Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Unbreakable
Book 1 of the Legion Series
Author: Kami Garcia
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316210171
Hardcover: 320 pages
Genre: Young Adult

About the Book:

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn't know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy's room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon -- a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother's place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon -- battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

My Thoughts:

Do you love great books that include ghosts and demons and those that hunt them? Then grab yourself a copy of Kami Garcia's "Unbreakable" and prepare yourself to curl up with a true spine-tingling page turner!

Did I love this book? YES! It held everything I adore about haunting fiction. We have the unsuspecting main character that hears whispers, a cat, a death of someone close, a couple of weird twins that appear out of nowhere... And then the fun begins!

Written for the young adult audience, this book easily will entertain and please the adult audience. It is fast paced, full of action, creepy and suspenseful - everything that any reader would appreciate. Make sure to pick up a copy soon. Best part is the second of the series, "Unmarked" is already available, so you won't have to wait to see what happens next!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Blur by Steven James - Review

Blur
Book 1 of the Blur Trilogy
Author: Steven James
Publisher: Skyscape
ISBN-13: 978-1477847275
Paperback: 368 pages
Genre: Young Adult, paranormal mystery

About the Book:

The isolated town of Beldon, Wisconsin, is shocked when a high school freshman’s body is found in Lake Algonquin. Just like everyone in the community, sixteen-year-old Daniel Byers believes that Emily Jackson’s death was accidental. But at her funeral, when he has a terrifying vision of her, his world begins to rip apart at the seams.

Convinced that Emily’s appearance was more than just a mere hallucination, Daniel begins to look carefully into her death, even as he increasingly loses the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality.

What’s real? What’s not? Where does reality end and madness begin?

As Daniel struggles to find the truth, his world begins to crumble around him as he slips further and further into his own private blurred reality.

Full of mind-bending twists and turns, Blur launches a new trilogy of young adult thrillers from Steven James, a master of suspense.

My Thoughts:

If I had to sum up this book in one word, I'd choose "captivating". From the first page, "Blur" holds and air of mystery that continues throughout the whole story. Daniel Byers is a 16 year old that has lost one of his classmates, Emily Jackson, to an accidental drowning. He really didn't know her except for seeing her in school, so when things start happening to him that involves Emily, it not only shakes him up to the point of questioning his sanity, but he continues to question why. Why him since he really didn't know her?

This YA paranormal mystery was an interesting and captivating read. I sailed through it continually wanting (probably needing is a better choice of words) to know what would happen next. I also was pleased with the ending, as the story itself is finished - no cliffhangers here. Yet at the same time, it's left to let one know there can be more to the story. I appreciate that as I am not one that likes to be held in mystery for a year or so until the next book comes out, and then find I have to go back and reread the book before to refresh my memory.

If you enjoy mysteries, like paranormal stories and/or appreciate younger and impulsive characters, then you will certainly enjoy "Blur". This is definitely a trilogy that is worth considering and I'm excited to say that the next book, "Fury" is scheduled to be released in Spring 2015. I can't wait!

This book was supplied through the Amazon Vine Program for me to honestly review.

Quinn’s Christmas Wish A Bandit Creek Paranormal By Lawna Mackie

Save the Wolf

The wolf, Jazira, in QUINN’S CHRISTMAS WISH has special meaning for me. I thought I’d share why with you.

When I was young, my father came home one day to let us know that he’d purchased a trap line. Now, I consider myself a HUGE animal lover. Always have and always will. Needless to say his news devastated me, and I wanted nothing to do with it (hard to do when you’re a child without much say).

Unfortunately, time went on and so did the activities on the trap line. Every weekend I prayed the traps would be empty. One particular weekend just before Christmas, my parents decided we would go spend time at our trap line cabin. This is a very rustic cabin to say the least. I decided to bring my best friend along. Quading was a big thing for us back then.

Before I headed out, my father lectured me about the Timber Wolf trap he had set along the trail I would pass by. I didn’t pay much attention because THANK HEAVENS I’d never come across anything in the trap before.

So off my friend and I went, cruising along the trail, carefree and having fun. It all ended when I rounded a corner and there in my path stood the largest black wolf I’d ever seen. I slammed on my brakes skidding to a halt not more than 30 feet away from the giant animal. He was caught by the toe in the trap. Our eyes locked and my heart broke. I will never forget that moment…I wish I could. My girlfriend was screaming and clinging to the back of me terrified the wolf would eat us.

I promptly slammed the quad into reverse and pressed on the throttle. Well, I backed up over a large bush and high centered my machine. We quickly got unstuck and took off back the way we’d come. The whole way I prayed silently that the wolf would pull himself free because I knew the fate of the poor creature.

When I got back to the cabin I told my father. I begged him to leave the wolf. Still to this day I’m unable to forgive myself. If only I could have kept it secret. I cried for months and even remembering it now brings tears to my eyes. How I wished I could bring him back to life, then when I started writing this novella, I pretended I was, and I did. For me this wolf lives in Jazira.

I have always loved wolves and now I have Alaskan Malamutes, which are the closest domestic animals I can find to a real wolf. I’ve attached a photo of my giant Alaskan Malamute Dozer.

I’d love to hear your comments and if you haven’t had a chance to read QUINN’S CHRISTMAS WISH, visit my website for details. www.lawnamackie.ca

I know I’m prejudice, but it really is a heartwarming story…perfect for Christmas!



Quinn’s Christmas Wish
A Bandit Creek Paranormal
By Lawna Mackie

As far as twelve-year old Quinn is concerned Christmas has lost its magic. Since his father’s death life has lost its sparkle. His mom is now a widow struggling to put food on the table. Quinn is no help, and the mysterious illness afflicting him only makes things worse. Even Christmas, complete with decorated trees, ribbons and bows has no meaning…then along comes Jazira.

