Cover Reveal: Fallen From Grace by K. Anne Raines

Synopsis
 

Seventeen year-old Grace grows up knowing she’s different, but she always attributed it to a mother who didn’t want her, a father who abandoned her, and a curse that sets her apart. Despite those struggles, her grandfather remained her rock and confidant. Her life irrevocably shatters the day her grandfather dies.

The day of his funeral sets off a chain of events, making Grace question everything she’s ever known to be true, and as a result, who she can truly trust. She inherits his house, part of his money, his Guardian and something that ties them together.

Just before Grace’s 18th birthday, she is thrust into a world she couldn’t fathom existed and does everything she can to thwart the destiny suddenly forced upon her. She’s been chosen for greatness, but at what cost? With eyes now open, she must choose to either be Chosen, or watch those around her suffer the consequences.

Torn between the man who’s come to protect her and the one sent to destroy her, she teeters on the edge of decision, trying to come to grips with who she is, what she wants and what all of that means for her, those she loves and the rest of mankind.

Links

 http://www.facebook.com/raineskanne

http://www.twitter.com/kanneraines

http://www.kanneraines.com (still under construction, but will be up soon)

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6580110.K_Anne_Raines

 

email: kanneraines@gmail.com

 

 

This cover is absolutely beautiful!!!!  I can't wait to read this book!!!!  It will be AMAZING!!!!

Blog Tour: Rouge by Leigh T. Moore

Welcome to my stop on the Rouge Blog Tour hosted by YA Bound.  Click HERE to check out the full blog tour schedule!

Title: Rouge (Cheveux Roux, #1)
Author: Leigh T.Moore
Publication: November 11th, 2012
Format: ebook
Pages: 300
Rating: 3/5



Goodreads Synopsis

  

 Trapped in the underground theater world of 1890s New Orleans, Hale Ferrer has only one goal: escape. But not without Teeny, the orphan-girl she rescued from the streets and promised to protect.

Freddie Lovel, Hale's wealthy Parisian suitor, seems to be the easy solution. If only his touch could arouse her interest like Beau's, the penniless stagehand who captures her heart.

Denying her fears, Hale is poised to choose love until an evil lurking in their cabaret-home launches a chain of events that could cost her everything.

Mature YA/light historical/theater romance

My Review

Hale is a singer in a cabaret show where her mother worked.  When her mother died, Gavin, the owner, promised to protect her.  There are many secrets to the theater though. The people that live there who aren't apart of  the show are basically prostitutes.  That is the way they earn their keep to stay there.  Hale refuses to let that happen to her and Teeny.  She is pushing a marriage proposal from Freddie while secretly loving Beau.  Time runs out though so she has to make a choice.  Will she choose Freddie and move to Paris with Teeny, or will she follow her heart and choose Beau?

 I don't know how I feel about Hale as character.  There were times that I loved her and times that I didn't like her.  I loved how loyal she was. She was always putting other people before herself, especially Teeny.  Her life choices was based on how she could take care of Teeny.  That was the only reason she was wanting to marry Freddie.  She doesn't love him, but he was rich and could provide for both of them.  Then Beau stepped into the picture.  The chemistry between them was immediate.  She considered waiting for Beau to find a way to provide them until Guy showed up. Time ran out.  I didn't like some of the things she said to Beau.  She was constantly throwing in his face that he wasn't rich and couldn't provide for them.  It really made me not like her.  I mean she could have just left.  Anything would have been better than where she was at.  Something horrible at the end happened to her.  I was in complete shock.  No one deserved that.  The fact that she protected Teeny was admirable.  I didn't think she would have the guts to do what she did in the end, but she did.  I was shocked.

I loved Beau!!!  He was so kind, loving and considerate.  All he wanted to do was be with Hale and protect her.  He even wanted Teeny to come along with them.  Beau was always asking Hale just to wait, but of course she was very mean about it.  She wouldn't give him time.  To me, that isn't love.  He would have done anything for her. 

Roland was my favorite character in the book.  I loved the friendship he had with Hale.  They do have a bond, but a different one.  He has protected her since they were children.  I hope one day he gets out of that place as well.  Some bad things happened to him as well and it broke my heart.  He is such a sweetie pie.

I also loved Evie.  I felt really bad what happened to her.  Roland saved the day her though at least.  He was able to find a way to protect her and a couple of other people he knows.  Teeny kinda got on my nerves at times.  I am hoping she grows more in the next book though.

I didn't like the romance in the story.  It didn't feel real to me.  The chemistry was immediate and then they were all over each other.  I love watching relationships grow and nothing like that happened here.  It was the same from the beginning to the end of the story.

