Book Blitz: Irresistible Refrain by Michelle Mankin

Irresistible Refrain

Tempest Series # 1

By-Michelle Mankin

Publication Date-October 3th, 2013

Genre-New Adult

Two years ago everything changed for the remaining members of the Seattle rock band Tempest.

Two years is a long time.

Too long to keep on remembering.

Not nearly long enough to forget.

In trouble with nowhere else to go songstress Lace Lowell seeks refuge with the band during their stop in New York City. It's a risky move for her because they are both there, two impossibly good looking men whose lives are inseparably entwined with hers. One who bruised her heart and one who smashed it into pieces.

Warren “War” Jinkins, the mercurial lead singer of Tempest, has always had a thing for Lace. But then again so does his best friend and band mate.

Bryan “Bullet” Jackson, the sinfully handsome tat-sleeved lead guitarist, has a bad boy reputation befitting his nickname. For the past two years Bullet’s had a rule with the groupies: one time, never twice, leave ‘em satisfied, but always leave ‘em.

Two guys, one woman, and a host of dark secrets all together within the tight confines of a tour bus as the group travels cross country.

Can the past be forgotten and buried?

Will friendships prevail?

Or will the three of them succumb to seductive impulses too addictive to resist?

** Irresistible Refrain is a gritty rock and roll tale intended for mature readers seventeen and up. Contains sexual situations, strong language, and drug use. **

 

Check out this excerpt from 'Irresistible Refrain' 

“Holy shit!” Lace exclaimed after War let out the last primal yell. “Why didn't you guys do that one in New York? It sounds even better live than it does on the recording.” She stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her black tunic top, and walked over to me, gesturing at my Les Paul. “How the hell do you do that?”

“Bullet’s pretty fast with his fingers.” Sager chuckled.

“Ah, so that’s how you got the nickname.” Lace smiled. “Faster than a bullet on the frets, huh?”

“Uh, sort of.” King shoved Sager. “Even faster to get a woman off. One time he even…”

“Shut it.” I cut in and glared at King.

Lace’s smile warbled, but she managed to right it.

“What?” King shrugged. “It’s Lace. It ain't like she never heard that shit before.”

Michelle says- *a portion of all my first day sales are going to covenant house. They counsel and assist at risk teens like my heroine in the story. This is an excerpt from the mission statement on their website http://www.covenanthouse.org/ : Homeless kids have rights. They have the right to a home ... the right to food ... the right to guidance and an education … the right to be free from sexual, emotional, or physical abuse ... and the right to be free from exploitation. These kids have the right to be safe and – most important – to be loved.*

About the Author-

Michelle Mankin is a young/new adult romance writer as well as a self-proclaimed giant…inside her own mind.

For many years, she toiled in the insurance industry as an underwriter. Somehow, the boredom didn’t kill her, and the hours of looking at facts and figures provided ample time for her mind to wander.

Love Evolution, Love Revolution, and the latest novel, Love Resolution are rock ‘n roll romances. The first is based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the second on Much Ado About Nothing, and the third on The Tempest. The first three books in the Black Cat Records series combine the plot underpinnings of the famous playwright with the drama, excitement, and the indisputable sexiness of the rock ‘n roll industry. 

When she is not putting her daydreams down on paper, you can find Michelle traveling the world with her family. Sometimes for real and sometimes just for pretend as she takes the children to school and back.

    

Review: Every Which Way but Dead by Kim Harrison

 

Review:
I feel like this is the book in the series that everything gets more complicated but sets up the next X-amount of books down the road. I mean there was just everything you could imagine getting either screwed up or tossed into the fray from debt collectors to boyfriends to fights. I will give it credit for the action, it never seemed to slow down at all.

I will always be tired of a love triangle, but at least this one was juicy. I still wanted to beat my head with the book over it, but at least it was an entertaining one. I was devastated, however, by the fight with Jenks. I love Jenks. He is awesome. If they don't settle this immediately, I will be PISSED. If nothing else happens in the next book except that, I will be satisfied because we can not lose him! -My Opinion-Borrow it

Review(Mini): Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

 

Review:
I can not express more aggressively that this book is beautifully written. The author has a way with words that I haven't read in modern stories....ever. She has the ability to take words and turn them into almost poetry without interrupting the story and it truly is an art.

That being said, I felt the same way about this one that I did about the first book, I've read it before. I keep feelings like it isn't original and the story is something that's been told a million times before. It still is a romantic story with two people that seem to be destined to be together and have to fight off the rest of the world to stay together. Again very cute, but a little boring. I just want more from the beautiful writing in terms of characters and plot. I've just been very disappointed. -My Opinion-Borrow it

Review(Mini): Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

 

Review:
Alright....I'll be really honest and say I only picked up this book because everyone else that I've interacted on here has read it. Well at least that what it seemed most of the time. I gotta say I was a little disappointed.

I thought the romance between the two main characters was cute....and cute is never really a good thing in a story. It was rather a slow read with not a lot of action so that is what probably turned me off. Is it a love story that has passion and two people who are destined for each other? Yes. Do I wish there were more to the story? Yes. In the end, however, I just wanted more to the story, not what I felt like I've read before in a slow moving package. -My Opinion-Borrow it

Review(Mini): Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson

Review:
If there was one piece of advice I'd give when it comes to this book it would be: Don't put it down. I promise you the last half of the book is worth wading through the first half. Yes, it does get tedious at points at first and I did feel like I was running in circles. Yes, I wanted to throw the book across the room just to find out what she is and what is really going on. However, it is worth the wait.

