Awakenings by Hally Willmott

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Rating: 4.5 Stars

Awakenings was a YA Paranormal story that filled me with curiosity from start to finish. I am definitely going to have to pick up the next book in the series Revelations to see what happens next!

We follow Jacey, a teenager who has spent a majority of her life moving from town to town with her brother and parents. We immediately begin to suspect everything is not as it seems and boy are you not disappointed. We then begin a magical sometimes sorrowful journey while Jacey finds out along with her Aunt Grace, her brother Hudson and her best friend Jen that she's more special than any of them ever knew. She meets new people along the way like Eve, Vincent, Heathe and the dreaded Chanary. Willmott takes you on a fascinating journey you'll want to read more of.

This story was refreshing, unique in its own way and I really enjoyed that. I loved how I wasn't able to predict anything that happens along the way because it was unlike anything I had read before. 

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for honest review.)

Electrify Me by Bibi Rizer

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RATING: 5 STARS

Gloria is an unlucky girl, born the first baby in the new year, she has never experienced a happy new year's eve. With the expectation of something else going wrong this year, she decides to volunteer at a suicide hotline hoping to be able to save someone else's life, rather than slipping deeper into the despair of her own. How could a story ever be that predictable though, right? We're taken on a journey on with Charlie, the unexpected turn in Gloria's New Year's Eve plans, leaving the reader (and Gloria) wondering if this is the year New Year's Eve will change everything.

Bibi Rizer has provided us with a quick, hilarious and sweet story that I will be recommending to any romance reader.

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

Haywire by Angela Biera

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RATING: 4.5 STARS

I've read a lot of books. I've read a lot of books with graphic violence and adult content. I'm not sure there was much preparing me for the emotional gutting I took in this book. I knew it was coming, I saw the patterns. It just hit hard when it did. It's definitely an appropriate name for this story.

This is the story of Sophie James, and her group of friends, Chloe, Madison, Cole, Landon and Liam. A relationship blossoms between Sophie and Landon. It moves fast, due to Landon's wicked good looks, and smooth talking charm. Faster than Sophie can really get a handle on. Chloe, Madison and Cole are none-the-wiser of Landon's smooth talking ways, figuring Landon just has one smart mouth. Liam though, he knows something isn't right. He tries to talk to Sophie and she shuts him out. Until the night when everything goes HAYWIRE. Sophie feels like she has nowhere to turn, except to turn to Liam for help.

This book leaves us on one serious cliffhanger. The second installment is due out January 16th. It was a fantastic read, the story line was well written, and plays well into the life of a bunch of college students. I am in desperate need of reading the second part. If you can handle this delicate topic in your reads, then I definitely recommend you pick this one up!

Keri


*** You can find the review of the second book in this series "High Wire" here.

The Ember by Lisa Messier

Amazon

Rating: 5 STARS

Wow, I don't even where to start with this review. This is the second book in the Future of Flames and it picks up right where the first one left us. 

In this we follow along while Raina discovers more about her family, her powers and what she was truly created to do. Along with her guard and boyfriend Dinan, she sets off in search of allies in the war she knows is coming making new friends and enemies on the way. One of my favorite to the addition of characters in this story was Bridget, I am so glad to see Raina making real loyal friends since she has been wronged most her life. 

It is such a fascinating world that Lisa takes us into and it had me riveted. I soaked up every morsel of information I was being fed and remained hungry for more when I finished this book. I have so much more I could say about this book if I wanted to ruin it for you but I can't. This book is definitely up there in my list of favourite books I've reviewed so far and I will be here drooling for more to devour. Pick up your copy of The Spark today if you already haven't and then be sure to read The Ember.

Caitlin

(ARC provided for honest review.)


*** You can find the review of "The Spark" the first book in this series here.

Ups-a-Daisy by Claire Upton

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RATING: 4 STARS

Ups-a-Daisy is a sweet read depicting a second chance romance. The author has developed characters that are lovable and easy to relate to, and given us a story line that keeps you interested and rooting for that "happily ever after." 

