Review: Truthwitch

Author Susan Dennard

Format e-book
Print Length 416 pages
Publisher Tor Teen
Published Jan. 5, 2016

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

My Opinion

Truthwitch brought me out of my fantasy slump! Not since Robert Jordan’s last Wheel of Time book (Knife of Dreams) which released in 2005 have I been so captivated with a fantasy world.

The book starts with Safiya and Iseult, best friends who are also witches. Safiya is a Truthwitch (knows when you are lying) and Iseult is a Threadwitch (sees the ties around people). Both girls rely on their powers yet discover throughout the story that relying too much on their power will get them into trouble. The girls are from different class- Safiya is from the nobility and Iseult is from a nomadic tribe. Yet they become Threadsisters, a bond closer than that of sister or best friends. Safiya is hotheaded and impulsive, Iseult is calm and logical. They balance each other out nicely.

When it is announced that Safiya is to be the new emperess (via a marriage to a horrible man) her uncle and guardians help her flee. Prince Merik, who desperately needs a trade agreement with businessmen agrees to allow them passenger ship on his ship. He is a Windwitch, and does not know that Safiya is the future empress. In her defense she did not know it either, until the announcement.

Not only does the girls have the entire empire looking for them, they kinda upset a blood assassin, Aeduan. Who’s main goal now is to kill Iseult and Safiya. Will the girls make it to the port that they are trying to make it to or will the emperor or the blood assassin win?

Safiya is an interesting character. She could have been portrayed as a wow is me I am an orphan with a drunkard as an uncle. She is not. Instead she is portrayed as a girl who knows her worth, believes in her and her Threadsister Iseult. Does she make impulsive decisions? Yes, yet she owns up to them and tries to fix them when they have consequences.

Iseult is also intriguing. She could have been portrayed as wow is me, I am an outcast among outcast. My mother (tribe cleric) chose another to apprentice under her than me. I am not welcomed in my tribe and everyone is mean to me due to my race, Nomatsi. Instead she is the calm, cool, collective one. She knows that she has the ability to do great things. She knows that she has the ability to do even greater things with Safiya by her side.

The characters are all within themselves are interesting, yet combined together with their threads interweaving it is downright spellbinding. Friendship in general is the true reason to read this book. There are a lot of relationships found in the story: Safiya and Iseult, Merick and Safiya, Merick and his Threadbrother Kullen, Merick and his Aunt Evrane, Iseult and Evrane, Iseult and Aeduan, Aeduan and Evrane. Each of them as complex as the next, all of them enchanting.

I wanted to read Truthwitch- I was excited about reading Truthwitch. I was hesitant to read it as well. There was a lot of hype about this book before it released. I have been burned before by books with this much hype. Thank goodness I came away from this book with no soot on me.

Truthwitch met all of my expectations- met them and then exceeded them. The only downside of the story is that the sequel will be out in 12 months instead of 2. The wait may just actually physically hurt a little. What will happen to my favorite Threadsisters? Merik? Aeduan? And of course Evrane?

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote "Trust me as if my soul were yours."

Other People

Merik- prince of Nubrevna, Windwitch
Aeduan- Bloodwitch hunting the girls
Evarne- Merick’s aunt, monk
Puppeteer- a girl, maybe evil…
Empress Vaness- cares more for her empire than herself

Book Trailer (5) Passenger

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...







passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust
into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are play­ing, treacherous forces threaten to sep­arate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever

Review: Almost Midnight

Author CC Hunter
Format e-ARC

Print Length 407 pages
Publisher St. Martin’s Griffin
Published Feb. 2, 2016

Novella Collection

Nestled deep in the woods, Shadow Falls is a secret camp where teens with supernatural powers learn to harness their abilities and live in the normal world.

Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang did not believe in vampires...until she became one. Chase Tallman is the newest member of Shadow Falls, but what made him into the sexy, mysterious vampire he is today? And what led him to Della Tsang? And for Miranda Kane, magic has always been something she's struggled with, but when an opportunity to test her powers takes her to Paris, she'll have to prove that she's a witch to be reckoned with and belongs at Shadow Falls.

Fans won't want to miss these four remarkable stories of love, magic and friendship.

My Opinion

Almost Midnight is the novella collection from the Shadow Falls series. There are three previously published stories and one new one. The new one concerns Fredericka. The new novella is reason enough to buy this book!

