January 31, 2014

Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Mistaken

 
Cover art is found from Wicked Scribes, ATUF, Goodreads, social networks, and other sources.
***All cover art may not be final.***

Today is a special Cover Coveting for the fourth book in the Ancients of Light series! Just tuned into this series myself and I’m very excited to be apart of this tour!


Mistaken (Ancients of Light, book 4) by Heather Fleener

mistaken

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Grab it: Amazon | Goodreads

Coming Spring 2014

Enemies by circumstance of Creation
Sworn to their purpose, the Vampire and the Witch were created to battle over the fate of mankind.

He was the First
Until one Vampire sought a Higher Purpose.

She was the Beginning
And one Witch’s faith brought Darkness into the Light.

Their love would turn the course of the Ancient War…
Before the Prophecy, an Ancient Queen and the Vampire she loved would forge the path for those that would follow.

Excerpt

Tristan liked that the witch was not composed enough to hide her shiver and the responsive widening of her eyes, but he did not like the apprehension he viewed there. He could not ascertain whether her tremble was due to terror or because somewhere, deep inside, her need rivaled his own. Having witnessed her bravery in their earlier confrontation, he tended to believe it was the latter, even if she was too inexperienced to recognize that truth. Intensely satisfied that he had her under his control - even if it was only for this short period – her closeness eased his raging, predatory instincts.

Leaning down to issue his gentle-toned inquiry, his breath stirred the tendrils of sun-bleached gold near her ear, “Do I scare you, Alia?”

Alia knew it was reasonable to be terrified; one of the darkest warriors within the enemy ranks had abducted her. Drawing back to look at him, she had no doubt that he was the stronger between the two of them. Those tips of teeth peeking from behind his upper lip should have her screaming in fright and begging for her life, but the longer she peered into that brilliant blue gaze, the more she calmed and her senses acclimated to their surroundings.

The sound of cascading water came to her, and almost simultaneous to that she felt an internal pull. Disbelieving, her gaze flit to the mouth of the cave. During her hurried inspection on arrival – her oversight most likely attributable panic - she had failed to identify its most extraordinary feature. Standing deep within the recesses, hundreds of feet from that opening, Alia had been mistaken in thinking that the overcast weather was responsible for the wall of gray visible beyond the entrance. Now, coupling her recognition of the sound with a second look, she realized that it was not a foggy haze but that a waterfall curtained the opening.

Those of her Caste were strongest when surrounded by nature’s bounty, which was why her kin settled within forests. It was also the reason they most often chose to bare their skin in a manner that was just short of improper. The feel of the rays of the sun and even the very wind against their flesh pulled at their magic. Understanding was in her eyes when they narrowed and shot back to him. It was obvious that he had been waiting for her to understand the significance of this location.

Her command over water and lightning was a new facet of Nature magic never before displayed by her kind, but her captor had witnessed her abilities firsthand. The more wild those elements, the more responsive her magic, and yet he had brought her here. His smug expression conveyed that his choice for her temporary prison had been deliberate and Alia was most certain that Tristan realized that her strength would be magnified being near such a powerful manifestation of one of the elements that she controlled.

Clever Vampire… Skatosita … She did not want to like him, but this one was making it rather impossible to relegate him to the pile of degenerate monsters that populated his breed. She had already determined that the Witch leaders were wrong in their assessment of his race. Rather than a rabid beast, Alia had witnessed the intelligence in this Vampire leader. During their first encounter, she had also glimpsed a side that suggested much more was lurking in him. Now he intentionally brought her to a place where she would feel strong, not powerless. A myriad of questions formed, and seeing her bemused expression, Tristan smirked and lifted a brow in invitation to speak her mind.

Her lone question was accusatory, “How did you know?”

Tristan refused to believe she was as upset with him as her tone implied, but he was not going to pretend to be something that he was not for the sake of charming her. Alia was a divine creation while he had been spat from the pits of Hell. He was resolute - between them there would be no skirting what either of them was, or the bloodied history between their breeds. For that reason, he gave her the truth, “I told you that we know much about the Witch. Your breed spills secrets from its lips as rain falls from the sky… and even was your Caste not of the same ilk, your kin reveal their secrets as willingly as all the others with the proper incentive.”

