Saturday, May 26, 2012

Book Review: Witchy, Witchy

Title - Witchy, Witchy
Author - Penelope King
Series - Spellbound #1
Genre - YA Paranormal Fantasy
Format - Kindle Review Copy
Published - July 19th 2011

Synopsis
Introducing book #1 in the enchanting SPELLBOUND trilogy...

When Calista McCoy moves from the slums of the Louisiana Bayou to an illustrious beach community in California, she knows her life is going to take a drastic turn. But once she arrives at the beautiful mansion by the sea, dark secrets are revealed...secrets that become even more complicated when she meets the gorgeous neighbor boy, Nicholas, and she feels an unexplainable--and undeniable--attraction. He's everything she's ever dreamed of. Literally.

Her new life seems almost too good to be true. But as everyone knows, when something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

...And in Calista's case, it could be deadly.

Witchy, Witchy is a full length paranormal romance novel. Book #2 in the Spellbound trilogy, Kiss the Crystal Sun, will be available spring 2012.

Review
I received this from Penelope King to provide a honest review.
This is the story of Calista McCoy teenage girl who used to live in the Louisiana Bayou until a strange woman offers her father a job in sunny California. Calista isn't like your normal teenage girl, she has special talent's, like being able to sense peoples emotions, move things with her mind, with a new start in California she decides to stop doing magic and try to be normal. Upon arriving at her new home Calista instantly meets Nicholas a New York bound guy who takes her breath away and she can't stop thinking about him. She quickly learns that Ana the owner of the house is her long lost grandmother she never knew she had and that she's not the only one with special abilities. Calista can't get Nicholas our of her mind or that she's not alone in her gifts with Ana's help, she sets off for a new chance at a new school where she meets Lily and Sophie also morningstar witches as that's what young witches are called. They instantly form a strong bond. But it's not call easy either, with the good that the witches do there are those who aren't so good those who hundreds of years ago ruined it for all, now a long time enemy is on the hunt protected by amulet necklaces the girls are protected. The Hunters as they are called are decedents of victims of dark witches cursed by gypsies to hunt the witches and kill them. Danger lurks in the shadows but come screaming forward when everything in Calista's happy world comes crashing down.

Oh Penelope you did it again, just like your demon series this is equally amazing in my opinion. The characters are well developed you can't help wanting to be them as you read. They are so well described I can see them all in my mind which is what I do when I read. The story pulls you right in keeping you wanting more as you read. What little girl didn't want to be a witch when she got older I know I did for a while then it became a shapeshifter but that's just me. Calista makes me wanna be a witch now....who wouldn't want to have dreams about Nicholas. I found the story easy to get into, and very enjoyable to read on a rainy afternoon. I can see myself picking up this series down the road and re-reading it again because it is so enjoyable. It's just got it all a girl I could relate too, a handsome mysterious man, magic, and of course the danger. Awesome I love it!!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday!
So many books to read never enough time so it seems. With the hubby out of town for work I should be able to get some of my reading pile down this week.

Currently I'm reading which I received from the author.
Witchy, Witchy
By Penelope King.
1st in the Spellbound Series
Young Adult/Paranormal
Published January 14th 2012
328 Pages
Synopsis

When Calista McCoy moves from the slums of the Louisiana Bayou to an illustrious beach Community in California, she knows her life is going to take a drastic turn, But once she arrives at the beautiful mansion by the sea, dark secrets are revealed...secrets that become even more complicated when she meets the gorgeous neighbor boy, Nicholas, and she feels an unexplainable--undeniable--attraction. He's everything she's ever dreamed of. Literally.

Her new life seems almost to good to be true. But as everyone knows, when something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

...And in Calista's case, it could be deadly.

Doesn't that sound exciting. I've just started but already I'm in love.


