A Review for Release Me by J.Kenner

Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 4th, 2012

Finished Date: November 14th, 2012

Publishers: Marion Lloyd Books
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 417 
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes an erotic, emotionally charged romance between a powerful man who’s never heard “no” and a fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms. 

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist. 

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

The Review: He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Release Me is a new three part series by author J. Kenner and it’s another story that's being hailed for fans of Fifty Shades and Bared to You. Now, I’ve read quite a few books similar to the books mentioned above but I do have my doubt if any books could really be on par with some of my favourites - even Release Me, but I really had nothing to worry about because Damien Stark managed to convince me that he belongs with some of the greatest fictional characters.

You’d think I’d start to get bored of the story where the main characters meet one night and find they are instantly attracted to another but because of their past’s, they fight temptation and hold them back. But honestly I don’t. And what makes Release Me stands out from the crowd is the fact it has such memorable characters. Both Damien and Nikki are intriguing and strong characters – both who have troubled pasted and both who are unwilling to share with one another, in case the other ones runs away. It’s pretty easy to see that they are a perfect match but they needed to let go of their pasts in order to do so. I loved seeing them opening up to one another, Damien takes Nikki beyond anything she ever could have hoped for and it was an enjoyable ride to read about and I loved how Damien had such a strong alpha male personality. 

I honestly don’t know what else to say about this book because it was good, very good and definitely worth a read especially if you’re a fan of this type of book. I will say I am looking forward to reading more from this author with Claim Me – book two in the Release Me series which is set to be released in July 2013.

"You’re mine," he says. "I know," I reply, and I mean it completely.

Thank you to the publishers for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

A Review for Rebel Heart (Dust Land #2) by Moria Young

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: November 16th, 2012

Publishers: Marion Lloyd Books
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 393
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Nothing is certain and no one is safe in the second book in the highly praised Dust Lands trilogy, which MTV’s Hollywood Crush blog called “better than The Hunger Games.”

It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion

The Review: After reading Blood Red Road, I couldn’t wait to pick up Rebel Heart. Luckily for me, I already had it sitting and waiting on my shelf, so of course I dived straight in and it was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made.

You all know how much Blood Red Road impressed me and I have to say, I was almost nervous to start Rebel Heart – mainly because of the dreaded second book syndrome but I’m so pleased to say, this book doesn’t even fit into that category.  It’s just as unique, engaging and enthralling as the first book and I so want more. 

Moria Young definitely starts this book off with a bang, and I mean with a bang because we get a fantastic treat because the first chapter is in Jack’s point of view. After the ending in Blood Red Road, we see Jack go on his own mission, so it was very interesting to see what he was up to and how he was feeling. I really enjoyed his conversations with Molly because she could read him like an open book and so many good things come from it. You learn how he truly feels about Saba and how much he can’t wait to return to her. 

“You couldn't find nobody more pig-headed if you tried, he says. An she's always thinkin she knows best, even when she don't, especially when she don't. She's prickly and stubborn an everythin you'd put at the bottom of a list if you was makin a... a list of that kind. Which I aint. I didn't. 
But? says Molly. 
But ohmigawd Molly, she shines so bright, he says. The fire of life burns so strong in her. I never realized till I met her... I bin cold my whole life, Moll.
I know, she says softly. 
It's jest that... aw, hell. She thinks I'm a better man than I really am.
Well, yer a better man than you think you are.”

Speaking of Saba, who would have thought her journey would only get harder? After all the trouble she went to, to save Lugh – whose finally back, but he’s definitely not the same. Saba worries for him and she also worries for Jack who she so desperately wants to see. Not only that, she’s plagued by hallucinations of the dead and the new person in charge has put a price on her head. It’s safe to say, it’s still a very dangerous time for Saba. I thought she grew more in this book, she really opens herself up to people and even though she does makes some mistakes, but she’s a young girl and mistakes are a way of life, so I truly understand why she does the things she does. 

