Teaser Tuesday (22) The King Slayer

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!

"I've never done this with other girls. Only you." He dips his head, brushes his lips against mine. "You'll always be the only girl."

My lips curve into a smile as I kiss him back.

The King's Slayer Kindle location 779

This tease is a sweet moment between John and Elizabeth. I have a feeling that sweet moments will be few and far between.

"Why do you think that is? Why are you here, Elizabeth?

I has a thousand replies, none of which I could voice. Because of you? In spite of you? No thanks to you? Instead I said, " To learn, my lord."

The King's Slayer Kindle Location 1275

This was a  memory. Blackwell is an evil man, for Elizabeth to even respond as she did shows she has a spine. 

Book Trailer Saturday (22) All the Birds in the Sky

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..

Childhood friends Patricia Delfine and Laurence Armstead didn't expect to see each other again, after 

parting ways under mysterious circumstances during high school. After all, the development of magical powers and the invention of a two-second time machine could hardly fail to alarm one's peers and families.

But now they're both adults, living in the hipster mecca San Francisco, and the planet is falling apart around them. Laurence is an engineering genius who's working with a group that aims to avert catastrophic breakdown through technological intervention into the changing global climate. Patricia is a graduate of Eltisley Maze, the hidden academy for the world's magically gifted, and works with a small band of other magicians to secretly repair the world's ever-growing ailments. Little do they realize that something bigger than either of them, something begun years ago in their youth, is determined to bring them together--to either save the world, or plunge it into a new dark ages.

A deeply magical, darkly funny examination of life, love, and the apocalypse.

Swoon Thursday (21) A Promise of Fire

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.

"I'll protect you, Cat. I swear it."

My heart clenches violently in my chest. "Don't make promises you can't keep. It displeases the Gods."

His deft fingers work fast, untying the knot. He stuffs the rope into his saddlebag, drags me onto his lap, and plants his mouth on mine. The kiss sizzles through me, quick and rough and shocking me to my toes. My lips tingle from harness and warmth. Heat explodes through the rest of me, racing under my skin like a storm on the wind.

A Promise of Fire Kindle1430

Beta Sinta is serious about protecting Cat. But who will protect her from him?

Waiting on Wednesday (21) The King Slayer

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.

An action-packed and suspenseful sequel to The Witch Hunter, perfect for fans of Graceling and the

Grisha Trilogy.

"I think, in time, you'll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory."

Former witch hunter Elizabeth Grey is hiding within the magically protected village of Harrow, evading the price put on her head by Lord Blackwell, the usurper king of Anglia. Their last encounter left Blackwell ruined, but his thirst for power grows stronger every day. He's readying for a war against those who would resist his rule--namely Elizabeth and the witches and wizards she now calls her allies.

Having lost her stigma, a magical source of protection and healing, Elizabeth's strength is tested both physically and emotionally. War always means sacrifice, and as the lines between good and evil blur once more, Elizabeth must decide just how far she'll go to save those she loves.

"[Filled] with everything a good fantasy book needs: swords, poison, black magic, and betrayal."--April Tucholke, author ofBetween the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, on The Witch Hunter

Why am I waiting?

The Witch Hunter is the novel that brought me back to trying out fantasy. I had had a horrible spell of some really bad ones and was about to give up on the genre. The Witch Hunter brought me back in full force. I need to know what happened to Elizabeth.

Witch Hunter Review

Teaser Tuesday (21) Blood Lust

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 better," he whispered, brushing her lips in a light kiss before pulling back far enough to gaze deep into her eyes. "When I say there's been no one else, I mean it."

Her hands tentatively l ifted, fluttering like butterflies befor they finally came to rest on his chest.

"You haven't been with another woman?" she asked.

 Blood Lust Kindle Location 1833

After what she did, leaving him and Molly like she did for Bas to admit this. Goodness, that man has some strengh.

Tilting her chin, she deliberately pulled her arm form his lingering grasp. 

"Do I have to remind you who I am?"

Wolfe stepped forward, invading her space and allowing his power to wrap around her like a physical force.

"You can if you want to, but it would be a waste of your breath."

 Blood Lust Kindle location 2003

Lana and Wolfe are secondary characters in this book, they have actually been in every book in the series. I want so badly for them to have their own book. Wolfe is just ahhh... amazing.

