REVIEW: Divine Vices by Melissa Parkin

Synopsis

Danger seldom leaves its victims unscathed in the ways of seduction, and this lesson is one that sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster now knows all too well.

Nine months following the traumatic accident that claimed the life of her mother and sister, this high school junior has at last found a fresh start in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine. In the company of her best friends, Ian and Gwen, she’s bracing the usual turmoil of adolescence and taking all in stride… until the new transfer student, Jackson Matthews, comes walking into her life. He’s arrogant, sarcastic, roguish, devastatingly sexy, and the very last thing Cassie wants to entertain. But when circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself a bit too close for comfort as their bond intensifies. Plagued by unexplainable events, a sudden string of disappearances, and even a cult-related murder, Cassie begins to fear for her life. Is it all just a coincidence that these happenings began when this Casanova strolled into town, or has she in fact fallen for a real lady-killer, or worse?

 ADD TO GOODREADS

 

(Thank you to the author for providing a reviewing copy.)

The Plot

Cassie Foster lives a semi-normal life. After a tragic accident claims the life of her mother and sister she only has her father. With her two best friends everything in Cassie’s life seems to be going pretty well. But when girls start disappearing and Cassie starts feeling like someone is hunting her, she attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery. Along with her best friends, and an unlikely ally, Cassie learns a little more about who she is and what real dangers surround her.

The Characters

I must say that Cassie is a pretty great heroine. Although she has her moments of jumping to the wrong conclusions she is pretty much a strong heroine. She is a wonderful friend to both Gwen and Ian considering their personalities are all different. She doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do and when she needs to speak up she does so without hesitation. The moment that Jackson Matthew walks into her life everything she has always thought she knew turns out to be so much more. He is infuriating and shallow but there is a part of her that knows there is so much more. The way she handles Jackson gives us a look at the real building of a relationship, I think. Although things pile up against him and he is arrogant and tests her temper repeatedly, she still gives him a chance, even if that chance might put her in danger.

Jackson was a good character. He was your typical swoon-worthy bad boy. He was very secretive throughout the whole book which made it difficult to connect with him. On top of that he was pretty distant most of the times which didn’t really make me life him much.

I have to mention Gwen and Ian because they were pretty integral to his story. Gwen was the best friend that wants to be popular and is chasing boys all the time. But she was pretty faithful to her friends and pretty smart when it came to attempting to solve a crime. Ian on the other hand was the best friend or boyfriend that every girl wants. Although he had his awkwardness he was comfortable in his own skin and didn’t let anyone being him down. He loved and protected Cassie and Gwen which made me adore him. He was definitely Cassie’s rock during this story. I for one can’t wait to read more about him and his abilities. I have to say that I loved his character, maybe even a little bit more than Jackson.

The Romance

I enjoyed the building on Cassie’s and Jackson’s relationship only because it was normal. They hated each other one moment and couldn’t get enough of each other the next. The witty comments between the two were definitely a part of this book that I liked. Jackson brings out the worse in Cassie, but in a good way. She comes out of her shell when he’s around and testing her patience.

The Wrap-up

Divine Vices was a pretty good read. It did have its moments where I just lost interest in the story because of the pace. There were also moments at the end which confused the hell out of me, I’m not sure if it was because the author had a hard time explaining what was going on or maybe too much was happening at once. At the end of the story I really didn’t understand what the heck was going on, other than that they were after Cassie. I think I would read the rest of the books in this series but I’m not anxiously awaiting them either. All in all I would say pick this book up and give it a try. 

HAPPY READING!

~REVIEW~ Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton

 

Synopsis

ZANDER—The most feared of all the Eternal Guardians. It’s rumored he can’t be killed, and he always fights like he has nothing to lose. But as a descendant of the famed hero Achilles, he’s got to have a vulnerability… somewhere.

