Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Book Review: Controversy


Title - Controversy
Author - Elle Thorne
Series - Always After Dark #1
Genre - Paranormal Romance
Published - April 7th 2015
Publisher - Barbed Borders Press
Format - Kindle

Synopsis
Shifter Vax Tiero runs After Dark.  A club that doubles as a haven for shifters. Man, did he screw up, falling for the curvy graduate student Callie Rivera.

The tigresses in his tribe are furious at him for bringing a human into their sanctuary.

Now Vax has two problems. Keeping Callie alive and keeping that he's a shifter secret from her.

Wait. Two?!?

Make that three problems because his half-brother, an equally sexy, shifter named Rafe is in from Europe for a visit. And he's got his eye on Callie.

Two hot shifter males and a couple of hot-tempered (possibly jealous!) shifter females promise sparks, melee, and drama. The hot sex is a side-effect.If hot sex skeeves you out, you may want to pass on this book.
If freaky, downright dirty sexy talk bothers you, yeah, for sure you gotta pass on this one.
We believe in sex--hot, dirty, delicious sex.
Yup, make it sweaty, too. It's not just sex, it's about the romance.
But good romance has sex, and we keep the doors open! Oh, and the lights on! ;)

This BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance for adults only.

Review
Callie has a crush on her boss but he’s only said a few words to her so she knows the attraction is one sided. While he may not feel anything for her one of the white tigers at Sanctuary has formed a connection with her. Little does Callie know that the white tiger is actually a shapeshifter and happens to be her boss who just happens to be attracted to her as well she just doesn’t know it yet. After all the Tiero line of shifters don’t mate with humans and Vax has enough to deal with when his half-brother rolls into town from Europe.

While Vax is dealing with shifter drama when one of the female shifter is kidnapped it leaves Callie alone to catch the attention of Rafe the half-brother with a past of taking what Vax has. While Callie isn’t attracted to Rafe it doesn’t deter him from trying to win her over. When she is caught sneaking into the tiger sanctuary she knows her time with her tiger is limited Will Vax be able to tell Callie who he is and his real feelings before Rafe steals her away?

I like Callie she’s a sweetheart who has formed a friendship with a tiger who just happens to be the guy she’s in love with. I like Vax this isn’t my first time seeing him as a character so it was fun to see him with his love interest. While the love triangle is clear it ends well which I like because I don’t think Rafe is such a bad guy. I love the chemistry between Callie and Vax while it’s mostly silent they have something special.

 This isn’t my first book by the author so I had a good idea what to expect and Controversy doesn’t disappoint. While the shifter concept isn’t new I still think the author did a great job creating a unique story filled with mystery and romance. I’ve not read many tiger shifter stories so far but I found the idea of having the shifters in their tiger form in plain sight a brilliant idea. Callie is a curvy girl which I find refreshing when the characters aren’t your typical perfect body. I liked Vax even though briefly in the bear series and was hoping it would be him before I read the synopsis. I’m not a fan of love triangles while Callie has two alpha males to choose from it’s clear in her eyes right from the start that Rafe doesn’t stand a chance next to his brother. Controversy is a fast paced novel with some action, romance and steamy factor that I’ve come to appreciate with books by the author. My only complaint is they are two short but that works for a quick read. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Book Review: When Darkness Comes

Title - When Darkness Comes
Author - Alexandra Ivy 
Series - Guardians of Eternity #1
Genre - Paranormal Romance 
Published - January 15th 2007
Publisher - Zebra
Format - Kindle 

Synopsis
It’s been a hell of a day for Abby Barlow. In just a few hours, she’s survived an explosion, watched her employer die, had a startling dream, and now she finds herself in a seedy Chicago hotel with the sexy, unearthly Dante, a vampire she both desires and fears.


For 341 years, Dante has stood as guardian to The Chalice, a mortal woman chosen to hold back the darkness. A terrible twist of fate has now made Abby that woman. Three hours ago. Dante would have used all his charms to seduce her. Now she is his to protect. And he will do so until his very death.

