{Blog Tour] Night Owls by Jenn Bennett

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 13th, 2015
Finished Date: July 16th, 2015

Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: ARC

Pages: 272
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Since school had let out in May, gold graffiti had been popping up around San Francisco. Single words painted in enormous golden letters appeared on bridges and building fronts. Not semi-illegible, angry gang tags, but beautifully executed fonts done by someone with talent and skill...

Meeting Jack on the Owl—San Francisco's night bus—turns Beatrix's world upside down. Jack is charming, wildly attractive...and possibly one of San Francisco's most notorious graffiti artists.

On midnight rides and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who this enigmatic boy really is. But Jack is hiding much more - and can she uncover the truth that leaves him so wounded?

The Review: What a super cute read! Seriously this book left me with the biggest smile on my face!

After missing her normal bus Beatrix has no other choice but to catch the dreaded Owl night bus that everyone hates. So when she meets Jack - a gorgeous guy she seems to click with - it definitely made the journey worthwhile. But as her and Jack are about to part ways, Bex discovers something about Jack when a gold can of spray paint rolls out of his bag. Surely he can't be the one leaving graffiti tags all over San Francisco? Bex is compelled to know more about Jack and so when she finds him again and she finds out he's also been looking for her, they embark on a journey of discovering each other and their love of art.

I hadn’t heard of Night Owls until it arrived through my letterbox but as soon as I read the synopsis I just knew it was one I had to read. It sounded slightly similar to Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley and I adored that book, so I definitely had high hopes for this and I’m pleased to say Jenn Bennett doesn't disappoint one bit!

There’s just something about this book that once you start you simply don’t want to put it down. It’s almost magical and the words just seem to flow right off the pages. It’s well written and I loved the mixture of fun and serious moments that was added. It gave the story the right blend and kept my emotions going up and down like a roller coaster.

The characters are quirky and super cute. They're also both very unique. While they have several things in common the biggest one is their love of art and so art is the main feature of this book and I really enjoyed it because both of the characters love art in their own way and they express it in their own way. I really loved the connection between Bex and Jack. It was an instant connection but not insta-love - I loved that. It made me appreciate their story more. They banter back and forth which is so entertaining to read. And even some of their later scenes together are adorable too - swoon-worthy even. Jack is perfect! I don't think I've swooned over a character like him in a long time! I smiled a lot during this book. It's impossible not too.

In all, Night Owls is definitely a special read and it's one I will definitely be recommending to all of my book friends!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster UK  for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Jenn Bennett’s Book Stack

Today, just for you, dearest reader, I pulled twelve random books from my bookshelf. You’ll find them here, as seen with my handsome pug, Iorek. (Don’t trust that sweet face, for he is truly wicked and most evil. And yes, he was named after one of my favorite literary characters, Iorek Byrnison, the armoured bear from the His Dark Materials series.) Some of the books in my stack are related to my YA debut, Night Owls, and some are not. From the top of the stack to bottom, here are the books:

My Crowd, Charles Addams

Dry wit. Hilarious stuff. My character, Bex, mentions the Addams Family. (People at school call her Morticia because she likes to draw anatomy, and therefore assume she must be gruesome. She’s not.)

Infinite City, Rebecca Solnit

This is a terrific compendium of San Francisco atlases. A wonderful Bay Area author friend, A.J. Larrieu, gave this to me. I could stare at it for hours.

Colored Pencil Bible, Alyona Nickleson

My first love is art, and I do a lot of colored pencil drawings. This is a great resource.

Reading Egyptian Art, Richard H. Wilkinson

I’m a fanatic about Ancient Egypt and have been since I was a wee tike.

Struwwelpeter, Heinrich Hoffmann

I was born in Germany (my father was in the U.S. army and was stationed near Frankfurt when my Swedish mother was knocked up with me), and this book of cautionary tales for children scared the bejesus out me when I was a kid.

Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, Peter Guralnick

In my book, my hero, Jack is obsessed with rockabilly music. Cool, young Elvis (we’ll forget about bloated, old bedazzled Elvis for now) wasn’t just a brilliant musician, he also had a great pompadour.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling

Yes, I have them all. Yes, I own all the movies. No, I have never dressed up as Luna Lovegood, I mean, uh…

Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles

Man, I loved this YA romance. The Latino hero is total swoons.

Graceling, Kristen Cashore

One of my fave romantic YA fantasy books. Only, I wish the ending had turned out differently. (Look,  I’m a hopeless romantic, okay?)

Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones

Love, love, love this book. Total charmer. Old favorite of mine.

Shiver, Maggie Stiefvater

She’s brilliant. I like her Raven Cycle the best.

Flapper, Joshua Zeitz

I write books for adults about the Roaring Twenties. I’m mad about that era, so I have a whole collection of books about it, if you ever need to borrow one.