It sunk into her slowly what he meant by incentive, and she whispered confirmation of her understanding, aghast that he would broach the subject with her and have the audacity to gloss over it, “Torture.”

The word lingered between them and held no hint of question; the little witch had already convicted him. Tristan could have comfortably avoided the blatant confirmation, but he gave her a curt nod to make certain she had no room to doubt her conclusion. He did not want her young and fanciful imagination to make him into something more valiant than he was.

She did not move, but her eyes stabbed him, followed by words that were pious and clipped, “I would imagine, as a General in the Darks, that you are particularly adept at such practices.”

Alia was acting as though the Vampire were exclusive in their use of such abusive techniques. Her youthful innocence was endearing, but her illusions about the moral fabric of her leadership required correction. Rolling his eyes over her naiveté, his arms folded across his chest. The response he offered was calmly given, not defensive, “I am no more adept than your own leaders, Alia.”

There were rumors, of course, about the methods used by the Queens to interrogate the Vampire, but she had seen no such practice herself. She remained self-righteous, “I would not know, but I cannot think that our ways would be as twisted as those that the Darks employ and…”

Tristan snapped, leaning in, his sharp words interrupting her defense of her breed, “That is because you are young, Alia. You are foolish to believe that those you follow are so far above what I am and what I am required to do in order to fight this war.”

Starring at him for long moments, Alia realized that while she could allow his impatient interruption to push her into arguing, she was reluctant to fight with him. While she would not take his claim as fact merely because the handsome Dark proclaimed it, she would also neither ignore it. Many of her beliefs – beliefs that had been postulated as truths by her Queens – had been challenged recently, but she needed time and distance from him in order to form her own conclusions. The best choice was to move to another topic.

He had yet to withdrawal after those last words and his close presence was stealing her focus while her magic seemed to be coursing manically through her veins. The combination was leaving her feeling flushed and off balance. When she returned to his very first question, Alia was conscious that her breathy words most likely revealed too much of her attraction, “Should I be afraid?”

Tristan experienced a surge of triumph when she turned the topic rather than answer his harsh words in kind. The grin he gave her was a reflection of his pleasure and an entreaty to trust him, “There are parts of you that already know that answer…”

Leaning in closer still, it required only a small movement on his part to close the small gap that remained between them. The beauty did not retreat. Her nearness had his eyes shifting black while they lowered to observe the delectable pulse dancing beneath the sun-kissed skin of her neck. Still the witch did not move away…instead, her gaze was waiting for his when it lifted, and sparkles of magic blossomed there in response to his entreaty, “Listen to those parts, Alia… something inside you already knows that you belong to me.”

When she did not immediately deny it, Tristan could not help but wonder what it would be like to drink sunshine.


About the Authorheather_fleener

Heather Fleener lives in Indiana with her husband, D.A. and their twins, Thomas and Alexandra. Professionally she has spent her career working in the area of Intellectual Property law.

Reading has been a passion of hers since she was young and she has adored romance novels her entire life. The romantic styles of Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood are her inspiration, though she has read and loved the stories of countless other authors. Her fascination with the paranormal began to form at the young age of six, watching late-night ghost and vampire movies with her Grandpa. Unfortunately, as a result, she also remains afraid of the dark to this day.

Combining her love of epic romances and the supernatural was a natural progression for her overactive imagination. When the idea for the Ancients of Light series began, it was an abstract story line rambling around in her head to help kill a few miles on the treadmill. As the stories and plotlines continued to grow, it finally became necessary to put the words to paper and build the characters that had been living in the Realm and having conversations in her head for months.

The series is a testament to many miles on the treadmill and lots of characters that insist on having their stories told.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Blog | Pinterest

January 30, 2014

Review: Alienated

****Copy received for an honest review via Netgalley. Alienated releases February 4th 2014.****

Alienated (Alienated, book 1) by Melissa Landers

alienated

Genre: Sci/Fi Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Alienated

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.


Review:

Upon finishing Alienated I stared into it's pages (OK, ebook page), said thank you, and gave it a big hug! Finally a book had delivered on the alien/human romance my heart had been yearning for! Too long had the YA alien romance titles felt hollow. Genre catering and practically fan pandering the story out. Which was an amazing feat because going into Alienated I was there for the pretty cover, and maybe the off chance that I'd find something interesting.

