Title: Forever My Girl (The Beaumont #1)
Author: Heidi McLaughlin
Publisher: Bandit Publishing Company, 220 Pages (December 27th, 2012)
From: the Author
Format: eBook/eARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I've poured my soul into my music, but I've never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.

Review: 4 Stars - Forever My Girl, the first title in The Beaumont series by debut author Heidi McLaughlin is a wonderfully written, character driven story that’ll leave readers emotionally invested and swooning for more!

Liam’s choice 10 years earlier has haunted him from the beginning. His choice might have been good for him, but he didn't take the time to consider what was good or would be good for his girlfriend Josie. With his life taking a drastic 180 degree turn from where he was at, he becomes a world famous rock star instead of an NFL star.

While both characters have things that have happened throughout those 10 years they aren't proud of, it’s the journey that the two take during their story that sticks with you and finds a nice warm, cozy space in your heart.

Liam is a good guy in a bad boy, rock star body. Josie is a tough cookie who’s scared of allowing Liam back into her life because she knows what she’s lost and what she faces to possibly lose a second time around. There seems to be a magnetic pull between the two. Even with all they've lost, the hurt and pain of the past and all that they need to prove and make up for, they are still drawn together.

There’s so much emotion in McLaughlin’s writing. The way she builds the tension that made me feel like I was about to burst over and over again, the pain her two main characters feel throughout for each other, a friend’s death and their past is only the tip of the iceberg for the range of emotions I felt while reading. Her characters felt it and readers will feel it too. She’s given her characters an amazing voice and with a plot and story like theirs, how can anyone NOT fall in love with these characters or this book?

Since this title is just days from release I won’t tell you much about the book… other than what I've said and that if you are itching for a story about love, choices, second chances, a strong female character and a tattooed rock star, than look no further, this book is the next thing that you should read! I for one will be re-reading this one and looking forward to future titles from McLaughlin in the future. This new author has made a HUGE fan out of me. Read, enjoy and fall in love with these characters and their story just as I did.

Find Heidi Online: 

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook





FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: V is for Virgin
Author: Kelly Oram
Publisher: Bluefields, 360 Pages (December 11th, 2012)
From: the Author
Format: eBook

Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation.

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy.

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?

Review: 5 Stars - Author Kelly Oram’s V is for Virgin is in a word – FANTASTIC  This is one of those books that you fall in love with it at the synopsis and fall even further with the turn of each page. Oram has it all in this wonderfully written young adult contemporary title.

This book has it all. Wonderful writing, character, dialog and a message to keep readers entertained as the pages fly by. There’s a chance that many will sit down to read and find they've finished it in one sitting! I know when I finished reading I was wishing for more.

The characters in the story are vast and the message is simple - it’s okay to wait for sex. Oram has taken a sensitive subject matter and written characters and their beliefs that aren't preachy. The dialogue is natural, honest and flows with such ease that it makes Oram a master of words.

The main character is Val who has a nasty break up with her boyfriend because of her choice to remain a virgin until marriage. The guy is a jerk and dumps her and the break up hits viral status on YouTube. Sadly her social status at school takes a hit and she starts a campaign to promote abstinence, which she earns the name ‘Virgin Val’. I loved Val. She’s strong, has a mind of her own and sticks to what she believes in. She takes things in stride and you've got to love her snarky comebacks and how she handles when bad boy rock star Kyle Hamilton comes barging into her life.

Speaking of Kyle… WOW, *fans self*. Oram goes from one extreme to another with her characters in this title. Kyle also knows what he wants and doesn't like it when he’s told no. He’s more than meets the eye and has many layers to him. He might be a snarky bad boy who all the girls swoon over, but he has feelings and is there for Val when she needed someone most.

While he takes Val’s virginal status as a challenge to concur it was highly entertaining watching the two spar throughout the story. I mean talk about serious chemistry, yet both want different things and aren't ready to change or waver from what they believe or where they are in their lives. And it’s this honesty that made me fall even more in love with these characters and their journey.

