YA Paranormal Romance
Holly Hearts Headlines Book Review + #Giveaway
Holly Hearts Headlines
Holly Hearts Hollywood
Book #2
Kenley Conrad
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Publisher: Swoon Romance
ASIN: B013D07ZEC
Pages: 185
My Rating: 4.5
Book Description:
Holly Hart has it all: designer clothes, affluent friends, a recording contract, and she’s dating the biggest pop star in America.
It’s too bad he can’t be seen with her in public. It’s even worse that he seems so very cozy with Lacey, the girl who seems to enjoy stealing Holly’s dream and taking all the credit for their platinum-selling album.
And Lacey? Well she couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but that hasn’t stopped her from basking in the glow of the fame and fortune that comes with pretending to be Holly.
Yet, Holly signed a contract vowing to never reveal her true identity as the girl behind the hit songs. Her record label doesn’t want anyone to know their teen dream is really a chubby, insecure girl from Iowa.
Holly needs to focus on finals. She can’t let herself be distracted by the extremely hot and talented Grayson Frost or his prevailing attachment to Lacey. This is the deal Holly made, and she has to honor it no matter how much she hates it.
As if that’s not enough pressure, her grandparents have come to stay, her mom is dating a guy who makes his own deodorant, Shell Shocked Records want Holly to distance herself from Grayson, and she’ll probably end up failing Driver’s Ed.
In a town full of gossip and secrets, Holly wonders just how much longer she can continue to live a double life.
When the media gets a little too close for comfort, both Holly and Lacey are at risk. Soon Holly realizes her dream isn’t only about her and if she is to ever be truly happy, she’ll need to find a way past her insecurities.
Filled with laugh out loud and hold your breath moments, Holly Hearts Headlines is the follow-up to Holly Hearts Hollywood by Kenley Conrad.
My Take:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. When I first came across it, I was intrigued but slightly skeptical. It seemed like something that had already been done… a blatant reproduction. Luckily for me it was none of those things. Sure it had elements of previously told stories but it definitely can stand up on its own.
When I first started reading book 1, I didn’t know how I would feel about the writing style having just come off a read in a similar journal format but it started to grow on me and I found that the author did a very good job at describing the world through Holly’s eyes.
As for the characters, I actually liked them all. I liked how human the author made them, flaws and all. But I especially liked how the author had them interact with each other.
I am genuinely looking forward to reading the next installment. So much has happened since I was first introduced to Holly and friends that it’s impossible not to be invested in how their story plays out!
About The Author
Enter The Giveaway Here
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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The Promise Review + Giveaway
The Promise
The Coven Series
Book #1
Apryl Baker
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy
Release Date: August 25, 2013
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-0615535562
ASIN: B00ES1KOC6
Pages: 228
Goodreads Rating: 4.36
My Rating: 5.0
Book Description:
Armed with kick-ass shoes, can CJ stop a maniacal coven leader, save the town, and still get Mr. Melt in Your Mouth Gorgeous while surviving the darkness coming for her?
The smoke from the fire burned her eyes, its heat caressed her skin and the taste of fear choked her. She was going to burn just as her ancestor did all those centuries ago in New Salem Village. How could she have been so wrong about everything?
Cassie Jayne Bishop grew up the only non-believer in town of Coven. When a stranger comes to the sleepy town of New Salem, everything she thought was true unraveled around her. Ethan made her question everything, even her sister’s death. Clues start to pile up and Cassie is determined to find out if the Coven was the real reason her sister died.
What she uncovers terrifies her to the very depths of her soul….
My Take On The Book:
I soared, I cried, I shattered, I laughed and I loved. This book was just too much for me to handle (all in a good way I swear). And I’m kind of fan girl geeking because this is part one of a series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next!
I loved the woven mythology and the differences between Wicca and Witchcraft. The world that author Apryl Baker created was unique in a refreshing way, but similar enough to books that I already love that I found it simple enough to emerge myself into. It was a great rebirth the dwindling literary witchcraft world.
I can’t say that disliked anything in this book really, at least nothing to major. The cover is simply amazing, exactly the right image for CJ, the storyline is uniquely it’s own and the characters notably loveable. Sure, there was some predictability but only for a moment or two and it was nothing to get in a snit about.
I was extremely happy about the thought and research that was put into the magic and history of the town. ::sigh:: it was just an all-around spectacular read.
