REVIEW: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Synopsis

There's something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia...

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family as fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walkers by. But this is nothing compared to what she's just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor... from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she'll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including the maddeningly stubborn yet handsome Daniel, the situation becomes dire. An now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

ADD TO GOODREADS

 
The Plot

Zombies are slowly taking over the country. For everyone in Philadelphia their perfect lives is about to change forever. Zombies have arrived in Philadelphia. And one of them attacks to deliver a note for Eleanor. A note that her brother has sent about being delayed.

When Eleanor realizes that her brother might be in danger she turns to the only people who might help her. The Spirit-Hunters that have arrived in Philadelphia. She is quickly thrust into the world of zombies and the Spirit-Hunters where she learns much more about herself and her will to find the answers to her questions.

Not only does she have to worry about finding her brother. She must also deal with an overbearing mother that if forcing Eleanor to find a husband, a royal that has his sights set on her, and a boy that sets her blood on fire. In Something Strange and Deadly, Eleanor learns to what extents she would go to save her brother and the people she cares about.

The Characters

Eleanor Fitts is the daughter of the once royal Philadelphia Fitts. With her brother missing she is charged with trying to save her family’s wealth. Even if that means potentially marrying someone she does not get along with. But Eleanor refuses to let anyone tell her what to do. She has a determination and stubbornness that is inflexible. When faced with the zombies and a city that is filled with evilness she willingly offers to help and learn. She is fierce and doesn’t let anyone bully her. Female leads like Eleanor make books much more enjoyable.

Joseph, Jie and Daniel are the Spirit-Hunters that Philadelphia has called upon. They are there for one purpose and one purpose only. To rid the city of the zombies. When Eleanor’s mother unleashes an evil spirit into the world, they are determined to help Eleanor send it back to hell. What they don’t count on is the lack of support of the city and the “hungry” zombies attacking nobles. As they try to find Ethan, find a way to kill the “hungry” zombies as well as regular zombies, and banish an evil spirit, the Spirit-Hunters come to realize that the problem is much more dangerous than they thought.

The Romance

Although there is a building romance in the book there isn’t much of it. Daniel and Eleanor are two different people with two different duties in life. Although their time together is sweet it is also infrequent.

The Wrap-up

Something Strange and Deadly was a pretty good story. I enjoyed the historical aspect as well as the zombie aspect to the story. There were parts I thought were slow but overall I liked the story woven. Because I live in Philadelphia I found myself imagining all the places the author portrayed in the book. Overall a pretty good read. I look forward to reading more about Eleanor’s new abilities and her relationship with the Spirit-Hunters. 

Happy Reading!!

~REVIEW~ Runes by Ednah Walters

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

~MY REVIEW~

“True love transcends logic, Freckles. It’s a blending of minds and souls.”

“It makes us feel and see things in ways that normal people don’t. You don’t question it or try to understand it. You just accept it for the gift it is. "

The Plot

When Raine’s swim team is hit with a case of misfortune she starts to suspect that the new members in town have something to do with them. When she starts to notice the runes that are all around her she doesn’t act naïve and demands answers that she doesn’t get. The runes hold the answer to her questions but no one can reveal to her what they mean so for most of the book we spend it trying to figure them out. Along the way Raine must deal with her connection to all the events going on and her guilt over the horror that has befallen her swim team.  As well as the loss of her father, her love for her best friend and her growing feelings for her neighbor.

The Characters

Raine was such a wonderful heroine. She lives a typical normal teenage life. The only issues she has to deal with his her missing father and her crush on her best friend. But she is like any teenage girl and she enjoys her life. When the mysterious Torin St. James moves next door his cockiness and arrogance makes her furious but she doesn’t let him get to her. She was feisty and fought back when she needed to but always sweet and caring of those she loved.

Torin was just GREAT! He comes off as an arrogant bad ass but there is so much more to him. He has a destiny that he didn’t know he was choosing and has been living with the repercussions for eternity. When he moves next door to Raine he knows what his job is and holds no attachments to anything. That of course changes when he actually meets his new neighbor and is she doesn’t fall for his charm. So although it’s against the rules Torin breaks all of them realizing that his need to protect Raine transcends it all.  Like every girl in this book you will definitely swoon for Torin and fall in love with him as you learn more about him and his story.

Some of the secondary characters are equally as wonderful. Cora and Eirik are Raine’s best friend and through it all they are her biggest supporters. They all look out for each other and are there for each other through all the good and bad times.