Turned at Dark

 Della is outside of a party waiting on her boyfriend Lee to pick her up when she spots her cousin Chan. There is just one problem, Chan is well dead. She knows it can’t be him but she follows him anyway, into an alley-a dark alley. She gets jumped by vampires and finds out that her dead cousin isn’t really dead- he is a vampire too.

This story is about how Della handles being turned into a vampire. Her cousin Chan does all that he can to help her. It also explains why her parents suspect her of doing drugs- being turned into a vampire well yeah. It also explains how Della finds out about Shadow Falls and Holiday.

Della is an unbelievably strong girl. She goes through so much in such a short time that it is amazing that she is not as angrier than she already is. This is the story where Della and her strength still my heart. This is the story that made me beg for Shadow Falls After Dark.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You’re supposed to help me, help me learn to be strong like you.”

Unbreakable

Unbreakable was an enlightening story that allows us insight into Chase’s world. It may not change your opinion about Chase, which is okay. Let’s be honest it’s a Shadow Falls novella and that is why you read it in the first place.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote Chase had decided to go with the motto: If Baxter didn't like you, Chase didn't like you.

Full Review

Spellbinder

Spellbinder serves as a great reminder that Miranda has stories to tell and CC Hunter should listen to her. What a great novella- it makes me want to beg CC Hunter to continue the story after Unspoken is released in October. This story truly is that amazing!

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Why don’t you grow some fangs and admit you want to see him?”

Full Review

Fierce

Fredericka is not a fan favorite. That is until she redeems herself in the original Shadow Falls series. She has always been a werewolf on the outside. Her mother dying in childbirth, her father abandoning her at an early age to Lucas’ dad. She hasn’t known a lot of kindness. She hasn’t given a lot of kindness. Some would even say that she has gotten what she deserves. Trust is hard for her to give and to earn. She is working on it though. Holiday gave her a place to work on her jewelry making, and she has an interview for a job at a local gallery. Her and Cary (Mr. Cannon) are still firmly in the friends zone but graduation is coming up and she hopes to come out of that zone and into another.

The Falls begin to call to her. All fans of the series knows that this is bad news bear- or in this case bad news wolfie. After that things get difficult-for her , her new boss, Cary and the ghost. Fredericka gets threatened. Will she be able to deal with all of this on her own?

Fredericka is an interesting character. I was completely happy hating her. Then when she redeems herself in a previous book, I was happy feeling indifferent to her. A background character, an afterthought. So when it was released that the newest novella would be about her I was like “really”? There are so many other characters it could be about. I should have trusted in CC’s judgement. She hasn’t let me down yet.  She didn’t let me down this time either.

Fierce is well fierce. Fredericka has a strong personality. Her loyalty once earned is forever. She knows how people view her, and sometimes she lives up to those view. There is a side to her in this book that we are introduced to. A side that I adore. She is soft, cuddly and yeah… you will start to like her as much as I do.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Favorite Quote “I think you’re worth more than that.”

Swoon Thursday (4) Make Me Stay

The fabulous girls over at YA Boundcreated this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

She pointed her fork at him. "None of which you can find in Boston."

"You forgot one thing."

"I did? What?"

"You."

Make Me Stay page 185

Talk about melting a little piece of my heart. You know if a guy said that you were a reason to stay you would be melting too.

Waiting on Wednesday (4) Riders

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

For eighteen-year-old Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep

him from achieving his goal of becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.

Recovering from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can't remove. His death has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Over the coming weeks, he and the other horsemen--Conquest, Famine, and Death--are brought together by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity from an ancient evil on the emergence.

They fail.

Now--bound, bloodied, and drugged--Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he's fallen for--not to mention all of humankind--he needs to convince the skeptical government officials the world is in imminent danger.

But will anyone believe him?

Why am I waiting?

Don't laugh- well you could laugh but my favorite guys name of all time is Gideon. The man character is named Gideon. On a more serious note it is about the Four Horseman and who doesn't like stories about them?

Teaser Tuesday (4) Almost Midnight

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

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

"That's beautiful," she told him and continued to admire how lifelike it looked. "Wow. Really beautiful."

"Yeah," he said.

She looked at him. he wasn't looking at his art, but at her.

"Beautiful," he said and inched closer. His arms slipped around her waist, and that's when he kissed her.