Jazira doesn’t know what happened to her former self, the eleven-year old little girl. She drowned, didn’t she, along with half the other folk of Bandit Creek in 1911? Somehow, she’s grown four furry legs complimented with a large wolf head and body. Scared and alone, she reaches out to Quinn and a strong bond is formed. Jazira learns Quinn, and his mother, are threatened by a wealthy powerful citizen of Bandit Creek. She is determined to protect her new family, no matter what.

Christmas Eve finds Quinn staring up at the adorned tree and muttering a quiet prayer. Will the Spirits of Christmas grant his wish, or will the evil surrounding Bandit Creek prevail once again?

My Thoughts:

Quinn's Christmas Wish was a nice light novella to read. At first I thought it was going to be a young adult paranormal, because Quinn is a young boy, however that changed as it went into a romance complete with a descriptive sex scene.  

I enjoyed the storyline, but found I wasn't drawn or felt connection to any one character. As with any Christmas story, the ending was predictable and sweet - something I enjoy and expect when reading a holiday story. 

I think my largest problem was with the timeline - it just moved too quickly. For me, this story should be longer and over a longer time frame and I think it would have been perfect.   Mind you, I am biased as I prefer novels where everything is in-depth and fleshed out. Lawna has a great imagination and I truly loved the storyline.

If you are looking for a quick Christmas read that has a different twist, this might be the novella for you. Remember though, this one's not for the kids. 

About the Author:

I have always believed in fairy tales and when I got tired of the old ones I made up my own. Each story would have a hero and heroine, but they were anything but typical.

I devoured my first romance novel when I was a teenager. I couldn’t read them fast enough. Years later I stumbled across my first paranormal romance…an injustice would be done if I tried to explain my joy when I found this genre of romance. My passion was finally in print.

Now, with the help of my bizarre dreams and crazy imagination, I have started to write and intend to share my stories with you. I hope you’ll love them as much as I do.

I am truly blessed. My husband and my animals are my inspiration. We live on a small acreage in Didsbury, Alberta, with our most beloved companions, Dozer, Daisy and Mandarin.

Happy reading everyone, I sure would love to hear from you. www.lawnamackie.ca

Quinn’s Christmas Wish – December 1, 2011 available through Amazon and Smashwords.

IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD – December 19, 2011 released through Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com

ENCHANTMENT – January 13, 2012 released through Muse It Up Publishing http://museituppublishing.com

I received a e-copy of this book to read and honestly review for this tour.

Soul Search - Bestseller for a Day

It's that time once again to celebrate Bestseller for a Day! Today, we are focusing on Amber Scott's wolfish novel, Soul Search. Amber pens a tale that will keep you enthralled and turning those pages all the way to the end. She will captivate you and leave you breathless with her mysterious main character, Grant, and for only 99 cents you can treat yourself to a werewolfish good time. (Beware - This novel is not for the kids.)

Soul Search 
by Amber Scott

Three years ago, one horrific night changed his life forever. And now the wolf soul that was invoked to save him is taking over his body, day by day.

Can he master his animal instincts in time to discover who is stealing children's souls before the delicate balance we all depend upon is shattered?

Or will he reject the one woman who can help heal his body and his soul?

Buy to Win!!!

Enter to win a Kindle!!!

That’s right!

By helping us drive Soul Search by Amber Scott to the top of the Kindle Lists on November 30th, YOU can win, too!

Because Amber is giving away a brand new Kindle!

Simply purchase Soul Search on November 30th, then head on over to http://bestsellerforaday.com and fill out the entry form (located at the top of the right hand column).

You will only need to enter your email address and the first five numbers from your Amazon purchase confirmation code.

And tah-dah! You just gained 5 entries to win a Kindle!

More Fantastic Books for Only 99 Cents!!

To celebrate Amber's big day, these amazing authors are also dropping their prices to just 99 cents!!!!

Gifts of the Blood by Vicki Keire http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/39088

 

Fated by Carolyn McCray http://www.amazon.com/Fated-Apart-History-Eternity-ebook/dp/B0050VRK20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321244740&sr=8-1

Tsunami Blue by Gayle Ann Williams http://www.amazon.com/Tsunami-Blue-Gayle-Ann-Williams/dp/0505528215/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321244668&sr=8-1

What the Heart Wants by Kelli McCracken  http://www.amazon.com/What-Heart-Wants-Soulmate-ebook/dp/B006F75RHI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322613936&sr=8-1

This week only, you will be able to purchase these featured books for the unbelievable price of just 99 cents. Not only that, but you can win a Kindle and get the purchase price back for the books you bought! How cool is that?!! So what are you still doing here?

# Giveaway "Fate Fixed" by Bonnie Erina Wheeler - Tour & Review

Welcome to Day 2 of the Fate Fixed Blog Tour. Today you are introduced and invited to read an excerpt of Bonnie Wheeler's YA paranormal romance. Bonnie has also offered an ecopy of "Fate Fixed to one lucky reader. Thank you, Bonnie!! (see below for details)

Fate Fixed
Bonnie Erina Wheeler

About the Book:

An Erris Coven Novel is young adult paranormal romance. When Lexie Anderson’s mother suddenly announces she is marrying a Romanian immigrant, Lexie willingly leaves behind her busy life in Connecticut for her penance in “The Moose Capital of the World.” Small town living is strange enough, now Lexie must cope with her overbearing stepfamily monitoring her every move. They disappear into the woods at night and keep a strange secret locked in their shed. Her once calm mother is now having violent outbursts and Lexie’s little sister is hearing sinister sounds coming from the forest behind their new home. Lexie’s biggest surprise comes when she discovers the boy she has been dreaming about since her accident is living in Maine. Despite Torin’s questionable reputation, Lexie cannot resist the physical and emotional attraction pulsating between them. Animals and people in town are turning up dead and Lexie learns the strange new world she lives in has real life monsters. Just when she decides she wants to be with Torin forever, she must fight to protect her mother and sister from being harmed by a formidable evil.