Readers are introduced to Cara as she finds out that she's been picked as part of the a program called LEAP: the L'eihr Exchange Ambassador Program. America, France, and China are taking part as a way to see if an alliance can be made. The authenticity of it really made me one happy bookworm! Landers was creating a legit world and the romance had something solid to start off on. Sure Cara accidentally mooning Aelyx—her L'eihr exchange student—was really silly. It's funny the thing that really pulled me into the book was that Cara called her journalistic alien blog Alienated: May the Source Be With You. Then the way she wrote her entries. I love clever humor. From then on I felt like Landers whole book was one fun and clever creation. The romance was done beautifully and I felt—experienced—it with Cara every step of the way.

Alienated is not a fluff piece. It might be mainly marketed, and is, a romance title for young adults. It touches on many important issues. Such as xenophobia. Showing how a small group can let their fears move them into becoming a terrorist group. More so is that by Cara and her family are ostracized, threatened by the very people they've helped, and even lose there friends. It's a chilling example how we as humans can be completely gripped my fear and lose their rational minds. Even better is the point of view from Aelyx that shares how his world seems perfect to him and more advanced, but might not be any better. He's even there to toss a wrench in the plan of uniting the two worlds . . . which I won't give anymore away on. There's more to this then the first book goes into. Aelyx's home planet needs the humans on earth, something is up with there genetic altercations and cloning. And now the Earth needs them. With a taste of the cure for cancer and a few other bits that lead to Earth's entire ecosystem being threatened. The alliance has never been more vital.

Another plus for me is not only how fully realized Landers' world is, but her characters. It was a relief that Cara didn't just look as Aelyx and go “He's so freaking gorgeous, I'm in love.” Even more was Aelyx experiences tapping into his emotions. Especially the research done on both sides for alien and human “mating.” Despite both characters realizing how much they love each other they still have to overcome obstacles and fight for trust—and each other. Cara's family is amazing and I'm so thankful that a loving family is represented in Alienated. What's more powerful is that a character, readers never truly get to meet, had such an impact on the story that when certain events unfolded I was moved to a misty eyed state.

There is soooooooo much more to be revealed in what's really happening on L'eihr. (Personally I think there is some shady business going on behind this seemingly peaceful and perfect race.) The development of not only the alliance and the romance already has me impatiently awaiting the next book! 2015 can't come fast enough! It's wonderful to have a romance that feels so authentic and makes me feel all happy giddy! Sometimes it's nice to be able to fan girl out! Even better is a romance taking place in a fully developed world. One that I hunger for more of! Can’t wait to see how Cara will represent the human race and show the L'eihrs that even with the negative side of humanity, comes the beautiful.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, talk about sex, making out, and some slightly slanderous talk about girls.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Alienated (1)
Invaded (2)

Alienated (1)
Invaded (2)

Alienated (1)
Invaded (2)

January 29, 2014

Wednesday Wishes

It’s official the weather is crazy, and yes I’m aware how much time I spend thinking about the weather. My point is I think it’s making me snoozy.


Kissed by Darkness by Shea Macleod

11888618Get it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Sunwalker Saga, book 1

Three years ago, Morgan Bailey narrowly survived a vampire attack that left her with heightened senses, uncanny speed, and a new calling: supernatural bounty hunter. Since that day, sexy, street-smart Morgan hasn’t met a vampire she couldn’t dust or a demon she couldn’t kill — until she’s hired to hunt down a priceless amulet and the sunwalker who stole it. Sunwalkers — powerful vampires immune to sunlight — are notoriously difficult to find, let alone kill. Still, a job’s a job, and Morgan’s never been one to shy away from a challenge. So bring it on… right?

But the sunwalker ends up tracking her down. And not only that, he turns out to be cunning, charming — and undeniably gorgeous. Nevertheless, she can’t ignore the destruction he is capable of: the sunwalker possesses an ancient secret which, if unleashed, could destroy the human world. Captivating and fantastical, Kissed by Darkness introduces a kick-ass new heroine and an addictive new series for fans of urban fantasy.

A friend just reminded me about this book! The cover puts me off, so bad! But it sounds totally up my alley.

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

11045709Get it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: YA Dystopian
Series: N/A

I am red now. It was her first thought of the day, every day, surfacing after a few seconds of fogged, blessed ignorance and sweeping through her like a wave, breaking in her breast with a soundless roar. Hard on its heels came the second wave, crashing into the wreckage left by the first: he is gone.