The story was beautifully written.  Leigh did a great job with that!!!  I felt like I was there the entire time.  I was able to visually see what what going on in the story, and I was able to feel what they felt.  It truly was a sad story full of danger and mystery.  A few parts left me in complete shock.  I do recommend this book for everyone to read.  I am glad I got the chance to read it, but it isn't one that I would reread.  Like I said, I am a romance junkie.  Those are the parts I usually reread.  I can't wait to read the sequel though.  Rouge left off on a huge cliffhanger leaving me wanting more.  I can't wait to see what happens next.

 (Review copy provided by the author/blog tour host in exchange for an honest review)

                                                   About the Author

Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a freelance editor when time permits, a chocoholic, a caffeine addict, a lover of YA and new adult romance (really any great love story), a beach bum, and occasionally she sleeps.

Leigh loves hearing from readers! Stop by and say hello:

Blog * Facebook * Amazon Author page * Goodreads * Email

Add to Goodreads link:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15776554-rouge

Get it at Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords

 

GIVEAWAY!!!!

 Signed Print copies of Rouge for US readers, e-book copies for International readers.

 (the quantities will show up on the rafflecopter)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday #5: Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.  This meme lets us spotlight upcoming releases that we are eagerly waiting for.  Of course, I have a huge list to choose from.  The book I can't wait to get my hands on is:



 
Title: Everbound
Author: Brodi Ashton
Publisher:  Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins 
Publication: January 22, 2012
Pages: 384


Goodreads Synopsis

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.


Why I'm Waiting:  I have read Everneath over and over so many times that I know the book by heart.  It is still one of my favorite books to read.  Of course, it left off on a huge cliffhanger so I have been waiting, not very patiently I might had, for Everbound to release.  I loved that the series is based on the Hades and Persephone myth.  It was very interesting.  I also loved the romance in Everneath.  There was nothing rushed.  I actually got to see see the couple fall for each other through past experiences and watch them fall for each other again in the present.  Jack won my heart.  This is a series that I highly recommend everyone to read!!!  The characters and story are AMAZING!!!

Cover Reveal: Edge of the Past by Jennifer Comeaux

 

Goodreads Synopsis 

Emily's skating career and personal life have never been more golden. She and her partner Chris have won every competition they've entered this season, and she's found the man of her dreams in her coach Sergei. But when one of the biggest competitions of the year takes Emily and Sergei to Russia, Sergei's past explodes into the present and makes Emily doubt everything in their future.

This cover is just gorgeous!!!  I have been waiting a while to read this book and I can't wait to get it.  This series is a must read for everyone!!! I highly recommend it!!!

Blog Tour Signups!!! Scarlet Woods by Brooke Passmore

I am hosting a blog tour for Brooke Passmore's debut book Scarlet Woods.  It is through December 1st-8th.  If you are interested in participating, leave a comment on this post or email me at kristinasnyder627@gmail.com.



Title: Scarlet Woods
Author: Brooke Passmore
Publication: December 2012



 Goodreads Synopsis

 Past, future, and love all exist in the door through time.

Modern and independent seventeen year old Morgan Westbrook thought she had seen all there was to her home town of Scarlet, Georgia, but one day while walking in the woods behind her house she discovers a mysterious door masked behind the trees. After admiring the door’s timeless beauty she walks through its entrance to venture into more woods, but what she doesn’t know is that the door is a gateway through time that takes her back to the year 1863 during the days of the Civil War in Scarlet.

Without knowing that she had traveled back in time, she stumbles upon Danny Carson, an attractive young man who is appalled to see that Morgan is wearing skimpy modern clothes instead of a nineteenth century dress. Although they find each other completely different than anyone they’ve ever known, they cannot help but feel drawn to one another. After spending time in another century, she discovers that she's time traveled back to the year 1863 and that the door took her there. For months she and Danny journey back and forth through the door to experience the joys of traveling to both of their centuries. When dilemmas of unwanted marriage, slavery, and war are thrown at them, they must face the perils that time travel has delivered them in both the future and the past.


Here are the types of posts:

Promo/Book Spotlight
Review
Character Interview
Author Spotlight
Author Interview
Ten's List
This or That
Giveaway
 

Waiting on Wednesday #4: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.  This meme lets us spotlight upcoming releases that we are eagerly waiting for.  Of course, I have a huge list to choose from.  The book I can't wait to get my hands on is:



Title: Opal
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication: December 11th, 2012
Pages: 452


Goodreads Synopsis

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.


Why I'm Waiting: This is one of my favorite series.  I have read this series over and over.  Who cannot love Daemon Black.  In Onyx, I finally got to see a different side of him.  Onyx also left off on a huge cliffhanger.  I can't wait to see what happens next.  I wish December was already here.  Opal releases on my birthday so I know what I am buying for myself.