All in all Oram is a wonderfully talented author who continues to write stories that more people should be reading. She makes her characters come alive within the pages and gives them a voice that many will be able to enjoy and relate to. If you haven’t checked out her books, you are seriously missing out! V is for Virgin is one of the best books I've read in 2012 and I can’t wait to see what Oram writes for us next. Be sure to check this one out today, enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Embers in a Dark Frost
Author: Kelly Keaton
Publisher: eBook, November 8th, 2012
From: the Author
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: The Fire Breathers have come. The Underworld calls. A choice must be made…

With her feared half blood and flame-colored hair, DEIRA D'ANU is a constant reminder of human betrayal and the war that claimed the light from Innis Fail. Now, darkness and frost creep across the land, strengthening the Lord of the Underworld. War is imminent—an allegiance with the Fire Breathers is vital. When their champion, Balen, sees Deira, he believes she is the key to finding the light and stopping the dark frost....

But the Underworld calls to Deira, tempting her to turn her back on a world that never cared and betray the champion willing to sacrifice everything to keep her safe and save his world from darkness.

Review: 4 Stars - Embers in a Dark Frost by author, Kelly Keaton is the first in a two book saga that’s extremely thrilling and adventurous from the beginning and left me holding my breath on more than one occasion. With characters that immediately captivate, there wasn't a moment that I wasn't caught up and lost in the story and journey (physical and mental) that Keaton had created.

Deira is the female lead in this one. The story is about her life and journey to try to help save her world and those who live in it. She’s born as a half-ling, part human and considered a lower class, one that is usually killed at birth. Due to her “relatives” within the land she’s spared but at a cost which makes her life the lonely one of a servant. Her vibrant red hair is a giveaway that she’s a “freak” and she’s forced to live without any acknowledgement of her existence. Another thing, she’s pretty much feared by all because of a power that lies within her, making her life even more isolated.

One day, everything changes. She’s forced to go away and take a quest with a King from a far away land based on a prophecy told long ago that he would be the champion to lead her and the people of the world out of darkness.

This is the moment that Balen walks into the story and Deira’s life. He’s a King, a champion and the most loyal of leaders. All of the people of Sydhr love him and just as he would do anything for them, they would, in turn do anything for him. It’s HIS prophecy that was told long ago… he’s willing to do anything to protect his people, including dying.

The two are an unlikely pair yet they change each other and work together pretty well. Deira believes other things than what the prophecy says and wants nothing more than to save Balen and the people from their world. I felt for Deira on more than one occasion. I wanted to say many of the things that she said to Balen too. He might be a fierce warrior but he didn't even consider any other possibilities of saving himself, his people and his land. That kind of frustrated me about the big, strong swoonable man.

The romance of the story was spot on. It builds slowly and let the two get to know each other. Sometimes it works with characters jump right into the love and a relationship but these two were given a chance to grow as characters because of each other first. It is considered “New Adult” so there are a couple steamy scenes. One of my favorites took place in a bath. Yes.. a bath. More like a bathing room, but still… yeah.

There are a few fight scenes that are pretty epic, and I have to commend Keaton on how she managed to write them in such a way that I could picture every swing of the sword with ease. Love it when I’m reading a book and it feels like I’m watching a movie.

The journey these two fantastic characters take them far away from what they know and into a place controlled by Nox, lord of the underworld. He’s responsible for the darkness and what’s killing their home. He’s power hungry and looking for revenge and plans to use both Deira and Balen to make his plans come to fruition.