There’s one character in particular I was looking to get to know more in Rebel Heart and that’s DeMalo. It was pretty clear from the start that he would have a bigger role to play but it was simply the case what would his role be. Now I know, I really like him – even though he is supposed to be the bad guy. And yes, there is a hint of a love triangle but I don’t think us Team Jack fans have anything to worry about! 

As much as I think Rebel Heart is a fantastic sequel, I did have a minor problem with it. I easily could have rated it top marks if I hadn’t missed Jack so much. He’s only present at the start and end of the book, so I would have liked more chapters from him to see what he was actually up too but other than that, Moria Young has pulled me in and made me a huge fan of this series, and now I’m dying to know what’s next in store for these loveable characters. 

“Be with me, Jack, I says. Burn with me. Shine with me.
 I'll stay till moonpath fades, he says.”

Thank you to Scholastic for giving me the opportunity to review this book. 

UK Appreciation Month; James Dawson - Guest Post and Giveaway

A Sense of Place

by James Dawson

The largest market for young adult fiction is North America. This is a fact. As such, the vast majority are set there. With the exception of a few nods to New York in particular, most seem to be set in fictional Eastern seaboard coastal towns – Genericville, NE. I guess this is so that the audience can identify their hometown within the vagueness.

Books set outside the US seem to present a slightly touristy version of a place. The UK is mostly London (The Name of the Star) while France is always Paris (Before I Die). But what about the rest of the UK? I think a sense of place – whatever the place – is key to a novel. The location is almost a living breathing character.

This is why I wanted to set my debut novel, Hollow Pike, in North Yorkshire. For one thing I grew up in Yorkshire and wanted to use my memories of the place, but also because it’s such a stunning part of the country.

A number of real life locations inspired my own fictional town (which hopefully isn’t too generic). Grassington, Skipton, Haworth and (my home town) Bingley all played a part. A key part of Yorkshire is its vastness. It’s the biggest county and you can tell – green, rolling hills and fields that seem to stretch for eternity. You could almost be in another world with no civilisation for miles. As a child I really did have forests to play in – and this inspired ‘Pike Copse’ – the haunted burial ground of the Hollow Pike witches. It had to be sprawling and it had to be remote. Yorkshire inspired the Brontës, and it inspired me.

As for the town itself, I wanted to give a run-down, market town feel. My favourite location scene is where outsiders Kitty and Delilah show new arrival Lis around the town:

A number of the shops were boarded up entirely, while others stood in various states of ruin, with faded, chipped signs creaking in the wind. They had passed at least three bargain shops which proudly declared that all stock was ‘Only £1’ (or in one case ‘Only 99p’). Each of these stores had piles of tacky merchandise stacked up outside.

There seemed to be one large restaurant – an Italian called Luigi’s – that represented every Italian racial stereotype known to man, and looked like it hadn’t been decorated since the eighties. There were also a disproportionate number of pubs for such a small town. So far they’d passed The Cloven Hoof, The Slaughtered Lamb and The Green Man.

I felt that there must be thousands of UK young adults growing up in suburban towns exactly like Hollow Pike. We can’t all live in twee coastal resorts or towering metropolises after all. Crap towns are everywhere. Yorkshire has some astoundingly beautiful parts, but it also has its share of recession-hit ghost towns too.

Setting Hollow Pike somewhere real was a risk. If you’ve never seen Yorkshire some of the references might be lost – worse still I knew there were US readers who didn’t know what Yorkshire was. I’ve said before that I always write for a fourteen-year-old version of me, and he would have loved to have seen a creepy town not unlike his own in a novel.

Hollow Pike

Something wicked this way comes...

She thought she’d be safe in the country, but you can’t escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. 

Lis thinks she’s being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? 

She doesn’t believe in the local legends of witchcraft. 

She doesn’t believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? 

Not until you’re alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps.

How would you like to win a copy of  Hollow Pike? 

- Just fill in the form below. One free entry plus a ton of extra entries.

- UK/IRE only

- Ends 30th November 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio: 

Raised in West Yorkshire, James eventually moved to Brighton where he wrote for local papers and magazines whilst working as a primary school teacher.
In 2011, James left teaching to write full-time and now lives in London.
Hollow Pike is his first novel for young adults.