And the Winner Is....

                                                   Natasha Donohoo

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.

Review: Moonglow

Author Kristen Callihan

Format e-book

Print Length 384 pages

Publisher Forever

Published July 31, 2012

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul. 

My Opinion

When the Ellis fortune went away, her father did the first thing that he could- sold her to the highest bidder. Lord Craigmore to be exact, a man old enough to be her great grandfather. Daisy endured six years of marriage, and one year of mourning. Those six years of marriage were some of the worse years of her life, her husband being absolutely horrible to her leaving her with little confidence and little means in the way of finances. After her year of mourning is up, Daisy is up for some fun. She joins a small party group which is ultimately attacked by a werewolf. Daisy survives, yet there seems to be a connection between her and the other victims. Ian wants to figure out the connect, and try to understand what is going on with why the Ranulf is not taking care of the problem, since the werewolf is on his territory, territory that he has been in exile from.

Daisy at first comes across as well ditzy. It is not until the reader hears all she had to endure with her repulsive husband that you can full come to appreciate her. Her reaction to her power being released is priceless. Overall you come to love her as much as Ian, it just takes some time.

Ian is a well a player…who can’t play. Something is stopping him being his usual rakish self. A lot of people assume that since he flirted with Miranda that her marriage to Archer is the issue. Oh if it only was that simple. Yet, life rarely is. I adore Ian! He is a player, yet he understands duty, honor and integrity. He has his moments when he forgets but for the most part he understands. He will do what is necessary to protect his people and Daisy, even if they reject him. 

The chemistry between these two run hot from the start. Daisy is apprehensive though, seeing as how he did try to steal Miranda away from Archer. Besides what sister wants to be with her siblings cast-offs. I like that she holds him at bay for a while, he really was a jerk when it came to courting Miranda.

Moonglow was an compelling second book in a series. This is saying something as typically second books are bad compared to the first book. I cannot wait to read what happens with Poppy and her hubby as the events of this story directly lead into theirs. 

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “There is a fine line between persistence and being a pest, my lord.”

Other People

Poppy- Daisy’s oldest sister

Winston- Poppy’s hubby, inspector

Miranda- Daisy’s older sister

Talent- Ian’s valet

Conall- Ian’s brother, the alpha of the pack

Review: Magic Kingdom

Author Ella Summers

Format e-book

Print Length 267 pages

Publisher self

Published April 23, 2016

In the aftermath of the bloodbath in London, mercenary Alex Dering is just trying to get her life back to normal—whatever “normal” is for a mage with a newly-awakened dragon side. Her latest assignment: a job for the Magic Council, the leaders of the supernatural community and the people who sentenced Alex’s kind to death.

Apparently, normal just wasn’t in the cards.

A new and mysterious supernatural threat has arrived in Munich, someone who melts buildings, summons forth armies of the dead, then vanishes without a trace. If Alex can’t catch this rampaging supernatural, tensions between humans and supernaturals might just boil over. 

My Opinion

Magic Kingdom takes place right after Magic Blood. The Magic Council has hired Alex and by extension Logan (where she goes, he goes) to help solve the issues that are arising in Munich. Magic is on the fritz and it is up to them to figure out why. Weird stuff is happening and the Council needs to have it cleaned up before the Magic Summit takes place. 

A lot goes on in Magic Kingdom, Alex and her twin, Sera introduce their boyfriends to their twins. The girls inner dragons are able to talk to each other. Sera is still trying to unlock her inner dragon so she isn’t really helping her sister unless you count moral support. Marek and Eve are off doing something, the missing hybrids were mentioned. No one really knows what Naomi is off doing but it’s important cause she is MIA for a bit. Alex’s nightmares are getting worse and she is scaring herself. Oh ….Logan’s ex shows up on the scene, what a witch!

Alex and Logan are figuring out the inner workings of being in love and working together. Logan as an assassin doesn’t like people much. Alex has to remind him to be nice a lot. I don’t know it kinda fits him, so I say love the man love the scalding face. Alex’s interactions with her inner dragon, Nova are hilarious, you can literally feel the relationship building between them. Alex is still jumping head first towards danger, only now Logan prevents her from getting too hurt. His protectiveness is in overdrive since London. He has a contingency plan for his first two contingency plans of escaping with Alex intact should the Magic Council figure out what she is.

