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

          
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                                                                             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.

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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.

Londyn Falls by Jennifer Domenico

Blurb:

He makes me want to ease his sorrow. To know what broke his heart. To help him heal. When he’s near, my breath catches, my heart races, my body sings. His very presence ignites my soul with desire.

All I want is to love him.

I just wish he knew it. ~ Londyn Harper

She makes me want to open my heart. Ask her to love me. Tell her my secrets. She makes me want to try again. When she’s near, my heart begins to heal, my body yearns to touch her, the darkness disappears.

All I want is to love her.

I just need to tell her. ~ Luca Di Roma

Londyn thinks she could never get a man like him. Luca fears if she learns his secret, she will run. Does he have what it takes to love her? Could she love him back?

 

   

Excerpts:

 

The professor sighs and leans back in his chair. “I can’t have you cowering in the corner like a frightened mouse. You need to speak up and say what you mean. Do you have an assertive bone in your body?”

“Yes.”

“Well, use it.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“What shall I call you then?”

Every ounce of the minimal confidence I have left in me slithers away as I watch the professor rise from his chair and walk towards me. I do my absolute best to stay put and not run from the room like I want to. Placing both hands on either side of my desk, he leans close to me, staring into my eyes, daring me to flinch.

“You may call me Professor.”

 

Teasers:

Other Books by Jennifer Domenico…

Turn Towards the Sun

Turn Towards the Sun: After the Rain

Turn Towards the Sun: Forever in Bloom

Beautifully Twisted

Have My Heart

Chasing Desire

About The Author:

One day, many months ago, Jennifer Domenico went to sleep and a beautiful love story played out in her dreams.

When she awoke, she felt compelled to write it down. So she did- for days and days she wrote. The result was her first novel, Turn Towards the Sun and a writing career was born.

Ms. Domenico lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her very Italian husband, a dog that adores her, two cats that tolerate her, and a wicked sweet tooth.

Social Media Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/JenDomenico

http://jenniferdomenico.com

@jendomenico

https://www.facebook.com/authorjendomenico

Amazon US

Rating: 5 STARS

This is the love story of Luca, the ornery professor, and Londyn, his new assistant. When I first started this book, I was upset. I thought it was a spin off of "Gabriel's Inferno." I was wrong. And then I was dreading it being one of those "insta-love" stories that drive me crazy. It wasn't. 

This story is so well written, keeping you engaged from beginning to end. The characters and story progressed so naturally, the POV changes were done to perfection. The manner it's delivered in was a great choice. The whole time you're just waiting, and hoping that life will come together for these two, that they'll overcome whatever obstacle they seem to think is standing in their way. I don't have enough good things to say about this book. I will highly recommend this novel to any romance reader in the future.

This book is set to release on November 16th. At which point I will include buy links in my review.
Also, please stay tuned because we will be a part of the Blog Tour for this release on November 24th! 

-Keri 

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Unexpected Surprises by Janet A. Mota

                                               
                                               Amazon CA Amazon US Kobo                                                  Rating: 3.5 stars  

This review is going to be a little hard for me. This book had a really good storyline. Unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of the style of writing used in this book. Honestly, the plot deserves a 4 but I have a hard time getting past the writing style, which brings it down to the 3.5 rating I gave it.

The story is about Kat and Rey. First we meet Kat who has just survived a horrible accident and the loss of her parents, husband and 2 children as well as any chance to have children in the future. (My heart broke for this woman at this point I even shed a few tears). Five years later, and Kate has been living a life in the shadows, only going to the grocery store when necessary and never anywhere else. She finally decides she needs a change and after talking to her uncle and him letting her borrow his apartment in Portugal while he is away, she takes off for some much needed time away. There we meet Rey who has known Kat forever, always loving her in secret. We then learn despite having been in love with her husband, Kat has always had a part of her heart locked away for Rey. These two are so sweet to each other and you can tell that they really do love each other. It's not that easy though and the two have to struggle and overcome many obstacles on their journey to Happily Ever After.

Like I said, I really did enjoy the story and I would recommend it to someone looking for a sweet second chance romance with a tiny bit of angst thrown in for good measure. The writing style wasn't for me but if it sounds like you would like the storyline please give it a shot. You might find it's worth it.

-Caitlin

(ARC provided for honest review.)

From Summer and Fall by Alora Kate

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Rating: 4.5 STARS

We follow the story of Fall and Summer whom of which are brother and sister. We watch their lives unfold in a manner they didn't expect in this fast paced new adult read. It is a sweet story following rites of passage, and kids behaving like college kids while trying to enter into the world of responsible, adult relationships and decision making. 

This was a great novella. I read it in just a few hours. The language and events worked well with the characters. it's well told and leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read the second part.

