WoW: A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine,

and spotlights upcomingnovels we can't wait to read.

 

 

This week I am waiting on A Temptation of Angels by

Michelle Zink

Thankfully I don't have much longer to wait for this one!!!

It's releases March 20, 2012



When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

I can't even express how excited I am that this book will be coming out in 20 days!! There are so many reasons I feel this is a must have but at the top of them is Michelle Zink is amazing :)

Well that's what I am waiting on this week.  What are you waiting on!? Feel free to leave me a link to your WoW.

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Goodreads:                                                                                 Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

  Nikki is gone for a hundred years... Well that is the length of the feed in Everneath but the Feed is only six months surface time.  Nikki survives it all and wants nothing more than to take a second chance on the surface and ease everyone's pain that she caused leaving the first time.  She also longs to see the one she pictured everyday for those hundred years the only one she can remember, the one with messy hair, big brown eye and callused hands that hers fit perfectly into.  All she has to do is remember his name and break the tether that seems to draw her back to Cole, the Everling that took her into the Everneath.

  Nikki's time on the surface is going to be anything but easy.  She knows that she only has a limited time to do what she needs to and has so many people counting on her.  Going back to school she tries to just slink back into the shadows and have no one notice her but so many factors make that impossible.  Cole keeps showing up explaining that they are meant to be together and that she shouldn't fight it because the alternative is hell.  Nikki just can't let go of Jack though.  The intensity of her feelings for him seems to override everything that is going on and Cole is just not ready to accept that.

  I found myself disappointed at Nikki's lack of effort to reconnect with her family.  She complied with everything her father asked her to do but rather than that she really was more concerned with everything else going on.  Being a teen I guess we don't always think of family before boys but seeing she wanted so bad to make things ok for her next good bye.  Actually she seems more concerned about Jack's brother than her own.  I can't put it all on her though I guess.  Her return is not a welcome one by anyone really and her Dad is no different.  He's more concerned about making her look better and the things that are going on in his life to really focus on her.

  Choosing a side in this book was hard.  I mean boys of course.  I was instantly drawn to Cole seeing he seems so genuine in his affection for Nikki.  As the book progresses it would seem Cole is the bad guy but I really just can't get my mind to set on that.  I just keep thinking that Nikki needs to get over it.  I see the appeal in Jack.  I really do but every time I start to really feel something for him, he either messes it up for me or I see Cole again. 

  I think that even if I didn't have a problem with it, the only thing I can see people having a problem with is the back and forth.  As you read she flashes back and forth between the present and the time before the feed.  Stories that are written like that is something different that I enjoy as long as I can follow. 

  Overall this was an easy and fun read.  I could not put it down and stayed up until 2am to finish it.  I wont lie to you, near the end my heart was so torn.  Tears were pushing themselves forth and I had to fight not to cry.  Everneath is a readers dream for those that loves Greek mythology!  Brodi Ashton did an amazing job with the emotions in this book and the depth of the main characters was fantastic.  I would really recommend this book!!!

4/5

2 Mini Reviews: Running Wide Open and Getting Sideways by: Lisa Nowak

I read these books back to back and didn't want to spread out the reviews.  Yet I felt writing two full

reviews in one go would be too much. Solution: I tried to write the greatness of these books

into two smaller reviews!!

Goodreads Description:   Cody Everett has a temper as hot as the flashpoint of racing fuel, and it's landed him at his uncle's trailer, a last-chance home before military school. But how can he take the guy seriously when he calls himself Race, eats Twinkies for breakfast, and pals around with rednecks who drive in circles every Saturday night?What Cody doesn't expect is for the arrangement to work. Or for Race to become the friend and mentor he's been looking for all his life. But just as Cody begins to settle in and get a handle on his supercharged temper, a crisis sends his life spinning out of control. Everything he's come to care about is threatened, and he has to choose between falling back on his old, familiar anger or stepping up to prove his loyalty to the only person he's ever dared to trust.

  Chase is not only a problem to others but a problem to himself as well!  When this becomes too much for his dad he is sent to live with his Uncle.  He doesn't think that things will be any different there. Heck why should they be?  The people that raised him can't handle him and why should a guy he hasn't seen in ten years be able to deal with him and love him is just out of the question.

  Not having the ideal childhood or any childhood really has left Chase with little ambition and feeling like he isn't worth anything.  I find it horribly annoying at times the lengths he goes to, to try and sabotage everything.  Lisa has captured an angry 15 year old boy boy to a 't' but it is very frustrating dealing with his destructive and pessimistic ways! They test even my patience and I am not the one dealing with him ever day.