FOLLOWERS:  
Don't forget to stop by Misty's blog today to see Catherine Fisher's post with a UK/IRE Giveaway.
Click on the button below.

Beautiful Creatures Movie Tie in Cover Reveal + UK/IRE Giveaway

The wonderful people over at Puffin have asked to to be part of the cover reveal for the movie tie in addition on Beautiful Creatures, which you all know hits cinema's by you in 13th February 2013. 

We're thrilled to be apart of this because we know how much you all love these books - and one for lucky winner, Puffin are also giving away a set of the series on paperback which we'll get back to later. But for now here it is. 

If your not excited about this movie then you should be now. This cover looks amazing and we can't wait to watch it. If you haven't heard about this movie/book, then you can watch the trailer below:

   

And now if you'd like to be in with a chance to win the set of the Caster Chronicles; then please enter below. It is only UK/IRE only - sorry international peeps! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UK Appreciation Month; Sam Hawksmoor - Interview and Giveaway

1)            Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

Starting with the hardest question is unfair.  Writers are pretty boring really. Unless they are the hard drinking, witty ones who don’t get much done.  I hate the between books stage.  I like to be knee deep in writing a novel, ideally just before half way in – outlining chapters, researching facts, probably trying not to read too much as that gets in the way of writing.  That’s the best me – writing, thinking, stressing, becoming the characters, finding their voices. Letting them tell me what they want or don’t want.  I like the surprises that characters throw up you didn’t know about them.

I like to write in favourite coffee shops, surrounded by a wall of noise and conversations I can’t hear.  I don’t tweet.  I don’t blog, although I review. Publisher is always in despair I’m not doing this, but when I’m writing I don’t want to be distracted. When I’m not, well what’s to tweet?

The rest is living – making sure I go for walks (the best cure for blockage or word-blindness).  I have just moved to Lincolnshire for a year or two, living right by the beach and the biting cold winds.  I go to the movies as often as possible.  I’m thinking about getting another dog.  Gripping stuff really.  Mostly I read and think about what I might write next.

2)            At what age did you write your first book?

It’s a very sad story. I was about 16. Handwritten. Gave it to my mother to read, she forgot where she put it. I sulked for about two years. It was probably rubbish so just as well never saw light of day.

3)            What was your inspiration for writing your book(s)?

The idea came to me pretty much whole some time ago. Two kids running away getting caught up in a flash flood and arriving at an abandoned scientific institution.  That and one girl in particular who waited impatiently for each chapter to be completed and gave instant valuable advice.  It’s the very best kind of inspiration for a writer.  She is my Genie Magee.

4)            Are there any parts of the story you feel particularly close to?

The scene when Genie goes up to the reservoir with Moucher I think.  It’s moment of discovery and then tension.  It’s a place I used to go to think and watch Eagles soar.  I very much like to include real personal places in my stories and know where everything is.

And perhaps the last part of Book Two.  It’s kind of sad beginning with Genie in the woods sketching- but I felt very close to the atmosphere and the change that comes over my characters.  It will probably upset some readers, but not everything runs smoothly in friends and relationships.

5)            How can our followers connect with you?

My email address is on the Sam Hawksmoor website

http://www.samhawksmoor.com/contact.html

UK related Questions:

1)      Where’s your favourite place?

That’s hard. In the UK probably a simple walk along the River Wey in Guildford (never straying too far from the coffee shops in town)

*But actually one of my real favourite places is sitting on the rocks that jut out into the wild ocean at Llandudno Beach in Cape Town as huge rollers come on spraying everything

2)      What’s your favourite thing about living here?

The country roads in Lincolnshire.  You can still have some pleasure in driving here unless there is a tractor ahead of you and a cop with a speed gun.  Crossing Dartmoor in Winter/ An amazing warm sunny New Years Day at Portmeirion in Wales.

The smoke free pubs.

3)      Is there one place you would like to visit, that you haven’t yet?

Never been to Chester

4)      Do you have a favourite British band?

Bat for Lashes – Eagerly await new album from Natasha khan

5)      Do you have a favourite British movie?

