A Review Black Moon (Silver Moon #2) by Rebecca A.Rogers

Posted by Donna
Published Date: January 13th, 2012
Finished Date: February 23rd, 2012
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
<
The Blurb from Goodreads: As the rise in supernatural disturbances continually expands to more obvious locations, Candra’s family and friends are on a never-ending hunt to remove the region’s dark magic. Greater forces are at work, though, as an accidental link is formed between Candra and Ben, “marking” their souls and coupling them forever. They can now see each other’s thoughts and speak to one another telepathically—bad news for sworn enemies. Occults spreading across Hartford, along with Candra and Ben’s mishap, are part of a bigger plan, one that neither the Lowells nor the Conways ever saw coming. There is more than one Ancient in their midst, and these primordial beings are lying in wait until Candra inherits her power. A power which hasn’t been seen in over five hundred years. A power which balances one of her enemy’s. These two powers combined can change the course of history. In order to survive a battle with the Ancients and protect their abilities, the Lowell’s and Conway’s will have to work together. Can they rise above their feud, or will they lose everything?

The Review: Rebecca A.Rogers has really out done herself with Black Moon. I thought Silver Moon was good but boy-she sure does take this book to a new level and totally raises the bar for the final book, Blood Moon.

Black Moon starts one week prior to Candra’s eighteenth birthday. While her family and friend prepare for the inventible night Candra is trying to keep away from Ben. But as a result of her family keeping her in the dark, she and Ben accidently become marked to on another, making Ben to seal the deal by kissing Candra. Now joined as one, Candra and Ben take on the mission to try and save everyone from Alaric but as more secrets are revealed an alliance with the enemy is the only way to win this war. But can their really be peace?

Black Moon was a great sequel to Silver Moon and although the story is a little shorter than the previous book, it’s still awesome nonetheless. It was action packed from start to finish and of course, this time around we see more ROMANCE! Ben and Candra really come together in this book and it was nice to finally see them together. I loved how protective Ben is of Candra, even to his family he really stands up for her and I loved seeing him do it. Now, Candra was more head strong is this book. With the fate of her family and friends on her shoulders, she really takes control and stands up to her family. They are trying to protect her but if anything, there just putting her in more danger and I can understand why they are trying to do it, but if anything–it annoyed me, so I’m glad that Candra stands up for herself….finally.

I also loved that we got to explore the more magical side to the werewolves this time around. We find out more about their powers, what each person can do and also what the enemy can do. I loved this added extra into this story and it makes it even more unique than ever.

Now the big bad aka Alaric is more evil than ever. With his evil plans to take everything away from everyone for himself, things are really looking bleak so I’m dying to find out what happens in Blood Moon. I really expect big things from the next book and I have a sneaky feeling that the author has some mind-blowing events that won’t leave us disappointed!

So……to 2013…..bring on Blood Moon!  

A Review for The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #1) by Abbi Glines

Posted by Donna
Published Date: October 17th, 2011
Finished Date: February 24th, 2012
Source: Freebie off of Amazon - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Kindle
Pages: 174
<
The Blurb from Goodreads:  Being the good girl isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ashton Gray has grown weary of playing the part to please her parents, and to be worthy of the town’s prince charming, Sawyer Vincent. Maybe That’s why she’s found herself spending time with Sawyer’s cousin, Beau, while he’s away for the summer camping with his family. Beau is nothing like her perfect boyfriend. He’s the sexiest guy she’s ever seen, dangerous in ways she’s only day dreamed about, and the one guy she should stay away from.
<
Beau never envied Sawyer his loving parents, his big nice home, or his position as quarterback. He loves him like a brother. Which is why he's tried everything in his power to keep his distance from Sawyer’s girlfriend. Even if he has loved her since the age of five, Ashton is Sawyer’s girl, so therefore she’s off limits. But when Sawyer leaves for the summer, Ashton, the one girl Beau would move Heaven and Earth for, decides she wants to get into trouble. Stabbing the one person who’s always accepted him and stood by him in the back, is the cost of finally holding Ashton Gray in his arms. Is she worth losing his cousin over?.... Hell Yeah.

<

The Review: Can you believe I got this book for free off of Amazon UK? Honestly, this is why I love Amazon/Authors when they put up free kindle books because it gives me the opportunity to read books that I probably wouldn't have bought right away - due to my ever growing to-be-read pile. And yes, I'm seriously kicking myself for not having bought  this book before because honestly....it is pretty amazing and I'm dying to read what's next.