Next up which I was lucky enough to receive from the author.
The Secret Life of Copernicus Stringfellow
By Lorin Barber
Young Adult/Fantasy
Published March 13 2012 (My Birthday has to be good luck)
304 Pages
Synopsis

Copernicus H Stringfellow, a.k.a Nick, is not your run-of-the-mill genius. His mind is so powerful it can stop a speeding automobile or stem internal bleeding. As Nick goes about quietly doing good, he discovers that his powers are greatly enhanced by the nutrients present in Twinkies. Follow Nick on his amazing adventures in this humorous and exciting action packed book for all ages. 

Wish I had powers from Twinkies. 

Then I have a copy of which I received this morning for review. 

The Serpent's head: Revenge
By Julian Malins
1st in a series
Political Crime Thriller
Published May 1st 2012
Synopsis 

What would happen in a terrorist attack resulted in the death of the loved one of someone who could take revenge?
Set in the near future, The Serpent's head is the story of a terrorist bomb destroying one of the city of London's most iconic buildings and killing the children of the parents who decide to extract a dramatic and world changing justice. 
Set mainly in China, England, Nigeria, Syria and Saudi Arabia, the plots and sub plots weave the reader around the world, as the flames of a general war between Christianity and Islam ignite in West Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia collapses into chaos. The novel will be the first of several in which the possible future course of the struggle between China, Islam and the West is traced. 
The Novel is written by Julian Malins, who is a British Barrister with a worldwide practice in banking, fraud and money laundering cases especially in the Middle East and the Caribbean. He has many articles published in legal journals but The Serpent's Head is his first novel and is packed with insider information and personal knowledge and experience. 

I'm a sucker for a good thriller and this one has all the makings for one. 

Then Last but by sure not least I have a paranormal I got from Making Connections YA Edition to read and review. 

Sugar and Spice and Not So Nice
By Janet McNulty
1st in the Mellow Summers Series
Young Adult/Paranormal/Mystery
Published January 26th 2012
117 Pages 

Synopsis

Mellow Summers just wanted to go to college and get her film degree. She moved into a furnished apartment with her friend Jackie only to find out that it already has a tenant: the ghost of the girl who as murdered a year earlier. Now it is up to Mellow to not only discover who the murderer is, but to prove it as well. 
With the help of the ghost Rachel, Mellow sets out to solve the year old mystery. She soon finds out that she may have taken on more then she can handle. Pursued by someone who wants to the identity of the killer to remain a secret, Mellow will have to use all her resources to outwit him and help the spirit of Rachel move on. 

Who doesn't love a little mystery with a paranormal twist. 

Well looks to be a great week. Lots of exciting books to read. 





Sunday, May 20, 2012

Book Review: Fire with Fire

Title - Fire with Fire
Author - Penelope King
Series - Demonblood #2
Genre - YA Paranormal Romance
Published - October 31st 2011
Publisher - Ascension Press 

Synopsis
It's been over two months since Lucky and Liora decided their fate outside the cave. Over two months since Kieron left to finish his mission. 

So why hasn't he returned?

Crushed and confused, Liora finds comfort with a mysterious stranger, a guy whose motives include more than just healing Liora's broken heart. Meanwhile, Lucky finds herself in the arms of an old friend...the one who has always laid claim to her true soul.

When the reason for Kieron's disappearance becomes known, loyalties will be tested, friends will be betrayed, loves will be lost, and hope will be found. Once and for all, Lucky and Liora will have to chose their destiny. And not everyone will survive their choice.

"Fire with Fire" is approx. 70,000 words/ 300 printed pages. It contains scenes of violence and strong sexual situations. It is recommended for mature teens and adults.

authorpenelopeking.blogspot.com

Book #1 in the Demonblood Series, "A Demon Made Me Do It" is available now, and is encouraged to be read prior to "Fire with Fire". 

