{Review} An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 4th, 2015
Finished Date: May 3rd, 2015

Publishers: Harper Voyager
Genre: YA, High Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback 

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Set in a terrifyingly brutal Rome-like world, An Ember in the Ashes is an epic fantasy debut about an orphan fighting for her family and a soldier fighting for his freedom. It's a story that's literally burning to be told. LAIA is a Scholar living under the iron-fisted rule of the Martial Empire. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire's greatest military academy in exchange for assistance from rebel Scholars who claim that they will help to save her brother from execution. ELIAS is the academy's finest soldier-- and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias is considering deserting the military, but before he can, he's ordered to participate in a ruthless contest to choose the next Martial emperor. When Laia and Elias's paths cross at the academy, they find that their destinies are more intertwined than either could have imagined and that their choices will change the future of the empire itself. Vow your blood and body to the empire. Keep your heart for yourself.

The Review: Pegged as one of the biggest reads this year, An Ember into the Ashes is a page turning debut by Sabaa Tahir! 

Told by alternative narratives we have Elias and Laia both telling their own stories as well as the horrors and cruelty of the world they live in. 

Elias is a Mask, a solider who has nearly finished his training at Blackcliff Military Academy. But Elias is hiding his true feelings from everyone – he hates his life and wishes for nothing more than to escape from it and his mother who is the Commandant of the Academy, and he plans to do so until he’s offered an opportunity he can’t refuse. 

Laia is a slave, a girl who has lost everyone she’s ever loved and now he brother has been taken captive by the Martial Empire and is being called a traitor. Laia is determined to save her brother and therefore joins the Resistance. But she’s given a task. She must work as a slave to the Commandant and spy on her to provide the Resistance important information. But the Commandant is as evil as they come and she takes pleasure in hurting her slaves. 

As Elia and Laia both take their own journey to achieve the freedom they both crave, their lives get tangled when they keep crossing paths. Can they save themselves before everything they care about is lost to them? 

Whenever I hear about a book that has a lot of hype surrounding it I’m intrigued, not matter what. Add in the fact that I love a good YA fantasy read, well then An Ember in the Ashes should have been perfect for me. But unfortunately while it was a page turning debut it wasn’t as an epic as I was expecting it to be. There’s no denying that Sabaa Tahir is a talented writer that has a keen eye for detail and can create a world like no other, it’s just the plot of the story was a little flat in places especially because the story is so slow paced. I can stick with a plot that is slow but I need something to happen towards the end and while something does happen, it’s still very slow paced. 

I liked both of the main characters and both have completely different paths and personalities. Both had their own voice and I enjoyed the alternative narratives. I would have liked for Laia to have been a stronger character though. I just wish their story was more intertwined than it was. I was expecting some epic romance and we didn’t get that. What we got was two different love triangles which confused me. It was hard to know who really liked who and who to actually root for. Even in the end, I’m still not sure if there is a solid love interest between Elias and Laia. 

The big question for me is will this become a series? For me it HAS to be a series. There are just too many unanswered questions and plot holes not filled. There has to be more.   

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

{Review} Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Posted by Donna
Release Date: August 15th, 2013
Finished Date: May 16th, 2015

Publishers: Bloomsbury 
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 304
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Divided by Love.

Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King of Adarlan's deadliest weapon. 
She must win her freedom through his enemies' blood - but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. 
And every death Celaena fakes, every lie she tells, put those she loves at risk.

Torn between her two protectors - a captain and a prince - and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will fight for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of a kingdom...

The Review: Crown of Midnight was one of my most anticipated reads but I tried to read it when it was first released but I had too much trouble remembering what had happened in Throne of Glass. So I put Crown of Midnight down and it’s only because I recently listened to Throne of Glass on audio that I’ve been able to finally dig in to this beauty of a book. I’m glad I did the re-read though because I definitely forgot a lot of important details.