  Race however seems to have the patience of a saint! Being Cody's Uncle really tests the limits at every turn of the track but that doesn't detour him from believing that things will work out.  I really admire Race for his strength and patience with Cody.  He has more of those things than most parents have but sometimes he seems to forget he is supposed to be the adult.

  There is tragedy in this book somewhere (lol). It will have you holding your breathing and tears forming for those pages/chapters. You will question is they will all survive or is this the last straw for Cody and Race?

Normally I don`t add book quotes but I LOVE this one made me laugh so hard:

I have animal magnetism. When I go outside the squirrels

stick to me. - Cody shirt (you will understand later)

Buy it: Amazon, Smashwords

4/5

Goodreads Description:  Getting shipped off to live with his uncle Race was the best thing that ever happened to fifteen-year-old Cody. Then a wreck at the speedway nearly ruined everything. Cody’s making every effort to get his life back on track—writing for the school paper, searching for the perfect girlfriend, and counting the days until he gets his drivers’ license—but there’s no escaping the nightmares that haunt him.

A chance to build his own car seems like the perfect distraction. Until Cody realizes he’ll have to live up to Race’s legendary status. But that’s the least of his worries, considering he doesn’t have his dad’s permission. All he has to do is the impossible: keep Race from discovering his lie until he can convince his dad that racing’s safe.

Yeah, sure. That’ll be easy.

  Now that Cody has his anger in check (well for the most part) things seem to be looking up.  He and Race are working on some projects together and starting to really bond together.  If only the nightmares that haunt him would go away and the girl issues that pick at him would stop. 

  I enjoyed this book just a little more than the last one.  That is partially because Cody has started to grow up and be less of child and learned to control his anger a bit better.  I would like to say emotions but keep in mind he is a teenage boy and the past is still hard on him.  Letting it all go seems to be more than he can handle and it seems like he is going to spiral back into his old ways and you have to wonder will he learn or will he just give up.

  Factor in Race again now.  With everything he has been through he`s as close to being who he used to be as possible.  He is better than he was was but there are still some issues that he needs to work out and his non-girlfriend/girlfriend Kasey contributes to both the good and the bad.  I like her (I really do) but sometimes I want to smack her for not realizing what she is doing!!

  Being the second book in the series I didn't expect to be as impressed with this as I was the last one but I was.  Lisa does a wonderful job working with a male protagonist.  Cody is a well thought out character and provokes you to keep on reading.  This is a series not to be missed! 

Buy it: Amazon, Smashwords

4.5/5

IMM #4- Week of Feburary 18-24

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren.  If you

are interested in doing your own IMM or just looking to hop around all the

different IMM's head on over there!

I do have a fairly small IMM this week but I got some really good books.

Hubby got for me for Valentines but they just came in the mail:

Dove not only refused to let me make the bed but today a picture was out of the question without her as well. I know I could have used Goodreads for the pics but she's cute so I couldn't resist sorry!








The I recieved in the mail (yes the mail people actually showed up this week):

Won from All Things Urban Fantasy:

 and for swag I won the AWESOME signed Eternal Starling bookmark for the wonderful Jean (Jean the Book Nerd) and the signed Night Marchers bookmarks from the release party I attended last week!

 

 

 

Thank you so much to everyone that made this possible!!!  I would love to hear and see what you got

in your mailbox so if you have stopped by either leave a link for your blog or just let me

know What Was In Your Mailbox?!

Review: Compulsion by Kymberlee Burkes-Miller

Goodreads  :                                                                              After Lilyann Moon's grandmother dies under suspicious circumstance,she and her eleven young family members are thrown into the world of witchcraft and the paranormal. A world they know nothing about, and need to learn fast! Lily's the most powerful witch in over five centuries, but she's untrained and uninitiated. Now the vampires have found out that the Moon line didn't end with her grandmother and they're coming to claim their prize, Her Blood! The only bright spot in this nightmare was meeting Mason, but is she in love with the enemy. She's in a race against time to save her coven! Will Lily survive with her heart and neck intact? 

  Lily looses her grandmother and if being devastated or ripped apart by her death isn't enough she is pulled into a world of supernatural.  The world that she had no idea existed of witches and vampires and has to figure out and FAST.  She has a hard time believing it at first but wouldn't any normal human being?! However normal is something that she is not so she believes a little faster and adjust even faster.  The biggest problem she has is keeping it from her boyfriend Mason (even if he knows more than she does and hides more than that) and getting her siblings and cousins to believe her, without thinking she has gone nuts!  With such a close knit family it doesn't take long to bring everyone together and have them believing now they just need to figure out how to become what they are supposed to be.  Lucky enough their grandmother left them each with a note that helps them with where they fit and who they are to be.  They all need to learn their powers, work together and deal with Lily's adoration of Mason while they are at it.