Review
I received this to read and review from Penelope King. It's the continued story for Liora/Lucky from "A Demon Made Me Do It." This book starts off where it's been two months since Kieron left on his mission to deliver the demons that created Liora/Lucky and killer her friends. Instead of revenge Lucky choose for Kieron to be free to be with them. Both girls are still expecting him to return home even though it's been to months it's been really hard emotionally for them. While Kieron is gone Liora get's close to the new guy at school Tristan who isn't who he seems. Lucky deals in her own way with Kieron being gone by getting closer to Bones. After the demon bar is attacked they learn that Kieron is being held by the demons of the hellhounds that they killed before while looking for info on the deaths of there own. Lucky and Bones plan a mission to get Kieron back since both Liora and Lucky are in love with him.

This book is full of mystery, it keeps you on your toes, and I couldn't put it down I wanted so much more. The story is beautifully written and easy to follow along I felt at some times I was there. This book had everything I like in a good book, action a strong female character with a love interest, not so much a fan of the love triangle but it's maybe because by this book I couldn't help but root for Bones he's just such a great guy to do what he does for lucky. There is so many questions that get answered from the previous book well question I had. I honestly feel like this was a stronger book, the first one was great but this one was over the top better. I can't wait for the next one this series is just so good by far one of my all time favorites I know I will read it over and over. Thanks so much for a awesome series.


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Book Review: Beautiful Demons


Title - Beautiful Demons
Author - Sarra Cannon
Series - Peachville High Demons #1
Genre - YA Fantasy
Published - October 1st 2010
Publisher - Dead River Books
Format - Kindle Freebie

Synopsis
Harper Madison isn't like other girls. She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she's lost count. Shadowford Home is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs. But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret.

Review 
I decided to give this a shot since it was free not to long ago on amazon. It's the story of a girl who has spent more of her life in foster homes being kicked and moved from one to another. She ends up in Peachville at a group home for troubled girls. She starts a new school Peachville High School where the mascot is Demon. In the first few days of her new shot at school she happens to piss off one of the girls in the cheer leading squad. Who also happens to end up dead later on with Harper being questioned. They find that that she wasn't the one who killed the cheer leader. She spends a two weeks at home with the flu only to come back to school and be wanted by the cheer leaders to be a friend and then a cheerleader.
The story is a quick read, entertaining for a short book. It's a great start to a series I look forward to reading the rest of them. It's got a paranormal twist that keeps it exciting plus a little romance.The characters are well developed you feel like you really get to know Harper. My only complaint is that it was short there are so many unanswered question left unanswered.


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Book Review: Frost

Title - Frost 
Author - Kate Avery Ellison
Series - The Frost Chronicles #1
Genre - YA Dystopian Fantasy
Published - March 29th 2012
Publisher - CreateSpace
Format - Kindle Review Copy

Synopsis
In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, compassion might get a person killed, and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After the monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides, she can't afford to let her emotions lead her astray. But when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest, a young man from beyond the Frost named Gabe, Lia does the unthinkable. She saves his life. Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the "Farthers," as ruthless and cruel. Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent-and handsome. And she might even be falling for him. But time is running out. The monsters in the forest are growing bold and restless. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Is compassion-and love-worth the risk? Finally, when a startling discovery challenges everything she thought was true about her life, Lia realizes exactly what she must do.

Review
I received this from the Kate Avery Ellison to read and review. The story is set in the winter in a small community that lives in the Frost as the area is called. Lia is the main character, she's had to take over raising her little sister and caring for her crippled brother after her parents are murdered. Most of the community lives in a safe little town while a few live outside the town those are farmers. It's a unique world, where during the daylight the people in the town are free to move about but during the night these creatures called "Watcher" come out and kill anyone who they find they are drawn to people with electronics. That's why it's a simple farmingish community, each family has a quota of goods they are required to provide for the better of the town. When a stranger shows up hurt who happens to be the community's enemy Lia saves his life and changed her life forever.