There is a lot of mystery in this story, and I have never been a mystery reader, but it ended up being a paranormal story and I was happy with that. I'm not going tell you what kind of paranormal story because that will just ruin the surprise, but needless to say I had to do a double take. Even if this doesn't seem like your cup of tea, I bet if you gave it a try you'll enjoy it. -My Opinion-Borrow it

Review: Need by Carrie Jones

 

Review:
I can't put my finger on why I disliked this book so much. I can tell you what bothered me about it, but I still don't think it's really why I was turned off by it.

First, I didn't connect the main character, Zara. In fact I didn't really like anything about her. I thought she was weak and fragile and never really fought back enough for me to get behind her. I thought she just gave up and let the hits keep coming and I really need more from my lead character than that.

Usually I would understand a character that has issues like phobias but it got to the point where I was like GET A GRIP GIRL. I really wanted to shake her. Plus, I felt me kept circling back to the same phobias over and over again and it was never really anything new. I was kinda disappointed that I didn't like this story, usually I like a good fae tale.- My Opinion- Bypass

Review(Mini): Angel by L.A. Weatherly

 

Review:
Truth be told angel stories usually don't make it on my favorite list but this one had a lot of qualities that I liked. Mainly, the kick-ass lead. Willow was great! She was tough, she stepped up her game when needed and she was in a bad situation but made it happen regardless. I could absolutely relate to her and really enjoyed her being the voice of the story.


I also enjoyed the fact that the "angel" part was a very different idea in this book. I don't think I've read another story where angels were quite like this. However, my problems began with the whole "girl doesn't know what she is and then a cute boy shows her". It's played out. I've heard that story about a million times and I'm getting a little sick of it.

I thought this book had moments of awesome mixed with a little pedestrian.-My Opinion-Bypass

Review(Mini): This Brilliant Darkness by Red Tash

 

Review:
I think I need to take a deep breathe after reading this book. Mostly because this book absolutely FLIES between plot points and characters and everything in between. You can not just skim pages or let your mind waver off because YOU WILL MISS SOMETHING. I loved a fast paced book but geez that went into hyper-drive at page one and didn't stop!

In fact, that may have led me to feel a little lost and whole lot confused at points. I had to go back and read things over a number of times to make sure I was on the same page as the plot. I also had a problem with so many POVs because it moved the story in directions my brain wasn't ready for chapter after chapter. I'm not saying I didn't like the book but it was a difficult read for me, even though it was nerdy and I usually love those kind of reads. I wouldn't pass over it but I would proceed with caution- My Opinion-Bypass

Review(Mini): Matched by Ally Condie

 

Review:
hmm... where to begin...


I was very disappointed with this book. I saw some hype about the whole series and thought it would be interesting... I was wrong apparently. There was nothing original here. Nothing. I've read this story before, probably in multiple different books and it didn't have anything that stood alone for me. That's just not right. Even if it is in a bloated genre, it should have had SOMETHING that was it's own.

For once, I didn't mind the triangle romance, but that's mostly because I didn't believe Cassia was really going to choose anyone but Ky. I never believed in the other romance because it wasn't a romance at all! At least if it had put up a fight I may have been intriqued enough to see where she was going to end up....but I'm not...

I was kinda sad about not liking this book, I really gave it a shot and wanted to like it but I couldn't.- My Opinion-Bypass

Review(Mini): Little Brother X by Cory Doctorow

Review:
I just wrote a review about 10 seconds ago were I was disappointed and I felt like the story moved really slowly....then I read this book and everything just took off running and never stopped! I thought it was great. First of all, I am a huge nerd and loved every aspect of the networked world it was set in, plus the way these guys interacted with each other was just hilarious. It didn't take itself too seriously but at the same time I thought it was a really running editorial on issues that are currently in the news all the time.

It made it's point in a funny and engaging way and that's why I enjoyed it. I think I did want a little more from the characters in terms of back ground and morals and other things but overall I think it really shines as a book I've never heard before telling a great story so I'd recommend giving it a look and maybe you'll be surprised at what you find. -My Opinion-Borrow it

Review: Ethereal by Addison Moore

 

Review:
::cringe::

I have got to stop picking up angel books. They just don't suit me at all. I found myself really pushing myself HARD to finish reading this one. It really had nothing to do with the writing style or even the characers. In fact, I kinda liked Skyla she was the kind of character that didn't have her head in the clouds or in the sand when things got scary. She stood up for herself and didn't let things get more crazy than she could handle.


I just feel like every angel story I hear is the same thing. Angels in heaven, angels on Earth, everyone's mad and then there is one girl that connects everything and all hell breaks loose. I want something different! Is it just me or do angels just need to stop fighting with each other???? Everything has to be a war between two sects. I thought angels got along and were good??? Nope. Not ever. :sigh: If you like angel books you'll probably enjoy, they just aren't for me.-My Opinion-Bypass

Review: The Shadow Thief by Alexandra Adornetto

 

Review:
Well…this book was…interesting. I don’t want to put anyone off to it, but maybe it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I think it had something to do with the way the characters and setting were talked about and the adventures they experienced. It was all very young for me.

