Book review: Nemesis by Anna Banks

**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**

4 ½ stars

Being an undercover princess on the run from your family can be difficult – but being all those things PLUS being beautiful and having a major secret practically makes you a target for bad things happening.  Sepora is the last known Forger – her body creates and expels spectorium, a priceless liquid that can be made into materials for building, used in creating power, as well as a number of other things that make life run more smoothly.  But she’s tired of Forging for her father, the King of Serubel, who keeps her locked away from everyone so they don’t know she is the source of the precious substance.  And when she threatens to stop Forging for him, he locks her away in the dungeon – but her mother takes pity on her and assists her in escaping, while faking her death.  She doesn’t care where she’s able to run to, as long as it away from her power hungry father.  So she runs…

Being a prince not ready for his time to rule, but forced to be prepared upon his father’s untimely death from a mystery disease that kills with utter swiftness and is making its way through the kingdom of Theoria – hitting both old and young, male and female alike.  For Tarik, the now King of Theoria, his main concern is finding a cure for what is now called the Quiet Plague, and when Sepora ends up captured, sold into his harem, and demands to speak with him – from the moment he meets her realizes she is special in some way.  While he doesn’t realize her to be the presumed dead Princess of Serbel, he also knows that there is something about her – from the way she speaks to him, to the way she treats others.  That is partly due to the fact that Tarik is a Lingot, meaning her can distinguish a truth from a lie, and while Sepora learns how to speak with the intent of truth-telling, Tarik knows that while she is very special, she’s had a hard yet pampered path.  Throughout their trials together, the two begin to feel things for each other – but the fact that Tarik must marry a royal, but will love her is not something Sepora is willing to live with.  And while it’s found out that spectorium is at least a temporary fix for those with the Quiet Plague, never fully trusting Tarik and his intent leads Sepora on an emotional journey – one that could end up leading her right back into danger.  But it’s not a clear matter of right or wrong for Sepora, but rather of what is right for HER – meaning she makes a promise that no one will use her for her Forging powers, unless she deems them worth of such a gift (as she’s been used for it by her father for so long who does not use it for good most of the time).

While I’m not usually into more “historical” pieces (the whole story had a pharaoh mixed with the Middle Ages type feel), I loved everything about who Sepora was and the courage she had to find and make a new life for herself.  She was tough, intelligent, but still full of grace and clever words – enough so to make her way from runaway young lady, to captive, to the King’s harem, to the King’s Advisor’s attendant.  And Tarik, while smart, strong, and handsome, he still knows nothing when it comes to matters of the heart – but he wants to do right by his kingdom and its people, even if that means marrying a women he does not love – when the one he eventually does is in front of his face.  I thought the story was brilliantly written in a split POV between Sepora and Tarik, and their perspectives were important to the entire book.  I know Ms. Banks must have some amazing words up her sleeve to try to outdo the first part of Sepora and Tarik’s story, but I will try to keep my hopes low so she can blow me away once again!

Book review: Remember Yesterday by Pintip Dunn

Remember Yesterday by Pintip Dunn

**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**

4 ½ stars

This book picks up 10 years after Callie plunged the needle into her chest, all the in the name of keeping her “little” sister (whom is really her twin that was just implanted into her mother ten years after Callie was born), Jessa, from the horrible fate that she sees in her future.  In a world full of knowing the future and future visions of what life will be like for their society, a then 16 year old Callie thought she was salvaging a childhood for the then six year old Jessa – as well as the rest of the world by killing herself.  As part of a “send/receive” team, as twins, Callie believes that it will break the cycle and keep Jessa and their mother safe.  Even if it leaves them broken hearted – along with Callie’s boyfriend Logan and several others that had come to know Callie at Harmony, a safe community outside of Eden City that is for those gifted with talents.

But the now 16 year old Jessa is left feeling like the wrong sister died ten years ago – that it should have been her instead of Callie.  Because of this, she tends to act out against the Committee of Agencies, or ComA.  Her latest stunt is to release all the lab rats from the lab within ComA – which just so happens to be for an experiment for a boy her age, Tanner Callahan, whom is a ward of ComA as his parents were killed in an accident when he was six.  And when Jessa gets bite by one of the rats, she becomes infected with a strange, unknown ability.  At this point, Jessa feels it necessary to find out from Tanner just what she has been infected with, but the first meeting doesn’t go quite as Jessa expected.  So when they start running into each other more and more, their friendship grows beyond just young scientist and juvenile delinquent …they become friends that share about their difficult childhoods, and beyond to possibly more – neither one is quite sure what to think of the other’s allegiance.  And when Jessa finds out that Tanner is keeping a secret so major, it could literally change not only her whole life, but that of their entire worlds, it shakes Jessa to the core.  But with additional digging into this new development, along with Chairwomen Dresden – the evil head of ComA and Tanner’s boss – Jessa finds a new reason to keep going, she knows she’s there is more worth finding.  And with Tanner, her mother, and her other friends from Harmony, she knows that with love, anything can be done, even if it is a matter of life and death.

