé and best friend, Dani “Mega” O’Malley, is now her fierce enemy; and even more urgent, Highland druid Christian MacKeltar has been captured by the Crimson Hag and is being driven deeper into Unseelie madness with each passing day. The only one Mac can depend on is the powerful, dangerous immortal Jericho Barrons, but even their fiery bond is tested by betrayal.

It’s a world where staying alive is a constant struggle, the line between good and evil gets blurred, and every alliance comes at a price. In an epic battle against dark forces, Mac must decide who she can trust, and what her survival is ultimately worth.

Melanie's thoughts: I'm really excited for this, I love the series and the author and I've only been waiting 2 years for it!!

<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!

{Review} Can't Look Away by Donna Cooner

Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 1st, 2015
Finished Date: January 18th, 2015

Publishers: Egmont
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 296

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

There's no hiding in the spotlight. Torrey Grey is famous - at least, she is on the internet. Thousands of people watch her beauty vlog for tips on how to be popular and pretty. 

But when Torrey's sister is killed in an accident her world implodes, especially as she feels partly to blame. And that's when the trolling starts...How can Torrey mourn her sister in private, when her bubbly public persona is all over the web? 

Then she meets Luis, whose family owns the local funeral home, and he challenges all that Torrey thought she knew about love, life, and loss.

The Review: Beauty vlogger Torrey Grey has thousands of people watching her vlog on You Tube. She loves it. She loves connecting to people and she loves hearing what they have to say about her vlog’s. But when Torrey’s younger sister is killed by a drunk driver, suddenly all those nice comments now turn into nasty ones when they start blaming her for her sister’s death – and really, Torrey blames herself to even though it wasn’t her fault. Moving to Texas to be close to relatives might be the worse idea her parents have ever had but once there, Torrey finds some relief in people not knowing who she is. Trying to mourn her sister is hard especially when it feels like the whole world is waiting for her next vlog. But when Torrey meets Louis – the guy whose family own the local funeral home, Louis tries to help Torrey through her grief. 

I’ve never read anything by Donna Cooner before and so I didn’t really have any expectations when I went into Can’t Look Away but I found myself pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I loved that the story dealt with serious and real life issues because it’s a story that most people will be able to connect with emotionally and that what happened to me while reading the story. I felt it was important for us to get to know Torrey’s sister and form the bond that with her and feel the loss like Torrey did, and Donna Cooner made that possible which was fantastic. 

I really liked Torrey – although to start with she’s a little self-centred because a lot of her thoughts are about herself, her vlog and fashion. But as the story progresses you can she her changing. Her sister’s death makes her realise there is more to life and she needs to grab it with both hands. And while she didn’t always do the right things to start with or more so, she doesn’t follow her heart to start with, I found that okay too. I loved that her character developed along the way. 

There are plenty of secondary characters to add the fun element to the story, although not all of them are likable, there are some gems within the story like Torrey’s cousin Raylene, Ross and of course, the love interest Louis. These were definitely my favourites from the story especially Louis. He’s such a well-rounded character and I really liked how he pushes Torrey to open up. And Louis’ family were so much fun – I loved the idea of The Day of the Dead. It’s not something I’ve heard of before but I really enjoyed reading about it.

In all, Can’t Look Away is an emotional and realistic read and I’ll be watching out for more books by this author. 

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

{Review} Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 23rd, 2013

Finished Date: January 11th, 2015
Publishers: Listening Library
Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance

Source: Bought
Format: Audiobook
Narrated by: Shannon McManus
Listening Time: 9 hrs and 53 mins 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question. 

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be.

The Review: Meant to Be is a cute and enjoyable story and it’s one I’m pleased I’ve finally been able to knock off my TBR pile.

Straight-A student Julia always does the right thing. She never breaks any rules, she always does her homework and she’s always well prepared and she believes that there is one person for her which she labels as Meant to Be (MTB). When Julia goes away on a class trip to London, she’s not prepared to be partnered with Jason; the person that always picks on her in school and calls her names like Booklicker. Soon Julia finds herself breaking all the rules because Jason gives her no other choice – she’s going to parties and getting drunk, pretending to be a super model and, breaking curfew more than once. But when Julia starts receiving text messages from someone, Jason offers to help her track him down but, as Julia and Jason spend more time together, she finds that Jason isn’t as insufferable as she once thought and soon she finds herself enjoying time in his company. But how can Julia have feelings for Jason when she’s meant to be with someone else?

One of my New Year resolutions is to try and listen to more audio books. I probably listen to about 6 a year but I’d like to listen to more. So off to Audible I went and Meant to Be was the first audio book I picked of 2015 and it was such a good choice!

I’d seen quite a few mixed reviews about Meant to Be before starting but it’s one I wanted to experience for myself and I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed Julia’s story. With the story being based in London and the fact that I’m British, I could really connect to Julia in the way she gets excited about visiting some of our most famous sites – because it was exciting for me when I first visited them too.

Julia being paired with Jason is the worst thing in the world for her – she thinks it will ruin her trip and while at first she didn’t enjoy it all that much, she slowly started to change her thoughts on Jason. I loved listening to Julia’s reactions to Jason. He got her into all kinds of trouble and breaking rules and I think it was just what she needed – to let go and live a little and more importantly have fun.  The banter between them was hilarious. There were a few times I found myself chuckling to the things he said to her and vice versa. I just really liked Jason. He was fun and full of energy and I loved how he pushed Julia to do things she wouldn’t have normally done.

There were a few surprises within the plot of the story one with Chris – who is the person texting Julia – which I wasn’t overly thrilled at the outcome. It was something different but still it didn’t feel like it wasn’t really needed. And then there was Marc who Julia thought was her MTB. I wasn’t overly fond of him either and felt the story could have done without him. Otherwise, I really enjoyed Meant to Be and I will definitely be reading or listening to Lauren Morrill’s other book, Being Sloan Jacobs very soon.

{INT Giveaway} Book of Choice from The Book Affair Author Event in April.

On April 18th, I will be attending a huge author signing called The Book Affair Author Event which is hosted by Pamela Ann, Crazies R' Us Book Blog & Ashley Suzanne. Pop on over to The Book Affair website for more information. They've done an awesome job so far! 

I know some people would love to go and can't attend for whatever reason so I'm offering ONE winner ONE book of choice from the list of authors above (no more than £10) which I will get personally signed for you and then ship to you at the end of April and it's an international give away too! 

You can see below from The Book Affairs lovely banner the list of authors that are attending the event. 

Rules: 
As you can see from the list of authors above this is mainly new adult/adult authors so this will be an 17+ giveaway ONLY if you want a NA/Adult book signed! If you are under the age of 17 and an author writes YA then, you can still enter, but please state on rafflecopter form or in the comments that you want a YA book.

The give away will run end on March 18th and a winner will be announced shortly after. 

Please remember that you're book will not arrive until after the event.

Book Passion for Life are not responsible if the author you want a book signed by cancels and can not attend the event. If this does happen you will be asked to to pick a different author.  Please keep checking the page in case the line up of authors change. 

Book Passion for Life are responsible for this giveaway NOT the hosts of the event.

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{Review} Stormy Night by Salina Yoon

Posted by Donna
Release Date:  January 5th, 2015
Finished Date: January 13th, 2015

Publishers: Bloomsbury Children's
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Ages: 3-6 years 
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 40

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

When thunder shakes his house and rain pounds the windows, Bear is frightened. But comforting his Mama, Papa and Floppy helps make the storm seem not as scary. Before Bear knows it, the storm has passed, because even storms need their sleep ... and so do bears.

A hugely heartwarming tale about the fear of thunder and how to overcome it.

The Review: Stormy Night is a cute story about a bear that is frightened of a storm but, soon finds himself comforting his toy rabbit and parents too by singing the song his mother sung to him when he was a little cub.

We loved Stormy Night. It’s a great read – one that many children will be able to connect to because most will find themselves in the same predicament – and like us, we have been in this same situation. It’s a very realistic story but one that’s very sweet and enjoyable to read.

My daughter and I have read it several times since we received the book and it’s definitely a favourite at the moment. We love the illustrations to the story which are bright, bold and very colourful. And while the book has 40 pages it is a very quick read because each page on has a few words on – which is perfect for little ones who like short stories.

In all, Stormy Night is a big hit in our house and I’ll be definitely keeping an eye out for more stories by Salina Yoon.

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

{Review} Chase the Dark (Steel & Stone #1) by Annette Marie

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: October 17th, 2014
Finished Date: January 10th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle

Pages: 302

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Piper Griffiths wants one thing in life: To become a Consul, a keeper of the peace between humans and daemons. There are precisely three obstacles in her way.

The first is Lyre. Incubus. Hotter than hell and with a wicked streak to match. His greatest mission in life is to get Piper — plus every other female in a ten mile radius — into bed, and when not actively working on that, he’s annoying the crap out of her.

The second is Ash. Draconian. Powerful. Dangerous. Scarier than most people's worst nightmares. He knows too much and reveals nothing. Also, disturbingly attractive — and scary. Did she mention scary?

The third is the Sahar Stone. Top secret magical weapon of mass destruction. Previously hidden in her Consulate until thieves broke in, went on a murder spree, and disappeared with the weapon.

And they left Piper to take the fall for their crimes.

Now she’s on the run, her dreams of becoming a Consul shattered and every daemon in the city gunning to kill her for something she didn’t actually steal. She’s dead on her own, but there’s no one she can trust to help her—no one except two entirely untrustworthy daemons.

...See problems one and two.

The Review: I absolutely loved this book, in my opinion it was YA perfection!
The character of Piper drew me in straight away, as did the mysterious demon duo of Lyre & Ash as we join all three in a battle against time to prove their innocence, save Piper’s father and keep the coveted Sahar Stone out of the wrong hands.
The story got off to an action packed start and that action did not stop throughout the book giving me a thrill of a read. Piper is special, she is the only female to survive being born with two Haemon parents, the cost of this is that she has no magic. Piper more than compensates for this as she trains to become a member of the Consul and is well equipped to defend herself. That is until her whole life is turned upside down and she has to put her trust in an Incubus – Lyre – and a Draconian – Ash which begins not only an amazing story but also a very tentative love triangle. I know what you all think – urgh love triangles – I’m not a fan of them myself but it was nicely done here and no one is falling madly in love right now, it was the stirring of feelings between these young people thrust into life threatening situations. Lyre is the happy go lucky, fun character with his flirtatious banter that no one can resist but Piper so that leaves Ash who of course, is the bad boy, constantly brooding, sure of himself, alpha in the making but there’s just something about him that draws you in and makes you want to know more. I like both of these options for her, I’m leaning towards one but would be happy with either at this point.
Now, it’s not all about the romance….in fact that’s just a tiny smidgen of the content of this book but believe me the storyline is awesome! We have a magical world filled with lots of different magical people – Haemons (part daemon/part human) who possess magic, humans and Daemons that come in all shapes and forms. There is a sort of Heaven and Hell but they are known as the Overworld and Underworld that don’t necessarily equate to good and evil, there is a lot of enemies on all sides – daemons against daemons, humans against daemons, Haemons against daemons, and daemons against everyone else- so there is a lot of room for conflict but this story focuses on the Sahar Stone, Piper has it and everyone wants it – meaning that she is constantly running & fighting for her life and to protect the stone throughout the book. Multiple enemies are doing all they can to capture Piper leading her into perilous situations where she is forced to fight for her life without any magic (she doesn’t have any). It isn’t all cut and dried though because there are plenty of twists and turns to keep everyone on their toes, the book full of action and the story at a great pace – I could not put it down! It had everything I want to read in a UF – action, great characters, awesome world building, diverse species, secrets and lies, twists and turns and a smidge of romance…. Now I want more! 

Thank you to Annette Marie & NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1) by Mary E. Pearson

Posted by Donna
Release Date: July 8th, 2014
Finished Date: December 27th, 2014

Publishers: Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover

Pages: 486

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

A princess must find her place in a reborn world.

She flees on her wedding day.

She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.

She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.

She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.

The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.

Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love.

The Review: Fascinating, gripping and highly entertaining, The Kiss of Deception is a YA fantasy at its best! 

Princess Lia is the First Daughter of the House of Morrighan and is promised to the Prince of Dalbreck by her parents against her wishes. Leaving Lia no other choice, she flees on her wedding day knowing that once she leaves, she can never return. Now living out her life with her friend Pauline in a quite village Terravin, it’s there that Lia tries to forget about her old life and try to become someone else. But what Lia doesn’t know is that people are hunting her for their own goals and soon it brings the arrival of two strangers to Terravin who both have their eyes of Lia. Drawn to both of these men, Lia quickly realises that they both have secrets but can Lia risk getting close to them when she’s trying to hide who she really is? 

I had my doubts before starting this book just because I’ve seen so many mixed reviews. So I tried to go into the story without any expectations and you know what? I’m glad I did because this just proves that if I had listened to the other reviews, I probably wouldn’t have read this story and then I would have missed out on such a beautiful read!

I completely fell in love with The Kiss of Deception. It’s quite a lengthy book, just fewer than 500 pages and although no real action happens towards the midway point, there was always something going on to keep me completely engrossed by the story. And yes, I’m talking about the love triangle. The most frustrating love triangle I’ve read in a long time but it was also the best I’ve read about too. 

The story is told from Princess Lia point of view but we also get The Prince and The Assassin's point of view. This adds to the mystery of the boys because Mary E. Pearson writes this story so cleverly that you don’t know who is who out of the two love interests because soon you get chapters from Rafe and Kaden – but who is The Prince and who is the Assassin? I absolutely loved trying to figure out who was who. It was so suspenseful that I thought I would burst and I couldn’t make my mind up. I was rooting for one guy from the start and I just didn’t even want to imagine if Lia ended up with the other one. So, well done Ms Pearson for writing a fantastic love triangle! 

The story isn’t just centred on the romance though. It’s about a Lia trying to have a life that it hers and I loved her for it. She’s very head strong, stubborn and in my mind, a perfect fit to be Queen. I admired her determination throughout the story and loved how independent she was. You won’t get no sulking from this girl! Not only that, the plot of the story is also surrounded by political issues between the different kingdoms and there is an ancient prophecy that has been foretold. As these issues come closer to the end of the story, by the time I’d finished, I was left wanting more. And be prepared for a killer ending, talk about amazing! As soon as I’d finished this book the sequel – The Heart of Betrayal – was put straight on my wish list. The release cannot come soon enough! 

In all, take a chance on The Kiss of Deception and I promise you won’t be disappointed but left completely captivated by Ms Pearson’s work. 

4.5 flowers! 

{Feature} Waiting on Wednesday (#101)

 

"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

With Every Heartbeat (Forbidden Men #4)
by Linda Kage
Release Date: March 2nd, 2015

*New Adult Romance*
**Explicit Scenes and Language**

I used to think everything was black and white, truth or lie, easy or hard, that if I could just escape my strict, overbearing, abusive father, my life would be perfect. But since I’ve found a reason to risk his wrath and leave, to help a friend in need, I’ve come to realize everything I thought I ever knew is wrong. 

Friends have their own agenda, honesty come with a dosage of lie, easy doesn’t even exist, keeping secrets sucks, and love...love is the most painful thing of all. 

Maybe if Quinn Hamilton hadn’t asked me to skip classes for the day and help him pick out an engagement ring for my best friend, I wouldn’t have fallen for him so completely on that sunny Tuesday afternoon and I wouldn’t feel so conflicted. But I did, and I can’t take it back, no matter how hard I try. So I have to deal with the fact that even I’m not as good, or honest, or caring as I’d always thought I was, and no matter what I do next, someone’s going to get hurt. Probably me.

-Zoey Blakeland

*Don't worry! The hero and heroine are not cheaters.*

Donna's thoughts: I'm so eager for another book by Linda Kage and I adore this series so I'm even more excited than normal. And Quinn? More Quinn? YES PLEASE! 

Melanie's WoW

Bound by Flames (Night Prince #3)
by Jeaniene Frost
Release Date: 27th January, 2015

Play with fire, pay the price.

Leila’s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn’t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin…

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn’t like Vlad to feel fear, but he does…for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad’s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad’s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both… 

Melanie's thoughts: Jeaniene Frost? Vlad & Leila? More from the Night Huntress world? YES PLEASE!!!

<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!

{Review} Eternal Dawn (The Vampire Queen #3) by Rebecca Maizel

Posted by Donna
Release Date: July 3rd, 2014
Finished Date: December 17th, 2014

Publishers: Macmillan Children's Book
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review 
Format: Paperback

Pages: 400

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Lenah has sacrificed everything -- including the love of her soulmate Rhode -- to save Rhode and the world from a vampire plague. But when the only good vampire left is murdered, she knows she must avenge his death. The problem is that the murderer is her former boyfriend, Justin, who has not only become a vampire himself, but one of the most evil she has ever encountered. Lenah knows she will have to kill him in order to save her twenty-first-century friends, but can she do it? The answer is clearer when she discovers that Justin's taken her beloved Rhode hostage and is slowly turning him into a vampire too. But Rhode no longer remembers Lenah, and killing anyone is now against her nature. Will the heartbreak of seeing Rhode corrupted lead her to take a path from which she may never be able to return?

The Review: So much has changed for Lenah since she first became human. After the events in Stolen Night, Lenah sacrificed everything for the people she loves including Rhode – her soulmate – in order to stop the vampire plague by leaving the twenty-first century.  But when news comes to her that her ex-boyfriend – who is now a vampire – is ruling the vampire world with an iron fist and is willing to do anything to get Lenah back, Lenah has no other choice but return to the world she loves to help her friends who no longer remember her.  But she knows she must do it without endangering them once again. But when Justin holds Rhode captive, Lenah can’t wait any longer, she must take the fight to Justin to save her soul mate.

Eternal Dawn is a fantastic conclusion to Lenah and Rhode’s journey! If you’d have asked to predict how this series ends, it certainly wouldn’t have been this just because it was completely impossible to predict anything about this series. It’s heart-pounding, exciting and such a gripping read that I can’t see anyone disappointed with how the series ends.

Lenah is such a complex character that it’s fascinating to get to know her. I loved her from the start of the series and I love how much she’s grown. Even as a vampire there was always just something about Lenah that makes you root for her. Now she’s human, you can’t help root for her even more. She’s selfless, kind, and loves fiercely. And I adore the relationship she has with Rhode. Even though I loved Justin too, I just feel as though Lenah and Rhode are meant to be. Not matter the events in their lives that force them apart, they always manage to find their way back to one another. It’s amazing to read.

What surprised me most about this instalment was seeing all the familiar faces but one character in particular who I never thought I’d see again but did. This book just wouldn’t have been the same without him. I really enjoyed the whole plot of the story – I was hoping for some redemption or saving for one character but I guess you can’t have everything. Still it was a great read and I’m glad I stuck with the series to the end.

In all, Rebecca Maizel proves that vampire stories can still be a hit with Eternal Dawn and even though I’m sad to see this series end I think it was the best possible ending.

Thank you to Macmillian Children's Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Review} Tainted Blood (Hell's Belle #2) by Karen Greco

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: October 16th, 2014
Finished Date: December 27h, 2014

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 292

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

After surviving a vampire assassin (not to mention an awkward affair with a hot FBI agent that ended worse than she could have imagined), witch/vampire hybrid Nina Martinez is reunited with the full Blood Ops team in Providence, Rhode Island. Her Aunt Babe is tutoring her in all things witchcraft, and her vampire partner Frankie is enjoying the benefits of daywalking, courtesy of a demon spell.

When a segment of the Rhode Island vampire population is marked for death by a tainted blood supply, Nina and her team race to find Patient Zero before the local vampire population is wiped out. But when a demon infestation threatens to take control of the city, Nina must join forces with newly elected mayor—and closet demon— Ami Bertrand before the city falls into ruin.

Filled with fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action, Nina and her group of supernatural misfits battle a surprising new enemy that threatens their very existence.

No wonder she still can’t get a date.

The Review: Tainted Blood was just as good as book one – Hell’s Belle – and had excellent progression in both story and characters.
I love this genre and am rarely disappointed but this definitely has all of the elements that I like in an urban fantasy. Nina, the main character is easy to understand and connect with and I like that she is very capable at what she does. She is still having problems connecting with her witch half even if her Aunt Babe is tutoring her, she knows enough to get by but I’m wondering if the witch half is being cancelled out by the vampire half or is there more for Nina to learn about herself?
The storyline this time sees someone tampering with the vampire blood supply sending normally submissive vampires into ferals, attacking people and gorging on blood then coming to a most gruesome end and with more and more being infected…. How long until all vampires are tainted? That isn’t Nina’s only mission though and she finds herself cowtowing to the Mayor as he holds Frankies’ daywalker status over her head.
I really enjoyed the direction the story went and I liked the way the vamps were put in danger. The whole vampire population is threatened by it and even Nina and Frankie are susceptible so there is a huge burden on their shoulders which turns into a race against time. There is also the job for the mayor that Nina is forced to do and introduces us to her cousin and a former fling , I liked this part of the story but didn’t really feel that it was going anywhere until right at the end because there are a lot of threads that blend together to bring this story to a climax and another shock is in store for Nina – which I loved! The romance was minimal again and the connection she had with Max has sort of waned off but we get the feeling that more than one person is interested in Nina and I’m routing for one a lot! Usually, I like a lot of romance and sexytime in my books but I found I didn’t mind so much that is was minimal because the story more than kept my attention. The book as always is filled with action, misdirection, plots, naughty supernaturals, strange behaviour and some more secrets to be discovered by Nina which is perfectly paced so there’s never a dull moment and I can’t wait for more! 

4.5 flowers!