{Review} Fanged Princess by Elisabeth Wheatley

Fanged Princess
by Elisabeth Wheatley
Series: Fanged Princess (#1)
Pages: 95
Source: e-book provided by author for review
Available as of January 22, 2013
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

I will not let my brother suffer the same loss…

Hadassah’s father, the Vampire King, punished her harshly for her choice to love a human. Now her brother, the only person in the world who still matters to her, has fallen for a human girl. Determined to keep the girl safe, the three of them flee from their home in New England and find themselves cornered with their father’s minions closing in. If they want to escape, their only hope may be to join forces with the mortal enemies of their kind…

Fanged Princess was a quick and easy read that starts an awesome new vampire series. Even though it was a short book, it's packed with a bunch of background information and action. I loved Haddie, a 19 year old vampire enforcer. She has a not so bright past, but she would do anything for her brother, Damion. However, I wasn't a big fan of Madelyn, Damion's human girlfriend. She was too annoying and needy for my taste, but looking beyond her, I loved the story. If you want a super fast, action packed read, you've found it.

Do you have a question you would like me to answer about myself, books, blogging or anything else bookish? Send me your questions by filling out this form and I'll fill you guys in every Monday!

FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.  

{Review & Character Bio} Inescapable by Amy A. Bartol

Inescapable
by Amy A Bartol
Series: The Premonition (#1)
Pages: 392
Source: e-book provided by author for review
Available as of January 22, 2009
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

My name is Evie Claremont and this was to be the making of me--my freshman year of college. I had been hoping that once I had arrived on Crestwood's campus, the nightmare that I've been having would go away. It hasn't.

I may be an inexperienced seventeen-year-old, but I'm grounded...sane. Since meeting sophomore Reed Wellington, however, nothing makes any sense. Whenever he is near, I feel an attraction to him--a magnetic kind of force pulling me towards him. I know what you're thinking...that sounds fairly awesome. Yeah, it would--if he liked me, but Reed acts as if I'm the worst thing that's ever happened to Crestwood...or him. But, get this, for some reason every time I turn around he's there, barging into my life.

What is the secret he is keeping from me? I'm hoping that it is anything but what I expect: that he is not exactly normal...and neither am I. So maybe Crestwood won't be the making of me, but it could be the breaking of me. I have been left to wonder if the dark future my dream is foretelling is...inescapable.

Inescapable was an exciting read that made my jaw drop on more than one occasion. Amy A. Bartol did such an exquisite job setting the scene that I felt like I was watching a movie play out in front of me while reading.

Evie Claremont is leaving the only person that has always been there for her and going to college. While it may be difficult leaving her Uncle Jim, Evie has bigger obstacles to get around. Reed Wellington isn't making her transition to Crestwood easy. He wants her to leave, to go home and stay away from him, but Evie can't do that. She is there on a full ride academic scholarship that she has no intentions of walking away from. What will it take for Reed to drop his Evie-bashing and just deal with her presence?

I absolutely adored Evie. She was one of the sweetest characters I've ever read because she always put others needs before her own. While she was a little naive, she also fit the part well considering her background. Reed was a completely different story. I wasn't a big fan of him in the beginning because he was one of the rudest characters ever, but as the story progressed, and we learn more about him, his reasons and actions make complete sense. Needless to say, he won me over.

I loved just about everything about this book. The story progressed slowly at times, but picked up as the climax was nearing. I didn't expect half of the twists and turns that occurred, nor did I expect Reed to be what he was. I felt like Evie was the perfect heroine for this story because she was so sweet, innocent, and naive. The supporting characters were all well thought out and I felt like I got to know each of them. While I do have some questions after finishing this book, I'm sure they will be answered throughout the rest of the series.

Overall, Inescapable was a great read that had me dumbfounded on occasion. If you are looking for a gripping paranormal story that will have you on the edge of your seat, look no further!

GENEVIEVE “EVIE” CLAREMONT is half angel and half human, the only angel known to exist with a soul. Raised by her Uncle Jim and believing she’s a typical 17-year-old, Evie cannot reconcile the harrowing nightmares that haunt her every time she closes her eyes or the extreme physical changes her body is undergoing. With each passing day, it becomes harder to ignore the facts...that she’s not normal, and neither is Reed.

Evie’s connection to Reed: Evie is physically drawn to Reed by an odd, fluttering magnetism that they call “butterflies.” The longer they’re near each other, the more the raw desire builds within them for one another. Evie’s angel side loves only Reed.

