Sunday, December 29, 2013

Blog Tour [Guest Post]: Ancients of Light Series by Heather Fleener

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Chosen (Ancient of Lights #1)
In the beginning...there were Vampire

Man's fall from grace sparked the birth of the Dark creatures from the underworld. To counter the explicit threat to mankind, divinely-created immortals were brought forth. The Witch encompassed seven Castes of power; their magic was most effective against the nefarious agenda pursued by the evil ones.

She is Chosen

Kaitriana's gift of magic is unrivaled. A descendant of the most powerful Ancient in existence, her birth was foretold ages before her time. Destined to lead the Witch faction, she is betrayed by her own kind, destroying her birthright and all hope of delivering the Realm from the sinister shadow of the Ancient Dark.

He is the Key

Lorcan is a mighty warlord in the Vampire species. His animosity towards the magical immortals is personal - his mother was their Queen. Having long since severed all ties with his former kin, his existence remains plagued by the repercussions of her treachery and a secret that threatens to be his downfall.

They are the Prophecy

An arcane prophecy from the time of the Ancients proclaims that only two in all of creation can bring peace to the Realm. When Kaitriana miraculously appears seeking his protection, Lorcan must forsake his duty and disregard the dictates of his breed to shelter the female. Together they must combat the Ancient Dark and surmount the forces within their own factions that would oppose the Prophecy. Their fates have always been entwined and only when joined can they triumph over a blood feud that has shadowed the Light for millennia.
Forsaken (Ancients of Light #2)
The Prophecy Will Be Fulfilled... Ancients were created in the beginning of the age of man. The Vampire were birthed by the underworld after mankind’s fall from grace to destroy what remained of God’s people. This threat to Creation was countered with divinely-breathed immortals. The Witch were most effective against the nefarious agenda pursued by the evil ones. An arcane Prophecy proclaims that the divine purpose of the Ancients of Light will be fulfilled, beginning with the rise of the Chosen. Now the Queens will join her…

Fire is her Destiny...
Ella long ago determined she would not live a life where magic defined her. Feeling no kinship with her Caste, she walked away from the Realm and its conflicts. She found acceptance and fulfillment in her life amongst the mortals and is on the brink of achieving her dreams.

Darkness is His Curse...
Nicholas is the most revered warrior in the Darks’ army. His personal animosity towards the Light drives his existence and draws him to the one Witch he is set on controlling. Nicholas knows the reasons that Ella never found acceptance within the Fire Caste of Witch and he will use that knowledge to pursue his Dark agenda.

When Light and Dark Collide...
Despite her origins, Nicholas discovers more in Ella than just a powerful Fire Witch, leading him beyond the Dark evil that has plagued him for eight centuries. Ella disregards the inherent calling of her breed for the only true belonging she has ever experienced, the love she finds with her Dark Vampire. The beginning of the very Prophecy that will save the Light tears the pair apart and the fallout threatens their existence. When two of the most powerful immortals on opposite sides of Realm collide in divinely-inspired fate, neither will escape unscathed. Only when the Forsaken finds grace will Ella and Nicholas be able to fulfill the destiny that has always been meant for them.

Broken (Ancients of Light #3)
The Light’s Duty to Protect
A war over the fate of mankind sparked the creation of the Ancients - Light and Dark - one divinely-created guardians, the other hell-spawned killers. The conflict raged within the Realm for millennia, neither faction triumphant in its purpose. In recent history the Darks have adopted a more surreptitious path - the boom of technology allowing the Dark One to insinuate himself into the midst of those he would most like to destroy. Tragic consequences result when the Ancients of Light pursue the Darkness into the Outer Realm. The Prophecy continues…

Darkness Claimed Her Soul
The adversity of Kylie’s youth forged an indomitable spirit. A vibrant and strong woman determined to plot the course of her life with room for nothing beyond the next measure of success, Kylie believed in only herself, and most certainly neither destiny nor love. All those tenants were derailed with a single encounter, but the same man that tempted her to live again drew her into the middle of an aged war, the consequence being her own destruction, plummeting her into a hellish existence.

A Warrior Haunted by His Failure
Sayer’s mission was only to foil the latest plan of the Darks in the Outer Realm and return a few Vampire to Hell. Finding a perfect mortal that tempted him beyond all reason was an unforeseen complication. Just when Sayer realizes that his eternity is meant for one alone, Kylie is destroyed by the Darks and the loss drives him to the pits of despair, revealing events of the past that would remain forgotten.

