Indie-Credible Author Devri Walls; Review, Excerpt #IndieCredible2013

Devri Walls; Author of Solus series. 

Devri Walls lives in Kuna Idaho with her husband and two kids. She has worked as a music teacher and currently, a preschool teacher. She majored in theater and her love of a story still drives her today. Thankfully, she has finally found an outlet for all the voices in her head. Her first novel, Wings of Arian, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and Apple. The second book in the Solus trilogy, Wings of Tavea is scheduled for release Nov 2012.

Reach out to Devri:

Author Website /  Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Why we HEART Devri Walls! 

Melanie's thoughts: So, you want to know why I love Devri Walls the author? Well, if you read her Solus series – you will know…..
The Solus series is one of the best YA fantasy series I have ever read, all you have to do is look up my reviews of those books to see how much I love them. She is one of those authors that can pull you into the worlds they create and hold you captivated from beginning to end. Her writing, the world building, the descriptions of realms, creatures, magic…. Not only pulled me in but actually make me visualise what’s happening, I remember an in air battle scene from Wings of Arian (book 1) and they were using Dragons & Pegasus as mounts and all I could think was, ‘Wow, this is amazing! It would look visually stunning as an illustration or even better, as part of a movie’, and believe me, that is rare for an author to make me think that. Not only that though, the characters are great, the storylines are epic & she blends together all of the elements I love in fantasy , which includes good versus evil, prophecy and soul mates and has brought her readers this awesome adventure which always leaves me wanting more. I’d recommend her books to anyone & I’m also curious to see what she’ll come up with next, when the Solus series is done…. I’m hoping for an adult book ;)

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: June 24th, 2013
Finished Date: August 30th, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle 
Pages: 249

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Kiora needs answers. Who is the Shadow? Who is Jasmine? Are they connected? And even more pressing—how can she stop the Shadow from using her dreams as a map to find them? They have escaped three times, but are living on borrowed time—and everybody knows it. 

Kiora’s search will push her closer to Alcander, send her to the dragon mountain of Toopai, and lead straight back to Meros—where magic will finally return to the land of no magic. Answers will be uncovered and plans unearthed that have been waiting for thousands of years. 

But with the Shadow’s forces gathering, the rebels are hurtling toward one outcome: war. Armed with knowledge and hope, Kiora is determined to change that path, but will fate allow it? Or will it teach her a hard lesson about following her own destiny?

The Review: Wings of Nestor is both breathtaking & heartbreaking as we join Kiora, Emane & Alcander for the penultimate book of the Solus series.

As the synopsis tells us ‘Kiora needs answers’ and now, more so than ever with her every move being discovered by ‘the Shadow’ who constantly finds Kiora through her dreams and knows just where & when to strike, so when Kiora discovers how she is being tracked, she is forced to take drastic action to keep them safe which will have far reaching consequences for more than one of our characters. Kiora’s perils do not end there as she is forced to put herself in more danger in the effort to gain information about the shadow & it’s connection to Jasmine and none more dangerous than a trip to Toopai to see the dragon queen, the oldest known creature in the world who may be able to help Kiora put the pieces together…. That’s if she survives the journey out there for as we all know, Dragons are not the most tolerable creatures and have been known to burn first, no need to ask questions later. On her travels she will make many discoveries, see first-hand just what the enemy is up to and come to understand just how far reaching the prophecy had been & that the seeds of her arrival were planted long before anyone knew…. But will it be enough to save them all and avert the coming war?

I adored this instalment of the ‘Solus’ series, it was always a given that I was going to love this book, just the same as I have loved the 2 that came before it because I am invested in this world, it’s characters and their fates and Devri Walls creates a beautiful fantasy world that will suck you in and take you on the most awesome, epic adventure. This book could definitely be classed as the reconnaissance book of the series so be prepared to gain a huge insight into what’s going on. Kiora’s character has again progressed into a more mature person, making decisions & taking risks more freely, you can definitely see the leader in her emerging and totally feel her character preparing for what’s to come in every move & every decision she makes and I’ll be looking forward to seeing her reach her full potential in the final book. In the last book I was torn between Kiora’s love interests, I still am… I do like what happened here but I’m saddened just the same (you’ll understand when you read it) both Emane & Alcander are great in their own way so I was really feeling Kiora’s dilemma and I have to say that it made me connect to the characters on another level too, I already stated that I’m not a fan of love triangles but something about how this is put across just adds to Kiora’s trials & growth as a young woman.