I couldn't put it down there is so much in such a short time in the book it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a very descriptive story, I felt like I could see the snow. I was nervous because this is a new genera for me but I was pleasantly surprised how drawn in I was. I spent most of the book trying to figure out who was the bad guy and I had a hunch but I was also blind sided. I love a good blind side when I'm reading a book with a little suspense in it. I liked the tiny twist of romance too. I'm looking forward to a future books in the series.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Book Review: Stiletto Safari

Title - Stiletto Safari 
Author - Kate Metz
Genre - Chic Lit Romance
Published - March 2012
Format - Kindle Review Copy

Synopsis
Zara Hamilton has it all—a glamorous New York lifestyle, a gorgeous (and seriously rich) boyfriend, and a job as a lawyer in a prestigious city law firm. But when Zara’s boyfriend is accused of insider trading, her perfect world implodes.

Thrown out of work by security and stalked by the press, Zara’s life can’t get any worse. Or can it? A snap decision (and a few wines too many) sees Zara fleeing to Africa to work as a temporary wildlife volunteer.

But just when things start to cool down at home, Zara realizes her troubles

have only just begun.

Will Zara’s designer wardrobe survive?
Will a supermodel ruin her only chance at happiness?
Can a Birkin bag really solve her problems?

And will Zara want her old life back at the end of it all…

Review
I received this book from the author Kate. It's been on my TBR list for a while so I was really excited to get the opportunity to read and review Stiletto Safari.

This book is the story about Zara (btw I love her name) a successful young lawyer with a wonderful boyfriend who finds out that it's not all kitty cat socks and elephant ears. Suddenly Nick is arrested for insider trading and Zara is on a leave from her office. Her relationship with Nick ends abruptly when she could use him the most. In a spot of desperation after having her name cleared but forced into a sabbatical she takes up a friends suggestion to volunteer in Africa at a wildlife preserve. Zara takes off for the Africa it's not like she was expecting she meets many people who change her life inspiring her to do more to help the people of Africa.

I found the story inspiration in a way. It made me want to be a better person. Zara is so sweet and just has a good heart, you can't help loving her. The characters are well developed and described well you can't help like the sub characters. The author creates a brilliant story perfect for anyone who's like a romance novel that makes you feel go "awww." I couldn't decide what I did more I felt myself laughing through out the crazy stuff that Zara get's into and crying with things don't go as she wanted. Over all in the end I could easily see myself reading this book over and over when I want a sweet romance. I really enjoyed everything about this book it pulled me and kept my entertained through the whole story. Plus who wouldn't want to cuddle with lion cubs.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Book Review: Memoir of a Mermaid: When, at last, he found me. (Book #1)

Title - When, At Last, He Found Me
Author Adrianna Stepiano
Series - Book 1 in the Memoir of a Mermaid Series
Genre - YA Fanatsy
Published January 29th 2012


Synopsis
Seraphin Shedd can’t seem to escape the murky vision of her father’s death. She’s always felt like his death was a result of her defiant actions. When she meets Joseph Merrick, the nephew of her beloved teacher, her life begins to unravel. When Joseph opens her eyes to the impossible, her trust begins to waver. Is his interest in her purely for personal gain or will he prove to be a loyal friend? Follow along as Seraphin uncovers her true identity as well as discovers the evil surrounding her father’s death.

If you love mermaids, this is the young adult fantasy novel for you. See the raging sea through Seraphin’s eyes and struggle to make sense of the impossible. This isn’t an ordinary mermaid story, the mystery is as deep as the ocean. You’ll find intrigue and romance, as well as a dash of humor and action.

Caution: Memoir of a Mermaid has been known to cause “up all night reading” and “can’t put down syndrome”. You may find yourself addicted to the tension between Joseph and Seraphin. Due to the fact that this book is all you’ll be able to think about, do not begin reading the night before an important meeting or a final exam. The story will literally be swimming around in your head.

Excerpt: “Looking back, sometimes things are better off unknown. Sometimes the truth hurts more than a lie and being naive is a blessing in disguise. From that moment on, it was going to be difficult to distinguish between being protected and being lied to.”

