Harry Potter Spell Book Challenge

Marilyn from Marilyn’s Mystery Blog tagged me in the Harry Potter Spell Book Challenge. Thank you thank you thank you! This is a challenge that I hoped I would get tagged in! I am such a Potter fan girl.

Thanks Corrie from Corrie The Book Crazed Girl for choosing me.

Credit to the creators of this challenge:

Kimberly Faye Reads and BookNerd Betsy

1. An upcoming release you wish you could get your hands on right now.

The Seventh and final book…. How does it end?

2. Favorite Series Starter

Another Jaymin Eve book. I seriously want to force all my book loving friends to read this one.

3. A book that gave you all the warm fuzzies.

Avery and Grayson sitting in a tree, first comes science then comes we?  This one had me smiling a warm fuzzy smile for days.

4. A book that made you ugly cry.

I just, yeah ugly cried.  Completely, totally red faced ugly cried.

5. Bookish hero or heroine you want around to protect you in real life.

Have you met the Weird Sisters yet?  I am sure that if they put their mind to it, I would be protected.

6. A book you intentionally spoiled for yourself.

As soon as the ARC came in the mail, I had to know who she ended up with. Shhh.... I won't tell.

7. A book you wish you could make everyone read because you loved it so much.

Again another Jaymin Eve book. I seriously want to force all my book loving friends to read this one.  And for some reason I feel like no one is listening to me.  They need to go grab this one already.

8. A book or series you wish never ended.

I wish there were more Transplanted Tales to read.  The world that Kate built was just wow!  I would love to read this series again,with all the feels and emotions of the first time.

9. A book with an uplifting ending or message.

Ummm... Message received- it is okay to be the nerd.  That is uplifting... I think...

10. A book you wish you could forget you ever read. 

Couldn't even finish it.  

11. An author whose books always get you out of a slump.

Absolutely loved the Drake Chronicles and The Lovegrove Legacy series.

12. A swoon-worthy hero or heroine.

Braxton....right now I only have eyes for him.....

13. A book that caused you to stop doing all other things until you finished it.

I loved this series, seriously dropped everything to read it.

14. A book that was painful to read (for whatever reason) or broke you.

I try not to read books of a serious nature.  Life is serious enough for me.  This one though, it ummm yeah the topic of overweight people and how society views them.  It was intense.

15. A book that had you laughing out loud.

Haley's bestie is a hoot!  

16. A book that made you want to send it (or your e-reader) flying.

Okay so I am a little too practical for this one.  If I had to choose though it would be this book.  Only because it is serial so I am waiting for the next segment.

17. Bookish world you wish you could visit.

I imagine myself as Holiday's best friend, laughing at all the campers antics.  Not a fae though.  Some other kinda of para who accidentally stumbles into some trouble.  C.C. should seriously write about it.

18. A book with a shocking twist or ending.

I wasn't expecting something to happen to the person it happened to.  I was literally left with my jaw dropping.

19. A character death that destroyed you.

Oh how I was destroyed.  And then she does it again in the next book.  Goodness, who knew how bloody cut-throat J.K. was?

20. Best series conclusion.

This was hard for me to pick, only because I have so many series that I love.  Alex getting her happily ever after- I can dig it.

I honestly believe that all of my book loving friends have done with one.  If not though, I challenge Lindy and Val.  

Book Trailer Saturday (31) Truthwitch

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...

This trailer is fan-made.

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.

Review: Dragon Mystics

Author Jaymin Eve
Format e-book

Print Length ?
Publisher self
Published ?

Book two in the bestselling New Adult series. #1 in Paranormal Romance and #1 in Sword and Sorcery Fantasy.

When the formidable power of Jessa Lebron's mark was unleashed, during her impulsive foray into Vanguard, the American supernatural prison, she learned the truth. She's a dual shifter: wolf, and as an added bonus, dragon - of the fluffy persuasion. Yep, she's one special cupcake.

