Waiting on Wednesday #12

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

I'm waiting on......

The Temptation by Alisa Valdes
Released on: April 24th 2012
Add it: On Goodreads.

His touch was electric.
His eyes were magnetic.
His lips were a temptation....
But was he real?

After crashing her car on an empty highway, Shane is miraculously saved by Travis, a mysterious cowboy who walks out of nowhere. She is instantly attracted to him, and for the first time, she believes in “soul mates.” But Shane soon discovers that Travis is dead and that strict rules from the Underworld govern kindred spirits of different dimensions. Breaking these rules could destroy both their souls. And while Travis is almost impossible to resist, temptation proves to be the kindest enemy they encounter.

Can true love surpass the power of pure evil? Part love story, part supernatural thriller, this first book in the Kindred trilogy will leave readers lusting for more!

Thoughts:
I'm a sucker for anything spirit related and of course a gorgeous cover, so it goes without saying that this book caught me from the moment I took a look at that cover, but the story......ooooh, it sounds good! Who doesn't love a good forbidden love story where two people really can't or shouldn't be together? I know I do! Throw in the breaking of rules, different dimensions, and a hottie cowboy (yes cowboy) and I'll definitely be checking this out when it's released!



What are you waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: Angel (Angel #1) by L.A. Weatherly

Angels are all around us: beautiful, awe-inspiring, irresistible.

Ordinary mortals yearn to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning beings and thousands flock to The Church of Angels to feel their healing touch.
But what if their potent magnetism isn't what it seems?
Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars.
Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. But she has no idea where she gets this power from.

Until she meets Alex…
Alex is one of the few who know the truth about angels. He knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her.
The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible.
In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy.

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review: (Warning: Contains some spoilers)

Angel is an incredibly rich, compelling debut by L.A. Weatherly full of action and a sizzling romance that will steal your breath with its passion and intensity!

I’m actually ashamed to say that I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf since December last year when I received it for Christmas. I cannot believe I waited so long to read this awesome book—seriously, I’m kicking myself. I loved it! From the very first chapter I was captivated. The unique and intriguing take on celestial beings that Weatherly has so incredibly crafted is different and a far cry from all the other angel books I’ve ever read. I mean, the angels are the bad guys and the way in which they’re written and what they do takes you right into the heart of this world. It’s brilliant, simply brilliant.
The story is well written and descriptive and you will literally fall in love with this story as you join the characters on this journey. It’s beautifully written; painting a picture of all the characters experience and feel with each word.

At its heart the majority of the story focuses on Willow and Alex, our two main characters. Told in duel POV, with a glimpse into an angel and another character at times too, we’re allowed to experience both Willow and Alex intimately. We know what’s in their head and what they’re feeling as they struggle with their situation and their changing emotions for one another. The story is fast paced and exciting, with the two main characters on the run and desperate to stay one step ahead of the angels. At times it slows in pace, but never looses intensity as we watch these two fall in love.
Willow is an awesome heroine. She’s different from other girls; she loves fixing cars and vintage clothing. She’s different and doesn’t quite know why. Willow hasn’t had an easy life with her mother sick and having never fit it, but it’s not until Willow’s physic ability picks up some nasty thoughts about the angels does her journey really begin. As Willow finds herself in the heart of the Church of Angels in an effort to save an acquaintance, she finds herself in over her head and soon is saved by Alex; a mysterious, smouldering Angel Killer who knows Willow isn’t quite human.

I can’t deny I loved Alex. Hell, the guy and I share a birthday (October 23rd) so it must be a sign. Alex is an AK (Angel Killer) and he’s spent his whole life begin trained to track and kill angels that feed off humans and leave them mentally changed. Alex is investigating Willow when he stumbles on a revelation that turns what he knows upside down. It changes a lot, and intrigued by Willow, he decides to aid her, going on the run with her to help keep her alive. Alex really is an amazing guy. He’s quick on his feet and fast thinking. He knows how to kill angels better than most and he knows how to stay alive. It was intense seeing Alex fight his growing feelings for Willow. He’s lost so much throughout his life that the thought of caring about someone and the ultimately loosing them is too much to bare. He doesn’t want to care about Willow even though he’s attracted to her from the beginning and fights the desire to get to know her and be kind to her, even though he eventyually gives in.....