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)


***You can find the review for the second book in this series "Between Tristan and Hannah" here.

Havoc by Xavier Neal

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Rating: 4 STARS

We  are introduced to Clint (Grim) in the prologue, a sad back story of his mother passing, bringing to light Clint's feelings about his dad's absence growing up. And in the beginning we learn how serious and "Grim" he is, so he's aptly named. In the here and now of the book, Clint is on leave, counting down the days until his next deployment until he finds a bruised and battered Haven unconscious in his yard. His mission at that point becomes nothing other than keeping her safe. He falls for her. He feels so strongly that he needs to protect this young girl. He is immediately in tune with her feelings, and is overwhelmed by it, as is she. We follow them through the next intense 87 days, settling Haven into a different life, with a network of people to help, and preparing each other for life after his deployment. And we find out what they forgot to prepare for, as a result of concentrating solely on that time. 

I might be biased, I really love romance stories starring Marines, Army dudes, and other sorts of commandos, this is definitely a book up the same alley as "Corps Security." This is not a super smut read. But the romance is there. The "alpha" is there, quite literally.

Two things that "bothered" me with this book, and prevents me from giving it 5 STARS is; one- the relationship between Clint and his dad. I feel like he's holding on too tightly to something he should understand with the career choices that he made. And two- I think more back story on Haven would have been good, or sharing the POV between them.

-Keri 

(ARC provided in exchange for honest review.) 

Fractured by Leanne Pearson

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Rating: 5 stars

This is the story of loss, heartbreak and the hard and long journey back from grief. It's a story about learning to move on, even when it seems like you never will. It's the story of what happens when two people so broken and lost find each other and realize maybe, just maybe there can be love after loss.

Our main characters in this story are Kate and Dom. After suffering the loss of her long time love and boyfriend, Kate is struggling under the heavy weight of her grief. Suffering from the staggering symptoms of PTSD, immense survivor's guilt, and a broken heart she spirals into a life where the only thing that seems to matter is how much she can drink to make the pain go away. Enter Dom, a struggling war survivor who knows exactly what Kate is going through when it comes to her PTSD and wants nothing more than to make the shadows disappear from the woman who seems to push everyone away in her grief. Dom doesn't give up though, and we follow along while he tries to help her back into the world she's shut herself off from. Dom knows a little bit about survivors guilt himself, after being one of the very few survivors from a tour in Afghanistan, he's struggled with his own demons for years. Almost right away he is drawn to Kate, he sees her struggles and understands what it's like. Their journey together isn't always easy but not much is a match for love, it always finds a way.

I want to tell you so much more about this story, since I can't, I will just say that you will not be disappointed. I cried, I laughed, I got really freaking frustrated at points with the heroine because I just really wanted her to realize what she was doing to herself and those around her but at the same time I understood. Dom was what every hero should be. His devotion to Kate from the beginning had my tummy all a flutter. He was strong and that was just what Kate needed, someone who could help shoulder and fight through all of the negative feelings and thoughts Kate constantly struggles with. If you are looking for a story about love lost, love found and love's redemption then please pick up a copy of Fractured by Leanne Pearson you won't be sorry. GREAT debut novel.

Caitlin

(ARC provided in exchange for honest review.)

Relapse by Matthew Faist

Amazon CA    Amazon US

5 STARS

If you're looking for the book you can't put down, then I strongly recommend picking this one up. Matthew Faist has written a book that made me feel and reel leaving me turned inside out. I wanted nothing more than to hug this poor girl and cry through the whole book.

The story is not for the faint of heart. It's dark from the very beginning when we are introduced to Casey, the lead character on the eve of her thirteenth birthday. Very quickly life spirals out of control, leading her to run away and is taken under the wing of a prostitute in NYC. As the story unfolds we're taken through the next 20 years of her life and the trials and tribulations that accompany it. It's breathtaking, heart-stopping and just fantastic. I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a story that makes you feel and experience as it happens.

Keri

This book contains mature content, covering sexual abuse, prostitution and drug addiction. As a result, I strongly recommend readers 18+.

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

The Spark by Lisa Messier

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Rating: 3.5 STARS

We start the story off  in a cave with a group of archaeologists who happen to be excavating what they call a live cave. We meet Seamus, who plays an extremely important role in this story. One of the members of his team, Jack, discovers  a beautiful, very pregnant woman entombed in a crystal tomb. Seamus immediately feels like he must do whatever he can to protect this angel from any harm that may come her way. Unfortunately while they are trying to clean up around the tomb one of the members of his team cracks the crystal tomb releasing the beautiful angel inside Deirdre, who immediately gives birth to our main character; Kateraina, Unfortunately, Deirdre dies soon after the birth but not before imparting knowledge about a book and a prophecy that Kateraina is meant to fulfill and the ones who are coming that will stop at nothing to get the babe. So Seamus vows that no harm will come to the girl as long as he can help it and keeps this promise but at the cost of his team, who die valiantly trying to save the baby.