Now, pursued by the Four, powerful hunters of the dragon marked, she has no choice but to run. At least she has her impossibly gorgeous and infuriating best friends by her side, the Compass quads. Not only are they powerful and hella useful in a fight, but most of the time they're also semi-entertaining too.

With only one month left until the supposed resurrection of the dragon king, this pack will find out soon enough what happens in the world of the dragon mystics.

(Recommended 17+ due to use of language and sexual situations. These supernaturals like to curse, please be aware before purchasing).

My Opinion

Dragon Mystic picks right where Dragon Marked ends. Jessa, the Compass boys, Mishca and Grace are on the run. They main concern is getting Jessa as far away from the Four as humanly and unhumanly as possible. The Four are on the hunt. Louis sends them straight to the one place that the Four cannot cross into. Neither can the Compass boys, at least now without permission. This may cause them to act a little crazy when Jessa goes in without them. Once they get into the sanctuary, things pick up almost right away. Jessa and Braxton go missing. Mishca and Max have a falling out. Which of course causes Mischa to turn to a group of sisters that are much older and much more manipulative than her.

Braxton and Jessa get dropped into a whole pile of danger. Hopefully his dragon can keep them safe until they figure out how to get back home. Their attraction to each other is extremely intense. Yet something is holding Jessa back- fear. The root of all uncoupled couples. Their devotion to each other is remarkable. I love their banter, their teasing and their easy acceptance of each other.

Once they get back home, they find that things have gone from crazy to holy bizarre. Mishca is no where to be found. Max is where you wouldn’t expect and the other two brothers are trying to keep it it together the best they know how. Louis is finally with them, along with the girl’s parents. I hate Mishca- how is she Jessa’s twin? How did their parent’s give up their mated relationship so that they can be safe when she is so- not smart.

The Compass Quad’s powers are unleased. Their true mission revealed. WOW! What a purpose that is. Two brothers will end up mated. One mate will disappear- hopefully to be reunited very early on I the last book.

I devoured this book. Then I devoured it again. The book ends on a cliffhanger. One of the best cliffhangers I have read. Oh my goodness this ending- had me in tears. Braxton oh how I love you! How will it all end? When is the next book coming out? Will my fingernails last until then? Will I pace a hole into my carpet before then? If you are not a patient person you may want to wait to read this one until it is closer to the due date. If not, then clear your calendar for the next 24 hours. Because you are not going to want to be interrupted.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Hello, hand, meet your new leash.”

Other People

Maximus- vampire, Braxton’s brother
Mishca- Jessa’s sister
Grace- healer, something is going on between her and Tyson
Louis- warlock, there is something about him
Fruit twins- sure they have other names but since they are evil I can’t remember them

Swoon Thursday (41) Stop at Nothing

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!

"God, I've missed you. There were so many times I almost called, but I wasn't sure you'd want to hear from me. I just wanted to hear your voice, talk to you about my day- especially during my last couple of months in New Orleans."

Stop at Nothing Kindle Location 3063

Oh to have a guy admit to missing you. To needing you for something as mundane as review your day. Now, that is swoon worthy.

Waiting on Wednesday (41) The Libby Garrett Intervention

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.

Libby Garrett is addicted to Owen Jackson's hot lovin'. But the sexy, popular college basketball player doesn't appreciate all of Libby's awesomeness. He refuses to be exclusive or even admit to people that they're dating. The relationship is ruining Libby and she's the only one who can't see it. 

When Libby's behavior spirals completely out of control, her best friend Avery Shaw and the rest of the Science Squad stage an intervention hoping to cure Libby of her harmful Owen addiction. They put her through her very own Twelve Step program—Owen's Anonymous—and recruit the help of a sexy, broody, hard as nails coffee man to be her official sponsor.

...