A terrifying plan has been set in motion, one that will plunge Dante and Abby into an epic battle between good and evil – and a desperate race to save their love… 

Review
 Abby has had a rough day after breaking her boss’s vase things just kept getting worse like the explosion that killed her boss. Or that fact that as her boss died she touched Abby passing on the phoenix that she has inside her. Suddenly Abby is thrust into a world she didn’t know existed where she’s hunted for being The Chalice by demons who want her for their dark prince. At least she won’t be alone because when she wakes up in Chicago with Dante her boss’s companion who’s determined to protect her at all costs. Dante divulges that he’s not human but a very old vampire which doesn’t surprise Abby because he’s a beautiful pirate.

As the two flee from the demons they hope to find the witches that will be able to remove the phoenix from her so she won’t spend her life hunted. Abby can’t deny her attraction for Dante and soon the pair find it hard to keep their hands off each other even when darkness is looming. Will they be able to save Abby from the mythical spirit of the phoenix who’s taken up residence inside her? Will Dante end up bound to the new phoenix even if his heart is with Abby? What about the dark prince who wants to sacrifice her?

I liked Abby she’s you typical I’m not pretty but in reality I’m beautiful type of character who had a hard life growing up. She has a lot to deal with being pulled into the paranormal world and overall she handles it well after all she does become the host for the mythical spirit of the phoenix. It’s hard not to like Dante he’s just a vampire with a good heart who’s just as enchanted with Abby as she is with him. While they do have a little insta love it works for them they both where needing something and in each other they find it.

I haven’t read a true Paranormal romance in a while so this was a refreshing treat. While When Darkness Comes is a vampire romance it has mixes of demons witches and even a phoenix tossed into the mix to keep the story unique. I love when the paranormal beings have their own community among the humans even though they are kept a secret. I’m such a nut for a powerful alpha male protecting the women he loves and thanks to sharing her body Abby isn’t so fragile anymore. For me it was a fast paced read with lots of action, mystery and steam chemistry between the two. I liked that the steamy romance wasn’t overwhelming and didn’t overpower the story which is my favorite part. It was a perfect mix of both for me. The writing style of the author flows smoothly it was easy to lose track of time. When Darkness Comes doesn’t disappoint it was exactly what I hoped for and I plan to read the rest of the series as well as check out the authors other series. I’ve become a quick fan of the Guardians of Eternity. I wonder what will pop up next. 

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday 
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jenn of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~Grab your current read
~Open to a random page
~Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on the page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! ( make sure that what you share doesn't give away too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)


~Share the title & author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

When Darkness Comes 
by Alexandra Ivy
(Goodreads)

Teaser
He was expecting her to perform some sort of hocus-pocus. A joke, of course. She was as likely to sprout daisies out of her ears as she was to magically open some mystical door.

Still, she had to try something. As long as she carried the Phoenix, she would be hunted. And worse, Dante would be forced to protect her, even if it meant the end of his own existence.
What are you reading?What are you reading?

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday!
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

This week's topic: 
Top ten favorite books of 2015 so far. 

I've had a wide variety of books this year these are just a few of the ones I loved the most. I can't wait to see what the next half of the year has for me.
1. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - Review ~ This one was one of my favorites so far this year. My copy has been borrowed by several of my friends who have wanted to read it. I currently have a friend who has it. I don't think it's spent more than a day in my house since I got it. 

2. The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges - Review - I really enjoyed this one after years on my TBR it exceeded my expectations and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. 

3. Hero by Samantha Young - Review - I love Samantha Young so it's no surprise this one makes my list. My copy of hero also is loaned out. 

4. Confess by Colleen Hoover - Review - Currently still my favorite read of 2015 so far also loaned out but I have the ebook should I get the desire to read it again....may just happen. 

5. The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly - Review - This one is Jurassic park with dragons well done and one that I know I'll read again. 