When Marek’s momma goes missing, all heck breaks loose. The group as a collective whole acts together to get her back. The big baddie Majestic has her, as Alex and Marek want to go guns a blazing, Logan won’t let them. Will they get to her in time? Will the council find out what the twins are? 

Magic Kingdom was a fun adrenaline rush from start to finish. You have to read all of the previous books in the series and her sister’s to really know what is going on. It is entertaining and amusing. You can’t go wrong with this series.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “They have gigantic reality distortion field around their collective consciousness.”

Other People

Sera- Alex’s twin

Kai- Sera’s boyfriend

Naomi- Sera’s partner, fairy/mage hybrid

Marek- Alex's bestie, Eve's boyfriend

Zinnia- Logan’s ex

Book Trailer Saturday (21) The Architect of Song

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..

A lady imprisoned by deafness, an architect imprisoned by his past, and a ghost imprisoned within

the petals of a flower -- intertwine in this love story that transcends life and death. 

For most of her life, nineteen-year-old Juliet Emerline has subsisted – isolated by deafness – making hats in the solitude of her home. Now, she’s at risk to lose her sanctuary to Lord Nicolas Thornton, a twenty-seven-year-old mysterious and eccentric architect with designs on her humble estate. When she secretly witnesses him raging beside a grave, Juliet investigates, finding the name “Hawk” on the headstone and an unusual flower at the base. The moment Juliet touches the petals, a young English nobleman appears in ghostly form, singing a song only her deaf ears can hear. The ghost remembers nothing of his identity or death, other than the one name that haunts his afterlife: Thornton. 

To avenge her ghostly companion and save her estate, Juliet pushes aside her fear of society and travels to Lord Thornton’s secluded holiday resort, posing as a hat maker in one of his boutiques. There, she finds herself questioning who to trust: the architect of flesh and bones who can relate to her through romantic gestures, heartfelt notes, and sensual touches … or the specter who serenades her with beautiful songs and ardent words, touching her mind and soul like no other man ever can. As sinister truths behind Lord Thornton’s interest in her estate and his tie to Hawk come to light, Juliet is lured into a web of secrets. But it’s too late for escape, and the tragic love taking seed in her heart will alter her silent world forever.

Review: Firelight

Author Kristen Callihan

Format ebook

Print Length 372 pages

Publisher Forever

Published January 31, 2012

Once the flames are ignited . . . 

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . .

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask. 

My Opinion

Miranda knows she will not make a love match- it was once a possibility but after the incident there was no way. Archer is seeking revenge, as Miranda’s father destroyed the one chance he had a being cured of his affliction. While on his way to confront Hector Ellis, Archer stumbles upon Miranda. A self-sufficient gal who is holding her own against two would be criminals. He moves to help her, she counters with an expectation of him not attacking her father. Three years later, Archer makes her father an offer he can’t refuse. Both will keep secrets their secrets to themselves as the past has taught them that revealing them will cause others to flee.

Archer is a tortured soul. He is not the typical alpha male that you would expect. He is intense, irritable and full of pride. He does not fear society wrath, as a normal noble would. When he was a young adult he made some decisions that lead to him suffering more than the average male. He walks around wearing a mask to hide his burden from others.(Yeah, a little like the Phantom of the Opera.) Some would say out of shame but really he was doing society a kindness. When he is accused of murdering his old friends, he does not cowardly sulk to the dark confines of his home. Instead he walks among the ton, visiting places and attending balls. All the while his head held high, without them knowing at night he hunts the very thing committing the murders.

I felt a connection to Miranda right away (middle child, red hair) it is only natural that I would relate to her. She is passionate, lovely and resourceful. She walks around with a lot of guilt over her past mistakes. She has already tried for years to atone for them, going as far as marrying for that atonement. Life has not been kind to her and yet she can still walk around with confidence that she will make it in this world. Her attitude able all is what I can relate to- it is very much a can do attitude.

The romance was nice. Neither was mean to the other. Archer’s treatment of Miranda is well adorable. He treats her as someone to be cherished. Her reaction to him is spot on. She is warned very early on not to trust Archer as he will do anything to protect her. This of course makes for her uneasy around him. Once she figures out what is going on, instead of having a man solve the problem, she takes over. She takes command of the situation much like a general would after evaluating the scene before him/her. There was a potential for a love triangle but the author very neatly puts the would be suitor in their place.