This the first in a 5 part planned series. The second book in the series, Blood Twist will be released in November.

Where to purchase:
AMAZON
AMAZON KINDLE
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK
SMASHWORDS


EXCERPT:

1

Lexie

Lexie ran with a confidence only found in dreams. She propelled her body through a lush forest that was full of rich colors and intoxicating scents. She knew where the trail would take her and smiled knowing she would see him again. As she rounded the corner of the worn trail, he stood there motionless. Surprise once again filled those intense blue eyes of his. She could never see his whole face, but his eyes always captivated her, drawing her in. Wrapping her arms around him, she breathed in his heady scent. His arms encircled her and she hoped the moment would last, that she could will herself to stay long enough this time to hear the sound of his voice wash over her. There was so much to say, but the sudden vile presence of death crawled up from behind her as her words turned into a scream….

Lexie reached out and felt the cool space next to her on the bed. As always, she was alone. The dream was so real. As much as the ending always terrified her, she could almost smell his pleasing scent on her pajamas and feel his touch. Her dreams were easily forgotten, but not this one. She had been having the same dream, with a few slight variations for months. Even while lost in slumber, she was always aware she was dreaming of him and hoped for a different outcome, but it never happened. Of all mornings, she wished it had a happy ending.

Mornings were never her specialty, but the hurried sounds of her new stepbrothers banging through the small condo made this particular morning disturbing. They awoke her from dreaming of him with their obnoxious shouting of directions and generalized complaints. Over the last month of getting to know them, it had been their noise that required the biggest adjustment. She no longer lived in a calm home with just her mom Ruby and sister Ella, she now lived in what felt like a testosterone zoo.

Or a psychotic reality show.

Stretching across her bed with a complacent smile, Lexie decided not to allow them the privilege of making her last morning in her childhood home unpleasant. They could try rushing her all they wanted but she would take her sweet time getting out of bed.

Once her heart rate settled from the dream’s frightful ending, the warmth and fulfillment of his embrace left her feeling content and flushed. As she rolled onto her side and hugged her pillow, she grasped on to the lasting image of him just behind her eyelids and wished her dreams of him didn’t always end so abruptly.

She never met anyone like him – tall and dark haired, he was intense but beautiful. Although he was an illusion, thinking of him was comforting. As a rule, Lexie never bought into the idea of ESP or the guy on TV acting like The Ghost Whisperer, but sometimes she wished she could. If there was a possibility he was really waiting for her in the woods somewhere, she would shake inside out with excitement and search the great northeast to find him.

My subconscious created perfection for me. It’s just a shame he doesn’t really exist.

With that thought, her enthusiasm faded. Even if she did find him here, she would be leaving him behind, just like she was leaving her home, friends and the remnants of her dad.

Why Lexie was being forced to move to the “Moose Capital of the World” was not her favorite topic to think about. She had so many plans for her senior year of high school, plans that would form lifelong memories with her best friend Liz. They were going to hop on a train and catch a Broadway show in New York, maybe visit some colleges in Boston, and most definitely skip a little school to go to Six Flags.

What will I do without her? She has kept me going through this last year.

Lexie’s father Ed died the year before. It was such a painful time; she did not think she would ever accept that he was really gone. His lasting presence in her condo was wrapped in the memories of him sitting in the living room grading papers or coming through the door after being at the college all day. The worst part was, she caused his death and moving was not going to ease that memory.

My Thoughts:

First, I must comment of the cover. This is what drew me to the book and made me want to read it. I know one isn't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I couldn't resist. Isn't the cover gorgeous?

Cherished by Belinda Boring - Tour with #Giveaway

Welcome to Day 12 of Belinda Boring's "Cherished" Blog Tour. Belinda has written two exciting novellas that you won't want to miss! She is also giving away an ebook copy of "Cherished" to one lucky reader, so make sure you enter! (see below)

Cherished:
A Mystic Wolves Novella (#2)
Author: Belinda Boring

Where To Purchase:
 
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
SMASHWORDS 


About the Book:  

 For a moment, Darcy almost convinced herself the last twelve hours didn’t happen. As image after image hits her, the sinking realization of all she’s lost overwhelms her and all she can think of is to run. Run far away where her shame can’t find her, and most of all, where she’ll never have to see the look of blame in Mason’s eyes. Feeling like a complete failure, she scrambles to make plans. But the voice of her mate-to-be penetrates her frantic thoughts, asking for the chance to show her just how much she is loved.

It hurts Mason deeply to hear Darcy’s thoughts, knowing the events of the previous night have completely rattled her. Grieving over the death of his beloved sister Jasmine, Mason knows he has to act fast. Darcy is all he’s ever wanted and the idea of life without her is unacceptable. Armed with his unswerving love and wolfish charm, he sets out to remind Darcy just how valuable she is and why there is no one else for him but her.

Can Darcy let go of the shame of failure consuming her or will Mason convince her that after all is said and done, she truly is… Cherished?

My Thoughts:

This is book 2 of the Mystic Wolves series and really cannot be read as a stand-alone. The first book, "Without Mercy" is full of action that sets up the stage for "Cherished". Without that beginning, you are going to be quite lost. While book one was action filled, "Cherished" is emotional and passionate. This book concentrates on Darcy and her relationship with Mason and how the impact of the guilt she has is affecting their relationship.

Thawed Out & Fed Up by Ryan Brown - Review

Thawed Out & Fed Up
Author: Ryan Brown
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (October 4, 2011)
Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN: 9781439171561
Also available in eBook format

About the Book:

Sam Bonham—bad husband, deadbeat dad, and possible criminal on the run from the law—wanders out of modern-day East Texas into an ersatz Wild West boomtown created for a movie that never happened.  And when Sam strikes a blow against the gangsters who’ve been terrorizing the town, the locals look to him to save them. He’s no hero, but he’s stumbled upon someone who is: John Wayne. But the John Wayne of this story is not the stalwart lawman of Hollywood films—he’s a seventy-two-year-old man who had himself cryogenically frozen.  He’s weak, bald, frail…and unrecognizable to everyone but Sam.