AUTHOR BIO: 

JENN BENNETT is an artist and RITA-nominated author who writes books for adults and teens, including the award-winning Roaring Twenties romance series (Bitter Spirits) and the Arcadia Bell urban fantasy series (Kindling the Moon). Her first YA contemporary romance, The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, (aka Night Owls in the UK) will be released in 2015. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two evil pugs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.

Want to be notified when her next book is coming out? Join her mailing list: http://eepurl.com/V5il9

{Review} Queen of Swords (Sanctify #1) by Katee Robert

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: July 10th, 2012

Finished Date: May 7th, 2014
Publishers: Entangled Select
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance 

Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

When the cards tell Ophelia Leoni she's supposed to marry the Prince of Hansarda, the gunrunner grits her teeth and boards the starship that comes for her. It doesn't matter if the ship's commander is the gorgeous stranger she just spent a wild, drunken night with. As a Diviner, she’s painfully aware the cards don't lie. Ever.

Boone O’Keirna knows Ophelia is trouble the second he sees the way she moves. Not about to let the deadly little hellcat marry his sadistic half-brother, Boone pretends to be the Prince’s emissary and kidnaps Ophelia. Too bad they can’t be in the same room without him wanting to throw her out an airlock–or into bed.

Even as they fight each other–and their explosive attraction–Ophelia and Boone sense something is wrong. Too much is going their way. Soon, they realize while the cards may never lie, the truth is sometimes hidden between them...and the future king of Hansarda is not one to take defeat lying down.

The Review: You know what? I loved this book… it was sci fi, it was fantasy & it was refreshingly different.
We meet Ophelia Leoni as she is getting smashed, grieving for the loss of her crew and ship, all she wants is oblivion and what better way to achieve it that through alcohol and anonymous no strings sex with a one night stand…… what she doesn’t bank on is the one night stand she has just left, turning up at her home on the same day to cart her off to marry the Prince of Hansarda – something she wouldn’t be doing if not for her gift & her cards telling her it was the right direction for her life to take – for she is a Diviner, a seer/clairvoyant of sorts and she knows now that the cards don’t lie.
Boone O’Keirna is scouting out his brother’s intended, why does he want her so badly? Is it because she has a massive arsenal of weapons at her disposal or does he know her true nature? Whatever it is, when Boone realises that the woman is Ophelia - the woman he spent an amazing night with last night – he knows that he can’t allow his brother to have her….. so he kidnaps her and stows her aboard his starship and hopefully, she might come around to his cause….OR they could always use her as a bargaining tool. What neither of them is prepared for is the connection they seem to share or what fate has instore for them – hidden amongst Ophelia’s cards.
So yeah, I loved this book and as I said, it’s different to what I normally read. I really liked the book as a whole, the characters were great; I totally loved Ophelia, she was kick ass, dominant, assertive & not afraid to take what she wants – at first it was a bit overwhelming as she seemed too tough but as the book progressed, we got to see a softer side to her but also a woman who is constantly alert to danger. I loved her gift, it again was different to the usual and I loved the way she used the Tarot cards. Boone was great too, just as dominant as Ophelia and yep, that made them clash like hell! Which was great to read; I love a good power struggle and Boone was not lying down for any one! I love a good love/hate clash between couples and these two really went for it, which not only created some hot moments but also some sweet moments that made me like the characters even more. I wanted them together and that feeling grew throughout the book, which to me is the sign of a good coupling. I was also invested in the secondary characters – Jenny & Cole are a pair to look out for and Sadie also caught my interest, so I’m hoping for more from those too.
The storyline was good and I really liked the initial set up of Boone kidnapping Ophelia after a one night stand, the connection between them was set up from the start and when they were confined in the starship, it started to kindle into something bigger. The relationship had a big influence in the overall story and I liked that it connected a lot of things together and not just there for the ‘romance’ part but was integral to the story. I liked the world building that set up a multi planet universe, accessible through starships and warp tunnels giving the travel and universe a very star wars/star trek feel plus it is filled with different species or people with abilities which could be limitless. There is the immediate threat of Boone’s brother to contend with in this but it also brings what I feel is the ‘series threat’ in the form of a religious like zealot group that put humans above all else and their job is to eradicate any ‘other’ life forms as being blasphemous to their religion – we’re talking the wiping out of whole groups using methods of torture and fire etc. – they come across as very sinister, single minded people & so they pose a massive threat to everyone not human and none moreso than that which Ophelia is – a Diviner – who are practically extinct, which will make you understand just how precious and special she & her talent really are. You really get a good feel for the world and dynamics of it all and I love the way the tarot is used throughout, I thought it brought a certain mysticism to the story and Ophelia and her mother sort of reminded me of the Bene geserit from Frank Herbert's Dune with their gifts and varying stages of power – which was not a bad thing. I loved where the story went though, the ending was very satisfying but promises bigger & better things, with more danger and battles on the horizon and really cannot wait for the sequel. 

Thank you to Entangled Select for the opportunity to review this book, in exchange for an honest review. 