The Great (Pros):
- Ethan. Mysterious hunk and love interest to our feisty main character. What’s not to love. Sure he has his typical dude moments but he’s a pretty awesome charater.
- Jeff. OMG, neighbor boy was just too cute. He had a couple of douche moments but he is a teenage hormonal boy. He proves just how much he cares for CJ all through the second half of the book. He is a great friend. And while I couldn’t get behind his affections for CJ (which totally sucks because he’s my go to guy, the one I usually root for in stories like this) I do want to see him happy.
- Papa Bishop. He is such a great dad. Really. Sure, in the beginning your hesitant but really, he pulls through and shows how much he loves his family.
- CJ. She is such a great main character. She’s smart, strong, loyal and feisty. She doesn’t do what you expect and that is great.
- Billy. Kay’s boyfriend is pretty great guy when it comes to his girl but he has his moments.
- MJ/Kay. I really liked her character, how much devotion she has for her best friend. And while that devotion does get tested and she does falter, she always jumps back up to prove that she cares.
- Friendship. I loved the friendships that were woven into this story. It was strong and yet a subtle element to the story. It doesn’t overpower or take away from the story, instead it fills in the blanks where the story would otherwise be lacking.
- Romance. I really enjoyed the romance, yes even the slight love triangle. It definitely added some great elements and plot twists to the story. What I liked most is that, although she technically had 2 boys in love with her, it was really a love triangle… not really. Not every girl is a hapless indecisive twat. So it was refreshing & I hope it continues along that path.
- Magic. The premise of the story, the building block. It was done so exceptionally well.
The Not So Great (Cons):
- Momma Bishop. Evil brainwashed, power hungry hoe bag. You are not a good momma even if you do seem like one at first. You shouldn’t have had children! ‘Nuff said.
- Billy. When it isn’t about his girl, he has the tendency to be a complete asshat.
- MJ/Kay. In the moments when she falters, you are reminded who her father is and you come to dislike her immensely. Luckily for her, she loves her best friend and you are able to forgive when she does show her awesome.
- Now to those of you who have read the story or those who will and remember this review, this might come as a shock but I didn’t hate or dislike the character of Mr. Martin. Sure he is a scum bag, loathsome character, a horrible man and father… but every story needs a villain and he was an exceptional one.
5 Quills
This book comes highly recommended by this reviewer. A perfect read for those who loved ‘The Wicked Series’ by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie or ‘The Witch Season Series’ by Jeff Mariotte.
An exceptional book about romance, friendship, intrigue, magic, and betrayal. A bewitching story of a young girl and her quest for truth. Bring a pack of tissues and let ‘The Promise’ by Apryl Baker cast its spell on you.
Buy Links:
About The Author
So who am I? Well, I’m the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn’t love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
Author Links:
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1 – audiobook of The Promise
5 – ebooks (mobi/PDF) of The Promise
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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”
Bitter Snow Series Review + Giveaway
“We are the rulers of Midwinter. In the most powerful cold of the winter, in the deepest dark of the year, we hold sway, and all of your hearth fires cannot stand against us. We are the winds that howl down the chimneys and extinguish your candles. We are the northern lights and the hungry wolves; the bitter crack of ice and the killing frost. The raging blizzard and the deep, soft, final sleep of those lost forever in the snow.”
Bitter Snow is a modern retelling of the fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” in nine novellas. It’s my all-time favorite fairy tale, about a girl’s quest to save her childhood friend from the evil Snow Queen, through her courage, determination, and the strength of her love for him. Each volume is about 80-90 pages (32,000 words). The next three installments are scheduled for release in spring/summer 2014, with the final three to follow later in the year.
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Bitter Snow
Bitter Snow Vol. #1
Lauren Sweet
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Release Date: December 5, 2013
ASIN: B00H2XXHVM
Pages: 85
Word Count: 32,000
Goodreads Rating: 4.00
My Rating: 4.5
Book Description:
Whatever you do, don’t open the door.
All Gilly Breslin wants for her sixteenth birthday is for her best friend Kai to see her as more than just the girl next door he’s known forever. So when she receives a mysterious, romantic invitation to meet him at midnight, she knows she has to go.
But it’s St. Nicholas’s Eve, the ancient festival of Bellsnichol, when demons roam the dark winter landscape. Tradition demands that everyone in the tiny town of Bremerton stay inside, doors shut tight against evil.