6. Lure by Alyssa Rose Ivy - Review - I've read many of Alyssa Rose Ivy's books this year but this series is my favorite and I loved Lure. I can't wait for the next one which is just around the corner.  

7. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - Review - This was my first book by Maggie Stiefvater but I'm a quick fan. I still haven't had a chance to get caught up with her books by I have every intention of doing before the end of the year. 
8. Talon by Julie Kagawa - Review - My first book by Julie Kagawa but I'm a quick fan. I have the 2nd book on my plans for July and look forward to checking out her other books. 

9. Switched by Amanda Hocking - Review - I'm a huge fan of Amanda Hocking so with her new series coming out it was time to catch up. I enjoyed Switched a lot but haven't gotten to the rest of the series yet but I hope too. 

10. The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey - Review - Last but not least in any way is The Girl at Midnight. I very much enjoyed this one and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it. 

This week looks like a perfect chance to increase my TBR list. Can't wait to see what everyone else is enjoying this year. 

Monday, June 29, 2015

Musing Mondays

Musing Mondays
Hosted by A Daily Rhythm
Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…
This week's question: 

What do you think about waterproof books? Good idea, or bad?

My Answer:
This one is such a good one. I'm all for waterproof books it would have saved the many I'm dropped in the pool, lake, tub, or just water that has gotten splashed on them. I'm very careful so it hasn't happened often but I have lost a book or two over the years. I've started reading near water with my kindle but in a ziplock bag to protect it. 

How do you feel about waterproof books?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?
Welcome to It's Monday! is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at Bookjourney to share with others what you've read the past week and are planning to read the next.

I finished four I was hoping for more but not bad at all. 

Last week
Becoming Jinn by Lori Goldstein - Review
Kidnap by Sally Ann Melia - Review
The Diamond Secret by Suzanne Weyn - Review
Wings by Aprilynn Pike - Review

Currently Reading
Eek I haven't started one yet. I need one for my Grimm challenge that fits. So we will see what I can get started here in a few.

Up Next
Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison - Goodreads
Rest of the week
Not sure yet still trying to catch up. 

My new reading challenge starts Wednesday so Super excited to get started. 
What are you reading this week?

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Book Review: Becoming Jinn

Title - Becoming Jinn
Author - Lori Goldstein 
Series - Becoming Jinn #1
Genre - YA Fantasy
Published - April 21st 2015
Publisher - Feiwel & Friends
(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Forget everything you thought you knew about genies!

Azra has just turned sixteen, and overnight her body lengthens, her olive skin deepens, and her eyes glisten gold thanks to the brand-new silver bangle that locks around her wrist. As she always knew it would, her Jinn ancestry brings not just magical powers but the reality of a life of servitude, as her wish granting is controlled by a remote ruling class of Jinn known as the Afrit. 

To the humans she lives among, she’s just the girl working at the snack bar at the beach, navigating the fryer and her first crush. But behind closed doors, she’s learning how to harness her powers and fulfill the obligations of her destiny. 

Mentored by her mother and her Zar “sisters”, Azra discovers she may not be quite like the rest of her circle of female Jinn . . . and that her powers could endanger them all. As Azra uncovers the darker world of becoming Jinn, she realizes when genies and wishes are involved, there’s always a trick.


Review
Azra has known that on her sixteenth birthday she would have to accept her fate and become a genie but that doesn’t mean she can’t fight it. When she wakes up on her sixteenth birthday her body has transformed her into a copy of her mother when she was her age, transforming into a fully mature jinn. Thankfully Azra hasn’t been one of the popular girls so her dramatic change won’t be noticed. She’s also wearing the silver bangle the sign that she is officially a jinn and she can’t use her powers to get it off.