The novel follows along with Daisy in her post-divorce, ready to move on phase. She is off to her 20 year reunion, and dreading every minute of it. She meets an interesting secondary character and becomes friends with Georgie before heading out for some activities to calm her nerves caused by the impending reunion. Daisy ends up having a quick chat with the first love of her life; Tristan, while catching the eye of the handsome bartender; Stephan. Daisy is taken on a bit of a ride, trying to decipher her emotions, between her ex-husband, Tristan and Stephan, all the while trying to remain a good mum, and dealing with the delicate balance between love and responsibility. 

I love this book, and it is one that I am likely to re-read when I'm in need of a pick-me-up. I highly recommend it to someone that loves a good "happily ever after." 

Keri 

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Unwilling by KD Wood

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Rating: 5 STARS

Wow this book. I have never read anything quite like this before and it was fascinating. I was literally up all night reading because I just couldn't put it down. It snagged me right at the beginning making me all kinds of curious about how this story was going to go. I honestly never could have predicted what I got.

We have our three main characters in Neely, Hayden and Andrew. Recent high school grads Neely and Hayden have been friends for what seems like forever but Neely's always been a little in love with him too. Finally ready to tell him how she feels, she tries to speak to him at their graduation party and he doesn't handle it very well. Enter Andrew or as I like to remember him hilariously as McCreepy, Neely's creepy stalker. He takes advantage of her vulnerable state and initiates the downfall of Neely's life as she knows it with the help from his crazy monster mother. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a little different thrown into their reading repertoire you will thoroughly enjoy it.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

                                                    
                                                  

Soul Freedom by Miranda Shanklin

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RATING: 4 STARS

This is the fourth installment of The Soul Series, in which we follow the story of Annisa and her group of guardians on their journey to figuring out their powers and protecting the all powerful origin. This book is probably my favourite of the series so far.

In this part of the series, we start off around the wedding of Annisa and Chase, where the dreaded Counsel show yet again that they are serious jerks ;). We find out just how powerful Annisa is and watch a little bit as she struggles finding the balance between knowing when to go it alone and when to ask for help. Chase and Annisa are faced with a choice that will effect their future happiness and the group struggles with learning to let go. The characters in this story show a lot of maturity sometimes which I have always liked about this series. We learn of a new threat to the group and of a few new realms, bringing us new characters to enjoy like Drake the beautiful fairy guardian.

This one kept up at a steady pace and had me interested the entire time. I can't wait to see where Miranda takes them next.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)


*** Reviews for book 1, book 2, and book 3 are also available

Pneuma by Serena Kearney

Amazon US

RATING: 4 STARS

Let me just say, Serena Kearney did a fantastic job of giving us real life situations, and making them work with the science fiction side of this story.

This is a young adult, science fiction, romance novel. Does that seem out of place? Yes. Did she make it work? She sure did. This is by far one of the better YA novels I've read. This story centers around Estelle, and the romance that blooms with her long-time best friend. We're taken on a roller coaster of emotion from heartbreak, to heartwarming and it worked beautifully. 

I'm excited to see what Serena Kearney has coming for us next after reading such a fantastic production in this novel. 

Keri

Serena will be in our spotlight from December 20th-December 26th and doing a takeover on Sunday December 21st! Make sure you join us and see what she puts together for all of you! 

Deceived by Brenda Burling

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RATING: 4.5 STARS

Brenda Burling has delivered a brilliant book that shows just how far one person will go for something that means the world to her. 

The story introduces us to a carefree and entitled Julia Weston, painting a picture of a perfect life, with wonderful children and dutiful husband. And then we're shown how quickly everything can be torn away from you, with you being none-the-wiser. Brenda has created a storyline that is original and intriguing. It kept me interested from the very beginning while Julia's world is unraveled, and we watch her put it all back together again, piece by piece. 

With strong characters, a great story line and fantastic delivery, this book should be on your to-be-read list for sure!

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Argentum (PAWS Book 2)

Amazon

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Let me start by saying that I really loved this story. It's a continuation from PAWS which I really really enjoyed. In this one we follow along with our main character Miri and her friends at the St. Louis PAWS Institute as she discovers new secrets and goes back up against old foes. There were a few things in the book that I would consider mature content and they kind of took away from me being able to fully enjoy the story and brought it down to a 3.5 star rating for me.