Since Ashton was a young girl, she has always had two best friends - Sawyer and Beau who are cousins. Beau and Ashton used to cause all the trouble and Sawyer used to get them out of trouble. The three of them together were always so close but when Ashton starts dating Sawyer that all changes and for some reason her and Beau no longer speak. As the years pass Ashton finds herself changing to be a good girl - acting how she should and always doing the right thing to please Sawyer but when Sawyer goes on vacation during the summer, Ashton soon finds herself re-kindly her friendship with Beau but is it becoming something more? And can they fight off their feelings for one another so they don't hurt Sawyer?

Wow, The Vincent Boys is a heart-pounding story - one that is about first love, betrayal, loss and hidden secrets. From start to finish Abbi Glines captivated me with her easy writing and her fun loving storyline that I'm left dying to try more of her work. I'll I have heard is how good her writing is and honestly, I'm glad I'm not disappointed!

Abbi has created some fantastic characters with Ashton and Sawyer but there was one that is a total stand out and of course that's Beau. Sigh! He's the bad boy of the town;  he lives in a trailer, his mother works in a bar, he drinks and he gets into fights and most of all he has a slutty girlfriend but despite all this, you still want him. He's portrayed as a bad boy but appearances aren't everything. Deep down he's such a lovable guy and I'm questioning how the hell do authors come up with characters that are like Beau? He's adorable, hot and sexy and I need a Beau! I adored his relationship with Ashton and mainly I loved finding out how they were friends when they were young children. They were thick as thieves back then - always the two getting into trouble but through-out every Beau always protects Ashton and I loved it!

Now most importantly....there's a book two...yay! I am so not ready to leave these characters behind. When I found out there is going to be another book I was uber excited so I'm seriously happy about that and June 2012 cannot come quick enough! 

Highly recommended for a contemporary romance fan! 

A Review for Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Taherah Mafi

Posted by Donna
Published Date: November 15th, 2011
Finished Date: January 8th, 2012
Publishers: HarperCollins
Source: Gifted - 2012 TBR Reading Challenge
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 338
<
The Blurb from Goodreads: Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
<
The Review: “Hope is hugging me, holding me in its arms, wiping away my tears and telling me that today and tomorrow and two days from now I will be just fine and I'm so delirious I actually dare to believe it.” - Juliette

Shatter Me was one of the first books I read at the start of the year and even though it’s 2 months later and I’m only just writing this review now, this book is still in my head because it was just absolutely amazing!

I know you all know what this book is about so I won’t go into details about the plot but I have to admit, I really struggled with the first 50 pages. The writing style was hard to get into and although I enjoyed reading it because it was something completely different, I was just waiting for when something happened. I wanted Juliette to get out of the cell she was sharing with Adam. But once that happened…..wow! The story went from okay to BRILLIANT and I even went and re-read the first few pages and found I enjoyed it all the more the second time around. As the story progresses the writing style gets better and better and it’s really about Juliette coming out of her shell and trying to face the world. It’s really is a beautiful journey to read about.

Adam really stole the show for me during this book and without him, it just wouldn’t have been the same. He’s a mystery and as the story unravels - the more things he reveals about his life. I loved the fact that he’s done everything to get to Juliette…..his journey was all for her and it really shows how much he cares and loves her.

The story itself was action packed, exciting and dangerous. It’s full of heart-breaking and emotional scenes and the whole story was captivating and completely compels you until the very end.

A must read for 2012 and I cannot wait to read more with Unravel Me in 2013.

Favourite Quotes:

“He whispers, "You have no idea how much I've thought about you. How many times I've dreamt"-he takes a tight breath- "how many times I've dreamt about being this close to you." He moves to run a hand through his hair before he changes his mind. Looks down. Looks up. "God, Juliette, I'd follow you anywhere. Your the only good thing left in this world.” – Adam
<
"My face is in his hands and my lips are at his lips and he's kissing me and I'm oxygen and he's dying to breathe." - Juliette

