{Review} Chasing Constellations (USG Constellation #1) by H.A. Fortman

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: July 28th, 2014
Finished Date: February 24th, 2015

Publishers: Self Published 
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Pages: 147

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Elisa Jones has just graduated college with her journalism degree and now she’s trying to make her way in the world alone. Without any idea what to do, Elisa turns back to her first love - cold serial killer cases. She decides to follow up on a lead she found that the police overlooked. It's a clue that takes her to California, where she thinks she might be able to assist in uncovering the killer. 

Commander Turock Gav’rin is on the hunt for a fugitive, one that has taken him across the stars to a small blue planet with worlds of potential. Hiding who he really is, “Chase Ricter” has to find and capture his fugitive before any of the natives discover who, and what, he truly is. 

Elisa and Chase are thrust on an adventure that will test their very beings. A twist of fate brings them together in a collision that will set their worlds on edge. Will the two of them survive as mighty hunters? Or will they lose it all as they become the hunted? 

The Review: Chasing Constellations is the first book in the USG Constellation series where we meet a recently graduated journalism student – Elisa Jones. The story is set in a time when women were second class citizens and Eliza wants to challenge that by making a name for herself. Having followed the case of the ‘Zodiac’ killer since it began, Elisa has made some new discoveries that she is compelled to share with the detectives that run the case, knowing she won’t have much luck with them over the phone, she decides to up-sticks to California where she plans to take her revelations right to the source.
When she arrives however, she has a strange encounter with a wanted man known as Chase Ricter in which he knocks her over and kisses her whilst sprawled on top of her – which is weird - but at least she caught the attention of one of the detectives on the Zodiac case. After giving the task force the information she has, Eliza must sit tight and wait for developments, but then she gets a phone call threatening her to leave and stay out of the case…. Then she gets a visit…. And she just might not make it out alive.
I really enjoyed this story and I liked how the author used a serial killer from our past in her story. The book is set in the seventies and boy, do those mens attitudes suck! That fact made me gel with Elisa straight away because I love when the oppressed stand up and show people what they are made of. She was very level headed and knew where she stood most of the time but also knew when to push and be heard which also made me admire her.
The story didn’t really have as much of a sci fi feel that I thought it would have, it dealt with a serial killer case in which Elisa tried to be heard and showing the police what she had come up with….. it’s only later that we see how the author blends the two together and opens their world right up. I liked the serial killer investigation and even if that was all that the book was about – I would have liked it, but when you add that to another thread, then the story got really interesting. Obviously from the synopsis you can guess that they are both chasing the same person but it’s the why that gets the curiosity going and that is where the romantic element comes into play. Elisa and Chase share a bond, only Chase is the only one who knows about it with him being ‘other’ – think soul mates and you’re on the right track. I love this type of concept but it was insta love to the max! and Chase seemed to be way ahead of Elisa in terms of where their relationship was and where it needed to go. Don’t get me wrong, I love these things but I wanted them to spend more time together before they were all loved up. There is an event that forces the issue and pushes them together in an intense way that also brings out Chase’s protective side -so that could be forgiven and it by no means stopped my enjoyment of the book.
Then it became all about catching the killer in a ‘need it done yesterday’ kind of way and I liked the plotting and planning that came about but their enemy is just as cunning. There are a lot of things that I liked about this that I can’t speak about because it ties into the why and who of the story but I enjoyed it all and thought it tied the real world drama perfectly with the sci fi drama. We also meet some of Chase’s comrades aboard the ship and see a little of how things are run with Chase being the commander, one of his friends in particular shines out – Tracker – and by the end of this book I think his book is set up. We also see just how important the bond is that Chase and Elisa share which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing it develop more because so far, it is rare to find. For a short book though, this had just the right amount of action & romance with good pacing to keep me entertained and I would definitely read a sequel. 

3.5 flowers!

