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Monday, March 31, 2014

Book Review for Soul Bound (Dark Souls #1) by Anne Hope




Soul Bound (Dark Souls #1)

by

5 stars
Reviewed by:Tonya
Format:Kindle
Published:Samhain Publishing Ltd Source: Purchased Copy  Gene: Paranormal Romance


About Book


Sooner or later we all end up dead. Jace Cutler doesn’t have the luxury of staying that way. After receiving a fatal stab wound, he awakens in a hospital room in Portland, Oregon, with no memory and a big hole where his soul used to be. Worst of all is the glow. Everyone is surrounded by a strange white aura he hungers to possess, none more compelling than the one enveloping Dr. Lia Benson.

Lia has always been ruled by reason, refusing to put stock in such nebulous things as destiny. Until Jace dies in her arms, then miraculously comes back to life. Whenever he’s near, her soul responds and her body burns. And she’s consumed by odd dreams she’s convinced are Jace’s lost memories.

When Lia is kidnapped, Jace tracks her and discovers a shocking explanation for who—and what—he is. Something no longer human, a dark legacy that until now has lain dormant within him. Something that could destroy the one woman he’d sacrifice everything to protect.

Product Warnings: Contains bone-melting sexual tension, scary battle scenes, heartrending emotion guaranteed to keep you turning the pages well into the night, and a positively divine hero who may just steal your soul.





My Thoughts

The blurb about the book catches your attention but the characters and the story line really keeps you in the book. I have not wanted to put this book down since I got it. I fell in love with Jace and Lia almost from the start. Jace is brought into Lia's world after being stabbed and he dies on her table in the ER and mysteriously he comes back to life. Everyone thinks she is crazy because when they look at him nothing is wrong he is the picture of perfectness (is that a word lol) what Lia doesn't know is there are dark forces working to make everyone around her forget, everyone that is but her, but that is because she is special, she doesn't know that either, not yet but she soon does.

Jace and Lia are drawn to each other, they don't know why as everything else around them crumbles and falls apart what they have continues to grow stronger and try as Jace might to break that bond the pull is to strong and he finally gives in cementing what was written long ago. Their destiny's, there is something they are both meant to fulfill and no matter what it will play out how depends on them but either way what was written long ago will come to be.

Battle between good and evil is within just about every page of the book, Jace is a hybrid born of a human and a nephalim but he is not like the others, he is different, his soul and that of Lia's are stronger and united they are just about unbreakable, or are they.

I like how the book takes you through Jace's death and transformation into this hybrid that he is, a supposed soulless creature that feeds off the souls of others if he chooses and the battle he goes through every day to contain that evil side of him. How at first he struggles to understand what he is and what he has become. And how Lia is in a way thrown into his world not knowing that there is something about her that draws her to Jace and Jace to her. This pull, this cord that keeps them together also tears apart her own real world and as she battles to understand and to accept she faces great loss.

There are some great side story lines in here in regards to Jace's life growing up, his father, his mother and Lia and her sister Cassie. As well as the life of the "Watchers" and what their purpose is on earth. Who they are and why they are there. And then of course there is always the bad guy the evil immortal Athanatos and his first born son Kyros and the female who always wants to be at the right hand of the bad guy Diane (or Diahnn as Athanatos calls her) she is a nasty one I tell you.

This was a great story from start to finish and it ends with the possibility of another book to follow (I personally hope there is another one) if you like YA Paranormal Romance then you need to hurry and get your copy of Soul Bound: Dark Soul





 

Book Review for Shadow's Claim (The Dacians #1) by Kresley Cole




Shadow's Claim (The Dacians #1)
by
 5 stars
Reviewed by: Angels
Format:Paperback
Published:Pocket Books
Source:Purchased copy  Genre: Paranormal Romance


About Book

Shadow's Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament—to the death.

He won't be denied...

Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people, striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself—until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore's most fearsome villains.

She's bound to another...

Desperate to earn her guardians' approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she's lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.

A battle for her body and soul...

Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina's heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium's worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away—or stoke Bettina's own desires to a fever-pitch..



My Thoughts

Let me start of by saying that Kresley Cole is one of my top favorite authors.I have purchased all her books and read them all and she never seems to disappoint me.I love them all ! I also have to mention that the cover to this latest novel is just awesome. If I had been browsing and seen this sitting on the shelf I would have picked it up for the cover alone . (lol) Crazy right ? But, I do that sometimes ...

This newest series is off to a great start.Looking forward to the books to the series as they follow!

I normally try not to play favorites (who am I kidding ) with the characters I am reading about but, Trehan Daciano had be falling in love with him from the very first pages and that love grew even more as I read on about him.He was just a delight and totally delicious!Trehan was and ancient immortal vampire from a race that was hidden from others. He was mysterious and elusive never fully exposing the cards he held.But, always words were whispered about him calling him the Prince of Shadows a deadly killing machine known only to his foes ! Even though Trehan was a dangerous piece of work he did have a softer side to him that he never reveals to anyone besides his intended bride.As Trehan began to court Bettina we also saw his character grow as well where he becomes a bit softer and  more of an understanding person not so deadly all the time.That was quiet a feat for an ancient vampire ! (lol) The passionate love scenes between Bettina and himself were explosive and they officially hadn't even made love yet .He was a passionate and gentle and a understanding lover giving more than taking.