The mystery should have been who the real killer is. That can be picked out by the reader very early on. The true mystery is what the heck happened to Archer and is there a cure. Firelight is the perfect blend of historical and paranormal romance. A shout out to Jessica@ aGreatRead for bringing this series to my attention.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “I feel you here, in my heart.”

Other People

Daisy- Miranda’s youngest sister

Poppy- Miranda’s oldest sister

Ian- frienemy of Archer

Swoon Thursday (20) Moonglow

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.

“My mind is filled."

'With what?' she whispered.

'You. All the time. You." He sighed. "Daisy has taken up residence here."

Yet it was to his heart he pressed her hand, to feel its pounding. "How to keep you safe. How to keep you out. How to keep... you.” 

Oh you gotta hand it to Ian. He sure knows how to make a gal swoon.

Waiting on Wednesday (20) The Marked Girl

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.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away (Los Angeles)…

When Cedric, crowned prince of Caelum, and his fellow royal

friends (including his betrothed, Kat) find themselves stranded in modern-day L.A. via a magical portal and an evil traitor named Malquin, all they want to do is get home to Caelum—soon. Then they meet Liv, a filmmaker foster girl who just wants to get out of the system and on with her life. As she and Cedric bond, they’ll discover that she’s more connected to his world than they ever could’ve imagined…and that finding home is no easy task… 

Why am I waiting?

A fairy tale transported into the modern world. Heck yeah I am there.

Teaser Tuesday (20) Firelight

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!

"Not want you?" He lifted his head off the pillow. "Not want you?" Hiss eyes flared in the fire-light. "Christ, Miri, murder and knife-wielding assassins aside, you are the greatest adventure of my life."

Firelight page 156

Ohh... to be called an adventure. Heck even to be an adventure. He had me at the flaring of his eyes. He held my at adventure though.

Review: The Talon of the Hawk

Author Jeffe Kennedy

Format e-book

Print Length 352 pages

Publisher Kensington

Published May 26, 2015

A HEAVY CROWN

Three daughters were born to High King Uorsin, in place of the son he wanted. The youngest, lovely and sweet. The middle, pretty and subtle, with an air of magic. And the eldest, the Heir. A girl grudgingly honed to leadership, not beauty, to bear the sword and honor of the king.

Ursula’s loyalty is as ingrained as her straight warrior’s spine. She protects the peace of the Twelve Kingdoms with sweat and blood, her sisters from threats far and near. And she protects her father to prove her worth. But she never imagined her loyalty would become an open question on palace grounds. That her father would receive her with a foreign witch at one side and a hireling captain at the other—that soldiers would look on her as a woman, not as a warrior. She also never expected to decide the destiny of her sisters, of her people, of the Twelve Kingdoms and the Thirteenth. Not with her father still on the throne and war in the air. But the choice is before her. And the Heir must lead…

My Opinion

You know that song by Chumbawamba titled Tubthumping. Yeah… I doubt you do ( I didn’t) but you know that song that goes like this? “I get knocked down but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down.” Guess what it is Tubthumping by Chumbawamaba and it should be Ursula’s theme song. 

She is one girl that will take a beating and still get back up, sword in hand, ready for the next round. I want to feel bad for her, I really do but there is something about her that makes you not feel that way. Enraged yes, pity no. Ursula is a resilient heir to the throne of the Twelve Kingdoms. She has to be, with a father like hers. There are things revealed in this one that will make your tummy turn. Yet how she handles the situation is well perfect. Everything she has ever done has been to protect her sisters and her kingdom. Her love for them is clear. Too bad sometimes it looks like theirs’ for her is murky. 

Ursula returns to the palace in disgrace- at least that is how her father receives her. The king’s new woman is well a witch, both literally and figuratively. She is evil through and through and I would to see her dance with Ursula’s sword. Apparently, while she was gone her dad hired mercenaries to protect his position. The leader of the mercenaries, Harlan is a capable observant captain. Their contract iron-clad, and he knows how to bend the wording to enact his will. Ursula begs her father to let her handle her sisters. He refuses her and sends the mercenaries instead. It is a good thing that the contract Harlan signed stated that he has to protect the royal family. So he brings Ursula and her Hawks with him for fear of her life if she stayed in the palace.