In The Duke’s “defrosted” state, he’s not entirely himself.  In fact, he believes he’s actually Ethan Edwards, the character he played in The Searchers, one of Wayne’s most beloved films. Ethan or Duke or Marion Morrison, at his side Sam learns how to be a man, and a hero—and a pretty good shot! As he takes on the Old West gang of thugs, he finds that he might have become a family man at last. But back in the real world, someone has his eye on Sam’s wife, and if Sam doesn’t get back soon, the results could be devastating. 

My Thoughts:

Ryan Brown knows how to entertain his audience. He writes with a style that is both fun as well as humorous, and that, to me, is what makes his books a great read.

In "Thawed Out & Fed Up", the main character, Sam Bonham is pathetic - a drunk and a total loser. He's a character you just like to dislike, but at the same time, you can't help but feel just a bit sorry for him. As time goes on, your dislike changes... discovering Sam isn't so bad after all - he's just flawed, and you know flawed heroes make the best ones.

Sam's sidekick and mentor, appears on the scene, just like he fell out of the sky. Oh wait... He did! That mentor adds a little fantasy that gives the story a fun twist. With "The Duke" teaching Sam a thing or two, this tale of redemption has a lesson to learn: putting the needs of others before your own. A lesson we could all use at one time or another.

This book will appeal to both the male and female reader. I does contain some adult language and situations that might not be suitable for the younger audience, however, it would be a great read for the older teen through adult.

About Ryan Brown:


Following his graduation from the University of Oklahoma, with a degree in film studies, he moved to New York, where he went on to study theatre at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Within months of arriving in New York, he was cast in the role of Bill Lewis on the CBS Daytime Drama, Guiding Light - a role he would play for the next three years.

Ryan relocated to Los Angeles and landed the role of Billy Abbott on CBS's The Young and the Restless.

Following his tenure on The Young and the Restless, he returned to New York and continued working as an actor, appearing on Law and Order: SVU, and starring in two feature films for Lifetime Television.

It was also during this time that he decided to try his hand at fiction writing. It wasn't long before he was writing full-time. Within two years, he completed the manuscript for PLAY DEAD, his first published title.

If you would like to learn more about Ryan or his work, you can visit him at: http://ryanbrownauthor.com On his website you will find a more in-depth biography, videos, photos, etc.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to read and honestly review.

#Giveaway & Guest Post "Her Dear and Loving Husband" Tour with Review

I am thrilled to be able to participate in this tour. "Her Dear & Loving Husband" is a book that is perfect for this time of the year! Meredith not only shares a great guest post with us, but is also giving away one eBook of "Her Dear & Loving Husband" to one lucky reader! Thank you, Meredith!! (see below for details)

Her Dear and Loving Husband
By Meredith Allard
Published by Copperfield Press
Release Date: April 11, 2011
Genre: Vampire Romance  

Book Description: 

How long would you wait for the one you loved? James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. Soon James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?  

Her Dear & Loving Husband is part historical fiction, part romance, and part paranormal fantasy. With elements of Twilight and The Crucible, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.  

Blood Lust by T. Lynne Tolles Tour Review & Giveaway

Blood Lust
Blood Series, Book #3
Author: T. Lynne Tolles
Publisher: Self (Troll Publishing)
Length: 204 Pages, eBook Format
Sub-Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)

Where to purchase:
Amazon (Kindle Edition)
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble

About the Book:

A surprise visit from Blake and Devon's uncle, Dominic, demanding both vampires, come home immediately to find what is ailing his son Anton, puts everyone on edge. Can vampires get sick?


Devon doesn't appreciate Dominic's demands, but agrees to fly back to Connecticut with Darby, since Blake has a job to finish up in California. Excited to meet more of Devon's family, Darby is confused by Devon's distance and coldness since Dominic's visit. In Connecticut, this only gets worse when a gorgeous Libby, Anton's estranged wife, shows up unexpectedly and seems to have her sights set on Devon. To top it all off, there's seems to be some pent up animosity, Anton and Devon have towards each other.


What is this strange power Libby has over the men in this family? And what's wrong with poor Anton? Why does it seem that Anton and Devon hate each other? These are all question Darby sets out to answer in this third volume of the Blood Series.

My Thoughts:

Get ready to cozy up with some sexy vampires, witches and werewolves. With autumn coming, this is a good choice to snuggle up with in your favorite chair with your favorite afghan.

GRAVE EXPECTATIONS by Sherri Browning Erwin and Charles Dickens

GRAVE EXPECTATIONS
Authors: Sherri Browning Erwin and Charles Dickens
Publisher: Gallery Books
ISBN-13: 9781451617245

From the author of Jayne Slayre and in the bestselling tradition of such “monster classics” as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies comes a clever retelling of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations featuring Pip as a werewolf and Estella as a vampire slayer. GRAVE EXPECTATIONS is a re-imagining of Charles Dickens' tale with some supernatural surprises!

Bristly, sensitive, and meat-hungry Pip is a robust young whelp, an orphan born under a full moon. Between hunting escaped convicts alongside zombified soldiers, trying not to become one of the hunted himself, and hiding his hairy hands from the supernaturally beautiful and haughty Estella—whose devilish moods keep him chomping at the bit—Pip is sure he will die penniless or a convict like the rest of his commonly uncommon kind.

But then a mysterious benefactor sends him to London for the finest werewolf education money can buy. In the company of other furry young gentlemen, Pip tempers his violent transformations and devours the secrets of his dark world. When he discovers that his beloved Estella is a slayer of supernatural creatures, trained by the corpse-like vampire Miss Havisham, Pip’s desire for her grows stronger than his midnight hunger for rare fresh beef. But can he risk his hide for a truth that will make Estella his forever – or will she drive one last silver stake through his heart?

