Review: The Descendant by Kelly Grealis

Allison Carmichael wakes from a car wreck with no memory of the past three years. She doesn’t recall her husband’s death or how she alienated her friends, and she definitely doesn’t remember anything about her new boyfriend Vincent Drake – a charismatic man with a penchant for rare and unique possessions. In fact, the only things familiar to Allison are her seemingly common ailments – insomnia, lack of appetite, erratic body temperature – which have gone undiagnosed and are worsening.

But Vincent knows exactly who, and what, Allison is – a mortal descendant of the first vampire. He is a vampire who has watched over Allison and her ancestors since the biblical times of Cain and Abel ensuring their secret is kept. Once he realizes Allison’s symptoms are accelerating and transforming her, he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

Allison discovers that she is a descendant and the first of her kind to exhibit signs of vampirism. She must decide between risking her mortal death if she cannot control her symptoms or fully transforming into a vampire and damning her soul for eternity. A decision made even more difficult when Allison discovers that Vincent has manipulated her life, and everyone in it, so that he can have the one thing no one else in the world has – the first descendant-turned-vampire.

THE DESCENDANT – A Vampire Tale of Biblical Proportions.

Source : Received book from author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewer was not paid for review.

I have never heard of this author, so when I reviewed the book after reading the blurb I was like okay new author lets see how good of a story teller she is.
Let me say she BLEW me away!
I have to say I was sucked into this book from the very beginning! And the twist that was thrown in there was AWESOME!
This is not some teenager who is a vampire no. This is a grown woman who has a very wonderful life that I would say most of us would love to have. She has a very loving and caring husband, has a job that pays her very well, toys that keep her and her husband busy. But then Allison's life is thrown upside down.
Things are happening in Allison's life that there is no explanation for or at least no one mortal can explain. Then the unthinkable happens to her and her husband, after a night out she is in a car wreck and remembers nothing.
Now she has a new life and a new love, she now finds out what is wrong with her and why she is so "special".
Now there is biblical references in this book, which I thought was woven in perfectly! The biblical references along with vampires, a twist that you are going oh wow! Made for a perfect vampire story.
The ending was really amazing, as I can see there may be a book two hopefully soon. I can see myself reading more from this author in the future, as she is great at telling a story.

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Review: Ecstasy by the Sea by Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey

 
Countermeasure: Bytes of Life #2

This steamy spinoff to COUNTERMEASURE sees Trevor Bauer and Cassandra James having just tied the knot and moving across the pond to their new digs in Ireland to begin their life as a married couple. Their days have been swamped with planning the wedding, setting up their new business, and Trevor's NSA commitments—not to mention their continued investigation into his parents' disappearance. So when it’s pointed out to him that a key launching point for a new marriage has been overlooked, Trevor takes matters into his own hands.

Unbeknownst to Cassandra, Trevor plans the perfect honeymoon getaway down to the daintiest swatch of lace. His detail-obsessed wife won't know what hit her when he sweeps her away for what will result in nothing less than a weekend filled with pure ecstasy by the sea…

Source: Reviewer Purchase

I always think that reviewing short stories is kinda silly. I either like them or I don't. Not much to say. Well I'll try a little harder this time because I really liked this one. If you have not read Countermeasure, I suggest you stop reading this review and get snappy on that book. #1, this book will obviously spoil some plot in Countermeasure. And #2, ummmmm I don't have a number 2... just don't read this review until you check that out. 

It's nice to have a short story based solely on the romance part of the series. I'm such a sucker for a good quickie...no pun intended :-P or maybe it is intended. Whatever lol. I always happen to be reading the really juicy stuff in public...like the waiting room at the car dealership. I always feel really scandalous reading smexy stuff in public. My face must have been beet red. Back to the point... Ladies, this book will have you drooling all over yourself. Seriously... it may be a good idea for you to carry a mop and a bucket. This has all of the heart pounding romance that you'd come to expect from Countermeasure and so much more. Mamma likey!!! 

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Review: Marked for Vengeance by S. J. Pierce

Paranormal Romance

Alyx Rayer’s existence in Atlanta, the eternally bustling capital of Georgia, is one of routine and blending in among the worker bees. But her ‘normal’ life is actually a façade for a higher calling; she's a three hundred year old soul, encased in a human vessel and sent from the darkness between heaven and Earth to capture her Marked when summoned by her superiors.

During the initial, routine stake-out of her Marked, a dream prophet named Isaac Walsh, Alyx is thrown for an emotional loop when his allure captivates her heart from two rooftops away. The event marks the very instance when her sense of what’s right and what’s wrong is brutally challenged as her contact with him is strictly forbidden.