Evie’s connection with Russell: Russell is Evie’s human soul mate. They have shared thousands of lifetimes together on Earth as humans prior to this lifetime in which Evie is now half angel and no longer a mortal being. Evie’s human side or soul loves only Russell.

Physical Attributes: 17 until her 18th birthday on October 30th, 5’ 9”, auburn hair, grayish-blue eyes, extremely lithe and sexy with an athletic propensity, and when she evolves retractable wings, they’re petite, crimson in color, and resemble an avian.

Evie’s Class of Angel: Seraphim angel – first tier of angels, they’re the highest order of angel and the closest to God. They’re known as God’s guardians and are distinguishable by their wing color, which is red or crimson and resemble an avian. They’re equal in physical strength to a Power angel when fully evolved. Their symbol is the shield.

Evie’s Supernatural Abilities:
     • Heal from serious wounds – ability to heal quickly and regenerate tissue, sinew and bone rapidly. This is a standard
        angelic trait.
     • Acute hearing - ability to hear conversations in another room or mice in the basement. This is a standard angelic trait.
     • Higher visual acuity – Can see vast distances and has night vision. Able to detect several colors not in the human
        spectrum of vision, and allows the angel to see lingering “souls” who have not ascended (they can see ghosts). This is
        a standard angelic trait.
     • Run extremely fast - she can move so fast she is just a blur to the human eye. This is a standard angelic trait.
     • Power to heal others - ability to take the wound from another being by absorbing the wound and manifesting it within
        her body. This ability is a trait unique to Evie in Inescapable.
     • Immortality – Evie’s angelic body is eternal, unless she is destroyed by another being, but it would be difficult to kill
        her and she would suffer immensely to accomplish it. She is unable to survive without her human soul, so if it is taken
        (reaped) she’ll die.

Comment Contest

Do you have a question you would like me to answer about myself, books, blogging or anything else bookish? Send me your questions by filling out this form and I'll fill you guys in every Monday!

FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.  

{Review} Someone To Love by Addison Moore

Someone To Love 
by Addison Moore
Source: e-copy provided by author
Available as of December 21, 2012
Amazon

What happens when two people who don’t believe in love, happen to fall madly into the most beautiful relationship they could ever imagine? A train wreck.

When twenty-year-old Kendall Jordan transfers clear across country to Garrison University, the last thing she’s looking for is a one-night stand. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what, gorgeous, Cruise Elton offers.

Kendall has long since come to realize that love is an illusion that never lasts, and Cruise couldn't agree more—but something deep inside her wants him all for herself. So, Kendall devises a seat of the pants plan to “play the player” and proposes that Cruise tutor her in becoming a female version of himself, Garrison University’s own playboy.

Real feelings begin to emerge, and neither Kendall nor Cruise know how to classify them. Everything they once thought they knew is redefined as they discover, in one another, Someone to Love.

Enticing, exciting, and oh so swoon-worthy. Addison Moore knows how to deliver a story full of lust and love that makes your heart pound.

Kendall Jordan just arrived at Garrison. It's Christmas Eve and her moms best friends son was supposed to secure her a dorm room. Due to his lack of responsibility, he's failed and Kendall is left high and dry with no where to go. Soon Cruise Elton, the school player, is offering her a bed. Will Kendall be used by Cruise, or will she be the one with the last laugh?

I loved both Kendall and Cruise. Kendall is an innocent little virgin when we first meet her, but you would never guess this by the way she handles herself. Cruise is the complete opposite. He's the player who constantly has females flocking around him, but underneath this playboy exterior is a really sweet and caring guy.

I absolutely adored Someone To Love. While there were some steamy, not-appropriate-for-the-younger-audience scenes, the story was much more than just sex. What started out as Kendall wanting to become the female Cruise turned into a love story of epic proportions. I felt like Kendall and Cruise were both afraid of what was happening. They took some time to really get to know each other before jumping into anything more than friends.

The pacing of this story was just right. There was a slow build that kept me turning the pages. As the story progressed, it started to move quicker and didn't slow down once the climax hit. I made some guesses as to how the ending would play out and I was, for the most part, correct. However, the way the ending came about was completely unexpected.

Overall, Someone To Love was a sexy, fun, and enticing read that I never wanted to walk away from. It is most definitely not for younger readers, but if you are over 18 and looking for a college age romance that will take your breath away, you've found the right book.

Addison Moore is the author of young adult fiction and romance. She has worked as therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for almost a decade. She is the mother of four wonderful children. She resides on the West Coast with her family and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading.

