REVIEW - INVOKING THE WITCH - BY LINDSEY JAYNE

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

A group of women have a dark and forbidding goal in mind. 
They want to raise hell, and they’re murdering witches and sacrificing their unborn babies in the name of their deadly beliefs. 

General Lucas Drake leads a unit of elite, vampire warriors known as the Faction, tasked with safeguarding the apprised human population against anything immorally supernatural. So when Lucas gets the call that pregnant women are being murdered in a manner suggesting witchcraft, he enlists the help of paranormally-adept DCI Amelia Ellis and her team. 
Together they discover a horror with frightening complications involving black magic, death and sacrifice, but to what end? How do they find who’s committing such brutal atrocities with no leads and time running out? 

Pregnant Elora Lincoln is a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship. When the abuse turns violent, Elora leaves him, but not before her mentally malicious boyfriend tells her that they are coming for her, and she had better watch out. They will stop at nothing until they get what they want – by any means necessary. 
In order to protect her from Daniel she is taken to the Compound – a secured building that houses the General and his team. 

But how does Elora fit into all of this? Is she another pawn in this game? The answers lie in her ghostly past. 
Beyond scared, she seeks comfort in the arms of Deacon, The General’s second in command. He promises to protect her, but experiences failure when she is kidnapped from right in front of him. After discovering what is in store for her, can Deacon save her in time before she becomes another victim in this dark game? 
Can they all stop what’s happening before the coven wins, and Hell walks the Earth? 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I really wanted to love this book.  I did enjoy reading it, but there were just a few things that bothered me.  But let's start with this creeptastic cover.  I love it.  Seriously it creeps me out.  It's what made me want to read the book in the first place ;).

I liked the story, I have to admit I did enjoy the book.  There is way too much language in it for my liking.  I obviously liked it enough to keep reading, but I probably wouldn't have if it wasn't for a review.  It's not that language keeps me from reading books, I just don't like the f bomb dropped so much.  It's a personal issue.

The story was exciting.  I hated Elora's boyfriend.  He was an abusive jerk.  This was only the first installment, so I am sure that the next book will be even better.  I feel a battle coming on.  I think it will be a great battle.

A story of witches and vampires.  Figuring out who the good and the bad in this story is going to be interesting.

Although this wasn't a total win for me, it might be for another.  It was an interesting story, I just didn't like the language.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Language, and some physical abuse.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Lindsey lives in Derby, England with her partner, Simon and their Bedlington Terrier, Huxley

On occasion, Lindsey and Hux like to terrorise Simon... or rather he likes to terrorise them... well, mainly Hux, but that's another story for another time.

While she loves to read and write, she also likes to shop for expensive luxuries she likely doesn't need, with money she definitely does not have! In order to fund her addiction, she works full time as a Sales Executive in the retail/import industry.

When she isn't indulging in a spot of retail therapy, she can be found glued to some form of computer playing one 'shoot 'em up' game or another! She also likes painting, photography, interior design and psychology.

She isn't a complete hermit, though. She also loves to spend time with her family, friends and loved ones doing any number of socially acceptable (most of the time) things.

She is a huge fan of paranormal, thrillers and erotic fiction. And if all three are combined, she is in heaven. Especially when it comes to Alpha males!!! 

RELEASE DAY FOR SUMMER QUEEN BY AMBER ARGYLE

For a limited time, Winter Queen and Of Fire and Ash are on sale for 99 cents on Amazon! Spread the word:  #kindlecountdown #99cents Winter Queen by @amberargyle! http://goo.gl/b2kFSh  #kindledeal #KindleUnlimited #kindlebooks #FairyTail #ebook    #kindlecountdown #99cents Of Fire and Ash by @amberargyle!http://goo.gl/ROsIDz  #kindledeal #KindleUnlimited #kindlebooks #FairyTail #YA

Poised to become the most powerful priestess in Idara, Nelay doesn’t have time to become a pretty bauble for the king. She’s too busy saving her people from the invading army sweeping across her kingdom.  But in defeat after defeat, Nelay begins to realize a bigger power is at play than that wielded by mere mortals. Only she can stand between the cinders of her once-great nation and the vengeance of a goddess.

Summer Queen Release day! Holy moly, this one has been a long time coming (thanks for sticking with me)! For a while there, I wasn't sure it would ever be finished . . .okay, maybe it's still not finished (the paperback isn't up yet--it's coming, promise!). I can honestly say I've never had more obstacles while writing a book. It's also the longest book I've ever written, coming in at a whopping 116K words. Nevertheless, I'm thrilled with how it turned out. The challenge to write a "red" character was a difficult one, as it's a very different mindset from my own "blue" (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, check this out). I'm sorta in love with Rycus. He's my favorite hero, simply because of his wit and humor. I loved Jezzel too, she was super fun to write. Maran's character was inspired by several friends in abusive relationships. Through Nelay's eyes, the young mother's growth felt like part of my own journey.