Celeana Sardothien is the royal assassin to the King of Adarlan after she won the position where she much serve the King for next several year but will eventually gain her freedom. Now she must carry out the King’s deadly tasks and take down the people that threaten his position as King. But Celeana being Celeana – head strong, determined and feisty she will never follow the King and tries to stop his plans but by doing so, she risks all she loves. But her journey is far from over and the deeper she unravels the mysteries of the castle, the more she discovers about magic and the importance of her role.

Admittedly Crown of Midnight does have a slow start but because I’m so invested in the story and characters, it didn’t bother me. It was like catching up with old friends and I loved every minute of it. It’s once you hit the halfway mark that things seriously take a turn and the story becomes impossible to put down. Exciting, thrilling and so engaging this story doesn’t have a dull moment and the author really starts weaving in all the answers to the questions you’ve collected throughout the story. And the answers, the answers will simply blow you away! I wasn’t prepared for them but I’m in awe of the master piece that is this book and it shows you how talented Sarah J. Maas is!

Is there anyone more badass than Celeana? Seriously this woman is amazing! Is there anything she can’t do? She’s become stronger and stronger with every turn of the series and has continued to grow and become someone to admire with her determination and courage. It’s hard not to love her! But there’s definitely more to Celeana than meets the eye and this is the book where we really discover her secrets and it left me reeling. And the story wouldn’t be complete without the two leading guys – Dorian and Chaol – whom I love for both completely different reasons.

Crown of Midnight was definitely worth the wait but that ending, gosh, I’m so glad I have Heir of Fire at hand so I don’t have to wait to see what happens next. Amazing! Well done Sarah J. Maas for delivering a worthy sequel!

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

{Review} Mending Scars (Others of Edenton #5) by Brandy L. Rivers

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: December 29th, 2014
Finished Date: May 3rd, 2015

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

Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Some scars run soul deep. 

Preston finally knows what he wants, but it’s an uphill battle to win her confidence. Dacia has been hurt countless times, including by his own hand. Despite her accusations, he wants what’s best for her. 

Dacia struggles with her inability to trust. Her mother has always been too wrapped up in her own life to pay attention. Her father only comes around when it benefits him. Dacia no longer believes she’ll ever come first. 

Remus is a fugitive on Earth and in Faerie. His ungrateful daughter refuses to help, even when a mage nearly tracks him down. His best hope is pitting Dacia and Preston against each other. 

Ultimately, Dacia must choose. Can Preston help mend her scarred heart? Or will her father’s corrupt plan spoil Dacia’s chance at happiness?

The Review: Mending Scars had been a book that I had been waiting for featuring two of the most prominent characters from Edenton – Preston and Dacia. To be honest, I didn’t see them working out because Preston was the fun loving playboy type who didn’t really do long term and we know that he had his heart broken a couple of books back by Amethyst and Jamie. Dacia was the resident psycho b***h who thought she could have any man she desired and woe betide any woman who would stand in her way, she’s spoilt, she’s selfish, she’s manipulative …..oh and she nearly killed him…. Great start! So you can imagine my surprise at this latest coupling. However, I may have been too quick to judge both of them as their scars are laid open for all too see as they help each other mend.
So, we learn a lot about these two throughout the book that really changes the way I viewed them – Dacia especially. Throughout the series we have seen some her displays towards the women she feels threatened by but we also saw glimpses of the real Dacia shine through now and again in her willingness to help in a bad situation or try to do the right thing - but with her history, people find it hard to believe in her and also she has a tendency to mess things up or be in the place where everything goes down. What we don’t know is that most of it is a façade, people constantly want to use her, abuse her and generally treat her like crap – including a self centred mother and a monstrous father – she was brought up not to feel, told that she was worthless so that now, she feels unlovable. It’s hard for her to believe that Preston wants anything more than a fling with her because let’s face it – his reputation precedes him too. When they both realise that they share a bond that is much deeper, they are willing to explore it but both of their pasts will get in the way.
I ended up really liking these two as a couple and it was a pleasant surprise, they did have a connection and they did have chemistry – so much in fact that they couldn’t keep their hands of each other. I loved how Dacia’s vulnerability shone through, I thought she came across as very genuine and definitely scarred by others. I also didn’t realise that Preston had issues too, he comes across as very cocky and confident but we get to see a total different side to him as well. They steamed the pages up with their sexytimes as they tried to identify what they had and they did a good job of showing each other their feelings rather than saying it.
The storyline was great – as always! It crosses over from the Others of Seattle series and connects them both well. Remus (Dacia’s father) is the enemy and most wanted for what they uncovered about him and if you thought his depravity was shown in previous books then you’re in for an eye opener when they start revealing more about him. A lot of the story is devoted to the search for him, there are a lot of near misses and scheming which brings a few of our favourite characters together in the mission to find him which was so good to read and keeps in with the family/community feel of the series. Preston also has ‘Daddy’ issues too as it’s finally revealed who his father actually is and we also find out how and why it was a secret – I have to say, I loved this part! I love a secret child plotline and would really like to follow that thread more now that things are out in the open. I was really satisfied with where the story went overall, there are a couple of bad guys that popped up in this that I would like to know more about too but as usual this book was full of everything you need for a good paranormal romance/UF, continuing the quality of the series that are so easy to read and what better way to pass a few hours than with the ‘Others of Edenton’……. I wonder who’s next?

4.5 Flowers!

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

{Review} Belonging (Regent Vampire Lords #2) by K.L. Kreig

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: February 9th, 2015
Finished Date: May 8th, 2015

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

Pages: 426
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

“I don’t trust anyone.”
Leaving her job and only home, sassy, independent Analise is determined to do whatever it takes to convince the Vampire Lord to help locate her missing friend. What was not part of the plan, however, was her most unwelcome attraction to the irresistibly desirable, arrogant and dominating playboy.

“Well, I’ll just have to remedy that now, won’t I?”
With a rogue vampire still on the loose, Damian, Regent Vampire Lord of the East, has his hands full trying to keep the fallout to a minimum. The last complication he needs is for his fiery Moira, his Fated, to finally walk into his life at a time when everything is in utter chaos, putting her directly into the crosshairs of a centuries old war. But now that he has her, he’ll be damned if he’ll let her go.

He had the power to destroy her permanently.
Analise is equally drawn to and infuriated by the most gorgeous man she’s ever laid eyes on. And how can she bear Damian’s touch, when the touch of anyone before him repulsed her? With the inability to let others in, she simply needs to stick to the plan, use Damian to locate her friend and return home, heart unscathed.

But even the best-laid plans can go awry.

The Review: Belonging is book two in the ‘Regent Vampire Lords’ series and just as awesome as the first.
This time around Damien, Regent Vampire Lord of the East is about to get sucker punched with desire, lust & love when he meets his Moira/soul mate Analise Anders.
Analise is a feisty young woman who didn’t get the best start in life. Having been pushed around the foster care system for most of her life, she has come to realise that the only person you can count on is yourself and anyone else will eventually leave and hurt you. That is except for her friend Beth, the only person who Analise will let in, a girl who is very much like a sister and means the world to her…… also a girl that has been missing for a while. When Analise’s only lead sends her into the secret world of Vampires, she knows she may not get out alive but will do whatever it takes to find Beth because if her dreams are any indicator….. she needs to be found…. And fast!
Analise is told to look for Devon Fallinsworth, Vampire Regent of the area and owner of Dragonfly where Analise has just become employed…. But Analise doesn’t find Dev….instead she finds Damian and sparks will definitely fly. Damian can’t believe he’s found his Moira and goes all caveman in an effort to protect her because it soon becomes apparent that Damian isn’t the only one after Analise and when her history is revealed – she is everything that hates with a passion, reminding him of everything that he had loved and lost before.
Anailise knows she needs to work on herself and her barriers but so does Damian – surely they can both heal each other? With everything going against them you wouldn’t think so but she needs his help, she needs to find Beth and after that who knows? She will not put herself and her heart out there only to be broken because she would not survive Damian.
So… this book was fab! It was just as awesome as book one and a great continuation. Analise was a great character and you can really empathise with her life and situation. When you live like her it would stand to reason that you would cling to any friend you had so when that friend goes missing, you would stop at nothing to see them found. Considering how miserable her life was, she didn’t wallow in self pity or dwell on how bad her life was – she got on with it and did what she had to do which showed her strength of character. I thought she was a perfect match to Damien because he was a bit of a control freak and she had a take no sh*t attitude and although they will probably clash forever, they challenge each other to make themselves better. I love when the Vampires meet their Moira, the pull is fun to read and how they totally act out of character and allow things to happen that they wouldn’t otherwise. Analise letting go for him was a major thing but so rewarding when we see just exactly what he can do for her and make her feel, they really steamed up those pages with their sexytimes and I will always route for soulmates.