When I initially began this book I thought, “Oh, no. Here we go.....another straight off the bat and in your face romance. One where the main characters are in love straight away.” And you know what? That’s exactly what this WASN’T. Willow and Alex are both attracted and interested in one another from the beginning, but they get to know each other slowly. At first they don’t even like each other, but over time they talk and interact and fall in love. The passion and intensity of their love is so strong; it’s impossible not to feel it. You do, you really do. They fall so deeply and for two individuals that have both been through so much, finding each other in the middle of all the madness is beautiful. The author writes in a way that lets you explore their romance, even as they do; seeing their actions and feelings as they do.

I liked the world within this book and see brilliant possibilities for future books. I’m already looking to get the sequel, Angel Fire, as soon as possible and I recommend this for anyone who wants an angel story different in its own way, but not lacking in romance and brilliance.

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy.
Cover: Honestly, I'm not a fan of this cover.
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes!

Buy it here:

In My Mailbox #24

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where can share the books they bought, borrowed or received throughout the week. For more info on just what it is and how to participate, head here.

This week has actually been a slow one (thank god!). Perhaps I can actually make a small dent on my TBR list. Here's hoping.



I Bought:
~Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank: This is the 2nd Nightwalker book and I enjoyed the first so I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

Received:
~Crave by Melissa Darnell: I received copy of this last week, so I was a little surprised to find a second copy in my mailbox this week (??) Oh, well. I'm going to put it towards You Give=We Give so it's all good.
**Thank-you to Gabby and Harlequin Teen Australia for this.

That's all for me! Make sure you let me know what you got in YOUR mailbox--I'd love to hear!

Book Shelf: Smoulder by Brenna Yovanoff

Being the youngest daughter of the Devil has never been easy. Daphne's father has no time for her, her mother no interest, and her status in the upper echelon separates her from the working-class demons that populate Lucifer's metropolis. When her brother and only confidante goes missing, life in the restrictive city of Pandemonium becomes intolerable. Now, in an attempt to find him, Daphne sets out for Earth - and finds it larger and more chaotic than she imagined: a dazzling expanse of noise, dirt and random violence. Despite her bewilderment, she navigates the mortal world with growing fascination, gaining an ally when she saves a dying boy from her father's minions.

For Truman Flynn, the last year has been one long downward spiral, but when Daphne arrives just in time to save his life, he finds himself unexpectedly glad to have another chance. Together, Daphne and Truman go in search of her brother, braving the hazards of Las Vegas and the perils of first love, even as it becomes increasingly clear that her brother might have had a secret and compelling reason for leaving. Lucifer's agents aren't the only creatures on the prowl, and Daphne soon finds herself the target of a plan to rid the world of demons for good. Now she must evade a demon-eating monster, rescue her brother from an angelic zealot, and save the boy she loves from his greatest enemy - himself.

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review:

Smoulder proves to be a captivating new tale by Brenna Yovanoff, one that draws you into a vivid world of fire and metal, alluring and captivating in its beauty and mythology!

I need to be honest, I wasn’t much a fan of Yovanoff’s The Replacement. While I enjoyed the writing something seemed to be missing to me, so I was unsure as to what I would find within the pages of Smoulder. I’m pleased to say that what I found was a beautifully descriptive story of two young individuals, Daphne and Truman in their quest the save Daphne’s brother from an enemy neither of them fully understood.

Brenna Yovanoff writes this story beautifully. The mythology and world she creates of Lucifer and Lilith is as interesting as it is entertaining, even as it takes a nice backdrop to Daphne’s journey. I’m very much a fan of this kind of lore and I enjoyed the way the author has woven it all together and even the other creatures she created as part of the story. I would have liked a bit more interaction with Lucifer and even Lilith, but that’s just me personally and even then I don’t feel like it detached anything from the story. I thought it was very interesting how she wove Daphne and Truman into one another’s lives and how she gave them the connections that she did.

Our two main characters are very interesting individuals. Daphne, the youngest daughter of Lilith and Lucifer has spent her life in Pandemonium, her father’s domain, yet she yearns for knowledge of the mortal world. She’s intrigued by it, even as happy as she seems being in Pandemonium in the beginning of the book, but she fears things about herself and what leaving would mean. I thought it was wonderful watching her find strength when she decided to go and attempt to find her brother and it was endearing watching her find her way in the mortal world. Even though she was part demon and held so many demonic qualities, she had a very innocent aura to her. There was no malice within her, not like her sisters and she only wanted to save her brother.

Truman Flynn is a very haunted, somewhat broken boy throughout the course of this book. He’s so lost and has more or less given up on life. He’s content to get drunk and smoke in an attempt to outrun his pain and he has no desire to really live. He’s devastated to find he’s still alive on more than one occasion and you can’t help but feel his anguish even as he tried to hide it from himself. Although he’s reluctant to help Daphne at first he soon finds himself drawn to her; the girl from his dreams and memories, and he allows her into his life.