Blog Tour for The Space Beyond (The Book of Phoenix #2) by Kristie Cook; Review

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: May 19th, 2014

Finished Date: May 14th, 2014
Publishers: Ang'dora Productions, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal 

Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

As members of the Phoenix, Jeric and Leni are thrust into their new lives, expected to lead Earth’s Guardians. But Leni struggles with trusting her own soul, and Jeric is more concerned about keeping Leni safe than meeting others’ demands. When Darkness swarms Lake Haven, they embark on their first mission with little preparation and no idea which soul the Dark hunts.

Born and raised in Lake Haven, Bex hopes to escape her small-town life, ideally in the arms of her soul mate. She knows he exists, and her heart aches with the need to find him. When her long-lost mama calls to announce she's knockin' on death's door, Bex reluctantly makes the trip to see the uncaring bitch (bless her heart), only to be knocked off her feet by the sexy and charming Dr. Mason Hayes. Is he really The One?

Leni’s soul felt an instant connection to Bex, but if Bex found her soul mate, she isn’t their mission. So who is, and why does Leni instinctively feel drawn to her? Can Leni even trust her intuition? And will Jeric step up and lead when the time comes or continue to hold them back?

If they don't learn to trust themselves and each other quickly, Darkness will claim them all…along with the rest of Earth’s souls.

The Review: 4.5 flowers! 

The Space Beyond is the second book in ‘The Book of Phoenix’ series and gives us a much different story this time around. In book one, we had met Jeric & Leni as they find out that their souls are connected in a big way and they will always share that connection & always have. It’s through ‘the book of Phoenix’ that they are able to remember some of their past lives with each other and what they fight for. Now that things have settled with their transformation into Guardians, they try to remember more from their lives in an attempt to unlock any possible powers/gifts to further their strength as guardians and in doing so, come across another pairing that could be important to the group – Rebethannah & Nathayden – but something isn’t right with them and with no other clues, they have to go where they’re needed and that is back to Lake Haven where the Darkness is amassing.
In Lake Haven, Bethany/Bex remembers Leni & Jeric (which is unusual) and Leni is sure this Bex is Rebethannah, she feels the connection and the Darkness is hanging around… but does Bex feel the connection too and does she feel the pull of a soul mate? Bex is at risk of succumbing to the dark with her early years being so troubled, her mother currently dying of the consequences of the lifestyle she led and the cost of that lying solely on Bex’s shoulder but she has two men willing to be her ‘knight in shining armour’, the problem is which of the two is ‘the one’?.
Leni knows that she has things to learn but the biggest thing is to believe in herself….. can she do that in time to save Bex and reunite another pair of twin flames to help in the fight against the ‘Darkness’.

I really enjoyed this sequel and as I said, it had a different feel to book one because in this it wasn’t all boy meets girl, they clash, realise they’re soul mates, evade the bad guys, connect and live happily ever after….there are real issues here, very serious issues that are addressed and made this journey a very emotional one. Bex is a girl all too familiar – dragged up by a mother hooked on drugs/alcohol, forced to become the caregiver to her sister who was only a year younger only to be abandoned by her mother at age 8 into the care of her Grandmother where her life did get better, but only slightly. Her life is hard, living in a trailer, working 3 jobs to pay for her mothers’ care even though it goes against all of her principles to give the woman anything – so she is definitely ripe for the picking when Darkness descends upon Lake Haven and it’s easy to see how she would fall for two men that would promise her the world because she wants ‘the one’, she believes in soul mates but is disillusioned with life. For all that she is down on her luck & had a rough upbringing, she is still a fun character with a great attitude and you can see what type of girl she could be shine through now and again giving us a glimpse of the Bex that could be. It was a surprise to see that Bex was back in Leni & Jeric’s lives following their ‘misunderstanding’ in book one but it was great to be back in a familiar place and was a great way for Leni & Jeric to start believing in themselves and their capabilities. I liked that even though most of the focus was on Bex, that we still got quite a bit from those two aswell, seeing the problems and progress they’re making in their new position as guardians. There were still some hot moments between them were we could feel their love shining through too. The focus of this book is obviously on Bex and what she goes through, not so much the romance this time around as her drama more than makes up a big part of the storyline, yes she does get some sweetness but she also gets a lot thrown at her too and as a reader, I totally went through that with her – so be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It’s hard to give away the slightest thing when it comes to her ‘soul mate’ because as I mentioned – there is more than one vying for that spot – plus when you have the background of Rebethannah & Nathayden, you will understand how that will interfere with the present but I will say that it was different to book one in a big way and it opens up the world a bit more, it also brings ‘the book of phoenix’ back into the light and we learn a few new things about a special group of guardians that Leni & Jeric must learn to lead. I thought the issues that were dealt with throughout were handled very well and created a very emotionally charged finale that will leave you both devastated and hopeful, connecting to Bex on another level….. but also leading to a cliffhanger that will be felt by all and leave you desperate for book three.

