Tuesday 30 September 2014

Teaser Tuesday #26: Sacrifice (Daughters of Lilith #3) by Jennifer Quintenz


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:
- Grab your current read- Open to a random page
- Share "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!


Sacrifice
by Jennifer Quintenz


20438715

"I'll put a dagger through her heart before I let her betray the Guard." (p.116)

El


Sunday 28 September 2014

Stacking The Shelves #46


Showcase Sunday's/Stacking the Shelves aim is to showcase our newest bookes or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. This Sunday meme is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea and Tynga's Reviews:

For review:

22909115


Netgalley:

21945638  20702321



Bought:

16150043


That's it for this week. What did you add to your shelves?

El

Saturday 27 September 2014

Review: Favorite Daughter, Part One by Paula Margulies

22757170Title: Favorite Daughter, Part One
Author: Paula Margulies
Series: Favorite Daughter
Genre: Historical fiction, Adult
Publisher: One People Press
Publication date: July 21st 2014
Pages: 194 (paperback)
Source: received from author






Set in the time of the Jamestown settlement and the English explorer John Smith, Favorite Daughter, Part One recounts the story of Chief Pwhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, as she prepares to take her place as one of our nation's earliest leading women. Pocahontas invites readers to experience her native world when strangers appear on the shores near her village. From forging a relationship with the charismatic Smith, to experiencing love for the first time and creating a role for herself in her father's plans for peace, this young girl takes us on a poignant and harrowing journey through the turbulent events of her life. eventually betrayed by all of the men she loves, Pocahontas matures into a heroine of tremendous nobility, courage and heart.

Told in first person, in a voice brimming with compassion and wisdom, Favorite Daughter, Part One provides a compelling look at the early days of one of the most remarkable legends in American history. Editor's Choice Award Winner, 21st Annual San Diego State University Writer's Conference.



When I was little Pocahontas was one of my favorite Disney movies, if I’m honest it still is. Her story has always intrigued me. A young Native American girl that saved the life of an intruder. In this book I finally got to know more about her in a fun way. Favorite Daughter tells the story of Pocahontas early life, her transformation from childhood into adulthood.

The story begins when John Smith and his men have arrived in America. Pocahontas is immediately fascinated by the group of strangers. There are different than anyone she has ever seen. But some of her father’s advisors don’t share her fascination, after all they could for a threat to their tribe. Pocahontas was a fascinating character to follow. She’s a very strong-willed young girl. She loves her home but she also longs for adventure, to discover something new. Her curiousness makes her sometimes lose objectiveness. But she still cares about her father’s advice and she always takes it into consideration. It is clear that Pocahontas is a born leader.

The setting of Pocahontas’s tribe is really beautiful. It’s a real shame that so much of it has disappeared. But it is clear that the author took her time to investigate the Native American culture. She described their habits and language well. It was fascinating to see how she makes their world come alive.


Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. Favorite Daughter, Part One is story about love, honor, respect and family. I can’t wait to read the second part in this series. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction and who is interested in the Native American culture.


El


Thursday 25 September 2014

Review: Salted by Aaron Galvin

21996796Title: Salted
Author: Aaron Galvin
Genre: fantasy, YA
Publisher: Createspace
Publication date: April 19th 2014
Pages: 358 (paperback)
Source: received from author







Life isn't better under the sea. Lenny Dolan is all too familiar with this reality. A Selkie slave in the realm beneath the waves, he has no choice when charged with leading a crew ashore to capture an elusive runaway. If unsuccessful, the loved ones kept behind will pay for his failure with their lives. But when their target leads Lenny and his crew to deeper, darker secrets, the Selkies are faced with a moral dilemma. Secure their own freedom at the expense of others, or return empty-handed to face the grisly consequences? How Lenny and his crew answers the question will teach them the harshest truth of all. Only the loss of innocence does one become Salted.

- Goodreads -

The concept of Salted is really interesting. A world of underwater people but different than the everyday mermaid. So I gladly accepted the offer to review this book.

At first I did find this book confusing. I was completely lost at the beginning, I didn’t understand what was going on and what exactly the Salt was. So I was glad when the point of view switched to Gareth, his life was easier to understand and somehow he made it easier for me to understand the Salt. All the different characters that were introduced all at once didn’t make it easier to follow the story. But once everything became clearer I began to enjoy the book more.