Too hard: Toss up between the original ‘The Ladykillers’ and ‘In Bruges’ (although that’s Irish).

6)   Do you have a favourite British actor/actress?

Alec Guinness/ Tuppence Middleton

8)      When you think of Britain, what’s the first thing you think of?

Rain (I used to live in Cornwall, all you ever need to know about rain)

9)    Which place in Britain would you most like to live other than where they do live?

Guildford or Holland Park.

 (That’s what lottery tickets are for).

10)  What's you're favourite British saying?

’When one door closes another one slams in your face’

*I just love the positivity of that.

The Repossession

34 kids missing. Vanished without a trace.

Believing she is possessed, Genie Magee's mother has imprisoned her all summer encouraged by the sinister Reverend Schneider. Beautiful Rian, love of her life, sets her free, and their escape washes them up at Marshall's remote farmhouse downriver. But why are there newspaper clippings of the missing kids pinned to Marshall's bathroom wall? And should they believe his stories about the experiments at the Fortress, an underground research station nearby?

Genie meets Denis. Missing two years now, but hasn't grown an inch. Rian is haunted by Renée, who insists she's not actually dead. Soon they discover the terrible truth about Reverend Schneider and worse, Genie is next ... and Rian can't do a thing to prevent it.

The Repossession is just the beginning.

How would you like to win a copy of  The Repossession?
- Just fill in the form below. One free entry plus a ton of extra entries.
- UK/IRE only
- Ends 30th November 

Author Bio: 

Sam Hawksmoor started writing after careers that involved travel, photography and teaching. Add a smattering of gold prospecting in British Columbia, working on radio in Africa, not to mention being a tour guide in America and Europe; he likes to collect people and stories. His heart belongs to Vancouver, a city that is changing so fast the past is disappearing almost before it happens. Sam believes that the 21st Century will be so different to the last, people will look back on our lives now and wonder how it was we could be so primitive. On the other hand... Hawksmoor hopes that you will enjoy The Repossession and stick around for part two, The Hunting.

Bittersweet Seraphim 'Released from Hell' Blog Tour +Giveaway!

Hey everyone!

I'm proud to welcome Debra, (and Jack) to the blog today to celebrate the release of Jack's sequel. Apparently he's excited about it. And most of us will know how Jack gets when he's excited?  So to celebrate the release of Bittersweet Seraphim, we have a character interview from Jack himself. Debra and Omnific Publishing have also kindly given away 2 ecopies of Crushed Seraphim and 2 copies of Bittersweet Seraphim, so 2 lucky winners will have the complete set. Jack is pleased about this. It makes him happy to share himself with more women. He's such a slut.

So if you haven't already seen it; below you will find the final cover for the book plus the overview. I honestly cannot wait for it! I loved the first one, and I want more Jack, lots more Jack.

Suffering is worst when you’re doing it alone. But Emma’s taking Hell like an angel—even though her languishing began with having her seraph wings torn from her back. Now her worst enemy lords his body and his evil desires over her while she tries desperately to remember the words to her favourite prayer.

 As Devil, Jack used to have Hell and its women humming like well-oiled machines. Too bad he’s nowhere near the place now. Stuck on Earth as a human, he must work with a ragtag team of exiled minions and half-breeds to save the angel who’s become all that matters.

 Rescuing a seraph is the plan, but breaking into Hell means letting evil things out. Once they collide, minions and angels converge in the battle of the ages: good versus evil. But which side is which? Will Jack destroy the world as he fights to save Emma, his true and timeless love, from a damnation he designed?

An action-packed sequel to Crushed Seraphim, this tale reveals—time and again—what happens when the heart’s deepest desires break free. With a story both sizzling and sensual, emotional and enigmatic, Debra Anastasia invites readers to join a battle with nothing less than love on the line.

Debra kindly tried to get an interview out of Jack. Sadly, Jack wasn't being very helpful at all...here's how it panned out.

Satan Jack kicks in the side door to Panera. I try not to show alarm. I expected him to come through the main entrance. Stupid to think he would ever follow normal conventions.