Miri is a great lead character she is very strong and I enjoy watching her grow as the story continues. Her supporting characters add to an already solid story. We learn more magic, secrets, and history behind a few more of the characters and I thought this really helped my reading experience. It gave me a depth that I sometimes find lacking in books. The characters were also really developed and mature and that always gets extra points in my book. It didn't happen frequently but as I said there were a few points in this book where I really had to push myself to continue just because of some of the content, once I pushed through though, I was able to get back into the story with ease.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)


*** Review for book 1 is also available.

Weakened by Juliet Braddock

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RATING: 5 STARS

Juliet pulled me into this story right from the word "go." She wove a tale that's both believable and inventive, leaving you in love and weak in the knees. There is so much passion in her words, and care taken with the characters and story descriptions. 

Through this novel we are rooting on Maxine and Drew, two well-suited characters learning to trust and have faith in other people after some difficult past events. Drew is everything a Dom should be, Maxine is just.. Maxine. I love her. We're also introduced to Ben, Maxine's best friend, and New York City, which truly is an identifiable character in this story, playing such a big part to how the story plays out. What I love most about this, is that it's not another "billionaire meets meek and mild mannered girl," it's a whole other scenario, on Broadway, treating us to an authentic and intricate part of New York City culture. 

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I am excited to read the second part entitled "Wrapped," which is expected to release in Spring 2015. If you love a good love story, and some serious steam in your sex scenes, I urge you to pick this up and read it.

-Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Dark n' Stormy: A Love Story With A Twist by JE Trif

Amazon US

RATING: 3 STARS

Dark 'n Stormy is aptly named. Following Nikki Moore through flashbacks and re-tellings, we learn about the hard road she has followed that lead her to the present with Jack Thompson. Nikki goes through life being let down at every chance, and when it seemed like maybe this was the one time things would work, fate had a way 

This book has the potential to be such a fantastic story, the premise of it is absolutely great. I wish I could rate it higher, but there were many parts that left a lot to be desired. Had the writer provided more depth to some of the scenes, it would have brought a lot more feeling into my experience as the reader, rather than feeling like I was being left out. Several scenes just dropped off, and cut to the next part, feeling like missed opportunity to love the characters a little more. There were also a fair amount of grammar errors and issues that took away from the story for me. 

Truly, it is a good story, and I'd recommend it to someone that loves a love story with a twist. I want to read the rest of the series as it's released, I need to know how everything works out in the end. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Dusk by Melanie Smith

Amazon

RATING: 4 STARS

We start this story with a young woman named Alex, who rushes home from Italy with the news of her fathers passing just a year after losing her mother. Alex returns home to her step brother, and here she meets Dimitri the man who enthralls her and yet repels her at the same time. She learns some secrets that her parents had kept hidden from her but not her brother for the past 20 years. Alex is thrown into a world she never knew existed when she learns she's not only different, she's the Fae Queen. Her people are struggling on the verge of war against her half brother, the leader of the Vampires who feels wronged by Alex's ascent to the throne and her parents keeping her hidden may have done more harm than good by keeping her from her people. We follow along on her quest to learn more about who she is, while trying to save a people she doesn't even know will accept her.

Alex is a great strong female lead, I loved her witty personality. She was caring, loyal, and a warrior through and through. Dimitri starts off as your typical broody male lead, but as the story continues he opens up and you begin to just love his charm. The supporting characters were great, they brought it all together for a story you couldn't help but enjoy. I found myself constantly smiling throughout this book, and I am happy to have had the chance to read it. If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a little bit of kick butt action than you should grab a copy of Dusk and enjoy.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Bloodstains, Bruises and Butterflies by Rain Julia

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RATING: 4 STARS

This book is difficult to review, simply because there was so much going on in the plot, and it has a giant cast of characters. With that said, it is also brilliantly and intricately woven together.

The story is set in both Australia and Russia. In Australia, something happens, and we have so many births take place. These births are unique, bearing unique children, while in Russia we follow the goings on of  one unique child. They begin as two separate story lines, that eventually merge, bringing chaos, action and intrigue. It leaves you on a cliffhanger, with you wanting more. Needing more. 