The Romance

Okay so this book has a bit of a love triangle. Something I detest. But I like when there is really no competition just indecision. I adored Eirik, Raine’s best friend, he was caring and protective of her. It takes him a long time to get the nerve to finally take things to the next level but when he does he is wonderful. Unfortunately, he seemed very distant at times and secretive. I have my questions about him and wonder what his part is in this whole storyline.
Now Torin on the other hand was no match for Eirik. The moments between him and Raine were so intense and so funny. They both fought and loved passionately when together. The chemistry between them engulfed the pages and had you wanting more of them. So when things don’t turn out great or when they try to fight what is growing between them it is a sad and frustrating.

The Wrap-Up

I was blown away by the storyline and characters! Runes was a great start to this series and I can’t wait to continue! This book has great characters, a great storyline and a great cliffhanger that has me wanting to read more! If you are a fan of YA Paranormal Romance this is the series for you! Pick it up now!

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ Angelfall by Susan Ee

Synopsis

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Recommended for ages 16 and up.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

Angelfall has been on my bookshelf for the past year and I haven't had the chance to pick it up. Once I did I was intrigued with the storyline and the romance. Unfortunately, I didn't get much romance. :(

Penryn was a tough girl and she had guts which I adored about her. Every since her world collapsed she's been the "guardian" of her wheelchair bound sister and psychotic mother. During one of her moves to a safer place she encounters Raffe about to be killed by other angels and intervenes. Because of her intervening her sisters is taken by the angels.

Intent on getting her sister back Penryn fights tooth and nail to get the rude and arrogant Raffe to help her find the angels. And because she hold all the cards Raffe is forced to comply.

Together Penryn and Raffe journey to enemies territory. However, getting there isn't easy. They encounter a group of humans who are building to fight back and a creature that is like no other they've ever encountered. 

Angelfall is filled with plenty of action but sadly not enough romance. There is something brewing between Penryn and Raffe but it is not the theme of the book. It doesn't take away from the story and I understand that it is a slow building love but I wanted more. I can never have enough. :) I will continue the series and hope to get more of these two together.

It is worth the read!

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“I knew from the start that your loyalty would get you killed. I just never thought it would be your loyalty to me that would do it.” 

“I never thought about it before, but I'm proud to be human. We're ever so flawed. We're frail, confused, violent, and we struggle with so many issues. But all in all, I'm proud to be a Daughter of Man.”

“Angels are violent creatures.”
“So I noticed. I used to think they were all sweet and kind."
“Why would you think that? Even in your Bible, we’re harbingers of doom, willing and able to destroy entire cities. Just because we sometimes warned one or two of you beforehand doesn’t make us altruistic.”

HAPPY READING!!

~Book Blitz~ NEW RELEASE: Haunted U by Jessica Gibson

Title: Haunted U
Author: Jessica Gibson
Genre: YA Paranormal
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours
PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON ~ B&N

Synopsis

Ezzie Lovegreen lives in a world where witches and ghosts are real. That doesn’t mean she’s not surprised when she’s suddenly being haunted by one at school.

With the help of her best friend Stella, her boyfriend Beau, and her grandmother Winifred, Ezzie must find out what happened to the ghost and set her free.

Secrets will be revealed that could change Ezzie’s life forever. Will Ezzie be strong enough to face the challenges set in her path?




~About the Author~

Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she's down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the "someday" section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write.

Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future.

Aside from writing, she runs an online event planning business called the Release Day Diva. In addition to novels, Jessica writes and maintains the blog Book on the Bright Side. Keep up with Jessica and her latest releases and events on her blog.

~Connect with Jessica~

Website ~ Blog ~ Book Blog  ~ Facebook ~ Twitter 

~Excerpt~

Ezzie pulled her Range Rover behind her dad’s vehicle. Beau parked right behind her in
his truck. He was at her door in an instant and held a hand to help her out of the car.

Addelyn was waiting for them in the open doorway, a huge smile on her face, and looking perfectly put together in a lavender shirt-dress and black heels.

“Why, Beau, you are getting so handsome. It’s been ages since we’ve had you over for dinner. How’s your mama?”

Beau smiled and kissed the cheek she offered him. “Thank you, Mrs. Lovegreen. You are looking as lovely as ever. Mama is great. I’ll tell her you asked after her.”

Addelyn nodded and turned back into the house. “Let’s go eat. Dinner should be ready right about now.”