I’m talking things like:

Drabville
The Great Guzzle
The Shadow Keepers

It all had the feeling of The Phantom Tollbooth or Alice in Wonderland that I just couldn’t get into. I think it was all fun and games but I guess I was looking for MORE. I can imagine this being a great visual story with all the fantastical things going on but I don’t think it translated to the written word for me. It was too much, been-there-seen-that. I’m not going to discourage anyone from picking it up because you may love it, but for me it was just not happening.-My Opinion-Bypass

Review(Mini): Eon by Alison Goodman

Review:
The first thing I'm going to say is that when you pick up this book, do not give up on it at the beginning. It takes a long time to set up the whole world and back story, it is a very long book. However, in the end I thought it was a great story to read and all that back story was really something to appreciate later. I can not tell you how many times I sit here and write "I wish I has more information", well this book lays it all out for you in to start so that you can completely understand the story towards the end.

That story that is set up so nicely for you was really great. The whole Chinese lore and dragons was really amazing. I felt like I could see all the magic and dragons just be reading the words. The whole idea of a girl being undercover as a boy because it isn't allowed and prospering in that situation is really great. That makes this story even more intriguing. Overall I really enjoyed this book, even if it was that long! -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review(Mini): Vampire Love Story by H.T. Night

 

Review:
Well, I can't say I have ever read a story about an MMA fighter that fell in love with not one but TWO vampires because he saved one from being hurt by five people before.....

This was an interesting read, first because I've only ever read two books from the same series about a guy who is a fighter (and I LOVED that series). Secondly because the love triangle is flipped on it's head seeing as the guy is falling in love with two girls. Not that I like it any better. I still am and will always be an advocate of the single love interested not the triangle. Sorry. It is what it is.

Putting aside my clear prejudice, I did enjoy some of this story. I liked the main characters, thought wanted a little more from all of them including back story and more development. I also believed the romance so it wasn't too bad. I think my main problem was I just needed more story, it just wasn't enough. I thought it was a good start, just needed more to it! -My Opinion-Borrow it

Cover Reveal: Escape In You by Rachel Schurig

Escape In You by Rachel Schurig 

Publication date: October 15th 2013

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Goodreads

Blurb:

Jet Taylor is the quintessential bad boy. A womanizer. A fighter. Dangerous. The type of guy most girls do their best to avoid. But Zoe Janes is no saint herself. In fact, she sees in Jet the perfect opportunity to distract herself from her responsibilities at home and the mistakes that keep her trapped there. He’s gorgeous, likes to party, and is clearly only interested in having fun—just like Zoe. But the more time they spend together the harder it is to stick to her “fun only” mantra. Jet is getting under her skin, making her believe things could actually be different. She knows they’re both trapped by the sins of their past but Jet is starting to make her think freedom might actually be possible. And that makes him the most dangerous boy of all.

About the author:

Rachel Schurig lives in the metro Detroit area with her dog, Lucy. She loves to watch reality TV and she reads as many books as she can get her hands on. In her spare time, Rachel decorates cakes. Her THREE GIRLS series is available now from Amazon!

Check her out:

Website: http://rachelschurig.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelSchurigAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rems330
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5049499.Rachel_Schurig

Blog Tour: Remembering Joy by Jenni Moen

Remembering Joy

Published Date / Expected Publishing Date:

June 7, 2013

Genre:

Contemporary Romance (17+)

Goodreads

Blurb:

Alexis doesn’t believe in fairytales. She knows first hand that life can turn on a dime – that one stupid mistake can shatter dreams and irrevocably shape the future. Even though her memory of that day is hazy, she has spent the last ten years trying to put it behind her and focus on the future. 

Armed with the knowledge that her career will be her only legacy, Alexis works night and day to prove that she is more than just her last name. It’s not only that she doesn’t have time for love – she doesn’t have the heart for it. After all, there’s no point in starting something that you can’t finish. 

However, when she meets Adam, she’s drawn to him in a way even she can’t deny. He is dark and brooding and strangely charming. He’s the perfect distraction from the mundane life she’s created for herself. And, as if fate is pushing them together, he seems to be around every corner. It’s enough to almost make her entirely forget about her past and take a chance.

Unfortunately, Adam’s memory isn’t hazy . . . not in the least. And, what she doesn’t remember, he can’t forget. 

Get it here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

About the author:

Jenni Moen lives in her hometown in Oklahoma with her husband and three crazy, exuberant kids that have the potential to burn the house down at any moment.

When she’s not chauffeuring kids around town, performing her mom duties as a short order cook and maid, or vacuuming for her fastidious husband, she hammers away at her keyboard at her big girl job as a patent attorney. While vodka and exercise have provided some relief from the daily grind, it is reading … and now writing … that are her true escapes.

Check her out:

Facebook Author Profile Link:  

www.facebook.com/authorjennimoen

Goodreads Profile Link: 

 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7123609.Jenni_Moen

Website Link: 

 www.jennimoen.com

Twitter Link:

 https://twitter.com/JenniMoen

Review(Mini): Enemy Games by Marcella Burnard

 

Review:
What I loved about this book?