This story is filled with detail, and information. As I said in the beginning, it is brilliantly written. I was intrigued by the layout of the cast, and the whole story. It's a one of a kind book that I'd highly recommend to anyone that likes an action/adventure packed story to keep them going. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Orion's Curse by Amy Bartelloni

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RATING: 4.5 STARS

I read this book without having read Andromeda (the first book in the series). With that said, it was a great book. It can be read on it's own, but I feel like I would have loved this, giving it 5 stars, if I had more of the background before diving in. 

We follow the lives of Malachi, Anyon, Jade and Sera, watching them take on so many life challenges after their world is torn apart by President Vice. They face their histories unearthing, friendships and love is tested all while rebuilding their lives in a new camp. This story creates a balance between emotion and science that I don't usually see in this genre, making it a lot more enjoyable, and creating a scene where you feel present in what's taking place. 

I strongly recommend this novel to anyone interested in dystopian stories. It brought a lot to the table, and is fantastically written. I'm going to go back and read Andromeda now, and can't wait to see what Amy brings in the next segment. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

The Other Inheritance by Rebecca Jaycox

Amazon           

                            

RATING: 4 STARS

When I first started this book I am not going to lie, I was a little worried about the pace at the beginning and I was wondering if it was ever going to pick up a little bit to where it really snagged my attention. Let me tell you, it does. Just push through the beginning because once this story gets going it takes you on a great journey into the Other; a world the opposite from Earth (The Real).

We join Reggie on her journey into the other a land she never knew existed, filled with magic she had no clue existed either. That is until things started coming back to life from her touch. Reggie thought she was just another girl with a drunk for a mother and father she never really got a chance to know. Until she starts dreaming of Rhys her guardian and experiences things she can't rationally explain. As the story continues we learn more of what Reggie is and what she can do. We also have Asher, who at first is an unlikely hero but as his relationship with Reggie blooms he begins to question everything he is doing. Now the book kind of does leave you hanging, but not in a way that takes from the story. I found as soon as we are transported to the Other things really start to get interesting as Reggie has to wade through the lies, betrayal and new information and characters who you begin to love as well. All of this, to take out an evil that wants nothing more than to make sure there is no one left to contest its power. Will Reggie be able to figure things out and save the ones she loves? I can't wait to find out!

Caitlin

(ARC provided for honest review.)

P.A.W.S by Debbie Manber Kupfer

Amazon       

Rating: 5 STARS

This was a wonderful YA Paranormal story that sucked me in from the very beginning. Normally, due to the age difference between myself and YA stories (its not that big of a difference I swear) I find a variety of little things that bug me. With this story that did not happen, I love that she explains the history surrounding the supernatural in her story. The characters and the story were very well developed. I would recommend this to any young adult or adult who can appreciate a good story.

The story is about Miri, a young girl who, after being dropped off to her grandmother when she was born realizes that there is more to her life and family than she ever thought possible. They are shapeshifters, one of the original families. When Miri loses her grandmother and is sent to boarding school by her absentee Uncle and Aunt, she discovers that she's not alone and embarks on a journey with her fellow Animagi and paranormal friends. Together, they set off to save each other from dark forces that are at work. Dark forces that are closer to Miri than she ever imagined.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)


*** Review for book 2 is also available.

The Kiss by Erica M. Christensen

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Rating: 4 STARS

The Kiss is the debut novella from Erica M. Christensen. It's a New Adult contemporary romance story that introduces us to Addison (Addi). This poor girl has the life she's grown accustomed to, ripped out from under her, her job, her home, her fiance. All gone. So, she heads home to Iowa from Los Angeles to live with her Mom. 

While home, she gets in touch with some of the friends she grew up with. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, bombs are dropped. It feels like a rough go for dear Addi, and life just isn't ready to sort itself out for her yet. That is until she gets a beer dumped on her in a bar on New Year's Eve by Sexy Tattooed Man. 