Tragedy will Reveal Those of Divine Purpose
Sayer’s appearance in her life was the catalyst to fulfilling a destiny that has existed since Kylie’s creation. Their fate thwarted by Darkness, both shattered by tragedy, Kylie and Sayer must return to the love that once was while finding absolution and seeking forgiveness or perish apart. Only once all that was broken is returned to unblemished will God’s own Warriors rise.

The beginning of the beginning…

About the Author 

Heather Fleener lives in Indiana with her husband, D.A. and their twins, Thomas and Alexandra. Professionally she has spent her career working in the area of Intellectual Property law. Reading has been a passion of hers since she was young and she has adored romance novels her entire life. The romantic styles of Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood are her inspiration, though she has read and loved the stories of countless other authors. Her fascination with the paranormal began to form at the young age of six, watching late-night ghost and vampire movies with her Grandpa. Unfortunately, as a result, she also remains afraid of the dark to this day. Combining her love of epic romances and the supernatural was a natural progression for her overactive imagination. When the idea for the Ancients of Light series began, it was an abstract story line rambling around in her head to help kill a few miles on the treadmill. As the stories and plotlines continued to grow, it finally became necessary to put the words to paper and build the characters that had been living in the Realm and having conversations in her head for months. The series is a testament to many miles on the treadmill and lots of characters that insist on having their stories told. 

 GUEST POST
2013 – My Year of Recycling

Those of you that read Aly’s initial review of Chosen and my exchanged comments with her know that I have a particular fondness for Aly and her style. She made my list of most favorite reviews which makes it even more awesome that she allowed me to take up some more space on her blog. Thank you, Aly. XO

2014 will be a milestone year for me – and I am not speaking in terms of my author life. In a few short weeks I will celebrate my 40th birthday and like so many others, I have no idea how I got here. The girl in my head insists she is twenty-something and my body might admit to being thirty - if pushed. But, while 2014 may bring a milestone, 2013 was positively MONUMENTAL and will most likely always eclipse the big 4-0 year of 2014.

The success of the Ancients of Light series has been an amazing blessing, but I consider 2013 monumental because it was the year I redefined myself - my goals, my life in general – I recycled me. Do you ever look back and wonder how you got here? And by here, I do not mean at a milestone age like I am facing, but here, at your current circumstance, the daily life you plod through. At 38, I was seriously beginning to wonder who I had become – because there was a lot I did not like about her and the course of my life.

My career defined me - even more than my children, my family, my relationship with God – my career was my identity. The next raise, the next promotion, the next accolade…ugh. When I was little, I wanted to be Wonder Woman…instead I had become something that was not remotely wonderful. Who was this Heather? Where was my sparkle? By 38, I had left all glitter and dreams in the past.

The worst part is that when we define ourselves by something that is not within our control, we are setting ourselves up to take a big tumble…one that will leave you a bloodied mess, hunched over in defeat at the bottom of the hill you so desperately scrambled up all your life. My shove off that precipice came in the form of losing my position…it was eliminated, outsourced, downsized. Whatever big word you want to use to make it sound less harsh – I was 38 and jobless for the first time ever in my career.

I will share a very personal experience here - I had been talking to God for months about my desperation to change where I was and what I had become. I had asked so many times for help to return to being the person I had once been…the one from my youth that was so much better than this Heather. My last talk with Him had been (no exaggeration) that very morning as I sat at my desk on the day I was handed my severance package. Afterwards, one of my colleagues commented on my lack of upset at the news and I remember explaining that I had asked for exactly what had happened…but that God sometimes answers prayers in ways we do not expect. I had anticipated a new position – not unemployment. Despite that I had asked for it, I can tell you that I was not really ready when He shoved me none too gently out the door I had been begging Him to open. Whoops!

I was insecure, demoralized, and scared…BUT there was a trail of glitter right outside the door I had been unceremoniously pushed through! In the two months leading up to that moment, I had begun writing Chosen. I had not fully realized (much less acknowledged) that in those times already when I had shed the career-persona-Heather and stepped into the Realm, my life had started to change. My relationships, my outlook, my perspective…everything.

With my husband’s support, I made the decision to follow that sparkle for a while, to step away from my career entirely. In those six months, I completed Chosen and the first draft of Forsaken, and I found a MOUNTAIN of glitter. It had my name on it. MY NAME – not career-persona-Heather, but the girl that had dreamed of being a superhero, the one that adored sparkle.