Forces of daemons are gathering and have broken through the barriers of the Underworld. Now more than ever the Eternal Guardians are needed to protect both their own realm and the humans’. Zander can’t afford to think about what might have been with the bewitching physician he once regarded as his soul mate. But with eternity stretching before him, he also can’t fathom spending his life without the one woman who makes him feel most alive. Perhaps he’s found his weakness, after all…

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~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

ZANDER is one of the oldest living Argonauts in Argolea. Cursed with spending eternity watching those he loves die, Zander has lived a life filled with pain. Ten years ago he finally found his soul-mate, only to be divided by manipulation and miscommunication from others. With no purpose in life, Zander does the only thing that will give him one. He decides to marry Isadora. But the fight with Atalanta's daemons is heating up and Zander comes to the realization that he might be immortal but can be killed. He also gets something he never knew could happen; the possibility of a second chance with Callia, his soul-mate. But attaining a second chance is difficult when she despises him and he holds resentment towards her for destroying him ten years earlier. Entwined is their story...

The Characters

Zander reminds me so much of Zsadist from JR Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood series. He is such a lonely and destructive Argonaut. He has lived centuries in pure loneliness while he see’s his brothers and family go on to a better place. He has never had anything to live for and wishes so much for something so that he can have a purpose in his life. Underneath all that agony and angst there is a man suffering because of his curse. Although he seems detached at times when he is with Callia you get to see just how deep his love and devotion is. He is a fierce protector and is loyal warrior.

Now although I enjoyed Casey in Marked I have to say that I adored Callia. She is fragile in the beginning and is manipulated by those that she thinks love her. As she grows to learn about her strengths and fight for what she wants she turns into a fierce heroine. She doesn’t cower when Zander becomes intimidating and she doesn’t sit back and let others fight her battles.Although hard headed at times I admired her determination and that she wasn't a pushover.

Then there is Max. In Marked we were introduced to him and some may have realized the connection he has to the Argonauts. In Entwined you will finally get the answers to his connection. He was such a wonderful kid but was raised under the poison of Atalanta so that is his biggest struggle. Seeing the strength he had was so heartbreaking only because of the environment he grew up in.

I want to point out all the other characters because they are what makes this series what it is. I enjoyed catching up with Casey,Theron, Isadora, and the other Argonauts. Isadora was pretty weak in this book and a bit of a cow so I’m looking forward to getting into her head in Twisted. Orpheus and Nick are also a mystery that I am dying to unravel.

The Romance

Zander and Callia have so much bad history that it is a long journey for these two. They are both living through the pain of the decisions made ten years earlier. Decisions that broke the foundation they both tried so hard to build. When they finally have to confront their past their story truly begins. The love these two have for each other has held over 10 years so when they both are thrust together it is both wonderful and tumultuous. Zander and Callia are both kindhearted as well as have strong personalities. Their moments together were great but also frustrating at times because of the miscommunications.

The Wrap-Up

Entwined is currently my favorite in the Eternal Guardians series! This one was more of my type of book only because it wasn’t all about sex with these two. Their story had so many other elements that were focused on that it was easier to connect with these two and their story. I was worried that their HEA was never going to happen but after all the storms their sunny day arrived and I adored it.

HAPPY READING!

~REVIEW~ Fighting for Infinity by Karen Amanda Hooper

Synopsis

Every moment, every lifetime, every decision—including her choice to erase—has led Maryah to this.

Two outcomes are possible: an infinite happy-ever-after with her kindrily or the final severing of her relationship with Nathan.

Closer to the enemy than ever before, Maryah unravels the diabolical plan that Dedrick has been manipulating into place for centuries. Revelations, secrets, and lies surface faster than Maryah can process. She doesn’t know who to trust, what to believe, or how to save her loved ones from the desolate future Dedrick is so close to executing.

Guided by an enigmatic raven-haired prisoner, Maryah fights body and soul to save Nathan, her kindrily, and countless others. But is her love strong enough to alter a prophecy written in the stars?

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~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

Being the final book in the series FFI wraps up Maryah and Nathans story in a wonderful way. This book will answer all of our brewing questions and will have you at the edge of your seat. Throughout book 1 and 2 Maryah has wanted to remember and to know why she erased and in this final book we finally get the answer. An answer I did not see coming! While there are many sweet parts in this book some of it is utterly revolting. Dedrick is on a mission and during that mission he stops at NOTHING to get what he wants.