Blog Tour Stop: The Destiny of Shaitan by Laxmi Hariharan

Welcome to the next stop for this blog tour!!!  Hope everyone is having a great time!!!  For my stop, I am featuring my review along with some information on the book and a giveaway!!!

Title: The Destiny of Shaitan
Author: Laxmi Hariharan
Publisher: Laxmi Hariharan
Publication: March 17th, 2012
Pages: 274
Format: ebook


Book Description/Synopsis

Background: The Destiny of Shaitan, the first novel in The Chronicle of The Three series is a coming of age story, about a girl who falls in love only to realise that to be truly happy, she has to first find herself. Set in 3000 AD, when the galaxy is populated by humans as well as a half human, half alien race called half lives, this novel, tracks the protagonists from five to seventeen years old. 

Synopsis: When Tiina accompanies her ex-boyfriend Yudi on a mission to save the universe from the ruthless Shaitan, she seeks more than the end of the tyrant; she seeks herself. Driven by greed and fear for his own survival, Shaitan bulldozes his way through the galaxy, destroying everything in his path. Tiina wants Yudi to eliminate Shaitan, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the powerful autocrat being killed by his son, but she finds that Yudi is hesitant to do so. The final showdown between Yudi and Shaitan has unexpected consequences, for Shaitan will do anything in his power to win the fight—including getting rid of Tiina. The stakes are high and the combatants determined. Will Shaitan's ultimate destiny be fulfilled?

Return to 7 Islands, (Chronicle of The Three, #2): The Destiny of Shaitan, ends with Tiina, leaving everything she knows—including Yudi and the world she helped save from Shaitan—in search of herself.  The second novel in the series, titled Return to 7 Islands, follows Tiina as she lands in a futuristic Bombay—now  reduced by a tsunami to its original seven islands—and helps Rai, in defending his childhood orphanage from the clutches of Sharmila, Shaitan's daughter. As she struggles to come to terms with her origins in an attempt to understand herself better, she discovers a surprise about her past. 

My Review

I was immediately hooked after the very first page.  Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down.  I was on the edge of my set the entire time.  I read this book in one sitting.  I had to finish it.  Laxmi crafted a unique world that drew me in.  I felt like I was there the entire time.  The descriptions were very detailed to the point I was able to mentally picture everything in the story.  I also loved the Indian mythology in the story.  The mythology made it so much more interesting.  The action in this story was awesome.  I love it when characters actually fight and kick some butt.   

Character development is really important in stories.  I love watching characters grow and become stronger.  Laxmi did a great job with this part of the book.  I love how the characters grew closer together as the story went on.  Tiina, Yudi, and Rai were great characters.  If they truly existed, I would have loved to meet them.

This story was very different from the types of other stories I read.   There are so many twists and turns in this book that left me in shock.    I am very glad I decided to read it.  I recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy with Indian mythology intertwined.  What an ending!!!!  I can't wait to read the sequel!!!

 Excerpt:

Pluto, 3016
The lightning strikes him down, charring him black with smoke ebbing out, and he awakes to the gut-wrenching pain.
Thump. Kreeee. Thump. Kreeeeee…
Yudi jolts into consciousness from the sound. He throws off the covers and pads onto the small terrace adjoining his bedroom, wearing just the pair of black shorts he sleeps in. He is on the eighteenth floor of a fifty-eight storey apartment block. The distance does not hinder the noise, which carries to him through the dawn air, growing louder by the second:  Thump. Kreeee. THUMP. KREEEE…
Not again!
Down below, he sees the aged Plutonian female going about her early morning ritual of dragging the large steel pole, bumping down the sleeping escalator steps. Every morning at five o’clock without fail, that annoying noise wakes him up. And every morning he looks out the window to see her walking down the escalator, which would normally be running in the upward direction if it were switched on.
Why does she not take the path next to the escalator? It would make the going much easier for her. And where does she go with that one single steel pole every morning? He ponders her routine just as he has every morning.
Another of life’s great mysteries…just like the question of who my real father is. The thought comes unbidden, as if the urban chemistry swirling in the air is mocking him. The smog of the early dawn creeps in—a reminder of the clogged, urban city where he lives—masking the scene below until all he can see is his own face reflected in his mind’s eye.
Without turning, he reaches for the half-empty cigarette pack placed within arm’s length on the small wrought iron table on the terrace. He flicks on the vintage Ronson gas lighter, its golden casing long since rubbed away by frequent use to a dull brown. The cigarette paper crackles as it lights up. He pulls in a drag and exhales, watching the smoke as it melds with the smog, hitting the sticky side of the taller one hundred and eight storey-high apartment buildings on either side of the street. The smog slithers toward the other open window of the apartment diagonally opposite, where the young man living there often parades his women.
His heart begins to beat in sync to the thump, kreeee, thump, kreeee, even as the sound fades. He shuts his eyes. I am safe. I am safe. No. I am scared, so scared. Feeling so helpless is unstoppable, and the sensation grows within him.
After stubbing out the half-smoked cigarette with jerky movements, he reaches for another.
Athira’s voice rings in his ears. “Being sixteen isn’t permission to smoke your lungs out all in one go. You’ve got the rest of your life to live. Space it out a bit.”
He steels himself against the prick of consciousness that was bound to follow and continues to light his second cigarette of the day. As he pulls on the cigarette with his right hand, he plays with the faded Ronson in his left. Its smooth, much rubbed surface is a slight comfort. It’s the only reminder left of his father.
Adopted father, he corrects himself.
However much his logical mind tried to believe what Athira told him, his heart refused to listen. Athira would always remain both his father and mother. The man had not just raised him, but had showered him in love in a strong affectionate manner, which had bound them forever.
As usual, thinking of Athira sends his mind into overdrive and he shuts his eyes against the pain. He can feel every separate beat of his heart, realise the full breadth of his life, and discern each individual moment in that space.
So, this is how it feels to be powerless. His thoughts hang alongside the window and then hurtle against the glass, crashing into a thousand pieces in his mind.
Stop! Breathe! He admonishes himself, and clinging on, tries to haul himself up. Mentally, he stays suspended over the precipice for a few seconds, and then he is there, back on stable ground.
Yudi sighs and opens his eyes. Panic attacks have an annoying way of creeping up on him when he is at his most vulnerable. The images will come rushing back and once more his mind races over that well trodden memory path.