{Review} 100: Homecoming (Hundred #3) by Kass Morgan

Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 24th, 2015
Finished Date: March 11th, 2015

Publishers: Hodder 
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 352

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Weeks after landing on Earth, the Hundred have managed to create a sense of order amidst their wild, chaotic surroundings. But their delicate balance comes crashing down with the arrival of new dropships from space.

These new arrivals are the lucky ones - back on the Colony, the oxygen is almost gone - but after making it safely to Earth, GLASS's luck seems to be running out. CLARKE leads a rescue party to the crash site, ready to treat the wounded, but she can't stop thinking about her parents who may still be alive. Meanwhile, WELLS struggles to maintain his authority despite the presence of the Vice Chancellor and his armed guards, and BELLAMY must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he thought he'd left behind.

It's time for the Hundred to come together and fight for the freedom they've found on Earth, or risk losing everything - and everyone - they love.

The Review: In Homecoming we see the arrivals of the lucky survivors from the Colony. Some people are happy to welcome more survivors but the arrival of Vice Chancellor causes dismay throughout the 100 survivors who have created a home which they happily keep control of. Bellamy soon finds himself imprisoned by the Vice Chancellor for his crimes. Clarke is determined to help Bellamy escape and try to find her parents. Wells tries to hold on to his position within the camp and Glass is happy to be on earth with Luke but not everything is how she imagines. Can these four repair the damages in their life and keep everyone safe?

If you don’t know already I’m huge fan of The 100 TV show. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to read the books because I wanted to see the differences between the two. Honestly, the TV Show is so much better but there is just something about the book series that keeps me interested. Admittedly it’s not the most exciting to read, it’s actually more about the characters journeys. You don’t get any of the big threats like the TV show especially The Earthborns which we doesn’t get explored as much as I’d like, which I guess is a little disappointing but again, I’m still interested to read more. I read the books because I like them. I read them because they’re easy reads. And I read them because I’m invested in the characters’ lives. 

The plot of this story is more focused on the problems Vice Chancellor Rhodes brings and I completely hated him. I hated him before and I hate him now. The way he tries to overtake the camp is completely wrong – he causes more problems that resolves. 
What I enjoyed about Homecoming was how at peace Wells is with Sasha – wasn’t expecting it but loved it when I read it and I also enjoyed exploring more of the good Earthborn – what little I saw anyway. Clarke and Bellamy have their own troubles and I certainly enjoy their point of views the most. And of course I can’t forget Glass and Luke and while I like both of them, I think their story has become a little pointless. I guess I can’t see why they’re in the story any more.

In all, Kass Morgan’s series is an enjoyable one. It won’t blow you away like the TV show but it’s certainly one to read if you want more from these characters. I was hoping there were more books coming but I think this may be the last one – either way, I’m hoping there’s more. 

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

{Feature} Waiting on Wednesday (#106)

 

"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 Boy Most Likely To
by Huntley Fitzpatrick 
Release Date: June, 2015

Surprises abound and sparks ignite in the highly anticipated, utterly romantic companion to My Life Next Door

Tim Mason was The Boy Most Likely To:
- find the liquor cabinet blindfolded
- need a liver transplant
- drive his car into a house

Alice Garrett was The Girl Most Likely To:
- well, not date her little brother’s baggage-burdened best friend, for starters.

For Tim, it wouldn’t be smart to fall for Alice. For Alice, nothing could be scarier than falling for Tim. But Tim has never been known for making the smart choice, and Alice is starting to wonder if the “smart” choice is always the right one. When these two crash into each other, they crash hard. 

Then the unexpected consequences of Tim’s wild days come back to shock him. He finds himself in a situation that isn’t all it appears to be, that he never could have predicted . . . but maybe should have.

And Alice is caught in the middle. 

Told in Tim’s and Alice’s distinctive, disarming, entirely compelling voices, this return to the world of My Life Next Door is a story about failing first, trying again, and having to decide whether to risk it all once more.

Donna's thoughts: I loved My Life Next Door so to hear we were getting more but this time with Tim, I am completely over the moon! 