Constant action. This book doesn't take a breathe from the very first page to the very last one. There's all the sci-fi glitz in it you could ask for: star-ships, technology etc. Plus you have the whole universes to play out the plot within. I also liked the two main characters together. I thought they played off each other nicely and the romance wasn't an insta-love "let's do it right away" kind of love story, which was refreshing.


That being said, I did feel like I've read this story before. In fact....it was the first one of the series. Just with a different name of a captured female and a little different scenario here. I wanted something different from the first and I felt I didn't get it.

I still liked the story, but I was just a little disappointed. -My Opinion- Bypass

Review(Mini): A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

Review:
Anyone with the name Dr. Giovanni Vecchio will start to peak my interest. How could a name like that not be interesting? Well, A Hidden Fire doesn't disappoint. Add to the hot name a personality that men should kill for, and he's wicked smart? I love books, they make even the most impossible dreams come true!

Take Dr. V and add a witty and smart heroine, B, you get a story that combines paranormal, historical and a whole lot of nerdy. It was really fun and sexy, you will definitely never get bored or put it down! There was a hint of mystery and intrigue to go with it's soft, almost humorous side as well. I loved Beatrice, she was such a strong character that had certain vulnerability in her that allowed for a character like Giovanni to enter her life and stick that it made for a great romance. You could feel the sizzle of attractiveness between them and that was great! I picked this book up for 99 cents, that's right I said 99 cents, and can say it was well worth it! -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Review:
I feel like kissing this book because it does almost everything that I've complained about in other reviews, right! The world is amazing, the characters have depth and the love story ISN'T INSTANT! I feel like throwing up an AMEN just for that last part. Alina, the main character, doesn't understand her feelings at first,

Why can't she stop thinking about her friend?

Should she trust The Darkling even though she's attracted to him?

Then as the progresses she comes to understand more and more about herself, her world and the people around her. That is like a breathe of fresh air in this genre, to not have a heroine who is head-over-heels in love at first sight.

The world in this story is what really blew me away, after I got through my Amen-ing over teenage love. This story is a little dark, I mean flesh eating creatures are not exactly warm and fuzzy friends and this elite crew she got herself mixed in with are real backstabbing, selfish people. The whole thing is complete, however, from the kingdom and its' class system, to it's enemies, to the kind of magic they wield, it is all over the top fantasy, in an amazing way. Would I like to have read more about the world? Sure, but you can't help that when you have such a huge setting, but I never got lost , which is very easy to do when it is this big. I felt the kingdom coming alive while I read and that is a very rare thing for me to say! I loved it, go buy it and see why! -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review(Mini): The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Review:
This is one of the saddest books I've read in a while, but also one of the greatest stories so I don't want to chase anyone off with that statement! First of all, Liesel was such a great character for me, as much as I could never imagine living through everything she did; she was so real. She went through a million different emotions, she had her ups and downs and she made mistakes. That is the kind of character that people can relate too, and I certainly did.
  For me, this story was so different that it was brilliant. Being narrated by Death, having him be so fascinated by this one person and her written story of life, that was intriguing to me. The fact that even an otherworldly being would be so compelled by one story, is touching. Words are powerful, powerful enough to change the world and this book is a remarkable example of that.

I just have to say this, and I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but <when Max and Liesel were reunited that was one of the happiest scenes I have ever read. I'm so glad they got a happy ending after all the tragedy> -My Opinion- Buy it!

Review: Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard

 

Review:
What I liked most about this book where the characters. I thought the main female lead, Ari, was well developed and really had a lot of issues that needed to be worked. However, she is the strongest chick I've read about in a long time so she balanced herself out nicely. She went through so many things that most people would have just rolled over and probably died but she didn't and then she had to fight off those demons that followed her throughout the story. Plus, she gets some help from Cullin who was really a great match for her. He pushed her to her limits but in doing so helped her get over her issues. The romance may not have been as electric as I had hoped for but I totally bought into the pairing which is what saved them for me.

I am starting to think that sci-fi books aren't really my thing because I couldn't really get into all the alien terms and worlds within the story but I think that was just a personal thing not something the book didn't do well. In fact I thought it was fairly easy to understand the vernacular they speaking and what was going within the universe. It just wasn't for me, I should probably stick to sci-fi movies, not books, but I think if you like sci-fi, you'll really like this book. -My Opinion- Borrow it

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

 

Review:
I feel like I have to explain myself with this review compared to the star rating I gave it.

This story gripped me the entire length of it. I love this author, the way she writes, and all the twist and turns this plots takes me along the way. The characters are amazing, the setting is thrilling and the competition if FIERCE! I am literally left opened-mouthed and immediately had to find out when the next installment comes out. (p.s WAY TOO FAR AWAY!) I just love these characters so much that I couldn't possibly not love this book.