The Characters

So Maryah frustrated me a bit in this. Throughout the book I wanted her to actually listen to what people were saying but NO she just freaks out all the time. She feels hopeless and helpless throughout most of the book and that was frustrating to see, seeing as how powerful she was in her past lives. Her Kindrily held her hand so much that she became despondent on them. The only time that begins to change is when she meets Rina. Nevertheless, it was a journey seeing her find herself and I did like how her resolve to learn and try lead her to finally finding herself.

So Nathan on the other hand was his regular sweetheart. He has been through so much heartache after losing his “twin flame” that throughout the book you want him to finally get his HEA. But that doesn’t come without consequences and barriers. He has to learn to have faith in Maryah the same way he had in Mary and it’s something he struggles with because of his need to protect Maryah. He learns to not be the leader all the time and in some way learns to have more faith in those around him.

Now this book would not be a perfect without the Kindrily. All sixteen members are just as amazing in this as they were in the previous books. We see more of Krista and Carson’s new relationship as well as catch up with Harmony and Gregory after their reunion. We also meet new members of the Kindrily that will have you smiling from ear to ear; some who you expect and one in particular that will have you squealing with joy. I can’t say more without giving it away so you will have to read and find out! :)

The Romance

I have to admit that in Taking Back Forever I felt like we didn’t get a lot of Maryah and Nathan, at least not enough for my liking. In FFI there was the love and really romantic ending but because Maryah is on a different journey this time she and Nathan aren’t together a lot during the book. The times they are, is spent discussing plans to get rid of Dedrick as well as save their loved one. Don’t get me wrong though the “new” relationship between both characters is still growing and we get to see Nathan try to help her remember as well as come to love and have faith in Maryah and Mary as one person.

The Wrap-Up

Although I was frustrated with Maryah a lot throughout this book and some parts lagged a little I wouldn’t not read it again! There are so many things we learn and some AMAZING characters in this series that I really just want more! I want more of Krista and Carson’s relationship but mostly more of Rina and Dakota. So here’s my plea Karen for more Rina and Dakota!! :)

Happy Reading!! 

Favorite Quotes:

"You never have, nor will you ever burn out. You are the light of all my lives. Then, now, and eternally."

"People they come together. People they fall apart. No one can stop us now "Cause area all made of stars."

~REVIEW~ Capstone by Misty Provencher

Synopsis

It's supposed to stink. That's what Cusps do.
The Ianua, Nalena and Garrett's own community, have welcomed them back by charging them as traitors and chucking them into the Hotel Celare's slammer.
And outside the fortress walls, it's no better.
The Cusp is at full-boil as the world finally surrenders to The Fury's lifestyle. Looting, riots, murders—every kind of crime has become the norm—and The Fury want to make it all permanent. They might even succeed, now that they've nabbed all thirteen of the Ianua's Cornerstones.
To preserve mankind, the only chance the Ianua have left is to beat The Fury to the Earth's Core and somehow trigger the Reset.
Like that's easy.
There's no manual on how to activate a Reset. Nobody even knows if there’s an actual Core to the Earth.
Shoot, it could be one big myth; an epic waste of effort.
But the Addo thinks there is one last hope.
Maybe.
So long as someone is willing to sacrifice everything to be mankind's long shot.

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

The Plot

Capstone starts off right where Jamb left off. The tables have turn and now Nali, Garret and the rest of the people that escapes The Chasm are now prisoners of the remaining Cura’s. When they try to prove their innocence they are spurned. And when Nali is given a mission by the missing Aldo she has to choose love or life.  But with Garrett by her side Nali is given a strength she didn’t know she had. So as they journey to put a stop to Van’s plans both will endure the biggest test in their relationship. Lives are lost, betrayals are committed and many relationships are tested in this final book.

The Characters

From the beginning on this series I have loved every character in this series. Nali started off a bit weak but her strength grew as the book progressed and I enjoyed seeing her progression. Garrett has always been his wonderful self and I didn’t ever stop being that. He was protective of Nali as well as his family and that didn’t stop throughout the series. My heart truly broke for him through the series and this final book.

The secondary characters in this series are something that I really enjoyed. I felt like everyone had their own little part to play and no one was overlooked.