While born in India, Laxmi Hariharan has lived in Singapore and Hong Kong and is now based in London. She has written for various publications including The Times of India, The Independent, Inside Singapore, Inside Hong Kong and Asian Age. Indian mythology inspires her work. When not writing, this chai-swigging technophile enjoys long walks in the woods, growing eye-catching flowers and indulging her inner geek.  Her debut novel The Destiny of Shaitan is available on Amazon http://tiny.cc/szqsew.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter: @laxmi


Giveaway!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Stop: Once Upon A Second Chance by Marian Vere: Review

Title: Once Upon a Second Chance
Author: Marian Vere
Publisher:  Omnific Publishing
Publication: November5th, 2012
Pages: 210
Format: eARC
Rating: 5/5 stars


Goodreads Synopsis

What happens to your Happily-Ever-After when your Fairy Godmother doesn't show up for work?

Julia Basham’s life was perfect. She was finally done with school, about to start an internship with a prestigious financial company which would lead to a great job and, best of all, she’d just become engaged to her very own Prince Charming, Nicholas Kerkley. Unfortunately, while Nick was warm, intelligent, and completely devoted to Julia, he was also a college dropout, with no job to speak of, and almost completely broke. While none of his shortcomings were a problem for Julia, they were a big problem for her older sister Lisa, who told her that a guy like Nick wasn’t proper marriage material for a girl on the fast track to success, Julia began to reconsider the relationship. Although she didn’t wholeheartedly agree with Lisa, after some thought Julia decided that she would take her sister’s advice and end her engagement with Nick, convincing herself that it was the right thing to do. Only after breaking Nick’s heart, and her own in the process, did Julia realize what a horrible mistake it was.

As the story opens nearly a decade later, Julia is the quiet shadow of the woman everyone thought she’d be, who’s once fulfilling life has fallen into a stale and safe existence. Her shell of a world is thrown into upheaval when she finds out that the financial planning team she works for has taken on a new client; a now successful and very rich Nick Kerkley. Stuck in a horribly awkward situation, Julia makes a decision–take charge, step up, and find her own happy ending. However, she quickly realizes that fairy tales aren’t as strait forward as we’ve been brought up to believe. Sometimes, to get to happily ever after, you have to stop waiting for fate, strap on a pair of wings, and be your own fairy godmother.


Once Upon A Second Chance, is a modern yet whimsical take on Austen’s classic love story, Persuasion.


My Review

I fell in love with this story immediately.  It is a modern-retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion so I knew I would love it.  I was completely hooked after the very first page.  I read this book in one sitting.  I had to keep going so I could what would happen next.  There wasn't a character that I didn't like in this story.  I could see them all as friends.  This book is definitely one that I will be rereading. 

Julia ends her relationship with her fiance, Nick due to her sister's opinion.  She has become a shell of herself since this has happened.  He was the one thing that made her truly feel alive.  Nick was very devastated with the break up. Julia isn't who she used to be anymore.  Her job is what it should be.  She could have done so much more.   Eight years later, they meet again.  

I loved Julia as a character.  I was able to relate to her early on in the book.  She realized what a huge mistake she made and has suffered the consequences.  She even quit dating and became so depressed.  When seeing Nick again, I enjoyed seeing her old self again.  The fight in her would pop out at moments.  

