Month: April 2014
The Looking Glass Review + #Giveaway
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The Looking Glass
Jessica Arnold
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books
ISBN: 9781939765901
ASIN: B00HXZN0TS
Pages: 325
Goodreads Rating: 4.75
My Rating: 4.5
Book Description:
Find the diary, break the curse, step through The Looking Glass!
Fifteen-year-old Alice Montgomery wakes up in the lobby of the B&B where she has been vacationing with her family to a startling discovery: no one can see or hear her. The cheap desk lights have been replaced with gas lamps and the linoleum floor with hardwood and rich Oriental carpeting. Someone has replaced the artwork with eerie paintings of Elizabeth Blackwell, the insane actress and rumored witch who killed herself at the hotel in the 1880s. Alice watches from behind the looking glass where she is haunted by Elizabeth Blackwell. Trapped in the 19th-century version of the hotel, Alice must figure out a way to break Elizabeth’s curse—with the help of Elizabeth’s old diary and Tony, the son of a ghost hunter who is investigating the haunted B&B—before she becomes the inn’s next victim.
My Take On The Book:
This was a really interesting book. I find it funny, that I inadvertently picked a group of books to read and review, around the same time mind you, that all have similar topics… Death and the afterlife.
In this book you meet what your mislead into believing is a completely boring girl but you couldn’t be more wrong if you tried. Alice is a young girl struggling with insecurities many of us have faced but she definitely has a one up on us…she is trapped in a sort of limbo, neither dead nor alive. Her only way out is to break a curse or die within a week.
Its great tale, woven with all the aspects one might look for in a novel like this. You have a slew of endearing characters, frightening characters and of course, there is some romance. It is not a sweeping or all-consuming romance that burns; it’s more like an innocent first love kinda of romance. The romance is so sweet you might find yourself with a toothache 😉
4.5 Quills
This is the first I’ve heard of this author but based on the writing in this book, I look forward to reading more. I loved this story and the characters that were introduced. It was dark but not so dark that you might find yourself having nightmares lol. If I had to compare this book with another like it I’m not sure I’d be able to come up with a title. The closest in terms of darkness and being trapped would be ‘Untethered’ and ‘A Stranger with My Face’; but mind you, this book has nothing to do with astral projection. Give it a read and decide for yourself.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | The Book Depository | IndieBound
About The Author
Jessica Arnold writes YA, codes ebooks, and is currently a graduate student in publishing at Emerson College in Boston. She spends most of her time in class or work or slogging through the homework swamp. If she has a spare moment, she’s always up for a round of Boggle. Given the opportunity, Jessica will pontificate at length on the virtues of the serial comma, when and where to use an en dash, and why the semicolon is the best punctuation mark pretty much ever.
Author Links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Enter The Giveaway Here
Four (4) winners will receive an ebook copy of The Looking Glass by Jessica Arnold (INT)
One (1) winner will receive an ebook copy of The Looking Glass by Jessica Arnold AND a $10 Amazon Gift Card or B&N Gift Card – Winner’s Choice (INT)
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“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
First Impression Review + #Giveaway
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First Impression
Shadow Maven Series
Book #1
Pauline Creeden
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Release Date: March 31, 2014
Publisher: Altwit Press
ISBN: 978-1495303944
ASIN: B00J6MZQDY
Pages: 177
Goodreads Rating: 3.98
My Rating: 5.0
Book Description:
Chira Kelly thought she didn’t need anyone…until she met Ben.
Because of one ugly rumor, Chira lives as an outcast at her school. Which is fine with her, because she works better alone. Always has, always will. And at least she has her one and only true friend, Tasha.
When Tasha insists that they join a group to visit a possibly haunted abandoned old schoolhouse, she’s wary, but joins her friend. Because of that decision, their lives are in jeopardy as a malevolent spirit targets the group. Tragedies and accidents pick them off one by one, and Chira finds herself drawn to the one person who can see the truth. But can he protect her?
My Take On The Book:
A ghost story with a bang! Finally, one that I can really get into. I love movies with hauntings and ghost, even the ones with possessions but I have yet to read a good book with these elements… till now/ And while there isn’t a ton of ghostly action, the ghosts and there stories do play a big part of this story right down to the book title.
The cover while beautiful is beguiling, as I read the book I realized this book was less about the romance of the 2 main characters then it was about righting wrongs and self discovery. But it did have a nice healthy dose of character chemistry and butterflies. Ben and Chira are sooo cute together is their innocence.