That being said, I WANTED TO KICK AMERICA IN THE TEETH! This entire story all she did was flip-flop between Maxon and Aspen. WTF GIRL??? I could not stand the way she changed her mind every ten seconds and I felt like that was all The Elite was, America whining to herself about not being good enough for a crown and loving two men. She was a hypocrite for being mad at Maxon for the way interacted with the other girls when she was SECRETLY MEETING ASPEN! I can't stand it! To be quite honest I though Aspen was going to put up a way better fight in my own mind for her heart, but I just can't see it working out and nor do I want it too. I like America because she is a strong young women who isn't going to bend to be the princess a King or his advisers want her to be, but I needed her to get out of her own head in this one.


Oh, but let me clear. Prince Maxon saved this book from getting a lower star rating. I love him. If America wants to be fickle, I'm here.....call me -My Opinion- Buy it!

Revoew: Amaranth by John Kellett

Review:
I'm finding it difficult to review this book to be honest. On one hand it was very cute and the story was very adventurous. On the other, it was so simple that it lacked any sort of originality or flare.

I think that's where I'm struggling.

I've heard this story before. Yes you have two children who listen to their grandfather's stories and think everything's made up until they find out it's all real and they can go to this far away land.... Heard it before....more than once. The characters where the same two brother and sister pair you always hear about in a fairy tale (i.e Hansel and Gretel/Jack and Jill/ etc etc) There just wasn't anything new to keep my interest in the story, but it was a fun tale that had potential to be great.
I also had a problem understanding the literal words. Normally I wouldn't comment on something like this but I just found myself not understanding some sentences and other times realizing that words were missing or just plain wrong. In other words, it interfered with me reading the book so I just have to say it. -My Opinion- Bypass

Review: Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

Review:
I know this is completely cliche to say but I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! I literally stayed up til 1 am last night reading through about 300 pages in a day and just finished the whole thing just now....

Just wow.

This has to be my favorite book of the whole series so far. It was action packed from page 1 to page 354 and it never gives you a chance to catch your breathe. I always said in the first books that there were these lulls in action that seemed to slow the story down quite a bit and freeze the story. Not here. I believe the time frame in this story is something like 4 days (could be a little off) but that is QUICK. Are there so many things to get done in this story? Yes. Did we really resolve a lot? No. However, I thought it really kept everything moving in the right direction.

I love the addition of Alexei, he is just adorable with Oliver and I can't wait to see that blossom. However, I am really upset at the ending. Not because it's bad, but because it broke my heart :( Hopefully things will get better for Gwen in the next one -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review(Mini): Othello by William Shakespeare

 

Review:
This has to be one of my favorite Shakespeare works. It has everything you'd expect in a current hit book just with that poetry looking way that of course if classic Shakespeare. I know, I know this the tippy-top of all literature that is something every kid has to read in school because it's the best. Can I be honest a little? It's got 1800 YA hit written all over it!

Come on, it has a main couple who are sort of on the rocks as it is but they are manipulated by so called friends who turn out to be truly evil. It has scandal, heart, evil plans, tumultuous upstarts that are looking for power and everything ends tragically! All of this can be found in popular books all over the place. I think people are afraid of reading plays like this because of the language (and for good reason) but if you really think about it, it isn't much different than reading City of Bones or Harry Potter. I know some people are going to be really mad at might for the comparison but again, simmer down and look at it for what it is as a story, not this unparalleled work than can never be duplicated. Because I can tell you a few Gryfindor's out there that will say the same thing about their own favorites. -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review(Mini): 13 to Life by Shannon Delany

Review: 
I really enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. One being that the paranormal story was different but intriguing and had a lot of depth in it, without giving away too much about the story. What surprised me the most was that I found myself forgetting that it WAS a paranormal story at times, and not in a bad way. A lot of the book is just Jess and her friends in school and dealing with teenager issues, boys/grades/parents etc. Between all that and hearing about her mother's death and how she deals with it inside and out, I was so enthralled with that story that I almost overlooked all the hints we were getting about Peitr and what he really is....almost. 

Although I thought Jess was a little dense for not picking up all the hints and weird things going on, I can forgive her because I did enjoy her as a main character. She was tough but vulnerable, she could handle everything thrown at her but still needed someone's shoulder to cry on, and is very smart though sometimes obtuse. I'll be honest the ending did confuse the hell out of me, and I am still not sure exactly what happened, but it left me wanting to read the next in the series ASAP!! -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review: The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

Review:
I gotta be honest this has been my first hiccup in the Riordan world....


I liked the first two in the series but for someone reason I just couldn't get behind this story. It started off alright with them continuing their quest stop Apophis at another nome in Texas but it went down hill fast for me. I just couldn't engage myself with the characters nor the story. To me, it was just a copy and paste from the first two-we have to find x,y or z and save the world using our god hosts along the way....I was just looking for more.

I think a big chunk of my problem came from the characters. I like Carter but Sadie annoys the hell out of me A LOT in this series. I've never read one of his books and called a character immature but I would call Sadie that. She whines a lot and never wants to really step up and take care of her responsibilities. Percy Jackson wouldn't do that and neither would anyone else in his world. Which leads me to my other reason the characters seemed off. The supporting characters in The Kane Chronicles don't seem as strong as other series. The main lead always creates the flow of plot but the supporting roles are what define a Rick Riordan series and they weren't there for me in this one. I just think they were lacking depth and it really let the story down. With the ending we had in this one I do have hope for bigger and better things from the Kane kids but I was just disappointed here. -My Opinion- Borrow it

Review: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

 

Review:
Oh, Mr. Riordan....you get me every time I pick something up of yours.