A Review for The Alchemy of Forever (Incarnation #1) by Avery Williams

Posted by Donna
Expected Published Date: April 26th, 2012
Finished Date: February 6th, 2012
Publishers: Simon & Schuster 
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
<
The Blurb from Goodreads: After spending six hundred years on Earth, Seraphina Ames has seen it all. Eternal life provides her with the world's riches but at a very high price: innocent lives. Centuries ago, her boyfriend, Cyrus, discovered a method of alchemy that allows them to take the bodies of other humans from jumping from one vessel to the next, ending the human's life in the process. No longer able to bear the guilt of what she's done, Sera escapes from Cyrus and vows to never kill again. Then sixteen-year old Kailey Morgan gets into a horrific car accident right in front of her, and Sera accidentally takes over her body while trying to save her. For the first time, Sera finds herself enjoying the life of the person she's inhabiting--and falling in love with the boy who lives next door. But Cyrus will stop at nothing until she's his again, and every moment she stays, she's putting herself and the people she's grown to care about in danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that's eluded her for centuries: true love?
>
The Review: Firstly, how gorgeous is the UK cover for this book? So, so pretty!
<
I was really excited to start this book when I received it for review because I had heard so many good things about it and overall, it was a very enjoyable read.

Seraphina has spent the last six hundred years on Earth after drinking an elixir that gave her eternal life. Every few years she needs to jump into a new body but in doing so, it means taking the life of an innocent. Not being able to bare the guilt any longer Seraphina vows to make her current body her last - with the intention of killing herself. But when Kailey Morgan is seriously injured in a car accident, Seraphina accidently takes over her body – while trying to save her. Soon Seraphina finds herself posing as Kailey but more shockingly enjoying it because she soon starts to fall in love with Noah; the boy next door. But with Cyrus stopping at nothing to find Seraphina, can she really risk all the people she is growing to love? Or should she do the right thing and leave?
<
The Alchemy of Forever is a fast paced and enjoyable novel – one that I really liked. I felt the back story to Seraphina and Cyrus was explained very well and I found myself enthralled by the Alchemy history. However, I have to admit I didn’t enjoy the general story as much as I was hoping...there wasn't much excitement to the story but it was still good nonetheless.
<
Sera is an amazing character – one that I instantly liked. She’s head strong, determined and loveable. Even through out all her struggles to try and do the right thing, she remains herself and if anything, grows as a character. Her past is her past but she really does try to make up for it. But what I really loved about Sera was that she ended up loving Kailey’s life and caring about the people Kailey loved  - it was sweet. Maybe that’s what she needed all along, people to genuinely care about her….not like Cyrus trying to control her. And then of course we have Noah, I loved him! He’s such a sweet character and what touched me more than anything is, he knows deep down that something isn’t right with Kailey/Sera…he realises that Kailey is a different person and I can’t wait for him to find out the truth.

Now the ending, be prepared for one hell of a cliff-hanger. Talk about evil! Avery Williams definitely knows how to keep us readers in suspense and I’m praying that everything works out as I hope.

Overall, The Alchemy of Forever was a good debut novel and one I look forward to continuing with the next book. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan  and Mercy by Rebecca Lim. 

A huge thank you to Simon and Schuster UK for providing me with a copy for review. 

A Review for Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E.L. James

Posted by Jess
Published Date: January 17th, 2012
Finished Date: February 20th, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought 
Format: Kindle

The Blurb from Goodreads: When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

The Review: "Christian, you are the state lottery, the cure for cancer, and the three wishes from Aladdin's lamp all rolled into one"

To: Ms. E. L  James

CC: Christian Grey

Subject: A Review for Fifty Shades Darker

Date: 22nd February, 2012, 21.21
From: Jessica co Blogger at Book Passion for Life

Dear Ms. James,

I'm going to keep this short. This was a fantastic end to a fantastic trilogy, and to be honest, I'm sad that it ended. I'm sad that they'll be no more Christian Grey.  This series has truly been wonderful to read, I'll forever keep these books as some of the best reads of all time. 

Everything about Fifty Shades Freed was beautifully written, and written well continuing the story of Christian and Ana. Continuing their journey, discovering their feelings, discovering their demons, learning to accept one another, they both truly came together in this one. 

You, Ms. James, have created a wonderful trilogy that should be adored and wanted all over the world. As I said in my last review for Darker these books should be read and recommended. The ending was truly perfect, and the epilogue was beautiful, if not, a little longer than needed. None the less. The ending was perfect and I will forever love this series, and Christian Grey, who is by far the hardest man to forget about. It seems all men now become inadequate. 

I thank you once again, Ms. James.