Melanie's WoW

Soaring (Magdalene #2)
by Kristen Ashley
Release Date: March 16th 2015

American heiress Amelia Hathaway needs to start anew. 

Her husband cheated on her, and when everything she wanted in life slipped through her fingers, she fell apart. When she did, she took another heart wrenching hit as she lost the respect of her children. 

When her ex took her family from California to live in the small town of Magdalene in Maine, Amelia decided it was time to sort herself out. In order to do that and win her children back, she moves to Cliff Blue, an architectural masterpiece on the rocky coast of Magdalene. 

Her boxes aren’t even unpacked when she meets Mickey Donovan, a man who lives across the street, a man so beautiful Amelia takes one look at Mickey and knows she wants everything from him. 

The problem is, she finds out swiftly that he’s friendly, he’s kind, but he doesn’t want everything back. 

Amelia struggles to right past wrongs in her life at the same time find out who she wants to be. She also struggles with her attraction to the handsome firefighter who lives across the street. 

But Amelia will face a surprise when her friendly neighbor becomes not-so-friendly. As Amelia and Mickey go head to head, Amelia must focus on winning back the hearts of her children. 

She soon discovers she also must focus on winning the heart of a handsome firefighter who understands down to his soul the beautiful heiress who lives across the street is used to a life he cannot provide.

Melanie's thoughts: Hey, it's Kristen Ashley.......need I say more?

<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} Bind the Soul (Steel & Stone #2) by Annette Marie

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: January 9th, 2015
Finished Date: February 22nd, 2015

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

Pages: 304

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

The most important rule for an Apprentice Consul is simple: Don't get involved with daemons. Well, Piper is planning to break that rule — big time.

After a near-deadly scandal with the Sahar Stone, she has the chance to return to the only life she's ever wanted. All she has to do to keep her Apprenticeship is forget about Ash and Lyre. Ash might be enigmatic and notoriously lethal, and Lyre might be as sinfully irresistible as he is irritating, but they’re not bad for a couple of daemons.

There's just one problem: Ash is missing.

Really, she shouldn't risk her future for him. He lied. He betrayed her. But he also saved her life, damn it. Wherever he is, he's in trouble, and if she doesn't save his sorry butt, who will? But with every dangerous secret she unravels, each one darker than the last, she slips deeper into Ash's world — a world with no escape for either of them.

BIND THE SOUL is the second book in the Steel & Stone series.

The Review: BIND THE SOUL is the second book in the Steel & Stone series.
Wow, wow, wow! What a sequel this was! I loved it!
The story had it all – danger, action, battles, magic and a nice dash of romance. Piper is again thrust into the thick of things when she decides to go hunting for Ash with Lyre. Ash has been missing for a while following the showdown from book one, we know he went back to Asphodel and back to Samael but Piper isn’t convinced he is there willingly and unharmed. Piper and Lyre end up jumping through hoops for any information that they can get leading Piper on a slippery slope with her father and her position as Apprentice Consul. In the quest for that information, she must turn to Micah who leaves her with more to chew on than what she needed to know and just when they finally think they are getting somewhere…. She is kidnapped, Somehow, Samael knows that she can wield the stone and he wants her to unlock it for him but Piper hasn’t got a clue how she came to use it and Samael wants that information and will use any means to get it – giving Piper and insight to the control he holds over Ash. It’s during this time that Piper gets to grips with something that will help her, to help Ash but to do that… she needs to unravel a few secrets first before all hell breaks loose.
Piper really developed throughout this story, she was more willing to take risks, she did not let fear rule her, she sacrificed herself for those she believed in and she really got to grips with the stone. In this you can truly see her as a leader and along with her friends - could change the world that they inhabit. I loved how things progressed with her and Ash, although it does take a while. They aren’t in a definite relationship but you can tell their feelings are becoming deeper with the life threatening situations they share, they have bonded on a level most people would never feel and I think it’s perfect for them and especially Ash because he is so intense. You can tell that their bond will become something amazing and not easily broken because Piper really steps up and shows her loyalty and determination. I still feel that Lyre is holding a torch for Piper but the connection to Ash is way deeper and as a reader I have definitely been drawn to Piper and Ash.
The storyline takes place a few weeks after book one and it doesn’t take long before Piper is faced with more danger. There are multiple people after her for one thing or another so it feels like she will never be safe. I loved the story progression in this, the first part of the book had that UF feel as we see Piper and Lyre gathering information from dubious sources, making deals they really shouldn’t and getting blindsided by others agendas….. That’s without lethal Raum tracking her for Samael and it’s a good job she gets captured - because it puts her right where she needs to be and really puts her in the enemies hands and out of her comfort zone. This in turn gave the book a more fantasy feel and brought some amazing fight scenes and action that took my breath away, Piper really impressed me here and we meet a few new characters along the way. It’s not all plain sailing though because war is coming and it will be over the Sahar stone and the one who can wield it…..Piper. The latter part of the book again is filled with action, some truly wonderful scenes to read about and I was astounded by it all, the author has done an amazing job of bringing this world and its characters to life and I was sucked into the story from the very start. It has everything I love in a book of this genre and it literally kept me gripped to the story, I was so engrossed with what was going on and hoping it would never end….. but it did…. And now I want more! You NEED to read this series, which is all I can say. 