Gavin has created a wonderful world. A wonderful world that is terrible at the same time, transforming into a Selkie comes, for many, with a high price.  The book was fast paced with a lot of action. Lenny and his crew are hunting a runner. The fact that Lenny was kind of rough complements the action aspect well. The different point of views gives the book a nice touch. It allows the reader to catch his breath after some intense moments.


Salted was an extraordinary urban fantasy book. If you enjoy shape-shifting books and societies with their own rules then you will probably enjoy Salted.


El

Wednesday 24 September 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #66: Breaking The Rules (Pushing The Limits #1.5) by Katie McGarry


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that I am anxiously awaiting is:

Pushing The Limits
by Katie McGarry

21859363

A summer road trip changes everything in this unforgettable new tale from acclaimed author Katie McGarry.

For new high school graduate Echo Emerson, a summer road trip out west with her boyfriend means getting away and forgetting what makes her so... different. It means seeing cool sights while selling her art at galleries along the way. And most of all, it means almost three months alone with Noah Hutchins, the hot, smart, soul-battered guy who's never judged her. Echo and Noah share everything - except the one thing Echo is just not ready for. 

But when the source of Echo's constant nightmares comes back into her life, she has to make some tough decisions about what she really wants - even as a foster kid Noah's search for his last remaining relatives forces them both to confront some serious truths about life, love, and themselves.

Now, with one week left before college orientation, jobs and real life, Echo must decide if Noah's more than the bad-boy fling everyone warned her he'd be. And the last leg of an amazing road trip will turn... seriously epic.

- Goodreads -

Why I can't wait
I love Katie McGarry, all her books are amazing and so touching. Noah and Echo are one of my favorite book couples ever so it's great to read more about them. 

Publication date: December 8th 2014

El

Monday 22 September 2014

Review: The Donor (The Donor #2) by Nikki Rae

22662622Title: The Donor
Author: Nikki Rae
Series: The Donor
Genre: fantasy, NA
Publication date: August 22nd 2014
Source: received from author








When Casey joined MYTrueMatch.com, she never imagined she would meet a man who not only helps her pay the bills, but has been nothing but a gentleman.

As the nose bleeds make way for worse sysmptoms, Casey can't help the feelings she has for Jonah, despite how he may never return them. And he's been keeping things from her. Bit things. How does he make his money, and who is that girl in the picture?
With the clock ticking, can she find the answers she's looking for?


After I finished the first part of The Donor I couldn’t wait to read the next part. Casey and Jonah were such interesting characters and I liked them both from the moment I met them. Part one left me with so many questions and I am glad that part two answered most of my questions. But of course part two had some questions of its own so I can’t wait to read the third part.

Part two shows Casey struggling with her feelings for Jonah and her symptoms that are getting worse every day. Still Casey decides to stay with Jonah for a longer period and keep her parents in the dark. What they don’t know won’t hurt them, right? Jonah can offer her everything she wants, money, comfort and friendship. Still he’s a mysterious guy, he’s keeping things from her but at the same time she feels really safe when she’s with him.

I love how mysterious this book is and how all the answers to my questions are slowly revealed. I remember that had a question in my character interview about the seahorses, so I was thrilled when I found out the story about Jonah’s obsession with seahorses. We get to know Casey a lot better, we get a lot of glimpses from her past but Jonah is still a closed book. So I can’t wait to read the next part, because I really hope that he will finally let all his walls down.


This story grabbed my attention right from the very first page, just like the previous part. It’s really amazing how Nikki can drag you into the story just in a couple of pages. I’m really excited to read the next part!


El


Sunday 21 September 2014

Stacking The Shelves #45


Showcase Sunday's/Stacking the Shelves aim is to showcase our newest bookNes or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. This Sunday meme is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea and Tynga's Reviews:

For review: 


22662622 20798720 23156812


17399445 22755233 16145727


Netgalley:


18666175 20757521


What did you add to your shelves this week? 

El

Saturday 20 September 2014

Review: The Diamond Thief (The Diamond Thief #1) by Sharon Gosling

21513821Title: The Diamond Thief
Author: Sharon Gosling
Series: The Diamond Thief
Genre: Historical fiction, Steampunk, YA
Publisher: Switch Press
Publication date: October 1st 2014 
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Source: Netgalley






No-one performs on the circus trapeze like 16-year-old Remy Brunel. But Remy also leads another life, prowling through the backstreets of Victorian London as a jewel thief. When she is forced to steal one of the world's most valuable diamonds, she uncovers a world of treachery and fiendish plots.




When I read the description of The Diamond Thief I immediately knew that this was a book meant for me. Young Adult historical fiction mixed with some action and adventure, perfect for me.

The setting of it was vividly illustrated, it was like you were walking on the streets of Victorian London yourself. We followed Remy on her adventures in the Tower of London, the narrow streets were the poor live, the undergrounds… Together with Remy we explored the whole of London. The steampunk elements were a nice addition to this adventure.

Remy was brought up in the circus, she’s a trapeze artist by day and a thief by night. I loved that she was so independent and strong willed. The hand she has been dealt in life is not easy but she tries to make the best of it. A lot of the time authors claim that there characters are talented but you never see the evidence. But not in The Diamond Thief, Remy’s talent as a trapeze artist is well demonstrated in this book. Remy uses her talent in a lot of different situations, her tricks saved her live more than once.
Thaddeus Rec lives for his job as a police officer from Scotland Yard. Like Remy his upbringing was rather unusual. But while Remy decided that her life was as good as it good get Thaddeus decided to turn his life completely around. His moral clashed at times with Remy’s way of life but he learned that not everything is as black and white as he always thought it was.
Their romance is very sweet but a little under-developed. I can clearly see how they affect each other. But they don’t know each other well enough to speak of love. So I hope to see more development on this part in the next book.

Sharon Gosling also paid attention to her secondary characters. A lot of the time authors neglect them since they are not that important to them. But this was not the case here, I liked how we got to spend a lot of time with the secondary characters like J, the Professor and Desai. All of them together in one story are what made this book so special to me.


Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. The ending could have been better, because it was rather abrupt. But I noticed that there is a second book in the series so I’m really excited about that one. I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a good YA steampunk book. 


El



Friday 19 September 2014

Review: A Silent Prayer (A Prayers Series #1) by Samreen Ahsan

20831904Title: A Silent Prayer
Author: Samreen Ahsan
Series: A Prayers Series
Genre: Romance, Adult
Publication date: February 10th 2014
Pages: 330 (paperback) 
Source: received from author







Adam Gibson is a young and powerful Toronto millionaire. Despite his many blessings, he is an atheist thought he has an altruistic soul. He denies there is a God - until he meets a beautiful stranger in a place that does not exist for anyone but him.

Rania Ahmed strongly believes in God, but has lost hope she will ever find her soul mate. Endowed with hypnotic beauty and cursed by a brutal past, Rania has no idea she has cast a spell on Adam, who has never received more from a woman than physical pleasure. As Adam slowly discovers the true meaning of love from Rania, he begins to face his demons and reconsider his beliefs. He learns to love, forgive and repent. But as Adam grows closer to Rania, a series of strange, unexplained events threatens to drive them apart. To keep her from being destroyed by her past, he must persuade her to trust him with her deepest secrets. 

In this spiritual romance, an atheist embarks on a path of enlightenment with a tormented soul who may just have the power to change everything he has ever believed to be true.


Rania is a very average girl. Trying to leave her past behind and build up a life in Toronto the best she can with the guidance of her God. Adam is a young self-made billionaire who believes that money is the only thing you need in life. When there pats cross Adam is not so sure any more that money is all he needs. He pursuits Rania but to his astonishment she’s the first girl to ever turn him down. Rania has built strong walls around her to protect her a long time ago. It’s hard for her to let anyone in, let alone the self-assured Adam. Will they make it together or will there difference pull them apart before they even get started?

This book got me hooked right from the start. Both Rania and Adam had their own point of view. And I really appreciated it. Adam and Rania were so different from each other and both had their own past and secrets. So it was quiet interesting to read the story from their perspective. Adam was willing to let his guard down and tell Rania about his pasts and all his secrets, in the hope that she would follow his example. But Rania’s past still hunts her till these day and she’s too afraid to let her guard down, afraid she will push Adam away with it. We get some glimpses of her past but I guess we will have to wait for the next book to see what has happened to her.

The characters were so intriguing. At times I got really frustrated with them, especially with Adam. 
For my taste he was a little to bossy, and he acted like Rania was his possession even though they were only friends. But he tries his best to change for Rania and more importantly it was clear that he was good for Rania, I guess we all have our faults. Rania frustrated me far less but she had her own faults. She tried to push Adam away and sometimes in some very hurtful ways.  Then again she pushed him to be a better person, she made him see thing he long ago abandoned. They were both portrayed very realistic. They could be your neighbors for all you know.

At first I thought that A Silent Prayer was a standalone book. So I kept wondering why the characters took so long and why there was such a slow progress. But then I noticed that there was a sequel so it all made sense. People who read this book probably want to grab the next one in the series, A Prayer Heeded, immediately since the ending of this book was rater abrupt.


Overall I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to find out what happens to the characters in the next book. More accurate I can’t wait to finally find out Rania’s past. 


El


Thursday 18 September 2014

Review: A Soul's Kiss by Debra Chapoton

20815743Title: A Soul's Kiss
Author: Debra Chapoton
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, YA
Publisher: Creative Prose Publishing
Publication date: March 15th 2014
Pages: 252 (paperback) 
Source: received from author







When a tragic accident leaves Jessica comatose, her spirit escapes her body. Navigating a supernatural realm is tough, but being half dead has its advantages. 

Like getting into people's thoughts.

Like taking over someone's body.

Like experiencing romance on a whole new plane - literally. 

Jessica learns an amazing truth as she struggles to return to her body before the doctors pull the plug, only she can't do it alone. Now the only two people willing to help Jessica's splintered soul are the two she's hurt the most. They must find a way to guide her soul back to her body... before it's too late.


I started this book thinking that it was a simple love story between a couple of teenagers with the usual high school drama. Boy was I wrong, this book took some very unexpected turns and I’m glad it did.

Jessica experiences an in between-state, she’s in a coma but her spirit is free to do what it wants. She finds out that she has the ability to get into people’s heads and look into their thoughts and emotions. This way she’s able to uncover some secrets that involve both her and her friends.

Jessica’s mind travelling ability crept me out sometimes. The idea that someone can really get in your head is a little disturbing. I wouldn’t want it to happen to me! But at the same time it’s a nice idea that when you are in a coma you are still able to see what’s going on around you.

I really liked that every chapter had a different point of view. We got to know the story from the different characters. The different point of views were very interesting since all the characters were so different from each other, some I liked some I hated.

There were times I got a little frustrated with some of the characters. Jessica for instance was a bit to ignorant at times. Something was laid out right in front of her but she still ignores it, it’s like she doesn’t want to see the reality. And some others well they definitely have some serious mental health problem. They behavior and most of all there lack of emotion was very disturbing.


Overall I enjoyed reading A Soul’s Kiss but it’s not a book that I would reread again in the near future. This book is perfect who want to read a contemporary YA book with a paranormal twist. 


El


Wednesday 17 September 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #65: The Ruby Circle (Bloodlines #6) by Richelle Mead


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that I am anxiously awaiting is:

The Ruby Circle
by Richelle Mead

8709528

The epic conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series is finally here...

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a groups of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

After their secret romance is exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead's New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series. When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could  hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world.

- Goodreads -

Why I can't wait
I love Richelle Mead, every book she writes is amazing. And I've just finished reading Silver Shadows and after that conclusion I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next.Since this is the last book in the series I know that this one is going to be epic. 

Publication date: February 10th 2015

El

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Book Blast: Truth or Dare (Dare to Love #1) by Mira Lyn Kelly

18666175Title: Truth or Dare
Author: Mira Lyn Kelly
Series: Dare to Love
Genre: romance, adult
Publisher: Loveswept
Publication date: September 16th 2014
Pages: 270 (ebook)



In a deliciously sexy twist on the classic game, USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly proves that when playing truth or dare—always choose dare.

After her one attempt at commitment ends with the discovery that her fiancé already has a wife and kid, Maggie Lawson vows that the only people she’ll love ’til death do they part will be her friends. Unfortunately that means Maggie letting her bestie rope her into a year-long dating dare: score a new date each month or pay a penalty. Seems doable—until Maggie’s date stands her up, leaving only one option: the sexy stud who just moved in upstairs. The problem? He and Maggie can’t stop fighting—and that’s just the beginning.

His name is Tyler Daniels and the last thing he needs is his neighbor distracting him with her girl-next-door smile and sharp tongue. Tyler’s in Chicago for one reason: to woo back his selfish ex in order to reclaim the child he once thought was his—and that means keeping Maggie out of his bed. A tall order, since Maggie has become a bigger temptation than he ever expected to face. But before they can even consider leaving the past behind, Maggie and Tyler must accept a brand-new dare: real, forever love.


Excerpt

  
from Truth or Dare
“Tyler’s Kiss”

“Wow, that was— I didn’t really— But I should have—” Maggie stammered breathlessly, trying to force herself to let Tyler go. Step away and put the distance they needed back between them. Only with their eyes locked, breath mingling in the chilled night air, and the kiss she should have known better than to ask for still fresh on her lips, the most she could manage was flexing her fingers enough so her hands were free to coast down the thick column of his neck, over the front of his coat, and when the temptation was too great, back up again.

She didn’t want to let him go—didn’t want their moment to end.

“With your other dates,” Tyler began slowly, his eyes squinting closed. “Do you ever let them kiss you more than once?”

She wanted to laugh, because the idea of willingly letting any of those other guys back at her mouth was beyond ludicrous, something she ought to have had some smart quip about—only in that moment nothing seemed funny.

This was the end.

Forcing a shaky breath, she shook her head. “No. Never.”

Tyler nodded, his eyes dark and unsettled. “Good.”

His jaw set as though he were getting his head back into the right place. The place where they moved on from a kiss the intensity of which she couldn’t remember experiencing before and, putting it behind them, went forward as friends.

Like she wanted.

Deep down, she knew it was true, even if it didn’t feel that way right then.

The hand at her hip tensed. And when she looked back into Tyler’s eyes, she saw the dying embers of a conflict she hadn’t realized he was fighting. A conflict she didn’t fully understand until the divide between them closed again. Tyler’s lips came down on hers, hard, and then he was holding her so tight, and her hands were in his hair again, pulling him closer as he bowed her back, devouring her mouth like he was starved for the kiss he’d just had. Groaning against her when she met his hunger with the equal of her own.

Her back hit the door and everything inside her went hot and liquid, needy and intense. Any shred of control or restraint tore free of her grasp, violently stripping her thoughts of reason and rules. Because all she wanted was this.

Tyler.

Reminding her of everything she’d forgotten.

Teaching her things she hadn’t even known.

Waking the places within her that had been numb for so long, they burned coming back to life.


Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway

El

Monday 15 September 2014

Book Blast: Knight of Light (The Watchers #1) by Deirdra Eden

Title: Knight of Light
Author: Deidra Eden
Series: The Watchers
Author pages: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Wattpad | Pinterest
Buy links: Amazon |   Barnes and Noble  

       






In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella (pronounced yurr-ee-ella) flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity. Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.
The Watchers Series has been described as Braveheart meets Supernatural. The mythology for the series is based on many theological texts from dozens of sects with correlating themes. Ancient writings include The Dead Sea ScrollsThe Traditional ApocryphaThe Pearl of Great Price, and The Kabbalah.

“The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form whose duty it is to protect and guard mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, as the Book of Enoch mentions, some of these Watchers go bad. Although the mythology is based on these texts, Deirdra Eden’s The Watchers Series is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl’s discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions.


Trailer




Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author



"My goal in writing is to saturate my books with intrigue, mystery, romance, and plot twists that will keep my readers in suspense. I want to see fingerprints on the front and back covers where readers have gripped the novel with white knuckles! Aside from writing, I enjoy jousting in arenas, planning invasions, horseback riding through open meadows, swimming in the ocean, hiking up mountains, camping in cool shady woods, climbing trees barefoot, and going on adventures."

-Deirdra Eden

Find Deirdra Eden and The Watchers Series online on AmazonDeirdra's websiteFacebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Wattpad, and Pinterest.


El