Ursula as a warrior and heir is strong, lethal and mighty. Ursula as a woman, not so much. Events have occurred that makes her stand-offish and indifferent to the opposite sex. Harlan is immediately attracted to her. She will reject him, even at times is downright cruel to him. He will pursue her still. She is abrasive, blunt, and forceful. He will pursue her still. Ursula needs a strong man who is willing to chase. She doesn’t even realize she is on the run. Harlan is well- the phrase that comes to mind is where can Ig et one.

The Talons of the Hawk is a great conclusion to the series, there will be spin-off books with the other minor characters. The twelve kingdom series is entertaining, engaging and full of awe moments. It has just as many did that just happen moments. A perfect balance of romance and action.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Take care of my heart, for it goes with you.”

Other People

Dafne- librarian

Illyria- King Uorsin’s companion

Review: The Tears of the Rose

Author Jeffe Kennedy

Format e-book

Print Length 352 pages

Publisher Kensington

Published Nov. 25, 2014

Three sisters. Motherless daughters of the high king. The eldest is the warrior-woman heir; the middle child is shy and full of witchy intuition; and the youngest, Princess Amelia, she is as beautiful as the sun and just as generous.

Ami met her Prince Charming and went away to his castle on the stormy sea-cliffs—and that should have been her happily ever after. Instead, her husband lies dead and a war rages. Her middle sister has been taken into a demon land, turned into a stranger. The priests and her father are revealing secrets and telling lies. And a power is rising in Ami, too, a power she hardly recognizes, to wield her beauty as a weapon, and her charm as a tool to deceive…

Amelia has never had to be anything but good and sweet and kind and lovely. But the chess game for the Twelve Kingdoms has swept her up in it, and she must make a gambit of her own. Can the prettiest princess become a pawn—or a queen?

My Opinion

Princess Ami was living her happily ever after. Having met and married Prince Hugh, theirs was a love match. Then war came to the Twelve Kingdoms and Hugh is killed. She finds that she is pregnant and both kings- her daddy and her father in law intend to take the baby as their heir to their respective thrones. No longer can Ami be the flirty, pretty younger sister. She will soon have someone else to think about besides herself.

Ami is annoying. She is brat, a self-centered, self-absorbed brat. Little by little she grows up. Little by little I begin to actually like her. In the beginning, she is so caught up in her woooh is my that I almost gave up. Her oldest sister, Ursula and the hidden agenda of the White Monk were the only reasons I kept reading. There was something about him that made me have to know what he was about. There was something about Ursula maybe her determination that made me want to see where the story would go. 

The White Monk, is brutal to Ami. He doesn’t give an inch, instead of being respectful of the mourning pregnant widow he calls her out on all of her bad behavior. It is fabulously done. He knows there is more to her than a pretty face and he refuses to be swayed by her tantrums and pouting. He is strong and he has righteousness on his side. He is not a man of the cloth, even though he is the White Monk.

The real question is how can I actually enjoy the book and hate the main character? The answer, no clue. The book is good. The world building and blending with the first book is done flawlessly. The tale will of course merge with that of the third book, Ursula’s story. Which is one that I want to read something fierce. I like how the stories so far have been entwined, hopefully the series will continue in that manner.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “That you own me, body and soul.”

Other People

Ursula- eldest sister, heir to the throne

Andi- middle sister

Marin- mid-wife to Ami

Dafne- librarian

Book Trailer Saturday (20) The Society

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..

Welcome to Trinity Academy’s best-kept secret.

The Society.

You’ve been handpicked by the elite of the elite to become a member. But first you’ll have to prove

your worth by making it through Hell Week.

Do you have what it takes?

It’s time to find out.

Samantha Evans knows she’d never get an invite to rush the Society—not after her dad went to jail for insider trading. But after years of relentless bullying at the hands of the Society’s queen bee, Jessica, she’s ready to take down Jessica and the Society one peg at a time from the inside out.

All it’ll take is a bit of computer hacking, a few fake invitations, some eager rushees…and Sam will get her revenge.

Let the games begin.

Review: The Mark of the Tala

Author Jeffe Kennedy

Format e-book

Print Length 352 pages

Publisher Kensington

Published May 27, 2014

Queen Of The Unknown

The tales tell of three sisters, daughters of the high king. The eldest, a valiant warrior-woman, heir to the kingdom. The youngest, the sweet beauty with her Prince Charming. No one says much about the middle princess, Andromeda. Andi, the other one.