{Feature} Showcase Sunday {#65)

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.

Hello everyone and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my fellow UK Mother's. 

For Review: 

Trusting Liam (Taking Chances #2) by Molly McAdams
Salt & Stone (Fire & Flood #2) by Victoria Scott
The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
Control by Lydia Kang
The Duff by Kody Keplinger
Homecoming (The Hundred #3) by Kass Morgan
Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Better when He's Bold (Welcome to the Point #2) by Jay Crownover

Bought: 

I'll Meet You There by Heather Heather Demetrios
Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria V. Snyder
Scent of Magic (Healer #2) by Maria V. Snyder
Taste of Darkness (Healer #3) by Maria V. Snyder
Seven Days by Eve Ainsworth

Gifted: 

Phoenix (Black City #2) by Elizabeth Richards
Perfect Couple (Superlatives #2) by Jennifer Echols
Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard

eBooks for Review:
 
With Every Heartbeat (Forbidden Men #4) by Linda Kage

Some Kind of Normal by Juliana Stone

   

The Thorn and the Sinking Stone by CJ Dushinski
A Perfect Ten (Forbidden Men #5) by Linda Kage
 
Catalyst (Control #2) by Lydia Kang
Dark Instincts (The Phoenix Pack #4) by Suzanne Wright

Thank to you all the publishers, you rock as normal. And thank you to Jasprit, Amber and Natalie for gifting me some awesome books. 

What's in your showcase this week? 

{Review} Zip it: A Fancy Book of Fastenings by Patricia Hegarty & Fhiona Galloway

Posted by Donna
Release Date:  March 2nd, 2015
Finished Date: March 3rd, 2015

Publishers: Tiger Tales
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Ages: 3-5 years 
Source: For Review
Format: Novelty Book

Pages: 12

Buy: Amazon UK / The Book Depo

Zip Froggy's mouth from side to side. 

See it shut, then open wide! 

Let little hands loose on this first book of fastenings, featuring a zip, button, laces and more!

The Review: Zip it: A Fancy Book of Fastenings is a unique little picture book for young children. It isn’t really a story book but more of a how to guide and introduction to zips, Velcro, tying bows and buttons – things that children will need to familiarise themselves with and in the long run, learn how to use these items. 

I think the idea behind this book is fantastic. It’s a very education and a fun way of learning. My four year old fell in love with Zip It. After I sat down with her and we read it for the first time, she carried on for a while trying to do each page by herself. She even took it to her Nan’s the same day, so it was pretty clear that this book left an impression on her.