My Thoughts:

Sherri Browning Erwin has done it again! She took a great classic and turned it into a well written and practically flawless parody.  Dickens' "Great Expectations" now contains vampires, werewolves, Scapegraces and slayers, yet it still holds the integrity of the original story. Unlike some of the other parodies I have read, this one is well written with a seamless transition between Erwin and Dickens.

I found this an enjoyable read and maybe (dare I say it?) even better than the original Dickens' classic. I enjoyed the humor and the struggle of Pip's desire for Estella. Pip was definitely one that I sympathized with and understood. His struggles felt quite "real" as did his thoughts and feelings.  There was one place in the book that really stood out for me - Pip was with Biddy and Joe and feeling more and more blue while Biddy and Joe were becoming more happy: "Dissatisfied with my fortune, of course I could no be; but it is possible that I may have been without quite knowing it, dissatisfied with myself."


I really loved both of Erwin's parodies. She is a master at crafting a new story out of an old favorite, and is definitely winning a place on my favorite authors list. One great benefit of reading "Grave Expectations" is, I must now re-read "Great Expectations". Who would have ever thought I'd consider reading it again?!

 About the Author:

Sherri Browning Erwin is the author of historical and contemporary, often paranormal fiction, including Jane Slayre, which is available from Gallery Books. She has written historical romance for Dell under the name Sherri Browning and contemporary romance for Kensington under the name Sherri Erwin.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Sherri lives in Western Massachusetts with her nearly-perfect husband, and their charming actor son, amazing violinist daughter, a crafty corgi (Pembroke Welsh), and a very special pug.

To learn more about Sherri and the the books she's authored, you can visit her online at www.sherribrowningerwin.com.

This book was provided by Gallery Books for me to honestly review

Shelter - Blood Haze: Book 1 by Tara Shuler - Review

Shelter
Blood Haze Book 1
Author: Tara Shuler
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781461167020

Synopsis:

Two guys, one vampire girl, and two dark secrets that threaten to tear her world apart.

Alice Wright is a young vampire going to high school for the first time at the age of seventeen at the behest of her eccentric mother. In many ways, she's more afraid of the human students than they would be of her.

She feels lost and awkward in human society, but she soon develops a strong bond with the cousin of one of her human classmates, nineteen year old Kai. He is beautiful, but somewhat of an enigma. She discovers a dark secret in Kai's life, and she instantly wants to shelter him from the pain that has tormented him all his life.

Then she meets Maksim Augustine, the incredibly gorgeous guy who seems more like he should be a model than a high school student. She is overwhelmingly attracted to him physically, but her love for Kai causes her to continually push him away. Eventually, she discovers a frightening secret about Max, too.

But Max's secret threatens to destroy everything...

My Thoughts:

I enjoy YA fiction and found this to be a captivating and interesting read. I liked the different take on vampires -  not being portrayed as immortal and had families and children. To me this was an interesting baseline for the story.

Alice, the main character is a vampire, and this is told from her point of view. I enjoyed all the characters but found myself getting frustrated with Kai's immaturity - a total difference from the self-confident Max. This created a conflict for me of who I really liked better.

This is a captivating read and will appeal to those that enjoy Twilight and other YA paranormal romances. Be warned that this is a cliff-hanger (UGH! Now I NEED to know what happens next!) that contains no sex, but some offensive language.

To learn more about the Blood Haze Series or more about Tara Shuler, please visit: http://www.bloodhaze.com/
You can also find Blood Haze on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BloodHazeSeries

I received this book from the author through LibraryThing for me to honestly review.

"Angelfire" by Courtney Allison Moulton - Book Review

Angelfire
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: HarperTeen
Pub Date: 02/15/2011
ISBN: 9780062002327
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, fantasy, paranormal

About the Book:

When ordinary seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers-monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell-she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between Angels and the Fallen, and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will, who has been waiting sixty years for her return, reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one armed with angelfire, and capable of fighting the reapers. He is animmortal sworn to protect her in battle. Her soul has been reborn again and again over the centuries to fight the reapers, and he's been there for five hundred years to protect and fight alongside her. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her-an assassin who has already killed her once. At the same time, Ellie is falling in love with Will, even though they know their relationship should be impossible.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to destroy Ellie's soul forever, not to mention the devastating ramifications for human souls. Now she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives-including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Click Here to read online and learn more about "Angelfire".

My Thoughts:

Finally! A novel that has an extremely strong female main character. Say goodbye to the needy Bella Cullin type and usher in the empowered Ellie Monroe. Ellie is far from needy and doesn't rely on a man to take care of or rescue her. She is strong and can really kick some serious butt! Her side-kick, Will, has the title "Guardian" but don't let that fool you - as Ellie and Will are a team. A team that fights soul snatchers from the "Grim".

The storyline is fast-paced and full of descriptive fighting - usually hand-to-hand combat with sword play. It's good vs evil theme is classic but it has a nice paranormal twist dealing with angels and those that had fallen from God's grace. It was truly a novel that keeps one on the edge of their seat, and a true page-turner. I kept wanting (more like needing) to know what would happen next.

I did find that I had one problem with the storyline: it used Biblical events, characters, angels and God. Mind you, there is nothing wrong with using them in a fictional tale, but in this case, they or their stories were changed some. I found the changes interesting, but at the same time, uncomfortable. Taking something so well known and minutely change it, may cause some confusion in one that is not grounded well in Scripture.

"Angelfire" is a very good read, but I recommend it more for the older teen through adult. It is scary, violent and contains some offensive language.

About the Author:

Courtney Allison Moulton lives in Michigan, where she is a photographer and spends all her free time riding and showing horses. She has always loved reading about ancient mythologies, studying dead languages, and telling scary, romantic stories. Angelfire is her debut novel.

