Monday, March 31, 2014

Made the Grade: School Spirits Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 304; Paperback - Pages: 304; Kindle Edition - File Size: 393 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: May 14, 2013 | Publisher: Disney Hyperion | Obtained: NetGalley

"School Spirits" [School Spirits Series, Book 1] by Rachel Hawkins

Author's Book Description : Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?

Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! It's a sweet humorous suspenseful novel that has spurts of romance thrown in, gets you all warmed up for what looks to be a intriguing spin-off series!! Izzy is a softhearted protagonist who is still getting her footing in what her role is supposed to be within her family's lifestyle. Just recently losing her older sister, she feels responsible for the loss and tries to show her mother what a good "worker" she is by taking a ghost "case" on her own. Yet, as she has to pretend to be a "normal" teenager for her mission she gets involved in a lot of firsts. First kiss. First crush. First friends. During that time she comes to terms what it means following in her family's footsteps, what she might have to give up, and see if she can change her future for the better...

I really liked Torin!! And even though I liked Dex and Izzy together, I have hopes that something between Torin and Izzy will happen! =0)

I recommend this novel for those who are fans of the Hex Hall series, fans of Ms. Hawkins, and/or those who like YA paranormal novels with romance thrown in!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Hex Hall

Author's Novel Extras : SCHOOL SPIRITS! A WEEK FROM TOOODAAAY!

Book Teaser(s) :
That done, I tossed my phone on the bed and turned my attention to my closet.
"Whatever shall you wear?" Torin observed, propping his chin in his hand. "Let's see, there's the black T-shirt with black jeans. Or perhaps, it you're going for elegance over function, you could wear the black T-shirt with black jeans. Ooh!" He sat up, widening his eyes. "Do you know what would be particularly fetching? The black---"
"T-shirt with black jeans," I finished for him. "Hilarious."
But looking at my closet, he did have a point. Other than that pink hoodie, my closet was a sea of sameness. A sea of black. And I didn't have the faintest idea what girls wore to basketball games. ~ within Chapter 13
"So you were...dead."
"Romy," I warned, but she just shrugged and pulled the blanket tighter around her.
"Look, I get that he's traumatized, but hey, am I, too."
"We all are," Anderson muttered. ~ within Chapter 33
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Rachel, then please check out her website.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Feasted On: Southern Shifter Series & The Black Cougar Trilogy, Book 5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 1393 KB | Expected Release Date: January 27, 2014 | Publisher: Gypsy Ink Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Be Were" [Southern Shifter Series & The Black Cougar Trilogy, Book 5] by Eliza Gayle

Author's Book Description : Dean had a family once. Until tragedy and betrayal consumed them. Now he lives on his own terms keeping life simple and carefree. Then one night leads to one bite and he’s forced back into a dangerous world that reminds him he’s still as angry as ever and this time he’s not leaving until he gets what he wants. Niki.

Niki Harris has lived a life of secrets and solitude with no interest in making a change. But an easy one night stand turns complicated and she finds herself marked. Now she has to decide, tell the sexy shifter with a possessive streak a mile wide she’s pregnant and in danger or do what she’s always done–run.

"Be Were" is the continued story of Dean and Niki from the free story, "White Cougar Christmas." (If you have not read WCC, no worries. It is included as the first chapter of "Be Were")

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Finding your mate is like finding a needle in a haystack, so why is Niki trying to run away from hers? This intriguing fast-paced novel brings back all your favorite characters from "Bad Kitty," gets you involved with these hot new characters, while setting up the series for a bunch more twists and turns that will be interesting to see where it'll go!

Dean and Niki believe that they are complete opposites, which is why Niki runs away from him in the first place, yet they are more alike, then they know. Hot tempered. Feisty. And once they open their hearts and lives to each other, nothing can tear them apart not even Niki. =0)

I cannot wait to see where this series goes, especially since they Kitty & Rafe seem to stay in the immediate background and I really like them!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who like reading about alpha males in paranormal romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 4

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Author's Novel Extras : Be Were - Overview, Excerpt, & Behind the Book with Eliza | Seriously Shifter Giveaway Hop

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: The Shifters | Lucas - Overview, Excerpt, & Behind the Book with Eliza | Kane - Overview, Excerpt, & Behind the Book with Eliza | Malcolm - Overview, Excerpt, & Behind the Book with Eliza | A White Cougar Christmas - Overview | Bad Kitty - Overview, Excerpt, & Behind the Book with Eliza | FAQs | What’s Left For 2011 | Looking Ahead To 2012 | Shameless Giveaway Hop | Saturday Snippet – Character Sass

Book Teaser(s) :
"Relax," Kitty said. "I come bearing breakfast."
Niki couldn't see Dean's reaction but the smirks on both Rafe and Bhric's faces indicated he wasn't happy. Seems these idiot males took entirely too much pleasure when the females didn't behave as expected.
"We don't need--" Dean started.
"Whoa." Niki shoved him to the side. "Speak for yourself. I'm starving." She sniffed the box. "Blueberries?" she asked hopefully.
"Yeah, we stopped at Mia's bakery in the village and she had these blueberry muffins fresh made."
Niki lunged for the box and tore into it. Her stomach rumbled as she plucked the biggest one from the box and peeled the wrapper from the bottom. She and Dean had a lot more on their minds than food, so they hadn't thought about eating, until food came into view and then bam. Starved. She took a huge bite and savored the burst of fresh blueberries. "Oh my goddess," she moaned. "These are so fucking good."
Laughter burst out around her and she realized all eyes were on her and most of them quite amused.
"Hello. Pregnant." She took another bite and tuned them out. She might have to rethink her attitude toward the scarred feline. Bringing blueberries bought her a lot of goodwill as far as she was concerned.
"So are we going or what?" Niki asked. "Cause if we're not, I'm going back inside to find some milk."
"Depends on whether you're done having an orgasm over those damned muffins," Dane said.
Niki looked up with her mouth stuffed with the fruity treat. They were all still staring at her, their looks intense.
Uh oh.
"Yeah," he said. "Your little display is affecting everyone."
She focused on Dean and breathed deeply. He wanted her and damn it was strong. "Crap." She shoved the rest of her muffin back into the box. ~ within Chapter 10
Often times in hybrid-shifters either the human or the animal became dominant instead of being equal. In this case he'd guess the cougar was dominant for this woman or she would have reverted back already. Four long days in a mad scientist's lab brought about a lot of strange education. Maybe Simon wasn't mad, but he sure as hell wasn't normal. ~ within Chapter 17
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Eliza, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Teaser Tuesdays: Hajar's Hidden Legacy

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Hajar's Hidden Legacy" [Beasts of the Desert Series, Book 2] by Maisey Yates

Book Teaser:
“This is Lilah. You can ride her. She’s very gentle.”
“The sentiment is appreciated, but I don’t need gentle.”
That statement made a dark cascade of erotic thoughts spin through his mind, made him pause for a moment as he thought of all the hidden meanings her statement could possess.
“Noted,” he said, jaw clenched tight.
“And who’s your handsome gentleman there?” she asked.
He put his foot in the stirrup and swung his leg over his mount. “Nalah doesn’t appreciate being called a he.”
“Sorry. I assumed—” she pulled herself up onto Lilah “—that a big strong man like you would ride a stallion.”
“Oh, no, definitely not. Not a good idea to have two stallions together, you know?”
She laughed, a shocked burst of sound that echoed through the paddock. “Did you just call yourself a stallion?”
He felt a smile teasing the edges of his lips, such a foreign feeling, even more so the small bit of contentment that accompanied it. Such a strange thing to talk to another person like this. To find that barrier of fear and uncertainty absent. Pride grew in him, mingling with the surge of warmth that was trickling through his veins. He had made her smile, after she had looked so sad.
“I did,” he said.
“Mmm... quite the ego.” ~ within Chapter 7

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : An Accidental Birthright | Heir to a Desert Legacy | His Ring Is Not Enough | Hajar's Hidden Legacy

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Made the Grade: The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 297; Kindle Edition - File Size: 462 KB | Release Date: December 22, 2013 | Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King: Weddings Bells Times Four" [The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King Series, Book 1] by Trinity Blacio (aka Maria MoonStar)

Author's Book Description : Best-selling paranormal romance author Trinity Blacio brings her characters from the beloved short story, "The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King" back in this riveting page-turner that culminates in not one, but four, supernatural Christmas marriages.

The ancient scrolls decreed that she was made for the Vampire King. But they failed to mentioned that she would also be mated to two werewolf brothers and a prehistoric vampire.

When the four of them join forces to protect her, love her, and drive her crazy, Beth knows she’s in trouble. Not to mention the fact that war is breaking out all around them and Beth has to plan for her wedding to not one man, but four.

Edward had always been a patient man, but after two kidnappings, a shooting and being cursed, he was ready to rip someone apart. However, he wasn’t the only one.

Dred and Rock Nester, werewolf twin brothers, were hired to guard the King’s woman. The only problem was she was also their mate as was the Vampire King himself.

Lucas, one of the original vampires, and mate to Beth Roman wakes up to a new world and a human witch standing before him. A war is brewing around them, but his only concern is her safety. Nothing or no one would harm their woman even if all of then have to coexist with the other men.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars!! You'll hit the ground running when you start this suspenseful paranormal/sci-fi (put them together and you get para-sci ... okay that sounds bad) romance!! =0) It's entertaining in the extreme with the sexual prowess of Beth's four alpha males, the comedy that gets randomly thrown into unexpected scenes, and the mystery behind just about everything/everyone as you follow Beth into a world she's not prepared for yet is trying to protect herself and the world in this intense battle of wills.

Edward, Dred, Rock, & Lucas--Beth's men--are smoldering enough to wish they could worship you! Their relationship with each other and Beth is very intense and grows throughout this novel. It grows so much so that you cannot help but root for them as they deal with the drastic changes that abruptly happen to them, especially considering the short time frame they dealt with.

As I said this novel throws you right into the action when you start reading it. Yet, for someone who hasn't read the short story prequel "The Virgin Witch and The Vampire King" to this novel--like me--then don't worry as you don't need to read it even if it'll probably make the start of this novel easier to understand.

The only thing I had a hard time enjoying was Beth when she was determined to be "Miss Independent" and had little regard to her own safety. She has a tendency to protect others first--which is good--while not taking into consideration that her men might be able to help her instead of doing to all on her own. While even though her guys did the same thing too at times once they realized their mistakes they found ways to make it up to her and tried to change for her, yet she doesn't seem to have the same consideration for them. Every annoying...

With that said, I still would recommend this novel and possibly the series (if it stays as good as it already is) to anyone who enjoys paranormal & sci-fi romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Book Teaser(s) :
The door slammed open and Dred stood there holding onto his balls, growling. "She kicked me and disappeared."
Laughing, his father slapped his back. "Yep, she's a wild one, your witch. I can't wait to see your children. Go find your woman, Edward."
The three of them left the chamber. "Do you have any idea where she is?" Dred asked, rubbing the inside of his leg.
"She's in the kitchen," Edward grinned. "It's a good thing she didn't aim a little bit higher."
Rock laughed and Dred glared at him. "She did, but I moved in time. Told me to bite her and kicked me."
He tried not to laugh, but couldn't help it. "I owe you an apology. I believe she's angry at me and took it out on you."
"Ya think?" Dred grumbled as he pushed open the kitchen door. ~ within Chapter 11
"There is no need to worry. If this Alton hurts her I'll eat him." Edward jerked his gaze to the creature and she smiled. ~ within Chapter 14
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Trinity, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Feasted On: An Heir of Uncertainty by Alyssa Everett

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 462 KB | Release Date: March 10, 2014 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"An Heir of Uncertainty" by Alyssa Everett

Author's Book Description : Yorkshire, 1820

Lina, Lady Radbourne, thought being a countess would rescue her from poverty. Unfortunately, her young groom failed to plan for the future, and his drunken accident left her widowed and pregnant. Now Colonel Winstead Vaughan—Win—will inherit her late husband’s fortune...unless she gives birth to a boy. Win is her natural enemy, so why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Win is stunned to learn he stands to inherit a vast fortune. He’s even more surprised to find himself falling for the beautiful, spirited Lady Radbourne, who is the one woman who stands in the way of a life he’d only imagined.

When someone tries to poison Lady Radbourne, suspicion falls on Win. There’s a clever killer in their midst, and if Win doesn’t solve the mystery fast, Lina may perish. He needs to win her trust, but how can he prove it’s she he wants, and not the fortune?


My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, two strangers find themselves thrown together in this suspenseful historical romance! Lina & Win's romance was one that grows slowly but once they finally trust each other (and get over their pride) everything seems to work out for them. I enjoyed how these two work together to get through the allegations about them and to find who is out to kill them. It made for a suspenseful novel that was a little like "Whodunit?" because of how many twists that appear.

Yet even though the actual killer surprised me, and this novel kept my interest the whole way threw, I just wish that Lina and Win's romance had a little more spark or charm then it did. I mean I'm glad they got together and I understand their reasons for why they held back their feelings to each other when they did but it didn't flow well for me. Or I should say their relationship was very slow paced for a majority of the novel and then rushed threw it by the end, which made me kinda disappointed.

With that being said, I did enjoy the plot, all of the characters, and the twists. Therefore, I'd recommend this novel to anyone who likes suspenseful historical romances and/or are fans of Ms. Everett.

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : An Heir of Uncertainty - Excerpt

Book Teaser(s) :
Win was almost halfway to the abbey, striding in fuming silence alongside his brother, when Freddie broke the quiet. “Is something wrong?”
Win glanced sidelong at him. “Do you mean aside from my itching to throttle Lady Radbourne?”
“You’re itching to throttle Lady Radbourne?”
Win gestured with an emphatic jab of one hand in the direction of the dower house. “Well, wouldn’t you be angry if you were in my place?”
“I can’t say.” Freddie deliberated a moment, his forehead wrinkling. “What is it you’re angry about?”
“What is it I’m angry...?” Win sometimes had trouble believing Freddie inhabited the same world he did. “Didn’t you hear what Lady Radbourne said? She accused me of trying to poison her.”
Freddie’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “I thought she said she wasn’t accusing you.”
“Yes,” Win replied hotly, “and she also said I’m new to the neighborhood, I have the most to gain if any harm should come to her baby, and it’s only natural for my presence here to arouse suspicion.”
Freddie tilted his head to one side. “Isn’t all of that true?”
“What?” Win let out his breath in an angry huff. “Well...strictly speaking it may be accurate, but it’s not as if I go about menacing females. I’m not some cursed Bluebeard.”
“But you just said you were itching to throttle Lady Radbourne.”
Win rounded on his brother in exasperation. “For the love of God, Freddie, do you imagine I would really do such a thing? That was a figure of speech.”
“I did suspect you didn’t intend to follow through,” Freddie said, unfazed. “After all, you had an excellent opportunity to throttle her at the dower house just now, and you didn’t take it. You often say things you don’t mean. But then, you’re my brother, so I have a fair measure of confidence you’re no murderer.”
A fair measure. “Thank you. ~ within Chapter 5
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Alyssa, then please check out her website.
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