The kiss started out slow, a little sweet, but got hotter.

Almost Midnight Kindle location 5681

It's about time Fredericka got some love. Yeah, I hated her in the beginning but she redeemed herself when she told Kylie what she did to stop the thing that Kylie stopped (see spoiler free).

Review: Temporarily Yours

Author Diane Alberts
Format e-book
Print Length 205 pages

Publisher Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
Published Feb 3, 2014

A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

This marine's the perfect hoax…if she doesn’t fall for him first.

Stats whiz Kayla Moriarity knows her way around numbers and algorithms. Men, on the other hand, are unsolvable equations. Now Kayla’s en route to her sister’s wedding—alone and without the fictional boyfriend she invented for her family. Fortunately, her plane comes complete with complimentary cocktails and a ridiculously hot ex-marine in the seat beside her. And that’s all it takes for Kayla’s inhibitions to go sailing out the airlock...

Cooper Shillings has soft spot for people in trouble, but he certainly wasn’t expecting to land in it himself—and definitely not while getting naughty mid-air with a sexy southern belle. When he hears Kayla’s predicament, however, he offers his services as a stand-in boyfriend. After all, he’s heading overseas soon...and how could he refuse a little no-strings wickedness?

It’s the perfect plan. And all Kayla has to do is ensure her family falls for the ultimate bluff, without falling for it—and Cooper—in the process...

My Opinion

If you are looking for a hot quick read on a cold winter’s night you can stop looking.

Cooper and Kayla meet at the airport. She is afraid to fly (has to though) and he has a hero complex. So he tries to make her feel better about flying home. While they are in first class, it comes out that she s also upset cause her family wants her to settle down so she invented a fake boyfriend. It is easier that way- instead of the pity, the looks, the disappointment. Since she is going home for her sister’s wedding though she will be asked a bunch of questions about where he is- questions she can’t answer since he is not real. Cooper has a few days on his hands so he volunteers to be her fake boyfriend.

Kayla is cute. When she gets nervous she will ramble off strange statistics. I get why she made a fake boyfriend. Her family loves her and means well. Cooper has survival guilt from the war so he is running away- so it is interesting that he runs straight to her. The chemistry between these two is sizzling- although the insta-action is a little too much for me.

To be honest, my favorite part was the fake break-up and the real make-up.  Yeah, I know it makes no sense but if you read the book you would understand.

Temporarily Yours was a fun, hot read that will keep you entertained for a few hours. Nothing really stood out though hence the 3 stars.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote Did not have one

Other People

Her family- sporadically

Book Trailer Saturday (4) Shatter Me

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...




I have a curse
I have a gift

I am a monster
I'm more than human

My touch is lethal
My touch is power

I am their weapon
I will fight back

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Review: Earth: The Final Battle

Author Jaymin Eve

Format e-book
Print Length 310 pages
Publisher self
Published Nov. 24, 2015

With Brace back by her side and the melding bond again secure, Abigail should be happier than ever. Right? Well, there’s still that little rodent problem of hers. The Seventine.

Six of the evil energy sucking entities are free and with the convergence fast approaching, there is no doubt that the final battle will be fought soon. All that stands between the Seventine and the end of the First World star-system is Abigail, the other half-Walker females and a gathering of races from across First World.

Abigail has never had so much to lose, but when everything is on the line, you fight with everything you have. She will never give up. But in the end, will she be able to save everyone?

My Opinion

The Seventine are free and waiting for Abby and her gals to confront them. Since they are missing the seventh gal they must find her first. Abby, Lucy, Brace and Colton head to Earth. They run into Chrissie again and she is the leader of a group of gals that are taking on the gangs. So they are able to find the half-walker they are searching for rather easily. What they discover there is well pretty amazing. Returning to Earth was easy, getting off of the planet not so much.

The fearsome foursome return to First World with the missing half-walker in tow. She meets the other five girls from there on it is non-stop action packed fun. The pacing of this one is just like the all of the books in this series- spot on.

Brace and Abby are one of my favorite all time couples. Colton and Lucy are another. Yea- I am totally fan-girl shipping these relationships. These hard Alpha males are confronted with these non-Earth girl girls and have to adapt. It is pure entertainment, once you are introduced to them though you will be happily reading, hoping and yelling right along with them.

