Title: The Space Between (The Book of Phoenix #1)
Author: Kristie Cook
Publisher: Ang'dora Productions, LLC, 393 Pages (April 5th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: New Adult Paranormal Romance by bestselling author Kristie Cook ** Mature Content ** Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language

First installment of the Book of Phoenix series. Consistently rated in the top 25 New Adult & College Romance books on Amazon.com!

When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

Leni Drago can't make a smart decision on her own, according to her mother anyway--the few times she's tried resulted in disaster. When her uncle sends her on a dance tour in Italy to find her real self, she returns to an empty home and any evidence of his existence wiped out. Then things get even stranger, like the mysterious appearances of Jeric Winters--inked, pierced and a hit-'em-and-quit-'em type. He's one decision that should be easy for Leni. Or is he?

Jeric doesn't do girlfriends. Unless they're someone else's. He left the fighting cage and modeling for a reason, and girls who want more than a night of fun are distractions he doesn't need. Especially when they come with as much baggage as Leni carries. But he can't shake the gut feeling that he needs to know her. All of her.

To discover the truth behind their connection and their ties to a journal from 1989, they must face painful secrets from their pasts. And they must do so quickly because their own existences are falling to pieces.

Two love stories, one mystery and a paranormal twist that readers call "mind blowing." This first part of The Book of Phoenix takes you on a heart-wrenching ride as you discover the answers that lie in The Space Between.

Review: 5 Stars - The Space Between, the first title in the new and exciting The Book of the Phoenix Series by author Kristie Cook is in a word – STELLER! Cooks first title in the ever popular “New Adult” category tells a story within a story. The plot, characters, twists and turns and the romance left this reader instantly begging for more.

It’s not often when I find a book that I’d like to give 5+ stars too after just the first few pages. When this tends to happen my feelings for the book usually change by the time I’ve finished reading. Not this time! Cook has done it by leaps and bounds with this one. From the start I was so curious and wrapped up in the story that I often found myself holding my breath. There was no guessing what was about to happen next to the characters, or where Cook would lead readers to from page to page adding to the magic in this story.

I’ve been a HUGE fan of Cook’s previous works – The Soul Savers Series and I couldn’t wait to see what else she had been creating outside of those characters that feel more like family to me with every novel. This didn’t even come close to letting me down!

Okay, I need to calm myself a bit and talk about the characters. We have Leni and Jeric, strangers who have a chance meeting that leads them into other chance meetings. You need to read this story to understand more about how these two come together! Leni is talented and caring and loves her uncle who she lives with and takes care of and Jeric is a bad boy from head to toe and everything in between. Both couldn’t be different from one another yet they have things in common, like issues from their pasts that they must deal with if they are to figure out things that are quickly changing in their lives.

I LOVE these two characters!!! Jeric… I’m calling dibs!

I could go on and on about how amazing and beautiful this book is for days. The characters have a spot in my heart where they’ll stay for a nice long while. I’m telling you all, Cook knows how to write some layered characters and stories that have so much to offer the reader.

This one is also written in Multi POV’s and you get the feeling of such a well rounded story because of it. How the story plays out on the page and the chapters is very satisfying and I could say more about this but the surprise I had, I will leave for you….

The book is filled with twists and turns and some epic battles of good vs. evil and… If you could see me right now I’d have just been flailing my arms around - because The Space Between is JUST.THAT.GOOD.AND.THEN.SOME.

I hate when I love a book so much that I’m unable to properly express my feelings other than to say.. READ THIS BOOK! You will love it like I do. I highly recommend this title to anyone and everyone who is looking for something that’ll stick with you from beginning to end. With characters that’ll leave you breathless, writing and words that flow right off the page just, Enjoy!

Kristie, you have out did yourself again and I am so excited to have had the pleasure of reading another one of your novels. Those who haven’t found you yet don’t know what they’re missing. Now, gimmie the next book! LOL

This is a “New Adult” title so if you are 17 years or older, give it a try and thank me later…

(This review was originally posted on April 26th, 2013)

Title: Branded (Sinners #1)
Author: Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki
Publisher: 252 pages, (June 27th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
Cha
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.

I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.

My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Review: 5 Stars - Branded, the first title in the Sinners “New Adult” series by authors Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki blew me away from beginning to end. This unique title continued to surprise me over and over again, I couldn’t get enough!