Beguiled Fifty Shades reader Jessica co Blogger at Book Passion for Life

Waiting on Wednesday (#8)

"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

Hidden (Firelight #3) by Sophie Jordan
Release date: September 11th, 2012

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.


Jess's thoughts: VERY excited about this! I loved books 1 and 2, and I believe this is the final book, and I'm still so torn between Will and Cassian. *sigh*. We'll see! 

Donna's WoW

Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson
Release date: June 12th, 2012


Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!


Donna's thoughts: This book sounds so awesome and I honestly hadn't even heard about it until I saw it on Jess's wishlist. Italian men?? What's not to like. And the fact there will be four books too....Yum! I can't wait to get it!

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!

Glory (The Legend of Glory #1) by Devin O'Branagan

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie
Published Date: May 22nd, 2011
Finished Date: February 2nd, 2012
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 220

The Blurb from Goodreads: Seventeen-year-old Glory Templeton's blood holds the cure for a deadly pandemic-plague, and she embarks on a quest to save humanity. When evil forces conspire to stop her, three supernatural beings are assigned to be her guardians. Forbidden love, ancient secret societies, mysterious astronomical monuments, witches, angels, vampires, and demons all contribute to the high adventure that tests the character of this remarkable young woman. The legend of Glory begins. . .

The Review: We join Glory on her journey as she becomes the only person able to cure the Pan-plague sweeping through the world. An immense number of people are dying through the infection and it is of vital importance that Glory finds the scientists that have gone into hiding after the death of a colleague and the kidnapping of another who happens to be Glory’s mother Kate. Her only clue is to seek out Father Michael at a local church who then informs her that there is more to the world than she thinks. Because of the severity of the situation and that she is being hunted by the corporation her mother works for, she is assigned bodyguards/protectors by the powers that be, Kaia, Zane and Dominic form the unlikely gang, along with Glory and her dog- Hallie – they set off on their mission to save humanity. Not only are they up against the corporation and evil, they all have a serious amount of baggage and issues that they need to deal with. It leads Glory to wonder if the powers that be are nuts to have put the hope of human kind in the hands of four angst ridden teens and a dog.

Hopefully I won’t give too much away about the characters here because that was part of the allure, getting to know them and finding out what makes them tick. Glory is your average 17 year old girl, living in a farming town, easy life etc. when events that are out of her control turn her life upside down, she turns out to be man-kinds only hope. She doesn’t want to do this, she’d rather dwell on her grief and pain but instead ‘pulls on her big girl panties’ and gets on with it. She is really quite admirable in her attitude to her predicament, with her determination and thinking she deals with things incredibly well considering her situation and I would like to think that if I were in her shoes that I would be the same. It’s a shame that the same can’t be said for her rationality regarding men which leads us onto the brooding men, Zane- the Cowboy and Dominic- the reluctant hero who would give any emo a run for their money. She is drawn to both in totally different ways and that leads them all to places they do & don’t want to go. Last but not least is Kaia, I really liked her too, she is a great character, best friend material and just pretty awesome. All of the characters are great, even the dog and you will empathise with them all as they go through this journey and their own personal journeys. They are well written, the dialogue and the relationships between them are good. Just, all round likeable characters that even though we have only just gotten to know them are still capable of making you feel like they have so much more to give.

So, this was a really good read. I liked the storyline and how the paranormal element was brought in and mixed with a touch of religion so that what you thought was going to be a cut and dried ‘run & chase’ book, turned into something different. I also liked how the plot wasn’t all about Glory, yes it centred on her but each of the characters had their own part and their own personal issues to deal with too, it really makes you have some deep thoughts about your own place in the world and what you would do in Glory’s position. Some real life touches were brought into the mix too, personally I had never heard of the ‘monument’ so when I finished the book, I looked it up and it is in fact real –quite bizarre & mysterious- but real and now it has me curious and I need to know more about it (yes, I know I’m being cryptic but I’m trying not to give anything away and you will understand when you read it) I loved how its message and the organisation it supposedly represents were weaved into the plot. The thing that got me thinking also is that the main scenario could very well happen and the way corporations are these days, would we put it past them to do something like this in the name of ‘humanity’? This was a really good enjoyable, thought provoking book that has still got me thinking about it as I write this, the day after reading and I will definitely be continuing to read the next books as they come out.