Andi doesn't mind being invisible. She enjoys the company of her horse more than court, and she has a way of blending into the shadows. Until the day she meets a strange man riding, who keeps company with wolves and ravens, who rules a land of shapeshifters and demons. A country she'd thought was no more than legend--until he claims her as its queen.

In a moment everything changes: Her father, the wise king, becomes a warlord, suspicious and strategic. Whispers call her dead mother a traitor and a witch. Andi doesn't know if her own instincts can be trusted, as visions appear to her and her body begins to rebel.

For Andi, the time to learn her true nature has come. . .

My Opinion

Andromeda is the middle child of three motherless sisters. The oldest is the strongest, the youngest the most beautiful and the middle is the most logical one. She is least loved by her father as she is not his heir or his way to a political alliance. This gives her more leeway than her sisters to do what she wants. Mostly that is to roam the country side away from court. It isn’t until the day that she roams too far, that anyone takes note of her.  Andi’s momma Salena was the queen of Annfwn before she married Uorsin, Andi’s father. She did so in a political alliance promising to help him unite the Twelve Kingdoms if he sends on of his offspring, a gal to Annfwn when the time comes. Salena dies in childbirth and is unable to ensure that King Uorsin fulfills his promise. Once she is dead the King forbids any mention of her homeland or the Tala. 

The King of Tala, Rayfe is tried of waiting for his queen to arrive, so he goes looking for her. He of course messes up the introduction and Andi runs away from him. His kingdom needs her and so he gives chase. Once it is clear that this could lead to war Andi will do anything to prevent it.

Andi is a sweet child who has clearly been neglected. It is almost as if her father fears her in some way. This isn’t really cleared up but it has to do with her being more like her mom than her sisters. I like how logical she is. I liked how she is willing to put the needs of her people and the people of Annfwn above her own. Her willingness to take on her father if need be is admirable. She has no clue the prophecy or political alliance that was made in regards to her but she is willing to honor it. She is willing to try to help the Tala.

Rayfe is a sweet king, a kind king. Maybe a little too sweet and kind, I kept wondering when he was going to die from betrayal. He is suppose to be tough, rough, and rowdy. I just didn’t buy it. He was too gentle with her. I still adored him. I loved his willingness to fight for his people, and for his wife.

The political disarray their union causes will of course be at the forefront of the rest of the series. Overall, a cute romantic read with overtones of both paranormal and fantasy. I am interested in knowing what happens to Ursula, Andi’s older sister and Dafne, the librarian. I could careless what happens to Ami, her youngest sister though.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote "This is why it's perilous to ignore a librarian."

Other People

Dafne- librarian, only friend

Ursula- eldest sister, heir to the throne

Ami- youngest sister

Hugh- Ami’s hubby

Swoon Thursday (19) The Tears of the Rose

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.

Shock held me still for a blink, and then all that yearning, that bottled-up longing surged up to meet him. I opened my mouth, giving in to the hard, seductive strength of his. Just as in my lurid fantasies, he wasn't gentle or sweet or reverent. 

He didn't treat me like some fragile doll to be protected. he devoured me, drinking me in, and my entire body melted into a hot stream for him to consume.

He broke away from me and I staggered, momentarily anchored and bewildered.

The Tears of the Rose page 176

You gotta hand it to Ash he sure knows how to kiss a gal like she has never been kissed before.

Waiting on Wednesday (19) The Crown’s Game

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.

Vika Andreyeva can summon the snow and turn ash into gold.

Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love... or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear... the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

Why am I waiting?

Ummm powers....enchanters... Russia take your pick.  Just know this one I am dying to read.

Teaser Tuesday (19) Magic Kingdom

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!

"Did you really have to put on your scary assassin face back there with Violet?"

"That's my normal face."

"No, it's not. You actually smile once in a while. And even make jokes."

"With you, Alex. But you're different."

"How so?"

"Because I love you."

Magic Kingdom Kindle Location 905

I gotta appreciate Logan's reasoning.  Love makes you do silly things, like crack jokes and even smile.

YA Insider Grand Opening Giveaway!