 

  As a main character Lily does not disappoint.  She truly is everything that you look for: determined, strong and loving.  When she first finds out what her true destiny is she is not very confident but who would be right off the hop not knowing the extent of the power they hold and having to worry about protecting a very large family! Determination fixes that soon enough and you can't help but love her extreme need to protect her family, which includes Mason.  That is probably my favorite and her most admirable trait.  The amount of love she has for her family and friends.  Kymberlee makes this point very apparent and you know exactly how Lily feels about everything that happens.

   Mason.... He enters the book as somewhat of a god in Lily's eyes and lives up to those standards quite well.  Everyone loves him, that means an entire family not just friends approve.  It doesn't matter how many ways I try to picture him it is always his eyes that stand out in my mind and Lily seems to love them as well.  They do symbolize something for him though and it is a very important something.  It's what gives him away to Lily when she first realizes that he has not been very honest with her.  To be honest that is what drives me nuts about him. He is not forth coming with information no matter how petty it is or even if it is important to Lily.  That is about his only fault and all things considered it's not that big of a deal.

 

  I would love to write about each member of the family, mostly siblings and cousins but there is so many that it is just not possible.  Knowing that you are going to have to believe that I would if I thought anyone would make it through the entire review.  Each member of this family including lily's best friend Cam are amazing and engaging characters.  The physical description doesn't always rock but who they are stands out and you know who is who.  Once again I love how close they are and they love that you feel coming from them.  Without it they wouldn't be as strong or nearly strong enough to face what they have to deal with.

  I have to mention Dax and Victor.  Though you will not see much of them, they play our villains role in this novel.  Being the vamps that plan on taking the Moon Coven down and in Dax's case taking Lily for himself.  Did I mention they were a certain someones brother?!  That being said this book wouldn't be the same without them.  The Moon's have to learn their inner power for a reason right?

  Now I will mention I did have one very small issue.  I found that certain parts of the book would just jump right into another place and time (not like back in time but ahead) out of nowhere.  This left me with a couple of confused moments but it took nothing to figure out what had happened and get back to quickly finishing this book.

  Overall this was a quick and compelling read.  It was a fun and easy read with all the most important things: romance, action and the paranormal.  I would recommend this to anyone that has a love for the paranormal.

4/5

"Waiting on" Wednesday: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

                         Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine,

and specifically spotlights upcoming
novels we can't wait to read.

My WoW for this week is:
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance

Expected Release Date: July 24th, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen
Buy it/Pre-order it: Amazon, Book Depository

Why am I waiting on this: Well besides the stunningly beautiful cover (I mean look at that dress!) this book sounds great.  After reading Dearly Departed I decided that I would give the zombie thing a go and I haven't looked back and here we are with another awesome sounding zombiefied novel!

What are you waiting on?  Feel free to leave a comment with your WoW link in the comments!

Review: In His Eyes

Goodreads Description:                                                           Available NOW, just in time for Valentines Day, The Indelibles bring you a one-of-a-kind young adult anthology! Sixteen original short stories, all from the point of view of our favorite male characters - some are old flames from our novels and some were dreamed up especially for this anthology.

Let these imminently crushable, swoon-worthy guys show you what romance looks like – in his eyes.

The contributors to IN HIS EYES include award winners, frequent “Top 100” placers, and hot 2011 debut authors

  I LOVED this book!!  I really enjoyed each and every story for different reasons.  Some were because I already knew and loved the characters and others made me want to rush out and purchase the authors book!  I like to pick anthology books because they give you a better idea if you will like an author or not.  I am not saying I base my entire opinion of an author on a single short but it does give me a better idea if I am going to enjoy their writing or not.  There was so much awesome writing I really can't believe this isn't being rushed to print!!

  As the title suggests all of the stories in this book are written from the male POV.  This is great as most of the authors do write from the females point of view.  There is some that write either from both or the males already in here too.  However I like hearing about the encounters that started it all or the moments that made the relationship that bit more from the males POV.   One of these in particular gave me an entire new outlook on the guy.  I didn't dislike him in the actual novel but I didn't like him either... He was simply book candy to me. 

  I wont write a review for each book simply because I know that this would end up being the longest review ever if I did!!  I will just simply assign my normal score out of 5 to each story!