All in all it is a fantastically written fantasy story with strong characters, voice and world building. Keaton has taken all of these elements and created a favorite for me. With an ending that’ll have you freaking out a bit, just like I did you’ll be ready for the next installment to find out what happens next for Deira, Balen and Nox. I highly recommend this title for fans of fantasy and “New Adult” and everyone who’s looking for a bright shining star of a book. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Broken (This Trilogy #1)
Author: J.B. McGee
Publisher: Indie Author, 143 Pages (September 28th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Note: This is an "New Adult/Adult" Title

Synopsis: Gabby's life has been anything but easy. She is surrounded by friends who seem to have everything she doesn't: money, social standing, and happily married parents. While dealing with the loss of her mother, she experiences her first heartbreak. She commits herself to her studies and runs away from any emotions that aren't safe. Bradley Banks, a confident CEO and commercial architect, who has long time commitment issues forces Gabby to feel again, but will he be her next heartbreak?

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

Review: 3 Stars - Broken, the first in a trilogy by author J.B. McGee tells the story of a collage age girl dealing with her past while guarding her present and future from any additional heartache. In the synopsis it says that Gabby hasn’t had an easy life and throughout the story we learn a bit about her past and why she’s as guarded as she is. While some of her past is a mystery, you get enough of her back story to understand why she is this way.

She has a wonderful relationship with her sister that was a highlight throughout the book. It’s always a pleasure seeing siblings lean on each other and have a healthy relationship when it comes to unconditional love and support for one another.

One thing that I loved about the book was that it was written in past and present tense. Often a story just gives you a characters history in little pieces sprinkled throughout, yet with Broken half of the story has already taken place in Gabby’s past. And while we do get a chance to see what really happened to Gabby there’s still so much of the story that we only get a slight insight into. There’s other trouble there and I’m anxious to see what else comes up in the next two installments.

Broken is a title that I found myself blinking and the book was finished. In one sitting, in what felt like such a short period of time I had finished the story and was left hanging by a cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. I wasn’t expecting to come face to face with the ending. I just wasn’t ready for Gabby’s story to end right then and there. It did leave me feeling ready for more.

Gabby has walls that are so strong, you’d think they are there for good and no one will be able to take them down when in walks Bradley. The two are strangers yet captivated with each other without even knowing their names. He’s the type of guy who knows what he wants and goes after it. He likes things his way and doesn’t like to bend for anyone. One of the main things about Bradley is, while he isn’t used to having someone like Gabby captivate him, he’s willing to see what might happen next. Needless to say, Gabby has gotten under his skin BIG TIME!

Now, while I did really enjoy the book and can’t wait to read the next – Mending – you’re probably wondering why I gave this one 3 stars? Well, there are a couple of things to explain that. First off, it was all over way too quickly. It’s not a novella and at the same time, it’s not a full book. I felt that there were a few places throughout the story that could have been fleshed out a bit more making the characters richer and the story and book even more rounded as a whole. The story is good, characters interesting and intriguing, but there were just times throughout the book that I felt there could have been more.

All in all, Broken is a book that’s a quick, engrossing read that’ll leave you more than ready for the next installment. With great characters and mysterious backgrounds the budding romance between Gabby and Bradley will make you sigh and swoon. Once you pick up the book, you won’t be able to put it down and before you know it you’ve hit that cliffhanger ending. Thankfully you won’t have long to wait for the next book – Mending – which is set to release December 26th, 2012. However, I’m lucky enough to have a copy here that I’ll be starting as soon as I can. I mean, I HAVE to find out what the heck is going to happen next! Check out Broken to see exactly what I’m talking about. Enjoy.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Luminosity (Raven Chronicles #1)
Author: Stephanie Thomas
Publisher: Entangled Teen, 296 Pages (November 13th, 2012)
From: the Publisher & Author
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I've already helped them win.

Review: 3 Stars - Luminosity is the first installment in the Raven Chronicles by author Stephanie Thomas. Set in a dystopian world of enemies  - Seers and Dreamcatchers – are fighting for survival. One out to protect the Citizens and one dependent on them to stop their demise, Thomas has created a vast world with many mysteries that are only touched upon in the beginning of a new series.

