Thursday, November 15, 2012

Ren's 1st Vlog!! Just Rambling :-)






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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Review: Crescent Bound by Karli Rush


**This book contains mature subject matter that may not suitable for readers under 18**


 

Paranormal Romance
Crescent Bound #1 


Alyssa Worthington is the daughter and sole heir to the most prestigious coven in the witch world. Her childhood has been spent in the mundane human world learning to blend in and hide who she truly is, and it is here, during her last year that she meets a striking ex-high school quarterback from a small town in Montana who will turn her world upside down.

Alyssa holds the element of fire, unlike her best friends Lisa and Megan, who are both air elementals. It is the elemental powers that reside inside which require positive thoughts and positive actions in order to maintain this magickal connection. What would happen to a witch that let this get out of control? How can evil become the driving force behind revenge and death?

Dark secrets, dark magick and a desperate desire for revenge will bring Alyssa to the brink of destruction. She is being chased, but this pursuit is a silent one and her chaser has but one goal, Alyssa’s complete and total destruction. Will she overcome this dark threat and begin to live out her destiny? Will she survive and if so, will she lose herself as part of the price for being alive? Or, will her destiny rest on being crescent bound?

With all these dark forces creeping around silently in Alyssa’s life, her coven pushes for answers, some of the answers about an eighth and missing coven, in the witch world, lie with her new interest. Marcus may be the key to unlocking the mystery of the silent darkness threatening the seven remaining covens


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


My Review



Alyssa has led very different life from most of us humans.  She was born into a family of Royal witches.   She prefers drag racing to going out and having typical teen age fun. To beat it all her boyfriend of two years has dumped her just months before she starts her senior year of high school. 

As has happened all her life, her family once again has relocated to a small town in Montana.  As witches do not age like most, it makes living in one town for long periods of time impossible.  This small town happens to change Alyssa's whole life.  Marcas is the hometown hero.  Up until his senior year he was the biggest sports star in town.  Now Alyssa is the only sport he seems to be chasing.  Since he came into the picture, Alyssa can't think straight.  She knows that there can be no life for her with a human, yet her fire affinity calls to Marcas.  What can she do?

This book is absolutely hot.  The romances are steamy, but it actually fits in the story without seeming trashy.  True to nature, the author explains how witches see sexuality as an extension of nature not the taboo subject mortals tend to see it as.  The spellwork done by the witches also follow some of the properties of the herbs used. I love that the author included that.  There is a little bit of everything in this novel.  The action is very fast paced. It flows well without being junky or cluttered and confusing.  Next the romance is steamy between Marcas and Alyssa.  I happen to love the fact that Alyssa is a true kick but lead female.  She is almost fearless, which only adds to my love of this character.  I am glad that this is a series, because the ending left me wanting more..... 

This book is a mature audience book.  
 
Would I recommend this to others? yes.  Also I am looking forward to rereading this one when the series complete.  Great work from this author!










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Monday, November 12, 2012

Review: Covet by Melissa Darnell

Young Adult Paranormal Romance
The Clann #2









Dangerous to be together. Painful to be apart.Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart. Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake.

Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honor it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them both in directions neither could have foreseen or prepared for.

A reckoning is coming… and not everyone will survive.


Source: Reviewer purchase


My Review



I cannot contain my excitement right now!! I have been impatiently waiting for this book since December of last year. All I want to do is cry since I have to wait another year for the next book to come out. I absolutely fell in love with the first novel and this one was just as good, if not better. It exceeded my expectations and then some.



Savannah makes a promise to the vampire council that she will no longer date Tristan. There has been a treaty between the vampires and the Clann for generations. With Savannah being a dhampir, both sides are afraid that she may give in to her bloodlust and hurt Tristan. Something terrible happens and Savannah is determined to stay away from Tristan to protect the people she loves. Savannah also has to struggle with her new vamp senses. There's no way for me to not spoil this story so I will leave my synopsis there. I really hope things will eventually work out for Tristan and Sav. Their attraction is undeniable and Tristan will fight the Clann and vampires to get her back. Sigh....I love Tristan!!



I want to scream at the top of my lungs!!! I don't think words can describe how much I love this series. The author creates this amazing world of the Clann and vampires. There is a new species introduced in the book but my lips will remain sealed. The first book was pretty heavy on the romance but this was more of the paranormal. Don't get me wrong, there are still some scenes that were steam worthy. I was not expecting the outcome in the last chapter. I'm excited, sad and intrigued at the same time. There's also a sneak peak(more of a tease if you ask me) at the end of Covet for the next book, Consume. How can you do this to me?!? I need more of a tease than that. Can I get a blurb or something? This is killing me!! I'm very close to begging for it. 




Connect with Melissa





Twitter: @TheClannSeries


Buy Links






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Friday, November 9, 2012

Shelly Crane's Collide Series Gets A New Look!!!

I absolutely LOVE this series!!  