You can find Addison...

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website

FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.  

{Spotlight} Always Me by Kelly Riad

Always Me 
by Kelly Riad
Pages:  426
Available as of August 31, 2011
Amazon

Nicky’s life is privileged and sheltered, but has never felt like her own. Her body’s marked by a scar that no one, not even her parents, has been able to explain. She’s haunted by nightmares and hallucinations of violent scenes that feel more like the memories of a very troubled soul than the typical dreams of a seventeen-year old girl. From blood-painted basements to cold guillotines and dark forests, these visions are taking their toll on her sanity.

When she first meets Xander in class, she sees him bleeding from a gaping wound in his neck. His shirt soaked red, he laughs while she trembles and messes up her class recitation. After the vision passes, she’s left with a burning hatred for him and an irrational fear that he’s a threat to her life. But soon, that relents to wary curiosity and suspicion. Xander knows more about her than he should. And when she sees the scar on his neck—just like hers and in the same spot she had seen gushing blood in her vision—she knows it’s not just coincidence.

Kelly Riad is an American writer who graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas with a degree in journalism. Because's she's always been a lucky little brat, her life has taken her all over the world from the hot, humid streets of Hong Kong and the crowded markets of Cairo, to the cobbles of Vienna and the ruins of Rome from where she has shamelessly stolen ideas and material for her stories.

She self-published her first young adult novel, Always Me, in September 2011. Other Novels include Return to Arèthane and Prince of Arèthane.

You can find Kelly:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

{Review} The Secret of Ella & Micha by Jessica Sorensen

The Secret of Ella & Micha 
by Jessica Sorensen
Series: The Secret (#1)
Pages: 317
Source: e-copy provided by author via SupaGurl Tours
Available as of October 2, 2012
Amazon

Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes.

The quickest way to describe this book is to say it was heart-pounding and addictive. Jessica Sorensen had me captivated from page one and fully focused until the very last word.

Ella and Micha have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Until one night when the lines of friendship blur and Ella runs. Eight months later, Micha is still looking for her, but he doesn't have to look much longer because she's headed home for the summer. Can Ella's resolve to be the new her hold or will he bring out the old, loud, and rambunctious friend he once new and want to be with?

OMG was this book amazing. Ella and Micha both had rough backgrounds and were well developed characters. They both had demons they needed to face and obstacles to overcome. I love that we get to read this story from both of their points of view. If we didn't, this book would be lacking the hott, breathtaking, and heart-racing qualities I love to find in New Adult titles. I was on the edge of my seat reading until I finished reading the last page.

Overall, if you're looking for a good New Adult title to fall into, you've found it. The Secret of Ella & Micha is a beautiful and exciting book that will forever be in my heart.

I live in Wyoming with my husband and three kids, where I spend most of my time writing, reading, and hanging out with my family. I’m the author of the Fallen Star Series, the Darkness Falls Series, and the Death Collectors. I also just branched out to the New Adult Contemporary genre with my book, The Secret of Ella and Micha.

You can find Jessica...

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website

FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.  

{Reivew & Giveaway} Shallow by Georgia Cates

Shallow 
by Georgia Cates
Series: Going Under (#2)
Pages: 261
Source: e-copy provided by author via SupaGurl Tours
Available as of September 21, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Payton Archer's best friend, Claire, strives to be perfect in every way. Payton doesn't and this is her story.

Nick Hawke likes his car fast and his girls even faster. He blows through females quicker than his muscle car races down the "The Strip" in Collinsville and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Determined to avoid the devastation he has watched his father endure in the aftermath of his mother leaving, he believes there is no room in his life or his heart for a relationship lasting more than one night. He seeks happiness in things that won’t let him down...fast cars, adrenaline and one night stands. To his absolute dismay, all of that changes when he unexpectedly runs into an old friend and is introduced to Payton Archer, the first girl he ever wanted for more than one night. There’s only one catch...she is completely immune to him and his smooth talking ways.

Payton Archer is looking for what Claire has with Jessie, but she has given up on finding it...at least until she leaves for college in the Fall because she is certain that is where she will find the perfect guy to fit into her perfect world. She plans on Summer being nothing but three uneventful months of fun, but it turns out to be anything but ordinary when Payton is introduced to Nick Hawke, one of Jessie’s old Collinsville friends. She is shocked by her immediate and intense attraction for “Hawke” because nothing about him is what Payton is looking for. Sure, he’s hot and sexy but he comes from Collinsville and that is definitely not on her list of prerequisites. Everything about him makes Payton’s heart speed because he is exciting and dangerous, but his fast car and the dangerous chances he takes aren't what scares Payton the most...it’s the way Nick Hawke makes her feel every time he looks at her. Can Payton find that moment of total fearlessness and make the decision to leave the safe, shallow end of love to risk going under completely?