I take a sip of my huge hot cocoa and watch as he paces. He’s wearing old jeans, a leather jacket and layers of necklaces. He’s also wearing a hat and a smirk.

Finally, he sits across from me after spinning the chair so he can straddle it. We sit in silence as we regard each other. His deep brown eyes reflect my own face. He’s so, so pissed at me. I know he wants to know how his story ends and I haven’t told him. It feels a bit cruel as I see the pain he’s enduring. I’m sure he doesn’t feel it now, but I do love him.

“And?” He drums his fingers on the table creating little waves in my cup.

“I’m supposed to interview you for Donna and Jessica at Book Passion for Life.” I’m proud that my voice doesn’t falter. I sit on my hands so they don’t shake.

He pats his pockets until he finds his cigarettes. After pulling free his hand-rolled drug, he lights it up using the tip of his finger. “I’d rather they did this themselves. I’m having trouble not killing your ass.”

“He says boldly to the woman with the pen.” I squint at the Devil.

His anger is so thinly controlled at my veiled threat as he snaps. “Don’t even. Not for a minute should you make the mistake of thinking you’re safe here. A crowd? I can manipulate all of them. They will die doing my will. Having them turn their heads while I snap your neck in nothing.”

Jake twirled his index finger in the air as he exhaled his smoke. Each and every person in the store looked out the window.

“Can we just do the questions? You know I’m not bending on giving out the ending.” I put my head in my hands. The smoke from his cigarette is making me feel woozy.

“How’s the story end Deb? Tell me how I fare. Where’s Emma?” He’s next to me now, arm slung around my shoulders.

I have to lean against him because I can’t hold my head up. My tongue feels saturated with secrets. 

“Emma is brave. You do well. So sorry for the scene with the…” I barely manage to press my lips together in time.

His voice reverberates through my mind. His smoke has created a curtain around us --a sheer wave that I know separates me from my perceived safely.

“Sorry for what? Tell me now.”

I can feel every word he speaks in my nervous system. I’m about to tell him it all, so very close. It’s bursting from me as if I’m being squeezed. And then in the muck of my brain, I come up with the one truth that can save me.

“If you make me tell you the ending I’ll change it.”

He pushes away from me abruptly, watching me as if I’m a poisonous snake. My mouth feels freed with the truth. He knows I’m crazy and spiteful enough to do just that.

“I think I hate you.” He punches the wall.

I want to tell him to trust me, but he knows better. I never write what either of us think is going to happen. Together he and I have written some of the most surprising stunts, throwing all the well thought out outlines in the proverbial fire.

His smoke is fuming, swirling like a hurricane around me.  

I dare to speak. “I write you from a place of love. That’s the only hint I’ll give.”

I take another sip of my drink even though I’m scared it might be the last choice I make.

He snaps and his smoke dissolves into his cigarette and the fury in the air dissipates as well.  “I know you do. It’s what’s kept you alive so far.”

Satan Jack gives me one more dirty look and leaves out the door he busted in.

I have none of the ladies’ questions answered and my interview subject just vaporized back to Hell.

I hope Jessica and Donna will understand. 

Don't worry Debra, we understand. You did your best, Jack is just stubborn and wants his ending. He'll just have to wait. Thank you.

You guys want to get your hands on Jack? Not that we'd blame you! Here are some links where you can purchase his sequel

Omnific Publishing  http://omnificpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21&products_id=95  (Print, eBook, ePack)

Amazon Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Seraphim-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00A9WTRNA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353381893&sr=8-2&keywords=Bittersweet+Seraphim

Amazon Print http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Seraphim-Debra-Anastasia/dp/1623420008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353381893&sr=8-1&keywords=Bittersweet+Seraphim

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bittersweet-seraphim-debra-anastasia/1113773523(Print, Nook)

Onto the Giveaway! Everyone loves a Giveaway! This Giveaway entitles the 2 winners to a copy each of Crushed Seraphim and Bittersweet Seraphim. The complete set. Please note, that both books do have adult content, so I'm opening the giveaway to 18+ only.