Bea is a Seers. She was taken away from her parents at birth due to her violet eyes. Eyes that forever marked her and others like her as a Seer. Someone who gets visions of the future – sometimes clear and sometimes not. Bea just happens to be one who has very clear visions and it turns out to be both a good and bad thing. She lives in the Institution with other Seers from birth to help hone her visions and to help protect the Citizens in the village outside of the Institution. She has friends she can count on and she really finds she needs them when things change and the war finally begins.

The Keeper is a prominent character in the story, being that when one of Seers has a vision she is there to document what was seen and then interpret it. Which threw up many red flags for me. How can ONE person be responsible for this in a place filled with 100’s of kids and teens who are Seers and also, how is it that only ONE person is set to interpret said visions? Talk about blind faith and evil through and through.

The good and the bad about this one is the fact that it didn't feel like we learned much about the Seers OR the Dreamcatchers. I found myself confused along the way as to what was going on. Often this is what sells a book for me. One that keeps me guessing right through to the very end. However at the end I understand things better than I did at the beginning, which wasn't quite the case with Luminosity. See, this is what’s good and bad for me. I would have liked a little bit better understanding as to what the heck was going on! I was still confused right at the end.

However, the good in that is… while I only gave this title 3 stars, I still am ready to read more because I’m wanting to find out just who these Seers and Dreamcatchers REALLY are. I knew at the end that throughout this title that we were only catching a glimpse of what’s to come.

Okay, so I’ve been mentioning these Dreamcatchers a bit so I should touch on them in this review. From the bit we’ve learned so far, they are able to invade people’s dreams and use Citizens for, well, read the book to find out that bit of info. The Seers and Dreamcatchers have a history that’s only touched upon and I would have loved to have understand more of their pasts. Echo is a Dreamcatcher who’s as mysterious as much of this book. He gives Bea very cryptic messages of the future, which that in and of itself made me question a few things. With the introduction of Echo we were given an instant love triangle with Bea’s best friend Gabe. It was an interesting triangle to stay the least. Again, read the book to find out what I’m talking about.

One thing I did really enjoy was the snippets of what we did learn about the history of this world that Thomas has created and that of her characters. It was vastly different from anything that I've ever read before which is another massive plus for this one.

All in all, I loved how different it was and highly enjoyed the history that was sprinkled here and there giving us a taste of what’s to come in future installments. The characters were equally as mysterious as was much of the rest of the book. And I do highly enjoy a good mystery. While this title wasn't a 5 star read it’s not to say that I didn't enjoy what I read. I DID like it and would recommend this one for those readers out there who love a dystopian and are always eager to read a title that’s different through and through. Looking forward to seeing what happens next after that ending and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy.

About Stephanie: 

Stephanie Thomas has been writing ever since she could put letters together to form words. When she was a small child, she would present her mother and father with self-made newspapers filled up with make believe stories and pictures. Her love for writing followed her all throughout her schooling, where she entered and won writing contests of all sorts. Stephanie decided to become an English teacher and completed her B.A. at The Pennsylvania State University. While teaching, she later went on to get her Master’s in writing from The Johns Hopkins University. She completed her very first manuscript during her graduate studies, and by the end of the program, she had completed two more. Stephanie is quick to tell anyone that she’s a born and raised Philadelphian, and her heart will always belong there. She moved to Baltimore with her husband, and they’ve been living there for the last five years with their doggie, Sailor, and their rabbit, Buns (aka “T Sizzle). 

Find Stephanie Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | The Raven Chronicles Website | The Raven Chronicles Facebook

Order Luminosity Online:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

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Title: Stitch (Stitch Trilogy #1)
Author: Samantha Durante
Publisher: 314 Pages (August 1st, 2012)
From: the Author
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.

Review: 3 Stars - Stitch, the first title in the trilogy with the same name by author Samantha Durante is a big story in a small package. The title is the first from the author and weaves an epic tale built on power, lies and what side you are forced to be a part of.

