Downdrift by Sutton Shields (Review)

Genre:	YA, Fantasy, Mermaids
Publication Date:	August 12, 2015
Pages:	353
Published By:	Author
Website	Sutton Shields Website
Review copy:	Physical for honest review

Buy it:
Amazon 

Two Waves Remain...

Marina Valentine is one future time-traveling trip away from putting the final trident in King Zale’s reign. The future, however, has a dire message for the Savior: She is one decision away from costing everyone everything.

Marina doesn’t want the burden of some unknown decision, nor does she want to learn of yet another sneaky trick by King Zale. All she wants to do is focus on her trip with Troy to retrieve the last soul stealing stone—a trip that will not only take them to wondrous, mysterious places, but will bring them closer than she ever dreamed possible.

Unfortunately for Marina Valentine, burdens and Zale tricks are part of the job description.

Only this time, the burden has never been heavier and the trick has never been more destructive.

  Though I kept my eyes on the road, I was very aware of Troy's eyes on me.  I'd bet anything he bore that smile I loved so much.  He probably had his sexy eyes flicked to the 'on' position as well.

  My God, this was a nightmare, one no amount of pinching would wake me from.  We had been changed back into our mer-selves, and I managed to land fin-down.  That should have been comforting.  It wasn't.

Polly bounced off the walls, knocking guards off their feet and rendering them unconcious, as if they were nothing more than scarecrows.  It was quite a sight, like seeing your grandmother go from knitting in her rocking chair to butt-kicking bad guys, midair.

  Elaborate oak panelling, extraordinarily detailed balustrades, and cherub fixtures were only made more spectacular by the natural   well, weather mermaid-created    light beaming through a remarkable wrought iron glass dome ceiling.  

  It is no secret that I adore Miss Shields writing.  Her writing is teeming with character, her characters are vivid and her books nothing short of wonderful.  This is a writer that put a bit of herself not only into the book itself, but each character that she has created.  Though I know this is something that most do, Shields does it with such passion that I can't help but be captivated every single time I open one of her books.  

  What always blows my mind is Shields ability to craft these worlds.  Every place is spectacular and vivid, giving the reader a clear picture of each magical place.  When I think that there is no way that Shields could add another place without over doing it or not giving a clear enough picture, I am proved wrong.  Downdrift took a lot of time developing the story further but it didn't skimp out on the action or progression.  There was a reason behind every voyage and every twist, and though my heart broke a little and I internally scream for being a fool and not seeing everything earlier, fact of the matter is that it was all worth it.  The only thing I could have wished for when it came down to it was that we got a little more of the other characters.  This one was largely (not completely but Largely) about the development of Marina and Troy's relationship (that is beyond the bigger point of, you know getting the final tools to basically save the world).  Beyond that (and that took a lot of thought to pick out), the pacing and plot were perfect! 

  Marina never gets a second to just be a teenager.  Her life has been a series of ups and downs right from the start of Finned.  At this point I just have to applaud her for not going insane from all of the downs.  Though she has never been a normal teen, life since she was banished has just gotten harder and harder.  This being said, Marina does well with the mounding challenges that face her.  Time after time new things are thrown at her and she does her best to conquer each thing.  The beauty of Marina though is that she is not perfect but she will not give up, and no matter how many times she finds out she is more powerful than she could have ever imagined she doesn't pretend that she really has a clue as to what she is doing.  She has gotten stronger and much more self assured, but she is still the same imperfectly, perfect character that I cannot get enough of.

  As always, I love the supporting cast that Shields created.  The entire gang is unique and continues to grow right along with Marina, and yet they bring the same entertainment each time the grace the pages.  It's seriously mind blowing that there are so many characters and yet I never feel overwhelmed, nor do I ever forget who someone is.  This is a special talent I think, because honestly I love every single part of every character.  Okay, so I am not a fan of the Mer Bitch but I can appreciate how well her and her story is written.  Beyond this there is basically a character for every taste that a reader may have.  Personally I love the contrasting Polly and Airianna more and more. Airi is basically everything good.  She is the sweetest and I adore her.  While I adore Polly because she does not hold back.  Maybe it her demons, but honestly she is just plain ol' quirky and I would attempt to hug her(even though it would probably end up in an injury).  I wish I could spend time and talk about each character but you probably wouldn't finish this review.