Hannah Payne’s life has been devoted to church and family. But after she’s convicted of murder, she awakens to a nightmarish new life. She finds herself lying on a table in a bare room, covered only by a paper gown, with cameras broadcasting her every move to millions at home, for whom observing new Chromes—criminals whose skin color has been genetically altered to match the class of their crime—is a sinister form of entertainment. Hannah is a Red for the crime of murder. The victim, says the State of Texas, was her unborn child, and Hannah is determined to protect the identity of the father, a public figure with whom she shared a fierce and forbidden love.

A powerful reimagining of The Scarlet Letter, When She Woke is a timely fable about a stigmatized woman struggling to navigate an America of the not-too-distant future, where the line between church and state has been eradicated, and convicted felons are no longer imprisoned but chromed and released back into the population to survive as best they can. In seeking a path to safety in an alien and hostile world, Hannah unknowingly embarks on a journey of self-discovery that forces her to question the values she once held true and the righteousness of a country that politicizes faith and love.

It sounds like this book starts out really slow, but it kicks it into gear in the last mile!

Chosen by Heather Fleener

coversGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Ancients of Light, book 1

In the beginning...there were Vampire
Man’s fall from grace sparked the birth of the Dark creatures from the underworld. To counter the explicit threat to mankind, divinely-created immortals were brought forth. The Witch encompassed seven Castes of power; their magic was most effective against the nefarious agenda pursued by the evil ones.
She is Chosen...
Kaitriana’s gift of magic is unrivaled. A descendant of the most powerful Ancient in existence, her birth was foretold ages before her time. Destined to lead the Witch faction, she is betrayed by her own kind, destroying her birthright and all hope of delivering the Realm from the sinister shadow of the Ancient Dark.
He is the Key...
Lorcan is a mighty warlord in the Vampire species. His animosity towards the magical immortals is personal - his mother was their Queen. Having long since severed all ties with his former kin, his existence remains plagued by the repercussions of her treachery and a secret that threatens to be his downfall.
They are the Prophecy...
An arcane prophecy from the time of the Ancients proclaims that only two in all of creation can bring peace to the Realm. When Kaitriana miraculously appears seeking his protection, Lorcan must forsake his duty and disregard the dictates of his breed to shelter the female. Together they must combat the Ancient Dark and surmount the forces within their own factions that would oppose the Prophecy. Their fates have always been entwined and only when joined can they triumph over a blood feud that has shadowed the Light for millennia.
About the Ancients of Light series
Chosen is the first in the thirteen books of the Ancients of Light series and is only the beginning of a young Witch’s journey toward developing both the strength of character and magic that will be required to fulfill her prophesied role as leader of the Light faction.
Revelations of nuances in the Prophecy - facets that were never fully comprehended by the Ancients - will continue in successive stories. The culmination of its true meaning in the destiny of the supernatural world of the Realm will only be revealed when Kaitriana is adequately prepared to lead the Warriors now being called together to champion the Light’s purpose.
Familiar characters return for each storyline as the focus turns to a new key couple in every book - a pair that significantly factors into the purpose of Light – however, the story of the Chosen does not end with Book #1. Kaitriana and Lorcan, their growth together as partners in leadership and in love as a couple, will thread through the series as Kaitriana assumes the role that was destined as hers since the beginning

Think this is the first time where the length of the book summary makes me want to step away. However, it’s gotten some pretty positive reviews from my GR friends.

January 28, 2014

Review: Cruel Beauty

****Copy received for an honest review through Netgalley.****

Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe, book 1) by Rosamund Hodge

cruel-beauty

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Cruel Beauty

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.


Review:

“If one of us had to die, it ought to be the one with poison in her heart.” - Nyx

It feels so strange to finish a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and be so . . . awed. It's just that I haven't been this in love with a BatB retelling in forever! It was so nice not to simply read another version of the same story that had little tweaks, or a modernized version for the sake of modernizing it. No, Cruel Beauty was something wholly unique, and it borrows lightly from the classic BatB tale. There's a magical mixture of Greek mythology, questionable morals, and a beautiful world.