Review
I had the pleasure of getting a copy from Adrianna Stepiano.
The story is about Seraphin a normal typical high school outcast. She suffered the loss of her father as a girl and grandmother before she graduated from high school. She is prone to blacking out when she gets stressed upset like a defense mechanism. When her beloved science teacher goes missing it's up to Seraphin to find out what happened to her, she has several run in ins with Joseph the nephew of her teach but never seems to get the answer she wants. She takes a job working for CORE the science research group. Her first missing out on the water finders her thrown off the ship as it sinks in a storm. Here is where she learns about who she really is that she's a mermaid, that Joseph is also a mermaid. She learns her whole life was a lie, she also learns that the neighborhood that she grew up in is full of mermaid like beings. Through the story Seraphin has to deal with being a mermaid, and a guardian of the ocean to boot. She still hunts for her teacher Ms.Z but it ends up not being so much of priority.

I was super excited this is my first Mermaid book, so I had some pretty big exceptions, and I feel like the book was better then I expected. I love the characters, they are so well developed you can't help loving them and instantly rooting for them. They are described so well I could picture them, even when they had tails. I found myself unable to put it down, it just sucked me to the point I couldn't get enough. It's got the twist of romance too which is a big plus. I enjoyed the ending it gave me exactly what I needed for it to end. This book has given me a new perspective on mermaid books, and I'm looking forward to the next one. I can't express how much I really loved this book. I think I told my hubby that like ten times already as I write this. It's just a well written book that keeps you interested.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Book Review: Ever Shade


Title - Ever Shade
Author - Alexia Purdy
Series - A Dark Faerie Tales #1
Genre - YA Fantasy
Published - July 5th 2011
Publisher - Lyrical Lit, Publishing 
Format - Kindle Review Copy
(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis
Ever Shade A dark twist on faeries. For Shade, a chance meeting with a powerful Teleen faery warrior who wields electrical currents and blue fires along his skin, has her joining him on a treacherous mission for the good Seelie Faerie Court across the land of Faerie. Magic and malice abound and nothing is what it really seems to be. The evil Unseelie Queen and her treacherous allies are around every corner as Shade makes her way across the breathtaking landscapes of the world of Faerie, which exists alongside the mundane human world. Shade discovers her own uncharted magic and meets some of the most powerful warriors in Faerie while battling evil dryads, conniving Teleen guards and challenges on her life with every step in a world where nothing can be taken for granted. Paperback includes the prequel: Evangeline Books in this series: Prequel: Evangeline Book 1: Ever Shade Book 2: Ever Fire Book 3: Ever Winter Book 3.5: The Cursed Book 4: Ever Wrath

Review
I received this book as a R2R. It's been on my TBR list for a while so I was super excited to get the opportunity to read it.

The story is about Shade who has had these voices in her head that want her to do there bidding. It's because of these voices she see's a conflict between two being from faerie, she meets Jack who takes her to his faerie queen and oracle. The oracle also known as a seer, can see that Shade is there to change the battle between the Seelie good court and the UnSeelie the evil court per say. Shade learns that she's not only human but half human and fey. The oracle sends her on a quest to a fountain to get water that will tip the scales in the Seelie favor. She is joined by a band of seelie faeries who will protect her from the evil UnSeelie who will try to stop her. Along the way she learns more about herself who she really is as well as meeting many people some good and some not.

I found the story a hard to put down it easily draws you into the world, so you feel like your there with Shade. The characters are described so well you can almost see them which is something I love in a book. For a first book I think it's a perfect introduction into a world I look forward to reading more about. I enjoyed the book very much it was a pleasure to ready with just enough action to keep you interested and a tiny list hint at love. The main character Shade, is kind and full of compassion you kind of can't not like her. I find it exciting because she's new to the whole faerie world she takes joy in the simple thing, that some take for granted and I like that. What else could I say other then its awesome, and I'm really excited for the next book.