  What else could I say to entice you all to not only start this series, but pick them each up until you reach this point.  OH, maybe the fact that no matter how many times you think you have everything figured out... YOU DON'T!! Shields never hesitates to throw you off of her trail and possibly even break you heart a little.  No character is ever safe, and though there has been minimal loss, there is no shortage of twists and turns.  These are books that I have no problem devouring, and openly recommend them to any person that enjoys a great read with amazing characters.  

Waiting on Wednesday #2

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine 

and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

Genre:	YA, Retelling, Fantasy
Publication Date:	January 10, 2017
Pages:	464
Published By:	Amulet Books
Series	-

In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French arts conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.

At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn—an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.

Why I'm Waiting

  Well... Cover lust.  There is not a doubt in my mind that I will NEED this one the second I can get my hands on it!   Between the beautiful cover (I'm strangely addicted to covers with red), and the fact that A.G. Howard is totally amazing this book is a given for me.  Admittedly I am also extremely interested in the twist/retelling aspect.  I can only think of one other book that ever did Phantom of the Opera and I loved it.  It's not something that is done really and I am super intrigued to see how it all pans out!

What are you waiting on?!
Link me up so I can see 

Shatter by Lola Taylor (Book Blitz)

Welcome to the Shatter by Lola Taylor Book Blitz!!! I don't know about you but between
the cover and the synopsis, I'm thinking this is going to be one HOT book!!

Shatter by Lola TaylorRelease Date: June 27th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Suspense

Love is an addiction. And its name is Scott Melt-Your-Panties Meyers.

For twenty-five-year-old Amy Miles, moving into her craptastic new apartment was like winning the lottery.

Here, she could start over.

No more nightmares. No more drama. No constantly looking over her shoulder, waiting for the boogeyman to strike.

No, she was done with all that. She was going to be a normal girl, dammit.

Then Scott Meyers saunters into her life.

She knows she should stay away from her hot-as-sin apartment building manager. Shouldn’t put her heart out there, or get into another hot, romantic mess.

Two years of heartache, a helluva lot of tequila, and buried regrets should have been enough to make her call it quits on passion.

Except, Amy knows the moment she lays eyes on Scott, she’s not going to be able to run away from the undeniable attraction between them. They’re both damaged goods—and there’s a saying that darkness calls to darkness.

But some ghosts won’t be laid to rest.

When a stalker from Amy’s past returns, hell-bent on ending her life, she realizes happily ever after with Scott is just a dream. For his safety, she should walk out the door and never look back. It’s what the old Amy would have done—run like hell. Away from her past, away from inevitable heartbreak.

Except this time, she’s tired of running.

She’s ready to fight—even if it kills her.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

“Why Gentlemen Are Sexy” – by Lola Taylor

Reading romance is like going on a first date every time you open your next book. As you read you’re getting to know the hero, falling in love with him page by page. Some romances are sweeter than others. Some are bittersweet. Some are hotter than hell and steam up the screen of your ereader. And all of that’s fabulous and makes you excited to read more romance.
So you pick up another book off your gigantic TBR romance pile, eagerly gearing up for your next first date… only to discover about fifty pages in that your prince is more like a toad.
Or, more accurately, an asshole.
Symptoms of a First-Class Jerk
I see it all the time in hotter romance. The hero is, well, kind of a tool. He doesn’t hold the door open for you. He’s demanding with little compassion. He demeans or humiliates you. He’s possessive because “he just has problems and a helluva lot of baggage, baby.” But don’t worry, he’ll work on that. (Never.)
He thinks he’s all that. He thinks you’ll stick around because hey, what other options do you have? And who could compete with him anyway? He’s just that awesome (and full of crap).
What he doesn’t realize is that gentlemen are sexier.
I like heroes who treat their women with respect. Who make the heroine feel pretty when she’s just rolled out of bed, who bring her breakfast in bed—preferably after a hot round of “let me show you how much I love you.”
I like heroes who are there for their women no matter what, through the good and the bad. Heroes who would never put the heroine down or make her feel bad about herself. Heroes who encourage the heroine to be independent and bring out the best in her.
I like heroes who are tough as nails without being crazy or possessive. An alpha male who knows how to be a teddy bear around his woman, and who treats her like a queen.
I like reading and writing about gentlemen.
Because, in my opinion, nothing is sexier on a man than confidence—and adoration and respect for his queen.