AUTHOR BIO

Kristie Cook is a lifelong writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. 

She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at www.KristieCook.com.

A Review for Mostly Magic (Books of the Kindling #2) by Donna June Cooper

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 3rd, 2014

Finished Date: May 4th, 2014
Publishers: Samhain Publishing
Genre: YA Paranormal

Source: For Review
Format: eBook
Pages: 355

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

One terrifying premonition brings them together. Another will threaten their future.

Books of the Kindling, Book 2

Do dreams come true? Dr. Daniel Woodruff hopes they don’t, because his dreams predict a devastating future for him, for those he loves—and for the planet.

His latest premonition, which blows a huge crater in his eroding sanity, holds a singular horror—the loss of a wife and unborn child. Yet another reason he can let no one into his chaotic life, least of all a perky, persistent investigative reporter he finds simultaneously frustrating and fascinating.

Mel Noblett leaves no stone unturned in her one-woman crusade to save the environment. When a whistleblower in Italy proves too frightened to talk, Mel turns to a fall-back lead, an extremely eccentric, beekeeping professor who might just make the trip worthwhile.

Despite their instant attraction, Mel is relieved when Daniel keeps her at arm’s length. After all, she has a secret of her own—one that makes her preternaturally good at her job. And, when Daniel’s terrifying visions prove uncannily accurate and begin to revolve around Mel—it is a gift that could put her life in danger.

Warning: Reluctant seer of a bleak future meets petite force of nature who lights up the heart of his darkness. Where there’s smoke, there could be an unpredictable blaze of passion, but the rewards are oh, so sweet…

The review: Ah, it’s great to be back on Woodruff Mountain……
This time around we head to Italy first and to Mel Noblett, a journalist for all things environmental, a woman determined to shed light on any wrongdoings or environmental impact of pharmaceutical corporations… which is why she is in Italy, after been given a tip off that one of their own will turn over evidence that a certain company is not taking its responsibilities seriously and warning that the impact will be massive. When things don’t go according to plan, Mel heads off to hopefully get an interview from the elusive Daniel Woodruff - brother of Grace from book one and commonly known in his profession as ‘the Bee Whisperer’ – to see if he will hopefully shed some light on the plans to add antibiotics to honey, Mel is confident she can get him to talk….after all, she has a gift.
Daniel Woodruff is having dreams again, bad dreams that rob him of his sight and predict really bad things for the future both personally and environmentally. He knows he needs to head back to Woodruff, Grace is urging him to make peace with his gift and visit the ‘cave’ but to be honest – it’s a curse and he wishes he never had it! Especially now, it’s evolving, he’s having visions through touch that leave him debilitated but determined to stop events happening, if he can save only one person then it’s worth it right? But then he meets her, the one from his dreams, the one in danger, they have an instant connection and he wants her so badly ….. but he knows it can never be, he has to change the future, not just for her but for everyone and if he leads a lesser life because of it…so be it! Daniel thinks he can stop fate, but will his decisions affect the future for better or worse and will his feelings for Mel force him to take that chance and either live a life in love or loneliness?

As I said, it was great to be back in Woodruff but I enjoyed both locations and Florence sounds amazing!
I loved both Mel & Daniel and thought they shared a really good chemistry, it was clear to see that they would make a great couple. Mel had a vivacious character & demeanour and I liked her gift. Daniel came across as guarded which is understandable, but he was leading a half-life, letting his visions lead it, not allowing himself to actually have a life or take risks which is again understandable especially when he finds out the future and needs to stop things from happening and also trying to protect people by giving up his own chance of happiness. This is precisely why Mel and Daniel both do the dance of who will not allow the other to suffer – in different ways of course but with the same outcome and it’s only the interference of the mountain that will guide our two kindred spirits together.
The storyline was just as good as book one, it blends in so well with the overall feel of the series and the magical place that is Woodruff Mountain. One of the things I liked about book one so much is that it brings environmental issues to the attention of a romance reader and I really like this, book one was the effect of running a meth lab and its debris having an effect on the surrounding earth; who knew the impact it would actually have? This time around, it’s Daniels speciality – bees – and through this we are enlightened about how damage could be done through them dying out and also how corporate companies can interfere in a huge way with nature, whether it’s through GM crops or pushing meds into food sources – this is scary stuff and it really makes you wonder just what is going on and what these corporations can actually get away with. We automatically assume that the government will protect us and we won’t have to do anything to prevent these situations but I’m not so sure, I think we all need to heed the lessons on these books. As for the impact on the storyline – well imagine you gain some sensitive knowledge that could do a lot of damage to the reputation and livelihoods of people in powerful positions if leaked, then imagine what they would do to keep that knowledge from the public eye…. Yeah, our lead characters are about to find out but hopefully Daniel will come to terms with his gifts beforehand, before the horrible events that he has predicted unfold and possibly ruin us all. There isn’t as much focus on the mountain magic in this but its effect is felt throughout and there are some really good discoveries about how the mountain and Grandmother Lily expects peopIe to use their gifts. There are also a few startling discoveries that could affect everyone because as we all know – good is also balanced with evil – and just as people with gifts are willing to do good, there are also some willing to use them for their own purposes, which opens up lots of possibilities for future books and adversaries. For all I love Woodruff Mountain, I did appreciated the change of scenery too but when we returned, it was great to see what Grace & Nick have done following the events of book one by helping the land heal and making things right with the buildings. I also love the progression for Jamies’ character and seeing her blossom slightly, I’m expecting big things for that girl and hope one day, she will not only get gifts but also her own HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel though! 