Dusty Reads (#7)

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme, hosted by Xpresso Reads featuring a book that has been sitting unread on our shelves for some time. To participate and more information, click here.

Jess's Dusty Read

The Replacement
by Brenna Yovanoff

Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, Mackie comes from a world of tunnels and black, murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattoed princess. He is a replacement - left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago when it was stolen away by the fey. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world. Mackie would give anything just to be normal, to live quietly amongst humans, practice his bass guitar and spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem, where he must face down the dark creatures and find his rightful place - in our world, or theirs.

Jess's thoughts: I've had this on my shelf for so long. I bought it over a year ago and I still haven't picked it up. I was mostly attracted to the cover and I love anything Fae. I'll get to it one day. Hopefully.

Donna's Dusty Read

Overprotected 

by Jennifer Laurens

Ashlyn:A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong.

Donna's thoughts: Ever since I read Jennifer's 'Nailed' I've been dying to read this but I just haven't had time. I've heard so many great things about it too so I MUST try and read this book, this year. 

So that's our Dusty Read's for this week! Don't forget to leave us your thoughts below. 

Happy Reading!

A Review for Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E.L James

Posted by Donna
Published Date: January 17th, 2012
Finished Date: February 20th, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought 
Format: Kindle
Pages: 507
<
The Blurb from Goodreads: When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

The Review: I’m going to keep this review short and sweet because honestly, I think you already know how much I adore this series and Fifty Shades Freed was a perfect ending to an emotional and loving story – one that I’m grateful for reading.

Ana and Christian have truly been wonderful characters from the start and honestly, it wasn’t an easy journey. They each overcome their own personal demons and fears but by doing that, it brings them closer together. This book see’s their patience and love tested beyond belief and how they manage to stay strong through-out proves just how much they love one another. No one said these characters are perfect and they do make mistakes – but that’s life! And I love them all the more for it.

E.L James has created a truly fantastic series with fantastic character and ended the story on such a high note that truly touches your heart. It’s safe to say closure is the best ending for a book and boy does E.L James deliver.

Life is never going to be boring with Christian, and I’m in this for the long haul. I love this man: my husband, my lover, father of my child, my sometimes Dominant……my Fifty Shades. – Ana

A Review for Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2) by E.L. James

Posted by Jess
Published Date: September 15th, 2011
Finished Date: February 18th, 2012
Publishers: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Source: Bought
Format: Kindle

The Blurb from Goodreads: Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

The Review: “This is me, Ana. All of me...and I'm all yours. What do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you. That I love you.” – Christian

To: Ms. E. L. James

Subject: Review for Fifty Shades Darker

Date: February 20th, 2012, 08.42

From: Jessica at Book Passion for Life

Dear Ms, James,

Firstly, I'd like to thank you for bringing Christian Grey into my life. It seems now after reading Fifty Shades Darker and almost finishing Fifty Shades Freed, I can't seem to get Mr. Grey out of my head. He beguiles me, Ms. James. Plain and simple.  I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Grey, is a man worth loving and as his and Ana's story continued in book 2, I became infatuated with them both. Fifty Shades Darker is by far better than Fifty Shades of Grey. I can tell you that although I loved Christian in book one, I love him more now, because it's this book that we're introduced to a new Christian. A playful Christian, a hotter Christian, a sweet Christian. Let me make mention to Ana, she's stronger in this book, Ms. James. I like her strength, her will to handle Christian and all his mood swings. Do I believe she's sometimes the cause to his mood swings? Absolutely. She seems to antagonise him a little, leading to angry Christian. But that's OK. Although their relationship is one of pure love, and ultimately lust, I don't think I've read about any two characters more meant for each other than these two.  

I'm in awe of you Ms. James. In awe of how you've managed to create a story worth telling. How you've managed to create memorable characters. You, Ms. James are how other erotic writers should be. They should learn from you and create plot lines. You have a plot in your book Ms. James, I realise this should be a review for Darker but I'd mention that all your books have plots, they aren't just about the kinky f*ckery, oh no, you have a story to tell, and you tell it well. Extremely well, and I begrudge anyone who wishes to disagree with me. Because, frankly, Ms. James, this story, these characters, this setting its in a whole league of its own. And a story that should be read and recommended to each and every person (providing they're ages 18+, of course). Fifty Shades Darker has so much more than what Fifty Shades of Grey had, I especially enjoyed the charity event, the boat, and the club. It felt right to get out of Christian's apartment (sometimes ;)), out of his playroom and just see him becoming the 26 year old that he should be not the overly controlling CEO that we fell in love with to begin with. The ending to Fifty Shades Darker was perfect. So perfect. 