The storyline is as always, full of information, action, battles, adventure & excitement! it’s putting pieces into place, it’s drawing the line between friend & foe, it’s realising people’s intentions & potential, it’s understanding just what’s at stake, understanding the lengths & depths some will go to in the name of power and not just putting your life on the line… but your heart too. I thought this book was both breathtaking & heartbreaking, definitely the saddest of the series, especially towards the end and when some realisations are made. Breathtaking because there is always something new to be seen and discovered, awe inspiring scenery from buried underground temples & magically hidden houses to volcanic caves, covered in crystals & housing dragons, from those beautiful, colourful dragons, winged horses, shape shifting beings to tiny magical bugs holding huge secrets… truly amazing! & Heartbreaking….. well, I’ll let you discover why but you will be left in no doubt as to what is at stake and why Kiora fights against all that is evil. I personally cannot wait for the last book – Wings of Lomay – and what promises to be the EPIC final instalment of the Solus series. 

Excerpt of Wings of Nestor.

EMANE PACED BACK AND forth in the camp. “Why would she need him and not me?”


Drustan grunted, his head on the ground, eyes closed, tail snaking very close to the fire.

“Emane, go to sleep. I beg of you.”


“Would you like to tell me what is going on?” Emane demanded.

One yellow eye flicked open. “What are you talking about?”

“Ever since you rescued me, Kiora has been acting strangely.” Emane’s fingers itched to grab a sword, or a dagger, or something.

Drustan rolled his head in Emane’s direction. “To be fair,” he said dryly, “since we rescued you, we have been chased, and almost killed, by the most deadly thing in the land. Twice. There has not been much time for chitchat.”

“I know that!” Emane snapped. “But she has barely looked at me, talked to me, or touched me. Something’s different.”

Alcander stumbled into the barrier, clutching Kiora in his arms. His head was down, his white hair obscuring his face.

Emane ran to him. “What did you do to her?”
Alcander just grunted, taking a few more steps before falling to his knees. “Alcander! Here, give her to me.” Emane knelt down to take Kiora out of his arms.


“No!” Alcander growled, pulling Kiora tighter.


Emane jerked back his hand before being seized with anger. “What is wrong with her?”


Kiora’s head lolled back. Her eyes were closed, her face relaxed and peaceful. Alcander’s face was deathly white, beads of sweat dotted his nose, and his pupils were constricted.

“I said no.” His voice was tight and thin. “She is dumping a lot of magic—she will hurt you.”

Drustan lumbered to his feet. “It looks like she is hurting you. Set her down.”

Alcander forced himself back up. He stumbled over to Kiora’s sleeping pad. Nearly falling again, he deposited her as gently as he could before pulling a blanket over her.

“It’s all right,” Alcander breathed. “We fixed it. The Shadow can’t find us.” He wobbled before collapsing next to her.

Waiting on Wednesday (#53)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

Return to Poughkeepsie (Poughkeepsie #2)

by Debra Anastasia 

Release date: December 31st, 2013

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. Destruction and intimidation are his calling, his craft —whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe,

to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. Mob forces have moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an

instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back safely. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, along with the new man

he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or worse until death does part.

Jess's thoughts: Yeeeesssss!! You have NO IDEA how long I have been waiting for this book to release. AGES! I read the first one thinking it was a standalone, and I'd made peace with that, then Debra said she was writing the sequel and I freaked out. Cannot WAIT to get my hands on this one. I love Debra's work, and I'm so excited for this one! 

Donna's WoW

White Hot Kiss 
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release date: March 2014

One kiss could be the last 

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses. 

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever. 

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul. 

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Donna's thoughts: Another JLA book?! Of course I'm gonna read it! That's all I really need to say.

<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!

A Review for All our Yesterdays (All Our Yesterdays #1) by Cristin Terrill

Posted by Donna 
Release Date: September 3rd, 2013
Finished Date: August 31st, 2013

Publishers: Bloomsbury
Source: For Review

Format: Paperback
Pages: 362

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

A brilliantly brain-warping thriller and a love story that leaps back and forth in time - All Our Yesterdays is an amazing first novel, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games.