As much as I have high praises for the book there were a few issues with it. The button page ripped very easy because of how tight the button was stuck to the page. There wasn’t a lot of room for any give to ease the button off. And the typing bows page after multiple goes of re-tying the laces it did start to pull on the book and slightly rip. As an adult we’re a lot careful with things but for children we all know it’s a different case, and the while my daughter was using the book on her own these issues did arise. I’m still a huge fan of this book but I think a little more work on the design of the book would make it even better. 

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

{Review} Of Shadow and Stone by Michelle Muto

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: February 24th, 2015
Finished Date: March 2nd, 2015

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

Pages: 291

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Gargoyles were created centuries ago to protect mankind, but something went horribly wrong. Now only the sentinel—a mortal chosen to control the stone beasts—stands between them and their human prey.

When the latest sentinel is killed, Kate Mercer is destined to take his place. But Kate has enough going on in her life—like a skyrocketing film career, a delusional ex-boyfriend, and a crazed stalker who will stop at nothing to get to her. But the powers that be have decided, and Kate is transported to Shadow Wood, a mysterious castle that serves as a sanctuary for the supernatural. Although beautiful, Shadow Wood is no safe place for a mere mortal. Yet Kate is drawn not only to the gargoyles but also to Ian McGuire, a charming novelist who might be in the greatest danger of all.

As Kate decides whether to accept the most perilous role of her life, she discovers there are more secrets than answers within the castle’s walls. Her survival and Ian’s depend on her ability to master the gargoyles before time runs out. Is fate really cast in stone?

The Review: I had high hopes for Of Shadow and Stone and ended up really disappointed by it. I loved the idea of the book – a sort of sanctuary exists for otherworld creatures, Shadow Wood and it is ran by the enigmatic Declan. He hosts all kinds of species but it is the Gargoyles that take someone to watch over them, to keep them in check because they have a very black and white version of right and wrong and when punishment comes in the form of death…. They need a Sentinel. The previous Sentinel is dead and gone, the gargoyles are getting restless and Declan is waiting for the one he believes will be next. This turns out to be actress Kate Mercer. Kate has been dreaming of Shadow Wood often, little does she know that she actually visits there in dreams and the bonding process has begun between her and the Gargoyles but it’s only when she connects with Declan that things start to bleed over in her real life. She starts seeing through the Gargoyles eyes, they share thoughts and feelings and she sees the pleasure they take in doling out justice to wrong doers. Kate’s home life isn’t that great either, she’s been cheated on & humiliated in the public media leading to dealing with an ex who just won’t clue in on the fact that they’re over and she has a stalker that’s taken to leaving her messages and following her. With a lull in her career and at a turning point in her life, she is unsure whether she is Sentinel material. As Declan tries to lure her into the job she realises there is another possible candidate – Ian McGuire – a writer of paranormal fiction and thinks he would be much more suited to the job…… but the Gargoyles have other ideas. So, it really sounds good right? Well it just didn’t pan out for me…as I said, I loved the premise and had expected an edgy UF with some romance but it was too weak, the storyline never really took off and grabbed me. I liked the characters but didn’t empathise with them, I wasn’t drawn in by their predicament or care either way who became Sentinel. It took ages for Kate to finally meet those of Shadow Wood, I’m talking half of the book ages and I was way bored by the 40% mark but stuck with it. Unfortunately it didn’t get any better – the romance was practically non-existent, she was drawn to him, him to her but they’re more worried about what they’ve been told about the previous sentinel, they share a kiss that wouldn’t have even trembled a feather never mind my knees but what can you do? I expected some mission with the gargoyles where she proves she can be their Sentinel or even for them to show her why she would make a good one but that didn’t come about, the gargoyles were like children who needed to be told what to do so she basically became a babysitter. Now, saying that, I did like the real life drama that Kate had going on…. I liked the obnoxious ex trying to get her back and I loved the stalker issue which was underplayed in my opinion. There was so much potential for this book to be fab but it just failed to deliver, I was bored, nothing grabbed me and said ‘hey! Check this story out’ and the pacing was so slow that I fell asleep reading it 3 nights in a row, so a major disappointment for me. Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t fault the writing and I’m sure readers who like a slower paced story will lap this up but for me and my preferences.. it was a fail. 