Final thoughts on Earth- what a fabulous way to end a series. I do not want to let Abby, Lucy, Brace and Colton go. I want to sing the authors praises from the highest skyscraper tops. My fingers and toes are crossed that she will re-visit this world again.

Thoughts on those that haven’t started this series yet- you need to. Like yesterday need to.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Time may eventually dull the edges, but nothing heals wounds this deep."

Other People

Lucy- Abby’s bestie
Colton- Lucy’s Mate, Brace’s bestie
Half-walkers- there are seven of them, Abby is one

Swoon Thursday (3) A Book of Spirits and Thieves

The fabulous girls over at YA Boundcreated this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

"What is this?" she asked, breathless.

A smile curled up the corner of his mouth.

"Magic."

He brought his other hand to the nape of her neck, beneath her silky braid, and pressed his lips against hers, breathing her in. Tasting her mouth, which was even sweeter than he'd imagined it would be.

A Book of Spirits and Thieves page 333

Now that is how you kiss someone- with a little bit of magic.

Waiting on Wednesday (3) Assassin’s Heart

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down.

Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.

With shades of The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a story of love, lies, and the ultimate vengeance.

Why am I waiting?

Fantasy is not my normal read but come on y'all- her loves family kills her own. Vengence is on her mind- and they are liking it to The Godfather! The real question here is why aren't you waiting with me?

Teaser Tuesday (3) Truthwitch

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

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

Merik tried to control the power beneath his skin. In his lungs. but there was no denying that the girl

awakened this rage inside him. His witchery no longer responded to him but to her.

Truthwitch Kindle Location 2942

Oh Merik! He sure is fighting the attraction that is going on between him and a certain gal. At least his magic isn't fighting it.

And the Winner Is....

Darlene Owen

An email has been sent to the winner and they have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you everyone who entered and participated in the hop.

Book Trailer Saturday (3) Spellcaster

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets

the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed. 

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

Book Trailer Saturday (3) The Siren

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

I believe that this one is fan made.

Kahlen is a Siren, bound to serve the Ocean by luring humans to watery graves with her voice, which

is deadly to any human who hears it. Akinli is human—a kind, handsome boy who's everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. Falling in love puts them both in danger . . . but Kahlen can't bear to stay away. Will she risk everything to follow her heart?

Review: For Seven Nights Only

Author Sarah Ballance

Format e-ARC
Print Length 186 pages
Publisher Entangled Publishing LLC
Published Jan. 18th, 2016

Kelsie Reed is over bad luck and bad men. Newly dumped, she’s now the pathetically single maid of honor in her sister's wedding—and her ex is the best man. Her bad luck continues when a plumbing meltdown in her apartment sends her sexy neighbor running to her rescue. He’s got "serial dater" written all over him, which is unfortunate because the man is hot.

Sawyer Chase loves women, but settling down? He’ll leave that to his brothers. But when Kelsie confesses she’s a dating disaster and is about to become the laughing stock of her family wedding, Sawyer takes control. He's got one week to teach her how to land the man of her dreams, and he’ll do it on her terms: no touching, no kissing, and definitely nothing more.

But some rules need to be broken, especially when, for once, there’s something on the line worth fighting for…

My Opinion

Playful read, one that had me laughing from the beginning to the end.

Kelsie’s little sister steals her dream wedding, her ex is the best man, and everyone is expecting her to fall apart. Kelsie doesn’t though, instead she gets organized. She is determined to show up to this wedding with her head held high and her arms around a handsome guy. Except dating well- it isn’t really her thing. She is not sure how to go about doing it, and umm she is a little awkward at times.

Sawyer’s roof is wet which can only mean one thing- the person above him is flooding. He runs upstairs to find a gal, a doggie, and a mess. He steps right in to lend a hand. That’s when the night gets interesting- Kelsie needs help dating (he did just ruin a date for her) and Sawyer well he is the king of dating.

Kelsie has some spunk to her, which is nice to see in a leading lady. The chemistry between these two is pretty hot, even with her rules. Kelsie has seen the type of women Sawyer brings home- she doesn’t want to add to his list. She does acknowledge though that she needs help. Sawyer does know what he is talking about. It is the logical thing to do. Her puppy does steal the show a few times- but can you blame him?

Sawyer starts off as a playboy- yet he is so much more than that. There is a rational around his playboy ways that is bittersweet. Really, he is a hottie with some depth. There is a moment in which we get to see Sawyer’s family and get caught up on their lives again. The siblings love and are there for each other in a way that isn’t always seen in our society.

Seven dates- there is a lot that can and will happen in seven dates. Will Kelsie become dateable? Will Sawyer stop his playboy ways? Will someone throw her cheating ex off the boat- of her dream wedding? A gal can dream can’t she? This one is a fast read so if you are looking for a romantic yet fun story this is it.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Men don’t like drama.” Understatement of the century.

Other People

Ethan- Sawyer’s widowed brother
Jana- Kelsie’s bridezilla sister
Marmaduke- Kelsie’s puppy

Swoon Thursday (2) Say You're Mine

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

"Le me be your lover. Your friend. The person you come home to at night, the one who holds you

when you're upset. The guy who needs you as much as you need him."

Say You're Mine Kindle Location 1743

Dang does he have a way with words. She had better say yes. Or maybe I volunteer as tribute?!?

Waiting on Wednesday (2) The Siren

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

From Kiera Cass, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Selection series, comes a sweeping stand-alone fantasy romance.

A girl with a secret.
The boy of her dreams.
An Ocean between them.

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can’t resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again.

Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude...until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring, and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of.

Falling in love with a human breaks the Ocean’s rules. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart

Why I am waiting?

It is really hard to find a good siren story- it is one of the paranormal species that has yet to be tapped into. Plus, could you imagine not being able to speak for fear of killing someone with the sound of your voice?

Teaser Tuesday (2) Temporarily Yours

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

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

The way she looked up at him, her eyes soft and her lips swollen from his kisses, sent a pang of

something unfamiliar to his heart.

Temporarily Yours Kindle Location 109

There is something about Cooper that just screams knight in shining armor or is it knight in blue jeans now?

Review: Bookishly Ever After

Author Isabel Bandeira

Format e-ARC
Print Length 350 pages
Publisher Spencer Hill Contemporary
Published Jan. 12, 2016

In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?

My Opinion

Adorable read! This is one that leaves the warm fuzzies in your tummy when you are finished.

Phoebe lives in her own little world, wrapped in whatever new book that just released. She has her favorite series (like us all) that she re-reads as well. She even took up archery because of a book, she is so good at it that she her coach wants her to volunteer to do be a camp counselor. She is considering it, calculating how much it will take out of her reading time. Since she lives in her own little world, she doesn’t really notice when a guy is flirting with her. This is why her bestie Em keeps trying to hook her up with a boy. When Em starts to think that Dev (a long time theater/band friend) may be into her- Phoebe doesn’t believe it. Then she starts to, maybe even wants to hope that he is into her. There is nothing in her books to help her though. She is a fish out of water when it comes to dating and so she does what everyone else tells her she should do.

Phoebe is a book nerd. I am sure on all of the reviews out there you are going to read that she is relatable. That is because well- she is, to those who read a lot. Dresses up like her favorite book character, waits in line to meet the authors, re-reads her favorite scenes. She is the poster gal for all the book nerds or worms (I prefer nerd). She is awkward, she is sweet, she is just so endearing. I got excited when she was excited, and I wanted to cry when she cried. There are moments where I was literally cheering her on. Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard and well Phoebe does it so endearingly I wanted to hold her hand.

Dev is just too cute. He has always been around but lately he is around more. Phoebe and him banter back and forth instead of being annoying and snarky it is delightful. It is not mean spirited and just feels natural. He understands Phoebe’s need for books. There are times that he does get frustrated, which is not unusual at all for someone that likes a book nerd. He makes up for it in the cute stuff that he does- wait till you get to the mall scene.

Bookishly Ever After is a debut novel, that tells the story of a gal who falls in love with book boyfriends and then with a guy. The road to Ever After is bumpy, sometimes it has cracks maybe even a pot hole yet that is what makes the story even sweeter.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Normalcy is overrated.”

Other People

Em- Phoebe’s gal bestie, theater queen
Alec- Phoebe’s guy bestie
Grace- Phoebe’s gal pal, cheerleader
Kris- Phoebe’s longtime crush
Lexie- a gal who is crushing on Dev

Review: What a Werewolf Wants

Author Kristin Miller

Format e-ARC
Print Length 195 pages
Publisher Entangled:Covet
Published Jan. 11, 16

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint...