I'm sorry to ramble on Ms. James. But I had to make my sentiments known. I'd like to just say that if anyone who hasn't read your book they really should pick them all up. Right now. 

Thank you Ms. James.

Irrevocably in love with Christian Grey- Jessica co blogger at Book Passion for Life

Cover Reveal & Excerpt for Inbetween by Tara Fuller

The lovely people at Entangled Publishings have asked us to take part in the cover reveal for Tara Fuller's new novel 'Inbetween'. And not only that, but we have an excerpt for you too - to get you all excited about the release. Awesome huh?

*Drumroll please*

Chapter 1

Finn

Sometimes Emma made me feel so alive, I almost forgot I was dead. Almost.

I sank down onto the side of her bed, amazed by the blazing wildfire that swept through me whenever Emma was near enough to touch. I took a deep, unneeded breath, and settled down on my side next to her. The mattress didn’t sink. The springs didn’t groan with the weight of an extra body. The distance between us was an impossible void. Inches that might as well have been miles. Miles that left me wanting in so many ways that I ached.

Even the sun couldn’t resist her. Its glowing rays caressed her skin, and stained her hair the satiny color of summer wheat. Before I knew what was happening, my hand followed their lead. Cells ignited. My skin burned, screaming with the agonizing need to touch—

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I jerked my hand away just as Easton melted up from the polished hardwood floor beneath the window. Like an oil slick coming to life, he unfolded his long, shadowy legs until he was just an ink blot against the square of tangerine sunrise behind him. His violet eyes pinned me like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Which, I kind of was.

“Nothing,” I lied.

“Yeah, looked like nothing.” He strolled across the room accompanied by a wave of sulfur and smoke, the black serpent tattoo on his neck glinting. “What were you planning to do, recite her poem? I swear to God, if you were still alive I’d confiscate your man card.”

I ignored the barb and scrunched up my nose. “Jesus, Easton. Don’t they have a shower somewhere between here and the afterlife?”

“Screw you. You didn’t just have to tow somebody’s grandpa to Hell.” He brushed something chalky and grey off of his cloak and a shudder worked its way down my spine. God only knows who or what it belonged to. “Besides I wasn’t the one about to feel up a sleeping human.”

“I wasn’t—”

“Save it.” He waved his hand. “We have work to do. I don’t have time for your useless obsession with the human today.”

 “Will you please stop calling her that?”

“What?” Easton glanced up from Emma’s vanity, where he’d been inspecting the various lotions and bottles like he was on some alien planet. Then again, Easton had been dead for something like four hundred years, so all of her stuff probably was sort of alien to him.

“The human. You make me sound like a freak. It’s not like we’re a different species for God’s sake. We were humans, too, or don’t you remember that far back?”

“Were. Past tense.”

We could have gone back and forth like that for hours, but the call came. It always did. It started in my bones—a cold so cutting that it sliced through me like a machete. When I looked up, Easton’s jaw was clenched, his muscles taut and ready. He slowly closed his hand around the handle of his scythe that burned black and softly smoked at his side. I flexed my fingers as the icy ribbons of death worked their way through each one of my limbs.

“Can you take this one for me?” I asked. “You’re already going to be there, and I just got back—”

“No,” Easton said. “Hell no. I have my own job to do. I can’t keep covering for your sorry ass. Besides, you’re already on thin ice with Balthazar. Don’t push your luck, Finn. Just keep your nose down, collect your souls, and thank the Almighty that you don’t have my job. Now let’s go.”

“Yeah, but…” My eyes returned to Emma. Sleeping. Perfect. Safe.

“For the love of God. She’ll be fine, you pansy.” Easton clamped a hand over my shoulder and dragged me from the bed.

“How do you know?”

He shrugged. “I don’t.”

 With that he vanished, consumed in a flash by the keening wails of the damned. The screams beckoned. Clawed at me from the inside out.

Rule one as a seeker: Death doesn’t wait for anyone.

And it sure as hell wasn’t waiting for me now.

*********

Wow! I want to read it now!! You better pop this one on your TBR lists guys because it's not one to miss out on.