Surprise, Surprise by Stacey Wallace Benefiel (author of Glimpse)- 3.5/5

First Kiss or First Kill? by C.K. Bryant (author of Bound)- 4/5

Shattered by Ali Cross (author of Become)- 5/5

Before by Jessie Harrell (author of Destined)- 3.5/5

The Qualm Before the Storm by Karen Amanda Hooper (author of Tangled Tides)- 4 /5

Unspeakable by S.R. Johannes (author of Untraceable)- 4/5

In the Beginning by Katie Klein (author of Cross My Heart)- 4/5

A Chance Encounter by Cheri Lasota (author of Artemis Rising)- 3.5/5
Family Bonds by Heather McCorkle (author of The Secret of Spruce Knoll)- 5/5
Getting Closer by Lisa Nowak (author of Running Wide Open):  4.5/5
Precalculus by Cory Putman Oakes (author of The Veil)- 4.5/5The Almost Assassin by Laura Pauling (author of A Spy Like Me)- 3.5/5

Mind Games by Susan Kaye Quinn (author of Open Minds)- 5/5

By The Firelight by Elle Strauss (author of Clockwise)- 4/5
A Very Alien Valentine’s Day by Magan Vernon (author of How To Date An Alien)- 3.5/5

Aligned by RaShelle Workman (author of Exiled)- 4/5

  This book did not disappoint! The authors that I read read previously did not let me down and I liked their shorts just as much if not more than I liked their novels.  The ones that I had not read before (some I will shamefully admit I hadn't heard of before) held up my high expectations of this with absolutely no problem. I would recommend this book to everyone.  It is full of wonderful authors and stories!!!

Review: Clockwise by Elle Strauss

Goodreads Description:
A teenage time traveler accidentally takes her secret crush back in time. Awkward.

Boy watching with her best friend would be enough excitement for fifteen year old Casey Donovan. She doesn't even mind life at the bottom of the Cambridge High social ladder, if only she didn’t have this other much bigger problem. Unscheduled trips to the nineteenth century!

When Casey gets talked into going to the Fall Dance, the unthinkable happens--she accidentally takes Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time.

Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just ‘brotherly’ protectiveness?

When they return to the present things go back to the way they were before: Casey at the bottom of the social totem pole and Nate perched on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her little brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.

Which of course, she does

 

This was a great read.  Elle did a wonderful job of taking time travel and putting a little twist on it.  A little twist that I loved!  The book had its ups and downs like most do but overall it was a fun read.

  Casey is just your typical awkward teenage girl.  Well aside from the fact that can trip at any moment.  Trip or tripping is how Casey and her best friend Lucinda describe her little trips back to the 19th century.  Even though it can not be easy to be sucked back to the past at any given moment Casey is a strong female and has learned to cope with her little situation.  She take precautions and tried to prepare for her trips back as much as possible.  The problem is you can not prepare for the unexpected. Like taking her big time crush Nate back with her.
  I liked Casey...  A LOT and I was having issues seeing what she seen in Nate.  I mean seriously you are way better than that.  However looking back I guess when you get a crush (or I now when I did) it did not matter realistic or not, nice or not.  It was more a hotness factor and Nate definitely has that going for him.   I also really appreciated that it wasn't insta love. with her and him.
  Nate really was my up and down for this book.  Seriously I wanted to kick him at a couple points.  Violent I know but he behaved way too much like a high school girl for me a couple of times.  He cared way too much about image than I cared for in a male but I have always been a push the limits and image kind of girl.  I will admit that I became more fond of him after his first tripping experience with Casey.  He seems to be freaked out but hey who wouldn't be terrified to learn they really time travelled.  He does calm down and seem to be okay with the idea of Casey and tripping.
  The world of 1860 that Elle put Casey in is full of adventure!  There are really a lot of interesting people there.  Although you do have to keep in mind that the world is a completely different place then.  Samuel is someone that will help you understand this and he holds a special place in this book really.  My favorite way back character is Sara.  She is so strong and I guess it may be typical for the time but she is especially forgiving and smart.
  Elle has created a wonderful and fascinating novel.  The worlds are worth tripping to with Casey each and every time it happens. The transformations from her world to the past are basically seamless and felt natural each time (even when it wasn't supposed to be).  This novel was well written and I look forward to reading the next book ClockwiseR when it is released.

4/5

If you would like to talk with Elle Strauss and ask her a question about her book or give her some awesome comments on her book she will be on my twitter #YABookChat on February 29 @ 9:30pm EST.  We would love to see you there!

IMM #3

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over the The Story Siren. Head on over there and check it out if you are interested in doing your own IMM.

I did not get much in my real mailbox this week but what I did get was AWESOME!!

Book Reader Addicts on Facebook did an all Canadian giveaway last week.  I was super excited to find out I was the winner of this:

YAY!

I won lots of e-books this week!!

From Dani at Refracted Light Reviews ( @RefractingLight )

sent to me by Cidney Swanson:

The Rippler Series

From Angela Brown's Blog ( @Pearldragonfang )

In His Eyes

From the wonderful Julia Crane( @JuliaCrane2 )

 (I am so happy to finally be able to read this!)