Em is locked in a bare, cold cell with no comforts. Finn is in the cell next door. The Doctor is keeping them there until they tell him what he wants to know. Trouble is, what he wants to know hasn't happened yet. 

Em and Finn have a shared past, but no future unless they can find a way out. The present is torture - being kept apart, overhearing each other's anguish as the Doctor relentlessly seeks answers. There's no way back from here, to what they used to be, the world they used to know. Then Em finds a note in her cell which changes everything. It's from her future self and contains some simple but very clear instructions. Em must travel back in time to avert a tragedy that's about to unfold. Worse, she has to pursue and kill the boy she loves to change the future.

The Review: This is going to be a hard review to write because All Our Yesterdays in all is an enjoyable read, but unlike most of you, it didn't blow me away.  I liked the plot. I liked the pacing. I liked the characters. I liked the romance. I can't actually pin point why I didn't enjoy this more, other than the fact that it didn't  have much of a wow factor. Maybe it's the whole time travel thing because I'm not a huge fan of it. 

The start of the story starts off intriguing and pretty intense. I really enjoyed how the story went from past to present – with the present definitely being my favourite. I liked Em and Finn, I felt more connected to their story rather than Marina’s. Em and Finn go through a hell of a lot, and a lot of it is at the hands of the doctor. It’s pretty clear who the doctor is after a few chapters but it was still enjoyable to see the characters reactions to that revelation. I felt for Em and Finn a lot - the person they loved most is doing unbelievable things and the only way they can stop him is by going back in time and trying to change things. It was a little heart-breaking to see them trying to carry out their plan – letting go of all their hope, it was a sad moment. Marina was a little bit harder to like just because she was very naïve. She was blinded completely by her love for James and it literally consumed her. I think this is why I enjoyed Em’s story more – she was more grown up and more realistic than Marina. 

I was hoping for a little bit more at the end. I just flat a little flat and there was nothing gripping me. Since finishing the book, I've heard there's more to come in this series and right now, I'm not sure I'll be reading it. 

Even though All Our Yesterdays wasn’t as good as I was hoping it would be, I’m still glad I read it because was an okay read. It just comes down to personal preference and unfortunately I’m yet to find that time travel book that completely amazes me.  

A Review for Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles #2) by Gena Showalter

Posted by Donna 
Release Date: September 24th, 2013
Finished Date: August 31st, 2013

Publishers: Harlequin Teen
Source: For Review

Format: eARC
Pages: 480

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Inspired by the childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, this harrowing and romantic story features teen zombie slayer Alice Bell who has lost so much—family, friends, her home. 

After a strange new zombie attack, Alice fears she may be losing her mind as well. A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do wicked things. The whispers of the dead assault her ears and mirrors seem to come frighteningly to life. 

She’s never needed her team of zombie slayers more—including her boyfriend, Cole—than she does now. But as Cole strangely withdraws and the zombies gain new strength, Ali knows one false step may doom them all.

The Review: "You look edible, by the way. You have no idea how badly I want under that skirt." His voice dipped huskily as he added, "I wish I had time to prove it."

 I can't believe I forgot how much I enjoyed Gena Showalter's Alice in Zombieland until I started the sequel, Through the Zombie Glass. Within minutes all the little details from the first book started coming back to me and I suddenly got excited all over again. Through the Zombie Glass literally consumed me until I finished - it's simply an amazing sequel!

Ali is back but this time it's harder than ever but she really does go through some much during this sequel. She's dealing with things that she never believed could happen and she's also dealing with relationship problems with Cole and honestly, talk about an emotional read! This one really pulls on your heart strings and leaves you a bundle of nerves from the tension. There's also never a dull moment because of how much excitement and action there is. I truly believe this series has a little bit of everything for everyone - it's impossible not to love it. There's just so many aspects of this story that have you questioning everything but the way Gena writes it, by the end, it's truly epic! It makes me wonder what she has in store for us with the final book . Eek I'm nervous just thinking about it. 

The characters.....oh the characters! Ali, Cole *drools*, Frosty, Kat, Reeve....and even Gavin make this sequel so kick ass! They're such a feisty and comical bunch of characters that they really make this series amazing. I was literally laughing out loud in parts and then the next, I'm on the verge of tears. I love how I can feel so many different emotions within a matter of seconds. 

Ali and Cole 100% my favourite couple from the series. I'm constantly rooting for these two and my god, they go through the ringer in this book....but I guess it was all worth it in the end.