Adam Koepp has watched Libby Garrett for years. How could he not notice the sassy girl with the purple skateboard and helmet plastered with cat stickers? But in all the years he's crushed on her, Libby has failed to take notice of him. Why would she when he was just a nobody high school drop out who served her apple cider several times a week? Especially when she was hooking up with a guy like Owen Jackson—a guy with a college scholarship and more abs than Kyle Hamilton.

Adam finally gets the chance to meet Libby when his co-worker Avery Shaw recruits him to take Libby on the journey of a lifetime. With his ability to play Bad Cop and his experience with the Twelve Step program he's the perfect candidate to be Libby's sponsor. But will he be able to keep his personal feelings out of the matter and really help her the way she needs? And will Libby hate him when he forces her to take an honest look at herself?

This follow-up companion novel to The Avery Shaw Experiment can be read as a stand alone. (But where's the fun in that?) ;)

Why am I waiting?

I adored The Avery Shaw Experiment. How could I not be waiting for a follow-up companion novel? Especially when it stars Avery’s bestie?

Teaser Tuesday (41) Dragon Mystics

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!

"It's no secret that males don't like other males around their mates, and I'm no exception with Jessa. Reality is, dragons are usually the worst of all supernaturals. We guard what is ours with a ferocity

that would scare almost everyone... except you- nothing scares you."

Kindle Location 3453

Holy cowziers! Braxton is in serious trouble. He just said this in front of Jessa. Lord knows my favorite shifter gal is about to put him in his place.

*Yes, I did a teaser from this book last month.  I just re-read it again.  Review will be later this week.  Sometimes there are series that well they just stick with you.  That is what this series has done with me.

Review: The Nightmare Charade

Author Mindee Arnett

Format e-book
Print Length 384 pages
Publisher Tor Teen
Published August 4, 2015

It’s her junior year at Arkwell Academy, and Dusty Everhart just wants to be alone with her boyfriend, Eli Booker. But fate is literally keeping them apart. See, Dusty is a Nightmare, who can enter Eli’s dreams to find clues to the future, but an ancient curse predicts that any romance between them is doomed to end in tragedy. Dusty and Eli are willing to take that risk, but the authorities disagree—and have assigned a chaperone to make sure their relationship is strictly platonic.

As if that’s not bad enough, they’ve been recruited by the Department of Intelligence for Magickind Secrecy (D.I.M.S.) to use their dream-seer bond to help recover the most powerful object of black magic known to magickind. The Animus Mortem can raise the dead by stealing the souls of the living…which makes tracking it down a genuine matter of life and death.

To make matters worse, one of Dusty’s friends is accused of murder and is counting on her to clear his name.

Dusty has too many dreams, too many commitments, and too many people looking over her shoulder, but a Nightmare seldom plays by the rules. Curse or no curse, chaperone or not, she has to go deep into Eli’s dreams if she’s going to find the truth—and discover a way for them to truly be together at last!

My Opinion

When you read a series ender you know going into it that it will be bittersweet. You are with your beloved characters for the last time. Which is why it is also nerve wrecking. Will the author do right by them or will they be met with nefarious means? The Arkwell Academy series ends on a good note. The Nightmare Charade tidied up loose ends and allowed the characters to still grow.

The Nightmare Charade beings several months after The Nightmare Dilemma ends. The summer months have kept Dusty and Eli apart. Dusty and Eli have been separated due to camp and traveling. They haven’t felt the ramifications of their actions in The Nightmare Dilemma too much and so returning to the campus has Dusty nervous. Nervous about how Eli will react. Too bad she didn’t count on the council to intervene. Man, do they take curses series in this world.

The DIMS sends a new investigator, Detective Valentine to the Academy. Lady Elaine accompanies him and they ask Dusty and Eli to find an important artifact. One that is missing and could be used to bring the Red Warlock back. Not only that but Detective Valentine arrests Dusty’s momma for murder. Apparently, she broke into a highly secure jail and killed a murder suspect. Have no fear the Dream Team is on it (yeah that is what this Scooby Squad calls themselves).