Other books in the series...

Going Under

Let me start by telling you that I loved Going Under. If you haven't read it yet, you should before reading any farther. Shallow was just as amazing as Going Under and made my heart happy. Georgia Cates did a phenomenal job writing Payton's story and I can't wait to see if she has one for any of the other characters up her sleeve.

Payton, Clarie, and Jessie have just graduated from high school. Claire and Jessie know what's to come for them, but what about Payton? One small car accident will change her world. The guy she bumps into has a bet to make with her. Neither knew where it would take them, but getting to their happily ever after might just break them.

I loved the little snip-its of Payton in Going Under and was so excited when I got an email from Georgia telling me she was writing a companion novel. However, we didn't really get to see the real Payton in Going Under. We saw the protective, snarky best friend Claire could rely on for anything. Never the feisty, surprising thing she turned out to be in Shallow. I LOVE her! We can't forget Nick, the imfamous boy who sleeps with anything with boobs. He is just oh so hott!

So what did I like? The number one thing that wins me over while reading any books is multiple points of view. We get both Payton and Nick telling their sides  of everything. We see how the actions of one effects the other. I also loved Payton's mouth. She was sarcastic, witty, and never really thought before she said something. This won me over because she sounded so much like me. This made it really easy for me to get into the story. Finally, we got even more of Claire and Jessie's story. So much swoon!

Overall, Shallow was a sweet read that made my heart swell. Now I"m wondering if there may be a book about Nick's sister Dallas in the works. One could only hope.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.  

{Review & Giveaway} Blog Tour: My Favorite Mistake by Chelsea M. Cameron

My Favorite Mistake 
by Chelsea M. Cameron
Pages: 259
Source: e-ARC provided by author via SupaGurl Tours
Available as of September 29, 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Taylor Caldwell can't decide if she wants to kiss her new college roommate or punch him.

On the one hand, Hunter Zaccadelli is a handsome, blue-eyed bundle of charm. On the other, he's a tattooed, guitar-playing bundle of bad boy. Maybe that's why Taylor's afraid of falling in love with him, or anyone else. She doesn't want to get burned, and even though her other roommates adore him, she wants him gone before it's too late.

Hunter himself has been been burned before, but the fact that Taylor calls him out on his crap and has the sexiest laugh ever make him decide maybe love isn't a lost cause. They make a bet: if she can convince him she truly loves or hates him, he'll leave the apartment--and leave her alone. The problem is, the more time they spend together, the less she hates him, and the more she moves toward love.

But when the man who holds the key to Taylor's fear of giving up her heart resurfaces and threatens to wreck everything, she has to decide: trust Hunter with her greatest secret, or do everything in her power to win that bet and drive him away forever.

Rating:

My Review:

Talk about amazing. My Favorite Mistake is a wonderful addition to New Adult books that kept me entranced and on the edge of my seat. Chelsea M. Cameron has a way with words that left me breathless and wanting more.

Taylor Cladwell has had a rough life. She's locked herself away from all men, rarely trusting. So when Hunter Zaccadelli shows up at her dorm as her new roommate she's more furious than ever before. His good looks and cocky attitude will only get him so far. Will the Ice Queen melt or will he be finding a new place before the semester ends?

I LOVED this book. When I first started reading I thought it was a little reminiscent of Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, but that was quickly squashed the further I got into the story. Chelsea M. Cameron created a story with well thought out characters, intense relationships, and an interesting plot. It was fast-paced and I was a goner from the first sentence. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It was hott, steamy, funny, and oh so swoon-worthy.

Overall, My Favorite Mistake is a new favorite of mine. If you love New Adult books, which deal with college age characters and more adult situations, or you want something I little spicier than the usual Young Adult read, then you should definitely pick up this book up. 

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.  

{Review & Giveaway} Blog Tour: When Destiny Strikes by Heather M. White

When Destiny Strikes
by Heather M. White
Series:  The Destiny Saga (#2)
Pages:  195 (PDF)
Source:  SupaGurl Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review
Available as of April 2012
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Now that Karlie has received her full powers, things are going to be great... right?