Both Truman and Daphne learn so much from each other throughout the entire book. As they delve into her brother’s life, revealing some secrets that he’s willing to die to protect, Daphne begins to understand what it means to be human and she comes to understand her brothers feelings and actions a lot more. As they slowly begin to fall for one another during their journey, Daphne takes Truman’s pain and makes him feel something other than loss and anguish; she makes him feel alive......

There were quite a few twists that I didn’t see coming within the book. Many popped up out of nowhere and the revelations about Truman’s heritage were ones I just didn’t see coming and I certainly wondered if Yovanoff would be able to give us a happy ending or not. I’m happy with how it ended and this is an intriguing read that you won’t be disappointed you gave a go!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review from Simon & Schuster Australia (Thank-you so much!)
Format: Paperback
AU Release Date: December 2011
Expected AU Price: $19.99
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy it.
Cover: It's beautiful, but I do think I like the US version a little bit more.
Read sequel/continue with series: This is another stand alone novel by Yovanoff, but I'd read more of her books!

Book Shelf: Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review:

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a light, action packed debut that will appeal to fans of a good supernatural read.

Alright, so I’m not going to beat around the bush.....this book is a lot like Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. And I mean a lot. There have been a lot of talk about this fact around the blogosphere due to this, so I’m not gonna go too heavily into it. Now Half-blood is well written and never lacks in action, but perhaps there were too many similarities between it and VA to allow me really love it. And in turn I’m left with mixed emotions about it. I can see the brilliance in some of it, but as VA remains once of my all time fave series I find it hard to let the similarities go. There are some thing’s I really love and others I’m just really disappointed in. The storyline read too much like a VA fanfiction tale and in turn the unique aspects to the story couldn’t hold up.

In this book Armentrout introduces us to Alex, a half-blood girl who has just has just seen her mother drained by a creature known as a Daimon. The lore in this book is interesting, although nothing I haven’t seen before. There were a few things here and there that jumped out at me, but the entire time I was reading I never found that ‘something’ I was looking for. It lacked the spark that really makes me love a book.
I liked Alex, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that at times she wore on me. It’s wonderful to have a strong, rebellious character, but I felt in this instance the author has taken it a bit to far. I found it difficult to like Alex as I was constantly annoyed by her choices and even her attitude issues which seemed pointless at times.

The other characters within the story were bland at worst and decent at best. Again, too much like VA for my liking. From their relationships with each other, their purpose within the book and the way they acted and interacted with each other....they were all people I felt I’d seen before.
The two characters I actually liked the most were Aiden our heroic love interest and Seth the mysterious guy who happens to be a part of Alex’s future. Aiden is everything I love in a love interest. He’s that aspect of forbidden that’s so alluring and that you can’t stay away from, while truly being a noble and good guy. Seth on the other hand is the enigma in the book for me. He didn’t have a massive role, but he was the one thing/person who stood out for me. What he is was unique to the story and the way he acted had me smiling and laughing. I mean, who doesn’t love that bad boy who appears to be more than he seems? He’s meant to be with Alex and although what they have is platonic right now, I think it’ll develop in the future.

In my opinion, this book blends Vampire Academy with Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter; not necessarily a bad thing, but a bit to much for my liking. Readers who can get past these constant similarities will love this book and although I had my issues I’m considering checking out the sequel when it’s released......(just to see what happens with Seth).

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback.
Recommend: Only if you're a hardcore paranormal reader.
Recommend borrow or buy: Borrow.
Cover: It's nice, but doesn't stand out.
Read sequel/continue with series: Still undecided. Maybe, however not likely....

Buy it here:

Cover Lust

This weeks cover lust is:



The Dig by Audrey Hart.......


Zoe Calder has always been an outsider. Stashed away in boarding schools since her parents died, Zoe buries herself in the study of ancient worlds. Her greatest thrill is spending her summers with her archeologist aunt and uncle on digs around the world. And one day, while investigating a newly unearthed temple in Crete, Zoe discovers a luminous artifact that transports her to ancient Greece.

As Zoe quickly learns, the Olympian Gods are real, living people—humans with mysterious powers… Powers that Zoe quickly realizes she has come to possess, as well. However, when the people of ancient Greece mistake Zoe for an Olympian, the Gods must restore the balance of the ancient world… No matter what.

Zoe is forced to play a confusing and dangerous game as Hera rallies the gods against her—all except for Zeus, the beautiful, winged young god who risks everything to save her.