This is a dystopian title at its finest. The characters, setting, use of the seven deadly sins and over all flow of the story, thanks to wonderfully descriptive writing was amazing from beginning to end! I loved it from the first page right through to the last, which does leave you without a doubt wanting more, but I’ll talk about that later in this review.

Lexi is charged and taken to the Hole. A place where sinners are branded and hers just so happens to be pretty much the worst brand one could receive. Being that it’s on her neck there’s no way for anyone to miss it. She’s a young woman forced away from everything she knows and placed into a whole different world that’s unimaginable and terrifying to her. Everyone knows about the Hole and it’s the last place you want to end up, especially if you are branded with the sin – LUST.

As the synopsis says that every day she has to fight to survive is a HUGE understatement. Thankfully she’s been given a guard, Cole and his faithful dog Zeus who are tasked to keep her alive. 

Cole has a serious tug of war going on with what he thinks and believes verses the job he’s been given and the things the Commander has set as rules and laws of more than just the Hole but the world itself too. I loved Cole and watching him trying to figure out what he should do and how to keep Lexi alive and how to keep himself alive too. 

The story is fast and furious. There’s action, romance, and tons of emotions that’ll tear at your heart one minute and help to rebuild it the next.

All in all I highly recommend this title to any and all who love a rich dystopian that has everything and then some to make this a memorable book that’ll not only stick with you but as mentioned above, it’ll leave you wanting more, more MORE! I mean with a book, story and characters like these and an ending like that… how could you NOT want more? I can’t wait to see what these two authors have for us next in this amazing novel. Happy Reading!

Available from:

 

About the Authors:


Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Author Links:

     

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Title: Exquisite Betrayal
Author: A.M. Hargrove
Publisher: (December 17th 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK, Smashwords, iTunes

Synopsis: A male Romance Author… a convention in Vegas… a female book blogger… a goal to lose her virginity… what next? Find out when you mix all the above!

Fallon McKinley is headed to Vegas for the Wicked Wenches Romance Con and losing her virginity is only one of her goals. The other is to meet her favorite author of romance novels, R.T. Sinclair. What she doesn’t realize is that the sexy green-eyed god she rams into at the airport is the real R.T. When they keep running into each other, she’s shocked, but excited, because the attraction is irresistible.

Ryland Thomas Sinclair doesn’t want anyone to know his true identity. He’s the author that all women love, but everyone thinks he’s a female. He hides his persona behind the public face of his twin sister, keeping his own a secret. But after meeting the lovely Fallon, his intentions to avoid a relationship come to a screeching halt. She’s put an unwanted kink into his perfectly laid out plans. His unusual reaction surprises him because after a heart-shredding breakup a few years ago, he’s managed to avoid women at all costs.

Resisting Fallon becomes more difficult than he imagines. Soon things are spiraling out of control, until a major miscommunication has Fallon walking out of his home and his life. Will Ryland Thomas succeed in losing the woman he loves? Or can he win her back?

Review: 3.5 Stars - Exquisite Betrayal by A.M. Hargrove is a book I’ve been wishing for since I’ve become a book review blogger. It’s filled with everything to make fans of the “New Adult” category fall under its spell. Readers beware, this is one of those books that you could find yourself reading in one sitting and wonder where the heck the time went!

First off, I’d like to say that this is the second title by this author that I’ve read. As I’ve mentioned above, book review bloggers will be all over this one, I know I was the second I heard about this title. I mean what blogger wouldn’t want to go to a convention and have a hot British guy who just happens to be a romance author fall for you?

The thing with the two main characters – Fallon and Ryland had its ups and downs for me while reading. One minute I loved them both, liked where their relationship was heading and then the next something weird would happen and I’d find myself confused and wondering how the heck they ended up where they were. The two have secrets or I should say things from their past that are keeping them from moving forward without questioning every little thing. I think it’s the crazy stalls and starts caused by Ryland that had me scratching my head. The guy has issues that feel almost never ending… or maybe it’s just how he handles them that were weird.

One of the things I loved about this title is how Fallon calls Ryland out on all his crap. She doesn’t let him get away with anything and I liked that. She’s feisty that’s for sure!