While I vastly enjoyed Callie’s story, I think I almost found Jessa’s story a little more enjoyable/ informative.  I learned a lot more about Callie’s story through Jessa’s story, 10 years later.  It amazes me how strong and smart both girls are – even more so seeing as they are twins – but they are different in one simple way…they each think the other will better serve the future than the other.  This surprised me in ways I didn’t think possible.  They are both very giving, loving, courageous, and smart, but it’s their love for each other – for their twin – that makes that strength shine so true in both of their stories.  I simply can’t WAIT to see what happens when their stories really collide in the next book – they are both older and more mature, so I could totally see a multiple POV tale in store for the Stone girls!

Cover Reveal: One Summer with Autumn by Julie Reece with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

One Summer with Autumn
by Julie Reece

Be on the look out for this upcoming release from
Swoon Romance!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

 

 

Seventeen-year-old Autumn Teslow arrives at her father’s job fair knowing she’ll never measure up to the perfect image of daddy’s little girl—her twin sister.

Wearing anger management issues like a second skin won’t help Autumn win her dad’s approval for the big trip she’s been planning—or meet his condition that she successfully complete a summer internship for college.

Autumn’s cool unravels when her sister lectures against disappointing the family again. And when a young, bearded guy steps through the crowd to settle the growing argument between siblings, Autumn lashes out, dubbing him a “Duck Dynasty wannabe.”

At Nineteen, Caden Behr is clueless as to why his man parts are threatened by the fearsome girl before him. He’d only come to find an intern for his recreational equipment company, not break up a girl-fight between two sisters.

Unfortunately, the only candidate left is the girl who just told him off. Without her, he’ll never prove to his CEO mother that he’s ready for more responsibility.

Autumn and Caden agree that if they can keep from killing one another, they can use one another to get what they want and then never have to see each other again. Which is what they want.

Until it isn’t.

Because despite her best efforts to scare him off, and his fading desire to push her into the lake, they’re beginning to enjoy the time they spend together. But pride is a hard habit to break. And if neither will admit their changing feelings, they could lose a whole lot more than one summer.

One Summer with Autumn
by Julie Reece
Publisher: October 18, 2016
Publisher: Swoon Romance

Available for Purchase:
Amazon

 

As a child, Julie’s summers were about horseback riding and fishing, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all. She struggled with multiple learning disabilities, and spent much of her time gazing out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) she fought dyslexia for her right to read and won.

Afterward, she invented stories where powerful heroines kicked bad-guy butt to win the hearts charismatic heroes. And then she wrote one down…

Writing ever since, Julie weaves southern gothic, contemporary, fantasy, and young adult romances. She enjoys sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. Her writing is proof a dream and some hard work can overcome any obstacle.

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Book review: One Paris Summer by Denise Grover Swank

**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**

5+ stars

When Sophie and her brother Eric find themselves on a plane to visit their father and his fiancé for their upcoming nuptials, while excited for a trip to Paris, France, they aren’t nearly as excited about seeing their father or the wedding.  For the budding pianist Sophie, she is beyond worried that a lack of practicing all summer will endanger her chance at a scholarship to a prestigious college.  And while her new step-mom, Eva is nice and happy to have them in Paris, her daughter and their new step-sister, Camille, is less than thrilled to not only have to share her room and home with Sophie, but that she is also expected to show them around on their visit.  When their first trip sightseeing ends up with Camille purposely loosing Sophie on the Metro, she knows she’s in for a long summer.  But then Mathieu, a childhood friend of Camille’s shows up to rescue Sophie, while she first thinks that it’s another of Camille’s cruel jokes, but Mathieu has a way about him that settles Sophie and sends her head spinning.  Even with her brother Eric’s friend Dane visiting them in Paris, whom Sophie’s had a crush on for some time, she sees the caliber of character difference and begins the spend more time with Mathieu, if even just to practice on his mother’s piano instead of the key board her father bought her.

Mathieu keeps his feelings just out of reach, and Sophie is continually baffled by him – his seeming interest, but then pulling back just when she starts to feel close to him. Between boy issues and daddy issues, Sophie can’t help but feel overwhelmed.  However, when she gets in front of the piano at Mathieu’s house, her tensions melt away and all the trouble with boys, her father, and even Camille are nothing but key strokes on the piano.  So when she gets the opportunity of a lifetime to play in a prestigious program, while she has her reservations, she decides to try.  With all of her ducks seemingly in a row, she finally begins to feel confident about her decisions – but when her best friend is in a terrible accident and someone comes between her and Mathieu, Sophie wonders if it hasn’t all been a trick of the bright lights in Paris.

I ADORED this book!  Ms. Grover Swank does yet another amazing job in setting the stage of the emotions and conflicts that Sophie feels on everything from boys she crushes on, to her piano career, and her relationships with her mom and dad.  But to have it set in the City of Lights made the story glide off the pages like a cool breeze – her dedication to keeping the French accurate, the names and places she mentions – it’s all summed up in a beautiful story of a young lady’s coming of age story and finding her way in the world.  While Sophie may be just another typical teenager, nothing about the way Ms. Grover Swank portrays her characters and their emotions is simply breathtaking!  Bravo!!

Book review: The Chosen Knights (Book 2) by Mary Ting

About THE CHOSEN KNIGHTS (The Angel Knights Book 2) A page turning mystery with a supernatural twist that entertains to the last page! ~InD’tale Magazine When teens go missing in Hawaii, a group of demon-hunters—half human and half angel—disguised as …

Cover Re-reveal: Tied (Fire Born #1) by Laney McMann

Tied
Laney McMann
(Fire Born #1)
Publication date: Revised book with new content coming September 2016
Genres: YA Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Are some truths worth risking your life for?

What if it meant admitting your nightmares were real—and so were your delusions?

Seventeen year-old Layla Labelle’s hallucinations have driven her to the brink—and she isn’t telling anyone. But when her dreams walk into her life in the form of Max MacLarnon, she is forced to rethink everything she thought she knew. Including whether or not Max actually exists.

Learning the truth will mean fighting an arsenal of demons, and being with Max will put her on a path toward her own destruction. When Layla’s world erupts into a dangerous reality, and every fact of her life forsakes her, she must remember who, and what, she is if she’s going to stay alive.

In a world where nightmares walk the earth, an ancient curse lives in an age-old legend the supernatural aren’t prepared to reveal. Layla will have to uncover the secret her ancestors are hiding, and make the biggest decision of her life—embrace who she is and follow the one she loves into a world of deadly myth and legend, or turn her back on her history, her destiny, and her love.

In TIED, Book One of The Fire Born Novels, what Layla and Max don’t know could kill them both. And unless they can find a way to stop the curse—the truth might tear them apart forever.

How far would you go … to protect the one you love?

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Author Bio:

Young Adult Dark Fantasy Writer, Myths and Legends Believer, Voracious Reader, Music Snob, World Builder, Poet, Quote Junkie. My thoughts on Writing, Social Media, Reading, Books, Publishing, and Music. Generally. Author of The Fire Born Novels TIED, TORN & TRUE Author of The Primordial Principles CRYSTALLUM 2015, DAEMONEUM 2016 Author of The CrossWorld Chronicles CROSSROADS (2016) Pub’d by J. Taylor Publishing, Jagged Lane Books, and formerly by Booktrope Editions Publishing.

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Book review: White Raven (The Raven Series Book 1) by J.L. Weil

White Raven (The Raven Series Book 1) by J.L. Weil

**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**

5 stars

When 17 year old Piper losses her mother to a horrible tragedy, her elusive grandmother, whom she’s never met, requests the summer with her and her little brother TJ on an island off the New England coast.  But when Piper and TJ arrive, they never could have prepared themselves for the huge and elaborate home that their grandmother lives in.  With Piper’s standoffish attitude and feelings for her grandmother, she keeps to herself and tries not to enjoy the lavish lifestyle, still in mourning over the loss of her mother and best-friend.  While in her shell of solitude, Piper wanders around the coastal town and meets Zoe, who is bubbly and outgoing.  She invites Piper to a bonfire, where she proceeds to meet Zoe’s three brothers, Zack – Zoe’s twin brother, Zander – the oldest Hunter sibling, and Zane – dark, brooding, and a complete jerk toward Piper.  But of course Piper feels a strange pull toward Zane and his obnoxious attitude, even though she knows she shouldn’t want to be talk to him…or see him…or dream of him.