Out of time and out of her element, teenager Zoe Calder finds herself in ancient Greece, battling against the power of the Olympians and the vengeance of a scorned goddess—all for the strange and mysterious boy she has come to love.


Thoughts:
Not only is this a book I'm just dying to read, but how incredibly beautiful is this cover? It's so etheral and mesmerising and I just can't help but stare at it. The colours, the shades of it, those tiny little wings....it's just beautiful!

Don't you guys agree?

Waiting on Wednesday #11

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.


Halflings by Heather Burch
Released on: January 17th 2012
Add it: On Goodreads.

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Thoughts:
There are a lot of angel/half-angel stories out there and some are fabulous, and some are not. I'm not sure what this one will be like, but I really love the sound of it. Who doesn't like the idea of who hot guardians fighting over them. Plus the cover is to die for!


What are you waiting for this week?

In My Mailbox #23

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where can share the books they bought, borrowed or received throughout the week. For more info on just what it is and how to participate, head here.

Hello everyone! Hope you're all doing well this fine Monday morning!
So it's been a couple of weeks since I've had the chance to participate in IMM. Unfortunate events have made it near impossible to sort that stuff out, but here we go. I'm back! I've got a TONNE of books to share with you--both for review and some I've bought (the books from The Book Depository came this past wee). Here's what I got in the last 2/3 weeks....



I Bought:


~Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This is the first book in her Coveant series. I have read it, but I'm yet to post a review.

~Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly: This is the sequel to Angel (also known in the US as Angel Burn). I adored the first one and had to have the second, although I'm yet to post the review for Angel.

~Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep: This is book one in Estep's Mythos Academy series. It's full of Greek myth and all that awesome stuff and I'm excited to read it!

~Blood Rights by Kristen Painter: This is the first House of Comarré novel about vampires. I've heard nothing but great things about it and of course the cover is beautiful!

~The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: It's Maggie Stiefvater--need I say more?!? This is a stand alone novel from Maggie, but I just new I had to have it.

~Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: I'm not a real big fan of contemporary novels, but everyone seems to love this so I thought I'd check it out for myself!

~First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones: This is the first book in the adult Charley Davidson series about a woman who happens to be a reaper. Sound excellent; I've been wanting to try it for a while.

~The Guardian by Sherrilyn Kenyon: This is the 21st novel in Kenyon's incredible Dark Hunter series, by far some of the best books I've ever read. I love DH! I've already read and devoured this one, so feel free to check out my review here.



For Review:


From Harlequin Teen Australia:
~Inside Out and Outside In by Maria V. Snyder: I've been wanting to read Maria's Insiders series for a while so I can't wait to read these.

~Crave by Melissa Darnell: This is the first in Darnell's new The Clann series. Sounds awesome!
**Thanks so much from Gabby over at Harlequin Teen--you're an absolute goddess!!

From Harper Collins Australia:
~A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young: This book was incredible! I've already read it and am dying for the sequel, A Want So Wicked. Amazing! Check out my review here.

~Phantom by L.J. Smith: This is the first book in the new The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters series and I'm not sure what to make of it. I must be honest and say I wasn't a big fan of the TVD books (I prefer the show) and I gave up halfway through the 3rd book. I don't know if I'll read this one. Maybe, one day....

~Unearthly by Cynthia Hand: This is the first book in the Unearthly series and I've heard great things about it. I wanted to read it before the sequel is released, so I requested it.
**Thank-you so much to Lara and Harper Collins for these books! I'm ever so grateful.

From Random House Australia:
~Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer: This is the second book in the Fenestra series about a girl a half human, half angel. I was surprised to receive a copy of this, but seeing as I read the first book ages ago, I'm looking to reading this one.
**Thank-you to the folks at Random House for this one!

From Allen & Unwin:
~Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst: I've been dying to get my hands on this one. A vampire girl who gets pierced in the heart by a unicorn heart and then finds she can walk in the sun and other cool non-vampire-able things...yes please! Oh, and I just love the cover! It's simple, yet so awesome.
**A big thanks to Allen & Unwin for this!

From Simon & Schuster Australia:
~Smoulder by Brenna Yovanoff: This is also known as The Space Between in the US and is about a girl who is the daughter of the Devil and Lilith--how cool? Despite my issues with The Replacement, I can't wait to read this one!
**Thank-you to Simon & Schuster for this one!