In all, the White Rabbit Chronicle series is definitely my favourite zombie series EVER! Kick- ass, exciting, intense, highly-charged, heart-breaking, action packed - need I say more? Go read it! I promise you'll love it! 

Showcase Sunday (#41)

Hi guys!

So...yesterday I turned 28! I know only two years until I'm 30...where does the time go hey?! lol. Anyway, I had a great day. Jess travelled down from London for the weekend and we spend the whole day shopping and eating and we went to see City of Bones (my second time and I enjoyed it a lot more) I've been well and truly spoilt by my family and friends as you can see below. Thank you everyone who brought me presents and made my day so special. Thank you to my two awesome blogging partners; Jess for getting me an awesome Amazon giftcard & Melanie for the fab New Look voucher! I'll be spending them shortly. And thank you to my wonderful friends....Natalie, Haley and Jasprit for filling my shelves with more wonderful books! Oh and my best friend for The Host DVD and some lovely earrings too.

Birthday Books from Natalie @ Book Lovers Life:

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole |  Wallbanger by Alice Clayton | Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon |  The Distance Between Us by Kasie West | Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler 

Birthday Presents from Haley @ ya-aholic.com

Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game by Katie Ashley + DVDs! 

Birthday Book from Jasprit @ The Readers Den

The Elite by Natasha Ngan

Won from Natalie @ Book Lovers Life: 

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

For Review: 

Rule by Jay Crownover | The Killing Wood by Lucy Christoper | Unbreakable by Kami Garcia (not pictured) | The Fall of Five by Pittacus Lore |How to Love by Katie Cotungno  | Foreplay by Sophie Jordan * Thank you Kayleigh for letting me borrow your ARC of Foreplay!

eBooks for Review:

   

By Proxy by Katy Regnery |  Keeping Her  by Cora Carmack | Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter | Resist by Sarah Crossan

Freebies eBooks or Bought:

   

Just Breathe by Heather Allen | Starfire Angels by Melanie Nilles | A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest  | Lost and Found by Nicole Williams

Thank you to Natalie, Haley, Katy Regnery, Ebury, Mira Ink, Bloomsbury, Simon & Schuster UK, Chicken House, HarperCollins, Puffin & Quercus.

A Review for Chase the Storm by V.M. Waitt

Posted by Jess
Release Date: May 13th, 2013
Finished Date: August 20th, 2013

Publishers: Dreamspinner Press
Source: Bought

Format: E-book
Pages: 210

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Up until he buys an old truck, Elijah Morgan lives life according to his family’s plan, never feeling like he belongs. Desperate to find his own path, he heads out on the open road, only to end up stranded in Nebraska. Not wanting to ask for his parents’ help, he takes a job with tough, independent farmer Chase McKenzie.

Despite their age gap, the attraction between Chase and Elijah soon becomes undeniable. They give in to their desire, but that night changes everything and threatens the secret Chase guards so carefully.

As the summer heats up, so does their relationship. When autumn arrives, Elijah is due back at college, and he’ll have to choose whether to continue his education and follow in his family’s footsteps… or to stay in Nebraska with the man he loves.

The Review: I went on a M/M kick a week or so ago. I came across this one a few months back when I was searching for new books to read through Goodreads. I immediately added to my to read pile because I loved the sound of it.

Well I tells ya, this book didn't disappoint. It was a fabulous read, one of the best M/M books that I've read so far (Cut and Run series aside....nothing compares to that). I enjoy every little thing about this. I liked the age difference, which is about 18 years I believe. Elijah is 19 and Chase is 33 when we meet him. 

Chase the Storm is a book full of angst, full of trying to find who you are and where you belong. Learning that it's ok to love again after losing someone. I loved Chase and Elijahs relationship, the development is right there on the page, every page you turn you feel their emotions, their undeniable attraction to one another is palpable on every page. Eventually they give in to their desire, and it's hot. Really.

The story flowed well, with brilliant descriptions of back road Nebraska, great character development, the plot is there which is sometimes hard to find in a m/m romance, but not in Chase the Storm, it's all there, this book has everything you could want from a m/m story. Including sexy cowboy Chase.

I was pretty blown away with this book, I'd heard good things about it and naturally I was anxious to read it. Like I said, it didn't disappoint.