While already trapped between honor and desire, her emotional struggles are further challenged by a man in a black suit who continually pops up when she least expects it, his presence evoking a strange response from the scar she was branded with at birth. The scar tingles like a warning beacon, alerting her that something is amiss. Because her superiors never told her what this would mean, or much of anything except what to do when they summon, she can only conclude to try and keep her sanity, and her life, from completely shattering to pieces.

This engaging first book of the series is a Paranormal Romance novel interlaced with twists, turns, and thrilling suspense that is sure to satisfy readers of any genre.

May not be suitable for YA

Source: Book was given by the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewer was not paid for review.

Alyx has a seemingly normal life in Atlanta. She has a great boyfriend who just happens to be a doctor, and a job she likes well enough. The only thing is, Alyx isn't human. She had been sent to earth for a purpose. She needs to see if she can finally find her Marked After all , this is her third time at life on earth and three tries is all that they allow her.

Once she locates her mark, things goes from confusing to royal mess. She is immediately drawn to Isaac, and he quickly becomes an obsession. Knowing that contact or relationships are strictly forbidden, Isaac becomes the center of het obsession.

How do you fight what you were born to do when your soul is attached to another? This story is a great blend of paranormal, romance and the struggle that is cause by denial of the heart. While each Isaac and Alyx have their own inner demons and pasts to work out, or is an great story of love against all odds. This is one of those books that just suck you in. Finally a novel with real characters that are flawed and do make mistakes. I love real characters, because face it none. of us are perfect. They were believable and had depth. The story was a true original that I seriously enjoyed developing as the story was told.

I do think due to the content I would place this as a mature ya 16 + as a definite read for that genre. It is the start of a series so I am curious to know where the author takes this story.

 
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http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6562942.S_J_Pierce 
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Review: Reservation by Rachael Wade

New Adult Contemporary Romance

 A sequel to the Amazon bestselling romance, Preservation, told from Ryan’s point of view.

Old Habits Die Hard.

Ryan Campbell is not only leaving his title of Professor behind to move on to bigger and better things at Simon and Warden Publishing, he’s also become Seattle’s rising literary star. Sitting on the overwhelming cusp of newfound fame, he learns soon enough that being popular has its downside.

Attracted to the buzz surrounding his new career, former lovers begin to creep back into his life, and potential ones emerge with enticing advances. While he works to juggle reserved, yet stressful, wedding plans with Kate and his new public image, he has enough to manage without worrying about Carter and Dean—Kate’s loveable albeit eccentric friends—and their latest shenanigans.

Surrounded by a lifestyle that includes temptation at every turn, Ryan finds himself immersed in a world full of scandal and lies, where his oldest weaknesses thrive and his ghosts return to haunt him. Questioning whether his life with Kate is his best path, he must discover if he’s still capable of being the man he aspired to be when she first became his, or if happily ever after is only an illusion.

Source: Reviewer purchase

Where do I start? Way to kick a man when he's down, Rach! My poor Ryan! I just wanted to climb into the book and give him a hug. He angers me and makes me love him at the same time. Now I know how Kate feels :-). Reservation was a whirlwind of emotions and I couldn't help but feel every single one of them with the characters. I felt like Ryan was living Murphy's law...what can go wrong, will. I knew that Ryan's past history with women wasn't ideal but I was not expecting that! I'm not spoiling anything...just saying. Did I mention this book is told in Ryan's POV? Oh man....that man oozes sex. This book was everything and more. I didn't know how it would stack up to Preservation and I have a legitimate fear of sequels. I avoid them like the plague. The sexiness from Preservation was there times 2. I admit that I did procrastinate a bit while reading this. I would have devoured it in 2 days but I didn't want it to end. I hope this isn't the last time we'll hear from Kate and Ryan.

 
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Review: Countermeasure by Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey

Romance Mystery Thriller

Suspicious and determined never to fall into the love trap, security specialist Cassandra James takes on a chase to recover files stolen right out from under her nose. In an effort to prove to her father--also her boss--that she is a capable woman, she follows the digital trail--a trail that leads her directly into the arms of Trevor Bauer, an NSA analyst who appears to have more secrets than she has scars...

Haunted by the mystery surrounding his parents' disappearance, Trevor Bauer's dreams for his own life have been put on hold. But being confronted by Cassandra James derails every one of his best laid plans to avoid a relationship until he can find the closure he desperately seeks. When he accepts her request for help in recovering the files she's hunting, they embark on an adventure that takes them across the ocean and into a world of intrigue and violence. As things between them begin to heat up, Trevor realizes that, if he is ever to win Cassandra's heart and the future he craves, he has no choice but to reveal all his secrets.

Source: Audio book received from author in exchange for an honest review.

I went a little out of my comfort zone when I asked to review this audio book. Mystery thrillers aren't usually the type of genre that I would read. I find myself saying that a lot....not my genre. I find that when I do branch out, I usually love them. I hate to be one of those readers that stays in that zone. I'm glad I took a chance on this novel. My expectations were totally blow out of the water.