The Romance

Throughout the series Garret and Nali’s love has been the greatest factor in Nali’s journey. With each other they were able to conquer the bad and good and that didn’t stop in this final book. But when it came down to the end where we wanted this couple to have their HEA I was utterly pissed off. After spending four books reading about the power of their love and the struggle of them being together at times I was so let down with how it ended. I was so pissed that I felt cheated and still do.

The Wrap-Up

So even though this was a good book I have to say that it dragged at times. And like I mentioned above the ending was crap. I’m not usually so upset over an ending because I don’t expect them all to be good ones but this one just didn’t HAVE an ending which is why I’m so upset. Because of those two things Capstone fell down to 3.5 stars.  

So pick up Capstone if you've read the rest, at least to finish the series.

Happy Reading!

~REVIEW~ Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Synopsis

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

ADD TO GOODREADS

~MY REVIEW~

So this started off a bit dull and I was worried I would put it down quick. But then Anna and Kaidan meet and the book gets a lot more interesting! After their initial interaction I could not put the book down. I just had to read one more page which turned into 200 more, and so you all know the dilemma. :)

Anna is a sweet and naive sixteen year old. She was raised in a protective shell and is just SWEET all around. But she’s special; she knows it but just tries to be normal. When she meets Kaidan what she is doesn’t seem like an afterthought anymore. Anna must deal with the realization that she has two souls battling inside of her. Good vs Bad. Temptation has always been something she can control. But when Kaidan enters the picture and her life is not sheltered anymore temptation doesn’t seem so easy to battle for her.

Kaidan is a playboy. He is the drummer of a band and has girls coming and going from his bed every night. But what we quickly learn is that he has NO CHOICE but to be that way because of who he is. Right since his introduction readers can’t help but feel as enthralled with Kai as Anna was.  I have to admit that her quick infatuation with Kai had me cringe for a moment only because she was this sweet naive girl and suddenly she’s lusting over this drummer. A chapter or two later you realize why and as the story progresses your heart can’t help but weep for him. He really has no choice in his life and it is sad.

The chemistry and build up of their relationship was enjoyable and all the moments between Kai and Anna were wonderful. The secondary characters are also great and all the details and information put into the storyline makes you want to know more. It is a wonderful Angel vs Demon story and I look forward to seeing where things go from here. 

HAPPY READING!

Favorite Quotes:

“We have to face difficulties to find out what our true strengths are. How we come back from failure is a very valuable test.” 

“I felt you come alive when we kissed, and I know you’re afraid of that. Afraid to
unleash that other side of yourself. ” 

“The beauty of poetry is that it can mean different things to different people at different times.”  

“...there is no way of truly knowing one’s heart until one is put to the test.”

~COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY~ Fighting for Infinity by Karen A. Hooper

The third and final book in The Kindrily series, FIGHTING FOR INFINITY, by Karen Amanda Hooper has a magical new cover. To celebrate, she's giving away a signed paperback and an ebook bundle!

But first, are you ready to see the cover? Bring on the mystery...

Synopsis

Every moment, every lifetime, every decision--including her choice to erase--has led Maryah to this. 

Two outcomes are possible: an infinite happy-ever-after with her kindrily or the final severing of her relationship with Nathan. 

Closer to the enemy than ever before, Maryah unravels the diabolical plan that Dedrick has been manipulating into place for centuries. Revelations, secrets, and lies surface faster than Maryah can process. She doesn’t know who to trust, what to believe, or how to save her loved ones from the desolate future Dedrick is so close to executing. 

Guided by an enigmatic raven-haired prisoner, Maryah fights body and soul to save Nathan, her kindrily, and countless others. But is her love strong enough to alter a prophecy written in the stars? 

FIGHTING FOR INFINITY releases April 30, 2014.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Hooper was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.

Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.

For more info on Karen or her books visit: www.KarenAmandaHooper.com

~GIVEAWAY~

Want to win a signed copy of GRASPING AT ETERNITY or TAKING BACK FOREVER? Or, an ebook bundle of the first two books of The Kindrily series? Enter the Rafflecopter contest below.

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