As the ending goes, it was pretty perfect, I couldn't have asked for a better ending. V.M. Waitt really knows how to tell a story, and tell it well. I will most definitely be reading more from this author. So if you're looking to maybe dip into a little m/m romance, this is a good one to start with. It'll ease you in to the relationship and the story. Will I read this again? ABOSULUTELY!!  Highly recommended :)

A Review for Shadows Fall (Others of Edenton #1.5) by Brandy L. Rivers

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: August 15th, 2013
Finished Date: August 22nd, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published
Source: For Review

Format: eBook
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US /

18+ Adult Content

Amethyst Lakes is a nymph with a problem. She left her ex-boyfriend when he started to smother her. Nothing she says seems to keep him away.

Carl needs Amethyst more than he needs to breathe, but she just doesn’t get it. He’ll stop at nothing to make her stay.

An old friend and teenage crush will keep her safe until Amethyst can decide how to deal with Carl once and for all.

A pretty little nymph, crazy stalker ex, a cocky mage, and a whole lot of trouble.

The Review: This was an awesome short story as we join Amethyst at the beginning of a misguided plot to get her to submit to her ex-boyfriend & stalker Carl. The synopsis explains it clearly and we get to meet a couple of people we are already aware of and a couple of new people. This is the catalyst that will bring Amethyst to Edenton and hopefully into the arms of her own hottie. It’s nice to get a bit of background on a character whose book will be coming up in the series, it helps us to understand more about her and what she is & does and what happens when things go wrong because of what she is. It has also set up some possible relationships and enemies. I usually moan about shorts not being enough and not being able to connect to the characters but that is not a problem here, I definitely felt for our character and her predicament. I think I would view this as more of a teaser to the book than anything else but what a teaser it was and in the space of 30 pages we have an infatuated stalker, a threat that could have disastrous consequences, an ally in the form of a former crush, a mage with power on his mind, one scared nymph who is left with no other option than to use her powers to aid her exit and let’s not forget, there’s even room for a little sexy time , plus we get to see the authorities for the supernatural in action. It has definitely whet my appetite for more, I love this series and I will take anything it offers with glee. Can’t wait for the next book.

Blog Tour for Silver Moon: The Complete Saga by Rebecca A. Rogers

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: March 1st, 2013
Finished Date: August 21st, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published
Genre: YA / Paranormal 
Source: For Review from Credit Irresistible Reads Book Tours 
Tour Schedule: Here

Format: eBook
Pages: 760 

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US /

Four books in one!

Join Alaric, Ulric, and Daciana in ALPHA MOON as they discover there’s more to life in the 1500s than plowing fields and attending balls. A powerful witch, who practices black magic, won’t hesitate to place a curse upon them—one that will have them howling at the silvery moon.

In SILVER MOON, Candra Lowell is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in present-day Connecticut. She thinks it’s because she’s a troublemaker, but Candra’s parents only shipped her off for one reason: to learn how to become a werewolf. She’ll learn there’s more to the story, though, when a rival pack has their hearts set on making her visit a living hell.

The past and the present merge into one in BLACK MOON as Candra falls even harder for her star-crossed lover, Benjamin Conway, who also happens to be her enemy, and wrestles with the fact that she has awakened an ancient soul inside her body. Can she stretch her newfound claws in peace, or will she wish she had never become a werewolf?

In the final installment of the saga, BLOOD MOON, Candra and Ben travel back to the sixteenth century, where they’ll embark on their toughest journey yet—stopping Alaric and breaking the curse which started it all. But if ending the werewolf curse, and the powers that come with it, means Candra and Ben will be stuck in the sixteenth century, can they live with the fact that they’ll never return home and see their families again?

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! 

I am reviewing this as one long book because that is the way I read it but mentioning the parts…

I enjoyed the first part of the book, I don’t usually read anything resembling historicals but I understand why this part was needed. It gave a great insight into the beginnings of the curse and the people involved, the language used & the way people were so scared of the way others perceived them gave it a good feel for the period they were in. I could understand how none of the supernatural was spoken of and everything was feared. I didn’t really understand the whys of the witch’s actions, I got a part of it but I didn’t see why the wolf chose that couple when they hadn’t harmed anyone and the one who did deserve it wasn’t affected until he made his fateful decision. It didn’t stop my enjoyment of the story but I feel it could have been addressed more.