2.5 flowers! 

{Review} The Thorn and the Sinking Stone by C.J Duninski

Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 10th, 2015
Finished Date: March 1st, 2015

Publishers: Entangled Teen
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: 247

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Warring families. Forbidden love. And danger they can’t escape…

Daggers. Roses. Cowboys. Boat Men. Survivors of Earth's Last War, four “families” vie to rule the dreary streets of Rain City through violence and blood. Valencia Hara, Princess of the wealthy Black Roses, is raised in warrior ways with sharpened steel. But she is no ordinary Rose. She is Cursed—tainted with the ability to see seconds into the future…

To avenge his father's death, Sebastian Leold, of the rival gang Two Daggers, must face off against the Black Princess, he with his dagger, she with her katana sword. Yet a secret from a shared past leaves him unable to kill beautiful Valencia; nor can she kill him. For they once knew each other beyond their blood feud…and they have more secrets in common than they know.

But in a world filled with vengeance and violence, there can be no room for love… 

The Review: As soon as I heard about The Thorn and the Sinking Stone I was immediately curious about it. I have to be honest when I say I hadn’t seen it around the blogging world and for that reason I was hesitant. But no matter what my curiosity go the better of me and I decided to take a chance on the story. I wanted to love this book – I did. But sometimes taking chances doesn’t always pay off and unfortunately this was the case for me and The Thorn and the Sinking Stone. 

 I had really high hopes with the book because it was clearly based Romeo and Juliet and I love that story, no matter how sad it is. While it’s clearly not the same as Shakespears’ tale The Thorn and the Sinking Stone is a story full of gang rivals set in a dystopian world with a paranormal aspect and it’s a world that if I’m honest confused me and wasn’t really built up enough. 

 For the first 20% of the story I quickly flew through the pages but soon enough I slowly started to lose interest. I found the more I read the more things didn’t add up and there were several plot holes. The world that was created was a good idea but poorly executed and not enough back ground information so as a reader, you completely understand how things are. People just accept things, like the Watchmen and the Cursed. I felt like although the main story is about The Black Roses and Two Daggers, there are too many other players in the story, that really could have been left out and maybe introduced into a sequel. There was also a lot of cold-hearted violence in the book which I think would look great on a big screen – if that’s what you’re into. 

 Sebastian and Valencia were the reason I kept reading. I wanted to see how their story would come together and while I liked it in most part I still couldn’t help feeling disappointed that their romance wasn’t as epic as I was hoping it was going to be. It was a little bland and in the end, I felt like the romance could have been left out because both characters were stronger without their new-found romance. 

 In all, The Thorn and the Sinking Stone wasn’t a great read for me but it’s one I’m glad I read because otherwise I would have always been curious about it. 

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

{Blog Tour} Destined to Die (Inherited Damnation #3) by Claire Ashgrove

INHERITED DAMNATION INHERITED DAMNATION is an 8 book paranormal romance series being released as one book every three weeks between January 27th and June 23rd, 2015. Damned at birth, eight immortal children of a high priestess are compelled to kill the one that holds their heart. They can never fall in love. Driven by the need to finally destroy their evil sire and break the curse, each struggles to balance their desire for innocence against the dark needs of their conflicted souls. The series contains mythos shared between the volumes, but each book stands on its own with a newly featured couple. 

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: March 11th, 2015
Finished Date: March 6th, 2015

Publishers: Untamed Spirit
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Adult
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Haunted by his mother’s betrayal, Belen McLaine surrendered to his demonic half long ago. For centuries, he’s roamed, doing all he can to corrupt those he encounters. But Belen’s life changes when a little Yuletide fun goes wrong, and the one woman he can’t stay away from is suddenly in need of his protection. Unable to cast her aside, he finds himself on a deadly path to love.

Faith Winters shared one glorious date with Belen complete with fireworks, but he stayed away until the night of her brutal attack. As danger escalates, he becomes her only safety net. Shared passion gives way to something deeper, hotter, than she’s ever known before. Yet Faith has no idea her greatest threat is the very man who holds her heart.