I loved Nick so much.  I would marry that man in a heartbeat.  I really felt for him when she ended it.  I wanted to shake her. I am glad that he made his dreams come true.  He built his business himself and did what everyone believed he couldn't do.

This was a great book!!!  Marian did a wonderful job!!!  I recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance story!!!

                                                               About the Author

 Marian Vere is a twenty eight year old writer of Women's Fiction. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she received her degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in--oddly enough--vocal music performance, only to later discover her love of writing and storytelling. Marian is represented by Carly Watters of PS Literary, and currently lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her Husband, and two daughters.


   Giveaway: 

The author is giving away (5) swag bags that include a magic wand charm necklace, a magic wand book mark, and custom lip gloss with the book art. Open to US only. The publisher is giving away (5) ebook copies of ONCE UPON A SECOND CHANCE. Open International.



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Blog Tour Stop: Revelation by AmBear Shellea

Welcome to the next stop on the Revelation blog tour!!!  I hope everyone is having a great time on this tour!!!  Below, you can fins a lot of information on AmBear and her Pedalstem Lillie series.

Title: Chaos Unleashed
Author: AmBear Shellea
Publication: August 15th, 2012
Pages: 170
Format: ebook
Rating: 4/5 Stars

My (Review)

Goodreads Synopsis

This isn’t your mother’s sweet love story and it’s not your sister’s fairytale. Chaos Unleashed is dark, dangerous, and highly addictive. You will share in every experience the hero and heroine have, as their quest for the truth leads them to the hateful dark void that threatens to consume their souls.

Pedalstem is shrouded in darkness, leaving Castle Deverox in a vortex of confusion. Blaze awakens to find men she doesn’t know looming over, intent on capture, a handsome prisoner sharing her fate, and the gut tightening knowledge that her memories have been stolen.

Title: Revelation
Author: AmBear Shellea
Publication: November 1st, 2012
Pages: 140
Format: ebook


Goodreads Synopsis and Tag line

This revelation will bring justifiable consequences.


Some fairytales begin with once upon a time and end with happily ever after. Revelations, book 2 in The Pedalstem Lillies series, is a not that fairytale. It contains love and sex but it’s twisted and dark side takes it to another level. Our heroine and her hero find the truth and begin to piece the puzzle together as they face the puppet master and his puppeteer.


Join Blaze once again, as she struggles through the darkness. Her adventure for the truth is deadly as it’s pieced together with schemes, plots and wicked intentions. A violent disagreement finds her out and about, with a man whose presence is forbidden, and is forced to seek shelter. Heat and electricity engulf them as the oncoming storm reveals the secrets. Exhausted and breathless, their plan for revenge awakens with sunrise. The scene is set and the lines are drawn. Purity & Power Vs. Menace & Mayhem. Who will be left standing when the magic clears?


Author Bio:

Although I have always enjoyed writing, the dream to become a writer came when I read A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, in the sixth grade. My early works, not published, were in the form of children’s stories I would read to my two daughters. I divide my days between the real world and the ones I’ve created. My life and my characters keep me very busy in my Mid-Western scene, where I live with my husband, and my children (both human and furry.

Her Links
Website: http://pedalstemlillieseries.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15829652-chaos-unleashed
FB FanPage: http://www.facebook.com/AmBearShellea?ref=hl
Twitter: @AmBear Shellea 

Buy Links:
http://www.devinedestinies.com/index.php?route=product%2Fauthor&author_id=960
http://www.amazon.com/AmBear-Shellea/e/B0091F0KXW 


Chaos Unleashed Book Trailer



 Revelation Book Trailer

Review: Chaos Unleashed by AmBear Shellea

Title: Chaos Unleashed
Author: AmBear Shellea
Publication: August 15th, 2012
Pages: 170
Format: ebook
Rating: 4/5 Stars


 Goodreads Synopsis

This isn’t your mother’s sweet love story and it’s not your sister’s fairytale. Chaos Unleashed is dark, dangerous, and highly addictive. You will share in every experience the hero and heroine have, as their quest for the truth leads them to the hateful dark void that threatens to consume their souls.

Pedalstem is shrouded in darkness, leaving Castle Deverox in a vortex of confusion. Blaze awakens to find men she doesn’t know looming over, intent on capture, a handsome prisoner sharing her fate, and the gut tightening knowledge that her memories have been stolen.