They may not be the perfect match…But they’re having fun.

Going to the chapel, and her sister is going to get married…no matter what.

Josie Cole might be unlucky in love, but she’s a pro at matching other couples. When her sister gets married to the man of her dreams, it’ll be Cole Matchmaking Services one-hundredth match, and secure Josie a television special that would boost business.

Private investigator–and werewolf–Ryder McManus doesn’t believe in marriage. Catching cheating spouses has taught him there is no such thing as happily ever after. But then he never expected to find his fated mate, Josie, at his best friend’s wedding festivities.

When Josie and Ryder are together, the chemistry heats up. While he’s trying to stop the wedding, she’ll do whatever it takes to give the couple a dream day. But the secret he’s trying to expose might just ruin everything…

My Opinion

Sometimes you need a book that you know will have you closing it with a smile on your face…

Josie is a matchmaker- one who has a perfect record. That is right all of her matches last. Which is why when she got Mitch and her sister together, she didn’t worry about how fast things were going. She is confident in her matches and her sister’s wedding is going to be perfect. That is if the interfering best man Ryder doesn’t ruin things.

Josie is a gal that has a good heart. While she hasn’t found the love of her life yet, she knows she will. She is happy with matching her clients together in the meantime. It is refreshing that we have a main character that is not afraid of being alone. One who is okay standing on her own two feet and being successful.

Ryder is cynical. His job and his childhood have made him this way. He has seen too many couples end due to cheating spouses. He doesn’t think that Carrie and Mitch have what it takes to make a marriage work. Right now Mitch is a little short on the trust and honesty part of marriage. Since Mitch is Ryder’s best friend he does need to save him from himself. Ryder is completely honest with Josie when he meets her- he is here to stop the wedding. Maybe not completely honest, he leaves out the part about being her fated mate. Josie can’t let that happen. Her sister’s happiness is everything to her. So she is set on making sure Ryder doesn’t mess with her sister’s perfect day.

Goodness when these two get together the temperature in the room rises. H-O-T-T (yeah, I had to throw in the extra T)! Josie’s reaction to the werewolf reveal is perfect. For starters she has a reaction- which is a large step up from some books where the gal is like ok. Ryder’s reaction to her being his mate is pretty awesome too.

This is the third book in the series. Yet, each of them could be read as a stand-alone. Enjoyable read that goes great with a cup of Earl Gray tea.

My Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “A man who’ll promise me the world and actually deliver."

Other People

Mitch- Ryder’s bestie
Carrie- Josie’s sister

Book Trailer Saturday (2) Nexis

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

In the domed city of Evanescence, appearance is everything. A Natural Born amongst genetically-altered Aristocrats, all Ella ever wanted was to be like everyone else. Augmented, sparkling, and perfect. Then…the crash. Devastated by her father’s death and struggling with her new physical limitations, Ella is terrified to learn she is not just alone, but little more than a prisoner.

Her only escape is to lose herself in Nexis, the hugely popular virtual reality game her father created. In 

Nexis she meets Guster, a senior player who guides Ella through the strange and compelling new world she now inhabits. He offers Ella guidance, friendship…and something more. Something that allows her to forget about the “real” world, and makes her feel whole again.

But Nexis isn’t quite the game everyone thinks it is.

And it’s been waiting for Ella. 

Review: All In

Author Aleah Barley
Format e-ARC

Print Length 179 pages
Publisher Entangled: Ignite
Published January 4, 2016

World-class statistician and poker prodigy Daisy Drake has two rules: never risk anything you can’t afford to lose, and never, ever, trust a gambler. Which is why she gave up the game and moved to Los Angeles, where she became a tenured professor. But when an old acquaintance calls needing Daisy’s...expertise...to help catch a cheater, she heads back to Las Vegas and the poker tables.

FBI Agent Ryan DiNatto’s been a gambler since he was four, and a hustler since he hit puberty. Coming off an undercover mission that ended with him shot and his partner in a wheelchair, Ryan’s out for blood. With a mob accountant and a hit man on the loose, the stakes have never been higher, and this time, he’s determined to make things right—even if it means beating spunky, sexy, Daisy Adams at her own game.

My Opinion

Quick read that leaves you feeling the love!