I Won:

I was so excited to find I won a competition on Harlequin Teen Australia's Facebook Page to win the first 3 Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa books. I've got them all except book 3. which I read of Netgalley, so I'm really happy to have my own copy now. The first two I'm going to donate to You Give=We Give. And they also tossed in a very cool Maria V. Snyder signed bookmark. Aren't they awesome?!? Thanks to Adam and Gabby as well as the entire Harlequin Teen Aus. team for this!


I also won a signed Decended by Blood bookmark by Angeline Kace thanks to Tishia @ Paranormal Opinion, so thank-you so much for that lovely!

I also got a couple of ebooks for blog tours....


....so be on the lookout for these upcoming tours here at The Rest Is Still Unwritten!

Phew! That's it for me this week. As you can clearly see I've got so much to read right now, lol. At least I'm never run out of reading material.
Be sure to let me know what you got in your mailbox!

Book Shelf: The Guardian (Dark Hunter #21) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Dream-Hunter Lydia has been charged with the most sacred and dangerous of missions: To descend into the Nether Realm and find the missing god of dreams before he betrays the secrets that could kill her and her kind. What she never expects is to be taken prisoner by the Realm’s most vicious guardian…

Seth’s time is running out. If he can’t hand over the entrance to Olympus, his own life and those of his people will be forfeit. No matter the torture, Seth hasn’t been able to break the god in his custody. Then there’s the beautiful Dream-Hunter Lydia: She isn’t just guarding the gates of Olympus—she’s holding back one of the world’s darkest powers. If she fails, an ancient curse will haunt the earth once more and no one will be safe. But evil is always seductive...

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review:

This is by far my favourite Dream Hunter novel. They’ve always been the weakest of all the Dark Hunter books and I’m always hesitant when I pick one up, but The Guardian I thoroughly enjoyed! Kenyon writes another fantastic tale of pain and anger amidst a beautiful story of action, love and romance. In this novel we see so many elements of what make the Dark Hunter series so spectacular woven together as we see old friends and new ones.

From the very beginning I was drawn in and captivated by this story. There wasn’t a single dull moment and I was never bored or felt in a rush to finish the story. I liked that Sherrilyn Kenyon has built on her already incredible Dark Hunter world with the inclusion of Egyptian myth and lore. As if DH couldn’t be any cooler, she’s added a new layer of myth and gods—love it!

Seth was an absolute fantastic character. He’d been so much in his extremely long life and suffered so much. He’d done things that weren’t on par himself, but he had a really good idea of right and wrong and his morals were sounds despite all he’d been through. My heart broke for him while reading, really it did. It never ceases to amaze me the tormented, heinous pasts that Kenyon gives to her heroes. Every single one of them has lived lives full of pain and anguish and most never know kindness. Seth is no exception. It was heart-breaking learning of his life and seeing how badly he believed all the horrible things done to him. Even more so that he believed that he deserved to be treated that way and thought himself pathetic. No one should have such a low sense of self.

Lydia on the other hand had a pretty good hold on who she was. I’m not going to deny that once or twice I disliked how she acted, but for the most part I found her an enjoyable heroine. It was nice seeing her learn about Seth and her desire to protect him. She wanted something more for him and I liked that she didn’t break her promise to him.
I adored the romance that blossomed between these two. Perhaps I’m odd, but I enjoy prisoner/hostage scenarios that become something more over time. Things are never what they seem with these kinds of romance from Kenyon and I thought the one she developed in The Guardian to be awesome. It was wonderful watching these two characters learn about each other and trust one another. There was such a deep connection that formed as Lydia began to teach Seth about the world and Seth began to let Lydia into his heart. I truly felt their relationship at that point, but for some reason the love scenes fell flat to me, perhaps because we don’t get to read about Seth and Lydia make love for the first time, a scene that I was expecting to be really sensual and romantic. We know they were together and are as well later on, but the lack of that scene disappointed me.

While we’re introduced to our two new main characters, we are also allowed glimpses into old characters we love. It was fantastic seeing Jaden and Solin again; two characters whose stories I’m dying to see! Jaden is such a puzzle wrapped in an enigma surrounded by mystery. There’s so much we don’t know about him and throughout the series as little bits are revealed it’s become more intriguing and I’m eager to know more about this guy. And Solin! I was so not expecting his relationship with Lydia. Didn’t see it coming from a mile away. I’ve loved Solin since The Dream Hunter and ever since I’ve been dying for more of him. He’s a cocky, somewhat arrogant character, but you wouldn’t know it from his part in this book. He seemed like a completely different person and as such I’m even more eager to hear his story.