I was glad that parts 2 & 3 were set in modern times, as I said, period style books get boring really quick for me and don’t hold my interest so I was really grateful for the jump in time. I liked the concept of this story, I really like warring families that clash often and I liked what each side was and how they were enemies. There is nothing like forbidden love, fated love, soul mates – you name it, I’m all over that in a plot! So I was thrilled about Candra & Ben’s relationship and as I said, when it’s forbidden, it makes it better. I like it when they have stolen moments and in a way it’s a kind of rebellion towards the families which is very fitting with Candra. I liked that Candra was seen to be the wayward one rather than Ben and it helped with his family’s perception of her as a trouble making seductress lol. Over the course of the two parts their relationship is put to the test and it was doubtful for a while that they would be the ones to break the curse plus there was a triangle which I wasn’t keen on because I like my werewolves faithful & mates for life.

The storyline was full of excitement and action, what we have is two warring families, one steals magic from people and gains an army of followers by any means necessary and one has followers who choose to be there, as friends, to help protect Candra. Throughout the story Candra is bullied by Ben’s brothers, made to feel like an outcast, chased, beaten & bitten by wolves (on more than one occasion), kidnapped, has her body taken over and starts a war between opposing sides – one who will do anything to save her and the other who will do anything to kill her – which got steadily more menacing & violent as we went along but even with all of this, there is still some time for romance with sweet moments in between which was lovely. In the 4th part of the book we are transported back to the 1500’s as Candra & Ben take a risk and use their powers in an attempt to right the wrongs of their ancestors. I wasn’t really looking forward to this part, as I said before historical = boring for me but I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this part, I think it was because I was so invested in the characters & their story by this point, that it really didn’t matter what time period they were in. I really liked the time they got to spend together and the relationship was amped up a lot, I loved that because it was another depth to them and showing that the relationship still had a ways to go. I liked that Ben came over as all primal & possessive about his woman in this - I love that about werewolves - and he started to take on the dominant role in the pairing which is the first time I felt that between the two but I like it! The storyline comes full circle but also took on more of a magic based feel as dark magic is more prevalent to the wolves. I really enjoyed this too, we know what happened thanks to Alpha Moon but this fills a lot of blanks and some characters are brought to the forefront who weren’t really necessary before. There was a lot going on in the background of Alaric, Ulric & Daciana’s story and it was very satisfying to get the whole picture. As always there was danger, action , chases, mystery and treachery aplenty but this time there is also hope and I read this with hope that everything would turn out ok and everyone would get their own HEA. I’m glad I read this book, it started off a 3* but steadily got better & better as I was sucked into the story, the relationship, the rivalries, the curse & the prophecy and I have to say…. the ending was perfect. 

Author Bio:

Rebecca expressed her creative side at an early age and hasn't stopped since. She won't hesitate to tell you that she lives inside her imagination, and it's better than reality.

She'd insert something here along the lines of living in the Northeast, USA, or Europe, with her wonderful husband and their dogs, but these things haven’t happened yet. Instead, she’ll tell you she's an avid gamer, chocoholic, coffee addict, animal lover, and owns way too many books and shoes.

Follow her on Facebook or Twitter to stay updated regarding her books and reviews.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (#52)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1)

by Jennifer Armentrout 

Release date: March 2014

One kiss could be the last

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Jess's thoughts: Yup, that's right! More JLA for the taking. I honestly can't wait for this one. It's gargoyles, something that I have never read before, or ever really known to be published, it's a huge change. If you've read Jens Lux series you'll know she's pretty awesome at paranormal/fantasy books. So yeah, totally cannot wait for this! 

Donna's WoW

Fates (Fates #1)
by Lanie Bross 
Release date: February 11th, 2014

One moment. One foolish desire. One mistake. And Corinthe lost everything.

She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people's fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.

But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she is falling all over again--this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die. In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?

Donna's thoughts: I've only just come across this book on Goodreads and I'm dying for some new YA! This one sounds really interesting! 

<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!

Book Blitz for Only Between Us by Mila Ferrera + INT Giveaway

Only Between Us by Mila Ferrera
Publication Date: September 3rd, 2013
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Buy: Amazon 

Last semester, Romy escaped from an abusive relationship with the guy she’d thought was the man of her dreams. This semester she’s putting herself back together, determined to reclaim her passion for art and for life. When she signs up for a painting class at the local art co-op, the possibility of passion becomes very real -- in the form of her teacher, Caleb. Both mysterious and seriously hot, Caleb bares his soul on his canvases, and Romy’s fascinated by what she sees.