The Red Pyramid was no different. It had all the huge adventure story lines of the Percy Jackson but with everything you could possibly imagine (and maybe more than that) of Egyptian mythology. The characters were well developed and really interesting, the plot was original and over the top, and the individual situations that make up the bigger plot are fast paced and end up getting to where you need to be at the end in a timely fashion....that's to say, there is never a dull moment in this book!

Learning a whole new culture was amazing, from hearing the stories and legends of the Egyptians, to meeting a whole new set of gods, it never feels like a history, even though it is one. He spins a tale, you learn a lot, you get a cliff-hanger and you want to hate the author for doing this to you AGAIN, but really you can't help but love every minute of it. There are so many questions I feel are left answered, that I can't wait to read the next one....now if only my library had it available :( -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review: Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis

 

Review:
Alright, how can I put this in a way that makes sense....

I'm nuetral when it comes to how I feel about this book.First off, it was free. FREE! How could you hate a book that you didn't have to pay for? No seriously, even if it was the worst thing you've ever read, you didn't pay anything for it so it's not like it took something away from you...but...I feel like I've heard this exact story before. It was probably a better story too.

I didn't like the main characters, which is a huge problem. To make a story great you gotta love the characters or at least like them, and I just didn't. I wasn't invested in their connection and it just lacked a luster of either hot and heavy romance or at the very least cute and adorable romance. For me, it didn't have either.

However, it did take me by surprise that this book is FUNNY. It's kinda a comedy mixed with paranormal romance. I didn't expect that, and anytime a book can throw a knuckleball at me I consider a great thing. That part of it wasn't predictable....so here I am flip flopping on what I think of it and I can't really tell you to stay away or pick it up...your going to have try it for yourself! -My Opinion-Borrow it....unless it's still free then just buy it!

Review: Mark of the Princess by B.C. Morin

 

Review: 
So when you first read the plot blurb, your thinking- typical faerie princess kidnapped cuz she is all powerful but really just has no idea how to do anything but blow stuff up- right?

WRONG.

Yes, this is a tale of fae and I love me a good fae story, but this book was WAY more than just another predictable faerie tale. First of all, I loved Princess Alannah. She wasn't some stuck up, snobby, weak princess. SHE KICKED ASS. She never gave up even in the worst of times and she fought not for herself but for her people. I think there were multiple times that I would have thought she would say screw it and just leave all the hard stuff to someone else, but she didn't and I loved that!

Now, that's not to say being rescued wasn't a good thing for her and for me as a reader, because we got Brennus. All I have to say is.....damn. He can rescue me anytime he likes.

You could feel the sizzle of passion between these two even before they fell for each other. That being said I could not believe the ending!! Killing me, I tell you. These authors lately are trying to kill me!

I really would recommend this book to anyone, not just those who read fae. You'll be surprised at what you find! -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Review:
I'll be honest, I bought into the hype.

It really let me down. Now, before I get crushed for not liking this book let me tell you this. There are never really an alien invasion books that blow me away, at least that's what I've come to find out. Dystopian I have loved some, but not usually with aliens. I think that's saying something coming from someone who would rather watch a movie in a galaxy far, far away than anything in the present. The 5th Wave, unfortunately, was much of the same.

Let me be a bit more specific to this book. I liked Cassie as a character. She was clearly tough as nails, she lived through more than one alien attack, and she was just a teenager alone in the world that was slowly disappearing of human life. I felt for her when she told us about all the things that happened to her family and what she trying to do on her road to survival. However, that's where my connection with her ended, in the past. I couldn't connect with her and her thoughts in the present to back up all those feelings about the past. From the very first kill we witness in her eyes at the very beginning, I just wanted more from her. It just felt like either a confusing mash of thoughts coming from her own fears and paranoia or the same story of humanity decimated and another teenage girl to save the day.

I really wanted to like this story but I just didn't. :( -My Opinion-Bypass

Review: Night World #1 by L.J. Smith

Review:
I guess I should break down the stories in this omnibus considering they were really three distinct stories based in one world. I was kinda surprised by this....but that's my own fault for not reading the entire back of the book!!!

So here it goes:

Secret Vampire: This story tugged at my heart strings a little bit. You have Poppy who just wants to escape death from cancer who turns to her best friend James when it seems he has her way to survive. Of course James isn't just a friend he is a vampire and that is her ticket out. Interesting story line-in fact I'd call it original. Here's the problem I had....of course she is in love with him. Can't a friend just be a friend???? Does it always have to be a love story?? I just didn't feel anything between the two of them that screamed "happily ever after" or "meant to be". The story was great but the romance lacked luster.


Daughters of Darkness: This story was my favorite of the bunch. Three sisters trying to escape the Night World's oppressive rules for the women of the world. I was fascinated with this story because of those rules. For an entire world that considers itself above humanity and so much more advanced, it is terribly medieval about it's caste system. Women being pawned off in arranged marriages and following the orders of men regardless of power? PFFT. These three sisters could totally kick their ass, including their brother who comes to collect them. It did have a insta-love in the middle of it that had me cringing but I liked the characters and the story so that's why it was my favorite.


Spellbinder: I have to say this was my least favorite story. It was the typical good v evil, dark v light, etc etc. You have a good witch and a bad bitch (wait....haven't I heard this story before....) that get sent to live with their aunt. Of course the bad one makes lots and lots of trouble, including hinting that she's killed men, and the other one doesn't believe in hurting humans. They then fall for the same guy and the epic battle ensues. Alright, not EPIC but it's a struggle between the two. That's the kind of thing I'm talking about, I've read it before. I wanted something different from this one and I didn't get it.


As a whole the book was pretty good, in fact I paid about 6 bucks for it so it was great lol. Seriously though it may be worth it just because it does have three whole stories that were pretty good! -My Opinion-Borrow it!

Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Review:
This book became one of my favorite books of ALL TIME.

Not. Even. Kidding.

It sucked me into an America years and years into the future but with an obsession with the 1980s. Not just the 80s really either, but obsessed with all things nerdy. That part was pure awesome. I had so much fun reading about all the movies and video games that I knew and even more that I didn't even know existed or at the very least didn't know all of the information about the subjects than I do now that I read it. I have no idea how it packed THAT much information and topics into one book but it did!

Beyond the fact that it geeked out throughout the entire ~400 pages, the whole story was complete. <3. I talk about complete stories all the time and how hard it is to do but this one book did it without blinking an eyelash. You had all these characters that you found out so much about but also you had the real world vs. the online word to contend with. That could have gotten confusing and muddled FAST, but it didn't. All of the world inside the OASIS had so much detail you could almost imagine it around you. World + Characters= Gold.

What is also remarkable is the fact that the story line doesn't get lost in this huge world and quest. You have the adventure mixed with a little romance and a little morality all rolled into one book and that's why I would recommend this book to ANYONE. Even if your not into everything nerdy read this and you might just walk out being one! -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

 

Review:

 This book threw so many different emotions at me at times I had take a deep breathe and give myself a break.......which means I LOVED IT! There were total extremes in the highs and lows that it always kept you guessing right down to the very last page. The plot of Valentine's finally comes to a peak in Idris, the home of all Shadowhunters, itself and of course Clary, Jace, Simon and all the rest are right in the middle of it.

I was happy to see that the downworlders were going to be a part of this Shadowhunter story, instead of just being either thrown into it or on on the outskirts. I felt like this was a long time coming in this series, even though they've always been a large part of the plots, they never felt invested in what was going on until now. Plus, that gave characters I really love like Luke, Maia, Magnus and Raphael(but now I'm pissed at him!) to come to the forefront of the story and really shine. Clary and Jace were still the main focus, but it was nice to see deeper into who these other characters truly are, not just little snippets.

Now, don't read any further if you haven't read it because these are the parts that really got me:

<I nearly lost it when Max died. LOST. IT. It was nice to see more of Isabelle, but what happened was just tragic. However, I am team Isabelle/Simon. THAT needs to happen!>

<When Magnus and Alex kissed I felt like raising my arms in a touchdown signal. It's about freaking time!!!!>

<Then there was the whole Clary and Jace not being siblings thing. THANK. GOD. After 3 books it was getting kinda weird>

I am picking up the next one to read right now! Love this Series!- My Opinion- Buy it!

Review: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Review:
Not fair.

Nothing about that ending was fair!

I think I enjoyed this one more than the first one. It was action-packed and not held down by trying to explain an ENTIRE WORLD to me in a 400 page book. It was fast paced and full of action, which was AWESOME!

I'm using a lot of caps in this review, so I am terribly sorry.

The characters were brought into a better light and I felt like I got to know them so much better. Example?

Alec.

I am now in love with him. He is so much stronger than I thought he was coming out of City of Bones. In fact, I felt like he was a whiny kid in the first one, but now I saw him do everything he did towards the end and I can't help feeling like I misjudged him severely. I hope everything with works out for him and I think he will play a huge role in the Clave going forward.

What shocked me the most about this book was Simon and Clary....I don't want to leave anymore spoilers but I just could not believe that Epilogue... and I don't know how I feel about it. Hopefully everything will sort itself out in the next books, even if it means that the epilogue stands. -My Opinion-Buy it!

Review: The Good, The Bad and The Undead by Kim Harrison

Review:
THIS is what I was talking about in my review for the first in the series Dead Witch Walking. It was SO much better than the first! Where I found DWW boring at first and little confusing, this second installment took off running and never stopped. There was so much action packed into this one that you had your head spinning by the end of it and the characters were just awesome. I do like Rachel's sense of humor and general sassy-ness which I thought played out better here than in the last one.

I also love books that have multiple species of supernatural so this world is really knocking my socks (if you pardon my horrible phrase). It has everything from witches and vampires to pixies and demons. The way it interacts with the human world is just fascinating as well. I really have never read anything quite like the world written in this series. I'd almost call it half dystopian or alternative history because of the way supernaturals are known and live separately but within the human world. It really is just fascinating and if you only read it for one reason that would be my recommendation.-My Opinion-Borrow it

Review: Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

 

Review:
I originally picked up this book almost a year ago, stopped reading about a quarter of the way through and could never really get into it, so when I revisited it I was highly skeptical if I would like it or even if I would finish it. However, I am glad I decided to start over and see it through to the end because I ended up enjoying the second half of the story. It just took me about 200 pages to get there.