***

Who’s your favorite swoon-worthy hero? Be sure to mention what series/book he’s from so the rest of us can fall in love with him, too.

Author Bio:
“Lola Taylor” is a pen name created for the romances I can’t show my grandma without blushing. My favorite genre to write is romantic suspense, usually involving hot werewolves, warlocks, or any other type of paranormal creature. Keep the action hot and the romance hotter—that’s my motto! I’m a horror film junkie, I still love Halloween as an adult (seriously, I think I get more excited for it than some kids do), and what precious spare time I have is spent with my family, reading (everything from sci fi to middle grade), playing the flute, painting pretty pictures, or screwing around on Pinterest or Etsy. Hailing from the South, I currently live in the Midwest with five fur babies and my hubby.
You can connect with me on Facebook, Google +, Pinterest, Goodreads, or my email (lolawritespnr@gmail.com). Learn more about me and my books at www.lolataylorbooks.com, and sign up for new release notifications via my free New Release Newsletter.

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Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Review)

Genre:	YA, Supernatural
Publication Date:	December 8, 2014
Pages:	300
Published By:	Author
Series:	The Wicked Saga #1
Review copy:	E-copy Purchased

Buy it:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Chapters

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

  His brows lifted.  "She could kick ass, therefore she was hot."
  My fingers tightened on the stake.  Okay.  So Merida was a badass, and I guessed that was better than saying I reminded him of Belle, the Stockholm victim, and now I was oddly flattered.  "This conversation has taken a weird turn."

  Oh my God, I was groping him   his shirt.  Could you grope a shirt?  I was pretty sure I was groping his shirt.

  Dropping my hands, I took a step back and bounced into the brick wall.  Total stealth move right there.  I wanted to kick myself.

  I had to act fast.  Cocking my arm back, I threw the dagger.  It spun through the air, hitting the fae in the chest, sinking deep.  A startled look crossed the fae's face, and then he too disappeared in a flash of light.

  I have never not enjoyed a JLA book that I have picked up.  However, I also try not to pick them up when all of the hype flares up and I stick to her paranormal/supernatural books.  Admittedly I picked this one up because the hype for Torn was in the air, and it was on sale.  That doesn't mean that I didn't want to sooner, but more it just felt like the right time.  This YA read was just what I needed when I picked it up.  I guess it's more upper YA, with a little light NA flare.  OH, yes this book has something a little different and I enjoyed the ride.

  Okay, so along with hiding from the hype and not reading the raving reviews, I actually had no idea that this book was about the Fae.  Yup...  Totally for whatever reason thought Vampires.   Not that there is anything wrong with Vampires but it's more I read by what I feel fits at that time and Vamps just weren't it.  So when I picked up Wicked and figured out it was about Fae, I was so believably in.  I loved the characters, I loved the plot, the pacing...  Well, I loved the pacing once it really took off.  I had a slower start, despite the fact that the book picked up in action really quickly.  I also loved the vibrant setting.  It was depicted wonderfully,  without going over board and drowning its beauty.  By the last page I found that this was a marvellously balanced book.

  Ivy was not a damsel in distress by any means.  She's lost everyone that she loved and spent her life fighting for those she lost.  At times I found it a little monotonous, a little predictable.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I did pick up on this a couple of times.  What made me enjoy her was, her snark, her consistency and her strength.  Ivy was not a naive little girl or an overly hormonal teenager.  She had lived her life training to fight like many others, yet she did work for more.  Ivy is focused on her 'job' but wants more in her life and I admired that greatly.  She was an anomaly in some ways, and this is what made her original and fun to read.  Confusing take I know but I honestly don't know how else to describe Ivy...

  I think the secondary characters were spectacularly done.  Everyone.  It's so easy to love Val and Ren.  Val because she is quirky, has no filter and is the kind of person you have as you best friend without hesitation.  She is not as big of a part of the book as I would have liked, but she definitely added her own something to the pages.  Ren was your typical save the day, I'm top secret but will share with you kind of guy.  However, I did enjoy what he brought to the table.  He did kick up the steam factor and brought a little extra snark and flare into Ivy's life.  He was also a lot different than I expected from start to finish.