When Piper starts feeling like she is being watched and Zane keeps popping in out of nowhere to intervene when she faces anything/one threatening, she begins to look for answers as to why people call her grandmother The White Raven, why Zane keeps calling her Princess, and why he and others have seemingly “invisible” tattoos that she can see, but others can’t…and why everyone keeps referring to her as a “Raven”.  With the on again, off again sparks she feels from Zane, when the eldest Hunter, Zander asks her out, she gladly accepts – he is literally just the tall, dark, and handsome to give her a little fun, but then Zane shows up and puts Piper’s life into a real tail spin.  And when he delivers the news that his father is THE Grim Reaper – that he is the son of death – and Piper is from the long line of powerful reapers known as banshee or a White Raven.  Zane tells her that she has the power to take a soul with one touch.  As her fascination with Zane grows, so does the danger she is in, as well as the information that she finally learns about her heritage – that her grandmother has an enormous amount of power, her mother didn’t want the reaper life for her (which is why she left Raven Hallow when she was pregnant with Piper), and that Piper is now next in line to be THE White Raven, “Queen” of all the reapers.  And not only that, but Piper also finds out that she is betrothed to Zander to unite the two most powerful families…falling for Zane shouldn’t have been a part of the deal.  But with danger waiting around every corner, Zane Hunter’s lips looking more kissable by the minute, and  her impending marriage to the other Hunter brother – Piper’s life is about to get more complicated than she could ever imagine.

Let me start of by saying I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!!  I thought that Piper’s character was well developed, she knew how to stand on her own two feet, but was still willing to trust and rely on others.  She was strong, funny, and even without knowing it, completely kickass!  Which leads me to Zane…hmm, how to describe him with his hard abs, kissable lips, and dark hair (ha!) – Piper gives us some pretty good imagery throughout as she falls hopelessly in love with him.  I thought that their banter was amazing, and even though their journey is far from over, it’s apparent that they are a team, bound by their souls in an amazing ride of love, life, death and all those things encompass.  Great series so far – can’t wait to see more butt kicking and lip locking for Piper and Zane!

Cover Reveal: A Fabrication of the Truth by Katie Kaleski

A Fabrication of the Truth
Katie Kaleski
Publication date: September 20th 2016
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

The last time Lexie Stein saw Dalton Reyes he lay in a pool of blood, hovering somewhere between life and death. Now, five years later, he’s the new guy in her high school.

What happened between then and now is a mystery Lexie is afraid to explore. Just one lie uncovered from her past can cause the house of cards she’s so carefully constructed to come crashing down around her. And Dalton is the key to that past.

She doesn’t need her grandmother’s warnings to convince her that Dalton means trouble. But the bond they shared as kids seems to have only gotten stronger, transforming into something wonderful and powerful.

When Dalton opens up about the intervening years and what they mean for his future, Lexie is determined not to let him get away a second time.

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Author Bio:

Katie Kaleski is a young adult author that hails from the midwest. A Fabrication of the Truth is her debut novel, but she will have plenty more books coming very soon.
Her favorite food is cereal with milk, she holds cookies in high regard, and she loves all things cute and fuzzy.

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Book Blitz: Soul Symmetry by J.L. Weil

Soul Symmetry
J.L. Weil
(Raven #3)
Publication date: August 2nd 2016
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

A BANSHEE.
A DEATH REAPER.
LOVE TRANSCENDING.

War is coming. The veil between the living and the dead no longer exists. Evil is running rampant and the universe’s symmetry balances on my fingertips. No big deal. Of course, nobody knows how or when the hallows will strike, or who among us is a traitor.

Hordes of vengeful spirits are multiplying by the minute, closing in ranks. Zane is poised to strike, but it’s going to take more than his killer instincts, more than swords and shadows to vanquish the hallows back where they belong. Stakes are higher than ever, yet I am determined to protect those I care about—to save the world.

Restoring the veil isn’t as easy as a snap of my fingertips. Nothing worth fighting for ever is. Friendship and loyalties are tested to the limit, sacrifices of unimaginable proportions are made, but in the end, all that matters is whether I succeed or fail.