Countermeasure is extremely well written and held my interest from the start. The storyline has a perfect balance of mystery and romance that would excite any adrenaline fan and romance junkies. I was all too pleased to find that the romance in the story was SMOKIN' HOT!! Seriously though... where can I find myself a geek like Trevor. I think I found my new book boyfriend! How can you go wrong with a hot, NSA techie that's Irish!? You can't! Cassandra is exactly what I love in a female lead. She's a bit snarky and strong and from her description, is an auburn haired beauty. I have a thing for red heads :) This book made me feel like I was going on an adventure....a really sexy one. I'd find myself rubbing my hands together, grinning like the Cheshire cat and thinking "this is about to get juicy!" And not to mention the drool. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

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Tour Review & Giveaway: Timeless by Amy Richie

Paranormal Romance

After the earth is crippled by the asteroid Jewell, vampires come to the aid of the survivors. Some only want to help, others merely want to protect their way of life. And some simply have to be stopped. Eva was created for one purpose, to kill notorious vampire Dominick Letrell. Neleh has devised a plan that cannot fail; travel back in time to when Dominick was his weakest and attack him there. Along with the help of David, the most intelligent vampire alive, the plan is set in motion. But then suddenly everything goes wrong and Eva is trapped in the past with no memory of why or how she got there. What happens when all the rules change?Timeless is a story of betrayals and secrets and a love that will change everything.

Source: This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Eva's sole purpose in life is to kill Dominick Letrell. She's bred from an infant into a super human using injections of vampire blood. These injections make her stronger, faster and some other abilities without turning her into a vampire. She is taught that Dominick is an evil, vile vampire that needs to be destroyed. Her mission is to be sent into the past to complete her task. Seems simple enough. Things don't go as planned and Eve is left without her memories in a strange time. 

I'll admit it took me a bit to get through the beginning. I liked the premise of the story, but I think I was having a time management issue LOL. This book turned out totally different than I expected even though it was a bit predictable. The world building was great. This gives you a mix of paranormal/futuristic dystopian. Eva was a bit of a whiny brat when she lost her memory, but I can overlook that. When she finally got her memories back she was a total badass! I wish there was a bit more action for her to be involved in. This book is full of angst and betrayal that will have you begging for more.  I had a few head banging on desk moments like "Why, oh why did you FRICKIN DO THAT!?!" Eva, seriously, stop being stubborn. Just let it be lol.

It's so hard to write this review fully because I don't want to spoil it. Here's what I'm going to do... This is where my spoiler free review ends. I have to rave a bit so don't read any further if you have not read this book.

Now where was I? Oh yes....the spoilers. The relationship between Eva and Dominick is like a double edged sword. I loved his possessiveness but I also hated it. I mean come on, Dom, she's trained to kick your ass so stop treating her like a baby.

Actually I changed my mind... I can't even spoil more that because I don't have the heart to. All you need to know is that this book is a must read.

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Barnes and Nobles-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timeless-amy-richie/1105616453?ean=2940044233690

Smashwords-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timeless-amy-richie/1105616453?ean=2940044233690

The atmosphere around us changed drastically. My breathing came out in uneven gasps and I was sure that he could hear my heart hammering in my chest. I reached my hand up slowly to touch his face. This time he let me. My fingers traced his jaw line, his cheek, and finally his hard lips, which were parted just slightly from his own haggard breathing.

Ever so painfully slow he brought his face closer to me. I closed my eyes and tilted my chin in anticipation of his lips against mine. Seconds ticked by and nothing happened. I opened my eyes in disappointment to find he was staring at me. He had moved further back in the saddle to allow some distance between us.

“What’s wrong?” I breathed.

“I want to kiss you,” he growled.

“So?” I leaned forward eagerly, but his strong hands stopped me.

“I can’t kiss you, Eva.”

“Why not?” My face felt hot.

“It’s against my rules.”

“What rules?” I was confused.

“I can not let myself fall for someone,” he paused, trying to find the right words, but finally he just finished, “like you.”

“What am I?” I felt my eyes sting with tears.

He groaned loudly and buried his face against my hair. He inhaled deeply and then abruptly pulled my face up to meet his again.

His kiss was sudden and unexpected, but not unpleasant. As I responded to him, he deepened the kiss and I soon found myself melted into his chest. I entwined my arms around his neck to hold him to me. He made small noises with his mouth that sent a thrill of pleasure down my spine.

After an amount of time that was too short he broke the kiss off, but his hands still eagerly stroked my face and my hair and my neck. He kissed me again and again until I was dizzy from the effect. I would have surely fallen off the saddle if Nickolas hadn’t been holding onto me so tight.

“Oh, Eva,” he whispered roughly in my hair, “who are you?”