A Review for Don't Blackmail the Vampire (A Sons of Kane Novel #2) by Tiffany Allee

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: April 28th, 2014

Finished Date: April 17th, 2014
Publishers: Entangled: Covet
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance 

Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Rachel Davis will do anything to get her sister out of a bad relationship with her fiancé. Even if it involves a few fibs, a little breaking-and-entering, and blackmailing the fiancé's potential boss, Charles, for his help. So what if the handsome Charles happens to be a vampire?

Charles Wright has found the perfect way to trap the man threatening his brother's wife: cozy up to him, get invited along on the skiing trip, and then search for incriminating evidence. How much better that audacious but gorgeous Rachel is just as eager to nail the bastard. As far as he's concerned, there's nothing wrong with a little blackmail between two consenting adults. Especially when it's time for Rachel to pay up.

The Review: Don’t Blackmail the Vampire is the second book in the Sons of Kane series and follow up to Don’t bite the Bridesmaid….

This time around we meet Rachel Davis who is meeting her sister and her fiancé for a ski trip, Rachel knows that her sisters man isn’t right for her and has decided to do everything in her power to put an end to the relationship so that her sister doesn’t make the huge mistake of marrying him….. but her sister is stubborn. It just so happens that Charles Wright is on the trip too, giving her sisters’ fiancé a job opportunity and when Rachel sees Charles for what he really is, decides to blackmail him into helping her in her mission to save her sister. Little does Rachel know that Charles is actually there to find out if said fiancé is the one threatening his soon to be sister in law and there is no job offer available; just the opportunity to put his brothers mind at ease. When their plan takes a different turn however, things soon start to heat up for Rachel & Charles as they both start to thaw towards each other.

I really liked this book, I liked book one just the same and I liked the connection between both books. Charles was a character that stood out in book one, he seemed mischievous, a bit of a ladies man too, the sort that doesn’t want to settle or be tied down to anyone -  so it made me happy to realise that he was about to get played by Rachel. When I realised who Rachel was and how she was also connected to book one; that made me even happier because it did actually connect Rachel & Charles without them knowing it…. So let the fun commence. As I said - I like both characters - it wasn’t hard not to be invested in their schemes and they both came from a good place with the best intentions and as always with books like this, it’s what happening because of their colluding that holds our interest in as well. I thought Rachel & Charles made a great pairing, alone they were pretty sad figures & quite misunderstood but together, they brought out the best in each other and made each other blossom, creating some very intense situations filled with emotions neither were used to dealing with, not to mention some great sexual tension & smexytimes – if they could both give each other a chance! I liked how each of their agendas tied together and who it tied too (forgive my vagueness, you will understand when you read it) it was risky situation and a no win scenario but it was a good progression to the series and of course a good catalyst for our MCs to fall in love. I’m curious to see where the next book will go because there is only one ‘Son of Kane’ left and the storyline didn’t seem to be heading in that direction but no matter where it goes, I will be reading it. As I said about the first…..this is a really fun, enjoyable read and hit the spot for a quick easy read. I like these type of books because they are fun, you don't have to think too hard, you get good characters, a good scenario, some humour, some sexytime and a nice HEA - so what's not to like? 

A Review for The Last Day King by Liz Newman

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: July 3rd, 2013

Finished Date: April 9th, 2014
Publishers: Lycaon Press
Genre: Fantasty, Historical 

Source: For Review
Format: eBook
Pages: 199

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The most magical figure of royal folklore and legendary British king travels to the future to reunite with the girl he fell in love with.

The Legend Lives On.

In modern day San Francisco, a young girl rescues a boy king from the treacherous waters. The beloved king of lore longs to reunite with his futuristic fascination. After his trusted wizard proposes a mission to save mankind only days before his prophesied death, the king travels with his mystic companions to our time in hopes of embracing his lady love once again, and to save a world which his rule helped create