Overall this was a great story in the Dark Hunter series, but my only complaint would be that the ending. The whole book built to a point where things would turn sour for Seth once more and then it was just too easily resolved. Events with Lydia moved to swift and it turn the ending felt too rushed.
Still, all in all another great book from Kenyon and I can’t wait for the next one....

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback.
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy.
Cover: I don't get it. It doesn't really connect to the story....
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes!

Buy it here:

YOU GIVE= WE GIVE Progress Update #4

Date: 20/11/2011

Progress Thoughts: I've had a major decrease in donated books in the last couple of weeks (as in almost none) so I'm a little disappointed, but I understand it's coming up to the holiday season and every one's got a lot of expenses, but I'd really like to urge you all to donate! This is such a worthy cause and you're really helping to make someone less fortunate's day this Christmas. I can't thank those who have donated enough--you've really made a difference.

Picture Evidence:



Thank-you so much to Australian author M.J. Hearle who donated a copy of his debut novel!

Future Hopes: I'd love to see some more donations coming in. I myself have a couple more books to add to what I;m donating, but I have to search through my bookshelves to find them so I'll have to do that next week. If you're thinking of donating, please, please do. Nothing you wish to donate is too little or not welcome. Every little bit helps.


Links to each of our Blogs:


Jess @ She Known As Jess BlogSpot
Brodie @ Eleusinian Mysteries
Rachel @ The Rest Is Still Unwritten


Thank you Note:
A HUGE thank you to every single author and publisher who donated novels toward both our prize packs and the Christmas tree. You guys are amazing and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity and kindness!

And....

A HUGE thank you to every single blogger, reader and anyone who has donated novels toward our Christmas tree piles. You guys are amazing and we cannot thank you enough for your generosity and kindness!

You Give = We Give.

Would you like to make someone’s life a little brighter this Christmas? Then be sure to check out our event You Give = We Give, for not only the chance to give but also the chance to WIN amazing Prize Packs yourself!



Donating Options:
You Give = We Give will run from September 10th until December 15. During the event you can either:

- PayPal = Big or Small – Every Dollar Counts!

- Donate through PayPal - We all have a donate button on our blogs.

- Buy a book from an online bookstore and have it sent to us.
Book Depository / Amazon / An Online Store

- Personally send us any extra books you have laying around .

Sending a novel through an online store or personally; email us for an address to send them too.

YouGive_WeGive (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

YOU GIVE = WE GIVE PROGRESS UPDATE.

Free Ebooks!

Hello my lovelies! Who doesn't love a good freebie? I know I do....
Check out some of the FREE ebooks available from Amazon.com on Kindle:


Fairytale (Fairies of Rush #1) by Maggie Shayne

As a boy, Adam Reid stumbled into an enchanted forest-and met a magical lady who showed him his destiny. Now he is a sober and serious adult. And memories have faded of a childhood event that could not possibly have occurred...could it?

Brigit Malone is on a mission-a dangerous, larcenous quest that leads the mysterious lovely into Adam Reid's home...and heart. For sparks fly when her warm ebony gaze meets his sapphire stare--and a passionate enchantment binds them with invisible chains. But it would be insane for Adam to believe Brigit's arrival had been foretold--or that the sensuous minx is truly half-fairy--even as they travel together down an impossible path toward a dire peril only the magic of love could overcome.
Get it here!


Jenny Pox (The Paranormals #1) by J.L. Bryan

Jenny has a secret. Her touch spreads a supernatural plague.

She devotes her life to avoiding contact with people, until her senior year of high school, when she meets the one boy she can touch, and she falls in love.

But there's a problem--he's under the spell of his devious girlfriend Ashleigh, who secretly wields the most dangerous power of all.

Now Jenny must learn to use the deadly "Jenny pox" she's fought her entire life to hide, or be destroyed by Ashleigh's ruthless plans.
Get it here!



Hollowland (The Hollows #1) by Amanda Hocking

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.
Get it here!





A Touch of Greek (Out of Olympus #1) by Tina Folsom

Selfish and gorgeous Greek God Triton is cast out of Olympus after seducing Zeus’ mistress and can only gain reentry if he finds a woman who loves him for his kindness and selflessness, not his beauty. When the mortal Sophia – recovering from an eye operation and virtually blind – needs a home healthcare worker, he takes on the role, hoping she will be his ticket home.

While defending Sophia from an unknown adversary, Triton’s protective instinct emerges. At the same time rival Gods do everything to doom him to failure. And even if Triton can win Sophia’s love, will he throw it away to return home, or will he lose his own heart to the only woman who truly sees him?