I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for providing a copy of this book for me to honestly review.

"Angel Burn" by L.A. Weatherly - Review

Angel Burn
Author: L.A. Weatherly
Publisher: Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9780763656522
Genre: Young adult, fiction, fantasy, paranormal
Available: May 2011


Synopsis:

Alex is 17 and one of the best assasins the CIA has. His job is to travel anywhere in United States and take out his target as quickly as possible.

Willow Fields is a beautiful 16 year old who is considered somewhat strange under teen standards. She fixes cars, buys her clothes second hand (and quite outdated) and has an unusual ability. Willow is physic. She holds the hand of a person and sees their different paths they can take and usually tells that person about the best path she sees.

One day, Willow's classmate, Beth, has her do a reading - a reading that will change Willow's life forever. Willow doesn't see any bright paths that Beth can take, but instead sees something unbelievably horrible, putting Willow in more danger than she can ever imagine.

Alex receives his next target, which happens to be Willow. When he finds her, he is confused, as she's not like any of those in his past. He discovers Willow is the key to saving humankind as we know it, and keeping the evil at bay. Alex's job changes from killing Willow to trying to keep her safe. But can he? And will Willow be able to fulfill her destiny?
 ****

"Angel Burn" has an exciting and fascination storyline. Imagine angels as you know them - not being exactly like you were told, but instead, being something twisted and sometimes downright evil. Yet, when an angel appears to you, you haven't a clue that you are being used - but instead, you are thrilled and grateful that this wonderful being has visited you!

Alex and Willow are very well developed characters with a great amount of depth. They went from not trusting each other to having to rely on keeping each other alive. This relationship didn't develop overnight, which made their situation very believable. Their trust slowly forms into something more - a pure and innocent love, making the storyline even more thrilling and memorable.

This fast-paced, action packed story will keep you immersed in Willow's and Alex's world all the way to the end. Full of intrigue, suspense, and romance, this book will not only appeal to teens but to all ages.

"Angel Burn" is the US release of the UK book "Angel" by L.A. Weatherly. It is the first book in a new and exciting trilogy. The second novel, "Angel Fire" will be available in October 2011, and the final novel, "Angel Fever", will be out in October 2012.

About the Author:

Lee Weatherly, (pen name L.A. Weatherly) is a respected author of teen fiction, including the novels Child X and Missing Abby, and is the winner of the Sheffield Teen Book Award. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. She now lives with her husband in Hampshire, England, where she writes, goes on walks, collects frogs and has a cat named Bernard.

Thank you to Candlewick Press and Net Galley for providing this ARC for me to honestly review.

Virtual Book Tour: "Paul is Undead" by Alan Goldsher

Paul is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion
Author: Alan Goldsher
Publisher: Gallery Books
ISBN: 9781439177921
Genre: Fiction, humor, paranormal

Book Description (from publisher)

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT'S TIME TO REALLY MEET THE BEATLES.


For John Lennon, a young, idealistic zombie guitarist with dreams of global domination, Liverpool seems the ideal place to form a band that could take over the world. In an inspired act, Lennon kills and reanimates local rocker Paul McCartney, kicking off an unstoppable partnership. With the addition of newly zombified guitarist George Harrison and drummer/Seventh Level Ninja Lord Ringo Starr, the Beatles soon cut a swath of bloody good music and bloody violent mayhem across Europe, America, and the entire planet.


In this searing oral history, discover how the Fab Four climbed to the Toppermost of the Poppermost while stealing the hearts, ears, and brains of smitten teenage girls. Learn the tale behind a spiritual journey that resulted in the dismemberment of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Marvel at the seemingly indestructible quartet’s survival of a fierce attack by Eighth Level Ninja Lord Yoko Ono. And find out how the boys escaped eternal death at the hands of England’s greatest zombie hunter, Mick Jagger.


Through all this, one mystery remains: Can the Beatles sublimate their hunger for gray matter, remain on top of the charts, and stay together for all eternity? After all, three of the Fab Four are zombies, and zombies live forever. . . ."








My Thoughts:

I enjoy somewhat off-color humor, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. I was prepared to snuggle down with a fun story about zombie Beatles, but was disappointed. This book is done in an interview style, between a writer and each of the Beatles as well as other important people involved in the Beatles lives.

To be honest, I just couldn't "get into" the story. I didn't care for the interview style of writing. Why?  I'm one that will skim over interviews as I find most of them boring. That was my downfall as I want to curl up with a flowing story with setting, plot, descriptive scenes and characters. This was more like a magazine type interview including the bold names with their comments after.

The content was humorous and if one loves zombie based stories or the Beatles, you will probably really enjoy "Paul is Undead". There are definite chuckles and the illustrations are gross and giggle worthy. The book has "blood spatters" throughout and even includes some "news clips".

Parental note: Contains offensive language and light sexual content.

About the Author:

Novelist/ghostwriter/journalist Alan Goldsher is the author of the forthcoming Beatles/horror/humor mash-up Paul is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion (Gallery Books, June 22, 2010), as well as Hard Bop Academy: The Sidemen of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Modest Mouse: A Pretty Good Read, and the novel Jam. Midnight Movie, the novel he co-wrote with director Tobe Hooper ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre") will be published in 2011. Written as A.M. Goldsher, his chicklit novels The True Naomi Story, Reality Check, and Today's Special were released in the U.K. and Marabout in France in 2008, with No Ordinary Girl to come in 2011.

As a ghostwriter, Alan has collaborated on projects with comedians Bernie Mac and Fred Willard; actor Robert Englund, Ironman triathlete Sarah Reinertsen, and "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar, among other notable celebrities and public figures.

Alan's sportswriting has been seen in ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com, NBA.com, and ChicagoBulls.com, and he reviews books for Kirkus.

During his 10-plus years as a professional bassist, Goldsher recorded with Janet Jackson, Cypress Hill, and Naughty by Nature; toured the world with Digable Planets; and performed at the 1994 Grammy Awards.