Forced to accept her fate Azra is a quick study when it comes to using her abilities and quickly received her first assignment. All Azra wants is a normal life but leading a normal life and keeping her magic a secret might just be harder than she thought when her neighbor catches on that she’s more than just your average girl. When the chance comes up to grant her second wish Azra knows just the girl to choose but when her attempt to give the girl her wish goes wrong she’s going to have to come clean to her human neighbor. What will the Afrit do with Azra for breaking the rules? What will happen when her next assignment is for someone she knows?

I like Azra she made me smile in her attempts to remove the bangle from her wrist. She’s an interesting character that just got better as the story progressed and she learned to grant wishes. Azra has a unique family while she lives with her mom who has Zar sisters and their daughter are in turn her  Zar sisters. They will stay a close nit group for the remainder of their lives. I liked Henry the next door neighbor he’s a good friend who understands Azra.  

I picked up Becoming Jinn not long after it came out but haven’t gotten around to reading it till now. I’ve not read many Jinn/genie books so I wasn’t sure what to expect but with the synopsis I knew it had to be good. I found the concept unique it takes the genie myths and has a whole new spin the wish granting idea. I really loved the story it’s a coming of age genie style story filled with action, adventure and even romance. I was sucked in right from the start from the first paragraph to very last it was hard to put down I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen to Azra. As a character I just loved her she’s a sweet girl who wants a normal life but has this big responsibility looming over her. She’s easy to connect with and she may just be my new favorite paranormal character. I think the author did a great job creating a beautifully written story, it just flows from start to finish never a dull moment. I just loved Becoming Jinn it a quick fun read that teens as well as adults will enjoy. Plus just look at that stunning cover how can you not be excited? I can’t wait for the next one to see what happens next in Azra’s future.   

The Sunday Post

The Sunday Post 
Hosted by:

The Sunday post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer~ It's a chance to share new ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

The hubs was out of town on a trip so lots of reading this past week. 

Posts this past week you may have missed at TRD
Book Tour: Review - Kidnap - Review
The Diamond Secret by Suzanne Weyn - Review
Wings by Aprilynne Pike - Review

Newest additions to my shelves. 
Purchased
Physical
Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton - Goodreads

Kindle
Room for You by Beth Ehemann - Goodreads
Days Like This by Danielle Ellison - Goodreads
Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza - Goodreads
Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow - Goodreads
Seeing Stars by J. Sterling - Goodreads
Before he was Famous by Becky Wicks - Goodreads
House of Royals by Keary Taylor - Goodreads
The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisin - Goodreads
Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachel Anderson - Goodreads

Plus a whole bunch of kindle freebies. I just can't help myself. 

Around the blogosphere
Coyer Scavenger Hunt Sign up (Here) I did I highly recommend it!!!
Jessica @ A Great Read has a great review of Forged in Stone by Alyssa Rose Ivy check it out (here)
Icy Books has a great review of The Cage by Megan Shepherd (here)

This coming week @ TRD
A couple of reviews and who knows anymore.  

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Stacking The Shelves

Stacking The Shelves
Stacking The Shelves  June 27th 2015
Stacking the Shelves is a meme by Tynga Reviews that let's bloggers share their new books and swag, whether they are physical or virtual. I'll include books I've been sent, emailed, purchased, won and for review.

I was doing really well tell the end. Than I went a little one click happy. 

For review
None this week doing good. 

Purchased
Physical
Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton - Goodreads

Kindle
Room for You by Beth Ehemann - Goodreads
Days Like This by Danielle Ellison - Goodreads
Hexed Hearts by Becca Vincenza - Goodreads
Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow - Goodreads
Seeing Stars by J. Sterling - Goodreads
Before he was Famous by Becky Wicks - Goodreads
House of Royals by Keary Taylor - Goodreads
The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisin - Goodreads
Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachel Anderson - Goodreads

Plus a whole bunch of kindle freebies. I just can't help myself. 

What did you get this week?