My problem with the beginning was I was LOST. Completely. Lost. I couldn't figure out the world, what kind of supernaturals we were talking about and what the hell kind of organization she worked for. It was confusing to say the least. All of a sudden I had a witch with Tinkerbell on her shoulder making wise cracks and drinking beer. As the book goes along though I felt like a lot of that got ironed out and the story turned a corner for me and ended on a really good note. I thought the action was awesome and the story was really entertaining. Plus, the romance was H-O-T and didn't stop, I thought the chemistry was just outstanding and really drove it home for me.

I'd say give this one a shot and don't put it down like I did at first or you'll miss a very intriguing story! -My Opinion-Borrow it

Review: The Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott and Colette Freedman

 

Review:

  I was very nuetral with this book after reading it, which isn't normal for me. I didn't love it but I thought it had a lot of potential. In fact when I finished the book I just put it down and moved on to the next like nothing happened . I think what happened was I loved the idea of the story, 13 artifacts that can save the world as long as they don't fall into the wrong hands, but the characters just didn't cut it for me.

I was bored with the main heroes. Sarah was just a human, and not one that I could actually see surviving this story. Along with Owen, who really underwhelmed me in the male category, I just thought their interactions weren't fluid and they just seemed awkward with each other...and not even in a cute way. I think the villains may have been the saving grace in the character department but only because I like my villains bad and only bad. They were straight up evil and for absolutely no reason. I dig it, because I don't want to feel sorry for my bad guy, let's keep it black and white. Villains are bad and the heroes are good. Don't smudge them together and create grey areas that are too vague to interpret.

I'll say this, it reminds me of "I am Number Four" just take the alien aspect and insert magical elements. Not a bad thing at all, just not what I wanted. It also didn't take its' self too seriously, even mentioning Harry Potter at one point, which I appreciated. It might be your thing if you try it out, it just didn't hit me as something great. -My Opinion-Borrow it

Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Review: 
What I loved most about this book?

KICK ASS FEMALE LEAD!!

Oh man, I was so excited to see this. Katsa was amazing! She really was a complete, developed character that enticed me from the very beginning. She wasn't perfect, not by a long shot. She is stubborn, obtuse, makes mistakes and (despite denying it) has some vulnerability around her. However, that does not detract from how great she really is, I mean come no that whole mountain trip???? RIDICULOUS.

I really love her as a female character......but.....I did want to shake her at points. Mostly over Poe.

Your killing me Katsa, just wake up and love the boy for Christ sakes. He is obviously in love with her and treats her as an equal, not the usual medieval a woman-can't-do-anything-especially-if-she-is-married nonsense. He fought her as an equal, traveled with her and had faith in her and all she could see for a majority of the book was that trap she liked call marriage. Really girl?

I can not wait to pick up the second one and read more because I really fell in love with Katsa and Poe!!! -My Opinion-Buy it!

Book Blast: John Williams and the Quest for Copia by Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

John William and the Quest for Copia

John William knew there was something special about the medallion Celeste found. It chimed and sparkled in the sunlight. He was right; the medallion was from Copia, a lost city masked in time. Legendary tales were repeated of a golden city inhabited by Empyrean Wizards that was suddenly plagued by greed and gluttony when a meager fledgling magician by the name of Imperius the Great wandered in. Some did not believe the city ever existed; others who knew better wanted it to stay lost. John William and Celeste were more than ready for another adventure. The search for Copia seemed to be a perfect opportunity. They were unaware of the dangers until it was too late. Shadow jumpers emerged and grew rapidly in numbers. They wanted the medallion; its power would bring the lost city to life again, unlocking the dark past dormant with in its walls. The young explorers were in a mess of trouble. If they did not fix things fast, Copia’s pestilence of wild creatures would be set free to stir up an evil capable of destroying the realm.  

Amazon * Smashwords

 

John William and the Bandits of Basswood

We already know Alexander Drake’s story. His father, John William started it all years before when he entered Azra’s Pith. This is his story. John William was born an explorer; just like his dad before him. His adventure really began with the worst year of his life. He lived everyday in misery until his twelfth birthday. He set out to turn things around and find his smile again. A new friend gave him an invitation he could not turn down… follow me and change your destiny. He never imagined being captured by bandits and taken to a ship riddled with river rats was part of his fate. Not just any bandits – the Bandits of Basswood; known to be a ruthless and wild crew of thieves. Trying to escape would be a ridiculous idea. No one has ever escaped and lived to tell about it. Someone should have mentioned that to John William before he snuck off the ship. The chase out of Basswood was on. He took a chance to change his destiny and ended up on a wild ride to save his life.

Amazon * Smashwords

  Author Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows Being the frizzy-haired tomboy with buck teeth gave me a slight case of shyness as a kid. A colorful imagination meant escape and adventure at the drop of a hat. Over the years I learned that the insecurities I carried around were a waste of time. I still prefer a football game to a manicure any day of the week. That indispensable imagination has found its way into my writing providing a sense of joy and a true purpose.

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