Won on There for You Book Editing & Review on Facebook,

Valentine's Day bash:

From the Facebook Night Marchers Page on their Redemption Release Party:

That's what was in my mailbox.  What was in yours?  Feel free to leave a link to your IMM and I'll stop by and comment :)

Review: Shift (Protector Book 2) by M.R. Merrick

Devastated by the loss of his mother, Chase is trying to balance the life he’s been left with, a family he’s still getting to know, and power he never thought he’d have. He doesn’t understand why the Goddess has named him the Protector and granted him two gifts: the Mark, a tattoo that now covers his back, and the ring. But between getting interrogated by the Circle and psychic attacks from Riley, the Mark is the least of his concern. There’s a demon inside Rayna that’s fighting to be released, and it’s not her inner witch. It’s something else–a monster threatening to tear her apart.

As Chase struggles to control his magic, his enemies are closing in. Everyone has staked a claim on his ring, and destroying it may be his only chance to stop Riley. But Chase must decide if stopping him is worth risking the lives of everyone he cares about, or if protecting the ring will be enough to save his world?

Buy it: Amazon, 

I have to say the awesome of this book starts with the cover!! I know they say never judge a book by its cover but when it is as eye catching and awesome as this who could resist?! I know I have said awesome a lot already but really it is awesome and until I find a better word be prepared to hear it a lot more throughout this review!!

Matt is an amazingly talented writer!!  I would not recommend picking up either of his books unless you plan on doing nothing else because you  will NOT want to put it down!! You are propelled into the world he has created and don't want to leave even after the book is done.  There is no circles or parts that you think "okay I am ready to move on" because you just keep moving!!  I am trying to do this spoiler free so bare with me!!

Captivating Main Characters

Chase- If you like tall, handsome and ripped demon hunter well Chase is your man! Well that's how I see him.  I this book he has a lot going on.  He has lost a lot and gained a little.  Yes he has the ring that  Serephinan gave him and his elements but what good are they without control?  I feel for him going from nothing to what seemed like everything and then back to losing the most important thing you ever had!  However Chase has grown so much and not just his strength and elements.  All around as a male he has become so much more than just a demon hunter.  Despite the odds he continues to throw himself at the enemy head on no matter what the odds!!

Rayna- My gosh she is one of the most amazing chicks out there!!! You wanna hear it as it is ask her she will tell you.  Despite that in this book she is in a fight with her inner beast.  It wants out and she is determined to keep it in.  This worries everyone but her.  Without her this book would become so unbalanced in my opinion.  She is a balance/counter part for so many things in this book!

Although Chase and Rayna are the most important I wouldn't feel complete without mentioning my crush Willy. I know laugh it up but I think he is geeky and cute!  Also he is totally coming into his own in this book and has almost done a 360.  He has started to believe in himself a little more and stands up for what he believes is right.  Even if it does scare the crap outta him!!

Tiki is also someone worth talking about.  You don't see much of him in the book but seems to have a genuine dedication to Chase's cause and adds some fun and diversity!

Marcus... I have so many mixed feelings for him.  I don't doubt him being a good guy but so much about him rubs me the wrong way!  On the other hand without him there would be a gap in the group.

The Deal

The story itself is amazing and wonderful.  Matt creates worlds and when you read them they completely come to life!! Ever page, every word brings the people and the places to life and you are totally there with them.  Most epic moments in the book is when Chase is using his out of control elements(aka battle scenes lol).  You also have to keep in mind I say most not all.  Right near the end of the book there is an epic, very anticipated favorite part of mine!!

In an overall rating of this book it was okay I guess... Just kidding it will have you wanting  NEEDING more!! It is very strongly and well written! Start with your cover love and stay for the story because there is not one thing about this book I did not enjoy!!  It is so full of AWESOME you will not want to stop reading even when you are done!!!

5/5

Book Boyfriend

  I know this is in Valentine's Day but I thought I should still put it out there about a couple of men/boys that I really love!!

  In adult books I feel most attracted to Eric Northman and Sam from Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels.  Most people have fallen for True Blood's Eric but let me tell you read the books and True Blood Eric holds NOTHING on book Eric.  Same with Sam.  Sam is WAY hotter in the books and has a way better attitude!!  For you True Blood lovers I will use picture from that for hottie visual!!

and

There is one other man from this series I had a temporary crush on but I am not mentioning him for the reason that I know a lot of people that watch the show haven't read the books and I do NOT want to ruin his arrival for you :)

This was a post encouraged by Prissy Fit for her:

 Priscilla's Hottest Boys in Books Giveaway





Cover Reveal: CAPTURE by Brina Courtney

Cover Reveal:  CAPTURE by Brina Courtney

  I am extremely lucky to be among those that are getting to be a part of this awesome cover reveal!!  Brina is an awesome author and I was super excited to be asked to do this!! 