I cannot wait to read more of this story. It ends on a fantastic note, and definitely leaves you wanting more. The only point that brought this down for me was during the reading. I felt like the relationship that was being explored needed more depth, deserved more depth. With that said, once I got to the end, I understood what was happening. As a result, it brought the book up from 3.5 stars, to 4. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Never Say Goodbye by Angie Merriam

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RATING: 3.5 STARS

This novel had a great core story. A second chance romance between high school loves, torn apart by tragedy, betrayal, and secrets. Elijah Briston and Chinda Miller knew they had a love that would last. Although the relationship went against the wishes of Chinda's upper class parents. I don't want to ruin the story so we will fast forward 5 years and we see that Elijah has fallen into the predictable rock star persona, the only thing he cares about; his drugs, women and music. The story becomes intense and we follow along while secrets are revealed, lies are exposed and lives are changed. I really enjoyed this novel, as I said in the beginning, it has a great core story. I found myself a little put off by some of the plot twists that are thrown in, not quite believing or understanding how they fit with the general story line, but overall I enjoyed following along while trying to figure out what would happen next.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Keystrokes by Lisa Marie

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Rating: 4.5 STARS

Since this is a book that we have both been waiting to read, we've both written a bit of a review for you to enjoy. Lisa was our primary reason behind starting this blog, and this is the one way we know to show our support. We've been following and encouraging, and helping get Lisa's name out there as much as we possibly can, and we are looking forward to being able to do the same for any number of other deserving authors as well. So, without further ado, here's our review of "Keystrokes" by Lisa Marie.

The chance of a lifetime. That's what it was and, it evolved into the love of a lifetime. Keystrokes is a dazzling read with love and laughter. It's the story of Farrow, the book blogger and Kasen Wells, the Hollywood Hottie. Farrow enters a contest which leads her to the set of "Dirty," getting the exclusive inside look of a novel-turned movie, that hit the media by storm. This is where she meets Kasen, mutually falling hard and fast. A relationship with the Hollywood Star has it's drawbacks, though. Especially when being in the limelight is the last place he wants to be, and Farrow is just getting a taste for it.

I was first given a taste of this novel back in May, my excitement has been building, and I'm so pleased to say that I wasn't let down, either. Lisa Marie has written a sweet and honest story for us, straight out of a fairy tale. Farrow's goal was to become successful in life without the help of a man. This becomes the one barrier between her and Kasen, who wants to step back from his stardom and is ready to settle down in life, with the one woman that makes him happy. We follow them through some major life events, and the support they show each other was fantastic. They were two characters in sync with each other, making the whole story that much easier to read in one sitting (yes, I said one sitting...). I loved it. I can safely say this will be a book that I re-read when I need a lift. 

Keri

Now what to say since Keri has said it all. Keri was the one who introduced me to Lisa Marie, Kasen and Farrow. After months of following teasers and posts I was so excited to sit down and read Keystrokes. Trust me when I say I wasn't disappointed. I loved the relationship between Farrow and Kasen. I felt it was as real as a fictional relationship could be. Although the relationship is tested a few times throughout the book our characters find their way back to each other showing just how true their love is and that they are willing to fight for it. The supporting characters helped the story along creating a wonderful read that I am so glad I got to experience. Lisa Marie you did a wonderful job on your debut novel. xo

Caitlin

The Body by D. Nichole King

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Rating: 5 STARS

"The Body" picks up where "The Spirit" left off. I cannot say enough good things about this part of the series. We are introduced to a few new creatures, and the interwoven parts they play in Lucas and Carrie's lives. 

Carrie struggles through this book with her feelings still, wondering if she's being selfish about Lucas and the part she desperately needs him to fill in her life. They face a whole new battle of good and evil, while learning about Lucas' past, and why he is dead, and has not passed on. We learn so much more about the supernatural forces that are living among them, and part of their history, and the council that presides over them.

The growth in characters, and their maturity is seen throughout, and works well for the story. As a YA novel, I always have issues with parts feeling "too grown up" or "too young" for the life they're living, but D. Nichole King has written it so well. I absolutely love it and don't want to wait for the 3rd part! 

Keri

(ARC Provided in exchange for an honest review.)


*** You can find our review of "The Spirit," book one in this series here.

Soul Knowledge by Miranda Shanklin

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Rating 3.5

This is the third book in the Soul Saver series by Miranda Shanklin. We once again join Annisa, Chase, Landon, Penelope, Rayne and Ethan on their quest to protect the Origin from anyone wanting to cause harm. We go up against new baddies in Kynzie and Dalton, a couple of new teenage WICCANS who have been led to believe our gang are the bad guys by the Counsel.