Gilly thinks it’s just a quaint old superstition. She has no idea that a malevolent power has been unleashed in Bremerton—with Kai as its target. But when she answers her door at midnight, her romantic date turns deadly…and she’s drawn into an ancient web of fear and darkness that threatens everything she loves.
My Take On The Book:
I am a sucker for a good cover, that’s for sure. I was drawn in by the cover of a girl with these exotic yellow eyes, I scrolled down and read the synopsis. Holy cow, I was hooked, I needed to read this series. I love fairytales (I own a book with the real Grimm fairytales and I was morbidly fascinated with it) and modern retellings but the tale of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen has always captivated me in a creepy sort of way. So anywho, the cover is breathtaking and I definitely saw Gilly and her wolf eyes when looking at the cover.
So since this is a series of books made up of 9 novellas with very close release dates (Thank God!) I decided to do a basic review on each book until I’ve read all three and can revisit this post with a more in depth review.
As I said earlier, I’m kinda a sucker for a good cover and anything fairytale so I squealed when I got invited to review it. So simply put it was almost perfect. Truthfully, I think the ‘almost’ comes from the unfinished feel. It might not make much sense right now when I explain it but, you can definitely tell it was cut and that there is another part yet to come. It feels more like a t.v. show. Also, there was a bit of description overload… not something I would normal complain about but I got a bit lost when reading the more thrilling scenes and I had to go back a reread it slowly so my mind could sketch out the scenes.
As for what I love, sigh, there is just too much. The intro was amazing and served to give me goosebumps to end all goosebumps and set the mood quite perfectly. Next we have the characters, in this one we meet them all but the 4 that stand out most are Gilly, Kai (sweet, easily entrances, adorable Kai), Nelson and Annabel… I loved them, I even like Perchta ::shivers:: and Bran. This was a great introduction book, perfect for beginning the series.
4.5 Quills
This is a definite must read, compelling and mysterious, creepy and sweet and just a dash of sad. Grab a copy and see for yourself… but be warned, there is a cliffhanger ending. I kind of wish this story was in print because I would love to own a copy
Dark Solstice
Bitter Snow Vol. # 2
Lauren Sweet
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Release Date: December 21, 2013
Cover Artist: Jeanne Gransee Barker
ASIN: B00HFKJDN8
Pages: 85
Word Count: 32,000
Goodreads Rating: N/A
My Rating: 4.5
Book Description:
On St. Nicholas’s Eve, the festival of Bellsnichol, Gilly Breslin opened her door to an ancient evil. A demon queen who’s slowly destroying Gilly’s best friend Kai—the only guy she’s ever loved.
But it’s not just Kai. Every guy who falls in love with the Snow Queen turns evil—and every guy who sees her falls in love with her.
Gilly’s only hope is to enlist the secret guardians of Bremerton, who may hold the key to banishing the Snow Queen and her minions. But with the town erupting in violence and the demons’ power increasing as the winter nights grow longer, she’s in a race against time to stop them before it’s too late.
My Take On The Book:
I am completely and utterly heartbroken. January 5th is too far off and I need to read the last book now! Now while I am every bit aware that Kai is under a spell, his words are just devastating and my heart shatters for Gilly every time he speaks to her.
Gilly is an amazing main character, loyal and strong with a good sense of right and wrong and while she does notice the beauty of the other men in her life, she is loyal to her heart and so not wishy-washy like other young main female characters. I love that she isn’t caving because things are getting tough and a pretty boy is showing her some attention. She knows who she wants and who she cares about most and while she appreciates the other men she stay true to her heart.
Niko is another great character. I liked him in Volume One, but know he’s grown on me like a parasite and I want, no need for him to have a happy ending. Preferably with a beautiful blonde that I also love, Annabel. They are both such fierce and loyal friends to Gilly. While Annabel has no idea about the demons running amuck, she is still a great friend to Gilly when it comes to the evil Perchta and Kai.
Honestly, the only reason this one didn’t score a 5 was because the story is unfinished. This is an amazing retelling. Short, fast paced, easily to read, descriptive and most people can finish it within the hour.
4.5 Quills
January 5th, hurry up and get here please! I need to see how this story unfolds. Make sure you check back for my review on the final book once it becomes available and I read it.