And the secondary characters – Ryland’s sister and Fallon’s co-bloggers were great sidekicks and added more to the story that I was unexpected and I loved the layer they added to both characters.

While the story wasn’t perfect it was extremely entertaining and I liked the story and the characters. For this reader the flaws I found were more about the flow and some pieces of the story that fell flat. Sometimes I felt that the story could have been smoother, but maybe that’s just this reader’s preference?

In the end I liked that the characters were flawed and the best part of the story was that the main characters revolved around the book blogging community and an author. It felt like I was peeking further into a world that I’m proud to be part of. I think that bloggers who are fans of New Adult will love this title and I think that fans of the category will highly enjoy this one too. With this being the second book I’ve read by this author, and this title was much better than the last I’ve read, I’m looking forward to seeing what Hargrove writes next. Enjoy!

About the Author: 


One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the window.  She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job.  Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer. Her books include the following: Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge and Kissing Fire (The Edge Series); The Guardians of Vesturon series (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent and Beginnings); Dark Waltz and Tragically Flawed.

Other than being in love with writing about being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.

Find A.M. Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Title: Three Broken Promises (Drew + Fable #3)
Author: Monica Murphy
Publisher: Bantam, 304 Pages (December 31st, 2013)
From: the Author and Publisher
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Breakout New Adult sensation Monica Murphy returns with a hot new contemporary romance—a heartfelt story of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.

Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life.

I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me.

Review: 3.5 Stars - 3.5 Stars - Three Broken Promises is the third title in the Drew + Fable series by author Monica Murphy. While this reader has yet to read (covers head) the first two books in the series, I was glad to see that this could be read as a standalone. Not to worry for Drew and Fable fans, the two do make a few appearances in Colin and Jen’s story.

So our two main characters as mentioned above are Jen and Colin. They share a history from growing up together and a bond from Jen’s brother Danny who passed away in Iraq. When Jen needed someone the most Colin found her and was there for her when she was at her lowest.

Now these two characters are both dealing with issues, secrets and promises they’ll each do just about anything to keep buried and intact. However as the two become closer to giving in to their attraction and Jen’s past comes back to haunt her things become messy.

These two characters and their story were a bit frustrating to me. I understand and appreciate angst. I’m all for delaying things and drawing things out but this time it felt like it dragged on and on and these two just played with each other’s emotions. Neither of them had the best self-esteem either. No matter the past these two shared there was no believing in the others words and praises without believing there was something more behind it. It was hard to read that over and over again without wondering if there was some kind of point, and me as a reader starting to think that maybe there was something wrong with these two other than their issues.

I wanted to love it. I was really looking forward to reading this one too… but it was just drawn out so much and the characters were more stubborn in a “lets drive this reader nuts” way… I ended up frustrated and groaned more than a couple of times.

With all that frustrated me there was something there that I could see gleaming through that I just had to finish the book. I needed to know where Murphy was leading these to and at the end I sat back and thought many things and one being that I’d love to read more about these two in the future. Yes, while there was many frustrating instances while reading this one turned out to find a way into my heart and mind that I was sad to find my way to the end of the book.

I guess for me this time around I learned a lesson. That sometimes a frustrating set of characters can come out on top. That sometimes it’s when you finish a book you see a much broader part of the story and that it just might take making it to the end to find something that turns out to be a gem.

In the end I liked it. I’m looking forward to going back and reading Drew and Fables story because what I learned about those two has me very intrigued to say the least. I know fans of Murphy’s previous titles will love this one and as mentioned above as this can be read stand alone I have a feeling that those out there who are like this reader and have yet to read the first two titles will also feel the need to go back and read from the beginning of the series. Readers and fans of “New Adult” enjoy!

About the Author: 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Find Monica Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

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Title: New Girl
Author: Paige Harbison
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 320 pages, January 31st 2012.
From: Bought from The Works bookstore
Format: Paperback
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Welcome to Manderley Academy

I hadn't wanted to go, but my parents were so excited... So here I am, the new girl at Manderley, a true fish out of water. But mine's not the name on everyone's lips. Oh, no.

It's Becca Normandy they can't stop talking about. Perfect, beautiful Becca. She went missing at the end of last year, leaving a spot open at Manderley— the spot that I got. And everyone acts like it's my fault that infallible, beloved Becca is gone and has been replaced by not perfect, completely fallible, unknown Me.