For Belen, even if it means hurting Faith, he must not succumb to love. If he fails, his father’s curse promises he’ll take Faith’s life.

The Review:  Destined to Die is the third book in the Inherited Damnation series which tells the story of eight siblings born to a Celtic Priestess and a very powerful Incubus. Through the books you will find out more of the circumstances surrounding the union of their parents and what that means for all eight siblings lives, for their Father cursed and damned them but their Mother gives them all a chance at redemption.
This time around we have Belen, now Belen McLaine has been embracing his demonic side, he can manipulate people and their emotions, get them riled up and committing acts they wouldn’t normally do and he’s been having fun for centuries….. but this Yule will be different because the influence he has put on people ends up putting the one woman he ‘could’ feel for in a horrifying situation. Knowing he can’t walk away from Faith Winters in danger, he becomes her knight in shining armour and rescues her. Faith couldn’t be more pleased to know that it was Belen who had saved her, maybe now he will realise the connection they shared on their one date years ago….but sadly no, he pushes her away again…. that is until she decides to make it up to him but in the process ends up needing rescuing again. Faith pushes her luck with Belen and they share something incredible. Belen is aware that Faith could be the one to break his curse but he doesn’t want mortality, he won’t be worthy when he is judged so it’s a no win situation but he will protect Faith with everything he has…. Except his love…..but he doesn’t bank on Faith wiggling her way beneath his surface and definitely not the feelings she brings out in him.
I think this was my favourite book so far in this series, I love an anti hero and Belen is that in spades. He is a contradiction even though he classes himself as evil because yes, he influences people into doing bad things BUT those bad things are done to people who deserve them. That’s not always the case but you can see that he isn’t as black and white as you would think and he rarely does any of the bad deeds himself. I suppose when you have an immortal life, you get bored and people become toys. Belen does not want to become mortal, he has no interest in slaying his father because in his eyes – their mother is just as bad – so when he comes across Faith, he isn’t bothered that she could break the curse the way the other two had been. He needed someone like Faith though because she believed in him without fault, it was like she knew his thoughts and feelings when he didn’t and that was a lovely connection.
I easily became invested in these two as a couple, I think that because of the situation right at the beginning, you see Faith as a damsel in distress and who doesn’t love those when you get a dark, brooding man like Belen to come to the rescue. That shared experience really bonded them together and no matter how many times he tries to deny it or ignore it, they had good chemistry which lead to some great sexytimes.
The storyline was different from the other two books and the threat didn’t come from where you might think but it was constant throughout the book and you could really feel its presence. I liked this because it sent Faith into Belen’s arms and by putting her in constant risk, it also showed Belen what he had and that he could quite easily lose it. Obviously if Belen chooses to break the curse he will have to be judged by his ancestors and that is another snag because he hasn’t really been a good man so there is more at stake here than in any of the previous books. I loved that we got to have a story where the character is on the darker side, it changed things up and also gave us some hope for the other siblings who have embraced the darkness too. I’m a sucker for these type of stories when men find their soul mates and redemption through the love of a woman – I suppose I’m just a romantic but Claire Ashgrove does these so well and I’ll always be back for more.

4.5 flowers!

Character Profiles:

Name:  Belen McLaine
Birthdate:  Yule, 198BC
Hair: Dark with a streak of silver
Eyes: storm-grey
Alignment: Allied with Drandar, his father, incubus demon
Magical Strength: Can read and track auras across any distance
Profession: Mechanic
Greatest Hope: A family of his own
Greatest Regret: His actions led to Faith’s attempted rape
Secret Fear: That if he stands before the ancestors he will never return

In one heavy hammer of his heart, his breath caught against the fierce yearning to go to her side, take her into his arms, and become lost once more in her poisonous kiss.