Ladies and Gentlemen may I introduce the cover of the sure to be amazing:

 CAPTURE by Brina Courtney



  Isn't it pretty!!! Shay is almost as I had pictured her myself!! This book is due

to be released at the end of March(too far for me)!!

  Capture does not yet have a blurb for me to post but it does have a Goodreads Page:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13484455-capture

If you have not yet read Brina's first book Reveal I recommend you do.  I have a

5 star review right here on my blog!! The overall 4.5 star rated Reveal (Cryptid Tales #1) 

is now on sale for $1.99!!

Reveal Description:

High school senior Shay Tafford leads a less than normal life. Hiding her ability to speak to ghosts from her family and friends is one thing, but discovering there’s a beautiful boy named Hugh who has the same gift is an entirely different problem; especially when she’s been crushing on him for weeks. Since her life’s not already chaotic enough, her only confidante- a boy ghost- has disappeared as thoroughly as her father did twelve years ago. With Hugh’s help, Shay must find the answers she needs in order to save the people she loves from disappearing- forever.

You should totally follow Brina!! She is an amazing writer and an awesome person!!

You can find her on Facebook or Twitter.  That way you can get up to date information

on Capture's release date and other Crytid Tales fun!!

Trivia Tuesday!

TRIVIA TUESDAY

Welcome to my first ever TRIVIA TUESDAY!!! 

This is something new to me and I hope the blogging world!  What I am going to do is pick

some of my favorite quotes from books (I will give you a list of the books) and all you have

to do is guess who said it and out of what book!!

In Honor of Valentine's Day I am going to use quotes strictly from some of my favorite

book BOYS...  Oh and because this is a first and I want you all to not only have fun

but be motivated to spread the word there will be a giveaway to go with this!! I was thinking

it will be INTERNATIONAL as long as the Book Depo. ships to you!!

So here we go.... These are the books featured this week:

Iron Queen: Julie Kagawa and Conflicted: Julia Crane

Remembrance: Michelle Madow & Tangled Tides: Karen A. Hooper

The Boys Are:

Drew- Remembrance

Treygan- Tangled Tides

Ash- Iron Queen

Rourk- Conflicted

And your quotes are:

1. "Do you believe we have the ability to change destiny?"

2. "Well you don't have to worry.  I will always make your safety my number one priority"

3. "My gods, is this the kind of cheesy stuff couples say to each other?'

4. "I just hate thinking I could loose you all over again."

5. "I am your chosen. I am supposed to give you this ring on your birthday."

6. "You are my heart, my life, me entire existence."

7. "She loved me (---Name not mentioned) even the evil, scary parts of me.  I want that back. Is that so greedy?'

8. "But it's you I love not her.  You believe me right? Always and forever"

9. "If I have to chase your soul to the ends of eternity, I wont stop until I find you, I promise."

Easy peasy right?  The rules are simple:

1. You must be a follower.  GFC or Linky (please leave name and way you follow)

2. Each quote needs a person and a book attached to it

3. Answers must be left in the comment section

3. HAVE FUN!!!

That's it :) You don't have to do them all but guess anyway(you never know you might be right).  I will also award an extra point for each time you tweet(Once daily).  I will not have an already made tweet it's up to you to be original.  Please us my twitter name @Tiff_Mahaffy and the hashtag #triviatuesday1 so that I can find it to give you credit. Comment back here each day with your tweet link.  The prize to the winner is $10 CAN. to the Book Depo.  If my followers jump by next week I might do $15... What do you think?

This will run from today Feb. 14 until Feb. 21 when the next Trivia Tuesday goes up. 

Please be honest and don't use other peoples answers.  Let me now what you think of Trivia Tuesday.  Would you like to see more of it?

GOOD LUCK!!!

I need at least 10 people to enter in order to run this contest.  Sorry
about any inconvenience

Review: Tangled Tides- Karen A. Hooper

Review:

Tangled Tides by Karen A. Hooper



Yara Jones doesn’t believe in sea monsters—until she becomes one.

When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.

Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people—until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process—or she might open the gateway to a love that’s deeper than the oceans.

Young Adult fans of Mermaids, Selkies, Sirens and Gorgons will love this tale of the sacrifice one makes for genuine love. Love that could be lost at any moment to the ever-changing tides.

  I have so much love for this book I am not sure I can do it justice in a review and I am trying to do it as spoiler/story free as possible!  This is by far the best mermaid book I have ever read and I am not just saying that because of the gorgeous cover!!!  My love for this book started early on and only grew as I read it.  You can't help but be hooked on this book from the first chapter where Karen thrust you into a world unknown to Yara and makes it almost impossible to put it down( I had to part with it for bathroom breaks and it wasn't easy).  This book is filled with so many refreshing and original characters!! There is not only mermaids but selkies, sirens, gorgons and mentions to other mythological creatures. 