“I need to drop my stuff in my room. You can come, or go find my dad. I’m sure he’s in his study.”

Beau gave her a look. “I think I’ll go with you.”

Heat bloomed in Ezzie's cheeks again. The look he had just given her was anything but platonic. She smiled shyly and led him back to her room but stopped at the door.

He had never been in her room before. No boy ever had. This was new territory for her.
She shook herself mentally and stepped over the threshold into her room. Beau stood in the doorway for a moment, looking around.

“You can come in,” Ezzie said softly.

He smiled and walked in, running his fingers across the surface of her desk.

“That was my grandfather’s.”

He nodded. “I remember seeing it in his study when we were kids.” Beau took a step toward her. He bridged the gap between them with his hands, drawing her the last few steps.

“Beau...” Her heart pounded in her chest.

He tipped her chin up and touched his lips to hers lightly. Ezzie lifted her hands up and around his neck, pulling him closer to her. She pressed her lips more firmly against his. She couldn't believe they were really having their first kiss in her bedroom with her parents just down the hall. Beau’s fingers wove into her hair. He finally pulled away a bit and laid his chin against her forehead, his arms still around her.

“Just so we’re clear, I want to be more than just your friend, Ezzie,” he whispered.

If Beau hadn’t been holding her up, she would have fallen to the floor. “I want to be more than your friend too, Beau,” she breathed.

~REVIEW~ Purpose (Soul Savers #2) by Kristie Cook

Synopsis:

New Adult Paranormal Romance by bestselling author Kristie Cook ** Mature Content ** Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language

The story that began with Promise continues in Book 2 of the Soul Savers Series.

Defending souls is her purpose...but can she save her own?

Lost in despair, Alexis teeters on the edge of an abyss, her lifeline of hope fraying into a thin thread. If it snaps, she'll plunge into complete darkness. With the help of her son and her writing, she's been able to hold on. Until now. Erratic impulses, disturbing delusions and her own demonic blood threaten her sanity. When she's forced to choose between hanging onto hope or letting go to serve her Amadis purposes, she faces a decision with inconceivable sacrifices.

Alexis runs to the one place she thinks will provide answers, only to find herself at the center of another battle of good versus evil, not only with the Daemoni, not only within herself...but also against the worst opponent imaginable. But even if she wins, what will she lose?

~MY REVIEW~

In book 2 of the Soul Savers series we find Alexis in a deep depression after the loss of Tristan, 7 years ago. Each day is as worse as the last for her. Dorian, her son, is her only light in the darkness but even he can't keep away her pain. The love of her life is fading from her memory and she refuses to let him go. On top of that she is starting to feel different and is getting threatening visits from a vicious vampire warning her to stop writing her story.

So when the Deamoni try to plant their seeds of doubt into her mind, Alexis takes off. With no idea what is happening to her and her still very real pain she goes back to her paradise. Her and Tristan's safe house in Florida. There she tries to focus on bettering herself and figuring out a plan on getting Tristan back.

But the Deamoni are in uproar over Alexis story and it makes the perfect excuse to capture Alexis without repercussions. When they attack they aren't prepared for the beast they will have to face. One that will do anything to protect Alexis and one that they thought was on their side. And in lieu of not spoiling the book I will not reveal who that "beast" is.:)

After the attack Alexis is faced with the ultimate decision. Join the Amadis and fight for peace and love or join the Daemoni and have Tristan and Dorian without any worries in the world.
Purpose is filled with pain, despair, new villains, unexpected surprises and lots of love. My disappointment with this story was that more then half the book was based on Alexis's despair over losing Tristan. Although I understood her pain I also thought that she only worried about herself and not so much of the others. She was practically a nonexistent mom to Dorian and at times she made it seem like he was just an afterthought. It was something that in my eyes made her seem selfish.

All in all Purpose was an okay read. It did feel more like a filler book than anything else which is what most second books in the series turn out to be. I will continue the series at a later time just to see what is next for the Amadis.

Happy Reading!

~Buy books 1-5 in the Soul Savers Series~

(Promise is currently FREE)

 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Guardian by Sara Mack

 

Book Information:
True love never dies.
Emma Donohue begs to differ.

When a late night accident claims the love of her life, Emma secludes herself in memories of James. In his sandy brown hair and clear blue eyes. In their innocent first kiss and declarations of love. In their plans for a life together after college. But happy dreams can’t rid her of the guilt she carries. She can’t erase her actions the night he died. She can’t erase her reaction at his funeral. And she can’t erase the hollow void that fills her chest and consumes her heart.