It doesn't take long for Seamus to see that Kateraina isn't a normal baby, but instead one who can control fire at will. He does his best trying to raise her on the run from the ones who are after her and on her 19th birthday he decides to fill her in on everything that happened when she was born. Fast Forward a few years and we meet Dinan, a Nightwalker who is extremely angry he's been assigned to babysitting duty in the lower dungeons. Dinan sees something isn't right when one night he walks into Raina's dream and sees her standing tortured over an empty world she destroyed. Wondering what the nightmare means and drawn to Raina in a way he doesn't fully understand they set off on the journey and discover things Raina never would have thought possible. Now I don't want to tell you much more of the plot because I don't want to give the whole story away.

I don't know how to tell you how I felt about this book. The storyline was incredible I absolutely LOVED the premise. The way the story was told however, kind of got to me. I think it was more the development than anything. It just seemed like it had kind of a slow, gradual build up and then BAM we hit the action and it doesn't last very long and its over and leaves me feeling a little unfulfilled. It also had a cliffhanger which always leaves me feeling a little unbalanced. Despite those issues, I would recommend this book to anyone who was looking for a New Adult book and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

Caitlin

(ARC provided for honest review.)


*** You can find our review of "The Ember" book two in this series here.

The Last Glass by T.M. Lazar

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3.5 STARS

This is a paranormal, young adult book. That for starters, is usually a little out of my depth, but I enjoyed the story line for the most part. The only thing that took away from the plot was how the characters come across. It all unfolds in multiple points of view, which allows you to get a feel for each of the characters and their mindset as a result, but also made it hard to keep track of who you were following. Introducing the characters, we have Tori (female lead), Crispin (male lead); their respectable best friends Sophie and Justin and the antagonist Natalia. 

Tori is moved to the town of Grimmsburg, NY from LA with her Mom, and quickly becomes best friends with Sophie, and falls for Crispin, while Sophie and Justin become enamored with each other. Tori is introduced into this whole other world of paranormality by her new friends and boyfriend, and overnight she became a know all of witchcraft, which frankly, annoyed me. It didn't feel real. There was many parts where it felt like I was being told what was happening, but I didn't get to FEEL what was happening with the characters, and then in other parts, the dialogue felt awkward and rushed, or overflowing with too much emotion. 

As I read this over, I feel like I didn't have much good to say about the book, but I truly did enjoy the plot line, the purpose of the book. I just feel like the telling of the story could have been written differently, to be more captivating. It is a good book. I would definitely recommend it to a YA reader in the future, and would likely read the rest of the books in this series to see how it all comes together.

Keri

(ARC provided for honest review)

You Are My Sunshine by Angie Merriam

Amazon CA    Amazon US

   

  Rating: 4 STARS.

Honestly, what did I just read?. It was like one minute I thought I might have it figured out and then BAM I get slapped in the face with a crazy new piece to the story. I LOVED IT!!! I'm not going to sit here and say I loved everything about it. I found at times I was shaking my head at some of the events that were happening or something someone was saying just because it seemed a little bit unrealistic. Overall though, I really did enjoy this book. It also deals with cheating, something I generally shy away from and have a hard time getting through, but even though I have such strong feelings on the subject the main way it was involved in the story did not really offend me the way some others do. I have to admit, I started this book not liking the leading male character, he was a cheater, she deserved better, I was very biased against him. By the end I think I liked him more than the heroine. The heroine was great she was smart, independent, and determined not to fall back into a relationship she wasn't sure she could ever truly trust again. The background characters were great, Dane and Trish were great supporting characters I looked forward to seeing them appear throughout the story.

                                      “Have you been working out Matt?"

“I will never hurt you again. You are my Sunshine. No one can take my sunshine away.”

                                                

                                                         "Do you crave my touch anymore?”

So the story goes like this. Sunshine Everly loved her husband, in fact she's certain that she still does. Matt Everly loved his wife, but he made a horrible mistake that ruined his marriage. Sunshine swears she will never be able to trust Matt again, how can she give him her heart again when the last time she did he broke it. Matt swears he will do WHATEVER it takes to make her see that they can start again and that they can overcome what they've been through. I loved watching the relationship build back up between these two. They were just sweet you just want so very much for everything to be okay. However while this is going down, and Matt is working to get back into Sunshine's good books murder, secrets and lies attack the small town of Lincoln. At a rather good pace the story unfolds for you and has you guessing over and over again. As I said at the beginning, there were a few times in the book I found myself shaking my head because something I was reading wasn't very realistic, but it was minor enough for it to not really effect the feel of the story for me. Anyways if you enjoy a good case of "Who Done It" pick up this book by Angie Merriam you won't be sorry you did. 

Caitlin

(ARC provided for honest review.)