I wear many hats. Author, mother, cook, housekeeper, laundry do-er, sister, daughter. I enjoy writing, it allows me to escape the realities of life: bills, day job, baths, supper, dieting, cleaning the litter box.
My writing is usually romantic in nature with a bit of humor and a bit of surprise. My books range from Vampires who fall in and out of love so many times I had to make it a series to christian stories of finding out what is important in life.
I have always loved writing. During my high school days I wrote one book. It was a vampire love story. It took me so long to write it that I began to think of the characters as real people. I still do that today.
On a personal note: I have three wonderful children - Gavin, Arabelle, and Elijah, two not so wonderful cats, and two rats. We all live in a small town in northern Ohio. There is more corn here than vampires or werewolves, at least that I know of.

Facebook page -- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Richie-Author-Page/167413166631322?fref=ts

Amazon author page -- http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Richie/e/B009CG88CK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

GoodReads-- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157126.Amy_Richie

Website- - http://amyrichie.weebly.com/

Tour Schedule

Feb 25 Review with http://jennswiger.blogspot.com/

Feb 26 Review with http://paperrdolls.com/

Feb 27 Review with http://rmfabbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Feb 28 Review with Bawakas-bookfair.blogspot.com

March 1 Review With http://bookbroads.blogspot.com/?zx=8fc6cddeebda738f

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Review: Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen

New Adult Paranormal Fantasy

**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content.
(A re-imagining of The Fallen Star told as a New Adult Paranormal)

For twenty-one year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. She knows nothing about her past and has been haunted by the same monsters in her nightmares for the last few months. Unemotional and numb to life, she feels disconnected from everyone. Until the very first day she cries. After that, nothing in her life is the same.

Her emotions slowly surface and she starts experiencing love, happiness, and anger, feelings she never knew existed. But they leave her confused and she doesn’t know whether to embrace them or run away from them. Her life only gets more complicated when she meets Alex. Sexy, arrogant, and secretive, Alex can get under Gemma’s skin like no one can. Yet she’s drawn to him by an invisible connection she has no control over. She’s also seen him before. In her nightmares.

Every part of Gemma’s mind is screaming at her to stay away from Alex, but every other part of her is begging to get close to him. But the closer she gets, the more she realizes Alex knows more about her than he originally let on. As secrets about her past unravel, Gemma’s life becomes threatened. She needs to figure out what’s going on, before she winds up dead. But the only person she can turn to for answers is the one person she isn’t sure she can trust.

Source: eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Did not receive any payment for review

I feel like a guppy out of water. I'm an incoherent, babbling fool. This book seemed to suck the words right out of my head but I'll try to make this review worth it. I think New Adult books by the likes of Jessica Sorensen, Rachael Wade and Jennifer Armentrout may have ruined YA books for me. Now before you go throwing books at my head, just hear me out! This book has the anticipation with all of the angst you'd expect from a YA read except it is more graphic and has follow through. I'm an adult so it makes sense why it would appeal more to me. 

Scattered Promises will have your heart beating a mile a minute and then abruptly stop. I have to admit that I have not read the original YA version, The Fallen Star. I'm afraid that it wont compare to this one but I will give it a try. I don't think Jessica Sorensen can write a bad book based on the ones that I've read. It is unlike many of the paranormal romance books that I've read and is an exhilarating tale of the story of a fallen star. This book just quenches a thirst that I've been dying to fulfill. It even has one of those douchey boys you can't help but fall in love with. You may want to keep a tissue nearby....not for your tears but for all of the drooling that will ensue. There are so many twists and turns that leave you begging for more. There were some things that were left unanswered and have me itching for the next book. I really need to thank Delphina for introducing me to Jessica's books. 

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Review: Soldier Hill by Phil Rossi

In 1983, two high school friends set out to honor a fallen soldier from the Vietnam War. A coming of age story about honor and sacrifice.

Source: Received the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Did not receive any payment for review.

This was a decent read, but I really did not get into like I thought I would. The blurb does not really give the book justice. It take me a while to really get into the story, and truly understand what was going on. Eddie embarks on a journey with his friend Dave to find out why there is a tree planted there with the remembrance of a soldier. Why does no one in the school or in town speak of it? Or speak of the person? Eddie finds out the story behind the soldier and finds out who his father is. All in all it was a good book, but there were some things that did bother me. I found the fight scene where the word "kidney" was used repeatedly was just ridiculous, he could have used another word. Also I kept going back to find out what the author meant by kidney. There was slang that just really was hard to understand I guess being a young adult I didn't use any of the slang growing up. I do have to the story did turn out pretty good, being as it helps you remember our soldiers back then and even now. At the end where there was a memorial put in remembrance to Billy and other soldier's I thought that was really sweet and caring. Especially with the change that was going on around in the town.

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