The storyline was just as good as book one, continuing a couple of months after and we get multiple povs again for that well rounded story and knowing what is happening everywhere. We know who the enemy is this time around and we know what he’s looking for after being clued in when he kidnapped Kate – so it becomes a matter of who will track the next lady down and we don’t have to wait long to find out. There are multiple attempts at getting to Analise, people asking about her, trying to find information and such but the emphasis is definitely on the relationship and their inner battles. I loved Analise’s heritage and thought that it was a nice little twist considering who her mate was and thought it tied together really well. I loved that she was given the opportunity to become a part of something, to be loved and cherished and made to feel like she was wanted and although she didn’t ‘need’ that to live, it enriched her life and helped her heal. Elsewhere in the book we get a little more from the secondary characters too, Mike and Giselle have something going on between them and you can cut the tension with a knife – could a human man possibly be fated to a female vampire? Plus we get a little more from the bad guy camp and see what happens when one of the victims comes to mean something to one of the captors and I really want to see where that goes. There was action by the way of attempts to get to Analise and then of course at the end for the finale when Damien and co. need to find and infiltrate the enemy camp to stop what they’re doing and rescue any victims – which was awesome! Everything was here for a great paranormal romance and I wasn’t disappointed by a single thing…… even the way it left you hanging for book three. 

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

{Feature} Waiting on Wednesday (#112)

 

"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

Surviving Ice (Burying Water #4)
by K.A. Tucker
Release Date: October 13th, 2015

The USA TODAY bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths series and Burying Water—which Kirkus Reviews called “a sexy, romantic, gangster-tinged page-turner”—returns with a new novel packed with romance, plot twists, and psychological suspense.

Ivy, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is finally looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have found it in San Francisco, but all that changes when she witnesses a terrible crime. She’s ready to pack up her things yet again, when a random encounter with a stranger keeps her in the city, giving her reason to stay after all.

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter wasn’t random. Not at all… 

Donna's thoughts: I'm so glad K.A Tucker is writing more in this series so to hear about this upcoming release, I simply can't wait! 

Melanie's WoW

Six of Crows (The Dregs #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date: September 29th, 2015


Game of Thrones meets Ocean's Eleven in this brand-new book in the world of the Grisha by New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. 

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. 


Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

Melanie's thoughts: This sounds fab! The blurb really draws me in and who doesn't like a bit of fantasy?

<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} The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons

Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 10th, 2015
Finished Date: April 20th, 2015

Publishers: Tor Teen
Genre: YA, Dystopia, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Hardcover

Pages: 336
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder.

In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.

The Review: The Glass Arrow follows fifteen-year-old Aya who has been hunted all her life because she’s a female. In her world, females are bought and sold at market for their breeding rights.  Their lives are not their own, they are controlled by men and destined to produce male heirs to wealthy family that bought them and once they’ve done their jobs, they are resold and their journey starts all over again. Aya has been hiding in the woods for years until one day, she’s captured and taken to a camp that prepare females for their duties but Aya will never give up on escaping and soon her life depends on it. 