REVIEW OF - THE SECRET INVASION - THE GOD CHRONICLES TRILOGY - BOOK 1 - BY JON D. ZIMMER

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

The mission to save Earth from a self-proclaimed deity from a long ago life is now in doubt.
Dominic Dred has decided to leave the place where life’s journey continues after Earth, and return to his beginnings to become its ruler. He believes he has emerged as a deity.


What ensues is the unknown war for Earth. A war that is hidden from the populations, under the guise of terrorism…a horrific war of treachery, betrayal, and homicide.


The only thing that stands between a subjugated Earth and freedom is a beautiful woman from another dimension where existence continues, and a scientist from Earth. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I was suppose to review this book last month, but March ended up being a no good, very bad month.  I finally got a chance to sit and read it.  Actually I listened to it on my Kindle with the awesome robot text to speech.  I know that sounds silly, but I like the robot.  It allows me to put my own voice to the characters.

Dominic represents the devil in this book.  He is a great bad guy.  He is cunning, a sweet talker, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.  Sound like the Devil?  Does to me.  The whole time I was reading this book I was thinking that this is JUST how Satan works.  

Dominic wants to rule everything.  He is convinced he is God, and that the people from his dimension are trying to kill him.  Yet, we realize that the people of Tranquility and Earth are trying to save themselves, and put Dominic back in his place.

This story made me think about how easy it is to convince people to do your bidding.  It's a battle between good and evil, and it's fascinating to read. 

There is a love story to boot in this book.  I think it moved a little too fast, but I liked the characters so it was "okay" for me, and I find my self rooting for their relationship to continue.

This was a great, solid start to a new series.  I am looking forward to reading more from this author, and this series.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Thanks To:  John D. Zimmer for the opportunity to read this book.  It was a wonderful start to a series.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

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Synergebooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Synergebooks

Jon Zimmer graduated from Cal State Northridge, California with a degree in business. He started his career in business, ultimately managing several divisions of two large corporations. He was also involved in the start-up of two businesses, one of which he became the owner. 

He took up writing as a hobby, creating several short stories during his business career. It was then that he knew that writing was for him. However, he stayed in business, took an early retirement, and finally began his chosen career as a writer. 

He has always been an avid reader, and a political activist. Zimmer has had three other novels published in the past several years: The Trinity Pact, a political fantasy, The Cozy Place, (Romance/Mystery),and Generations – Birth of an American Aristocracy (Historical Fiction).

FREE EBOOK - FLOWERS IN THE SNOW BY DANIELLE STEWART

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

If you step across the threshold of Betty Grafton’s house, you can be sure of two things: she’ll feed you until you’re ready to bust and she’ll love you before you even realize you’re worthy of it. She’s spent her life building a family that finally feels complete. 

But as sad news forces her to relive the darkest moments of her life, she decides to share the story with those she loves. Revealing the hard truth about growing up in the South during the 1960’s is difficult but necessary. She tells the tale of how an unlikely friendship shaped her into the woman she is today. Exposing her mistakes, her fears, and her impossibly difficult heart break, Betty strives to teach them all what it means to truly love. 

WHERE TO GET YOUR FREEBE!!!

Amazon: ibooks: barnes & noble: kobo:

Google Play

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BOOK TOUR FOR AWAKENING BY SHANNON DUFFY

Awakening

by Shannon Duffy 

Release Date: 04/07/15

Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy.

Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darien, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it.

Then Darien shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darien be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books

About the Author

Author of MG and YA books full of adventure. I grew up on the east coast of Canada in the province of Newfoundland and now live in Ontario. I love writing, reading, fashion, fitness, and traveling.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

Book Tour Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours

COVER REVEAL FOR - MARRYING CHRISTOPHER BY MICHELE PAIGE HOLMES

Release date for Marrying Christopher is July 2015.

About the Marrying Christopher:

Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea.

Purchase the other books in the Hearthfire Romance series:

  

About the Author:

Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children's literature. 

Michele is the author of six romance novels, including the 2007 Whitney Award winning COUNTING STARS. In 2014 Michele launched the Hearthfire historical romance line with the publication of SAVING GRACE and LOVING HELEN. 

Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fifteen years and feels that joining a critique group is the single best thing an author can to do help improve his or her writing. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences.

When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shitzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains. You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.comand on Facebook and twitter.

