Release Day Blitz/Review – Angelstone by Hanna Peach


Title: Angelstone
Author: Hanna Peach
Series: Dark Angel #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Published: May 31st 2013

Book Description

After escaping from the Hollows and the Michaelea lightwarriors, Jordan takes Alyx and Israel to Aradale, a secret Rogue community, where they appear to be safe − for now. But did they bring the enemy with them? “Mini”, the strange and speechless young girl they rescued from the Hollows, is not as she seems. Why was Elder Michael keeping her locked up? What is she hiding?

Alyx and Israel are driven further apart as Israel continues to obsess over making Adere human and Alyx hides two secrets from him: that he may be part-demon and that she may be carrying his child, a tri-blood keye that can be used to unlock Hell.

Out in the mortal cities, pieces of Black Stone, the only material that can disrupt the angels’ healing abilities, continue to be stolen to make weapons for Samyara’s dark army. Alyx and her friends must stop them, but this means infiltrating holy and guarded places to steal the Black Stone − a monastery in remote China, a mosque in Saudi Arabia, an art gallery in Florence and a cathedral in Peru.

Can they win this deadly race against the Darkened?



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Angelfire is free until June 1st
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My Review

I read Angelfire late last year and I have been eager to get a hold of the next book in the series to see how Alyx is going to survive outside of Michaelea, without the support of her fellow lightwarriors and with the knowledge of the Blood Prophecies. Angelstone lacked a little bit in the fighting and action department but made up for it in an intriguing plot that had me fascinated.

Angelstone kicks off just after the end of Angelfire with Alyx and Israel taking refuge in the Rogue camp with Jordan. Together they work with the Aradale refugees to format a plan to prevent the Blood Prophecies from being fulfilled. Alyx’s feelings are in the air over Israel as he appears to still have Adere on his mind.

Alyx still seems quite reserved in this book. She keeps her feelings hidden and tries to keep the peace, just like how she was in Angelfire, but when things start to build, she lets it go and puts her emotions out there. She is confused about Jordan, as he is showing interest in her other than friendship but the Guardian bond between Alyx and Israel is as strong as ever. The secrets that she has tried to hold onto may destroy the relationships that she has worked hard to construct.

Israel spends a lot of time dealing with his feelings and controlling his emotions so that he can harness what is inside of himself. He confronts Alyx as he believes that she cannot accept him. Both of these characters need to deal with the chemistry that they have as they are a forcible team if they work together. I’m still fond of Israel as he is trying to be his own person and stands up to himself. I like when he tells Alyx to basically back off, stop treating him like a boy, because he is a Man. It’s that bit of force that he needed to use to get Alyx to see him as more than a mere human.

I enjoyed how Hanna told the story and showed us more about how the Rogues live and how they communicate with other communities. We revisit a lot of places from book 1, Purgatory and the Tunnels, to meet some old friends and to meet some new allies. We only touched back with Michael and the Angels in this book, as Angelstone focuses more on Samarya and how they are going to prevent him from acquiring the Black Stone to destroy the Angels. The ending of Angelstone is a killer and I was left speechless on how it all unfolded, so I am keen to read Angelsong to see how things will play out.


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  



Angelfire is currently free at Amazon.
Check out my review for Angelfire, book 1 in the series HERE.



About the Author

Hanna Peach

A writer of fantastical things, especially stories with fangs, magic or wings.

I want to tell you tales that will rip away the glamour from your life, keep you running and fighting and gasping long past the devil’s hour and maybe, just maybe, reality will look a little bit different when you return.


Sit with me around this witchlight. Let me tell you a story.

Find out more about her at:


Book Trailer - Angelfire


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Feature and Follow #37


Feature & Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers — but you have to know — the point of this hop is to follow other bloggers also. I follow you, you follow me.

Here’s this week’s question:

What blogger would you most like to meet in real life? Tell us about him or her.


I have two!! Firstly I would love to meet Liz @ Fictional Candy. I used to stalk her blog constantly for tips on books and giveaways and she was the person who encouraged me to start my blog when I spoke to her about it. Problem is, she lives in America while I'm here in Australia!

Secondly, I would like to meet Marilyn @ Marilyn's Mystery Blog. She is the first Author that approached me to read/review her debut book, Mystery Falls, and I was absolutely flattered!! Since then we have worked up a great relationship and I would love to discuss things in person with her, and living in the same state, you think we would have by now!!

Matilyn's Mystery Blog


What do you think?

What's your FF?

To play along visit Parajunkee & Alison Can Read.
Follow them, follow their Featured Blogs and then visit as many blogs as you can, posting your answer.


And don't forget to leave your link in the comments section below!

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Review – Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe


Title: Of Silver and Beasts
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Series: Goddess Wars #1
Genre: NA Dark Fantasy
Published: April 19th 2013

Book Description

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.


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Purchases through buy links help support this blog

My Review

I must say that I was totally blown away by this book! After Reading the blurb I knew I was going to get a lot of action and boy was there ever! The world building was fabulous ~ as well as the underworld ~ and the characters were all fantastic and believable. We learn about the worlds, their goddesses and how they function, with Kings, Empresses and their kingdoms.

Although Kaliope comes across a bit naive in the beginning she quickly adapts to the circumstances. She is soon tasked with being the protector of Prince Caben and she cannot believe that she has to stoop to that level, but she will do anything for her Empress. The whole world is turned upside down and she realises that a lot of information has been kept from them in their training that they should know about. No matter what happens, she takes he job seriously and will do anything to protect the Prince.

When we are first introduced to Prince Caben, he came across all arrogant and spoilt, but the more he's with Kal the more he opened up and the more I liked him. The arrogance is mostly a front and he is actually a really good person. He is honourable and is willing to do anything to protect his kingdom and to see it running as it should be. The chemistry between these two characters is not immediate and it was nice to see it build.  Kal and Caben need to work together to survive and the situation they find themselves in brings them together.

Even though most of this story takes place in a dark setting, I enjoyed it immensely. Both of the worlds that Trisha has built are simply incredible. The way the characters have to scrap for their survival was entertaining, all the action just feeds to my addiction and the storyline was amazing. There were a couple of spots where my heart was breaking along with Kal's but other times you could see how determined she was to see it through. The ending was a killer! Kal has developed as a person and is not as blasé as she originally was, so I am looking forward to seeing what she will do next.


I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.



About the Author

I’m the author of the YA Steampunk DESTINY'S FIRE (Omnific Publishing), ASTARTE'S WRATH NA Historical/Supernatural, and the upcoming YA Utopian FIREBLOOD from Spencer Hill Press, October 2013. My NA Dark Fantasy OF SILVER AND BEASTS available May 2013.

I’m the creator of YA Bound, a promotional site for the Young Adult genre. Also a member of SCWW and The Apocalypsies.

A proud business owner, I'm partnered with my partner, my husband. When I’m not busy doing all of the above, I’m a wife and the mother of a gorgeous teen boy who's the sounding board for my male characters.


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Swoon Thursday #44 – My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent


The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the chicks at YABound!

I have finally decided to start this series now the final book is out, because I know I am going to be addicted to it until the very end!! Today,  I decided to share with you Kaylee and Nash's first kiss... It's a little long but those who have read it will love to reminisce!! And for those who haven't read it, what are you waiting for? 



My Soul to Take
Rachel Vincent
Soul Screamers #1


“What should I be thinking about?” My own voice came out lower, my words so soft I could barely hear them.
“Me,” he whispered back, leaning forward so that his lips brushed my ear as he spoke. His scent enveloped me, and his cheek felt scratchy against mine. “You should be thinking about me.” His fingers intertwined with mine in my lap, and he pulled away from my ear slowly, his lips skimming my cheek, deliciously soft in contrast to the sharp stubble. He dropped a trail of small kisses along my jaw, and my heart beat harder with every single one.
When he reached my chin, the kisses trailed up until his mouth met mine, gently sucking my lower lip between his. Teasing without making full contact. My chest rose and fell quickly, my breaths shallow, my pulse racing.
More
He heard me. He must have. Nash pulled back just long enough to meet my gaze, heat blazing behind his eyes, and I realized that he was breathing hard too. His fingers tightened around mine and his free hand slid into the hair at the base of my skull.
Then he kissed me for real.
My mouth opened beneath his, and the kiss went deeper as I drew him in, suddenly ravenous for something I’d never even tasted. My fingers tightened around his, and my free hand found his arm, exploring the hard planes, reveling in the potential of such restrained strength.



Did you get swooned this week?

What did you think of mine?

Leave me a comment!
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Review – A Gift For Emily by J.P. Galuska


Title: A Gift For Emily
Author: J.P. Galuska
Series: The Emily Stokes Series #2
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Published: April 7th 2013

Book Description

Emily’s life appears to be back on track and she's still in love with Sam.

Then the anonymous gifts start showing up on her doorstep from a suitor who has made his presence known, but his identity a secret. After he reveals a twisted plan, her entire family finds themselves in danger.

The stalker could be anyone. Emily doesn't know who to trust. Not even her heart.


Buy Now * – Amazonl Barnes & Noble
Purchases through buy links help support this blog

My Review

This is the second book in the Emily Stokes series and I am delighted to say that I enjoyed it a little more than the first book. Sam’s secrets are in the open and Emily’s family accept him for who he is. It was a riveting sequel that kept me on the edge of my seat! It has an exciting new mystery and there were many times that I was unsure of who Emily could trust and I kept double guessing myself, just as Emily was. 

Emily is a bit more grown up in this book and is beginning to take responsibility for her own actions. Her relationship is continuing to grow with Sam, even though there are still some barriers they can’t get past. She is definitely a better person in this book and Sam has played an important role in her change. Sam is just awesome! He is kind, cares a lot about Emily and her family and will do whatever he can to protect them.

Alex is becoming a little scary and he is really freaking me out, so I can’t imagine how Emily is holding it all together. The few times that Emily sees him in public he is a little weird. I’m wondering if he really has some mental problems or that the influence of drugs has corrupted him. He appears to be ok one minute, but changes so quickly.

The introduction of a few other characters sends Emily’s head into a tail spin too. The Paster is a little unusual and Deputy Kingsworthy can come visit me any day….. Yumm!! No wonder Emily is finding it hard to keep things together!! He takes his job very seriously and takes it upon himself to protect Emily as well. Could something come of it though… I know what happens, but you will have to read it to find out!!

A Gift for Emily was fantastic!! The little twists that J.P. threw in kept me guessing until the final page! The last chapter I had to read twice as I was in such a hurry to see what was going to happen. The book has been left on a cliffhanger after the dramatic show down and I really want to know what is going to happen, NOW!! There is a glimpse of the first Chapter of book 3 in the back, but it wasn’t enough!!


I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.




About the Author

In high school, I taped magazine clippings of a Lamborghini and a big diamond wedding ring on my bedroom wall. I planned to be wealthy, loved, and mingle with the affluent.

Years later, I drive a minivan, have two great kids, and clip coupons. OK, the ring is pretty nice.

Writing, then self-publishing a book has truly changed my life. It takes a lot of my time, and if I’m not careful, it could probably consume my entire life. It’s so easy to get swept up into the next sentence, the next scene, or the next chapter! And if it’s not manuscript I’m working on, then it’s promoting.

Here is something else that might surprise you: I’m a terrible speller and typist. Well actually, from all the misspelled words in my posts, this may not come as a total shock. You see, dyslexia and reading disorders run in my family. I share this not to excuse myself, but to let people know that great things can still come from people with learning difficulties. Never give up!!!

You can find J.P. online at:



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Waiting On Wednesday # 42 – Bled & Breakfast By Michelle Rowen

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight an upcoming release that I’m eagerly anticipating.


I am a bit of a fan of Michelle Rowen after reading her Nightwatchers series and I came across this series which has also piqued my interest. What do you think?

Bled & Breakfast
By Michelle Rowen
Immortality Bites Mysteries #2)
Expected Publication – June 4th 2013


Fledgling vampire Sarah Dearly knew what she was getting into when she married master vampire Thierry de Bennicoeur. As an agent of the Ring, Thierry is sent all over the world to solve vampire crimes and keep them secret from humans. And now Sarah’s on the job with him—for better or worse.

Right after their wedding in Las Vegas, Sarah and Thierry get their next assignment: Three vampires have gone missing in Salem, Massachusetts, and they need to find out why. Their contact in Salem turns out to be a local lothario with a penchant for witches, but before he can help them, he suddenly goes up in smoke—leaving behind nothing but a stain on the ground and a seemingly impossible mystery.

Did a witchy ex-mistress cast a deadly spell, or is there something even more sinister happening to the vampires of Salem? Getting to the truth may require raising the undead, with a little help from the owners of a vampire-friendly bed and breakfast. But uncovering Salem’s darkest secrets may drag some of Thierry’s own past into the light.




What are you waiting for? Please leave it in a comment below or leave me your WoW link so I can check out yours too!!
Have a great Wednesday!!
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Spotlight/Excerpt – Witchling by Ari Harper

Welcome to my stop on the Witchling book tour which has been brought to you by Reading Between the Lines. Here you can read a summary of the book, an excerpt and learn a little more about the author, Ari Harper. Don't forget to visit the other blogs on this tour for more information about this book and the author.

Title: Witchling
Author: Ari Harper
Series: Curse of Kin
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: Lycaon Press
Release Date: November 30 2012

Blurb/Synopsis

Nera is a normal teenage girl living in Ireland, or so she thought until she discovers the family secret.. Now her world is forever changed.

Descended from a long line of witches, she discovers is the one who has to stop the curse that has taken the life of every girl before her.

And if that isn't enough, she must learn to use magic from the man called Bones. He is the son of Mari, Queen of the Witches...and a god. It is Bones who has been entrusted to teach her the skills she needs to stay alive, which wouldn't be so bad if he didn't have an uncanny knack for pushing her buttons.

Can Nera succeed and resist the charms of the man who gets under her skin at every opportunity?


Buy Now * – Amazon

Excerpt



"Witches did and still do exist. You know that wherever there is good there must also be evil to balance it out." He paused, took a deep breath, then continued. "That can take many forms, witches only being one of them. Not all witches are evil obviously, but Edrith O'Reilly was very evil. When Pria planned to elope with Edrith's youngest son, she placed a curse on them. She cursed me, and she cursed her own son. I know this is a lot to take in, Nera, but what I have told you is true. That is exactly what happened."

"Come on, Jasper. You really don't expect me, us, to believe this, do you?" It couldn't be true, yet parts of his story were settling into my heart and mind already, as if the words had been waiting to find a resting place within me.

"Yes, girl dear, I do," Jasper replied, gazing at me. "How did your daughter die, Jasper?" Sully asked, obviously remembering the other dream that I had constantly.

"Edrith slit her throat with a sword, Sully."

I felt the bile rise in my own throat and pressed my hand to my mouth in an effort to stop it. Breathe, I told myself, just breathe. I squeezed my eyes tight and fought for control. I could feel a hand on my knee, and when I looked up, Jasper was kneeling on the floor in front of me, his gaze full of pain.

"Was that the other dream you were having?" His beautiful blue eyes were shadowed and troubled.

I nodded my head. The words stuck in my mind, the bile forcing its way up my throat. I pushed past him and ran for the downstairs bathroom in the hallway. I leaned over and retched into the bowl. I gripped onto the sides to stop myself from collapsing to the floor. My knees had gone weak, and cold sweat was running down my face. I couldn't control the shaking and was past caring. Neither my body nor my mind could accept what I had heard. It wasn't possible. How could it be that Jasper is 800 years old and I am reliving his daughter's death on a nightly basis? No, it is not possible.

There was a light tap on the door, and Brie tiptoed in with a damp cloth in her hands. Her mouth was set into a grim line. She watched me as I struggled to stand and then handed me the cloth. I leaned against the basin, unsteady on my feet. I wiped my face and hands and looked up at her, my gaze searching her face for any trace of sympathy.

"I'm really going crazy, aren't I?" I hung my head, suddenly not wanting to see the pity in her eyes.

"I don't think you are," she replied, her voice gentle. She ran her hand down my arm before I pulled away. "I think what Jasper is saying is true. Why don't you come back into the library and we can discuss it more."

"You're kidding, right," I scoffed at her, ignoring the shocked look on her face. "You don't seriously believe this stuff. Does he look that old to you?" I leaned on the basin until the ground stopped moving under my feet.