  Wicked is not a book that will ride quietly into the night.  No it has loudly demanded that I find a way to get a physical copy in my hands, and one of its newest partner Torn.  For me Wicked lived up to the hype that was risen because of it (though I didn't read any reviews just saw it everywhere).  I will look more into these books and continue to pick them up well after their release date because I think it gives me the chance to enjoy it for my own reasons, not the reason everyone else did or have it flop because of too much hype.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Review)

Genre:	YA, Retelling, Fantasy
Publication Date:	May 5, 2015
Pages:	416
Published By:	Sky Pony Press
Series	A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Review copy:	Won

Buy it:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Chapters

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

  He snorted as I took the knife from the table and turned to procure the bow from my room.  "I think I'm starting to like you   for a murdering human."

  He left me, and I took a gasping breath, not realizing I'd been holding it.

  Not realizing that I craved his warmth, his nearness, until he was gone.

I knew   I knew I was headed down a path that would likely end in my mortal heart being left in pieces, and yet...And yet I couldn't stop myself.

  Why in the heck of it did it take me so long to pick up this book??!!  I am such a sucker for twisted tales and I have heard phenomenal things about Sarah J. Maas, that after reading this book I'm really not sure what is wrong with me!  I mean Beauty and the Beast tossed up with Fey and twisted into something EPIC with brilliant writing, and dazzling characters!!  There's very obviously something wrong with me.  A Court of Thorns and Roses was a blow your mind kind of read and I want more!

  How do you even talk about plot and pacing, when all of the words that I want to say come out garbled.  I mean this is one of those books that makes you go OMG and HOLY ****!! Everything in this book, for me was all kinds of perfect.  How do you express this kind of love for a book in words, because there are none to do it justice.  The setting was fleshed out extremely well, I loved every step through the world Maas created.  Every character that she sculpted vivid and had a depth that was beyond what I had expected.  This is a perfect example of stepping right into the pages and becoming a part of the book.  From the start A Court of Thorns and Roses was the perfect book for me.

  One of the best things about Feyre is her complete honesty.  I'm not even sure that I can properly put this girl into words.  She is strong because she feels she has to be, and then she is strong because that's what she wants to be.  The snark and the personality of this kick ass character was addictive.  This is the type of character that you want to read, you want more of and you route for.  A part of me wants to say that she had some huge character flaw but I just can't find one.  Honest.  She is bad ass, beautiful and everything that so many of us want in a heroine.  Her one mistake becomes her saving grace and yet the end of everything she thought to be true.  She is totally a case of the end is only the beginning and yet she is far beyond a happily ever after.  Feyre's journey is only beginning and yet everything has already changed for her.  Seriously I love her and I cannot wait to see how she handles everything

   I'm not going to lie to and tell you that Tamlin was awesome or that I completely fell for him.  The truth is that up until about 3/4 the way through the book I was even fond of him.  I'm not sure why there was no connection because by about half way I started to feel that Feyre and him could work.  It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast so it was bound to happen, but part of me worried about their lack of chemistry.  Their biggest buffer was his best friend and then Rhys stepped in.  Once again I'm not sure how I felt about that.  I'm sure that they could create some super steamy, sparks flying and review aflame romance but honestly by the end I was so happy with Tamlin and Feyre.  They work in their own way, actually give a crap about each other and after everything I just plain want them to work after everything. I'm not saying I'll rally against the next book if something happens but for all things holy, I really hope the romance can hang in there without adding an extra point.

  A Court of Thorns and Roses was basically everything that I had hoped and wanted.  There are really no words that I can use to express just how awesome this read is.  My first Maas book was a total success and I am eagerly looking forward to reading A Court of Mist and Fury now that I have managed to get a semi acceptable review out on this one.  If you are a lover of twisted tales, fae and/or fantasy this is a MUST read.  I highly doubt we will find many people out there that enjoy fantasy and don't want to hug this book!!

The Reader by M.K. Harkins (Book Blitz + GIveaway)

Welcome to The Reader by M.K. Harkins Book Blitz!!! I'm super excited about this
read and even more excited to share this post today <3  Don't forget to check out the
giveaway at the end of the post (I know you don't want to miss it).

The Reader by M.K. Harkins

Genre: YA Paranormal

Release Date: August 25th 2016

Hunted, shot, and without her memory, eighteen-year-old Ann Baker wakes in shallow water on a deserted Pacific Northwest island. She is soon approached by two young men claiming to be her friends. Something isn’t right, but when gunshots sound, Ann is left with little choice but to allow Devon and Archer to help her escape. Soon she finds herself in their North Bend mountain compound, where the higher evolved humans claim to be mind-readers. While Ann heals, she realizes they believe her to be one of the last and most powerful of all – The Lost One.