“I wasn't born to be saved.” - Nyx

Nyx is this stories Bell/Beauty. What I love is that Cruel Beauty doesn't attempt to make this story about looks, how she's so plain or really stunning. No. What the story tries to stay focused on is what's inside of Nyx. The daughter of a man who made a deal with the Gentle Lord (AKA Ignifex), and was chosen to pay the price. Trained to kill Ignifex who will one day be her husband. Nyx isn't a sweet and innocent girl. She didn't willingly go into this arrangement she did it out of duty. Like the original she loves books and knowledge, but for the most part that's were it ends. The references to the “poison” inside her that makes her a bad daughter for resenting her fate and family, and the anger that's a temperament to being human is very realistic. What's more is that Nyx recognizes theses faults, and constantly berates herself for not being more dutiful and self sacrificing. All of these emotions are so relatable and a lot of the time I kept wanting to shout at the poor girl that she was right to feel that way. Maybe she should question everything! In a lot of ways Nyx recognizing those flaws made her stronger and weaker. More naive at times.

“Because despite all the poison in my heart, I knew it was not Astraia's fault that Father had picked her over me.” - Nyx

Cruel Beauty plays well on the fact that not everything is black and white. From the fools who go to make deals with Ignifex in the hope that their selfish wishes will be granted. Even when one is to kill the husband of a woman a man wants, all to make her happy. Sure the husband was beating the woman, but what right did that man have to wish another dead. In the end he would get what he wanted, another mans wife. Would he have made the same deal if the wife wasn't being abused? The price of every wish granted always ends in tragedy, all of the stories and people know this. Yet Ignifex is the villain for having to make these bargains. No one is innocent and by the end of the book I felt every character had poison in their hearts. Even the beloved Astraia who was supposed the be the sweet innocent sister. A character I would have loved to explore especially when Nyx is finally reunited with her sister and it's so easy to see the cruelty spilling out. That just as Nyx had put on an act of an obedient daughter, Astraia pretended to be an angel.

“Don't look at the shadows too long, or a demon might look back.”

A father who could selfishly bargain for children because he believed it was his wife’s wish, never considering that there might be a reason she couldn't conceive. Then bargaining away the precious life of his own child, and eventually entering into a relationship with his dead wife's sister. Poison. Every character met it could be argued has some kind of poison. Or shadow. To me that's were the real depth of Cruel Beauty come into play. The people crying out monster, and the monster who understands what he is, may not have it all straight. Human is to  have a little monster in us all, some bigger then others.

The world of Arcadia is fascinating. An island that is covered in a parchment sky and only a dark void below. The realization of the Greek mythology in this world is fantastic. The cruelty, cleverness, and prices of Greek myth has always been a huge fascination of mine. To see it fully realized in a BatB retelling is awesomesauce! Nyx is sent in to kill The Gentle Lord, Ignifex, and to free Arcadia. However, the very plan that her father has prepared her to use may not be the key, or are the monsters lying? . So begins the bigger riddle as to what truly happened and if killing Ignifex can free the people.

“And every other time I'd loved somebody, it had twisted in my heart. I couldn't risk it with him.” - Nyx

In the end any BatB story is about the romance. It's so wonderful how it all develops. At first I pissed and moaned because I thought another spotty love triangle had been stuck in a great book. It quickly becomes apparent it's not a true  love triangle, it's a mystery. Nyx's eventual love for a “beast” is probably one of the best portrayals I've ever seen. Self-doubt, loathing, and finally acceptance tempered by shame. After all the beast of this book is a demon. Every emotion felt more vibrant then some of the adult love stories I've read. The fact that in most BatB retellings the beauty is completely fine with falling in love with a monster, that sweet innocence is charming. Cruel Beauty isn't about innocence. All of the shadows only enhance the passion, love, and choices. Would you take the seemingly perfect prince, or the beast who is the only one that can understand the real you? The one person you don't lie to besides yourself.

“I think I'm wicked enough to love a demon.” - Nyx

“I love you more than any other creature, because you are cruel, and kind, and alive.” - Ignifex

Readers will probably each take something different away. In fact, after talking with another reader about Cruel Beauty. I had come away with the message that no one is truly innocent and that even monsters can have kindness. She then told me that she hadn't gotten that at all. She was convinced the story was about how the innocent should be protected so that “poison” didn't slip in and harm them. Heck, maybe this book doesn’t even have message and we were both over thinking it! Either way Cruel Beauty gets ya thinking.