So if you'd like to be those lucky winners who take Jack home, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. There are a couple of mandatory entries, plus some freebies. Winners will be announced on the 27th of November.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Winners will be informed by email by us. And Debra or Omnific Publishing will email you your two copies.

Here's a quick thank you from Debra:

Thank you for letting Bittersweet Seraphim fly here today! Go to my BLOG for a list of tour stops, more chances to win, and a buddy prize with crystal bracelets!

UK Appreciation Month; Dianna Hardy - Guest Post and International Giveaway

Witches in London, and Werewolves in Surrey

by Dianna Hardy

Thank you so much to Donna and Misty for asking me to be a part of their UK month! I love talking about the UK, so I’m thrilled to be here :D

And this is basically going to be a guest post about why I love the UK, and I’m going to keep it short, because as much as I love Britain, I can’t sit through 1000 words of an article ;)

I was adamant from the start that I wanted to base my paranormal romances and urban fantasies in Britain. This place is filled with paranormal, from the ghosts of Yorkshire, to the (sometimes creepy) history of London, to the Pagan roots found all over this island, and the Celtic myths and legends surrounding it.

Why aren’t there more UK writers of paranormal fiction? It’s beyond me…

When I was little, I was whisked away on family holidays around the UK because my dad wanted to instil some culture in us as well as enjoying a break during the half-terms. I admit that I didn’t find the UK all that great back then. There are only so many heritage houses you can look at when you’re ten before you’re bored out of your mind – although I always, always loved the countryside here, and the country I loved to visit the most was actually Scotland, for its ruggedness and rawness. It really is an amazing place, and I’ve been back quite a few times.

It wasn’t until I was in my late teens / early twenties, after I had left home and started to explore my love of the “paranormal” through Pagan and shamanic studies, that I really started to appreciate all that Britain offers, and when I began writing fiction, I knew I would set all my stories here – I mean, how could I not?!

In The Witching Pen trilogy (and in the upcoming The Last Dragon) I write about witches, demons and angels who live and convene in London – we get a feel for Hyde Park and the joy that is rush hour, lol.

On a separate nore I loved that about Harry Potter – that that entire series really utilised the feel of Kings Cross station – and Diagon Alley is exactly like a few back streets in certain places in London, maybe less the magical items, but still full of little quirky shops that sell odd bits and pieces. But my favourite UK author of the paranormal has to be James Herbert – he really captures this country perfectly when he writes about it.

My upcoming series about werewolves have a pack living in the Surrey Hills, a place were you can find some friggin’ awesome woodland that is so old and very, very magical. Fairies still live there – not that they feature in my werewolves series, but my point is that a lot of places in Britain have been left untouched in many ways. Just small pockets, but they are there nonetheless – you just have to find them.

And I think that, to me, that’s what stands out about the UK: it seems to keep itself alive somehow, despite the technical and destructive changes that the centuries bring. The one other thing that I adore about Britain, is how you can drive (sometimes walk) for no more than twenty minutes, and be in thick woodland, having just left a bustling town or city. There is so much variety – we really do have four very different seasons – and I, for one, certainly appreciate that variety. In fact, I crave it :)

The Witching Pen

(Book One of The Witching Pen Novellas) 

It's hard being the most powerful witch on the planet. It's even harder when you're a twenty-five year old virgin who'll lose all of that power the moment you sleep with someone ... that's why Elena's never slept with her best friend and flatmate, Karl, despite the true feelings they harbour for each other.

Elena's about to discover that there are even more difficult things in life to deal with. One of them comes in the form of a pen she discovers one day, a pen that allows anything she writes to come to pass...

Suddenly, it's not just her powers or her heart that's at stake, but her very soul, as a dream demon with a seductive pull uses the pen to try and turn her away from her reality, and from Karl.

But the pen is just the beginning. Everything Elena has believed in is a lie, and her world is about to fall apart...

I have some spare Witching Pen bookmarks and postcards (signed) to give away!
 So I’m happy to send them out to the first ten comments below who can tell me what they loved about the UK when they visited, or (if you haven’t been here) what you imagine the UK to be like. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you for an postal address! And it's international too! 