Poor Dusty and Eli. They are starting off a fresh relationship and at every turn they are faced with people opposing them. The council is so against it, that Eli and Dusty have no alone time at all. Seriously, not even during dream feedings. The opposition to the pairing can be a little daunting. Selene, Dusty’s best friend really comes into her own in this one. She is no longer willing to be a background character. Her character development really made the book for me.

I liked The Nightmare Charade. I did think that there could have been more action. Maybe a little bit more romantic time between Eli and Dusty. Overall, it was a good book. The ending has an OMG moment, just wishing that there were more throughout the book.

My Rating 3 out 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Is that the real you and not the imagined one I’ve been stuck with these last few weeks?"

Other People

Selene- Dusty’s bff
Lane- Eli’s roomie, bff and Selene’s love interest
Paul- Dusty’s ex, use to be evil, trying to reform
Mr. Deverell- Dusty’s mentor

Review: Under His Skin

Author Stacey O’Neale

Format e-book

Print Length ?

Publisher Entangled: Covet

Published September 28, 2015

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

Earth girls are never easy. But they're worth it.

Bakery owner Annabelle Sparks' business is booming ever since she won reality TV's Cupcake Wars. The one thing deflating her happy soufflé? The extremely sexy Kaden Chance only sees her as a best friend-and Annabelle wants so much more. After waiting a year for him recognize their chemistry, she's giving up and dating other people.

What she doesn't know is Kaden's heart doesn't actually beat. He's not human. Heck, he's not even from Earth. To retain his intergalactic immunity, no one can ever know he is an extraterrestrial. But when Annabelle starts dating, something strange happens to Kaden's unmoved heart: it begins to beat. Now he faces an impossible choice-tell Annabelle the truth and be deported-or lose his last chance at love.

My Opinion

Oh how I hope this is a series…. It says book one. Let’s all take a deep breath and sigh in relief. Because sweethearts let me tell you, after reading this book you are going to stalking the author’s website for information on the next release date in this series. Yes, it is that good. 

I am a huge Stacey O’Neale fan. Her Mortal Enchantment series is pretty amazing. So I went into this one with high expectations. She not only met every one of them but this book hit them completely out of the park. The story is told from both characters point of view and boy does that make for some hilarious reading! Well played!

For the last year, Kaden and Annabelle have been the best of friends. They both want more but that is not in the cards. Kaden has friend zoned Annabelle. Well, technically the US Government has friend zoned her. Something silly about humans and aliens (yeah, he is an alien- from like out of space) not getting too involved. He is just following along because he has to protect his family. He is okay with being friend zoned against his and her will. Or at least he was okay with that until someone else tries to make the moves of Annabelle. Then all good intentions get thrown out the window.

Annabelle is just well confused. She has no clue that she is friend zone. She knows that she is attracted to Kaden on a non-friend bases. Her bestie Hillary convinces her that she needs to go out on a date. If Kaden is attracted to her, he will not be happy with this. If not, she will know once and for all that friends is all they will be. Let’s just say that Kaden is not happy at all- but he is trying to be supportive.

That is until someone threatens Annabelle- then he goes straight into protecting his mate mode. Only Annabelle is not his mate. Or is she? Can an alien’s true mate be a human? And who is threatening sweet Annabelle? When will the government step in?

The banter and chemistry between Kaden and Annabelle is delightful. The reader can tell that there are genuine feelings between the two. That he wants to protect her so very badly is charming, especially when he has to call in back-up due to a misunderstanding.

Under His Skin is the perfect book to become captivated in after a long day at work. It will have you laughing within minutes. Yeah, there may be a time or two you wanted to shake the main characters, all great books have those moments. There are only two questions you should be asking yourself- why haven’t you read this one yet, and when is the next one in the series coming out?

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote Yeah, that’s me. I’m a goddamn saint.