I made the mistake of starting this novel later at night around bedtime and that was a serious mistake but, I had so be looking forward to this new read. I could not put the book down once I started it I tried and couldn't.So there I was still reading as the sun began to rise and I was still reading!Wow ! what a page turner as the book was action packed from beginning to the end!


Never went to bed that night!
The Book was well worth it !

Bettina is a princess destined to be the Queen of Abaddon.It took me awhile to warm up to her character.I found her to have blinders on all the time when she was around her long time best friend Caspion who she thought she was in love with.He was nothing but, a selfish man whore who only thought about himself. Yes, he did love Bettina as a little sister but, was oblivious as to her true feeling for him hurting her over and over with his selfish deeds and actions even after she told him how she truly felt.Sometimes I just wanted to slap Bettina a few times to wake her up and see him for who he really was instead of making excuses for his selfish actions !That being said Bettina blossomed into a very interesting and strong character.She was a Royal princess who got to live among the morals for a bit and indulged in her passion of creating fashions and later horned those skills a became a sought out jewelry designer. Her designs we beautifully crafted and deadly.


The story developed into a love triangle of sort.The story as it progressed got more and more complex.The lovers were drawn into a dangerous game where Bettina's Godmother and Uncle put it about that there was to be a competition  to all those who would participate they would have to fight each other to the death for her hand in marriage and also become King of Abaddon. All of the characters who entered were the best of the best and suppose to be deadly in the own right.Ms. Cole introduced us to a lots of new interesting species.This made this developing story even more intriguing and exciting. We saw Bettina who you think to be a bit mousy grow some really big claws and we see her grow into a force to be reckoned with!


All in all the book was a total page turner for me.Lots of intrigue keeping you on the seat of your pants most of the time .The blood thirsty battles keep your heart racing .The developing love story between Bettina and Trehan was a touching one he worked so hard to win her affections risking his kingship and all that he has ever known just for a chance at love.He should have been given a medal for patience alone ! (lol)

A recommended read to all be sure to add it to your to read pile! If yours is like mind its always growing....
 







 

Book Review for Knotted Roots by Ruthi Kight



Knotted Roots

by
 5 stars
Reviewed by: Tonya
Format:Kindle/Paperback
Published: Ruthi Kight
Source:author copy Genre:Paranormal Romance



About Book

Partying with friends and scoring a flawless tan is about all Roxie has on her list of things to make her Hampton's summer perfect.

Her parents, however, have other plans and Grandma Betty's farm is just one of them.

Just as her life is in shambles and the quaint town is suffocating her, she meets Chase.

Somewhere in the mix of bummer summer and small town doldrums, he becomes the boy she can't seem to avoid falling for. Just adding him to the picture, her stay starts to get better, even if she knows it has to end with the summer holidays.

That is until Betty drops a life-shattering bomb.
Roxie must make a choice that will change her life forever. What happens when a spoiled brat from New York learns the true meaning of love, loss, and forgiveness?

Can Chase and Roxie find a way to be together or is this just another summer romance?







My Thoughts

First let me say Ruthie is a truly amazing person it has been such a pleasure getting to know her. But what a great joy to be allowed to read her book before it was even released. My rating should be enough to tell you my thoughts on the book but let me share with you why I gave it the rating I did.

I felt l could relate very much to this book. No I never grew up having everything my heart desired, money to spend whenever and where ever. But running from feelings, confusion, anger, hurt. I have had all those as I am sure we all have and that is what makes this book so phenomenal.

Roxie is a teenager who grew up thinking she had it all and never wanted for anything. Then out of nowhere she is thrust into a new world she knows nothing about to meet a grandmother she has never known. Her planned summer of beach parties and everyone knows everyone and your status will be ruined if you are not there has been totally stolen from her. Her parents deliver some news and she is fuming that thought so little of her they couldn’t share it before deciding to ship her off. She is angry, hurt, confused and she is ready to lash out at anyone and everyone.

But in walks mister adorable, cat got your tongue, mouth hanging open looking like a fool was exactly how Roxie was feeling when she met Chase for the first time. I laughed so hard at this scene I could see it and I have been her at that moment. I felt for Roxie and at the same time wanted to just shake her and say wake up girl say something.

For the first few weeks Roxie really struggles with her summer at her grandmothers, they are not getting along, she isn’t getting along with anyone really. Now I will say I totally understand how she is feeling but boy she is good at laying on the poor me stuff. LOL she is so much like my 16 year old daughter sometimes I keep saying okay Roxie show me it gets better. Roxie doesn’t fail me – as her days and weeks go on she grows, she learns, he sees. She opens up her eyes and she sees.