Alan lives and writes in Chicago.

Book was supplied by the publisher for me to honestly review.

"Captivity" Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Captivity
Author: Deborah Noyes
Publisher: Unbridled Books
ISBN: 9781936071630
Genre: fiction, historical fiction, paranormal

Book Summary (from publisher's website):

      "March 1848: On the very night that a Rochester recluse begins contemplating the end of her simple existence, the walls of a farmhouse in nearby Hydesville resound with inexplicable rapping noises. Maggie Fox and her younger sister rivet family and neighbors by claiming to be able to communicate with an unseen spirit. When the girls reveal the identity of “Mr. Splitfoot,” men with picks and shovels arrive to excavate the cellar in search of remains.
      As word of the Fox sisters’ strange ability spreads far and wide, pilgrims arrive en mass, staking their tents in surrounding fields and peering in the family’s windows. Shortly after ambitious Leah steps in to manage her younger siblings’ affairs, invitations for “tea and table tilting” begin circulating Western New York. Maggie is subjected to rigorous demonstrations and humiliating investigative committees, to strangers who poke and prod but can’t unpuzzle her, and she takes refuge in an unlikely friendship with Clara Gill, a reclusive scientific artist.
      Exiled in Rochester in the wake of a London scandal, Clara is a skeptic of an altogether different sort — one with reason to believe, though reason won’t allow. “The dead are exacting,” she tells Maggie, for it seems Clara knows a thing or two about ghosts.
      As Maggie’s fame grows and a mania for contacting the dead sweeps the nation, her circle widens to include the likes of Horace Greeley, P.T. Barnum, and First Lady Pierce. She embarks on a turbulent affair with the equally famous polar explorer Elisha Kent Kane, and when the aristocratic Kane challenges her to give up her “disgraceful” calling, Maggie is torn between love and independence, shame and duty. Her ties to Clara become all the more binding, and against all odds, Maggie takes it upon herself to help her friend confront a loss beyond reckoning…
      Told from alternating points of view and weaving past with present, Captivity explores an especially haunted moment in U.S. history when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead were flamboyantly lifted, when science and spirit were colorfully at odds, and when the wills of two very different women collided to work an ordinary miracle of devotion."

My Thoughts:

The Victorian Era has always been a fascination for me and I love reading historical fiction from that time period. Since "Captivity" is set in that time frame and deals with the paranormal and "real" people, it was a book that I just HAD to read.

"Captivity" is an amazing and hauntingly captivating historical fiction novel combining the lives of the Fox sisters with an "unstable" woman named Clara Gill. The stories run side-by-side until the merge, bringing Maggie and Clara together. I found both women to be as fascinating as the storyline. Clara was a mystery to me, but at the same time, I had a feeling that there was something more to her than just being "unstable. Maggie was a fun and knowledgeable person. So much depth and as saw things in Clara that others didn't see.

I will admit that I found it hard to get involved with any of the Fox sisters in the beginning. I didn't take to any of them at first. As time went on, Maggie developed into a character that I loved almost as much as I adored Clara.

This is a book that needs to be savored like an expensive glass of wine - slowly and paying much attention to detail as it is complex. There's too much that can be missed if one reads it quickly. Deborah is a master at capturing the reader with her prose. She is definitely an author I'm going to add to my watch list.


About the Author:

Angel and Apostle is Deborah Noyes’ first novel. Her short fiction and reviews have appeared in The Threepenny Review, The Boston Sunday Globe, Seventeen, The Washington Post Book World, The Chicago Sun-Times, Stories, The Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, The Bloomsbury Review, Boston Review, and other publications. She has also written and edited numerous books for children and young adults, including the award-winning teen anthology Gothic! Ten Original Dark Tales.

Deborah is also an editor and photographer. She earned a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. She has taught writing and literature at Emerson College and Western New England College, and was a Visiting Writer in Lesley University's MFA in Writing for Young People program. Deb lives in Massachusetts with her family. 

Book was provided by Unbridled Books for me to honestly review.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Caitlin at Unbridled Books has been kind enough to offer a copy of "Captivity" to one lucky reader of this blog.

To enter:

1. You must be a follower of this blog.
2. You must leave a comment WITH your email address.
3. US and Canada only - no PO boxes.

BONUS Entries !! For extra entries (you must leave links for each):

* Follow me on Twitter - see sidebar for link
* Tweet about this contest (once per day)
* Follow me on Facebook - see sidebar for link


Contest ends June 25, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond. If no response, another winner will be drawn. Book will be shipped directly from the publisher.

"Captivity" Blog Tour: Author Spotlight - Deborah Noyes

I'm excited to be able to participate in Deborah Noyes "Captivity" Blog Tour.  Deborah has written a wonderful post in which she shares a bit about her new book "Captivity". Make sure to return tomorrow as we have a special treat in store. We will again be back with the tour and I will be posting my thoughts about "Captivity". The best part about tomorrow is - one lucky reader a copy will have the chance of winning a brand new copy of "Captivity"!!

Giving Up the Ghost (or… Not)

On one level, Captivity is a story about mourning, and I couldn’t have asked for a more appropriate moment in UK/U.S. history to set the story in.

Inspired by Britain’s Queen Victoria, the model “loyal” widow, the Victorians were masters of bereavement. After Prince Albert died in 1861, the queen mourned in virtual seclusion for years and wore black for the rest of her days. But even before Albert’s death, unsentimental ideas about death and grieving left over from ancient and medieval times — “Memento Mori,” “To everything a season,” “Death comes to all” — were being eclipsed by the Christian ideal of a happy Heaven where loved ones would be reunited.

The Victorians saw mourning as key to a successful society. They wore their losses publicly, shunned pleasure for years, and enforced rigid stages of dress — from black crepe to black to gray to white and lavender — along with codes for when it was acceptable to wear jewels again or enjoy dinner parties. All but the abject were subject to these rites, even small children.