Ms. Creeden hooked me from the first line… any opening unlike any other and you are instantly drawn into the world of The Shadow Maven Series. Usually while I read a book I enjoyed as much as this one, I wonder where the male POV is or vice versa but in the case of ‘First Impression’, I loved the use of one singular POV. You discovered this world, all its faults and all its characters through Chira’s eyes… Observant ones if you take the time to notice. And truth be told, to those wishing for Ben’s POV keep in mind that, being in his mind would completely ruin the book and its intrigue… there would be no mystery.
5 Quills
This is definitely a book I would recommend and if my stack of paperbacks wasn’t so ridiculously large and if I had a proper place to put them I’d definitely want this in paperback…oh who am I kidding lol I want in paperback regardless of my space issues :D. But any who, there is nothing in terms of books that I have read and enjoyed that I could compare this to so you lovelies are just going to have to take a leap of faith and get the book and read it for yourselves. It has everything most people look for in a good book, great writing, relatable characters, solid story, romance, chemistry, humor, tragedy and mystery.
Purchase Link
About The Author
In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long. Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.
www.paulinecreeden.com | @P_Creeden | facebook.com/paulinecreeden
Enter The Giveaway Here
Signed Paperback + Swag |US Only|
Thank you for stopping by,
“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
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Of Breakable Things Review + #Giveaway
Of Breakable Things
A. Lynden Rolland
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Release Date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books LLC
ISBN: 978-1939765154
ASIN: B00ILZ69IS
Pages: 300
Goodreads Rating: 4.62
My Rating: 5.0
Book Description:
A captivating debut about the fragility of life, love, and perspective.
When Chase dies tragically, Alex embraces her own mortality. What she didn’t expect was that she’d have to make a choice: forget the years of pain and suffering once and for all, or linger as a spirit and get another chance at life and love.
Alex doesn’t hesitate to choose; she’d follow Chase anywhere. But the spirit world is nothing like she expected, and Alex finds she’s forced to fight for her life once more. For even in a world where secrets are buried much deeper than six feet under, a legacy can continue to haunt you—and in a place this dangerous, no one is resting in peace.
My Take On The Book:
Hands down this is single best book I’ve read in 2014. There was really NOTHING that I disliked. I’ll admit to some hesitancy when opening the book, while the cover is hauntingly beautiful the synopsis that I originally read was not the one posted I posted above from Goodreads and Amazon so it was lacking a bit in the intrigue. The story sounded heart wrenching so as I opened up the book I geared myself up for a sob fest and even procrastinated… I didn’t wanna cry lol.
I was super tentative, like I said I didn’t wanna cry and I was expecting a sad, sad tale about a sick girl who lost the single most important person in her life. I put on my big girl panties and started reading, a page in a half in and I realized how wrong I was. This was a fantastical romantic tale of the after life. A unique take on ‘ghosts’ and moving on after death. But what really catches your attention besides the cool abilities is the epic love tale that transcends death. What kind of reviewer would I be if I didn’t talk about the romance and chemistry, swoon. I loved Chase but funny enough he didn’t make my book boyfriend list simply because I couldn’t imagine him with anyone other that Alex, They were the perfect book couple. ❤
The Great (Pros):
- Family. I loved the whole familial connection going on in this book. From legacies to the brothers, this book is just chalk full of families. Its sweet and while there is a lot of ‘good’ family stuff going on this very talented author doesn’t shy away from the darker side of families and the bad things that can and do go wrong within them.
- Friendship. Just like the emphasis that’s put on family, I enjoyed the friendships that are forged in this book. Whether they be new or old each relationship is developed and thought out.
- Story. The story is a very original one. I love paranormal books but I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of reading anything like this before but I’m glad that I read this one because it’s one that’s sticking with me. When a book keeps you on your toes and thinking about it long after you finished it, you know it’s a keeper.
- Romance. The romance in this book is subtle and it plays more on the friendships BUT it is there and its so perfect. You have these 2 lovely characters and a connection people only dream about having.
- Alex. Her character was so endearing. It ridiculous how much you can grow to love a character when the book mainly takes place in their POV. She’s the kinda character that you root for without even realizing your it. Alex had a difficult upbringing and the cards she was dealt were pretty horrible but she focuses more on the positive things like her friendship with Chase and his brothers and Olivia ‘Liv’ Frank.
- Chase. His character was special. He befriended and cared for a girl that most people wouldn’t. He didn’t see her as broken, he saw her as beautiful and special. He is the furthest thing from shallow. Honestly I think I liked the glimpses into his mind the most. ❤
- Liv. She wasn’t a super important character but I just really like her. The fact that people thought she was weird didn’t really bug her and she never cared much if people thought she was overweight. Bullies didn’t faze her. She knew she could see ghosts and she knew who she was. I liked her character and would like to think, she reminds me of some of my closest friends (not the whole ghost seeing biz) so I probably would have befriended her.