Karlie's number one priority is to kill Serenity - after all she deserves it for trying to kill Alex. Though it isn't as easy as it sounds. Serenity teams up with demons to create an army to destroy Karlie.

On top of that, there are a ton of zombies, everywhere... And a new angel in town, who seems more like a demon... And of course, a shape shifter dragon! It's all weird, even for Karlie.

With friends turning against friends, it seems as though her life got a whole lot more complicated.

Rating:

My Review:

Heather M. White provided a great second book in her Destiny Saga. Not only did I get to question some of the characters intentions, but there were werewolves, vampires and zombies!

When Destiny Strikes starts right where When Destiny Knocks left off. Karlie is mourning the loss of a dear friend in the graveyard while fuming about the person who took her friends life. She brought her back only to be repaid with death. Kinda crappy thing to do if you ask me.

Karlie has come to her full power and has to stay alive and win a war or the human race could come to an end. Throughout the book she questions her abilities and some of the choices she has made, and I would too if I were her. She has a lot riding on her shoulders and all she wants to do it get revenge.  

I loved the ending. Not only was it unexpected, but it happened abruptly. Complete and total shocker. I liked being able to question character motives. There were times when I couldn't decide if one character was on Karlie's side or not. It was refreshing. There were three things I didn't like. The first was that I felt some of the scenes either dragged on or could have been improved with a little more substance. The second was that there wasn't as much action as I was expecting. Finally, I would have loved to see more of Alex. I am Team Alex even though I know Karlie will never be with him. Beyond those three minor points it was a great read.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It wasn't as good as the first, but it was a great addition to the saga and I'm looking forward to book 3. I highly recommend this series if you want a little bit of romance, a lot of action, and some paranormal beings.

Giveaway Time!

Heather has so kindly offered one lucky person an e-copy of 

When Destiny Knocks.

If you missed my review a few weeks ago you can find it here.

Open internationally.

Giveaway Policy Applies

Ends May 14 @ Midnight EST

CLICK THIS ENTRY FORM TO ENTER.

Update 5/15: Giveaway CLOSED

Winner has been chosen.

{Review} Blog Tour: When Destiny Knocks by Heather M. White

When Destiny Knocks
by Heather M. White
Series:  The Destiny Saga (#1)
Pages:  200
Source:  SupaGurl Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review
Available as of December 24, 2011
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

16 year old Karlie has had a pretty normal life... But when her Mom dies she is forced to move over 1,000 miles away to live with her Dad. That's when things start getting weird.

She can't explain the earthquakes that nobody else feels, or why she no longer sleeps. But most of all she doesn't know why she trusts Shane so much, even though his Dad wants her dead.

Suddenly, Karlie's normal life is turned upside down and she enters a world she never dreamed could really exist.

Rating:

My Review:

Holy moly!  I didn't know what to expect when I started When Destiny Knocks, but Heather M. White blew me away with an elegantly written and action packed quick read.

Karlie is sixteen years old when her mom dies unexpectedly and she is sent to live with her father.  Not wanting to live in a small town, she dreads her first day of school only to find everyone accepting and friendly.  At least one of her new friends is with her at all times.  They warn her about a boy who has taken interest in her.  Then everything begins to get weird, she stops sleeping at night and as her mood changes, so does the weather.

Let's talk about Karlie.  Her mother moved her to New York City when she was little and she rarely went back to Arkansas to visit her dad because she never wanted to leave her mom alone during the holidays and her dad never really took a vacation from work.  When her mom died, she was sent off to her dads and her world began to change.  She took everything in stride even though she was unhappy with the situation, she grew to accept it. The boy she fell for probably isn't the best choice, but who can deny attraction. Karlie learns a lot about herself and who she truly is, in time embracing her new life.

I really enjoyed reading this book because I could relate to some aspects.  When I was twelve I moved from a city where I had lists of things I could do in my free time to a small town with a movie theater, a Kroger, and Wal-Mart.  In the book Karlie talks about how Wal-Mart was the place to hang out, and it truly is when there is nothing to do. 

When Destiny Knocks was captivating and pulled me in.  I was up until two in the morning reading because I didn't want to put the book down.  Not only was it well written, but it was also creative and brought all of the paranormal beings we have grown to love in YA into one book.  I had an idea of how the book would end, I just didn't know how shocked I would be when it finally did.

I highly recommend this book to YA paranormal lovers.  I'm happy to have it in my collection!

Be sure to check back on May 7 

for my review of When Destiny Strikes

book two in The Destiny Saga.