When I returned to working (two days after publishing Chosen – eerie timing, right?), the career-persona-Heather was not allowed to resurface. Today I still remain the Recycled-version of me. My career no longer defines me and no longer dictates my happiness. Outside of work, I do not really care to talk about my job. I am committed to doing good work for my employer, but my personal satisfaction is not wrapped up in that. My relationships and the people comprising my world are the source of my joy - I am a wife, mother, an author, a believer in God and the girl that will always look for sparkle. My personal fulfillment comes from my writing and the amazing people that have become part of my world because of that.

If you want to know about climbing the corporate ladder – bah, boring stuff –however, if you want to talk about glitter, I am your girl…

2013 was monumental because as I found myself on this wonderful adventure that has allowed me to connect with all of you, I also reclaimed ME. As we turn towards 2014, I encourage you to find something in your life that recycles you and helps you find that inner-sparkle that you may have left behind at one time. I pray that you will find your own trail of glitter, leading to happiness and all the contentment that comes along with it.

Wishing you all the best in 2014! XOXO ~ Heather

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Blog Tour: Excerpt and Review of The Amazon Chronicles by Sarah Mäkelä

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The Amazon Rainforest still contains a few secrets.

One of these secrets is a hidden village of women whose history is filled with the horror of conquering men. When the princess of the Amazons falls in love with a weretiger biologist, the tiny village will be changed forever.

This collection contains the four previously published paranormal romance novellas in the Amazon Chronicles series: Jungle Heat, Jungle Fire, Jungle Blaze, and Jungle Burn.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Kissa Press LLC
Date of Publication: October 14, 2013



Excerpt:

Adara raced over the dense forest floor, trying to escape the shadow closing on her heels. Fear pumped adrenaline through her body as she ran toward her village through the darkness. Panic tangled with the sheer need to survive. If only I'd listened. What was I thinking, coming out alone?
She shot a glance over her shoulder. Her foot smacked against a tree root in the moment of distraction, pitching her body forward. The fall came in slow motion.
Cursing under her breath, she rolled onto her back. Dry leaves clung to her blonde hair. The subtle, musty scent of slow rot rose from the rich soil, mixed with something coming from behind her. The dark shadow loomed. Her gaze rose to take in her pursuer, wondering if the beast would be her doom.
The tall, broad-shouldered creature towered over her. Watching. It wasn't human or animal. The village wise woman had warned her of beings like this, but they'd seemed like fables. How could something so fantastical be real?
Even as she trembled with fear, this creature captivated her. The black and orange stripes covering his shoulders and arms evoked a distant memory, yet the design was uncommon in the Amazon.
His hair hung in straight, black strands like a human's, but his face had the nose, mouth, and eyes of a feline. His muscular, naked body reflected a splendid combination of both species. Sweat-shiny skin glistened through the inch-long fur that covered him. His white chest intrigued her, all the way to the patch of fur barely covering his groin. Leaves and branches framed his face with a lush green background. He crouched over her. His piercing golden eyes focused solely on her. His stare reminded her of a cat from her village staring at a small rodent before pouncing.
As he leaned down, she grabbed her kris from the garter on her thigh and pushed it against his stomach. She didn't want today to be the day she died. Her people needed her. She wouldn't let this beast deny them their princess.
The animal cocked his head at her. He brushed his lips over her throat, whiskers tickling her chin.
Her body stiffened. What is he doing? Bewilderment spread through her as his feline lips touched her neck. Instead of biting her, his canines grazed lightly, gently, from just below her ear down to her shoulder, almost as if exploring her flesh, instead of seeking to rip open her throat.
She tensed. Even with her weapon pressed against the beast's stomach, she still feared for her life. As an Amazon princess, she wasn't easily scared. But this feline made her heart pound. If only she had brought Rubia with her. She wouldn't be in this situation and could've stood a better chance against this feline.
Why does he persist in toying with me? Adara swallowed as a low burn started in the pit of her stomach. These feelings confused her.
A soft sniffing sounded in her ear right before his tongue scraped rough caresses on her skin. Other jungle cats marked their territory. Did this animal believe she was his? She didn't want to find out.
Without waiting for the feline's next move, Adara drove the kris deep into his stomach, meeting resistance as it plunged through flesh and muscle. She forced it further as his blood flowed onto her hands, making the hilt of the kris slick, weakening her grip.
He roared and leapt back with her kris still embedded in his abdomen.
She scrambled to her feet. His scream so near the side of her face made her ear ring. Bringing up a hand to her ear, Adara felt a trail of his wet blood drip along her cheek.
He straightened his spine and strode back to her, her kris still buried in him. It seemed as if it were nothing more than a minor annoyance to him. She clenched her hands into fists and dropped them to her sides.
The reality of what she saw struck her. She froze. How could he act so unaffected? He shouldn't have been able to move around so casually. It wasn't possible. How can I outrun something like that? This can't be happening. Her mother had always warned her to be careful when traveling through the forest. Why hadn't she listened? And how could she feel so drawn to this animal when he intimidated her?
"Who are you?" Gritting her teeth, she forced her voice to resonate with the commanding tones of an Amazon huntress, and fervently hoped it didn't betray the panic racing through her veins. Her people's beliefs restricted them from showing fear in front of strangers. Not that they saw many. But her tribeswomen were survivors in dangerous times. Their history brimmed with reminders.
The feline bared pointed white teeth. "Call me Rei." His husky voice reverberated like a deep growl.
He launched into the air and, before she could react, flattened her to the ground. Air whooshed out of her lungs. Her eyes widened and locked onto his.
He pinned her arms next to her head and pressed his feline lips to hers. His tongue scraped across her lower lip, causing nips of pain to cut through the alluring sensation.
She shook her head hard, breaking the kiss. Her breath rushed out short and quick. Never before had she kissed anyone. His mouth on hers created fiery stirrings within her body that felt almost too good. Her racing pulse only spread the warmth throughout her body that much faster.
Twice a year, her tribeswomen associated with Indian men. The younger girls were forced to stay in a hut during those visits, although Adara had snuck out once with Rubia in a fit of rebellion. She'd spotted one of her kin pressing her mouth against an Indian male's. Could this be what happens?
But men weren't to be trusted. Her kin had learned that the hard way many, many years ago.
Her mind flashed to the tales she'd heard from the wise woman. Horrible reminders assaulted her, memories of the men from long ago, enslaving her kind, killing them ruthlessly with diseases and swords.
She could imagine the cruelty of the conquering, pillaging men as vividly as if she had been there herself, so strongly had the wise woman spoken. It had taken weeks for her to sleep soundly after listening to that story.
Sudden panic swept away the lust that burned inside her. This creature could do the same. He's chased me, after all.
"What do you want from me?" Adara asked, trying to sound forceful, but instead her voice came out husky. She cleared her throat and returned his gaze.
Talking with an animal! Rubia would be jealous. Her tribeswomen would never believe this story... if she survived the encounter.
Rei smiled, warmth emanating from him. "You." His chest rumbled, and he rolled the word off his tongue like an exotic purr.

Excerpt Two:

Rubia Costa tied down her hammock in a peaceful spot where she went to get away. She'd told no one of this spot, and yet she was within yelling distance of her people. Help would come if the need arose.
She didn't dare venture far from her village. But these days, her village wasn't as calm and mundane as it once had been. So far, she wasn't sure whether that was good or bad. Life and traditions were changing, and she couldn't hold back confusion as pieces of what she'd been taught now unraveled around her.
She climbed onto the hammock and gazed at the trees above her. The hammock swung gently, lulling her into the relaxed state she so desired. She closed her eyes and sighed softly.
The dream world rose up to greet her. The sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot forced her back to alertness. Her eyes shot open to see a tall, dark-haired man staring at her.
She lunged for her spear, stuck in the ground nearby. Gradually, the realization dawned on her who this man was, and she settled back, her nerves still tense and ready to fight.
"Some reflexes you have there," Kyle Reynolds said. A grin stretched across his lips, brightening his face. At ease, he leaned against the tree near her feet while she admired his broad, muscular shoulders that narrowed down to a slim waist.
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, unwilling to show the impact his presence had on her. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?"
"My sense of smell isn't as acute as other animals', but it's good enough to find where you went. I wanted to make sure you're not out getting in trouble."
His grin turned into a smirk, and he pushed off from the tree.
"What? Like my friend..." She grimaced. Although they still talked, Adara had so much going on. They didn't spend as much time together as they had before, especially now with Rei in Adara's life.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He winked and sat next to her in the hammock. It tilted enough that she slid closer to him.
Her hip bumped his, and her nerves tingled. She crawled away. Unfortunately, he must have taken that as an invitation to come closer, since he lay next to her. "What are you doing? Get out of my hammock." She scooted farther away as her body started to slip toward his once again.
Kyle grabbed her wrist and kissed her knuckles. His gaze held something she'd seen in glances between Rei and Adara. Those kinds of emotions were unfamiliar to her. Vaguely, she realized their meaning, but why would Kyle project that toward her?
He trailed his lips over her wrist and slowly moved up her arm. His warm breath tickled her flesh. She couldn't drag her gaze from his. Her voice escaped in a whisper. "What are you doing?"
"Something I've wanted to do for a while now. You don't make this easy for me, Rubia." He rolled over carefully. His body hovered over hers, and he pressed his lips against her shoulder and then her neck.
Sensations of pleasure spread between her legs, warming her body to a fever pitch. What were they doing? Panic rose up within her, and she shoved hard at Kyle's chest, throwing him off balance. The hammock tilted, and air rushed by just before her body hit the ground with a thud.
Pain throbbed throughout her back, and a groan welled from her throat. She blinked her eyes open.
Kyle knelt next to her. Concern etched soft lines at the corner of his mouth. "Are you okay?"
The ache in her back sharpened, and she fought not to wince. Instead, she pushed against Kyle's chest. "I'm fine. I can walk."
Kyle stared at her with a raised eyebrow. He shook his head. "I'll carry you. It's no trouble."
Great. She didn't want her tribeswomen to see him carting her around as if he was her protector or had... claimed her. Let alone the state she was in. They might worry she'd been injured, which wasn't far from the truth since she wasn't feeling too well at the moment.
She shoved against him, but it was like trying to move a solid tree trunk. He didn't budge an inch. Her people had studied the werecats, since they lived in such close proximity, but she had a hard time getting used to one being so close. She wasn't sure she wanted to be intimate with Kyle.
Something about him was alluring, but she couldn't dream of becoming tied to the werepumas' leader and shirking her responsibilities as an Amazon. She wanted to lead a peaceful, simple life. Those words were foreign when Kyle was involved.
He stood just out of sight from the village's catwalks, and she wriggled in his arms.
"Set me down. Right now." She lowered her voice and glared at him. If only he didn't have such a solid grip on her spear, but there was no chance she'd be able to wrestle it away from him. Not if he didn't want her to.
Determination set in his jaw, but he gently placed her feet on the ground. "Fine. Go show everyone how strong and brave you are." He muttered under his breath, "Silly woman."

About the Author:

Sarah Mäkelä loves her fiction dark, magical, and passionate. She is a paranormal romance author, but she’s written all over the romance spectrum with cyberpunk, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy...even a sweet contemporary romance!

A life-long paranormal fan, she still sleeps with a night-light. In her spare time, she reads sexy books, watches scary movies (and Ghost Adventures), and plays computer games with her husband. When she gets the chance, she loves traveling the world too.

Contact

REVIEW

4.5 stars

The Amazon Chronicles contains four novellas that are a quick and fun read. It tells both the perspective of the characters which is enjoyable. 

Jungle Heat: Tells the story of the Amazonian princess Adara and Rei's meeting. How Rei desires Adara as his mate. The feelings for the both of them grew quickly despite Adara's reluctance in the beginning. She may be naive but she has a strong character and Rei is quite a patient weretiger. Although they have to overcome an obstacle from the werepumas who is jealous of Rei and Adara's mating.

Jungle Fire: Tells the story of Kyle, the leader of the werepumas/ Rei's friend and Rubia, the childhood friend of Adara. In this story, Kyle wants Rubia as his mate and Rubia has conflicting emotions were Kyle is concerned. Although that doesn't stop Kyle from pursuing her until trouble starts brewing within the werepumas because of Kyle's pursuit. 

Jungle Blaze: Tells the story of Eduardo, the second-in-command of the werepumas and Sol. Sol wants to find a mate in the werepumas like the other Amazonians but she feels that she is of no importance and the were puma who has captured her attention doesn't even noticed her until one evening and when he finally noticed her, Eduardo didn't want her as a mate. Eduardo has his own secret which makes him doesn't want to be in a relationship until he meets Sol. Unfortunately, despite ignoring what he feels for Sol, his beast know what it wants especially when he needs to overcome his fear to mate in order not lose Sol. 

Jungle Burn: Tells the story of the children of the previous couples. Sabina, the daughter of Adara and Rei; Tiago, the son of Kyle and Rubia; and Rafael the son of Eduardo and Sol. Although it focuses more on Sabina's and Rafael's feelings for one another despite it being unknown to them until an opportunity for Rafael opens up. The fourth novella actually makes me crave more despite it being the last installment of the series.  












Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Release Day and Review of Becoming Alpha (Alpha Girl #1) by Aileen Erin

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One stupid party. One stupid boy. One stupid kiss. And my life was virtually over.

Tessa McCaide has a unique talent for getting into trouble. Then again, it isn’t easy for a girl with visions to ignore what she sees. Luckily Tessa and her family are leaving California and moving halfway across the country, giving her the perfect opportunity to leave her reputation as “Freaky Tessa” behind.

But Tessa doesn’t realize that kissing the wrong guy in her new Texas town could land her in far more trouble than she ever imagined. Like being forced to attend St. Ailbe’s Academy, a secret boarding school for werewolves.

Even if the wrong guy did accidentally turn her into one of “them” and doom her to attending the weirdest high school ever, Tessa can’t help her growing attraction to the mysterious Dastien Laurent.

When vampires attack St. Alibe’s and her visions pinpoint an enemy in their midst, Tessa realizes that boy drama and her newfound canine tendencies might just be the list of her problems.


LINKS

REVIEW

3.5 Stars

Becoming Alpha tells the story of Tessa McCaide who has a special gift but is troubling for her. Then her family moves to Texas due to her father's job but it gives her the opportunity to start a new. Here, she learns about St. Ailbe’s Academy and warning about its students. But to an accident as she kisses a student from St. Ailbe's, she's forced to readjust to a new life as she learned that St. Ailbe is a school for werewolves and that she has been turned into one.

I loved werewolf romance and I couldn't wait to read this one. The beginning of the story was pretty interesting. She has witch blood in her thanks to her mother's side of the family. I like Tessa in the beginning but as the story goes, she is too much of a whiner. It was pretty annoying throughout the book. I couldn't connect much to Dastien despite he is her mate and that he is responsible for her condition. Their love story did not progress easily though because Tessa made Dastien worked for it and there were some miscommunications. Although, I'm glad that Tessa has a bit of strong personality and can keep up her own fight except when she moans a lot. 

I like the secondary characters and feel more connected to them despite that I'm hoping to like both Tessa and Dastien in the next book. I also loved her Axel, Tessa's brother. I loved their relationship as a sibling and how supportive and protective he is of her. Her parents are pretty cool. 

Still, I want to continue reading this series. The ending made me want to find out more about it.

*I received an arc from net galley*

Review of King Hall (Forever Evermore #1) by Scarlett Dawn

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A fresh, meaty, sink-your-teeth-in-and-hold-on-tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall…

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Rulers: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

REVIEW

4.5 Stars

King Hall definitely grabbed my attention was I read the synopsis. It sounded very intriguing and I couldn't pass the opportunity to read it. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. 

King Hall is a co-ed college school where the Mysticals (shifter, mage, vampire, and elementals) study and is ruled by their 4 Kings (each of their own kind). And every 24 years new Kings will be chosen by the previous Kings. 

It starts off with Lily Ruckler who's secret as hybrid may get her killed and not only that but she is mated to one of the future Kings. Sadly, due to an attack she lost her mate and instead became the Queen Shifter along side the other rulers who has formed a special bond. A bond that could either be good or bad because their are rules about hanging with different factions. 

The flow of the story was just right and although the romance part is not really focused on. The four prodigies bond grew after the death of Dominic and from here they each formed a strong friendship that is quite different from the previously rulers. They each trust each other and would kill to protect one another. However, as they are trained by the previous Kings and elder all is not well in their world. Commoners extremist groups wants them dead. 

The book was just hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing in many parts. I love all 4 prodigies and their friendship for another. Despite being different they still accepted each other including vampire/shifter Lily. Although I must say I never expected the ending in which I totally cried. I loved this New Adult Paranormal Romance. It is very different and at the same time it would make you crave more. I can't wait for the next two books. I will definitely buy these.

*I received an arc from net galley*

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Review of Dead Chaos (Valkyrie #3) by T.G. Ayer

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Valkyrie Bryn Halbrook is broken and damaged…

Struggling to accept the loss of her wings, Bryn’s not sure if she can be a real Valkyrie anymore. But when a mysterious prophecy claims she will be the reason the All-Father dies, she is determined to ensure the prediction will not come to pass.