In the Antebellum period before the U.S. Civil War, older children wore black or crepe for six months after the death of a parent — three months of “full” mourning gradually followed by “half” mourning. Children under twelve wore white in summer and gray in winter. Even infants were trimmed with black buttons or ribbons.

Mourning warehouses — maisons de noir or black houses to the French —began to crop up in the 1840s to satisfy a demand for “black goods” and were the first department stores. The biggest, like the House of Jay in London, offered everything from hearses to the etiquette books that helped baffled families endure. One-stop shopping, indeed.

The Victorians even made a fashion statement out of memorializing their dead. Hair is intimate but hardy — it resists decay — and the bereaved, with help from an “artist in hair” on London’s fashionable Regent Street, could have it crafted into a locket, a watch chain, or a braided and tasseled necklace with a gold clasp. There were “swivel” brooches for pairing miniature portraits of the departed with locks of their hair, all encased in glass. There were ornate vials or “tear bottles” to collect and display one’s tears.

Things changed radically in the shadow of WWI. In light of the carnage, people came to see mourning like Queen Victoria’s as stubborn, morbid, or antisocial. The sooner you re-entered society the better; mourners should seek a return to normal life at once, “stay occupied,” keep their feelings to themselves. To grieve had become a selfish act.

We’ve seen other cultural shifts since then — from the backlash led by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in the Sixties to the recent green and natural death movements — but no era has considered the problem of loss with as much intensity or creativity as the Victorians.

When you add to this context traditional lore about ghosts — they tend to be classified as the spirits of those who’ve died violently, or with unfinished business — it’s easy to see how a rational person like Clara Gill, one of the two protagonists in Captivity, might struggle to give hers up.

About the Author:

Deb writes for adults and children, and is also an editor and photographer. She earned a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. She has taught writing and literature at Emerson College and Western New England College, and was a Visiting Writer in Lesley University's MFA in Writing for Young People program. Deb lives in Massachusetts with her family.

If you'd like to learn more about Deborah, you can visit her website at: http://www.deborahnoyes.com/

Virtual Book Tour & Review: "The Elf of Luxembourg" by Tom Weston

The Elf of Luxembourg: Being a Love Story
Author: Tom Weston
Publisher: Tom Weston Media
ISBN: 9780981941349
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, Fantasy

Synopsis: (from the back of the book):

The thing about El Dorado is . . . No, forget that. The thing about younger sisters is . . .

What’s an older sister to do? It’s not all fun fairs and ice-cream. Well, it is – but that’s beside the point. When one is in Luxembourg, there is a certain standard to maintain, and vacationing with Elves and Vampires is just so old school. But can Alex convince her younger sister, Jackie, of that? No, of course not, so she may as well get used to it.

But deep beneath the ancient city of Luxembourg there lies a secret. The Vampires believe it is protected by the Elf. The Elf believes it is protected by a prophecy concerning Alex and Jackie. And the sisters? They believe shoes in Luxembourg are too expensive.

Why are the Vampires going toe-to-toe with an Elf for the pleasure of the sisters’ company? Why does the Elf think Alex and Jackie can sing? And just who let Sir Walter Raleigh and the Conquistadors into this story?

To answer these questions will take all of the sisters’ cunning, bravery and imagination, as well as some souvenir shopping. Because this is the Elf of Luxembourg and this is an Alex and Jackie Adventure.

My Thoughts:

Take an elf, vampires and a mermaid and combine them with Luxembourg history. Add two teen girls and mix gently and you've got a fantastic story that is guaranteed to keep you entertained. "The Elf of Luxembourg" is a fantastic young adult novel that weaves history, humor and the paranormal all together and creates a novel that's hard to put down.

I enjoyed everything about this book, from the history lessons of Luxembourg, to the beautiful black and white photos, the interesting quotes, and the fascinating storyline. Mr. Weston has an interesting way of presenting things. I quote from his introduction: "Therefore consider the narrative to be a fictional account of real events, except for those chapters which pass for real accounts of fictional events. I hope this distinction helps." This quote really shows the feel of the book and playfulness of the author, making it a fun and very interesting read.

The characters were interesting. The elf was a charming character that you can't help but like. The main characters were teen sisters, Alex and Jackie, are both so very different. Their differences made them quite real and ended up being an important part to the storyline.

This book is the second in the Alex and Jackie adventure series, but is certainly able to be read as a stand-alone with no feeling that one has missed anything. I really enjoyed this book and certainly want to read the other books in the series.

If you would like to read them in order, the first Alex and Jackie adventure is: "First Night: Being a Ghost Story". Mr. Weston is currently working on the third installment.

About Tom Weston

Originally from England, Tom now resides in Boston, Massachusetts. Before turning his hand to fiction, Tom had a successful career as the CEO of a consulting company, conference speaker and writer of industry articles and business books. His novel, "First Night", set in Boston during the New Year’s Eve festival, introduced the unlikely heroines, Alex and Jackie, and the ghost of a 17th century Puritan named Sarah Pemberton. "First Night" won an Honorable Mention in the Middle-Grade/Young Adult category, in the Writers Digest 17th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards. The sequel to "First Night", called "The Elf of Luxembourg", was published in January, 2010. As with "First Night", "The Elf of Luxembourg" is also a supernatural mystery, with a blend of humor and history that has become Tom’s trademark. Tom is currently working on Book 3 of the Alex and Jackie Adventures, and is researching the background material for the story, which will be set in Ireland. Tom has also written the screenplay, "Fission", based on the true story of scientist, Lisa Meitner, and the race for the atomic bomb, and which was named a finalist at the London Independent Film Festival.

To learn more about Tom and the other books in the series, make sure to visit his website at: http://tom-weston.com/

I received a copy of this book from Pump Up Your Book to honestly review.