She would yield, he had no doubt. She’d melted into him the first time, all too willing to follow wherever he led. It had taken everything he was to chain the beast inside him into submission and force himself to leave. Not because he didn’t want her. But because she possessed what he had cast aside and could never reclaim—goodness. And he ached for it. For her. For everything she was.

Name: Faith Winters
Age: Twenty-nine
Hair: Long ebony
Eyes: Turquoise
Alignment: Mortal
Profession: Social Worker
Personal Hope: To save every needy soul
Greatest Regret: That kissing Belen two years ago drove him away
Secret Fear: She can’t save Belen from himself

“You’d run for the hills if you saw who I really am.”

“Give me a little more credit, please.” She twisted her shoulders in attempts to break free of his punishing hold. “Have some faith—for once. When you’re ready to trust me with your secrets, just let me know.”

The room rushed sideways as Belen whirled her around and pushed her back flat to the wall. His body followed hers, imprisoning her between the hard drywall and the equally hard barrier of his chest. Stormy grey eyes flashed with anger that she welcomed. At least it was a reaction, not more of the clamming up and burying it away. She struggled to keep her breathing under control.

About the Author: 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. For romance fans, she also writes as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire and historical romance as Sophia Garrett.
 In her non-writing time, she owns and operates 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. To learn more, visit her at: claireashgrove.com or toristclaire.com. For all the latest updates look for the Untamed Spirit blog, via any of her websites.

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{Release Day Blitz) Simple Beginnings by Janelle Stalder

Simple Beginnings
by Janelle Stalder 
Release Date: March 10th, 2015

Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Ella Page planned to spend her summer before college like most girls her age - shopping, tanning, swimming, repeat. Instead she finds herself helping out on her grandma's farm, where she is forced to work side by side with her ex-best friend, Gage Hunter. 

Despite her attempt to stay cool around the boy she no longer feels like she knows, the heat in the summer air just won't stop rising. 

And with it, old feelings she's not so sure were forgotten after all.

* 17+ Mature YA / New Adult. 
This book contains some strong language and sexual situations. 
For mature audiences. 

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{Review + Giveaway} The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 5th, 2015
Finished Date: February 10th, 2015

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

Pages: 320

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

For fans of John Green, David Levithan and Rainbow Rowell: a beautiful, funny and heartfelt novel about love and forgiveness. 

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. 

But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to centre stage of her own life - and suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two boys. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow; the other comforts her in it. But the two can't collide without Lennie's world exploding...

The Review: The Sky is Everywhere is a story about Lennie and her sister Bailey. Bailey was everything to Lennie. They shared everything; they were as close as Sisters could be. They were best friends. So when Bailey dies, Lennie loses everything too. She and her family struggle to move on and throughout the story we see the impacts of Bailey’s death through Lennie’s beautiful words and poems. 

 For the last few years I’ve heard how great The Sky is Everywhere and for whatever reason I never managed to read it. Now was its time and it’s definitely a story I won’t be forgetting in a long time. Jandy Nelson has a way with words. Her words suck you in right in and don’t let you go until the very last page. They're poetic and beautiful, moving and emotional and most of all, something readers can connect with. 

 My heart broke for Lennie. At times the story was painful to read because you feel every emotion Lennie was feeling. She struggles to understand why her Sister had to die. She struggles to move on and by doing so, make a few mistakes because of how mixed her emotions are. There were times I wanted to leap into the pages and hug her and there were times when I wanted to shout at her. But characters like Lennie are the ones that leave the most impact because of how heart-breaking her story is and how memorable of a character is she. 

 What I loved about the story was that even through the dark times, there’s always one bright spot and for Lennie that was her family - Gran, Uncle, Toby and Joe. I really did sympathise with Lennie and Toby over their feelings for Bailey. It was such a whirlwind but I could understand how their feelings could get so mixed, but of course I was rooting for Joe. He pushes Lennie to be better. He helps her move on and start fresh. I liked that. 

 In all, The Sky is Everywhere is a riveting and an emotional read that will have you hooked from start to finish. If there’s one book you need to read this year, pick this one.

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

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