Alessa’s a college student who’s somewhat lost within her life and that of a freshman on campus, trying to find her way in life and at school after the tragic death of her parents. She lives in a sorority house and tends to keep to herself. She’s a good student with one close friend and wants nothing more than to get through her classes and continue to heal. However her life takes a different turn when she starts to have the ghost of a boy from the past visit her.

The story is told from somewhat alternating points of view between the two characters. The writing is very detailed and descriptive, which was somewhat distracting to me. I really enjoyed reading about the characters and what they were going through and in the end fighting for, however I think I would have been able to give the book more than 3 stars if I wasn’t taken out of the story as often as I was because of how descriptive even the little things were. Being descriptive isn’t a bad thing, but there is a point when it can get to be a bit much. And I really HATE to say these things, because over all I really liked the story and where Durante was taking her characters.

The twists and the overall bigger picture that the characters are facing all came together in the second half of the book. For me, the second half of the story really picked up and was exciting to say the least.

Durante’s imagination is without a doubt never ending, which is fascinating because of how much she was able to weave together in her first novel. She gives us a lot to think about with what’s to come for her characters and the story. While the ending might have been a bit of a cliffhanger, she doesn’t leave the reader gasping for what’s yet to come. In my opinion there’s enough closure for the reader to feel satisfied yet eager to know what’s going to happen next.

All in all, Stitch takes the paranormal genre to a heightened level. With the additional aspects of dystopian and even a bit sci-fi added in, there are enough twists and turns to give anyone a thrilling adventurous even a touch romantic read. If you are a fan of what I just mentioned then you’ll enjoy the story and characters too. I’m happy that I had a chance to read this title when I did and I’m looking forward to the next title in the Stitch trilogy to follow.


FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Awry (The Archers of Avalon #2)
Author: Chelsea Fine
Publisher: Firefall Publishing, 495 Pages (June 15th, 2012)
From: the Author
Format: Paperback
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Sometimes love is meant to be. But sometimes...love is the death of you....

Seventeen-year-old Scarlet has just died. Only, dying isn't unusual for a girl under a centuries old curse that left her semi-immortal.

This time, though, she comes back to her current life instead of awaking in a new one, and she realizes the curse is changing. Together with the immortal Archer brothers, Scarlet must piece together her life and try to break the curse before her impending death comes again.

Review: 5 Stars - Book two in the Archers of Avalon series – Awry by Chelsea Fine picks up right where Anew left off and doesn’t slow down until the epic cliffhanger ending.

There’s always a worry that a second book in a series or trilogy might fall a little flat and lack enough story to keep things going, or sometimes even have way too much filler to climb through in order to get to the good stuff. However neither of those things happens with Awry. Not in the slightest. In my honest opinion Chelsea outdid herself with her second installment. Seriously, this was an epic sequel!

Scarlet, Tristan and Gabriel… along with some very close friends are looking for a way to end the curses that affect Scarlet and the twin brothers before it’s too late. In the first book we learn about how these three have been wrapped together in a curse that has lasted many, many years. However in Awry, we learn much more about their past and how they all came to know each other and the curse itself. The back story was amazing and thrilling. I couldn’t get enough. The present day story was also thrilling in and of itself. I went on an emotional rollercoaster with this one and at the end, wasn’t ready for the ride to stop.

Scarlet is the same strong girl that we had in Anew, however she’s thinking more clearly. She’s a fantastic female lead character and she proves it over and over again for me in the second book. And then we have Gabriel… I’ve come to the conclusion that he’s not my cup of tea. Actually, I even had some not so nice feelings for him from time to time. Some honest choices were made and I think from that point on he just went from decent guy to a jerk and kind of creepy. It’s the back story that makes you think of who he is today and why he’s done things throughout the years. It makes me feel horrible for what he’s put Tristan through due to the things he says and his actions. Speaking of Tristan… let me just *swoon* for a second.

………..