 
  Yara is the best character to start with I think.  There was NOTHING about her that I did not love.  She is strong willed, caring and does have a bit of a temper at times.  Right at the start she is taken from her home and has to adjust to being a mermaid and where as most characters I find just accept what happens just like that and keep going Yara doesn't.  There is a fight raging in her and she refuses to just go without asking questions and wants a full understanding.  Even if she doesn't want any part of it she does make the best of it eventually but who wouldn't with a handsome Treygan there so swoon over. 

  Yara is with Rowan (he's selkie) to start there is a lot going on with him that she doesn't know and it does not take her long to figure it out.  However somewhere inside him he really does care for Yara. Once Yara realizes what Rowan`s intentions truly are she realizes Treygan. This also ensures that we don't get sucked into another love triangle (I don't mind them sometimes but this is a refreshing break).  Treygan is easily one of the most difficult swoon worthy guys that I instantly loved.  Even thought he turns Yara into a mer for his own reasons to start he finds himself caring for her.  He has many of his own secrets and a reason behind many of the things he does, even if it does tick you off.  Treygan evokes so much emotion but makes you want to shake him at the same time.


  Yara and Treygan are such a beautiful story in their own.  Their love was not instant and was not supposed to be.  Like all great love though what was meant to be wins over what was not supposed to be.  Where Yara starts off disliking him for what he did and he is in it because it is simply what needs to be done.  When they start to break through it is such a beautiful love!! I would be lying if I told you that there weren't parts of this book near the end that made my eyes tear up. 

  Other characters that deserve a mention are: Kimber, Delmar, Pango and Nixie.  Kimber is by far my next favorite female!  I see her as being not only beautiful and sweet but she is so strong in her own way and I can't say much else without ruining her and I would not want to do that!! Oh, I should put it out there that she is Delmars wife.  As much as I want to go into details about all of these wonderful characters I don`t want to take all your time up while you should be out getting this book!!

  Overall Karen has created such an amazing world.  The characters are brilliantly written and you come to like each one for their differences. Right from the first chapter you will be hooked and wont want to stop!!  You will love the unique things you learn about each character and all of the amazing things and connections the merfolk have!  There is all you could ever want in this book: love, deceit, myths and so much more AWESOME!!  The ending leaves you wanting more but not empty.  It is a must read and was one of my favorite reads last year!!  So if you don`t have this book and want a break from the vamps, shifters and angels but still want the myth and romance PICK THIS UP!!! Hey even if you don't want the break pick it up, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!

5/5

I am team Mermaid!!!

IMM #2

In My Mailbox #2

 In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over the The Story Siren. Head on over there and check it out if you are interested in doing your own IMM.

This week I bought (with some of my Chapters Christmas gift cards):

Possession- Elana Johnson

Dark Heart Forever:  Lee Monroe

Dark Heart Rising: Lee Monroe

I was also SUPER lucky to be gifted with a copy of Shift by M.R. Merrick by Ashley at The Bookish Brunette!!

What's in your mailbox this week? 

Feel free to leave a comment with a link to your IMM!!!

Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Goodreeads Description:                                                               When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.

    This is one of those books that the cover just screams at you and you can't help but pick it up.  After reading the summary I couldn't help but buy it.  To be honest I think that I may have hyped the book up a bit in my mind because of the pretty cover and different summary.

  Wendy had never really fit in anywhere.  Constantly moving around and didn't have anyone rather than her brother Matt and aunt Maggie.  I want to say that I loved Wendy but I can't.  She was quirky and I felt well written but I just couldn't connect with her on any level.  Even though she is strong willed and very able, I felt she was also kind of whiny.  I understand that being a Trylle makes her want what she wants but I found in her down time she complained and whined to herself about one thing or another.  This was probably because no one ever told her what to do. Given her brother did let her get away with a lot but he also loved her unconditionally!

  When Finn walks into the scene that is when everything fast tracks and it's not that far into the book.  Finn's job was to locate Wendy and take her "home." This is where she meets her birth mother Elora and learns she is not any more motherly than the one that tried to kill her at birth.  Elora would never harm Wendy but there is so much detachment that you can't help but feel a little bad yourself.  The only thing that really made me have a hard time feeling bad for her at this point is that she doesn't seems to really miss her family(Matt and Maggie).

  The best thing she really seems to have for her at this place is an amazing garden that Finn shows her and a couple people that float in and out depending on what's going on. Willa and Tove are probably my favorite people in the book and you don't see much of them! Tove is my main man in this book and I really hope I get to see more of him in the next book.  Both of these people were changlings themselves but for the most part seem more well adjusted than Wendy.  Despite all odds these two people make the book that much better for me and really help towards the end of the book. 