- Ends 30th November. 

Author Bio: 

Dianna Hardy is a multi-genre author of paranormal things, dark things, poetic things, sexy things, taboo things, and sometimes funny things. She writes about witches, demons and angels. All info about her books can be found on her website DiannaHardy.com

The Witching Pen trilogy (adult paranormal / urban fantasy romance) is available in digital and paperback formats. All info and buy links can be found on the series website The Witching Pen Novellas.

Eye Of The Storm (adult dark paranormal romance) will have its first book, Releasing The Wolf, published in December, 2012. All information can be found here: Eye Of The Storm.

FOLLOWERS:  
Don't forget to stop by Misty's blog today to see Moria Young's post with a Giveaway.
Click on the button below.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading :)

Showcase Sunday (#24)

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

Donna's Showcase!

Hey lovelies! I hope you've all enjoyed your week! I can't believe how quickly we're flying through November all ready and December will be here in no time. I missed a showcase last weekend because Jess visited me and quite frankly, I was too lazy too do it, Lol. Anyway, while Jess travelled to Birmingham and we went for dinner with Misty over at Bookaholic Book Club and talked about anything and everything.  <3 my girls! 

   
Anyway, I bought a few books this week. Eve and Adam finally came! For those who don't know, The Book Depository were selling the paperback for £1.65, yep bargain price! And Deity arrived and squeee guess what? I'm quoted in another JLA book! And here it is; 

I also bought a few audio books and picked Some Girls Are & Just Listen. I'm not sure what I'm going to try first, maybe Some Girls Are seems as it's a smaller book and Just Listen is over 11 hours long.

    

I also bought The Breakaway on Kindle and I also bought The Host. Now I've never really been interested in this book because it never appealed to me but after watching the trailer - which is below, you can probably see why I want to read it soon. And for eBooks for review, I  got Release Me from NetGalley. I've read and loved this one. And also Rock the Heart - which I'm dying to read. 

   
Barbie Girl is FREE on Smashwords! And let's not forget the physical review books that arrived in the mail this week; I have to admit, I've never wanted to read this series before because I'm not sure it sounds like my thing, so they are really for Jess to review but, I'm going to try them first just to see if I will like them. Lol. I love how they've re-designed the covers for the series though, it definitely makes it look more interesting but I'm really hoping I enjoy The Declaration when I finally read it. 

A Review for Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 6th, 2012

Finished Date: November 3rd, 2012

Publishers: Self-Published
Source: Bought 

Format: Kindle

Pages: Unknown  
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

***Warning*** (This book contains several aspects of the uglier side of life; it is not for everyone.)

The story of Deuce and Eva...

An undeniable connection that stands the test of time.

Unforgettable moments.

Love and pain and everything in between.

I was five years old when I met Deuce, he was twenty-three, and it was visiting day at Riker's Island. My father, Damon Fox or "Preacher", the President of the infamous "Silver Demon's" motorcycle club -mother chapter- in East Village, New York City, was doing a five-year stint for aggravated assault and battery with a deadly weapon. It was not the first time my father had been in prison and it wouldn't be the last. The Silver Demon's MC was a notorious group of criminals who lived by the code of the road and gave modern society and all it entailed a great big f**k you.

"Never forget the day Eva came bouncin' into my f**ked up life, shakin' pigtails, singin' Janis, wearin’ chucks and sharin' peanuts and straight up stole any decency I had left which wasn't a whole lot but she f**kin' took it and I've been hers ever since."

The rest is history.

The Review: Recommended for 18+! 

 “When it comes to you darlin’ I got no f**kin’ sense. You f**kin’ pull me in until you’re all I can f**kin’ see and suddenly I can’t f**kin’ breathe but I don’t care cuz, babe, you’re you, and I ain’t never met anyone as f**kin’ perfect as you.”

Boy, what a train wreck of a story?! How the hell did I even manage to get through this? I honestly don’t know because it’s one of the most self-destructive stories that I have EVER read but I absolutely loved it. 