A bunch of authors and publishers got together.
They launched a website with books, reviews, games, and prizes

Link

Review: Waking the Dragon

Author Juliette Cross

Format e-book

Print Length 288 pages

Publisher Lyrical Press

Published June 9,2015

The Gladium Province is on the verge of civil unrest as humans and Morgons, the dragon-hybrid race, clash once more. But amid disorder can also arise passion.

When the bodies of three human women are discovered in Morgon territory—with the DNA of several Morgon men on the victims—it’s just a matter of time before civil unrest hits the Province. But for ambitious reporter Moira Cade, it’s more than just a story, and it may mean risking her own life.

Descending into the dark underworld of Morgon society, Moira is paired with Kol Moonring, Captain of the Morgon Guard, for her protection. Fiercely independent, Moira bristles at his dominance, and defies his will at every turn. Yet resistance proves futile when passion flares between them, awakening powerful emotions within both, body and soul. But as the killings continue, can their fiery newfound bond survive an even greater evil—one that threatens all of humanity, Morgonkind, and Moira’s very soul?... 

My Opinion

Having been deeply emerged in the Nightwing world, when I saw that there was a book about Moira, Jessen’s baby sister, I had to grab it. I am so glad I did. You will want to read the previous three novellas before you start this book.

Moira is all grown-up, a college student no longer under her father’s thumb. She is editor of her college paper and an investigative journalist. It does help when one of your best friends is an intern with the police department. Humans are being murdered, Morgons are being blamed for it. So she take her findings to her brother- in- law and asks for his help. Lucius knows that this is more Lorian’s realm of expertize so he is brought in to consult. Lorian agrees to help Moira as long as Kol (Captain of the Morgon Guard) is her partner. This is to guarantee her safety as Lorian doesn’t want Sorcha made at him or his sister-in-law Jessen upset. Facing their wives’ wrath is something both Morgons want to avoid at all cost.

Moira is independent, strong-willed and opinionated- just like her sister Jessen. She learned from Jessen’s mistakes, and is determined to not let her daddy influence her choices. She thrives on investigating even if that means she is in danger. She has no time for a romantic relationship, regardless of race- human or Morgon. 

Kol is…holy cowziers a strong, domineering, ALPHA Morgon. He doesn’t want Moira investigating the murders. Yet her logic is sound. He doesn’t want to use her as bait, yet again the argument is sound. He doesn’t want to be attracted to Moira, yet he can’t help it. Surely doesn’t want her to be his mate. He saw firsthand what having a mate did to his momma when his daddy died. He does not wish that fate on anyone.

The big baddie in this one is a true baddie. He is scary with a following to boot. His following made him even scarier as they would do anything for him. This did not go so well for the dynamic due- Moira and Kol’s investigation.

Fast on the trail of the murderer their attraction grows. Waking Dragon is a fast paced, thrilling chase to catch a murder before Moira becomes the next victim. This is one that you will not be able to put down, especially if you are already invested in the series. My favorite thing about this book is that you can see the progression of the author’s abilities. Her writing has grown stronger and it shows.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “When you were sworn to secrecy about something, that included everyone except your best friend."

Other People

Kris- Moira’s bestie

Kraven- Morgon bodyguard

Gaius- undercover Morgon 

Kieren- Kol’s twin

Val- Kol’s little sister

Reivew: Nightbloom

Author Juliette Cross

Format e-book

Print Length 151 pages

Publisher September 1, 2015

Published Lyrical Press

The love between a human and a Morgon, the dragon-hybrid race, tempts fate once more…

All her life, Ella Barrow has allowed others to make her decisions. Forced to stifle her artistic talents and stay in a loveless relationship with Clayton Kerrington, the man her mother believes to be her perfect match, Ella’s life may be safe—but it’s not her own. Paxon Nightwing, on the other hand, is anything but the safe choice. 

A charming and alluring Morgon, Paxon sees Ella for the woman she truly is. His bold confidence and protective nature ignites a passion she’s never felt before. But a dark family tragedy forces their secrecy—until Clayton makes it impossible to hide their clandestine affair. Will Ella be strong enough to fight for herself at last? Or will she succumb once more and risk losing the only man she’s ever loved?