The first time Emma hears James’ voice, she’s astounded. It sounds as if he’s standing right beside her, and she fears her shattered heart is trying to drive her mad. But, as she continues to hear the voice, she finds comfort in it. With the help of her best friend Shel and handsome newcomer Dane, she tries to move forward and start living again.

Until the voice in her head turns out to be more. So much more.

You know what they say.
True love never dies.

MY REVIEW

(A huge THANK YOU to Sara Mack for allowing me to read and review her book!)

Guardian is the first book in a trilogy and starts off with a tragedy. Like most stories, starting off with tragedy is what encourages readers to read on. Well at least it did to me. And I must say I wasn't disappointed. 

Emma and James have always been close. Growing up best friends and then turning into lovers, they were inseparable and madly in love. When tragedy strikes Emma is left with a hollowness that cannot be filled or replaced. She drowns in depression and is content with staying locked in her room and not living her life. But then her best friend steps in and things start to look up a little. 

Shelby refuses to let Emma drown in her grief so she concocts a plan to get her out the house and keep her busy. They get jobs and hang out with old and new friends. But Shelby still doesn't reach Emma completely. She helps her forget for a little while but when Emma is alone thoughts of James consume her. Until they become more than thoughts. 

When James turns out to be  a Guardian, a protector, Emma is ecstatic with the change of circumstances and begins to live her life again. But not really. She lives for her time alone with James in her bedroom and refuses to let him leave again. Even if she can't have him in real life she would settle for just having him near.

But in real life there is Dane. Sweet, loving and funny Dane. What starts off as a friendship between the two quickly turns into much more for Dane. He really cares for Emma but knows that she will always love James and never open up to anyone else. He settles for helping her through her grief and maybe one day being able to find a place in her heart. But he's fighting against a ghost. One that refuses to leave. 

Throw into all the fried a psycho ex friend, Guardian will have you wrapped up in its pages. 

I look forward to reading on and finding out what happens. If I had one wish for future books it would be for Emma to learn to deal with reality. I know that many who read this will be okay with what transpires but to me its unhealthy and I would like to see her get better. I adore James but let's be real, he's dead. 

Anyways, what are you waiting for? Pick this up and check out Emma, James and Dane's story! Yes Dane because if you haven't noticed I totally adore him! :D

HAPPY READING!!

**GIVEAWAY**

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NEW RELEASE: Deamhan by Isaiyan Morrison

Book Information:

Her soft golden skin, her warm smile...these are the only images Veronica Austin has left of her mother who disappeared without a trace twenty years ago on the streets of Minneapolis while researching the Ramanga, the Lamia, the Metusba, and the Lugat. Known only as the Deamhan, they are a different breed from the modern bloodsucking vampire. A stranger to this world, Veronica's search for the truth about her mother s unexplained disappearance takes her into their sinister and precarious world. She gains the trust of the only other human familiar with the Deamhan lifestyle. With his help she finds not only can the Deamhan not be trusted but it s her own father, president of a ruthful organization of researchers, who has diabolically maintained that distrust.

BUY NOW:AMAZON

Join us Wednesday August 21st from 3-7 CDT. You know you'll want to hang out at this vampire themed event, we have tons of fun games and awesome prizes for you to win!!

We also have a few big prizes to give away!! Three lucky winners will win either a $30,$20 or $10 Amazon card!! Enter the Rafflecopter!!

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RELEASE DAY EVENT: Supernatural Seduction by Aneesa Price

Book Information:

Witch-vampire, Sophie, has the power to feel and influence others’ emotions. With the establishment of the Coffin Girls as warriors for the Goddess that kick supernatural ass, the effects of her empath abilities threaten to harm her. Sylvain, the mischievous and seductive fae prince and Coffin Girls ally, offers her the assistance of the fae to hone her powers. Sophie is drawn to Sylvain, which unnerves her as her hope for love has only ever led to devastation. The two of them must face the demons of their past, unknown enemies and new evil to find true happiness at last.

BUY NOW: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
Coffin Girls (Book #1): Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Join Aneesa Price Tuesday August 13th from 1-3 Pst. We have tons of fun games, and some amazing prize packs for you all to win!! It's going to be a ton of fun, you won't want to miss this one!

Hope to see you all there!!

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