The Review: The Last Day King blends the past with the present as we delve into a world of legend and bring it into modern times. Even though the synopsis might seem vague, it is pretty much spot on….In the present day, a teen girl – fresh from being dumped at the side of the road in her prom dress - spots a young man drowning and runs to save him. After dragging him free from the water, making sure he is breathing and saving his life – they both share a moment, a connection and a kiss – then he vanishes into thin air, leaving Lilith with a bleeding head and thinking that she must have imagined it all. We meet up with the young man again, in a different time & place and find that years have passed since the meeting but he has never forgotten the beauty of Lilith and although he hasn’t returned to that time again his trusted advisor & wizard friend has and he doesn’t like what he sees because all he can see is the fate of humanity and it is not good. The wizard is determined to save mankind and comes up with a plan involving the young King but things are not right in their town and the King has been challenged and this challenge has a prophecy attached to it and that is the certain death of the King. Determined not to be a coward or to go back on all of his morals and ruin everything he has built, he will be back for the challenge but first he must help save mankind and hopefully capture the heart of Lilith again, even if only for a moment.
I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was fun & exciting with a touch of romance but also had a serious side that was filled with magic, legacy, jealousy, greed and treachery. It won’t stretch your mind to know what legend the book is about, it is one of the most memorable legends ever and I thought that this was a great take on that. I’m not an expert on said legend so I don’t actually know how factual it is but it definitely made for good reading and had all the characters you wish to find from the legend. I liked the idea that the girl and boy from different times met and shared a connection that could very well be fated and for all Lilith was a main character I would say that we don’t see as much of her in the beginning because the King is the focus as we switch from past to present and so forth. I thought the King was an admirable character and I liked what he stood for, I like good values and appreciated that he would stand up for his even if it meant death. The story was told from multiple POVs and for a novella length book – held a lot of information and story. I really like the parts from the past, it had a fantasy feel to it and could happily have read all of the book in that time but what made it different was how the past and future came together. I liked the storyline, there was a lot going on and I enjoyed the magic and mysticism that they believed in, I liked the goal that they all shared and how they went about solving it which brought them to the present. The threat was very underhanded and came from more than one direction which kept me on my toes and there was some great action scenes; be it medieval with sword fights, jousting and sorcery to modern times with car chases, crashes, nature taking revenge and an amazing scene blending the two time periods in an super exciting game of chicken…. And then of course we get our star crossed lovers, torn apart only to be reunited and adding that bit of romance to make the heart pound in a different way…. but will it stay that way? Will Lilith and the King get their happy ever after? The only way to find out….is to read it ;) 

A Review for Incubus (Daughters of Lilith #2) by Jennifer Quintenz

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 21st, 2013
Finished Date: April 4th, 2014

Publishers: Secret Tree Press
Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle
Pages: 295

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Braedyn Murphy used to think nothing important ever happened in her sleepy town of Puerto Escondido. But that was before she learned she was a descendent of Lilith, the mother of all demons. Now Braedyn fights to protect humanity from the Lilitu - the beautiful, souls-stealing daughters of Lilith.

As she fights the Lilitu, Braedyn must also fight her growing love for her boyfriend Lucas - because even a simple kiss could end his life. Their only ray of hope is an angel’s offer to make Braedyn human, but it’s an offer she can’t accept until the world is safe from the Lilitu.

Braedyn knows she’s a key player in this ancient war... but she’s not ready to believe she just might be humanity’s best hope of surviving the final battle for Earth.

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! 

Incubus is the exciting sequel to Thrall (Duaghters of Lillith #1) and carried on just where we left off.
Following the events of Thrall, Braedyn is given a glimmer of hope by an angel, if she can keep herself from doing wrong, there is a chance she can be made human. This is great news for Braedyn and also for her loved ones, giving hope that she can be with Lucas properly, never guarding her love for him, being able to kiss him, have a normal life with him but at the minute Braedyn knows she is needed in her Lilitu form to give the Guard the upper hand in the war that’s brewing. During a field trip in which Braedyn and Lucas are attacked by a Thrall, they uncover some symbols similar to that which adorns the guards weaponry and when they take this news to the Guards, realise it is a huge discovery but as they look into it they discover that there is more to it than meets the eye and a could infact end the war before it starts - giving hope to all involved and none more so than Braedyn because if there is no war, then there is no need for her to stay a Lilitu…. They do discover that the Thrall that attacked them was female and as such could only come from one source…. The rare and elusive Incubus, so when the threats become more apparent, Braedyn is faced with a tough choice which might just lose her everyone she loves.
I really enjoyed this book and think it was better than the first now we know what’s happening and about the world of Lilitu. It followed the same vein as book one in respect of the training aspect, we see Braedyn and Lucas train more as they painstakingly prepare for what they know will come to pass. We can see both improve and we see the inner warrior desperate for some escape as Braedyns powers start to manifest. Even though the romance aspect can’t be too full on because of what could happen if Braedyn loses control, there are still some super charged moments between our lovebirds to get the heart racing and they will always have their dreams. I thought that even though Braedyn had made the decision to stay in her current form that when she got that glimpse of hope, she got carried away and became desperate, forsaking what her rational self would have done and risking a lot on a possibility, they do say that the path of evil is paved with good intentions and Braedyn should really heed that…. it remains to be seen what damage she will do to those relationships she has. I liked the introduction of the Incubus, in book one it was all about the Lilitu who are a form of Succubae so it’s a perfectly natural progression to be dealing with the opposite too and even though they are rare, that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. I thought it brought something a bit different to the story and I liked why it was introduced. I thought that the threat was more underhanded this time, quite subtle but sneaky and I liked how misdirection was used. The Guards seem to be banding together because something big is brewing but they can be frustrating in the way they view Braedyn & Lucas and how much information they are allowed which in turn, allows them to make huge mistakes. I won’t say that the story kept me guessing until the end, I knew who it was pretty early on but that did not spoil my enjoyment of the book at all, in fact…. It added to the tension because I could see it coming, I knew what was going to happen and I loved it all. As I said, it was very exciting and filled with secrets, misdirection, hope, faith and a little bit of divine intervention which made for a great read and I will be definitely reading more!. 

Release Week Blog Hop for Before the Storm by Claire Ashgrove; Review, Excerpt Q&A+ INT Giveaway

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: April 21st, 2014
Finished Date: March 21st, 2014

Publishers: Untamed Spirit
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Source: For Review 
Format: eARC
Pages: 304

Buy: 

Amazon US  

Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon AU
Barnes and Noble

Halle Rhoads has a terrifying gift--she can kill with the fury of the storm.

She should have known that kind of power wouldn't go unnoticed. Thrust into a world full of dark magic with a handsome stranger who claims he can teach her, she struggles to master her abilities and stumbles onto a dangerous truth. She's a windwalker, the chosen vessel of the ancient dragons who once ruled the world. Many will stop at nothing to possess the power in her blood, should they discover her secret. With necromancers hunting her and Halle's closest allies guarding secrets, mastering her magic becomes a matter of necessity.

But accepting her destiny is altogether different. For doing so means she must sacrifice everything.

The Review: 4.5 flowers! 

Before the Storm is the exciting new book in the new Windwalker series from Claire Ashgrove, many of you may know her for the equally awesome The Curse of the Templar series that I adore but now she takes a dip into the Urban Fantasy/PNR genre.

I really liked the story to this and it opens up a very promising world for the reader to discover. I definitely connected with our main character – Halle Rhoads- it’s hard not to when you get her story and you see a girl brimming with unbridled power, who has lost everything at a young age but covers her insecurities with her attitude…. she is driven, driven to protect the sister -who doesn’t even know she lives- from a tyrannical uncle and it’s whilst putting her plan into action that she is accosted by a mysterious man who knows far too much about her…considering she’s meant to be dead! He promises her lessons in controlling her erratic magic, if she will accompany him back to his home… but what does he want in return? Halle doesn’t trust anyone and has learned there is always a price to be paid. What ensues between the two will make you laugh, make you smile, make you gasp and definitely pull on those heart strings as a battle of wills turns into something deeper. I liked the pairing, I thought they complimented each other and I liked that Kale could see through Halle’s defence mechanisms, it gave their relationship that extra depth with him understanding her on all levels and how she should be treat & educated, she pretty much ‘gets’ him too and it has a fated feel to the blossoming relationship, I also love that through this we get a few glimpses into both of their insecurities & fears, endearing them more to me.

As I mentioned, the story line opens up a very promising world filled with magical people who can control elements, nature, power, illusions, the physical form & even the dead which is all displayed very well throughout the book and as all good fantasy style books should…. I want to see it, I can picture it in my head through the great descriptions but to actually see it visually would be amazing because the battles, the fights and even the training using the magic available would be stunning! The introduction into this world really got my interest and I loved learning it alongside Halle, we already know that there is a firm enemy and a lot of people share Halle’s goal but there is so much more to be explored through the different ‘clans’ and their areas of magic, so many secrets to uncover, magic to be unravelled and learnt, goals to be achieved, alliances to be made and battles to be won, even the hint of a prophecy…. But this is just the start and whilst it was great to get to know the basics, the next book promises so much more…. Can’t wait! 

EXCERPT of BEFORE THE STORM 

Chapter One Continued – Read Previous at Under the Covers

“It—I—we…” Faye stammered.

“You what? You can’t deny it, can you?” Allen straightened. He threw Faye’s cell phone at her feet and whirled on his heel, his hands clenched at his thighs. In the dim grey twilight, his formidable expression took on deeper, darker shadows. “I should have known when I took you in, you’d disappoint me. Your own father wanted nothing to do with you.”

I ground my teeth together, choking down fury. Daddy dearest had wanted too much to do with Faye. Just as he had with me. Overhead, lightning crackled through the clouds.

“You’re nothing but a good for nothing tramp!” Allen bellowed. “You’re going to respect the privileges you’ve been given, if I have to beat it into you. I swear to God, girl, you won’t embarrass me. Not with my re-election in another month.” He whipped around to face her once more, his arm cocking to his shoulder in the same angry whirl.