"No, he doesn't." Brie brushed her hair back from her face and then licked her lips at the reflection in the mirror over my shoulder. "But he said that was part of the curse, Nera. Just listen to him before you decide you're crazy and he is lying."

"Whatever." I threw the cloth into the sink and pushed past her out of the bathroom.

Jasper and Sully looked up when I stalked back into the room. Brie followed me and hurried to sit with Sully on the couch. I opted to stand beside the fireplace, my arms folded.

"I don't believe you," I said, knowing that with the hitch in my voice I didn't sound convincing. I was acting like a petulant bitch, but I couldn't help it. The way the day was shaping up called for my worst side to come out and play and I really didn't care.

"Before you make up your mind, there's more, Nera." He pursed his lips, then continued. "When there is a curse, there is always a way out of that curse. Each third generation since that time has had one female child that has the ability to break the spell. Not all have had the faith in themselves or believed in me enough to do so. Maybe their connection wasn't close enough," he shrugged. "I don't really know. But you are third generation. You are stronger than any other female that has come forward. Because of who you are, Nera, you are the one."

Jasper watched me closely while I tried to process the information that he had given me. I nibbled on my bottom lip and pulled at my hair. "What are you trying to tell me?" I asked him.

"When you were born, I knew who you were." A small smile hovered on his lips. "You were born with a caul, a part of the birthing membrane, on your head, and that makes you a Caulbearer, girl dear. In the world of magic, this marks the child as unique and powerful, usually with psychic gifts, like second sight and the ability to soul journey. But we can talk about that later."

"Does that mean Nera is a witch?" Brie asked, her eyes wide as she looked at me, her face lighting up.

"I guess that depends on your definition of a witch," Jasper replied. "I believe there are people in this world who have special abilities. Some call themselves witches, some don't. It's just the way you perceive something, I suppose."

"So what does she have to do with the whole curse thing, then?" Sully asked.

Jasper's gazed met mine before he answered. "She is the one that can stop the curse and let me die."

"Are you crazy, Jasper? How can you even think I would let you die?" I jumped to my feet, the horror of what he was saying slamming into me. I paused for a breath, the fear gripping my chest like a vice which made such a simple task difficult. It was too much for me. I turned and fled to the kitchen and threw open the door to the garden. I gulped down a breath of cool air and lurched over to a grassy patch and sank to the ground. Hugo walked over to me and licked my hand before sitting down in front of me, his soulful brown gaze on my face.

"Oh, Hugo, what is going on?" I cried, pushing my face into his fur. Cradling his head in my arms for comfort, I leaned against his huge body. I felt movement, and Brie and Sully sat down beside me. They reached out and wrapped their arms around me. Most of what Jasper had told us was hard to believe, but what if it was true? Parts of my brain screamed at me that it was possible, but parts still balked at the idea of witches, gods, and demons—especially so close to someone I loved.

"Do you believe what Jasper said?" Sully leaned forward. He picked a blade of grass and ran it through his fingers before looking at me again."Do you think it could be possible?"

"I really don't know." I sighed, rubbing the back of my hand over my face. "It seems so farfetched."

"But it could be true." Brie leaned her chin on my shoulder. "What if you really are what he says you are? I've always said there was something special about you. Everyone thinks so, not just Sully and me."

"Yeah, Connor thinks I'm special, so special he wants to grope me every time he sees me," I scoffed.

"Stop being so pigheaded. You know you have something that no one else has. Do you really think we would hang out with you if you were normal?" Brie joked. Her smile faded quickly when I looked at her, and she pulled away from me.

"I know you are trying to make me feel better, and I do appreciate it, I really do. But if this is even halfway true… It's so much to take in." Just pull yourself together, girl. This is getting you nowhere, tears over, deal with it.




Author Bio

Ari  Harper never wanted to grow up.

To offset the limitations of growing old ungracefully, she created her own set of unique worlds where she can be and do whatever she wants. God, demons and witches surround Ari while she spins her magic, mainly doing what they tell her to do.

She likes to work amongst chaos when given a choice, which is good because she is generally surrounded by children, all clamoring for attention. Some of them end up in her stories, some of them even get to die grisly deaths or be cast away to another realm.

Her favorite pet is a big black Labrador, Hugo. He stars as himself in the Curse of Kin series as Nera's faithful hound.


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