Another book by Kristen Simmons? Well that sold me straight away. I love her Article 5 series so I had really high hopes for this and while The Glass Arrow did have faults, it was a pleasant read. 

I really struggled to get into the story when I first started reading but I’m glad I pushed through because once I got through the first 100 pages or so, the story picks up a lot and I soon found myself rooting for Aya. I loved that Aya was such a strong character. She’s young for her age but she’s so knowledgeable and very determined. It’s easy to forget that she’s only fifteen years old. And she has gone through so much in her life. She’s suffered loss, hurt, pain in ways you can’t imagine and I really sympathised with her. 

It’s not Aya is in seclusion that a boy from across the lake starts interacting with her. He can’t talk so Aya finds herself opening up to him in many ways she’s never done so before with anyone else. I loved this part of the story. I really liked watching Aya opening up to the boy who she names Kiran. It’s here you truly get to know what type of person she is and also, even though Kiran doesn’t say anything you start to discover there’s more to him than meets the eye. He has his own secrets but he’s a kind and loving person.  And the romance between them is very swoon-worthy.

The plot of the story really picks up towards the end and it becomes a nail-biting read. And what makes this story so enjoyable is that it’s a stand-alone and you all know we don’t get many of them. While Aya’s story is over, the world Aya lives in is still the same so if Kristen Simmons wanted to write more, I guess she could but I’d hope not in Aya’s point of view. Maybe a different character? 

In all, The Glass Arrow was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to see what Kristen Simmon’s does next! 

3.5 Stars! 

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

{Blog Tour} Doomed to Torment (Inherited Damnation #6) 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. 

The first five volumes – Cursed to Kill, Tormented by Darkness, Destined to Die, Bound by Blood and Fated for Sacrifice are available now!

Keep up with all things Inherited Damnation over on the Inherited Damnation Facebook page!

Posted by Melanie 

Release Date: May 12th, 2015

Finished Date: May 7th, 2015

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

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Isolde McLaine left Hatherly Hall and its darkly handsome owner Angus Shaw to escape her incubus father's curse. But when word reaches her that Angus is selling the piece of British history, she returns to talk sense into him. Little does she realized that returning to England will throw her into her sire's vile world and leave her fighting not just her heart and the danger of falling in love but battling to save Angus's son's life.

For three and a half months, Angus has done his best to put Isolde and the one unforgettable kiss they shared behind him. Yet when she returns, scolding him for selling his deceased wife's estate, he's sharply reminded of the passion she awakens inside him. Yet as Isolde pushes for him to leave his son's legacy intact, their battle of wills provokes far more than just desire. His son's nightmares have returned. And Isolde triggered the hellish dreams.

Torn between protecting his child and the love he feels for Isolde, Angus must find the strength to trust in Isolde before her demonic sire claims his son.