Caleb is just trying to keep his head above water. Caring for his traumatized, unstable sister is getting harder every day, and his paintings are so dark and bleak that no one is buying. Teaching classes at the co-op is no longer enough, and now he’s going to have to sell more than just his art to the wealthy, sex-starved women in his classes. But when Romy comes along, she makes everything more complicated. She sees the truth in his paintings -- a truth no one else has realized, until now.

Romy and Caleb might have a real shot together -- one that could heal them both. But when ghosts from their pasts re-emerge, determined to keep them apart, will they be strong enough to hold on to each other?

Excerpts from ONLY BETWEEN US:

From Romy’s perspective #1:

The stairs creak and we look up to see a guy coming down the steps. He looks to be in his mid-twenties, maybe a few years older than I am, and he moves with the careless grace of an athlete.

“Holy hotness,” breathes Jude, mimicking my thoughts perfectly. It’s not that I’m on the prowl, but in this life, there are a few objective truths, and this guy’s attractiveness is one of them. His jeans hang from his lean hips and are stained with paint. A similarly decorated t-shirt clings to his frame, and there’s a smear of blue on his tanned, muscular forearm. He has chin-length, chocolate brown hair, but he’s pulled some of it away from his face in a partial ponytail high on the back of his head. And that gives us a perfect view of his wolf-gray eyes, which skate over us with mild interest as he descends the stairs and walks toward us.

            “You guys here for my class?” he asks, nodding toward the classroom. Oh my God. He’s the teacher.

            “Absolutely,” Jude says quickly, newly enthusiastic, and I can’t hold in my laugh.

            “Head on in and grab an easel. We’ll start in a few minutes. I’m Caleb,” he says, holding his hand out to Jude, who shakes it and introduces himself.

            Caleb turns his gaze to me and offers his hand. “Romy,” I say as I take it, my heart beating a little faster as my skin touches his.

            He lets go first. “Have you painted before?” he asks softly, giving my toolbox a questioning glance.

            “A little.” That’s a lie. I minored in art in college, and painting was my passion. Until last year. I was passionate about a lot of things until last year, actually.

            He smiles, and it’s as warm as his skin and steals my breath. “You look nervous, Romy. You don’t have to be. This is supposed to be fun.”

AUTHOR BIO

Mila Ferrera lives in New England, where she has a family and a job and does various normal, everyday things, all while plotting novels in her head. She has a passion for writing new adult/adult romance featuring psychological twists and tortured heroes. Her own psychology internship involved plenty of consultation, but alas, no sexy Swedish doctors, and her decision to make one up is what sparked her self-publishing adventures. She's the author of SPIRAL (available now), ONLY BETWEEN US (9/3/13), and EVERYTHING BETWEEN US (11/5/13).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Review for Emerge (Evolve Series #1) by S.E. Hall

Posted by Donna 
Release Date: May 15th, 2013
Finished Date: August 20th, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle 
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US /

Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her, Evan having protected and coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.

Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.

A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.

Mature content.

The Review: “You are magnificent. Thank you for waiting for me, for this. I love you. I didn't know what that meant until I met you. You were made to be my other half and I yours.”

Well, I totally didn't expect that! This book went in completely the opposite direction I was expecting it too, but the result was so fantastic. 

Emerge starts with Laney and Evan, who have been best friends for years. Laney has always hoped for more from Evan but doesn't want to risk telling him, in case it ruins their relationships. However when Evan makes it clear he has feelings for her, Laney is finally living her dream, but like all dreams they end when the realisation of living miles apart sets in. Then Dane Kendrick walks into Laney's life and she's suddenly faced with the decision of loving two boys but not wanting to lose either of them. Who does she choose?

Emerge really surprised me. I was totally Team Evan and then, Dane walks in leaving me completely torn between the two. I was prepared to like both guys but I wasn't prepared to love them both as much as I did and in doing so, I would have been happy with either boy winning girl - which in all honesty, doesn't happen often. I really loved both boys, so by the end of the story I was happy. I also really liked Laney. I loved how real and realistic she was. She's a very likable character, one that continues to grow during the whole story. 

I don't think I can say any more without spoiling the story for you, but I will say this; Emerge is definitely a NA book you need to read. Enjoy!