Twelfth Night
Bitter Snow Vol. #3
Lauren Sweet
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 5, 2014
Cover Artist: Jeanne Gransee Barker
Number of pages: 85
Word Count: 32,000
Book Description:
Winter demons have invaded the tiny town of Bremerton, and sixteen-year-old Gilly Breslin is the only one who can banish them. The only problem is, she doesn’t know how.
Digging through the town’s historical archives, she and her friend Niko piece together clues to an ancient ritual to send the demons back to the dark realm they sprang from.
But the Snow Queen has plans of her own. Her power is greatest at the darkest time of the year, and her evil influence is spreading insidiously through the town, leaving Gilly wondering if there’s anyone left who can be trusted.
The demons must be banished by Twelfth Night, or the town will be lost. But to do it, Gilly may have to sacrifice everything that matters to her—including her soul.
About The Author
I was born and raised in New Jersey, and books were a big part of my childhood. When I was about three and a half, I became obsessed with a Little Golden Book about a goat that gets a bucket stuck on its head. Since no one would read me the goat book as often as I wanted, I learned to read it myself—and haven’t stopped reading since. It was only inevitable that I turned to writing, so I could create more of the kind of stories that I like to read!
My favorite genres are mystery, sci-fi and paranormal/fantasy. I’ve always been fascinated by myths and fairy tales, and I love incorporating elements of ancient lore into modern stories. I have a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and I currently live near Portland, OR, where I am a freelance writer and editor. My other esoteric skills include astrology, figure skating, and the ability to do a perfect split.
Website: www.laurensweet.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/laurensweet
Twitter: @writerlaurens
Enter The Giveaway Here
Win Gilly’s necklace from Bitter Snow Volume Two: Dark Solstice!
In folklore, iron protects against the influence of evil spirits. Handmade from real horseshoe nails and sterling silver by Connie Pardini of Wirestorm Creations (www.wirestormcreations.com), this necklace is a replica of the one Gilly wears to protect herself from harmful spells and illusions.
Open to US Shipping, retail value of necklace $80
Thanks for stopping by,
“I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
Grimnirs Review + Giveaway!
Grimnirs
Runes
Book #2.5
Ednah Walters
My Take On The Book:
The Great (Pros):
The Not So Great (Cons):
- Eirik. Poor Dude! From what I gather, he never seems to catch a break and that sucks. Don’t get me wrong, I love Cora, Echo (swoon), Rainie and Torin. But this guy is the first person you read as in this book and then well, as you can tell by the book blurb, gets his heart stabbed with a rusty spoon. It’s so heartbreaking for a character that I genuinely liked… or as much as I can like having read only this book. Echo was a great love interest. He literally had me fangirling it, but to be honest, I was partially hoping that he was just another Bill Compton (Southern Vamp Series/True Blood) and worthless of my admiration. I’m pretty sure I’m over-reacting but I can’t help myself.
- Sex Scenes. Now, I’m totally down with the get down, but I felt really awkward and a tad uncomfortable reading about teenagers doing the deed. Sure I now teens, get it on, I was teen not long ago lol but I felt dirty reading about it. I had to imagine them as 20 somethings to adjust. It wasn’t super graphic or anything like that, but it was descriptive enough to kind of send me reeling.
4.5 Quills
Would I recommend this book? Yep, most definitely. But be smart and read the first 2 books lol. This book has it all, the paranormal, the romance, heartbreak, mythology, gods, magic, action, blood and lots of sizzle and steam.
by Ednah Walters
About The Author
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“I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.”
Undertow by K.R. Conway Review
Undertow
Undertow #1
K.R. Conway
Blurb:
Summary:
Available from:
My Take On The Book:
5 Quills
About The Author
I have been a journalist for 15 years and serve on the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Writers Center. I also drive a 16-ton school bus because I am ENTIRELY NUTS.
In addition to working jobs that should come with a warning label , I hold a BA in Psychos (Forensic Psych), torment the tourists about Jaws, and occasionally jump from the Town Neck bridge in an attempt to reclaim my youth.
I live on Cape Cod with two smallish humans who apparently are my kids, my fishing-obsessed husband, two canines (adept at both flatulence and snoring), and a cage-defiant lovebird that sleeps in a miniature tent. Nope – that’s not a type-o. The bird is quite the indoor camper.
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2 – Signed print copies of Undertow (US only)
1 – ebook of Undertow (INT)
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Adventures in Ink (Reviews) 