A visit to the three fates who live beneath the great Tree of life, sends Bryn racing against time to find the missing Heimdall and his horn. As Odin’s life hangs in the balance and Ragnarok draws ever closer, Bryn has to find a way to save Heimdall and Odin before she can discover the truth about who she really is.

In this thrilling instalment in the Valkyrie series Bryn must battle not only the formidable frost giants and the hated God Loki, but she must also find a balance between what she will lose and what she will gain.




REVIEW
4.5 stars

The beginning started with a tragedy for Bryn which she suffered and felt as though she is no longer a Valkyrie. Luckily, she has her friends comforted and supported her as they return to Asgard (probably except for a certain somebody. This book was by far my favorite and I could't stop putting it down was I read. I continued to love Bryn more and her character keeps getting better. Despite having to go through many trials and loses something closer to her but in the end of it she gains something from it. 

I was disappointed with Aidan in this book because he just drifted apart. I'm really hoping that in the next book that he would be better. I so love the friends of Bryn. They truly have an amazing friendship and luckily despite Aidan being gone, she has Joshua for her support. I must say I was broken hearted in some part of this book and I literally cried. 

The ending was something I did not see coming but I had feeling about Bryn. Although I love the ending because it was just right, I was like no!!! It's a cliffhanger. But despite it being a cliffhanger, it makes you want to find out more about it.

*I received an arc from the author*

Monday, December 9, 2013

Blog Tour: The Prophecy (Secrets of Shadow Hill #2) by S.P. Cervantes + Giveaway

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Ava Fox has spent the past year acclimating to her new life as a wizard of Shadow Hill. Over the past year, her connection with Dalton has only grown stronger. They share a bond she has never known and can't explain. The danger is still there, even after the Sabatino coven was defeated, and Ava's future is anything but sure. Her powerful relationship with Dalton continues to make others wonder about the Prophecy, and their place in it. Time and again Ava's loyalty and strength will be put to the test as she fights for those she loves. There are many more secrets of Shadow Hill that will be revealed in The Prophecy.







EXCERPT 

 PATRICK: 
 I instantly felt guilty when Ava brought up Erin. I assumed it was because of last night at the water tower, but I was not going to let it bother me. That was Ava, never knowing exactly what she wanted. The hardest part in all of this is I know she loves me. I know it. I feel it. It just isn’t enough, and never will be. She and Dalton are fated. After seeing them together in the battle, I knew that the Prophecy was true. You could see how much more powerful they were than any other. And when Ava and Hannah combined their powers with Dalton’s, they were unstoppable. I believe they have the power to stop anything together. I still wasn’t sure of my place in Ava’s life, but was certain that something inside me pulled me to her when she was in danger, and I will always be there to protect her. I left Shadow Hill to try and move on; because Ava Fox is not someone you get over. You just have to move on with that hole in your heart forever. 

 DALTON:
 Ava danced at a gracious distance seemingly chatting casually with Christian. I cringed as he laughed along at her story, his eyes dancing as they searched her up and down. I was glad when I noticed Patrick had made his way onto the dance floor with Erin so that he was positioned next to Ava and Christian. Patrick the Protector. I smiled at my nickname for him knowing it is the perfect fit. He is the one person I know in the world would keep Ava just as safe as I would. 

 PATRICK: 
 "I have spent the past year trying to get over you. I can’t let myself go to that place again with you Ava. Sergio sees that. But know that whatever happens here, I expect nothing from you when we do get back. I swore to protect you forever Ava, and that’s what I’m doing."

 AVA:
 “Ava, open your eyes and look outside,” Patrick whispered sweetly in my ear. I wiped my tears away unsure of what I was seeing. Little white specks began to drift down from the sky slowly descending to the ground below. A swift wind brought more snowflakes falling gracefully to the earth, some being swept up against our window. The wind swirled the glistening snowflakes in a floating dance back and forth outside my window. “The first snow,” I said somberly wishing I could be running outside to make a snow angel. “Your favorite time of year is the first snow. Perhaps Sergio will give us permission sometime after the party tomorrow to go up and have some fun if it sticks,” Patrick said aloud making his intentions known so Sergio could pretend it was his idea tomorrow, falling right into Patrick’s trap. “That would be a dream come true,” I hesitantly played along. If we have to put our plan into action I prayed we could all escape. I should be happier knowing this could be coming to an end, but I don’t want it to end if it means I have to leave without you, I sent my thoughts to Patrick. I’ll always find my way back to you Ava. Patrick wrapped me closer as we sat silently watching the peaceful snow fall 

LINKS


 About the Author:

 S.P. Cervantes released her debut novel from the Secrets of Shadow Hill Series, Always and Forever in November, 2012. The second book of the series, The Prophecy was released November 19, 2013. She lives in Orange County, California with her husband and three children, where she is a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and reading, but is always thinking of an idea for her next novel. S.P. Cervantes graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from California State University Fullerton, and has a Master's Degree in Education. 