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LDS WOMEN'S BOOK REVIEW

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MIN READS AND REVIEWS

REVIEW - SIEGE AND STORM BY LEIGH BARDUGO

pic and description taken from Goodreads:

DESCRIPTION:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I am so glad I waited to read this because now I can devour the series.  This book was even better than the first book.  It was so exciting.

I do not even think I mentioned the world building in the previous review, but I love it.  I love the maps at the front of the book.  It is so much fun when authors do that with worlds they have built.  I really felt like I was living in the book with the characters.  I could feel the darkness and despair they were feeling.  I could feel how anxious the people were just waiting for The Darkling to appear.

I could feel my self blushing when Alina would blush.  I use to make fun of my daughter when she did this..hehe.  I have now realized that the more I read the more the world pops out in my head, and my emotions are linked to the books I am reading.  It's fabulous.  I cannot believe I hated reading as a kid.  I missed out on so many fun adventures.  Even if they would have been in my head.  hehe.

There is so much tension in this book.  Alina and Mal seemed to find a little place to live and be a "normal" couple.  I knew in my head it wouldn't last long, but it was fun while it lasted.  They are such a cute couple.

Alina gets another amplifier in this book and she is finding it harder and harder to hold back the power that comes along with it.  Alina finds out that their may be a third amplifier, and wants to go seek it out.  Meanwhile, Alina has taken over The Darklings place, and they are preparing for war with him.

We also get to meet a few new characters in this book.  One, helped her and Mal escape from The Darkling again.  Twin Grisha's who are to protect Alina.  A few other characters show their nasty heads back in this book as well.  

Alina is becoming more power hungry and in the process is pushing Mal away.  Let me just say...they better end up together or I might cry.

This book was so exciting.  I thought the first one was, and then I fell into this book.  It was wonderful, every step of the way.  I love the feelings the author brought out in me during my reading of this book.  I love the writing...it's beautiful.  I just all around loved this book.

I cannot wait to see what the conclusion brings!  I am a little nervous to start reading it.  I have heard so many great things, but ending a series is always nerve racking for me.  I am one of those people that if the ending doesn't work for me it kind of ruins the whole experience for me.  So, onto book three.....Here's hoping it is as fantastic as the previous two!

Source:  I bought this series for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Leigh Bardugo is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising). 

She was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and most recently, makeup and special effects. These days, she’s lives and writes in Hollywood where she can occasionally be heard singing with her band. Her new book, Six of Crows, arrives fall 2015.

She would be delighted if you followed her on Twitter, elated if you visited her web site, and downright giddy if you liked Shadow & Bone on Facebook. 

REVIEW - SHADOW AND BONE BY LEIGH BARDUGO

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I just saw a fellow blogger say "why did I wait so long to start a series"....well I am saying that right now.  I have had this series on my self since the last book came out.  Dang, why didn't I start it right away???

This book grabbed me from the very beginning.  Two orphan kids living together, becoming best friends, just to be taken away from each other to learn where their abilities would best suit their nation.  Mal and Alina.   They are about to find out just how hard life can be.

Alina is taken away to be trained as a member of the Grisha.  She has a power that no one has seen before.  The Darkling believes that she is the one who is going to help save their nation.  

Alina finds out she has power within her she never knew she had.  When she finally embraces it, she realizes what a beautiful thing it could be.  Alina is convinced by the Darkling that she is the one he has been searching for to save their nation and to take them through the dreaded Fold.  

Alina is trained in combat and taught how to call upon her power when needed, and finally feels alive.  The Darkling is looking for an amplifier for her powers.  There are trackers sent out to find this mysterious stag so they can cut off his antlers, and make Alina's amplifier the greatest there is.

When trackers are hired to find this stag, they come to the Darkling to go over their plans.  Mal.  Alina's lost friend is the tracker.  They see each other and the world seems to come full circle for the two of them...Until Alina realizes the Darkling may be using her for a much more sinister reason.

This story was so exciting to me from the beginning to the end.  Alina's life is fascinating and scary all at the same time.  Mal, is a great character who I cannot help but love.  He is so happy to have found Alina and their friendship starts off right where it left off.  

I loved the intensity of this book.  It was hard to put down.  I am still wondering why I took so long to start it.  I am anxious to continue the series to see where the rest of the stories takes me.  The ending leaves me definitely wanting more.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Leigh Bardugo is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising). 

She was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and most recently, makeup and special effects. These days, she’s lives and writes in Hollywood where she can occasionally be heard singing with her band. Her new book, Six of Crows, arrives fall 2015.

She would be delighted if you followed her on Twitter, elated if you visited her web site, and downright giddy if you liked Shadow & Bone on Facebook.