My Review

 This book captivated me after the very first page.  I didn't want to put it down.  I had to know what was going to happen next.  The story was beautifully written.  AmBear crafted a unique and beautiful story unlike others I have read.  I loved the characters in this story.  I really felt for them, and I was rooting for them the whole time.  When I finished the book, I did have a hard time rating it.  Even though I enjoyed it, there just felt like there was something missing.  I was waiting on something BIG to happen, and nothing happened.  I was a little disappointed with that.  Right when I thought it was going to happen, the story ended.  So yes, it does leave on a huge cliffhanger.  I gave it 4 stars, because even though something important was missing, I think Chaos Unleashed sets up a beginning to a new great series.  I am hoping that in book two, I will get to see a little more action as well as romance.   

Blaze wakes up captured and thrown into a wagon with Demarko.  Both have lost their memories.  The only thing thing they can remember are their names.  They band together and escape for a short time, but get captured again.  They are taken to the palace where Blaze learns that she is the Queen of Pedalstem.  She also learns that she is married to the King, Slaine.  Something about Slaine feels wrong to her.  She wonders how she could be married to a man that feels off to her.  She also wonders why she has such a strong connection to Demarko since she just  met him.  Blaze goes back to her role as Queen while hoping to get her memories back.  Will Demarko and Blaze remember who they really are?  What secrets will they uncover as this story unfolds?

Blaze is such a sweet and strong character.  She is a wonderful Queen and truly loves her people.  I love how she defended them against Slaine and Deklan knowing the consequences.  She puts others before herself and I admire her for that.  She starts having dreams of Lady Red and Woody which leads me to guess who they really are.  

I really liked Demarko.  He feels so much love for Blaze and doesn't understand why.  He won't leave the castle, because he worries over her safety.  I wish I could have seen a lot more of him though.  It seems like he was always on the sidelines watching. 

There were many other characters that I enjoyed.  I love Kipper and Kamron!!!  I am hoping I get to see more of them later on.  I also loved Arabella and Shaunt.  These two are pretty much like guardians to Blaze and Demarko.  They are always watching over them.  There are several clues and hints that they actually know who Blaze and Demarko are and what has happened.  I just haven't figured out why they haven't told them yet.  

I hate Slaine and Deklan with a passion.  They are both arrogant jerks.  All Slaine want is to rule everyone.  He gets so much worse when his brother Deklan is around.  I really hope they get whats coming to them.  They so deserve it.  I can't believe how much he hits her.  He just kept getting worse and worse.  Slain didn't like her anywhere near Demarko.  Blaze stands her ground though. 

My favorite part of the story was watching their dreams of Lady Red and Woody.  They were very sweet and romantic.  Some scenes were very yummy as well.  I was able to relate to them more than Blaze and Demarko even though I have my suspicions on who those two are.  

I think AmBear did a great job with this book!!!  I can't wait to read Revelations.  At least I don't have to wait since AmBear was very nice to send me these two books for review.  Thank you AmBear!!!



 

Waiting on Wednesday #3: Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.  This meme lets us spotlight upcoming releases that we are eagerly waiting for.  Of course, I have a huge list to choose from.  The book I can't wait to get my hands on is:



Title: Walking Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
 Publisher: Atria Books
Publication: April 16th, 2013



Goodreads Synopsis


Beautiful Disaster told in Travis point of view.

How much is too much to love?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. Just when he thought he was invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Jamie McGuire's New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster Abby had her say. Now it's time to see the story through Travis's eyes.


  
Why I'm Waiting:  After reading Beautiful Disaster, I would love to see what was going on in Travis's head the whole time.  It would be nice to see his side of the story.  To know why he is the way he is.  I also want to see how much he really cares for Abby.  I love Travis!!!  I can't wait to read this!!!  There are always two sides to a story.  

Blog Tour Stop: Wicked Fate by Tabatha Vargo: Review

Welcome to the next stop of the Wicked Fate blog tour.  On my stop, I have my review posted along with the author's bio and my favorite excerpt from the story.  I would like to thank Tabatha for sending me this book for review!!!  I really loved it!!!

 Title: Wicked Fate
Author: Tabatha Vargo
Publication: November 30th, 2012
Format: eBook
Pages387
Rating: 5/5 Stars


Goodreads Synopsis

What if you lived in fear of yourself?

For Mage McPherson being afraid of herself is just the norm. Thanks to that fear, being a loner in a small town never bothered the mysterious Mage. Once she received her secret abilities, she figured being alone was the safest way to be. That all changes during her sophomore year at Summerville High when Adam, her equally mysterious secret crush, starts to notice her.

Afraid that she might harm Adam, Mage must learn to either control or deny herself. With Adam by her side she's more powerful than she’s ever been, but is she powerful enough to defeat her worst nightmare? She learns a hard lesson about love and magic when her destiny comes to collect.