Book Blitz: The Witches of Black Brook +Interview & Giveaway

Title - The Witches of Black Brook
Author - Tish Thawer 
Series - The Witches of Black Brook #1
Genres - New Adult, Paranormal Romance
Publication date - June 23rd 2015
Publisher - Amber Leaf Publishing

Synopsis
Through space and time, sisters entwined. Lost then found, souls remain bound.

Three sisters escape the Salem witch trials when the eldest casts a spell that hurdles their souls forward through time. After centuries separated, fate has finally reunited them in the present day.

One the healer, one the teacher, and one the deceiver.

Will their reunion return their full powers, or end their souls journey forever?

A Witches of BlackBrook novel.
Author Interview
When and why did you begin writing?
In 2010 I woke up from a dream and had the title of my first book running through my head. Minutes later, I knew the other two titles, and had the entire story-line of The Rose Trilogy all worked out.


Who encouraged you or what made you decide to write a novel and seek publication?
I’ve been a member of Shelfari since 2007, and was asked to become a Librarian for them after putting in countless hours of editing. Being so emerged in books and seeing all the wonderful series on a daily basis while working in the backend of the site, to say that books had become my life, was an understatement. I’m now one of 13 Librarians for the hundreds of thousands of members, as well as one of it’s top 50 editors.

What drew you to write Paranormal Romance?
I always go back to the phrase, “Write what you know.” And while my genre is considered paranormal for the unrealistic and fantastical elements, it’s what I know. It’s what I prefer to read and what I’ve studied in my actual life. (Psstt...in case you’re wondering, yes, I’m a witch.)

Of all your characters, who’s your favorite, and why?
Raven. She’s tough but sensitive, sexy but tom-boyish, and has a wicked sense of humor and a sharp tongue.

What would you love to write someday but haven’t yet?
I started a contemporary romance trilogy that I’d love to return to. I just have to figure out how to write it without someone getting bitten and turning into a vampire or werewolf. LOL

Were books a big part of your life growing up? If so, what books would you say influenced you most as a child?
Actually...no. My mother was the reader in the family and to this day, she teases me about how it took thirty some years for me to finally catch on.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
I’m 44, have 16 tattoos, and cuss like a sailor. (Sorry, Grandma.)
I started teaching dance when I was 15 years old.

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
Watching TV and movies, and playing games with my family.


Three things always found in your refrigerator:
Stuffed olives, Soda, Cheese

Writing is often a sedentary profession. Is there anything you do to beat stress and keep in shape?
I hike and exercise in my home, and dance as often as possible.

You’re in line at Starbucks. What are you ordering?
Java Chip Frap with Whip or a Caramel Apple Spice


Where do you go when you need to recharge?
Sedona, AZ or back home to Colorado.

AUTHOR BIO:
Tish Thawer writes paranormal romances for all ages. Her magickal elements and detailed world-building are a welcome constant in every novel.


Before becoming a writer she worked as a computer consultant, a photographer and a graphic designer. She also operates a custom glass etching business, in addition to being a wife and the mother of three wonderful children.

She's been a fan of the paranormal for as long as she can remember. Anything to do with superpowers, myth and magic has always held a special place in her heart. From her first paranormal cartoon, Isis, to the phenomenon that is Twilight, this genre has always been a part of her life.

You can find Tish on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTishThawer

A common FAQ: "How do you pronounce her last name?"

Answer: Think "Bower" or "Thow-er". It's Persian!

Author links:

Giveaway


Friday, June 26, 2015

Book Tour - Review: Kidnap

Title - Kidnap
Author - Sally Ann Melia
Series - Part 1 of Guy Erma and the Son of Empire
Genre - YA Sci Fi
Published - May 17th 2015
Publisher - Dickson House

Synopsis
I don’t want to go… Do I have to go?

13-year-old Prince Teodor of Freyne knows his duty to the memory of his father and his kingdom. Always, he must help those less fortunate than himself. Yet a frightening nightmare fills him with foreboding, but still he must do - into the Dome.