Then, there's the name on my lips— Max Holloway. Becca's ex. The one boy I should avoid, but can't. Thing is, it seems like he wants me, too. But the memory of Becca is always between us. And as much as I'm starting to like it at Manderley, I can't help but think she's out there, somewhere, watching me take her place.

Waiting to take it back

Review: 4 stars - I had seen this book in work for a few weeks and kept picking it up and putting it back down. I decided to treat myself as an early Christmas present and I wasn’t disappointed.

First off, i’m going to mention the UK edition cover; it’s brilliant. The back cover especially is my favourite thing about this book. It’s like a notice board with raised pins and paperclips supporting the synopsis. They say never judge a book by its cover but it definitely swayed me in my decision to buy it.

The new girl’s dream as a youngster after reading Harry Potter was to go to a boarding school like Hogwarts. Her parents remembered her dream and years later managed to get her a place at Manderley Academy.

Sent away from the sunshine, beaches and friends of Florida; the new girl arrives in cold New Hampshire to a complete culture shock. Dressed in frayed jean shorts and flip flops she reluctantly hands over her phone; her lifeline to home and starts settles in to her new life at Manderley.

New Girl is told from two points of view and I didn’t once get confused. Sometimes with dual point of views I get confused easily, but New Girl is clearly written, each chapter labelled with who the point of view is from Becca or ‘Me’ (New Girl). Also, because each of the two main characters is very different in their personality, the chapters are easy to read.

I didn’t realise until I got to the end of the book that we hadn’t been told the New Girl’s name. I was a bit shocked when I realised this. I feel that this might have been done on purpose to engross the reader further and maybe ‘we’ the reader were the New Girl.

I’m new to reading contemporary YA, and so far i’m enjoying what I’ve read. New Girl had a bit of mystery in it too and I really enjoyed reading it.

I will say that there are sex references in this book, so it may not be suitable for all YA readers.

Title: Crashing Into You
Author: B.D. Rowe
Publisher: 310 Pages (November 5, 2013)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK, iTunes

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Bookish college sophomore Sydney Baker wants Evan Taylor with every ounce of her being. The hottest stud on campus, Evan is six foot four, ripped, stacked with muscles. He's even easy to talk to.

There's just one problem: he's her roommate Melanie's boyfriend.

But when Melanie tragically dies after a night of wild partying, Sydney and Evan turn to each other in a time of intense grief. And it doesn't take long for their close friendship to blossom into something more.

Unfortunately for Sydney, secrets from the past soon put her relationship with Evan to the test. Especially when a sexy blonde freshman makes her way into Evan's life, and tries to rip away everything Sydney holds close to her heart.

**Mature Situations and Sexual Content - Recommended for Ages 17+**

Review: 3 Stars - Crashing Into You is the debut “New Adult” title from indie author B.D. Rowe. The story focuses on college student Sydney as she tries to deal with a horrible accident that occurred to her in the past and how she’s going to live her life moving forward.

Sydney studies hard, has a few close friends and a crush on her roommates boyfriend. Speaking of her roommate the two have a somewhat weird relationship for two people who have been roommates for two years. I’m not sure I’d want to be a roommate with someone who was somewhat stuck up, pushy and didn’t understand why I didn’t want to drink and party because of my past. Sydney kind of gave me whiplash with her confusing and sometimes contradicting ways. She was also peer pressured into things a bit too easily if you ask me.

Melanie, her roommate just rubbed me the wrong way and when she tragically dies after a night of heavy drinking… yeah that whole thing I saw coming quicker than I’ve ever seen something come before in a title and it left me more than grossed out.

And then we have Evan, Melanie’s boyfriend and Sydney’s crush. I found him to be a touch creepy a time or two throughout the story. I went from liking him and then to getting the chills, and NOT from how great he was. I just had a feeling he wasn’t being totally honest and I felt he was more than a slime ball towards the end of the story and for good reason too.

There is romance in this one and I asked myself on and off while reading if the relationship between Sydney and Evan was right or wrong. I just couldn’t figure out how I felt even when I finished reading.

So, I bet you’re wondering why I gave this one 3 stars? I went back and forth thinking about giving it either 2 or 3, but 3 won out because I LOVED Sydney’s best friend and then roommate Lucas. He saw things for how they really were and called Sydney out on them. He saw things in a way she couldn’t and I liked how these two friends interacted together. Lucas and his relationship was the best part of the book.

The other thing that I liked was the overall message of drinking, drinking in excess and drinking and driving and the dangers of both. There were some extremely serious and important parts in the story that Rowe brought to attention that I appreciated.

In the end this wasn’t the best book but there were a couple of key parts in the story that I enjoyed enough to finish this title and then to be left hanging because it appears there will be at least a sequel?!? I was shocked to find out about this!! Will I read the sequel, not sure… I might, I’ll have to see the synopsis and figure that out when the time comes.

About the Author:

B.D. Rowe is a Sacramento native with a penchant for crafting tales of romance, mystery, and intrigue. Crashing Into You is B.D. Rowe’s New Adult debut.

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Title: With Every Heartbeat (Cities of Love #1)
Author: Melody Grace
Publisher: Melody Grace Books, (November 8th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Rome. The city of young lovers, dark secrets, and intoxicating new desire…

I thought I knew what I wanted in life. I thought my destiny was set. Then I met him, and everything changed.

Raphael is bold, passionate, and seductive. He sees something in me I never dreamed possible, and now he's determined to show me a world beyond rules -- a dance without limits. I want to trust him, but I'm scared. Because I know once I fall, there'll be no going back.

An innocent dancer. A mysterious stranger. As Annalise is drawn deeper into the sensual delights of Rome, she'll question everything she believed about her future. But with opening night looming, can she find the strength to risk it all? And will she be forced to choose between her one true love, ballet, and the new passion in her heart?

** This book contains adult content. 17+ **

Review: 4 Stars - With Every Heartbeat is the first in the new Cities of Love from the amazing author Melody Grace. This title has it all with the amazing backdrop of Rome while two people work to figure out who they are, where they want to be in life as they embark on their journey away from their parents.

As the synopsis states it’s about an innocent dancer and a mysterious stranger and fits these two characters perfectly. Annalise has been learning and dancing ballet since she could walk. Her mother was a prima ballerina before she was born and it makes some book Pointe shoes to fill for our main character. Annalise understands that her time as a dancer on stage is drawing closer and closer to the end so when her mother just about forces her to take a spot in a company in Rome at the very last minute she leaves in a rush with the hopes of getting one lead before her career is over.

Annalise is in dead innocent. She’s lead a structured life because of the discipline is takes to be the dancer she is. With her mother being strict it’s even worse for our main protagonist. It’s with the interaction with her mother that you really get an overall idea just how Annalise was raised and how structured her life truly is. For her, Rome turns into so much more than she could have ever imagined. Hearing music coming from around the corner she sneaks away from her tour she’s on with her fellow dancers to find a group dancing in the streets. It’s then she meets Raphael.

Raphael is free with his dancing. He’s filled with passion in just about everything he does. It’s through his eyes and his life that Annalise starts to see things in her and the world differently. The thing I liked about these two the most was how they helped each other with what they wanted in life. They helped each other see the bigger picture. And the romance is pretty scorching! WOW!

I enjoyed the dancing aspect of the story, how important this was to BOTH of them. It made the passion and the chemistry these two have for each other seriously out of control! They balance and complement each other so well that there’s no doubt that these two are in a word soul mates. You feel it from the first time that they meet and I tend to not be a huge fan of insta-love so I’m glad that while there was such an amazing attraction between these two their relationship happened slowly throughout their journey.

I thought that the writing and the story flowed pretty easily and the backdrop or Rome was perfect! I ended up reading this one in ONE sitting in about 3 hours last night, because I was lost in Rome with Annalise and Raphael and just had to know what would happen next. Speaking of Rome - while there isn’t a lot of details about the romantic city there’s just enough to keep your imagination going and able to picture the scenes pretty well.

I loved this one and I can’t wait to read more from this new “New Adult” series. I highly recommend this title to fans of Contemporary titles with strong characters. Please be aware that there is content meant for older readers so if this sounds great to you, and it IS trust me, go forth and grab this one now!

Title: Perennial
Author: Ryan Potter
Publisher: Kindle Serial, Skyscape (Episode 1, November 5, 2013; Episode 2, November 12, 2013)
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon

Synopsis: Perennial is all around you.

On the morning of the first day of senior year, Alix Keener awakens from a vivid, terrifying dream where a ghostly boy warns her: Perennial is all around you. Shaking off the dream – and the cryptic message – is more than Alix needs as she starts a new life in Beaconsfield, the posh Detroit suburb she and her dad recently moved to after her mom’s death.

Alix ignores the cryptic dream message until one of her new classmates, the alluring Lewis Wilde, mentions it – he knows something about Perennial, and hints that it has to do with a boy who died in Alix’s bedroom. Suddenly wracked by waking visions, Alix finds herself teamed up with Lewis to uncover the truth.

Alix’s developing psychic abilities become more powerful but reality becomes increasingly unclear: Alix wants to trust Lewis, but a shadowy person named Vagabond hints that Alix’s trust may be misplaced. As things become more dangerous and complex, Alix must choose whether to use her burgeoning psychic abilities or possibly lose everything that matters to her.

Review: 4 Stars (Episodes 1-4) - Perennial is a new Serial title from author Ryan Potter. Published by Amazon, this series is being released in short episodes. In this review I’ll be talking about the first four episodes.

This is my second book by Ryan and with how much I enjoyed his previous work, when he reached out to me to read and review Perennial I was eager to learn more. Once I heard more and read the synopsis I couldn’t wait to read. One thing, this is the first Serial book I’ve read. At least that I can recall so reading this in shorter pieces was interesting and as I’ve been reading has been more than I could have appreciated.

The characters in Perennial are layered and interesting. There’s something in this for everyone. Paranormal/Supernatural, teen angst, romance, good versus evil, demons and angels with Potters own unique twist to both. While I’ve only read the first few portions of this title at first I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with how much was going on. There was a HUGE question I couldn’t figure out – What the heck is Perennial?! I wanted to know what this was or who this was and when it finally was explained so much of the puzzle pieces fell into place.

Our main character Alix starts out as a brainy somewhat timid wants to keep to herself kind of girl. She’s evolving throughout the story which is always a key part of what makes a title a good read for me. It’s the changes – the bigger ones and the more subtle ones that catch my eye and give a character that depth that I like to see.

There aren’t any lulls in Perennial. Yes there’s a lot going on and while I mentioned above that I was a bit overwhelmed the more I read the more things make sense so that’s another huge plus. Having questions and getting answers to at least some of those questions while reading has also been a relief.

While I haven’t read the while story yet, so far I’m enjoying it. It’s very entertaining and I’m always looking for a great story with a good vs. evil theme and add in a different take on angels and demons and I’m hooked.

So far I can say that I recommend this Serial for fans of YA and readers who are looking for something different and entertaining. Keep an eye out for the next review when I can give a better review for the title as a whole. Happy Reading!

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THREE runners up will receive eBook copies of Perennial!!!

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Title: One Wild Night (Forever Wild, Part #1)
Author: Magan Vernon
Publisher: Beautifully Broken Books, 50 Pages (December 5th 2013)
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Order Magan's Books online here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: One Wild Night Can Change Everything

Valerie Wilder doesn’t do serious relationships. She also doesn’t usually wake up in Vegas next to a male stripper…

A male stripper who happens to be her new husband.

A quickie divorce seems like the answer, but the Nevada legal system doesn’t think so.  When her new husband suggests flying back to Chicago with Valerie she accepts, wondering if one night in Vegas could turn into something much more.

Review: 4 Stars (Episode One) - One Wild Night is the first Episode in the Forever Wild Serial by author Magan Vernon and what a beginning it is! Its 50 pages of one crazy night in Vegas and what comes next for two characters.

Valerie is in Vegas with coworkers for a convention. She’s new at her job, trying to make ends meet until she can make a name for herself and move up in the company. What she doesn’t expect to happen on a night out with some girls from work is to meet a male stripper names Wes.

Well, let me tell you that in the short 50 pages that this first episode is get a lot of bang for our buck. Valerie is a real woman. She’s curvy, honest and extremely realistic. Wes is sweet, sexy and I have a feeling he’s going to prove A LOT to us as readers as these two characters embark on a crazy journey together after waking up in Vegas married.

While I love how much of a quick and entertaining read this was, I wish I had more to continue reading and not have to wait for the next installment. Saying that I’m already addicted to this serial is an understatement. I’m looking forward to reading each episode and can’t wait to find out what happens next.

The Forever Wild is a six part series and is set to release a new episode every three weeks. I recommend this one for Contemporary fans. Please keep in mind that it’s recommended for older readers due to content. Enjoy!

About the Author:

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. You can find her online at www.maganvernon.com.

Find Magan Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Title: Before We Fall (Beautifully Broken #3)
Author: Courtney Cole
Publisher: Forever, 336 Pages (December 3rd, 2013)
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Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK


NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Sometimes, one dark moment is all it takes to turn your world black...

For 24-year old Dominic Kinkaide, that moment took place on the night of his high school graduation. One dark incident changed him forever. He's a hardened actor now, famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured in his own. He doesn't care about much of anything, except for losing himself in the roles that he plays.

23-year old Jacey Vincent doesn't realize how much her father's indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn't one specific moment that wrecks a person, but rather it's an absence of moments. She's like a bird with a broken wing-strong yet fragile, as she tries to float through life, finding acceptance in the arms of random guys, one after the other... to fill the void that her father left in her.

Until she meets Dominic.

After jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, his secret and her issues create a dark and damaged energy that will soon turn their attraction to each other into an explosive storm.

Even though when the clouds have cleared and the dust has settled, both of them are almost obliterated... they've learned a priceless lesson.
Sometimes, before we fall... we fly.

Review: 4 Stars - Before We Fall is the third title in author Courtney Coles Beautifully Broken series. Each title follows some broken boys and let me tell you, in this installment, Dominic doesn’t disappoint!

I have read and loved the previous two installments in this series, which by the way you don’t need to read in order, however it is helpful because many of the characters lives intertwine with each other and they do continue to interact from one book to the next. And this title does just that with characters from the previous books. It’s always so much fun having a chance to see characters I’ve enjoyed from the past and where they are now and I think that Cole does a great job carrying them over and making some key characters in this title.

We do have a new male lead and that would be Dominic Kinkaide. He’s a huge Hollywood star and broken to a heart wrenching degree. He has some serious guilt and goes about his life in as much of the shadows he can. He’s comes to think he only deserves things in his life, including the people around him a certain way. He see’s everyone as wanting a piece of him, as fake and that everyone lies. To say he’s jaded by his current life and his past would be an understatement.

Cole has written a novella – Until We Burn – for this character which I did read prior to reading Before We Fall and while it’s not needed to read this title it did give me so much of a better idea just how Dominic is right now, or should I say before his story began. I think I appreciated the novella even more after finishing this title too.

Jacey is a character we’ve met in the previous two books. She’s always choosing the wrong guy and in the last book she paid a huge price for her wrong choices. She’s trying to deal with that, among other things including her brother moving away for work. She leans on her brother’s best friend Brand for support when she gets into trouble which looks to happen often. And again when she meets Dominic she’s found herself again at the wrong place, wrong time.

Dominic and Jacey are both drawn and attracted to each other. Dominic see’s something in her he thinks doesn’t exist anymore and that’s a person who’s not out for a piece of him, someone honest and someone who isn’t fake. He hasn’t allowed himself to even think of the possibilities of someone good in so long and he’s been hiding in the dark corners forever he’s not sure how to take her.

And Jacey who’s always been out to rescue someone see’s he just might need her, whether it’s good for her or not she chooses to take a chance.

So much of this story was a train wreck waiting to happen. Not from the writing or the story but from the actions of these damaged characters that are wading into unfamiliar territory.

Cole knows her way around a bad, bad trouble boy and she doesn’t skimp on anything with it comes to Dominic. I was shocked, heartbroken, mad and frustrated so many times! Then Cole would come in with some soothing words for her characters and the reader that I could feel a peace again for how the story was progressing. This was something I felt for Pax in the first title – If You Stay. I have to commend Cole for her mad bad boy skills because it’s this and her writing that keeps me coming back for more.

In the end I loved it! It’s emotional and a bit dark but the lighter moments are clear and bright and it’s the mix of the light and the dark that make this a fantastic read. I highly recommend this series for all lovers of bad trouble boys and New Adult titles. These contemporary stories shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy!

About Courtney Cole:

Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people.

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.

Find Courtney Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Grand Central Website | Grand Central Twitter | Grand Central Facebook

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