A Touch of Greek is the first book in the humorous and sexy paranormal romance series Out of Olympus following the romantic adventures of four Gods: Triton, Dionysus, Eros, and Hermes.
Get it here!


The Unfinished Song: Initiate by Tara Maya

DEADLY INITIATION

A DETERMINED GIRL...
Dindi can't do anything right, maybe because she spends more time dancing with pixies than doing her chores. Her clan hopes to marry her off and settle her down, but she dreams of becoming a Tavaedi, one of the powerful warrior-dancers whose secret magics are revealed only to those who pass a mysterious Test during the Initiation ceremony. The problem? No-one in Dindi's clan has ever passed the Test. Her grandmother died trying. But Dindi has a plan.


AN EXILED WARRIOR...
Kavio is the most powerful warrior-dancer in Faearth, but when he is exiled from the tribehold for a crime he didn't commit, he decides to shed his old life. If roving cannibals and hexers don't kill him first, this is his chance to escape the shadow of his father's wars and his mother's curse. But when he rescues a young Initiate girl, he finds himself drawn into as deadly a plot as any he left behind. He must decide whether to walk away or fight for her... assuming she would even accept the help of an exile.
Get it here!

I've downloaded all of these, just in case I feel like reading them one day, although I already had The Unfinished Song: Initiate by Tara Maya which I won from a contest.
Which ones do you think you might be interested in? Have you guys read any of these. If you have I'd love to hear what you think!

Book Shelf: Vampire Hunt (Kiera Hudson Series #3) by Tim O'Rourke

In search of Kayla and on the run, Kiera and her friends make a race against time across the Cumbria Mountains. With the vampires predicting their every move, the trust amongst Kiera and her friends starts to fade.

From the desolate monastery set high between the mountains, the mysterious lake and the caves beneath the fountain, Kiera must discover the connection between the vampires and her mother, Isidor and Kayla, and resolve her inner feelings for Potter and Luke.

Kiera herself has started to change and this frightens her. So turning to her friends for help, she realises that it is only her mother who can provide the truth. But Kiera has other questions that she needs to have answered. Why did Isidor murder an innocent girl? Who is the person that Murphy has been meeting in secret? But above all, why have they put their lives and trust in the hands of a serial killer?

Blurb from Goodreads.....


Review:

Alright it’s official....Tim O’Rourke is a genus, incapable of writing a bad book! Vampire Shift was good, Vampire Wake was better, but Vampire Hunt takes the cake for being the most nerve wracking, nail biting “OMG, that did not just happen”, of them all. The things that happened in this book.... I just can’t believe it!

Vampire Hunt picks up a few weeks after the events of the last book, but things haven’t gotten any easier for our heroes. In fact they’ve gotten harder as Keira, Luke, Potter, Murphy and Isidor are now on the run, not only from the Vampyrus that stalk them, but the human authorities too. This book is a non-stop ride of action, humour and adrenaline the entire way through and I loved every single second of it. This has got to be the best self published series I’ve ever read and never ceases to amaze me. It’s constantly riveting and so incredibly well written; it’s a roller coaster ride of action and I never know what to expect next. Never!

O’Rourke continues to tell a story of incredible character’s facing amazing struggles and problems. Everything weaves together so perfectly and there’s never a dull moment as he writes a story that you will just not want to put down. The world within this series is already so complex and unique, but in Vampire Hunt, the author continues to build on his incredible settling, adding a new layer to this already dark and somewhat gritty world. There are new levels of supernatural and once more O’Rourke proves that he can take something I’m sure we’ve all seen before and turn it into something so incredibly unique in and of itself. Again...totally genus!

Keira an amazing characters as always. I have no faults with this girl—none what so ever! She’s brave and rational and has a healthy attitude towards everything in her new world. She facing down problems and continues to “see” things even as she herself is beginning to alter. I’m enjoying seeing Keira’s gradual shift into what she is, even though I doubt she’s ready to accept it. It’s funny. Keira is so completely fine with what those around her are, and yet at the very thought of becoming like them....the girl’s terrified. I have to say it’s wonderful to see she has her flaws; it makes her feel more real and easier to emphasise with. I’m enjoying seeing her growth and look forward to seeing all she can become. There’s been hints throughout the series of Keira being something a lot more than what she is (no spoilers here) and I can’t wait to see what O’Rourke means by this.