The Review: Doomed to Torment is the sixth book in the Inherited Damnation series…..
It’s Isolde’s turn for mortality in this book and I’ve been waiting for this one because Isolde is the most purest of spirit of the eight children and I wanted to know how she would struggle with her dark side because she is so light. She is also very much like her mother in looks and power so it was going to take a special kind of man for her. I thought Angus was definitely that man, in the first few chapters we come to see him as a devoted family man but one who is lost after losing his wife years ago and really in need of some love and guidance from someone special – a job which Isolde is perfect for. They have a history together and are both attracted to each other but Angus is hurting and Isolde is afraid of her dark side rearing its head but she is drawn back to him when she hears that he is selling his ancestral home, putting his child in boarding school and just giving up, so determined to make him see the error of his ways, she comes back to set him straight.
Their reunion does little to quell the attraction between them but the stubbornness of both will be a stumbling block. Angus’s son is crying out for motherly love but Angus is hiding everything that reminds them both of their wife/mother and is therefore not helping the grieving process for either of them. Isolde can see that they both need healing and has really taken to the little boy also but when his father is being so adamant things get done his way….her help is worthless. Whilst packing the estate up, trying to figure out what’s going on and resisting each other – they stumble across the scroll and Isolde knows what that means but she is also left in a quandary because if she gives up her immortality, she gives up her power and that power is the only thing that can destroy their father…. So what is she to do?
As the feelings deepen between Isolde and Angus, they gain clarity in their thoughts but is it too late?
I really enjoyed this instalment of the series and had been looking forward to this book. I thought the coupling of Isolde and Angus was perfect and Angus was just the sort of broken man that you would expect Isolde to be drawn to. Given their shared history it was easy to get into the feel of the relationship and enjoy the push and pull between them, we were treat to plenty of hot moments that really raised the temperature of the story. I also liked how Angus’s son was integrated into the plot, it gave this story something different and also linked well into Isolde’s history. We know the main storyline is all about the main character overcoming the curse of the family and in doing so, delivering a blow to their demonic father which will eventually free their mother’s spirit so she can finally be at peace and all of the books follow that formula. This was slightly different because I didn’t think Isolde really had to battle her dark side in this, her big dilemma was whether she would give up the power she held that gave the children the advantage against their father plus Angus had to go through his own process to be able to let Isolde in. The fact that the child also played a part was a plus for me and I really liked what the scroll had planned for them to break the spell. Drandars presence was felt throughout the book but not in the normal way and it was definitely a game changer for the end confrontation. This was another satisfying read though and considering the two siblings that are left are both loving their dark side….. I wonder how they will find their redemption. 

Character Profiles:

Name:  Angus Shaw
Age:  Thirty-two
Hair: Thick short black hair
Eyes: Green
Alignment:  Mortal
Profession:  Millionaire British noble
Personal Hope:  To do the best and provide the best for his son
Greatest Regret:  That he wasn’t able to save his wife from drowning
Secret Fear:  He will lose everything he loves

Isolde shifted again, curling those long elegant legs into herself. The chill that lingered in the room steered  Angus’s  thoughts  away  from  Thomas  and back to the woman in the bed. He tugged the quilt out from under her and gently tucked it around her sleeping form. Resisting the urge to crawl back under those covers with her felt like someone had grabbed his heart and torn it into two pieces.

But he couldn’t.

He didn’t know how to stop from falling into her, and yet, if he lost Isolde, not even Thomas could ease that devastation..

Name:  Isolde McLaine, 

Birthdate:  Beltaine, 192BC

Hair: Waist-length platinum

Eyes: Silver

Alignment:  Allied with Nyamah, his mother, High Priestess of the Selgovae Celt tribe

Magical Strength:  Her powers mirror Nyamah’s.

Profession:  Nanny

Unique Feature:  Triskellion and scrollwork tattoo on back of neck

Closest Sibling:  Fintan

Greatest Weakness:  Her capacity to love

Dismay surfaced, along with a healthy portion of regret. Edging out of his strong embrace, Isolde pushed at  his  shoulders. With  a  shaky hand,  she drew the back of her wrist across her mouth. “I’m not Camille, Angus, and you need to leave.”

He opened his mouth as if to object. Then the fire left his eyes, and those green portals glittered hard and  cold.  With  a  stiff  nod,  he  backed  away  and turned toward the open door.

The only sound that he objected at all came with the heavy thud of wood slamming against timbers.

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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{Review} Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 28th, 2014
Finished Date: May 3rd, 2015

Publishers: HarperTeen
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopia, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eBook

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

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

The Review: I’ve had Uninvited sitting on my Kindle for a while now and I was planning on reading it when it first released but I just wasn’t in the mood at the time but it’s always been in the back of my mind. Now I can finally say, I’ve read it! And I’m glad I’ve managed to knock it off my TBR list. 

Davy Hamilton has a perfect life – perfect family, perfect boyfriend and, a perfect future to look forward to. But the world Davey lives in isn’t perfect. She lives in a world that certain people test positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome – a gene that the Government finds in everyone that have killed people. In order to prevent this, the Government do mandatory DNA test on everyone and this is when Davy tested positive for HTS – she has the kill gene. Davy’s life is suddenly turned upside when she becomes a carrier and a target and the only other person she can turn to is fellow HTS carrier Sean. 