  The use of Trolls was an interesting concept and I liked it.  The characters were well written and for the most part I felt the world that Amanda created was vidid enough for me to picture it.  Overall this was a good story and I liked it  but had hoped for more.  I will continue on with the series and am still excited for it! 

3/5

 

  

Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Goodreads Description:

  Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams. 
As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear. 
And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul. 

My First Take On The Book:

  Theia seems to be an exceptional girl with a sheltered life.  It really irritated me that she was so okay with the fact every move she made was so calculated.  However for whatever reason it may be she has two amazing friends!! Donny and Amelia are fantastic characters  and even better friends.  You can not help but love them and what they bring to the table.  Haden seems like a dream to start and in a way he is.  What she sees when she is sleeping borderlines what most girls in her situation would consider horror.  However that is how she grows and why she grows. 

The Underwhelming:

  No matter how much I want to sing this book praises I would be lying to you if I said I didn't have some minor issues with it.  There is just too much of the "Dangerous boy" meets "Sweet, quiet and out of place girl" and it's love.  I can't say at first sight but with that kind of love it never is.  I also have to wonder where her friends where while this was all going on.  She of course doesn't tell them everything but I would be far more concerned than what they seem to be.  

The Gratifying:

  You get such a variety of characters in this book and you really look forward to reading them.  Keep an eye out for Varnie he is a hoot!! You don't find someone like him very often.  Donny I LOVE.  She reminded me of myself in some aspects. (not all). Amelia is such an independent and original that you can't help but smile reading about her, though I did have some minor issues with her character and hope that it will be cleared up in the next book.  The story does keep you interested.  The entire time!! There was not a lot of feeling like you weren't going anywhere.

The Final Say:

  Gwen Hayes has created a good over all story.  If you like/love the dangerous boy and awkward girl you will love this book!  I did enjoy how Theia grew into her own person and Haden stepped up to who he wanted to be but I felt there was too much riding on both of their souls.  It will keep you interested but not really guessing.  There is not really much to complain about but sadly I was not blown away by the story either. I would give this book a 3.5/5.  It was somewhere between a like and love.

3.5/5 Stars

Review: Significance by Shelly Crane

SIGNIFICANCE: SHELLY CRANE

 

Goodreads Description:                                                                      Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating, barely, and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has. Then she meets Caleb. She saves his life and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing but she is supposed to be on her way to a date with his cousin. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally. They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive. Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him. Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

 

 

My take on things:

   Maggie hasn't had an easy year and I felt for her I really did. However when I first started reading about her I thought that I was going to have to spend an entire novel reading about a whiney and withdrawn character.  I am so glad I kept reading because even though she seems that way to start, she doesn't finish that way.  Her and Caleb (<---*SWOON*) make a great match and I am happy that Shelly created such an unusual bond and NO love triangle.  Being as young as they both are they have a very strong and quick development of their "abilities".  Their devotion to each other is something that in a way we all hope to find at some time in our lives but in another sense it is just overwhelming. 

 

  The Underwhelming:

 Once Maggie and Caleb are imprinted that is it!  There is no one else for either of them and although it is endearing, it can be fustrating as well.  I did expect her to accept what was going on with grace.  They ARE imprinted but I also kinda expected her to be a little more demanding for details when she found out what was happening. Then as all great books go with great love comes great problems!!!  The withdrawl is probably the hardest of those problems but enemy clans are as well.  Before I knew what was happening I felt like the book was set on repeat... Love, release, danger/withdrawl, safety and love... It just went on like that for a bit and I really was starting to feel the need to move forward.  Then I thought here we go again and was surprised to be thrust forward into something bigger.

 

The Gratifying:

  The love that their relationship brings out is something that I really appreciated.  Maggie's bad year was for many reasons, one being her Dads zombie ways. Once Caleb walks into falls onto Maggie's life it's like everything snaps into attention.  His family treats her as their own and her own father snaps to attention.  There is so much love you can't help but feel a part of it all.  Their abilities are amazing and something I wish I had at times :)

  Caleb is not only swoon worthy but close to full out drool worthy!!  Personally just  thinking about the boy makes me drift off into swoon world.  Rather than not being you typical 19 year old boy he is all you could want and more.  Maggie is a very lucky girl!

 

The Final say:

  I have to hand it to her, Shelly Crane really knows how to create a world and bring it to life!  There was not a single character that I couldn't invision. Did not matter if they played a large/small role, were good or bad or you just met them on one page.  They were all clear as day!  I would pick up any of her books just for that reason.  A book with clear characters makes all the difference and rather than what I felt was one rutt this book is wonderful! I give it a solid 4 stars :)