The new covers are so gorgeous!



Collide, the first book in the series, is still
FREE
on Amazon, Kobo & Smashwords.







Shelly's blog is here
http://shellycrane.blogspot.com/ 



Here they are made by the lovely Sarah Hansen from Okay Creations


Collide





Uprising









Catalyst




 


 Revolution







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Tour Review & Giveaway: The Vampire Hunter's Daughter by Jennifer Malone Wright





Young Adult Paranormal


This special edition of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter contains parts I-VI, the complete collection. Fourteen-year- old Chloe witnesses her mother’s murder at the hands of a vampire. Before the vampire can kidnap her, there is an unexpected rescue by a group of vampire hunters. Overwhelmed by the feeling of safety, Chloe passes out and they whisk her away to their small community. When Chloe
wakes, she comes face to face with the only other living\ relative, besides her mother, whom she has ever met: her grandfather. Chloe’s mother kept her hidden from the family; now, Chloe tries to unveil the family secrets.Through her grandfather, she learns her mother was a vampire hunter. In fact, her entire family is descended from the powerful bloodlines of vampire hunters. Chloe agrees to join the family she has never known for one reason only: Chloe vows to kill the vampire responsible for her mother’s murder. With vengeance in her soul, Chloe is even more determined to follow through on her
vow when she discovers the true identity of her enemy and how he is connected to her.
Experience the world of vampire hunter’s, vampires and mythology with Chloe in this exciting series.


Part I of The Vampire Hunter's Daughter is FREE!! Make sure you get your copy 








Source: Reviewer purchase


My Review



Why oh why did I wait so long to read this collection?! I've had it for several months now and decided to jump at the chance to review it for this tour. This story is a refreshing change from the usual YA paranormal novels out today. Don't get me wrong, I love my YA books, but this was fantastic. I find that some YA novels feel a little "too old" for younger teens. This book is perfect for teens of all ages and adults alike. 

The story begins with Chloe's mother being murdered by a bunch of vamps. She's thrown into a world of vampires and hunters. Her mother hid her from her father, a vampire, for her entire life. Starting her life over with the hunters has been quite a challenge for her. Chloe moves in with her grandfather she didn't know and another trainer named Drew. Training doesn't come easy to her and she starts to develop special powers. Her father tries sending more vampires to take Chloe again. I'll stop there as to not spoil the story.



This was my first time reading a serial novel. I'd have to say that I enjoyed it immensely. If I were to read these parts separately and had to wait for the next, I would be out of my mind. Chloe wasn't an annoying little teenage girl. She had this spunk and defiance to her and I loved it. Chloe eventually polishes some of her skills and powers. There was a little bit of romance but it was appropriate. I was intrigued even more after ever part of the collection but felt like there were a few things missing. I was very excited to learn that there will be another series featuring Chloe. I'm super excited to read more about her and hopefully get some resolve with my unanswered questions. 






I took the first book off the stack and examined the cover. It was titled Vampires throughout History. The cover was leather and so old it was stiff and cracked in spots. The pages showed signs of age too, yellowing and stiff to the touch. There was no table of contents, so it looked like I was going to have to scan the entire book for what I was wanting. I flipped the pages carefully, so as not to tear any of them.



After an hour of scanning and about half way through the book, I found something referring to vampire children.

~~~

Although extremely rare, the natural-born offspring of vampires exist throughout the world. These rare beings are called the dhampir. Dhampir are usually the product of a vampire and mortal. The most common of these unions is a male vampire impregnating a mortal woman. Vampires, both male and female, are seductive in nature and some mortals came willingly to these unions. However, the majority of dhampir born were produced through an act of rape.



Solitary by nature, it is uncommon for a vampire to settle with any one mate for long. The children of vampires, the dhampir, more often than not exhibit all the characteristics of their vampire parent. The strength, speed and agility are the usual hereditary traits that the children develop. They are not always born with these traits but develop them as they grow into adulthood.



The dhampir are day walkers. Some of these children are sensitive to the sunlight but will not perish in the direct rays. Most have no sensitivity at all. Drinking the fresh blood of mortals is also not usually required of the dhampir; however, some have a liking for it. Very few actually need it to survive. Most dhampir are rejected by the vampire species because of their mortality and weaknesses. Mortals often reject the dhampir, as well, due to their vampirism, so they frequently remain outcast.



Dhampir are known for becoming vampire killers. Their closeness to the vampires and their vampire characteristics make them powerful vampire hunters. The unique ability to track and kill vampires is specific to only the dhampir and the mythological race of vampire hunters.



Historically, dhampir became vampire hunters as a trade. Towns and villages became plagued by vampires who were terrorizing their homes and killing their people. The dhampir accepted contracts in exchange for monetary payment and used their likeness to their vampire counterparts to exterminate the vampires.