Undeniable is a story about Eva and Deuce. They meet for the first time when Eva is 5 years old and Deuce is 23 years old. Yep, there’s a huge age gap between these two but it’s pretty much over looked within the story because, while Eva is young, it’s a father/daughter relationship – nothing sexual. And nothing happens between them until Eva becomes of age. It’s pretty clear from the start that Eva looks up to Deuce and as she becomes older her feelings turn into love – even though they’ve only actually met a handful of times. Eva’s father is the president of a biker group called “Silver Demons” and Deuce is the president of their rivals – so any form of relationship between Deuce and Eva is more than forbidden but the attraction they have for one another isn’t one that can be ignored – not even by the likes of Frankie, a crazy boy who has serious mental problems. Once Deuce and Eva decide to take a risk of their relationship, it’s not pretty, but it’s their story and it’s one I fell in love with. 

“His blue eyes glittered with amusement. “Naïve, darlin'," He murmured. "I stole you a long time ago. Round the time you f**kin' stole me.”

I still can’t believe how much I fell in love with this story – it’s such a head f**k that you don’t know whether to love or hate it but, it’s a tale of an intense attraction that can’t be over looked. 

Eva and Deuce are really unforgettable characters. I’ve read tons of books this year and I know I’ll be thinking about them for a long time. They’re not perfect, they make mistakes – mistakes that I sometimes wasn’t sure if I could forgive, but as the characters heal, I slowly healed too. They’re the first ones to admit their relationship isn’t perfect and that’s what I love about them most. Eva is strong minded and too quick to run away when the going gets tough. It was a bit of an annoying habit of hers but I could always see why she did it at the time - even though I was highly frustrated with her. What I admire most about Eva is her ability to forgive. Not a lot of people could forgive Deuce for the stuff he puts her through, but she does and it really shows how much love can concur all. 

“There are weak men; men who run and hide when life slaps them in the ass. Then there are men; men who have a backbone yet occasionally, when life slaps them in the ass, will rely on others. And then there are real men; men who don’t cry or complain, who don’t just have a backbone, they are the backbone. Men who make their own decisions and live with the consequences, who accept responsibility for their actions or words. Men who, when life slaps them in the ass, slap back and move on. Men who live hard and die even harder.
Men like my father and my uncles. Men I loved with all my heart. Men like Deuce.”

Now Deuce, he’s a red hot blooded alpha male – one that is very possessive over his women but not in a bad way. His possessiveness over Eva is actually a hot trait of his and I loved it every time he told someone Eva was his. Deuce is one of those characters that you love to hate because he does so many STUPID things to Eva, he cheats on her and boy does it hurt. He could never see a good thing when he had it and instead he sh*t on it every time. I’m surprised she gave him as many chances as she did, but Eva really does see the good in Deuce, because deep down, behind the anger, and behind his dodgy business and behind his crappy life – he’s a good guy – one that loves her with his whole heart, he’s just made mistakes along the way.

“She doesn’t belong to one of my boys, she’s f**kin’ mine.” 

And Frankie – what a sicko! He’s a horrible character who I didn’t think could sink any lower than he did, but he’s seriously a messed up kid. The stuff he does to Eva is unbelievable. The stuff he does to other people is just unbelievably sick! He’s a lunatic who needs serious help! Then there are characters like Kami, Ripper, Danny who have such a huge impact on the story and without them, it just wouldn’t have worked! 

What I love most about this book is that it comes with a warning. If you haven’t seen it, this is what it says: ***Warning*** (This book contains several aspects of the uglier side of life; it is not for everyone.) This warning is SPOT ON. This story is ugly, cruel and harsh but sometimes stories like this, are the ones that are truly beautiful deep down, and it's books like this, that really stick with you months later. That’s what Undeniable is for me! It’s a truly beautiful story that isn’t sugar coated – the story is just what it is and it works so well.

“I know I’m a f**kin’ bastard with a bad temper and I don’t f**kin’ deserve you but, shit Eva, if you woulda stayed put I woulda done better by you than you’ve had. You feel me?” I stared at him. And fell in love with him all over again.”