Cruel Beauty dabbles in inner monsters, nothing overly scary but more human. Showing that denial and how even a simple choice can have horrible consequences. The love story feels more authentic with both the beauty and the beast humanized. Showing that both have goodness and kindness in them. Cruel Beauty will keep you thinking about not only human nature, but the mysteries. If you're a good guesser, and you know your myths the plot will probably be easy to crack. Even with that it still manages to dish some tricks out. BatB has always been a story of how the girl saves the man, but what happens after a heavy dose of betrayal is thrown into the mix?

“But we'll pretend we know how to love.” - Nyx

Sexual Content: Kissing and making out. Classic we’re having sex, but it cuts out until after stuff. (Been a while since I’ve read YA books that still do that.)

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Cruel Beauty (1)
Gilded Ashes (1.5)

Cruel Beauty (1)
Gilded Ashes (1.5)

Cruel Beauty (1)
Gilded Ashes (1.5)

January 27, 2014

Review: Full Blooded

****Copy received for an honest review through Netgalley.****

Full Blood (Jessica McClain, book 1) by Amanda Carlson

full-blooded

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Full Blooded

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.

But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves.

When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life.


Review:

“Whirlpools swirling, cascading, twirling. Hawaiian roller coaster ride!” Yeah! What a rush! It's this crazy thrill ride from page one to the end. Which means big cliffhanger that you'll want to have the next book on hand for. It's really hard to find a book that never slows down and just keeps careening down a path of edge-of-your-seat fun. That said this book isn't all that original and is probably what killed some of my overall enjoyment.

Jessica is a strong leading lady that Urban Fantasy fans have come to expect from the genre. She's strong willed, mouthy, occasionally foolhardy, and has an ego. She definitely rolls with the punches as they come and deals with things well. (To the point where I felt like it wasn't . . . emotionally accurate. Or maybe it's better described that her character and others in the book aren't fully real at this point.) The “Oh, this just happened OK!” moving along attitude took away from some of the build up, but kept the ride vrooming by. Which ended up working fine! Even with the predictable plot that felt like it was borrowing from a lot of urban fantasy and paranormal romances and patching a tale together.

What did it for me is that Jessica as the first female werewolf in ages spells out the new dawn for our furry friends. She can do things that the old world werewolves could, and the abilities were thought to be lost. If the story would have stopped at her being the only female werewolf in ages, I would have been beyond excited. The fact that she's morphing into this all powerful werewolf? Not too much. Even if with paranormal I like my leads to be human. My mind rushes to Anita Blake as she get more and more powerful with each volume, which ends up dehumanizing her. Maybe I'm being biased, but superwoman is not what I signed up for.

Another sour point for me is that Jessica immediately finds her mate. Nope she can't start her story without having her significant other. She needs a man to help further her along. Personally I would have liked to have seen her personal growth as a single woman of the werewolves playing the field. Too many times it feels like the old chain and ball has to be put on before the character—or the reader—can find out who they truly are.

Full Blooded does a wonderful job of mixing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance! Fans of either genre will be thrilled and will love the action. There's sex, fighting, mystery, alliances and politics, prophecies, witches, vampires with thousand year old agendas, and more. Everyone will be able to find something to like. Personally, with not enough female werewolves out there I'm all for it. Especially at times when I feel like Jessica could be just as awesome as Riley (from the Riley Jenson books). Safety bar down and I'm ready for the next ride!

Sexual Content: Some sexy fun time, nothing over the top.

  
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Full Blooded (1)
Hot Blooded (2)
Cold Blooded (3)
Red Blooded (4)
Pure Blooded (5)
Full Blooded (1)
Hot Blooded (2)
Cold Blooded (3)
Red Blooded (4)
Pure Blooded (5)
Full Blooded (1)
Hot Blooded (2)
Cold Blooded (3)
Red Blooded (4)
Pure Blooded (5)

January 24, 2014

Book Whispers back on Youtube!

 

For a while now I’ve been hinting that it was time to start vlogging again. A number of followers even asked if I was ever going to do it again! Well today is the day. If you follow me on Twitter and Google+ you knew it was coming. Otherwise this is more like a stealthy surprise.