Uninvited is a chilling and interesting story, but at times the story becomes very slow paced. While I was reading it was quite difficult to see where the story was heading because at times, the plot of the story is non-existent like there wasn’t much of a story to tell other than Davy trying to deal with her HTS gene. I kept reading for the reason that was I’ve read Sophie Jordan’s work before and I know she’s a great writer, so I knew something was planned for the end of the book. So I’m glad I stuck through because I was right and the ending was really enjoyable but, it’s unfortunately it I’m not sure it is enough to make me want to read the sequel….only time will tell. 

I liked Davy as a character, she’s a generally nice person but I felt she spent a lot of time dwelling on the past. I know it’s probably a hard thing to try and forget who she was before she found out that she had the HTS gene. But I felt she tried to hold on to that for far too long. It made the story drag because I just wanted to see Davy accept it and become a better person – a person that proves the Government wrong – that she isn’t destined to become a killer, but that never happens. As the story progresses Davy does start to believe in herself a little more and she tries to stand up for herself more but every time she makes some progress, someone pushes her back down. It was a cruel world she lived in and my heart when out to her. I’m glad she had Sean to lean on. He’s a character that takes some warming up to, but when he opens up its great! He’s great! 

In all, I’m glad I’ve read Uninvited even if it wasn’t a favourite for me, it’s still an interesting read and I believe many people will like it. So give it a try for yourself and see =) 

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

{Review} Lie Down with Dogs: New Adult Urban Fantasy (Black Dog #3) by Hailey Edwards

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: April 30th, 2015
Finished Date: April 30th, 2015

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

Pages: 211
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Black Dog, Book 3

With tentative peace established in Faerie, Thierry returns to her job as a conclave marshal in Texas while the countdown to her coronation begins. But what happens in Faerie doesn't always stay in Faerie. A crown wasn't Theirry's only souvenir from her trip. Her new husband, Rook, is scheming again, and this time his plans are invading her dreams.

When her best friend throws a beachside going away party, Thierry is grateful for the distraction from Rook...and from Shaw. But her presence in Daytona rouses an old evil, one who wants the future queen as the crown jewel of his private collection.

The Review: Lie Down with Dogs is another awesome read in the ‘Black Dog’ series in which we re-join Theirry on her adventures.
The last book proved a real game changer in the series and left me thinking ‘wth’ just happened? Theirry’s life was completely turned around and if you though you knew where the series was headed…. Like me, you would be wrong.
Tee only has a year left on earth before she must take up the role of princess of the Fae, in that year she must not only do her job as a marshal but also learn her duties for the position she will head into. Tee doesn’t want this but with no way out, no loopholes etc. she is stuck and so with that in mind, her best friend decides that a going away vacation is what the girls need, some quality bff time in the sun, sea and sand of Daytona. The trip turns out to be a real eye opener for Tee as her reputation precedes her and more than one supernatural is drawn out to play, with Tee right in their sights.
Not only does she have that on her plate but she has one husband of dubious consent demanding her time in sleep – under the pretence of duty – and an ex who needs her in able to stay alive. Both have secrets, both need her…. But who wants her for the right reasons? As secrets unfold and plans become apparent - Theirry’s about to have her world rocked again.