In this portion, we see the relationships in the group tested in ways they never have before, and it was nice to see more growth in the characters. We learn about golems and goblins, and of witches familiars. We make new friends along the way. I enjoy this story by Miranda, it took me a bit to get into at the beginning but now at the end of the third I am excited to see where the characters go in the two remaining books in the series. There are still a few things I struggle with but nothing that really takes away from the enjoyment of the story. I give this book a solid 3.5 star review and can't wait to see more from Miranda.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)


*** Reveiws for book 1, book 2 and book 4 are also available.

The Spirit by D. Nichole King

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RATING: 5 STARS

Witches, demons and ghosts grace us with their presence in this small town in Iowa. Carrie is told she has to live with her Grandparents in Villisca, Iowa for the summer after her parents divorce and her Mom has a rough time with it. Carrie dreads it, but she quickly changes her mind after settling in, starting work, and meeting a few people, including Lucas. 

Lucas and Carrie fall for each other almost instantly, but the evil powers that be just don't want that to happen. Carrie is propelled into a world of uncertainty. Feelings she's not sure of and feelings she doesn't think she deserves after experiencing the heartbreak her mother went through. Lucas is not something of this world. Megan; who works with Carrie, is and warns Lucas to stay away from her. We watch these two dance between knowing what they feel is right, and what's meant to be. This is a story of heartache, a story of love. A story of good and evil, and the battle between them. 

D. Nichole King has done a great job of syncing good and evil with love and heartbreak in this book. This was her debut novel, released in April 2014, and the 2nd part of the series was released on Nov 18th. Stay tuned for the review of "The Body." 

Keri

This book is currently free- snatch it up now while you still can!


*** You can find our review of book two "The Body" here.

Soul Redemption by Miranda Shanklin

          
                                                                   Amazon US   Kobo
                                                                             Rating: 3.5 STARS

This books picks up a very short time after the first. The gang Annisa, Chase, Penelope, and Landon have barely even had a chance to settle down before they are hit with a new danger. The Advisors, a group of witches who feel they are more powerful and more deserving than others. The gang is their main threat and they set off to try to eliminate that threat before it gets too bad. We meet two new teenagers, Amy and Brian a couple we spend a small part of the book trying to figure out just who these two are and what they are doing. We run into old foes turned friend with Rayne, who I must say is probably my favourite character. We also introduced to more new friends and enemies throughout the story as we read about our heroes on their quest to keep their town and their family safe against the evil forces at work. Mix in a little bit of drama and voila. I've got to say I liked this one more than the first. It was great seeing the story grow from what I read with this authors first novel. There were a few minor details I found bothered me a little bit, but I can't really explain them without giving away some important plot. It took me a little bit to get into this but once I did I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to reading the next one :).



Caitlin


(copy provided for honest review.)

*** Reviews for book 1, book 3 and book 4 are also available. 

Numb by Xavier Neal

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RATING: 4.5 STARS

Logan and Maxx! Hello, and thank you for finally getting to that place you need to be at! It makes my heart so happy!  

This part of the series is filled with a little more drama and heartbreak than it's counterparts "Blind" and "Deaf." In this book we meet Dean. Dean pulls at Logan's heart strings just a little (I mean A LOT.), and I can't wait to see how he works into the next segment. We're seeing a whole other side to Logan. A side that makes my insides all gooey and we see Maxx's weaker moments. We learn more of their history, and we can see why they have such great chemistry and the dynamics in their family unit that keep them going, and keep them together. 

Once again, that inner monologue, and the dialogue with the audience captivates me. It speaks to me. I don't have enough praise for it.

Seriously- I do not want to wait until December for "Hush." But I will, since I have to. ;)

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

*** Reviews for "Blind" and "Deaf"

Deaf by Xavier Neal

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RATING: 4 STARS

We're picking up in the second part of the Senses series with Maxx and Logan. Still trying to figure out what they want to do. Or rather, how to go about getting together. It feels like they finally figure it out. And at least one of them does. 

It seems like Logan is making some pretty vital changes in his lifestyle. Working to make Maxx see who he wants to be, what he's willing to do for her. But Maxx is having a hard time dealing with it and feels like Logan is just doing/saying what he has to, to get what he wants. Their roles have reversed in the second part of their story. And there's a strong "It is, what it is" attitude present, as well.