Throughout the series, Keira has found herself in a sticky situation involving her current relationship with Luke and her developing feelings for Potter. She cares deeply for Luke, but there’s just something about Potter that temps her in a way she wasn’t prepared for.
After the first book in this series, I admit I wasn’t expecting a love triangle....at all. Keira seemed so wonderful with Luke, but as Tim O’Rourke has explored the new feelings between Keira and Potter, I have to say I know squarely with who my heart lies. Now I’m not going to give too much away about what happens, but let’s just say I’m a very, very happy girl after this novel. Woo-hoo! Potter! Alright, soooo maybe they gives some things away, but that’s not to say that things are all cut and dry for the issue that is Kiera/Luke/Potter. Even with some of the events that came to pass in this, I still don’t think that Keira has chosen her man once and for all yet, although really....SHE NEEDS TO PICK POTTER! Pronto!

Oh Potter, Potter. Mr. Sean Potter....if Keira doesn’t want you in the end I’ll totally have you! You’re vile mouthed at times, you smoke like a chimney and can be a serious arrogant jerk....but you know what? I wouldn’t change you for the world! I’ve always been one for the sexy bad boy’s, but despite all his attitude problems, I wouldn’t actually say Potter fits in with that category. He’s not exactly “sexy” and he’s so rough around the edges, but there’s something so incredible about him that I just love. He’s more than he appears and in this book, especially towards the end, as Potter begins to tell details of his past and his life, I think we really begin to see that. Oh, and it’s so obvious he’s mad about Keira; he’d do anything for her.
I like Luke, I do, but.....Potter’s the man!

The ending of this book is so fast paced and exciting. There’s so much going on; revelations revealed and the final chapter is one of those cliff-hangers that make you wanna scream out in frustration. It’s so good that it’s bad. It makes you yearn for the next book and I personally cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on Vampire Breed, the fourth book in the Keira Hudson series.
If you haven’t read these books, what are you waiting for? They’re fantastic and believe me you won’t be regretting giving them a try!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review from the author.
Format: E-book.
Recommend: Yes!
Recommend borrow or buy: But it.
Cover: Beautiful. All the covers in this series are stunning.
Read sequel/continue with series: Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes....

Get it from Amazon here!

Book Shelf: Warped by Maurissa Guibord

Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy.

Blurb froom Goodreads....


Review:

Warped is an enticing debut by Maurissa Guibord written in the tradition of classic fairy tales and set in the modern world. Woven together beautifully like the tapestry that features in it, this book swept me up in its exciting adventure and fast paced story. This book is a great relaxing tale, perfect for someone who wants to slip into another world and forget their worries. I loved it. In fact, I read it in less than a day; desperate to know more and follow Tessa and Will on their journey. I didn’t wait to stop reading and wanted to see what would happen next.

The plot of this story is awesome. When Tessa and her father purchase a stunning unicorn tapestry from an action, the last thing Tess expects is the adventure that’s in store for her. Who doesn’t want a suave, sexy guy to come out of a tapestry? I know I do. There’s something so romantic of that kind of magical notion and Guibord’s writing sets the setting perfectly. The characters are fun and easy to follow during the story.

Tessa is a very well rounded, modern day girl. She’s very normal, but is strong willed and clashes with the sophisticated, somewhat arrogant William de Chaucy. Understandably. Will is thrust into the modern world when Tessa accidentally frees him from the curse that has held him prisoner for 500 years. He’s confused and with Tessa bearing a resemblance to someone from his past, he distrusts and doesn’t always act kindly towards her. Tessa is not like the women of his time and is more than capable of looking after herself. And him too as he soon learns.

I felt Tessa dealt with everything well, and was very, very brave when she had to be. I did like her. She was enjoyable to read about and fit the story will. Will is oh, so sexy. He’s the kind of guy with an old ways charm you can imagine sweeping you off your feet. I liked his arrogance oddly and the honour he showed. He was loyal despite the insecurities he held and I loved watching him slowly trust Tessa.
Their relationship did kinda move fast, but it fit in well with the rest of the story. With the magic and otherness that shone through with the book it was expected that their relationship would move hard and fast. That’s not to say that I totally didn’t love them together, because I did. They were very sweet and there was defiantly a connection between them. One that transcended time and space.

Throughout the book I wondered how the author would work out the ending. With Will being from a different time and with everything he and Tessa faced I was looking forward to how Guibord sorted everything out and I feel like she did it very well. I was very satisfied with the ending and think it went brilliantly with the book.
Warped is a fantastic magical tale that fans of fairy tales and magic will devour—I recommend!

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Hardback.
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy if you're a lover of fairytale types, otherwise borrow
Cover: It's nice and looks really old in person.
Read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone, but I'd be interested to see more by this author....

Buy it here: