Book Nerds Across America

When I started reading this book I thought it was the second book in a prequel TRILOGY.  I have since discovered that it is a duology and the series has come to a close.

Rift left off with a very action packed last third of the book and I assumed the momentum would continue throughout Rise.  Unfortunately, there was some action at the very beginning, but then there was A LOT more discovery, world building, and tension before we received another dose of excitement at the very end.  While I enjoyed learning about the history of the Keepers and Searchers and what led up to the events in the Nightshade series, there wasn't enough here to hold my attention for an extended period of time. 

The relationship between Ember and Borrow was a tease most of the book, which became frustrating as the chapters went on.  I realize the book is set in the 1400s and times were different than they are today, but REALLY? 

Rise had the feel of a middle book.  Maybe the intent was simply to bridge the gap between Rift and Nightshade.  If that is the case, it was very well done.  If this was supposed to provide the type of closure for these characters that we received in Bloodrose, it fell short.  Don't get me wrong...I think Andrea is an excellent writer.  The tale is eloquently told, but it lacked the spark that her other books have had. 

The rise to power of Eira and Bosque and their developing relationship was one of the highlights of this book.  We are also able to see how the Guardians came to be, which was a fascinating element as well.  Overall, I think any fan of the Nightshade series will enjoy the history this book provides.  I just wish I could have read it before Nightshade.  I would have had a better understanding of the magical elements the books contain and I could have ended the series on a high note.

Before tonight Cassie Tate’s biggest concerns were whether she could pass Algebra and how she was going to keep Elora, her best friend, from dressing her in a skimpy fairy costume for Halloween. Her feet were firmly planted in suburban reality and she had no reason to believe her life would be anything but that of a typical teenager. That is until tonight, when Cassie saw something that no human was ever supposed to see; in the blink of an eye she was thrown into the world of the Light and Dark Elves.

He comes from a realm where light and dark have fought for millennia. He is of a race known to humans only in myths and legends. The darkness that lives inside him is a part of both who and what he is and it makes him the most gifted spy and assassin in the history of his time. His life is not his own; he lives in the service of the Dark Elf King. He slays who he must, has mercy on no one, is relentless in his hunt, and never tires of seeing his prey fall. He is Triktapic, assassin, spy, most feared of the Dark Elves.

Now, in the midst of his King’s complicated plans to expand the Dark Elves’ holdings into the mortal realm, for the first time, Trik finds his loyalties divided. For no Elf, Dark or Light, can turn away from their Chosen.

Unbeknownst to the mortal realm, the battle between Light and Dark is being brought to their doorstep. The only one who can keep it at bay holds darkness in his heart like a lover, and the one who can sway that heart must decide if she can look beyond his black past, beyond his evil nature and see the man he is destined to be.

The question must be asked, does love really cover a multitude of sins? Can true love actually conquer all or will his darkness consume those around him until all that stands is an assassin with the blood of the mortal realm on his hands?


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was contact by the author to review the first chapter of his book Son of the Accused.  That's right just the first chapter.

This story is based on a true story.

The first chapter is amazing!  You get to meet Michael while he is heading into a courtroom.  On his way, we get a "flashback" into his life growing up.  Let me just say, it's not a good one.  I could really feel the torture and pain that Michael went through growing up.  It is quite sad.

The end of the chapter leaves you on a cliffhanger as Michael is being called to the witness stand.

I will definitely be looking for this book when it is release later this year.

Please follow Andrew O'Brien on his site: Son of the Accused.

Goodreads description:


Our lives are a cascade of events that pass faster than we would like them to. Time changes everything. Our habits, our views, our circle of friends. But there is one thing that remains the same over the years. 
Our memories.
Through them we cherish the most unforgettable moments of our history. And they also retain some things that can't be forgotten….
But one day you realize that yesterday should be left in the past. Because tomorrow your new life begins, and you go back to the drawing board. 
A love story of Evan Murray and Tara Mackenzie.
A story that should last forever….
But no one knows when forever ends….

Mary's Review:

OMG! I don't even know where to begin! Well, let me say this:  THANK YOU DIANA!  Right before I was given this book Diana Nixon posted this on her Facebook Page:


If you want to read the first book of series, Love Lines, you can purchase it here:

Goodreads description:

Alexander and Gaius go in search for their much needed revenge. But come across much more than they had ever planned. Lea and Zari must transverse the very pits of despair in order to save their mates. Zari learns of a deep dark secret that has been kept from her and all other Fae since the beginning of time. When the Queen of Nalla Vareim gets involved no one will be the same ever again.


Mary's Review:

How is the possible?! I mean seriously!  This book was WAY BETTER than the first.  I could not put it down.

This review will be short and quick, just like the book.  Sometimes, I find it harder to review novellas because I don't want to spoil anything but I want to tell you everything! (does that make sense?)

I loved seeing Lea's stronger side in this book.  I love the whole journey!! Nothing like a good love story when you trying to save your mate by going through Hell.  Alexander and Gaius want revenge on their brother and that is one reason for the journey through Hell.  This is why Lea and her sister Zari are following.

I just wish that this book was longer.  However, this book is so packed with actions and adventures that you literally fly through it in no time.

Now I just have to wait for the next book...............

Today, I will tell you my top five best kisses.  HEHE!! This is so much fun, but so had to chose.  I have some many!

1.  Elli and Shea, Taking Shots by Toni Aleo:  I loved their first kiss and every kiss they had in the book. Toni Aleo did an amazing job throughout the book describing their love and kisses!  It was H-O-T and sweet!!!!!!!!!!

2.  Jennifer and Decebel, Just One Drop by Quinn Loftis:  If you know me at all, you know that I love Decebel more than anything!! I only share him with Jennifer because I am a nice person.  However, their first kiss was perfection and every kiss, thereafter!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.  Jacqueline and Lucas, Easy by Tammara Webber: Nothing like a hot, tattooed tutor and a sweet, kind student.  Their first kiss perfection and they only got HOTTER!  Oh, did I mention that Lucas is also an artist.

4.  Eden and Kiran, Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson: You know I had to do it.  Eden and Kiran are my most fave characters and their first kiss was epic (well, to me it was).  With every book, it only got better!!!!

5.  Katy and Daemon, Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout:  I love this series! Katy and Daemon are perfect together, although their relationship is a bit complex.  However, their first was INSANE and then it was just a roller coaster of emotions after that.

Be sure to visit Jacque's Book Nook and Dreaming Dreams to see who they picked for their Best Kisses

Amazing author and friend, Amity Hope, is running a weekend special for her book, Twisted!

It is ONLY 99 CENTS! This will only last till Sunday! Grab it NOW!

On top of that it has a beautiful new cover!

Just look:


If you want to purchase the book, you can here:

Goodreads description:

Alexander is the Alpha wolf of the Neuri werewolf tribe, set to destroy anything associated with the dreaded strigoi. Lea is a magnificent Fae -- or so she believed but she soon discovers she may not be after all. With Alexander, Lea’s and basically the worlds fate is in the hands of the mated pair. They must act fast and not just on the revenge they so desperately need. Can their love save us all? As Lea and Alexander’s souls hang in the balance they come to realize we are all a little Damned.

MARY'S REVIEW

This novella was different.  Not "bad-different" but "good-different".

Best Part of the Book: This is a action packed novella.There seems to be every magical creature in this book.  I loved it.  It was fast paced (but did not seem rushed) .  I love Alex and Lea!  I love the plot and the purpose of trying to end the curse and not end the curse.  I can't go into to much detail because I don't want to spoil it for anyone.  This novella starts out with how the curse began with Aison and Cierra and progressively goes down the line.  For this to be such a short novella, I think Dawn White did an amazing JOB!!

Not so great about book:  It ended too fast!  Actually, it ended so fast that I email Dawn White because I thought something was wrong with the copy I got.  However, she assured me that it was the full copy!

Now I HAVE to read Book 2: Wingless and Forsaken

If you want to purchase this book you can here:

Goodreads description:


How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Would you fight to be with the one you truly love? What cost would you be willing to sacrifice for that love?

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

MARY'S REVIEW:

I was given this book by the author for review.  At this time, I would like to thank the author for the book. I did enjoy the book.  It was very creative in the description of Arkana and the characters are enjoyable.

Best Part of the Book: I enjoy the story line of this book.  Molly just moved to LA from NJ and was not quite fitting in yet.  She was taking a hike and found a "worm hole" and it sent her to a WHOLE other world.   In this world Molly meets, Weston.  I think of him as of "the boy next door".  However, its his friend Victor that really catches Molly's eye.  Victor's goal in life is to go to the Sentinel and fight the Terrakas (which as the "Earthlings").  You can see right off the struggle and connection with Molly and Victor, but they are from two different worlds.

Not so great about the book:  Like I said before, I liked the book, but its last 40% of the book that was "strange".  There is Victor's whole family tree that got thrown into the mix.  Then Molly's ex-boyfriend, Adam, that came out of nowhere.  Plus, I was expecting more "action".  I am going to assume that there will be a second book, because the ending .... well, it just ends.

Overall, the book is good and I will read Book 2 (if there is one).

If you want to purchase the book, you can here:

Jessica Gibson can be described as an amazing person and author.  Her series Boston Witches is one of my faves.  The second book: Chasing the Witch is outstanding!!


After the events of Mark of the Witch, Jilly at last begins to breathe easier though her powers are still growing. But can she harness them in time to confront a new chain of events that threatens to change everything?

Caroline has finally accepted her life as a witch, but when a stranger comes into her life she's forced to question her family loyalty.

The sisters are thrown together to protect a young girl from the enemy determined to hunt her down. Can they save her -- and themselves?




a Rafflecopter giveaway

I love Toni Aleo's books and I am loving the covers!!

This weeks Fictional Boyfriend is:

Aiden St. Delphi

He hails from Jennifer L. Amentrout's Covenant Series.

While reading this series I was not sure on my feeling about him.  Was he good? Could he really be trusted?  What is up with the mood swings?

Aiden was very serious about his job with the Sentinel and he cared very much about his family.  However, his relationship with Half-Blood, Alexandria Andros (Alex) is what I love to read the most.  That is also where his "mood swings" come in at.




All of  my answers came in the Book 3 of the Series: Deity!  OMG! I love Aiden and he is more than what you can see (or what you read on the page)!





If you would like to purchase the first book of the series, Half - Blood, you can here:

This week's Friday's Five is my Top 5 Female Heroine.

1. Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games



5. Mage McPherson, Wicked Fate Series

Mercy Amare is at it again. She is revealing her new book You Got Me.

Book Blurb:


Roxy is broken
Aiden wants to fix her

No matter how hard Roxy tries to overcome her past, she can't. She writes on her arms to escape the pain, but nothing can sooth the ache that she feels.

Aiden didn't go to college to meet girls, he came to play football. Too bad that it is impossible for him to stay away from Roxy.

After meeting on the roof, they instantly feel connected, but neither of them are ready for love.

You Got Me is a story about new beginnings, and finding love when you least expect it.

Happily ever after doesn’t come easy.  But for love, it’s always worth the fight.

Olivia finds bliss unlike any she’s ever known in Cash’s arms.  He sets her skin on fire and melts her heart right inside her chest.  Unfortunately, their happily ever after is short-lived when a shadow from Cash’s past threatens to turn their world upside down.
   Dangerous people from his father’s world have discovered that Cash holds information that could put them away for a very long time.  And they’re willing to do anything—and hurt anybody—to get it back.  Giving it up means Cash must choose between the life of his father and the life of Olivia.

Having nearly overcome her wariness of bad boys, Olivia’s trust is shaken when this new threat arises.  Now she finds that Cash is not only a danger to her heart, but his family has associations that are a danger to her life as well.  She soon discovers that there are some situations in life where trust is a girl’s only option.  And this is one of them.  If she’s to live, she must trust Cash with her life.  But to Olivia, that’s much, much easier than letting go and trusting him with her heart.

Goodreads Description:


I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances

Mary's Review:

I had this book forever on my Kindle, but like some others it got lost in the shuffle.  Finally, I got to it and I could KICK myself for not reading it sooner.

Best part of book:  This was such an amazing book! I loved it from the beginning to the end! Josh and Nastya are amazing and wonderful characters! Katja Millay kept this book going from the very first scene.  There were a lot of unanswered questions, but that was what kept me wanting more.  Nastya's "silence" throughout the book was an outstanding.  I loved her personality, courage and her determination to find "the guy".  At times, I just wanted to reach through the Kindle and hold her.  Josh is my new fictional boyfriend.  His "silence" is just as loud as Nastya at times.  Also, just like Nastya, there were times I wanted to reach with the Kindle and hold him too.  When their paths finally crossed I loved every interaction with them

Not so great about the book:  NOTHING!  This was so good!  It kept you questioning and wanting more!  I would recommend for everyone!

You can purchase the book here:

Title: The Forgotten Ones

Author: Laura Howard

Genre: NA Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Expected release date: May 15, 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Cover Designer: Stephanie Mooney 

Book Description:

May I just say that I think I love Misty Provencher a little bit more each day?  Well, today I "double" love her!

She is revealing her next two books!!  That's right ........ TWO BOOKS!!! *applauds* *throws confetti*

Book 1:  Full of Grace.  This is a companion book to Hale Maree.  This makes me SO HAPPY!

I am so excited to be part of this tour! Jenna Roads is an amazing author and has become a dear friend.  On my stop, of the tour, I will be doing a quick interview with Jenna and my review of her debut book: Under A Painted Sky






Best part of the book: By far Logan is the best part of this book! Isabella is so lucky that her aunt paid for him to "show her around"! I loved the connection between Isabella and Logan! This was a bit of a different story than I normally read. Spirit/Ghost stories are not what I usually read; however, Jenna did a great job of keeping the story going and interesting. I really enjoy seeing the relationship between Logan and Isabella the most!! It was great!!

Not so great about book: It didn't have that "cliffhanger" factor. I thought it was going to lead into a BIG cliffhanger and it really didn't. Now this is not a "bad" thing, but I am interested on where Jenna Roads will "pick up" the next book!

Why did you become an author?
I became an author because I felt I had exciting and original stories to tell.

What is the one thing you enjoy the most as being an author?
 I enjoy plot busting as I call it the most. I like closing all the loop holes of impossibilities and making them seem possible. I also like building characters.

How did you come up with the idea of Under a Painted Sky?
I wanted to write something original and different than what is out there now. There is nothing wrong with vampires and werewolves. I love them but I wanted a different paranormal. When I was in New Mexico visiting the Petroglyphs I found out the images made on the rocks were from hundreds of years ago by many different people. I remember thinking wow, there are lots of stories to be told here. I wondered about all of those people and what they would say telling their stories in words and not pictures. The mysteries of the place seemed like the perfect paranormal setting.

Why did you set the story in New Mexico?
It is a gorgeous and mystical place with very rich history and even the place of alien sightings in Roswell, New Mexico.

Did you plan on for the book to be a series or did it just work out that way?
It just worked that way. I guess about half way through the book, I decided I must tell more of the stories with these characters growing and new ones being added.


YA/ New Adult Paranormal Romance Author 
I am a Registered Nurse who is now devoting my time to writing fiction, reading, making scrapbooks, taking pictures, traveling and enjoying family and friends. I am a mother of two. When I'm not writing, I'm dreaming up characters for my next book. I love cotton nighties and comfortable shoes. My dream is to one day have an island of my very own where I can hold up there and write until my hearts content.


www.jennaroads.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorJennaRoads

https://twitter.com/JennaRoads

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9992120-jenna-roads

http://pinterest.com/jennaroads/