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Previous books in the series:

—

EXCERPT:

“Zane,” I placed my hand on his chest, looking over my shoulder into the woods. The scent of death overpowered my nostrils, making them burn. “You better put on your superhero cape. We’re about to get some unwanted villains.”

He glanced down at me, eyes unfazed. “Piper, how many times do I have to tell you? I’m not the hero.”

My hands clutched his shirt. “You are to me.” Ice coated my insides. Hallows. They were approaching, fast.

The hardness in Zane’s expression softened. “Declan, I hope you’re ready to unleash your inner Chuck Norris.”

Declan cracked his knuckles. “I’m already game. Let’s use these assholes as dartboards.”

“Should I call—” …for backup, but it was too late. They were already here. A strange, almost prickling of anticipation twisted through me as the hallows emerged from the tree lines. Their eyes appeared first, breaking through the darkness like a dozen lanterns. They dipped and glided along the ground, coming straight for us.

I braced myself as the frightening hissing filled the air. The sight was jarring, and I was so glad to have Zane, Declan, and even Crash present.
The four of us were lined up in front of my car, the clearing quickly filling with the cold mist of the departed. “I love when people come back from the dead. Juices my zombie fetish,” Crash said dryly. “You up for this, cupcake?”

I remained in place, trying to control my inner turmoil and ignored Crash.

Zane, on the other hand, didn’t have my self-control. He pointed a finger in Crash’s face. “By God, if you try any funny business, I’ll kill you with my bare hands. And she’s not your cupcake.”

The sucky thing about being in the middle of nowhere…no streetlights. The only light we had was the measly bit of moonlight illuminating through the thick trees, hitting small sections of the clearing. I was going to have to rely heavily on my other senses and instinct.

A strip of darkness filled the center of the glade, and that was where the ghosts came from. Straight down the middle. As they drew closer, so did the scent of decay. It was a noticeable smell I’d never detected before, but as my banshee abilities strengthened, so did my other senses.

“Game on,” Crash said, and stepped out of his body, emerging a wolf. He let a howl, long and high.

 

Author Bio:

Award-winning and Bestselling author J.L. Weil writes Teen & New Adult Paranormal Romances about spunky, smart mouth girls who always wind up in dire situations. For every sassy girl, there is an equally mouthwatering, overprotective guy. Of course there is lots of kissing. And stuff.

Most of her books are for ages 16+. They usually have what she considers the good stuff – sexual content (oh yeah) and swearing. You have been warned 😉

An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, (yum!) and Jensen Ackles (double yum!). She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Wattpad

 

GIVEAWAY!
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Coming soon & a Giveaway: Soul Conquered by Lisa Gail Green

It’s been a long time since we started this journey—Lisa Gail Green’s Of Demons & Angels series is finally coming to a close with the upcoming publication of SOUL CONQUERED. Discover how the epic story ends on March 29th, 2016!

Of Demons & Angels is a fantasy-filled YA romance series—a tale of forbidden love…that leads to the apocalypse. To celebrate the series finally coming to an end, Full Fathom Five is offering the a set of print books to two winners!

How do you win, you ask? Just enter using any (or all) of the methods listed in the Rafflecopter below. The more ways you enter, the higher your chances of winning three fantastic print books!

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Full Fathom Five is also putting the first two novels in the series on sale. Soul Crossed (Book 1) is currently FREE, and Soul Corrupted (Book 2) is $0.99!

Haven’t started the Of Demons & Angels series yet? Here’s what you need to know to get you hooked on book one:

One Demon. One Angel. One Soul.

Josh lived a reckless, selfish life. So when he dies, assuming the role of a powerful, soul-corrupting Demon to escape the eternal torments of Hell is an easy choice. His first soul assignment seems like a piece of cake: the mortal Camden is already obsessed with weapons, pain, and torture. If only Josh wasn’t distracted by Cam’s beautiful friend, Grace.

Grace never expected to die violently at age sixteen, but now she’s an Angel, responsible for saving a soul. She can already see past Camden’s earthly flaws, so the job should be easy. If only that handsome playboy Josh would stop getting in the way…

It’s forbidden for an Angel to be with a Demon, so if Josh and Grace can’t resist each other, the results will be disastrous.

And only one can claim Cam’s soul.

This giveaway and sales end soon, so don’t hesitate – start the Of Demons and Angels series today!

Want to try out Josh and Grace’s story before you buy? Read a first chapter excerpt at Full Fathom Five’s website.