Okay, Tristan. As I mentioned in an update while I was reading, I seriously hope that things end up better for the green eyed twin in the next book. The cliffhanger ending… I’m not sure if that’ll be good or bad, but I’m hoping for the later like you wouldn’t believe! The guy has been in quiet, isolated misery for so many years and it’s while reading this book that you finally see what the heck happened and how he ended up such a hurt guy. My heart breaks for him. Actually it happened more than once.

All in all, I loved Awry even more than I loved Anew and I have no idea how that was even possible. Chelsea knows her how to write swoonable fictional broody, angsty, boys so if you like those too, then you’ll find A LOT to love about her Archers of Avalon Series. And with that, I’ll be feeling like I’m forever waiting for the finally installment – Avow December 2012. At least it’s not too far away. So, pick these up and find out just why I’m #TeamTristan. I’m sure you’ll agree with me on this one. 

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Circle of Light (Light, #3)
Author: Jennifer DeLucy
Publisher: Omnific Publishing, (October 9th, 2012)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is an adult series and intended for readers 18 years and older.

Synopsis: Empath and Pathcrosser to the dead, Lillian Hunt has finally come into her own as a Sentient being. All seems well in her brave new world...that is, until a tragic turn sends her tight knit Sentient group on a rescue mission through lore-infested Europe. Their goal is to save the love of Lily's life—vampire Sentient, William Maddox — from both the prejudice of their own society and the dark intentions of ancient vampires. But how will they keep hope alive, even as time runs out?

Review: 5 Stars - Circle of Light, the third and final book in the Light trilogy by author Jennifer DeLucy took this reader on an emotional ride from beginning to end. Being a huge fan of the series, right from the beginning I was elated and yet heartbroken to see this amazing story come to an end. Without giving too much away, I’d like to applaud Jennifer, someone who’s become a friend on writing such a beautiful story with equally beautiful characters. Her world and those that live in it are in a word, stunning.

This trilogy is full of everything that makes a story captivating. Her characters are real. Down to earth and giving, they grow and help each other and anybody they cross path with. They are a family thrown together under sometimes difficult circumstances and yet they never give up. They lean on each other and draw strength from each other. While they each have some paranormal aspects to their person, that doesn’t make them any less “real” to me. They could very well be the person next door.

And Jennifer’s writing… it flows and moves with ease. The three books come together with the final conclusion in a pace that ebbs and flows around the plot and the characters. If you ask me, she didn’t miss anything in the story. There’s action, mystery, fast paced fight scenes and love. There’s humor and humanity and well… you get the picture. Like I said, it has a bit for everyone.

As a reader one of the things I love about a story (which I’ve mentioned once or ten times in the past) is when you can watch a character grow right before your eyes on the page. It happened here time and time again. Each character did just that as they found their way around the changes in their lives and the lives of those around them.

I have a huge soft spot for two characters in the Light Trilogy. That would be Lily and William. They’ve both been through enough to make any of us want to hide away in a dark place to hide from the world. Yet, neither of them does that. They bend, stretch and reach to be better people. Even when there’s an evil just dying to pull them apart, which is what happens in Circle of Light. And let me tell you, that evil is disguised as a woman. UGH, don’t even get me started on that part of the story. I saw red!

As always, there’s lore and travel to faraway places. This time it happens to be Europe and meeting some new characters in the process. I cringed, I gasped and I shed a few tears along the way and yeah, I’ll admit that maybe I was a tad more emotional in this one… knowing it was the end, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Jennifer wrote another amazing book! Seriously guys, you have NO idea what you’re missing. I could talk about this series, these characters and what an amazingly talented writer that Jennifer is for days. Now it’s your turn to give her books a try and pick up the first book in the trilogy – Seers of Light. You have to start from the beginning, because really… the beginning is the only place to start. Enjoy it and thank me later.

I have some AMAZING news to share with you all!!! Jennifer has written a Prequel to the Light Trilogy! Here's a look at the cover and some news right from Jennifer herself!

Here's new's straight from Jennifer and her blog -

Announcing "Glimpse of Light" to my Light Series (and William Maddox) lovers....