I really enjoyed this third instalment of the series and the plot definitely thickens. There was a sort of sadness to Theirry this time around as she prepares to move to Fairie which is something she doesn’t want for herself but was cajoled into. She seemed slightly more vulnerable in this which is understandable considering the ordeal she was put through last time. Things are still up in the air with Shaw, I really wish their relationship had not been complicated with a love triangle, their bond was so natural in book one and it all went to crap in book two and she ended up with another man, married in fact and that made me sad. I do like Rook but I feel like Theirry’s feelings toward him are forced and strange, they don’t share the connection that she and Shaw do but I’m happy enough to see it play out.
The storyline was as good a standard as the previous two books and the progression was good also. Everyone thought that Tee had changed allegiances because of her new found status but that wasn’t the case and it caused a little trouble for her, I admired her for her fairness and her need to remain neutral even though it put her at odds with both of her roles. There were a few things going on plot wise that all needed to tie together and I think that was done really well, 3 major threads were; Tee’s problem with an undetectable Fae who was putting her friend in danger; Shaw was on a personal mission to bring peace to his brother and the third is another missing person case that Tee seems to have stumbled into. They will have far reaching effects I believe for the rest of the series but bring with them a lot of questions. There seems to always be a lot of scheming around Tee, a lot of misdirection, manipulation and such and poor Tee always seems to be the one being manipulated – it’s a wonder she trust anyone! So also expect some further revelations about the people in her life that will directly affect her, some good and some not so much. I liked where the story went, it had all of the elements I love in this genre, plenty of action too and there is still plenty of scope to expand. Of course, the ending was left gaping open for the next one and it reeled me in just like the others so I can’t wait for more! 

4.5 Flowers!

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

{Review} Rogue (Talon #2) by Julie Kagawa

Posted by Donna
Release Date: April 28th, 2015
Finished Date: May 7th, 2015

Publishers: Mira Ink
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Ember Hill left the dragon organization Talon to take her chances with rebel dragon Cobalt and his crew of rogues. But Ember can't forget the sacrifice made for her by the human boy who could have killed her—Garret Xavier Sebastian, a soldier of the dragonslaying Order of St. George, the boy who saved her from a Talon assassin, knowing that by doing so, he'd signed his own death warrant. 

Determined to save Garret from execution, Ember must convince Cobalt to help her break into the Order's headquarters. With assassins after them and Ember's own brother helping Talon with the hunt, the rogues find an unexpected ally in Garret and a new perspective on the underground battle between Talon and St. George. 

A reckoning is brewing and the secrets hidden by both sides are shocking and deadly. Soon Ember must decide: Should she retreat to fight another day…or start an all-out war?

The Review: Ember Hill has never agreed with the way her community is run by Talon, so after the event in book one, Ember is has now gone rogue and is on the run with a group of other rogues. But before Ember can start looking forward, she needs to help Garrett – a St George solider who saved helped her escape a Talon assassin – from being executed for breaking St George’s rules. Ember know she needs help and she can only turn to Colbat – the rogue Dragon that opened her eyes to the evil that is Talon. But Talon will do anything to get Ember back on their side of the war – even if that means sending her twin brother after to her….. 

Julie Kagawa has been one of my favourite authors ever since I first read her Iron Fey series. Since then she’s continued to produce fantastic stories that I’ve loved and while the Talon series may not be my favourite amongst Julie’s other series, Talon and Rogue are definitely still worth a read. Especially if you’re a fan of Dragon stories or even if you’ve never read a Dragon story – this is a good place to start.  

Rogue picks up straight where Talon left off and this time we’re dropped straight into the action, whereas Talon was quite slow paced because of it was more of a set-up book for the sequel. So you don’t need to worry about this book dragging because it didn’t. Rogue also gives us multiple points of views. We’ve seen Garrett, Ember and Riley before but we also get Dante this time, which was good to read. I thought Julie did a good job capturing the different personalities of each of these characters. Writing in four different characters each with their stories can’t be easy, but she does it well. They all have their own voice so it’s never hard to mix the characters up. I like Ember and I like that she has her own mind and doesn’t like to be controlled by Talon. This is why I think Dante’s point of view is so important to the story because he agrees with everything Talon stands for, whereas Ember doesn’t. It’s definitely interesting! 

The plot of Rogue is faster paced, more exciting and the plot thickens at every turn. It is sometimes quite predictable and we can almost see what will happen next.  War is on the way and it’s going to be deadly. 

As much as I have good things to say with the series, I still find that I don’t enough it as much as Julie’s other work. I don’t think it as the same magic as the others but still I enjoy it enough to continue to see what happens next. 

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