So here it is!

Sorry about the weird Thumbnail, still haven’t figured that out yet! Also, there’s a bit of a bloopers surprise at the end!

Subscribe here.

January 23, 2014

Review: Defy

Defy (Defy, book 1) by Sara B. Larson

defy

Genre: Romantic Fantasy Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Defy

A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and a thrilling love triangle.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?


Review:

With the title and book summary I went into Defy thinking it would be reminiscent of Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness series. Epic/high fantasy gender benders are a guilty pleasure of mine. Up front I knew it would attack the genre from a heavily romantic angle. Sadly the world and plot ended up suffering greatly. Even worse is that the romance isn't good. After deluding myself for about 44% of the book I couldn't keep lying to myself. It was terrible. And Alex was a crap main lead. Girl be dumb.

Alex (AKA Alexa). The fact that she had to disguise herself as a man to avoid the king's Breeding House—which I'll get into—made me believe I'd get a strong female lead. Flawed of course, all great characters are. However, what I found was a man hungry ninny. Sure she's the best of the best with a weapon, and they say she practices like crazy. Yet I read more about her checking out all of the guards she worked with and Prince Damian. Even though Damian was nothing but a spoiled jerk, it's OK to admire the man candy. Then she'd constantly remind herself that she was a girl (yeah, doubt she or the readers could forget that). In the next breath would go: “I can't believe I was checking a guy out. I'd never allow myself to do that.” When she finally admits to herself she's checking certain men out the way a woman would, she calls herself a harlot. Alex is confused and doesn't no who she really is because she has to dress up as a man. Really!

It's understandable that any woman, no matter how booty-kicking amazing she is, wants to be looked at as a woman. What I couldn't understand is how Alex couldn't know how brave and strong she is. Larson did almost everything she could to turn Alex into a damsel. One who never even decided that she should question a King that would order orphaned girls to be raped again and again to make soldiers—and more breeders—for his army in the Breeding House. Or to try and figure out what kind of plots Prince Damian was scheming. Her brother Marcel said he was the brains of the twin’s operation, and he wasn't kidding. Which was probably why he got the axe so fast. The fact that Alex doesn't even properly grieve his death was just another killing blow against her.

Now for the love story, which is basically the entirety of Defy. Rylan. Oh, poor Rylan. He's given the role of best-friend. One that Alex trusts to have her back no questions asked. Even after it's revealed that he knew the whole time that she was a girl (no I'm not spoiling anything the book is that freaking transparent) Alex doesn't care one wit. Then Rylan is hot and cold, mood swings all over the place, and get's put in as the third-jealous-lame part of the triangle. Prince Damian of course starts winning over Alex from the get go. Because just after a few days Alex starts to see the true Damian. Or does she? Damian continually lies and holds back things, wants Alex to divulge her darkest secret and never really gives her anything that could justify the romance taking place. All of these sides of the love triangle have doubts about each other, can't seem to really share anything, and the mood swings started to make me dizzy. Most of the book takes place with Damian, Rylan, and Alex being kidnapped and dragged onto enemy lands. Of course Larson does everything to make Damian swoon worthy. In Alex's own words this is how that whole journey could be described:

“Every night I had to lie between the two of them, feeling like I was being torn apart inside.”

No girl. I was being torn up. Scratch that. Shredded. It needs to be said that Defy makes an attempt to have an ambitious plot. All of the “nudges” pretty much give everything away and the real meat of the world and “defiance” part of the book takes place in the last 20%. The Breeding Houses were such a dark and daring place to go with this book, and they just felt like crutches to make readers dislike the evil king! When Alex finally has a chance to help her people Damian actually has to pull her aside and pump her up. Remind her that she lost her brother, her mother and father, and all the girls in those breeding houses to this war. *Palms face.* There was no world building or plot to hold up the rest of the book!

Maybe if the writing was stronger Defy could have held on by a thread. Alas, the writing was poor at best.  It couldn't pull me in enough to care or get involved, especially with all the terrible characters. Standard fantasy cast? Check. Damsel warrior woman? Check. Two horrid sides to an undeveloped—and poorly thought out—love triangle? Oh, check. The problem is that Defy is at it’s heart a romance, relying strictly on the merits of a romance. As said the romantic story isn’t good! No world building and an after thought of a plot. In the end the writing couldn’t save the lack of all three of the key elements of a good story. There's no doubt in my mind that this series will definitely get a fan base. Heck, it's already slated for book 2. Though I can't see this story going anywhere. Even with hints that Alex needs to find out who really killed her parents. Yatta-yatta-yawn. For fans who live and breath this genre, it's best to stay away.

Sexual Content: Rape is talked about and mentioned, not in depth. Sexual humor and some mild making out.

 
1/5- I couldn't finish it or wish I hadn't


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Defy (1)
Untitled (2)
Defy (1)
Untitled (2)
Defy (1)
Untitled (2)

January 22, 2014

Wednesday Wishes

Finally looked at Blogger’s HTML editor and I realized a lot of things changed again. *sigh* Sometimes upgrades are annoying.


Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

second_starGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal YA
Series: N/A

A twisty story about love, loss, and lies, this contemporary oceanside adventure is tinged with a touch of dark magic as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. Wendy’s journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways like her brothers. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove’s charismatic leader, Pete, but her search also points her toward Pete's nemesis, the drug-dealing Jas. Enigmatic, dangerous, and handsome, Jas pulls Wendy in even as she's falling hard for Pete. A radical reinvention of a classic, Second Star is an irresistible summer romance about two young men who have yet to grow up--and the troubled beauty trapped between them.

A retelling of Peter Pan. Where Wendy has both Peter and Hook in a love triangle! Sign me up!

Heart of Stone by Christine Warren

heart_of_stoneGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Series: Gargoyles, book 1

From bestselling author Christine Warren comes a thrilling new series about a young woman caught between a rock and a hard place—between gargoyles and demons…

Ella Harrow is trying to carve out a normal life for herself. Well, as normal as an art geek with psychic abilities can hope for. As museum docent and gift-shop manager, Ella is able to keep her distance from people—and her powers in check—while surrounding herself with the artifacts she loves. But how on earth is she supposed to act normal when a thousand-year-old statue on the museum's terrace suddenly comes to life?

Heart of Stone

Not your ordinary gargoyle, Kees has been asleep for eons, waiting for a portent of evil to wake him from his slumber. Kees isn't a vision; he's a bat-winged guardian created to protect the world from the seven demons of the Dark. Somehow, Ella triggered his reawakening. Maybe the demons have been unleashed? Maybe his heart is finally ready to be chiseled open? The fate of the world isn't carved in stone…yet.

It has Gargoyles! Nuff said!

Foretold by Rinda Elliott

foretoldGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Series: Sisters of Fate, book 1

Right now, the trilogy is tentatively titled Sisters of Fate. These are Norse YA paranormal romances featuring triplets who sacrifice everything to help stop the end of the world–Ragnarok–while knowing one of them is fated to die. Raven, Coral and Kat carry the souls of norns and each story is told simultaneously from each sister after they have to split up.

It’s wonderful how more and more books are doing Norse mythology. So far none of them have really captured my book heart. But here’s hoping for Sisters of Fate!

January 21, 2014

Cover Coveting: Makeover Edition

 
Cover art is found from Wicked Scribes, ATUF, Goodreads, social networks, and other sources.
***All cover art may not be final.***

Sometimes cover makeovers are so exciting—when a series really needs it. However, this time not so much. I loath it when new editions don’t have the same cover style. It’s like they’re preying upon crazy book nuts like me. Who simply one all of their books to match!


Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Previous book(s) in series:

shiver_oldcover
Goodreads | Amazon


shiver Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls, book 1 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

This new design is nice . . . but I’ve always been taken by the original design. Like how they’re still trying to incorporate the silhouettes while still adding more depth to the look.

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Previous book(s) in series:

linger
Goodreads | Amazon


linger Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

Hmmmm . . . this one might be an upgrade from the original. I never really liked the girl walking away. It look awkward.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Previous book(s) in series:

forever
Goodreads | Amazon


forever Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

So they had the girl on the first one, boy next, and now it’s time for boy and girl!

Looking at the older covers, I think I would like them more if they would have left the people off of them.

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


sinner Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls, book 4

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

This cover definitely screams new chapter in the series. More layers and depth.

At least they’re still keeping the typography the same.

Let me know what you think! Are the covers better then the originals? How do you like the Sinner cover?