 S.P. Cervantes continues to work on the Secrets of Shadow Hills series while also writing her first contemporary romance novel. 

CONTACT LINKS 


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Holiday Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

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Holiday Kindle Fire Giveaway  
 Just in time for the HOLIDAYS - Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)   This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
      Holiday Kindle Fire Giveaway #1 Sponsors:
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  Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 12/18/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Endless by Amanda Gray

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Jenny Kramer knows she isn't normal. After all, not everybody can see the past lives of people around them.
When she befriends Ben Daulton, resident new boy, the pair stumble on an old music box with instructions for “mesmerization” and discover they may have more in common than they thought. Like a past life.

Using the instructions in the music box, Ben and Jenny share a dream that transports them to Romanov Russia and leads them to believe they have been there together before. But they weren't alone. Nikolai, the mysterious young man Jenny has been seeing in her own dreams was there, too. When Nikolai appears next door, Jenny is forced to acknowledge that he has travelled through time and space to find her. Doing so means he has defied the laws of time, and the Order, an ominous organization tasked with keeping people in the correct time, is determined to send him back.


While Ben, Jenny and Nikolai race against the clock - and the Order - Jenny and Nikolai discover a link that joins them in life - and beyond death.
My Review

5 stars

Endless tells the tale of Jenny Krammer is an artist and who has a unique ability of seeing the past of the people she touches. She dreams about a young man with green eyes named Nikolai who happens to be in every of her paintings. She meets and befriends Ben Dalton. the son of her father's client. They both discovered a music box that lead them to share a vision from a past life about the Romanovs in Russia. During her gallery, she then meets Nikolai the man whom she lately dreams about. Now, Jenny discovers there is more meaning to her dreams and how it relates to Ben and especially Nikolai plus time traveling. Although, there is more trouble brewing especially those people who would want to separate her and Nikolai because he is out of time. 

When I first started reading this book I just had to finish reading it. The story was really interesting and it also includes a glimpse about the history of the Romanovs where Jenny, Ben, and Nikolai played a special role. At first, I though it had to do something with the Romanovs but there is more to the story. It's more about time traveling which is forbidden and that there is the Order who seeks to punish those out of time. It's also more about soul mates who from their past lives kept on being separated from each other until they find each other again from their reincarnated lives. I kind of got emotional from reading this book especially when I read the parts where both H/h kept on being separated from each until they find each other again. I just love time traveling romance and the soul mate principle and this have all three of them. 

Although it ends up with a cliffhanger, I can't wait to read more.

*I got an arc from net galley*

Friday, November 15, 2013

Review of Tangled Tides ( The Sea Monsters Memoirs #1) by Karen Amanda Hooper

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Yara Jones doesn't believe in sea monsters--until she becomes one.

When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.


Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people--until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process--or she might open the gateway to a love that's deeper than the oceans.



My Review
3.00 stars

I loved reading mermaid stories and when I saw that it had mermaids in it I just had to check it out.

Yara is saved from a hurricane when a mysterious guy appeared out of nowhere and asked her to wish for him to take her to a safe place. The next thing she knows, she's underwater and is a mermaid. This started a rocky relationship with Treygan the merman who saved her and is responsible for her being a mermaid. Next comes Rownan, a selkie unbeknownst to Yara who she currently had a relationship with and is also the half brother of Treygan. They both believed that Yara is the person who can saved both their races. 

I just loved the concept of the sea creatures and about Greek mythology. The plot itself was very interesting which includes a lot of twist and turns that will surprise you. 

I liked Yara but I hated her whining and her being a bit bratty. She is handful and stubborn as a mule. Although I do love the chemistry between Yara and Treygan. Rownan, well I would describe him as a manipulative person especially from the start. 

Overall, the story is really different but intriguing. Although, I couldn't put it down despite some things about the main character/s I disliked. I hope the second book is better.

*I received a copy from netgally*