We have exciting news! Everyone who orders Circle of Light in e-book or paperback on release day (October 9th) or the day after (and those who pre-order!), will receive a FREE PREQUEL story told from William Maddox's point-of-view, describing the events leading up to Lily's retrieval in Seers of Light! Just remember, this is free on October 9th and 10th ONLY, and you'll need to forward your email receipt to publisher@omnificpublishing.com to claim your prequel! And spread the word!

Amazing right? RIGHT? I can't wait!!! I'm totally #TeamWilliam

So, don't forget to pre-prder and then get your FREE PREQUEL!

Title: Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians #3)
Author: Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Zebra, 390 Pages (October 2nd, 2012)
From: the Author
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is an adult title and is intended for readers 18 years and older.

Synopsis: Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural.
She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it’s not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire . . .

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different – and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question – he can’t put her in danger. But she isn’t asking him . . .

Review: 4 Stars - I have really enjoyed the first two books in Dianna Duvall’s Immortal Guardian series and the third installment – Phantom Shadows was wonderfully fantastic.

Duvall’s series picks up right where we left off in the last book yet focuses on Sebastian and Melanie this time around. Bastian has had a rough time of it, in the first two books we find out more of what his life was like before he was “found” by the Immortals. I’ve been very intrigued to hear more of his story and while I am a huge fan of this series, I was so thrilled to finally read more about this dark character.

Bastian is a dark, dark character as mentioned above, however he doesn’t know much of anything else. He’s been alive for so long and hasn’t known anything good for so much of that time that he doesn’t have much to base anything else on. Some of the horrible things that he’s been part of in the past have made him a black sheep within the Immortal network. He’s hated there to put it lightly. While many of the other Immortals don’t know all the facts, Bastian doesn’t go out of his way to tell them the truth of what really happened either. He’s okay with being the outcast, being hated then friends with the others. He doesn’t trust either, which is part of how he keeps people at such a distance.

Melanie is a doctor that works within the Network of humans who aid the Immortals. She’s very intelligent and caring. She doesn’t judge or hold grudges against others. She a strong female character and knows exactly how to push Bastian to make him see things from a different point of view. She has a way that she’s able to help keep Bastian in check as well, that I loved to watch.

There’s no doubt that these two are attracted to each other. Bastian believes he’s no good for her and continues to push her away, yet wants nothing more than a relationship with her. Melanie has been at some level of captivation with Bastian from their first encounter. While he pushes away, she pulls in closer. Their chemistry is scorching, yet there’s a slow burn to it that was sweet because of who Bastian is and what Melanie sees in him.

There’s some epic battles in this one too that Duvall kicked up about 20 notches from the last two books. Explosions, tranq guns, sunrise, snipers, swords and tons of bullets later and someone’s bound to get hurt.

Duvall has also included characters and couples from past books that give us all a chance to check in and see where everyone is currently at. There was also a bit of back story told and new characters introduced that I’m sure we’ll learn more about in the books to follow.

All in all, I have more than enjoyed reading this series and I think this has to be my favorite book yet! While there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, it’s a set up for what just might be one of the biggest issues the Immortals have yet to face. For those out there who love a great paranormal read, pick up the Immortal Guardians. I know I can’t wait to see what happens next. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 549 Pages (April 3rd, 2012)
From: the Publisher via NetGalley
Format: eBook/ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Review: 5 Stars - Grave Mercy by author Robin LaFevers is the beginning of her His Fair Assassin series. It’s about more than just nuns. It’s about ASSASSIN nuns. It’s stunning from the first word and even more so at the last. Oh and it’s about assassin nuns!  Need I say anymore?

When Ismae’s father arranges a marriage for his daughter, he does so because he wants nothing more to do with her. He wants rid and in doing so hands her over to a cruel man. A man who will use brutality to get anything he wants. She’s saved… just, and taken to the convent of St. Mortain to learn more of what those who serve the God of Death actual do and what it entails to be a servant herself. What she doesn’t understand is that the God of Death himself has given her talents and if she chooses to stay she will live out a life that’ll be filled with violence. And so becomes her life as an assassin.

Ismae is sent to the high court of Brittany where she finds a life nothing like she could have imagined. She has no idea how to work around the people and their ways of the nobles she’s now surrounded by. Watching her walk a tight rope while trying to navigate around the power of the nobles and a court filled with treason, it’s up to Ismae to figure out how she’ll complete the task she was sent forth to do.

I was fascinated and captivated by this beautifully written story. The characters are stunning and the plot moves swiftly. Ismae and Duval might have had a rocky start to their relationship, but their belief in protecting the throne & Duval’s sister, Anne at all costs was bound to bring them together to work in protecting her and her people. Their relationship might have started out more of the hate and I don’t trust you, but while working for the greater good and to protect Anne things started to shift. I liked how natural their relationship changed throughout the story. It was without any pressure from an outside source and I loved following along as Ismae thought about her life and what it would be like without anyone other than the Order in it.

Grave Mercy is full of murder, political intrigue, loyalty and power hungry countries on the brink of war. It’s about one girl figuring out what’s right and how the path you sometimes choose might not be what you once originally thought and how love, passion and courage can sometimes be just what you need to push you down the correct path.

All in all, I absolutely LOVED Grave Mercy. More than I could have ever imagined. I was hooked at assassin nuns and then after reading I was hooked on all the words written by LaFevers. Being a reader who’s never usually excited about historical fiction in the slightest, Grave Mercy just might have made a fan out of me yet. One of the best books I’ve read in 2012, yep, I highly recommend this title to everyone. As for me, book two asap please – Dark Triumph, April 2013.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Stealing Parker
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire, 245 Pages (October 1st, 2012)
From: the Publisher
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Red-hot author Miranda Kenneally hits one out of the park in this return to Catching Jordan's Hundred Oaks High.

After a scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back.

Review: 5 Stars - Author Miranda Kenneally knows her way around fantastic young adult contemporary stories and characters. Stealing Parker is the companion novel to her freshman release Catching Jordan, set in the same school, town and with a mix of characters you’ve met before, Kenneally brings her realistic teen characters to life.

Parker just wants to be a normal teen girl who loves to play soft ball. In a small town it’s hard to do anything without everyone knowing your business. So when her mother comes out as a Lesbian, Parker takes the brunt of the fall-out at school with many of her school mates  making her life a tad on the rough side.  Dealing with bullies, her own self image and trying to find her way in a new family dynamic is rough and even those at her church are making her life difficult.

Parker's at a tough age and while those around her often make her life difficult, it’s her own choices that she’s forced to face that may be even more damaging to her.

I liked reading about Parker. Her inner dialogue was honest and I often felt my heart breaking for her. She questioned things and it was during these times I wished she had someone to talk to about before jumping right into things she wasn’t totally set on. Without her mother in the house she’s closed off and then the isolation she feels at school due to the taunts of others just push her further down into herself. It’s not to say that she doesn’t have friends, she does; some great guys on the baseball team that she’s helping out taking down stats. I just wish she would actually see the friends she really has instead of trying to prove something.

While I really enjoyed Catching Jordan, I loved Stealing Parker. This one had my emotions running a bit deeper for Parker and what she was going through. I felt that while she was dealing with her home life and the changes in her mom’s relationship with her father and her girlfriend, that I was the one who was listening to those inner thoughts. I just wish I could have been there to actually give her answers, some answers that she really needed.

All in all Stealing Parker was a wonderful contemporary novel that I loved. Kenneally is a wonderful writer that, without doubt fans of the genre should welcome with open arms. There’s no question in my mind after now reading two of her books that I will always be excited and eager to read what she has for us next. I’m thrilled to check out next title which is also another companion novel – Things I can’t Forget, March 1^st, 2013. 

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.