We see more of the inner monologue writing style, which I absolutely love (I mean it. It really woks for how my brain functions.). And the cliffhanger is what gets me. Every. Time. I really don't like them, especially when we're left with so much feeling unfinished.

I'm about to dive into Numb, which will hopefully resolve a lot of the angsty, unfinished feelings that I have at the moment. I'll be back with the next review soon enough, I'm sure of it!  

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

*** Reviews for "Blind" and "Numb" available

Blind by Xavier Neal

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Rating: 4 STARS

That endearing book that you just know is going to give you an HEA. Except it doesn't. It's a cliffhanger, which is basically the only thing that knocks it down for me. 

This is the story of Logan and Maxx. Best friends since they were kids, both coming from troubled homes. Logan is an MMA fighter, while Maxx is the nerdy girl/best friend. There is a lot of chemistry between these two, and as it plays out in the book you learn that they've both known it was there for a long time, just nobody wanted to act on it. For fear of being rejected, for fear of changing their friendship, or just flat out fear. On the sidelines we have their two housemates/long-time best friends Luke and Erin (brother and sister) also cheering them on, trying to help them past the fears, and get together. It makes for some background information on the main characters, and a little side story, hoping Luke and Erin will meet their contenders and get what they deserve in life as well- love. 

The writing style in this book worked so well for my brain. I love the characters addressing the audience in their minds as the story goes. It's an added touch to make me feel like I'm seeing this play out, not just reading it. 

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

*** Reviews of "Deaf" and "Numb"

Moonlight Lost by Sabrina Archer

Amazon US

Rating: 4 STARS

Archer has written a sweet little paranormal YA romance packed full of adventure and magic. 

We start the story meeting Jayde and her mom, Constance. They've recently lost Jayde's father, and end up moving to another state. Accidents happen, and life changes course quite abruptly for Jayde while she meets Bently, the super hot love interest. She's thrown into a life of things she thought only existed in the movies, and Bently is there to save her, show her the way and root her on after discovering Jayde's best friend Scarlet needs to be saved. 

I adored this story, and the only thing that keeps me from rating it higher was the dialogue. It felt much younger than the 17 and 18 year old characters, and as a result, the story didn't play out to the best of it's ability for me. I hope to read more of this trilogy in the future and can't wait to see what happens next. 

-Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.) 

Soul Journey by Miranda Shanklin.

Amazon CA     Amazon US     Kobo

Rating: 3 Stars

This is the story of Annisa Lawson, who generally lives a picture perfect life. She's the captain of the cheerleading squad, her long time boyfriend and best friend Landon's the quarterback, she's pretty and popular and yet she still can't fight the feeling that she's not like every one else around her. There's something different about her. Then her new neighbors move in next door, and her life gets turned upside down. It takes one look into the eyes of the cutie next door for her to begin to question everything about her life. Then on her 16th birthday, she learns that she was right all along. She's not normal she's a witch along with long time boyfriend and best friend Landon and her new neighbors Chase and Penelope. Confused by the attraction she feels for Chase, Annisa learns she has to make a decision for it was this same situation with Chase and Landon that got them into this mess in the first place. Torn between what she thought was love, and what she feels could be love Annisa makes her choice, which opens up a whole new world of problems. The four teens come together to form a very powerful bond which comes in handy as they face off against jealous girls, their worlds best assassin and the ones who govern them all in the Counsel. We join Annisa and the gang on their adventure to save the world.

There was a lot about this story that I really liked. The story line had pretty much everything I look for in stories like this. I loved the maturity in our younger characters, you don't always see that in a YA novel. I loved the bad girl that we got with Rayne. The relationship between our four main characters was great. There were a few things that bothered me though. The biggie for me honestly was the sex scenes. I thought they were a little intense for a YA novel, I had a hard time reading about freshly 16 year olds and their sex lives. I'm not naive, I know it happens, unfortunately it was just something that took away from the book for me. Parts also seemed to drag for me, and it took me a little bit longer to get through some of them. Honestly, I think if I had of read this story as an N/A novel I likely would have rated this story a 4.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review)

Reviews for book 2, book 3, and book 4 are available as well.