I glanced up. Felt that rage, that helplessness, the same instinctual desperation to protect Faye fill my veins. A deep roll of thunder sounded in the heavens, as ominous and foreboding as the telltale way my fingertips prickled with power I didn’t quite know how to control. All I knew was it happened when I felt. And I’d come here because Allen could provoke feeling inside of me. Now he’d regret ever disturbing the perpetual numbness.

Closing my eyes, I breathed deeply. Now. Let the storm come now. Let it be as horrible and deadly as the wrath I unleashed years ago.

A feeling of disassociation slipped over me, and distantly I felt a strange smile pull at my mouth. I remembered that odd sensation. Recalled all too well how it veiled over me and offered me protection from the flying debris even as it created an emotional barrier.

This was it. It would happen now.

As another bellow of thunder echoed overhead and the darkening sky filtered out the sun, I sucked in a deep breath and opened my eyes. My gaze focused on Allen; the stirring winds churned more violently. He uncoiled his arm, the back of his knuckles arcing toward Faye’s delicate cheek.

Something heavy hit me from the left. I toppled with the force of impact, barreled sideways into the fallen leaves and thick carpet of weeds and overgrowth. Knocked senseless, I barely comprehended a boulder of a weight pinning me to the musty ground. Gasping, I pushed to my knees to crawl away.

“No, you don’t,” a masculine voice whispered near my ear. Strong arms wrapped around my torso, anchoring my arms to my side as he rolled off me.

 

Hop today to read more at Reading Between the Wines!

Questions for Claire Ashgrove & Before the Storm

   Tell us how you came up with the idea behind this series?

Of all the times to ask me this, through all the books I’ve written, this would be probably the one time I don’t’ have an answer.  I heard a song, it gave me the root of an idea, (Blown Away, Carrie Underwood), and I started writing words.  I pantsed the whole thing.  About halfway through I said, “Oooh.  I could do this and it can become that and voila, I have a series that is going to do all this.”

   Why did you choose this topic/genre?

My roots are in fantasy and I absolutely love to world build.  I’ve piddled with several ideas, have a couple truly epic fantasy works in the pool, but this one is the one I’ve managed to finish.

  

   What was your biggest challenge in creating this series?

That I pantsed the whole thing.  Laugh!  I usually plot to minutia.  This required a lot of thinking on how I could tie in one thing to another and how I could go to the next stage with the least amount of cut words possible.  I despise cutting words.

   How long did it take you to write?

I had other deadlines and obligations, so it’s not a true reflection of length of time to write.  But almost a year. 

 How many books will be in the series?

The entire series will be told in trilogies.  Halle’s journey will have three components.  The next journey will have three components, and so forth.  That way it can somewhat continue indefinitely for my own pleasure of writing and enthusiastic fans, but readers can hop-on / hop-off as they desire. 

   Who would you cast in the movie version of this book? Or who do you see playing them?

Oh my gosh!  I’ve been doing some of this with my Monday Meet the Cast stuff on Facebook!  Eva Gardner for Halle.  Simon Baker for Kale.  I’m totally stumped on someone for Marcus, but he’d have to act like Viggo Mortensen in LOTR.  Alan Rickman for Gerard.  I’m equally stumped on the Yaksini leader, but I’m leaning toward Anthony 

Hopkins.  For Surana?  Famke Janssen with red hair.

Do you have any other books that you’re working on that you could tell us about?

I have a pile of stuff coming down the pipes that I’m working on.  Of course, book two in this series – Tempest Rising.  Two books as Tori St. Claire for Entangled Brazen (one will release this year definitely.)  Three blue-collar Romantic-Era historicals as Sophia Garrett for Entangled (I love, love this series!) and another Immortal Templar book this fall.  Anyone want to clone me?  Listing it out like that has me a little freaked out.

Who is your favourite character from the book?

Rafini – Bet you didn’t expect that, eh?  For those of you who haven’t read yet, Rafini is a mentor of types for Halle.

What can we expect from book two?

Well, Halle’s in a bit of a fix at the end of Before the Storm.  She has a lot to still learn, and book two will see her accomplishing a lot of that.  We’ll learn more about the Noita and the Jadukara, and with the Yaskini aware of her abilities now, there will be regular action as well.  Her personal quest deepens, with more trials and struggles there as well.  And I have a few surprises I am really dying to share, but for the sake of not spoiling the entire book two, will leave them tightly under wraps.  

About Claire Ashgrove.....

Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, award-winning author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled, passionate journeys of the heart. Her paranormal series, The Curse of the Templars, marries the history of the Knights Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy--a must-read for speculative fiction fans. She also writes as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire and historical romance author Sophia Garrett.

In her non-writing time, she’s runs Finish The Story, a full-scale editing house co-founded with Bryan Thomas Schmidt.  She lives in Missouri and enjoys cooking, studying ancient civilizations, and spending downtime with her two sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs.

Keep in Touch via:

Claire Ashgrove Website

Tori St. Claire Website

Sophia Garrett Website

Untamed Spirit Blog

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