~~~

Holy crap, that was a lot to process. The more I read the passages, the more I understood that my being a hunter was more than my heritage; it was my history and my future. Everything about my bloodlines had hunters involved.



About the Author


Jennifer Malone Wright resides in the beautiful mountains of northern Idaho with her husband and five

children. Between the craziness of taking care of her children, whose ages range from fourteen all the way down to six months, and being a homemaker, Jennifer has little time left for herself. The time she does have left, usually leading far into the night, is spent working on freelance work or her beloved fiction.



When she grew up, Jennifer always had her nose in a book. She has been writing stories and poems since grade school. This love of the written word and her strong interest in the paranormal is what has led to her first novel “The Birth of Jaiden.”



In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Jennifer is also a very proud military wife. Moving around the country for the last ten years has made her a bit of a nomad and she finds it difficult to be in one place for too long.



Jennifer is also the author of The Birth of Jaiden, a paranormal novel filled with action, suspense, and even a love story.










Buy Links









a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Monday, November 5, 2012

Review: The Stereotypical Freaks by Howard Shapiro



Young Adult Graphic Novel



Four disparate high school seniors come together to compete in their school's battle of the bands. Sharing a love for playing rock and roll, the members name the band "The Stereotypical Freaks" because they feel stereotyped by their classmates - smart kid, geek, star athlete and quiet weirdo… when in fact they know they are much more than those labels that have been placed on them.

When one member reveals life altering news, winning the competition takes on more of a meaning to each member. Scared and angry, upset and yet still with a lot of resolve they set out to win one for the good guys… will they?


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


 My Review

I am pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn't know what to expect when I was asked to review the book. I like graphic novels but haven't read many of them. This book is very true to life. You have the normal teenage issues with crushes, stereotypes and broken friendships. The story follows Tom and his band. It's not so much of a band in the beginning, just him and his friend Dan playing tunes in his basement. Dan suggests that they find people to play in the band and compete in a battle of the bands competition.

I liked that the characters really sounded like teenagers. That's really important when marketing your books to younger readers, it makes them seem more relatable. The characters show such a tremendous amount of growth in the story. I wasn't expecting the outcome of the story and it was a little heartbreaking. I will admit that I did shed a tear or two. I'd also like to point out that the illustrations were awesome! They really give you a better feel of the story. I would recommend this to any young adult!

















Connect with Howard



howard.shapiro@hotmail.com

Twitter: @hockeyplayer 
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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Review: Tempting the Player by J. Lynn( Jennifer L. Armentrout)

***NOT SUITABLE FOR READERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.***

Adult Contemporary Romance
The Gamble Brothers #2

Chad Gamble, all-star pitcher for the Nationals, is one of the best players on—and off—the field. And right now, the notorious bad boy wants Bridget Rodgers. But with her lush curves and snappy comebacks, the feisty redhead is the kind of woman a man wants to settle down with…and that’s the last thing Chad needs.

When the paparazzi catch them in a compromising position, Chad’s manager issues an ultimatum: clean up his act or kiss his multi-million dollar contract goodbye. To save his career, his meddling publicist says he'll have to convince everyone Bridget isn’t just his flavor of the week, but his girlfriend.

Being blackmailed into a fake relationship with Chad Gamble isn’t easy, especially when the sizzling physical attraction between them is undeniable. With a month to go on their arranged pretense, it's going to take every ounce of willpower they have not to fall into bed together...or in love.


Source: Reviewer purchase


My Review



LORD HAVE MERCY!!! I am still drooling over this book! JLA never ceases to give you a great story with even more steam! I love her YA novels and her adult ones are just as good. Tempting the Player is the second book in the Gamble Brothers series. I loved the first one but I think I may love this one more! If you have not read the first one, I suggest you get on that. The blurb gives you a pretty good gist of the book so I won't give you that much of a synopsis. Chad Gamble is the main brother in this novel. He meets Bridget in a club and is immediately attracted to her. She isn't like his normal catch and she's got curves for days. They hit it off and go back to Chad's place. Let's just say things get juicy and she winds up bailing on him. Chad wonders what went wrong given that he pleased her more than once.



I. Loved. This. Book. Chad Gamble is so different from his brother Chase( Tempting the Best Man.) He's a bit more rugged being that he's a professional baseball player. He lacks what I like to call a "sensor button." I like his dirty mouth :-) I also love Bridget because she is very different than the main female in Tempting the Best Man.  She has this spunk to her that I absolutely love. Not to mention she is a curvy red head...I may be a little biased on that front. The build-up was FANTASTIC, as usual. I expect nothing less from JLA. I don't like romances where the characters are constantly banging each other, it gets a little monotonous. The author gives you a little tease and yanks it away from you. ULTIMATE SEXUAL FRUSTRATION, people!! The story was just as entertaining as the romance. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. I devoured it! Look at me, I'm salivating while I'm writing this...Le sigh... 




                                                    Contact links for Jennifer






Twitter: @JLArmentrout 

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