- POVs. The different POVs make the story come together seamlessly. It’s done in such a subtle way you don’t even notice the change at first. Sure, when there is a gender change it is kinda obvious but what I mean is that it’s a seamless transition, not at all choppy or abrupt.
- The ending. The ending leads me to believe that this is meant to be a part of a series and I can only hope that to be the truth but even so, I like the way the story ended. I can’t say too much because, well it’s the end and that defeats the whole purpose of YOU going out and reading the book. What I will say that not only was this story and its ending enjoyable but the questions that are answered and the ones you are left with are probably, in my opinion, the best part of the story. The quest for answers make up the story.
The Not So Great (Cons):
- Is it a Series? Unless you count the fact there is no word on if there will be a second book then there isn’t really a ‘con’.
The ending was awesome but it was pretty open-ended which leaves a ton of room for a second book.
- Personal Pet Peeve. I have this thing about the description of scratching. I pretty much hate it when someone says ‘I itched my…’ or ‘He/She/They itched their …’ Itching is a symptom not an action, scratching is the relief to the symptom so it should be ‘I scratched my hand’ or ‘they scratched their neck’. However, as I said earlier it is a personal pet peeve, something that my English professor stressed to us English majors along with ‘by accident’ being the proper usage.
5 Quills
If there is going to be a book 2, I need it and now would be most appreciated lol. I loved all aspects of this story…. Everything. I’m not really sure what to compare this book too, it a one of a kind type of read and one that is surely worth your while. Its beautiful and captivating and yes there might be some tear shedding but nothing to serious.
Purchase Links:
About The Author 
A. Lynden Rolland was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, a picturesque town obsessed with boats and blue crabs. She has always been intrigued by the dramatic and the broken, compiling her eccentric tales of tragic characters in a weathered notebook she began to carry in grade school. She is a sports fanatic, a coffee addict, and a lover of Sauvignon Blanc and thunderstorms. When she isn’t hunched behind a laptop at her local bookstore, she can be found chasing her two vivacious children. She now resides just outside Annapolis with her husband and young sons.
Connect with the Author:
Enter The Giveaway Here
Four (4) winners will receive an ebook copy of Of Breakable Things by A. Lynden Rolland (INT)
Thanks for stopping by,
“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
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Manhattan Ten Series (Books 1-3) Review + #Giveaway
Temptress
Manhattan Ten Series
Book #1
Lola Dodge
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance, Superheroes
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd.
ISBN: 978-1619211094
ASIN: B0083WTVT8
Pages: 114
Goodreads Rating: 4.03
My Rating: 5.0
Book Description:
Kiss your powers goodbye.
Kidnapping a super-powered suspected felon from a Vegas bachelor party is another day at the office for Jenny Ray, alias Temptress. With one kiss, any naughty supe’s powers are hers. Except this time she’s caught by her mark’s boss, who’s no ordinary superhero.
It’s Thinktank, leader of the toughest hero crew around. One destroyed men’s room and near-toilet-drowning later, Jenny’s forced to steal an innocent hero’s powers.
For a super brain, Tank’s feeling pretty idiotic. First, he let Jenny close enough to get to him. Second, he’s helpless against the tide of desire that rises in him every time he kisses her. Which he’s doing a lot, since she’s trying to give him back his power—only it’s not working. As he shadows her on her various freelance casino security jobs, he realizes she’s no she-demon—she’s a time bomb. Her acquired powers are shredding her, body and soul.
As they give in to desire, a shadowy figure from Jenny’s past surfaces with a kidnapping plan of his own. Jenny will do anything—even level Las Vegas—to rescue the man she loves. But there may not be anything left of her when the dust settles.
Product Warnings
Contains high-stakes poker, high-end cocktails, and high-flying over Las Vegas skies. Never drink and fly!
Ivory
Manhattan Ten Series
Book #2
Lola Dodge
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance, Superheroes
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd.
ISBN: 978-1619214415
ASIN: B00BUKRAJI
Pages: 115
Goodreads Rating: 4.0
My Rating: 4.5
Book Description:
That cold day in hell? It’s here…
If Ivory’s fellow flight attendants whisper that she has ice in her veins, they’d be right. She’s spent years ruthlessly suppressing her dangerous ice powers, pretending she didn’t grow up wild on the tundra.