She’s welcomed by most with opened arms, but not everyone is happy about her arrival. A jealous adversary has plans for Ann, which spirals the entire Reader community into chaos.

As lies, murder, and betrayal threaten to rip apart the once harmonious mountain dwellers, Ann is thrust into making a decision that could save or devastate not only The Readers, but all of mankind. But there’s just one glitch: by doing so it may require her to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Author Interview

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I know the exact date – February 3rd, 2013. I ran out of reading material on my Kindle. I stared at the wall, for what seemed like hours. It was then that I had a light bulb moment. I thought “Well, if I can’t find anything to read, I’ll just write something!” The “something” became my first novel, Intentional.

2. Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

Yes and no. I need uninterrupted time (I’m not one of those authors who can write for an hour per day) Give me four hours, and I’m good to go. I do my best writing in the parking lot waiting for my daughter to finish her basketball practice.

3. Where did you get the idea or inspiration for The Reader?

I have absolutely no idea! When I sat down to write it, the words, plot, dialogue literally flew from my fingers to the keyboard.

4. What books have most influenced your life?

The first book I remember reading was Exodus. I was in the 7th grade and I couldn’t put it down. Although I can’t remember all the details, I’m sure it has made me more compassionate.

The next book would have to be Slammed by Colleen Hoover. I know these two books are polar opposites, but nonetheless they both left their mark. With Slammed, I was introduced to a simple, yet complex love story. It brought out all my dormant feelings of first love. My heart raced, my palms became sweaty – all of those feelings came back in a rush. If it were not for Colleen Hoover, and her wonderful writing, I would not have written my first book. That’s a pretty big influence!

5. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing, I like to think about writing. When my fingers are not on my keyboard, my brain is batting around dialogue. I think it’s called “Voices in my Head” but for writers, it means creativity, not craziness (I think - lol)

6. Any future writing news you would like to share?

Yes! I am currently working on Famous by Default (another YA book). Also, if I get enough requests, I’ll continue with The Reader Series J (So email me!)

 

About the Author

MK has always been a voracious reader. After hitting a dry spell of reading material, she decided to write the kind of book she'd like to read. This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance - eFestival of Words- August 2014)

Unintentional, her second book, is based on the life of one of the characters in Intentional. Unintentional was written as a stand-alone book.

Breaking Braydon and Taking Tiffany have both been released. Available on Amazon.

The Reader is MK's latest project, due out 2016.

When she's not writing novels, she likes to spend her free time traveling the world, splashing in mud puddles (She lives in Seattle, what can she say?), watching movies and reading (!)

MK also runs her own business in her current hometown of Mercer Island, Washington.

Author Links:

Up for grabs is a $25 GC!

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*Escaping... One Book at a Time, is not responsible for this giveaway.

Waiting on Wednesday #1

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine 

and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

Genre:	YA, Fantasy
Publication Date:	May 4, 2017
Pages:	344
Published By:	Myra Ink
Series	The Talon Saga #4

Dragon hatchling Ember Hill was never prepared to find love at all--dragons do not suffer human emotions--let alone the love of a human and a former dragonslayer, at that. With ex-soldier Garret dying at her feet after sacrificing his freedom and his life to expose the deepest of betrayals, Ember knows only that nothing she was taught by dragon organization Talon is true. About humans, about rogue dragons, about herself and what she's capable of doing and feeling.

In the face of great loss, Ember vows to stand with rogue dragon Riley against the dragon-slaying Order of St. George and her own twin brother Dante--the heir apparent to all of Talon, and the boy who will soon unleash the greatest threat and terror dragonkind has ever known.

Talon is poised to take over the world, and the abominations they have created will soon take to the skies, darkening the world with the promise of blood and death to those who refuse to yield.

Why I'm Waiting

  I have been addicted to this author ever since I picked up the first Iron Fey novel.  Then I had the chance to meet her and I told her how it had brought me to tears...  She told me those tears fuel her writing and I laughed, but now I'm starting to wonder lol.  Any book by Julie is an auto buy for me and then add that this is about dragons... Well, this saga has become a serious addiction.  If you want to know why I'm waiting, it's simply because I'm hooked!

What are you waiting on?!
Link me up so I can see