13-year-old Guy Erma lives in the shadow of the Dome, he has no father and no mother and his future is uncertain, he must start earning a living when he turns 14. He knows not where he will live or even how he will eat, and his only dream is to enter the military academy - at the heart of the Dome.
Two boys as different as any two boys might be. One act of cruelty will throw their lives together, but who dare they trust?
Reviews:
"One of the most powerhouse imaginations I’ve encountered in sci-fi..." — Dean C. Moore, The Warlock's Friend.
"Guy Erma and the Son of Empire by Sally Ann Melia is a fast-paced and exciting YA military sci-fi read. Don't miss this one!" — Brent LeVasseur, author and illustrator of the Aoléon The Martian Girl series.
"Set in a world where fashion and fun hide treacherous politics and danger, Guy Erma and the Son of Empire will keep you enthralled." — Sherrill Nilson, Karda: Adalta Vol. 1.
A good old-fashioned political thriller - if you loved both Frank Herbert’s Dune and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games - you will adore Guy Erma.

Review
I received Kidnap in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by I Read Book Tours. Kidnap is told from the point of view of two very different boys Teodor the prince and future king of Freyne and Guy an orphan with no registration who dreams of the Dome Elite. Each boy has been forced to grow up quickly after the loss of his father or growing up in the fashion house each enduring their own struggles. Things in Freyne aren’t as peaceful as some would like, people on Sas Daron are at war and even rebellion is happing at home. With the upcoming Magnolia Weekend it’s the time to celebrate, races, parties, fashion shows, debates and even the future of Freyne will change.

After his fight is cancelled by his mother Teodor is sent to sing in the choir hoping to help her chance of winning the upcoming debate. When Teodor is kidnapped and many Domeside children had been injured or killed his mother suspects someone she knows with a hidden agenda. His guards saw that it was the Battle Borgs which they are supposed to control who took off with him. Will they be able to bring him back before it’s too late? What about Guy will he be able to make it into the Dome Elite even though he has no registration and no one to claim him? What about Karl the mysterious shapeshifter from another planet who’s shown up suddenly at his brother’s request to help promote the Sas Daron tribes.

I liked that we are given point of views from both boys as well as Karl even though he’s not a main player yet I have lots of hope for him in the next books. While they are similar each in a lot of ways they are also very different each having grown up a different lifestyle. I’m curious to see more of Nell as a character also the young shapeshifting girl quickly became one of my favorites the way she changed her hair to match her dress was great. I hope to see more of Karl in the next one he may just be what Freyne needs to settle the unrest.

I was curious the moment I saw the cover for Kidnap there is just something about it that catches the eye and I had to sign up for the tour. Right from the start we are drawn into the character’s from one to the other while it is back and forth it’s very clear who you are reading the transition is smooth. I loved that Teodor is a goran rider which is a giant cat I found the whole idea of the goran awesome but I’m glad I haven’t woken up with a horse size cat. The author does a great job creating a captivating world filled with enough action and suspense to leave you wanting more. I enjoyed the characters I was able to connect with all of them on some level and I even found a few of my favorites that I can’t wait to see what happens next. While Kidnap is a YA novel it is clean so even young teens as well as adults will enjoy it. I found the book hard to put down and can’t wait to start the next one and see what’s going to happen next an exciting new series.   

Author's Bio:



The author was born in Wallasey, England, in 1964, and moved to the South of France when she was eleven. She spent her teenage years living in the cosmopolitan city state of Monaco and became immersed in its many languages and cultures. An English girl in a French school, for three hours each week she would sit at the back of the class as her colleagues learnt English. To pass the time, she wrote stories. This led to a lifetime of writing novels, scripts, stories and articles.

In her working life, Sally writes marketing communications and manages large international websites.

In 2010, Sally joined the Hogs Back Writers, a club located on the outskirts of Guildford, and she set about turning an old manuscript into this novel: Guy Erma and the Son of Empire. Sally currently lives in Farnham, and she is married with two children.

Connect with Sally:  Website  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Pinterest