Her legendary coolness has held solid—until a crazed attacker snaps her composure, unleashing her ice beast and blowing her cover. And she’s not sure if the man who defuses the situation is any less dangerous.
When Panther’s trans-Atlantic catnap is interrupted by Ivory’s ice spear through his mark’s gut, he doesn’t hesitate to claim her as one of the Manhattan Ten. It’s the only way to shield her from prosecution. It doesn’t hurt that the Nordic beauty puts his inner cat on the prowl.
Panther tempts Ivory in every smoldering way, but to let him melt her resistance is a risk she can’t afford. But when her past rises up to claim her, Pan is caught in the crossfire…and the only way to save him is to let the beast claim her, body and soul.
Product Warnings
Contains one smoldering ice vixen and the sexy beast man who wants to get his claws all over her. Make sure your icemaker is in tip-top shape before reading. Mukluks optional.
Belle Fury
Manhattan Ten Series
Book #3
Lola Dodge
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance, Superheroes
Release Date: Feb. 4, 2014
Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd.
ISBN: 978-1619222670
ASIN: B00HF8X4DU
Pages: 111
Goodreads Rating: 4.25
My Rating: 5.0
Book Description:
This is one diva with killer moves…
Belle Fabian has worked her toes to the bone to become an internationally renowned ballerina. When the curtains rise on her career-making performance of Giselle, she brings down the house—literally.
Mid-dance, she manifests a superpower that nearly destroys the Metropolitan Opera House, wiping out a line of chorus girls and sending the audience dashing for the exits. As she flees the theater, she assumes the worst. Her hard-won career is over.
The Manhattan Ten’s leader is playing hooky with his new lady, so it falls to Red Ruin to round up the super-powered danseur. It’s just one small, bird-boned woman hiding in a convenience store. How hard could it be?
Their first encounter generates sparks that border nuclear and their chemistry sends Belle’s powers into overdrive, but their perfect storm of passion is marred by her suspicion that Ruin is holding back. That secret that could turn the sweet burn of Ruin’s lightning into a permanent scar on her heart.
Product Warnings
Contains one lightning-hot hero and a not-so-blushing ballerina. May cause third-degree burns and spontaneous tango
My Take On The Books:
I’m a scatter brain, my scheduling absolutely sucks and I tend to forget deadlines, so I’m not surprised I almost missed this review O_o. Not only that, but for the longest time I was sure that the series was titled Manhattan Teen. Anyways, these books were absolute gems. Romantic, action packed and steamy where they needed to be.
I feel that its safe to admit wanting my own Manhattan 10 guy. Squee. I loved, Loved, LOVED book 1. The story between Tank & Jenny (Temptress) was just too freaking cute. I loved the build up to the big shebang. It wasn’t a love at first sight thing, really it was more of lust at first sight that boils into a steamy love affair… love being the operative word. I loved how book 2 explains the story of Panther and Ivory and how the team made their way to Vegas for the beginning of book 1.
But suffice to say that Book 3, Belle Fury, is my favorite of the series thus far. There is just something so sweet about their story. Its different from the others in the sense of trust and vulnerability. They know each other’s real names for the moment they first meet so there is no secrecy there. (Also, I may be a bit biased due to my love of Ballet and wanting a Red Ruin book while reading Temptress). My only pet peeve is the Angel angle. I didn’t want them to go there are they did so it irked. I loved her character in book 2 and continued to like her in book 3 but it was where the author wanted her character to go emotionally that made me really sad and uncomfortable.
Temptress – 5 Quills
Ivory – 4.5 Quills
Belle Fury – 5 Quills
Overall Rating
5 Quills
Book 4 where are you?!?! I need my hero romance fix stat. It feeds the comic book/ super hero nerd in me. It’s a book that can be enjoyed by anyone who likes romance, action and intrigue. If you like strong female leads, sexy bruiting males and love stories to curl you toes, dip into the Manhattan Ten Series now.
About The Author
Lola Dodge was forged in the suburbs, tested in the retail wastelands and reborn as a romance writer after several strong cocktails. Armed with her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, she travels the world in search of story fodder and men with accents.
Website: http://www.loladodge.com/
Enter The Giveaway Here
Open Internationally | Must be 13+ To Enter, 18+ to win the books.
1 Winner will get a $25.00 Gift Card to Amazon (INTL)
1 Winner will get a $25 Gift Card to Sephora (US)
1 Winner will get the eBook Set of The Manhattan Ten series (INTL)
and 1 winner will get a Bottle of Lola Nail Polish (US)
Thanks for stopping by,
Adventures in Ink (Reviews) 