  
My Review

 I absolutely LOVED this book!!!!  I was immediately hooked after the first page.  I haven't read a book like this before.  The fact that it is different from all the other books out there, makes it another favorite on my shelf.  The story is written beautifully, and the world that Tabatha created, was unlike the others.  I felt as if I was there, and I was able to see picture everything around me with the descriptions that Tabatha used.  I also love seeing characters grow through the stories.  Along with the romance, that is my favorite part.  I love seeing characters persevere though the troubles they are facing and become stronger.  I was able to feel everything the characters felt as well.  I loved it!!!!

Mage is different from everyone else.  At school she is considered weird and a freak.  They fear her.  All of a sudden a new girl, Bernie, shows up at school and immediately tries to befriend her.  Then Adam, her long time crush, starts paying attention to her all of sudden.   Mage decides to make this school year different so she tries socializing for a change.  Bernie and Adam immediately become important people in he life.  Weird things start happening though.  Mage starts having nightmares, or at least, she thinks they are nightmares.  Her powers start to change.  Will Mage be strong enough to overcome these changes?  

I loved Mage as a character.  She was a social outcast, but she preferred it that way.  She was always afraid of hurting someone.  But things change.  She changed.  Bernie and Adam became very important people in her life.  I got to watch Mage be a loner at the beginning, but throughout the story, I got to see her open up.  She was a character that I easily related to.  On her sixteenth birthday, her powers change.  She doesn't know or understand what is happening to her.  People are looking for her.  She stays strong though and that is what I loved about her.  No matter what, she fights.

Who could not love Adam in this story.  He is such a sweetheart.  I am totally swooning.  He has always noticed her since they were little.  He knew a little about her powers and didn't tell a soul.  As he realizes how strong her powers actually are, he supports her and doesn't run away.  He is in total awe of her and her powers.  She starts to feel because of him.  The love they share is the real kind.  The kind that is stronger than death.  Lets face it, he is such a romantic as well.   What he does for her on Christmas and her birthday was very sweet.  I also loved how he sent her messages through flowers.  I was hugely swooning there.  What he does to protect her, shows how deep their love is.  

There were so many shocks and surprises throughout this book.  When she uncovers the secrets, I was as shocked as she was.  The ending was such a shock to me.  I had a feeling it was going to happen, but I was really hoping it wouldn't.  This book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride.  The ending tore me to pieces.  It took me forever to finish, because I couldn't quit crying.  There is hope though.  I can't wait to read the sequel!!!

Great debut Tabatha!!!!!  I will definitely be preordering me a signed copy from Tabatha's blog.  This book is a must have and a must read!!!!  I recommend it to everyone!!!!

                                                           About the Author 
Tabatha has been writing since she could pick up a pencil. Her first publication was a little poem in her elementary school paper, from that point on she was hooked. When she was a teenager, she traded in her girly magazines for personalized writing notebooks.

At nineteen, she met her own personal prince charming and writing took a back burner for a while. She is now married to that prince and the mother of a beautiful six-year-old princess/rock star. Once her daughter was born, writing came back into her life, and she finished her very first novel in May of 2009.

She is pursuing a Bachelors in English and hopes to one day teach while continuing to write.

As a stay-at-home mom and full-time student, Tabatha enjoys the freedom of spending a good bit of her days doing what she loves the most…writing. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabatha.vargo.9

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TabathaVargo

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16008688-wicked-fate


Below is my favorite excerpt from the story!!!!  I hope you all enjoy!!!

Excerpt:

When I’m doing homework, reading journals, or relaxing in the gardens, I wonder to myself if Adam misses me as much as I miss him.

My answer arrives a few days later. It’s Saturday and, of course, I’m in the library with Thaddeus. I hear a loud knock at the door. There’s a little man at the door with a bouquet of pink camellias and red carnations. It’s a strange looking bouquet.

I sign a delivery confirmation and then I take the flowers. The delivery man also hands me a gift. It’s wrapped in purple and silver wrapping paper. I can tell by looking at it that it’s a book of some sort. I can also tell by the wrapping paper that it’s from Adam. He’s the only person who cared enough at one point to know my favorite color. Anything he’s sent from that point on was either purple or wrapped in purple.

I thank the delivery man and sit on the closest couch in the front living room. I lift the flowers and breathe them in. I feel my heart constrict with the thought that Adam might actually be thinking about me.

I sit the flowers down on the couch beside me and begin to rip at the wrapping paper on the gift. It’s a book, a strange looking old book. The book’s called The Language of Flowers. I flip through a few pages and realize right away the subject content of the book. It’s a listing of different flowers and what they mean. Adam’s trying to communicate with me the only way he knows how without having to worry about breaking his deal with Eris.

I quickly flip through the book to the page with camellias and carnations on it. When I read what’s on the page I clasp the book to my chest and breathe deeply. It feels so good to know what Adam’s really thinking. I look at the page of the book once more.