Daisy and Ryan both enter a poker tournament for different reasons then winning the jackpot. Ryan needs to even a score, Daisy needs to help her mentor, Bullet. Daisy grew up in Vegas and knows the ropes- Bullet is now the manager of a casino where the books aren’t adding up. Who better to investigate than the math genius he kept on the straight and narrow. Daisy doesn’t do love, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t date just never the same guy twice. Ryan is a smoking FBI agent, one who was recently released from being shot. He is out to prove himself- to his boss, his peers and even himself. They accidently uncover each other’s ulterior motive and decide that they can assist each other.

Daisy is adorable! She is a true math nerd who believes in the numbers. The numbers and Bullet saved her life. By putting her on the straight and narrow, Bullet has long earned Daisy’s respect and devotion. Life was hard for her growing up, yet she was determined to make something of herself. Just as determined to catch the bad guy that is hurting Bullet. She is a no nonsense kinda gal that has you rooting for her.

Ryan is an undercover FBI agent going after the mobster who hurt his partner. How to hurt the mob? Go after the money, which is what Ryan is doing. While smoking hot, I had a hard time buying that an FBI agent would give up his undercover persona so fast. As in super-duper fast, all over a gal he just met. Another thing that was hard to believe was him devoting more time to her than to actually getting the revenge he claims he wants.

All In is an enjoyable read- it has action and romance. What more can a gal looking for love want or need? I did not realize that this was the second book in a series- I thought it was stand alone.

My Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote The woman was original sin incarnate.

Other People

Bullet- manages the casino, Daisy’s mentor
Edgar Blethins- accountant, fan of Daisy
Lily- Daisy’s sister

Swoon Thursday (1) All In

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

His mouth grazed her lips as his hand curved around her neck, tilting her head to exactly the right angel.  He came off the couch, kneeling down in front of her to bring them closer together.

All In Kindle Location 517

Sometimes you just need a guy who knows how to kiss.  Ryan is that guy.

Waiting on Wednesday (1) The Prophecy of Shadows

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Filled with magic, thrilling adventure, and sweet romance,

Elementals is the first in a new series that fans of Percy Jackson and The Secret Circle will love! 

When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.

Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance.

When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town … and possibly the world.

Why am I waiting?

I absolutely loved The Secret Circle series and I am entertained by the Percy Jackson movies so I am thinking that this one is right up my alley.

Teaser Tuesday (1) Bookishly Ever After

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Don't worry, Dev.  Fictional crushes pale in comparison to you.  You're so hot, you're totally out of my league," I said, patting his cheek in mock consolation.  "I'll just have to settle for boys in books."

Bookishly Ever After Kindle Location 2072

"Before all of this, my life was perfect. I had my book boyfriends and it was enough for me to read and dream about these guys because they weren't real. I'm so scared I can't go back to that. I'm afraid that maybe reality ruined me for fiction. And that means I really did lose everything."

Bookishly Ever After Kindle Location 2072

Phoebe just flirted!  Bookworm style, which means of course she has no clue she is flirting.  

Phoebe just broke my heart. I just wanted to hug her and tell her that fiction would never leave her.

Review: Fragile Reign

Author Stacey O’Neale

Format e-ARC
Print Length 306 pages
Publisher Phoenix Reign Publishing
Published Nov. 25, 2014

It’s been a week since all hell broke loose…

Rumors of King Taron’s weakened powers have left the air court vulnerable. Kalin is desperate to awaken her akasha powers, except she doesn’t know how. Tension within the court is at an all-time high. Pressure is mounting for her to ascend to the throne, but a halfling has never ruled over any court. To solidify her position, the council has advised her to marry Sebastian—a high ranking air elemental she’s never met and her betrothed.

Will Kalin sacrifice her relationship with Rowan to strengthen her court?

Rowan and Marcus return to a fire court in turmoil. Liana’s death has fueled the fire elementals’ distrust against the air and woodland courts. The unbalanced elements have set off natural disasters all over the mortal world. Rowan takes the throne to restore balance, promising to unite the fire court. But not all elementals are happy with his leadership. Many are secretly loyal to Valac, which means Rowan needs to find allies for his cause.

Can Rowan unify the court of fire before the elements destroy the world?

My Opinion

My favorite book in the series so far! When oh when is the next one coming out? Rarely is the second book better that the first in a series- there is a thing known as the sophomore curse for a reason. Fragile Reign did not fall to the curse but instead comes out on top as the best book in the series. It is told in dual perspective- Kalin and Rowan’s. I already loved both of these voices-Rowan’s we were introduced to in The Shadow Prince, and Kalin’s in Mortal Enchantment. I saw what you did there Mrs. O’Neale and I liked it. Fragile Reign allows us to view them together as a couple and apart as their own person.

The story picks up right where Mortal Enchantment ends. King Taron is ill from being held captive. The council decides that if Kalin is to be acting queen, she must marry a high ranking noble man. As in they pick the guy and everything- Sebastian. This doesn’t seat too well with her actual boyfriend Rowan. Now, I get that they want her to marry someone from the court but Rowan is the king of the Fire Elementals. King trumps Lord in my book although I can see how they may not want their queen to be married to the Fire King.

Kalin is under a lot of pressure in this book. There is belief that she is the akasha but something is blocking her powers. Since she can’t use them, she feels like this belief is wrong. Sebastian is around all of time. Rowan is dealing with things in his kingdom which is stressing her out as well. Interestingly enough, she doesn’t whine but instead puts her big girl pants on and takes on the council. Talk about having some gumption.

Rowan oh how I love you! Rowan is completely supportive of Kalin, even though he has some reservations. He has no problem showing this support in public and in private voicing his concerns. Ultimately, he lets her make her own decisions. This is exactly how relationships should be. He is worried about his people and he lets this worry be known. His brother and sister are still lurking in the background trying to take his throne away from him.

Fragile Reign brings with it all the feels- giddiness at the relationship of Rowan and Kalin, mistrust of the individuals in the court, the mystery of who is trying to harm her, the shock of who the big baddie is and the astonishment of what happens at the end. Speaking of that ending- umm the only question left is when is the next book going to be published?

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “She turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”

Other People

Marcus- Fire Elemental and Rowan’s bestie
Ariel- Air Elemental and Kalin’s bestie
Sebastian- Kalin’s fiancé (I don’t like him)
King Taron- Kalin’s daddy

Review: The Witch Who Cried Wolf

Author Sarah Makela
Format e-book

Print Length 182 pages
Publisher Kissa Press LLC
Published May 24, 2014

Be careful what you wish for...

A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she's being pursued by werewolves--that she didn't even realize existed...

Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia's brother's best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia's not only hiding from werewolves, she's trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she's been nursing a long-time crush...

The power of love: Things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he's been denying what he really wants? Mia...

My Opinion

Mia is a newly practicing Wiccan, one who is hiding this fact from her family. All of which she sees on a regular bases. Ethan is her brother’s bestie (she likes him, he likes her). They aren’t together because of well Ethan being afraid that her brother will not like it.

Mia is in danger as she accidently almost killed the local alpha of the werewolf pack (why the beta would trust a neophyte Wiccan to make a healing potion is beyond me). So know the whole pack is trying to kill her. Ethan being a war vet is of course going to protect her. While protecting her he gets bitten and scratched by a werewolf. So now not only is she a newly practicing witch he is a newly made werewolf.

My problem with Mia is that she is weak. She hides who she is from everyone she loves. She is only strong when her brother and Ethan are around- hence kicking her boyfriend to the curb. Nicely done now that Ethan is back.

Ethan for the most part is dashing. His internal struggle with his bestie’s feelings is a little annoying though. I mean seriously, if your bestie is going to dump you for dating their sibling then are they really besties?

The Witch Who Cried Wolf was just not for me. It has all the aspects of a story I would love- paranormal, danger, hotties but it fell short with the personalities of the characters. There are several who loved it though, like:

Roxie’s Reviews 5 stars

Crystal 4 stars

My Rating 2 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “This woman had to be a witch, for all the power she possessed when it came to my heart.”

Other People

Nolan- Mia’s brother
Greg- Mia’s boyfriend

Book Trailer Saturday (1) Glass Sword

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight...

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. 

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. 

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. 

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

Snowed In Giveaway Hop!!!

Snowed In? I wish! On Christmas day, we had a high of 80 degrees. Yeah, 80! When they say the south does holidays warmer they were not kidding. Since I do not know what it is like to be snowed in I can only imagine what I would want to read if I ever did get snowed in. Something hot and romantic, something with a mystery to solve. Several of my favorite reads for 2015 match this so feel free to pick a book from the photo montage.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are plenty of other great giveaways!  Just click on a link below to hop to another site.