Other People

Hillary- Annabelle’s bestie

Cam- not serious little brother of Kaden

Hayden- serious, scientific brother of Kaden

Book Trailer Saturday (30) Ruined

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...




Hell is looking for a way to break loose…

Jax lost the genetic lottery. Descended from Cain, the world's first murderer, he's plagued by a curse that demands violence in exchange for his happiness. He left everything behind, including the girl he
loved, but thriving on the pain of others is lonely… And it's killing him.

After a series of heartbreaking losses, Samantha put rubber to pavement and headed for college as fast as her clunker could carry her. But she can't outrun her problems. When an attack at school drives her back home, she's thrown into the path of a past—and a guy—she's been trying to forget.

Sam strains Jax's control over his darkness, but running isn't an option this time. Someone—or, something—followed her home from school: a ruthless monster with a twisted plan centuries in the making. Forced together to survive, and fighting an attraction that could destroy them both, Jax and Sam must stop a killer bent on revenge.

Review: Dark Heart of Magic

Author Jennifer Estep
Format e-ARC
Print Length 368 pages

Publisher Kensington
Published October 27, 2015

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there's no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.

Even though he's my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what's supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious "accidents," it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone's going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing's for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else...

My Opinion

Dark Heart of Magic is the kind of book that tricks the reader into staying up late. A chapter flies by, and then another until you don’t realize that you read the whole thing in one seating. Which sucks because you know that it will be forever until the release of the next book in the series, and you really did want to savor it. Gorging on the world that Ms. Estep built makes you feel oh so satisfied though.

The Tournament of Blades is upon us, and Lila is all about watching the families duke it out on the playing field. That is until Claudia (Devon’s mom) declares that she too will represent the family in the competition. Lila is shocked, bewildered and afraid- she does not like being the center of attention.

The Tournament is supposed to be a safe environment that the families use to work off some of their frustrations with each other. That is until someone brings danger into the arena. There has to be a connection between the danger and the monsters being scared, taken or left for dead. What that connection is Lila doesn’t know, she will soon find out though. Once she does will she be able to stop the dark evil that is running rampant in Cloudburst Falls?

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Lila is “the force is strong with this one.” She is a strong female character that knows how to take care of herself. Yes, she holds herself apart from others by trying not to form bonds. Who wouldn’t with all she has been through. Instead of cowering behind a tree, she meets every threat thrown at her head on. She may not come out as shiny as she was going in, but at least she comes out.

Devon is the perfect book boyfriend. He gives Lila the space she needs- knowing that she has to come to a decision about them sooner or later. He gives her the support she needs. He protects her, when he needs to. Mostly, he believes in her. Sometimes that is all a gal really needs.

Deah and Felix’s relationship also takes center stage in this tale. One cannot help but wonder if her dad suspects something but as of now. I am going to go with no. I could be wrong though. Deah is seen more in this book than in the previous ones. Is she an evil Draconi or is there more to her than meets the magic?

I love the revelations we get concerning Lila’s family. They are game changers and I wonder how they will play out in the finale.

Dark Heart of Magic is an excellent follow-up to Cold Heart of Magic. Questions are answered, more are asked. Ultimately, leaving the reader begging for more- which is just what a book should do.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Well, when a monster saves your life, it’s only fair to give it what it wants,” I murmured.

Other People

Felix- Devon’s bestie
Deah- daughter of Victor Draconi, enemy of the Sinclair family
Seleste- Deah’s mom, has the power of vision
Katia- competitor for the Volkov family, has a crush on Felix
Oscar- pixie assigned to Lila
Vance- mean member of the Sinclair family

Swoon Thursday (40) Under His Skin

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!

So many times he imagined taking her into his arms and kissing her pouty lips. His blood warmed, his body working against him, urging him to break the rules he created. rules that kept his family safe.

Under His Skin by Stacey O'Neale Kindle Location 49

A man who gives up his happiness for the sake of his family. Yeah, he is a keeper. He is also one that causes me to swoon.