She sees love, caring, friendship, happiness and then it all crashes in. Bad news, devastating news, worse news than when her parents said they were getting a divorce and shipping her down south. She is angry again and she runs from the one who can help her get through it. It isn’t the first time, it may not be the last time, it is what Roxie is used to, and it is all she knows.

But in time with the help of her new real friend Katy and the ever present, ever adorable, ever surprising Chase she comes around. Roxie decides to take steps to better her life and to change her life, she finally realizes where she wants to be and refuses to allow anything to change that.

The romance between Roxie and Chase is so adorable I absolutely loved it. I loved the up and downs they went through. The struggles, the laughter, the very tender moments. I am sure we all remember being a teenager or maybe you are a teenager, remember those first kisses, the ones that blow you off your feet, make your mind spin out of control, steal your breath and your words. You will find those within the pages of Knotted Roots. You will fine pure unadulterated laughter, uncontrollable tears, and moments of pure “CAN I SHAKE HER AND WAKE HER UP”. Your emotions will go from one end to the other with Knotted Roots.

I picked up this book on a Monday afternoon during my lunch break at work and finished it on a Tuesday evening. If I could have sat and read it in one sitting (i.e play hooky from work) trust me I would have.

Ruthie – B-E-A-UTIFUL!!!!!! Waiting impatiently for the next book – LOL 




 

Book Review for Alpha Girl (Wolfling #1) by Kate Bloomfield

Alpha Girl (Wolfling #1)

by
 4 stars
Reviewed by: Angels
Format:Kindle/Paperback
Published:Kate Bloomfield
Source:author copy Genre:Paranormal Romance


About Book



Seventeen year old Rose Goldman is highly unpopular in the little town of Halfway. Ever since the 'attack' when she was a little girl, people and animals have been afraid of her. She gets bullied in school, and called 'wet dog' because of the way she smells, despite being extremely hygienic. However, life takes a turn when a new teacher starts at Halfway High. Mr. Stone, the quirky and charismatic English teacher is twice Rose's age, but she feels an unexplainable pull towards him from day one. Despite her better judgment, Rose pursues a friendship with Mr. Stone, who seems unable to stay away from her. What is pulling this unlikely pair together?






My Thoughts


Let me start off by saying that this is a new author for me and I did enjoy her current novel.


Rose Goldman is a young teenage girl of seventeen who has been bitten many years ago on a family outing. Rose is basically a loner with not many friends an very a shy person.I have to say that Rose for me was a character that you had to warm up to probably for me was due to her aloofness making her not such a like-able character.But, once we get to know Rose you will feel differently.Can you imagine the pressure of such a young girl dealing with changing into a werewolf once a month with no guidance from any one and really not knowing what truly is happening and why?


My favorite character was Mr. Stone he was truly a kind and loving person.He really was responsible for the growth of Rose's character throughout this book.He is the one person who will help Rose grow to be a more confidant person and have more of a true understanding about who and what she has become.


Characters that I didn't like were Rose's parents.I found them both to be unlovable and very selfish people.


This was a cute and sweet romance that developed between and student and her teacher Mr. Stone.I think that some people will be put off by this because of ones moral thinking but, you also have to realize this is a work of fiction and not a real situation .Also this is a situation of Roses experience for the first time as her true self as a wolf and a Alpha one at that. They are stronger than any others .Mr Stone happened to be a werewolf who was attuned to Rose with feelings of want and need towards her knowing in his right mind he should stay away and fight these feelings he has.That being said Rose could not help the way she felt about Mr. Stone either she had the same attraction toward him as he had for her.


This was a journey of a sweet love story that developed between a couple .Also a journey about discovery of ones true self. Two strangers came to together and were able to heal one another with there love for one other.


Found this book to be a fast paced read.The story was engrossing that kept you turning the pages as secrets come to light for both couples and we experience the dangers together that this couple is experiencing in the now and the future.


 I have to say that I was rooting for this couple to find true love that one deserves knowing there plight was going to be a difficult one and the obstacles that this couple will have to face if they want to succeed at being a couple.


My one pet peeve of the story was that I found Rose to be a little selfish at times.I could understand her feelings for Mr Stone and what she felt for him but, she never realized that of the trouble or the outcome of what really could happen if they relationship were to come to light. That being said it could just have been because she was experiencing love for the first time and just got caught up in the romance and two that she was a Alpha wolf (
to be a bit overpowering)as that is there true nature.So no matter or how long and hard Mr. Stone denied himself Rose would have won in the end due to her true nature of being born a Alpha Wolf.

I can only imagine what I must have been like for Rose after being bitten and what her fears must have been. What anxieties she must be have been experiencing every month. How lonely it must be for her to keep to herself not letting anyone truly get to know her because of her affliction in the hope she might not come to harm others because of it.Not understanding what is happening to you an why?Feeling your all alone in the world with no one to understand you or someone to talk about what you are going through.What the cost of keeping this secret must have been like and what would happen for fear of discovery should it come to light.My heart truly bled for her and what she must have gone through.....


 An infectious read not to be missed.I will be looking forward to the next installment to see were Rose and Mr. Stones adventure will lead them.