My Opinion

Paxton Nightwing is a playboy, or a play- Morgon. So imagine is surprise when he is attracted to Ella, the human bestie of his cousin’s wives. Ella grew up n a hose with deep seated hatred of Mogons. She has always been shelters, pampered and controlled by her parents. She respects them, loves them, and believes that they know best. This is why she dates a douchebag like Clayton Kerrington. An incident occurs causing Paxton and Ella to become close. They both want more yet blackmail is at hand.

Ella is meek, shy and insecure. Never having to decide on anything can make a gal that way. Paxton pushes her to be true to herself-to stop living for others. He is good for her. Yet there are times I honestly questioned if she was good for him. The unknown obstacles (I have to be vague or else it will be spoiler city) could tear them apart. At times I wanted to shout at her for being stupid but I understand how love for someone will have you protecting them at all cost. I think my main problem with Ella is that I viewed her as weak. I tend not to like female characters without a backbone. Thankfully she does grow one.

This is a charming tale, one that has you finished in one seating without realizing it. Your only question will be is there more.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote "I will protect and care for you till my dying breath."

Other People

Clayton- Ella’s boyfriend

Conn and Corbin- twin Morgon, friends of the gals

Sorcha- bestie

Jessen- bestie

Book Trailer Saturday (19) The Lyre Thief

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..

Her Serene Highness, Rakaia, Princess of Fardohnya, is off to Hythria, where her eldest sister is now the High Princess, to find herself a husband, and escape the inevitable bloodbath in the harem when her brother takes the throne.

Rakaia is not interested in marrying anyone, least of all some brute of a Hythrun Warlord she's never met, but she has a plan to save herself from that, too. If she can just convince her baseborn sister, Charisee, to play along, she might actually get away with it.

But there is trouble brewing across the continent. High Prince of Hythria, Damin Wolfblade, must head north to save the peace negotiated a decade ago between the Harshini, Hythria, Fardohnya, Medalon and Karien. He must leave behind an even more dangerous conflict brewing between his wife and his powerful mother, Princess Marla.

...And in far off Medalon, someone has stolen the music.

Their quest for the tiny stolen lyre containing the essence of the God of Music will eventually touch all their lives, threaten everything they hold dear and prove to be far more personal than any of them can imagine.

Review: The Pages of the Mind

Author Jeffe Kennedy

Format e-book

Print Length 432 pages

Publisher Kensington

Published May 31, 2016

My Opinion

The Pages of the Mind is a spin-off of the Twelve Kingdom series. You do not have to read the original series to follow and enjoy this story (I didn’t and I adored the

book).

Dafne is one of Queen Ursula’s trusted advisors. The Queen views her as one of her only friends and loves her like a sister- even calling her adopted sister. When word arrives that the consequences of Queen Ursula taking over her father’s kingdom has shifted the protection shield the Queen sends Danfe as an ambassador to the new countries. Dafne along with her bodyguards Jeep and shapeshifter Zynda join the Dasnaria envoy to greet the King of Nahanau, a group of islands that once belonged to the Dasnaria kingdom.

Once there Dafne is an unknown participant in a marriage ritual- one that accidently causes her to not be able to walk for a while. She soon finds herself emerged in a political powerplay with her at the center. The Dasnaria envoy must leave. Dafne just has to prevent herself from falling in love while she waits it out. She has no doubt that Ursula will rescue her. If only her new husband wasn’t so….sigh.

Dafne is an intelligent woman. She understands the politics of running a kingdom and soon recognizes the struggles that her husband has had to endure. She figures out a way to communicate with him through a known secondary language. She feels a strong draw to him yet remains loyal to Queen Ursula. King Naoka is a good king to his people. He is fair and just. He knows right away who/what Dafne is to him. He just has to make her understand. He is completely gentle with her. He is patient with Dafne and tries to understand that she was no raised in his world with their beliefs. Theirs is a relationship that grows, yet could be called insta-lust.

The Pages of the Mind is about a woman discovering herself and a King who stands by her side. It’s about loyalty, family and friends. It had me wanting to read the original series and hoping that the next book in the series was out. I also had me checking the author’s website daily for any news of a new release.

My Rating 4 out of 5

Favorite Quote “Change is rarely easy, and with growth comes pain.”

Other People

Kiraka- dragon

Tane- evil elder, wants the crown

Inoa- Naoka’s sister

Jepp- bodyguard

Zynda- shapeshifter