           

Camellia (Pink) = Longing for you…

Carnation (Red) = My heart aches for you…

His heart aches for me! He misses me too! My thoughts are going crazy. Should I go to him or should I just take this for what it is and leave it be?

 I wanted nothing more than to run to his house and throw my arms around him. I miss him so much and to know that he misses me too is enough to make me float. I pick up my flowers and hold them to my nose to smell them once more.

 

Blog Tour: Reaction by Jessica Roberts: Review

Title: Reaction
Author: Jessica Roberts
Publication: November 5th, 2012
Publisher: S/P 
Format: eARC
Rating: 5/5 Stars


 Goodreads Synopsis

 Harmony…

I’ve previously had that in my life, but only once, briefly, a while ago. It was during the time I’d started my first year of college. My own apartment, a new old car, and a life free of deadbeat stepfathers, all of which was fulfilling enough. But if it wasn’t, I also had a best friend, soul mate, and boyfriend all in one. Yes, life was near perfect.

But one stormy night can change everything…

For many months I rested in a prolonged sleep, fighting for my life. Well, more than fighting for it, also dreaming of it. Dreaming of him. Thank goodness, the dream is over and I’m back in the real world now. And all I want is for everything to return to the way it was. But nothing’s the same; most of all, us.

Once again, I find myself at the crossroads of a ruthless battle, this time not for life, but love. Do I fight for the guy I twice fell for, or do I let her take him away?


My Review

 Reaction picks up right where Reflection left off.  After waking from a coma, Heather realized everyone and everything has changed.  When she left the hospital, she had to go out and try to get her life back.  Everything came back to her easily.  She went and registered for classes again, went to talk to her old boss, and even went to see Liz.  The only person that didn't come back to her was Nick.  Heather finds out Nick is engaged and getting married in December.  Will Heather fight to get Nick back or will she let him go to find true happiness?  Is she capable of selfless love?

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book.  It was just as good as the first one.  I am already wanting to reread it again, especially my favorite parts.  It just blew me away.  I was captivated from the very first chapter.  I couldn't put it down so I read it in a day.  The story is beautifully written.  I felt like I was right there with the characters rooting them all on.  I laughed, cried, was even jumping up and down.  The book as AMAZING!!!!  The book was just well thought out and well written.  I was able to relate with each and everyone of the characters.  I loved all the characters in this story.  I could see them being my friends if they really existed.  I love watching characters grow throughout books, and character development in this series was well written and well thought out.  

I loved Heather as a character.  After waking from a # year coma, she does whatever she can to get her life back.  She fights for the one she truly loves, Nick.  Her love has truly grown for him, because she dreamed about Nick while she was in her coma.  He is what kept her fighting for her life.  Julia has an internal battle going on.  Does she fight for the one person she can't live without, or does she let him go if he is really happy?  The decision she makes is very admirable.  She is such a strong character.

Nick is my favorite character in this series.  I would marry that man myself so I don't blame her.  He keeps her at arms length though in this one.  He basically tells her there is no chance for them and he is definitely getting married.  But the thing is, he can't seem to quit thinking about her, or finding ways to see her.  She is making him feel again.  It was hard watching him struggle as well.  He was really trying to do what was right. 

I also loved Creed and Liz as well.  These two are true friends.  Creed was there everyday with her while she was in a coma.  He never missed a day.  He always protected her no matter what.  He was her only family..  Liz was a great listener.   Heather could go to her and talk about anything.  Liz also helped her fight for Nick ans stuck up for her when snide comments were made by Paige.  I was definitely happy that both these characters got their happy ending as well.

This book tool me on am emotional roller coaster ride.  It is a heart-wrenching love story that I recommend to everyone!!!  It is one that I will definitely be rereading and continue to reread.  I truly loved it!!!  It was a great end to the series, but I am hoping we get to see more of these characters down the road.  

                                                                    About this author

JESSICA ROBERTS grew up in the San Francisco, California Bay Area where she spent most of her time playing sports alongside her six siblings. She was crowned Miss Teen California her senior year of high school, and went on to Brigham Young University where she graduated in Human Development. Her love of family, church, writing, athletics, and singing and dancing keeps her life busy and fulfilled. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three children.

http://www.jessicarobertsauthor.blogspot.com/

@JRobertsAuthor

 Reflection

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13504524-reflection

 Reaction

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16075522-reaction

Link to tour schedule:

http://yabound.blogspot.com/2012/10/blog-tour-schedule-reaction-by-jessica.html

Giveaway!!!

 Grand Prize is for a $25 Gift Card to Amazon, a replica of the necklace worn in the Reaction cover and an e-book of Reflection.  (Open Internationally)

There will also be 4 additional e-book copies of Reflection up for giveaway. (Open Internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway