Broken Love & Forever Bound by Layla Stevens

Amazon CA     Amazon US

RATING: 3 STARS

This book had me spinning in a few different directions during my read-through. It is graphic and very intense. It is not a light and easy read by any means whatsoever.

Kayla's life was not pretty and easy. Appearances of a family unit are often never as they seem. This is proven time and time again in this book. Edwin and Elijah are two dreadful relatives of Kayla's whose mission in life seems to be to torture their sister. Kayla was driven from her home, her hometown and away from the few people that kept her stable. When life brings her back to her hometown, she's left paranoid and unsure of what's real, what's going to happen, and what she can trust.

This story has so much potential. The warning for 18+ is a definite must. There was a lot of very graphic scenes- almost too many. I understand wanting to show the then & now process, but it was a lot. My only other issue with this story was the flow. It felt choppy, bounced back and forth, and was hard to keep up with. POVs, conversations and thoughts all seemed to run together in some situations and took away from what I thought could have been presented differently to create better flow.

Keri

Dreamweavers by C.C. Ravanera

RATING: 5 STARS

This was one of the most interesting and dynamic fantasy/paranormal stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading. A world of dreamweavers, the part they play in our human lives, and what they have to go through to be able to do their jobs.

Our main character Anima is one of the most well thought out characters, with an absolute knowledge of what she is to do in her life, to being tasked with an honour she quickly becomes unsure of, with even more self-doubt arising at every turn. We watch Anima fight for her Realm, for her fellow dreamweavers, and for herself.

This book is a must read for anyone that loves reading of other worlds interwoven with our own.

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.)


*** At time of posting, the buy links were not co-operating nicely. Once the technical issue is sorted out, we will add them. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!

Chasing Midnight by Shyloh & Alex Morgan

   Amazon US

           Rating: 4.5 STARS

Mhisery Bellemy left her small narrow minded hometown of Midnight, Georgia when she was 18 years old and headed for the city. Quinn Mason, came home from college to Midnight to care for his siblings when their parents died and said he would never leave. Years later Mhisery is forced to return home to help her siblings with their once great father; turned widowed alcoholic. Harboring some fierce resentment for her father Mhisery does her best to help out at the family business and with her father all the while trying to keep her business back in New York up and running. Things start to change for Mhisery when she starts to spend time with Quinn Mason the star of her high school fantasies...

Both Mhisery and Quinn have a lot to deal with in their personal lives but find they're falling for each other quickly. Only Mhisery swears she can't stay, and Quinn swears she won't go and neither make it easy for the other.

The cast of characters in this novel were superb. I enjoyed everyone of them. It kept me interested with a mix of romance and danger, and curiosity as I waited to find out what would become of the characters I found myself invested in. One warning for this one before you dive in though... bring a fan because this was a very steamy read. Can't wait to follow along and see what happens next in Midnight, Georgia.

Caitlin

(Copy provided in exchange for honest review.)

High Wire by Angela Biera

Amazon CA     Amazon US     Kobo

RATING: 4 STARS

High wire is the continuation of Haywire, picking up where it left off. It starts off intense and scary, and if you've read Haywire, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. An intense situation that's resolved, but leaving us with heartache, too. 

Through this book, we watch Sophie and Liam add definition to their relationship, Liam finish college and move onto a pro-ball career. This book centres around these events, mainly. Sophie needing to come to terms with her past, her fears, and what will be best for their relationship. All the while, Sophie tries to become more independent, making decisions to move forward after trauma, and finds new strength in her friendships, and family. 

This book offers a great ending to Haywire, I was quite pleased with both parts. This can't be read as a standalone, so make sure you've read Haywire, and pick this one up to read right after! Don't leave yourself hanging. ;)

Keri

*** You can find the review for the first book "Haywire" here.

Reading Challenge Week 3

2015 Reading Challenge 

Week Three

Read a Book With Nonhuman Characters

Rowan's End by L.D. Ricard

Amazon US

RATING: 4 STARS

In the beginning of this story, I truly wondered what I had started. With weird characters and items showing up at opportune moments, it makes one wonder what can actually be happening in our world today.

This story concentrates on Laine and Lexy, a mother-daughter duo surviving the death of Lexy's father; Laine's husband. Strange events bring them to an old family home, where history unfolds, mysterious events are solved, relationships are formed, and a battle between good and evil ensues.

LD Ricard has written a great book from a refreshing point of view, with a different take on magic, ghosts and witchery. I can't wait to read what happens next

Keri

Cry of the Sea by D.G. Driver
Amazon US
RATING: 4 STARS

In the story we meet Juniper Sawfeather, daughter of super activist parents who want her to be everything they are even though it's the last thing she wants. I really like Juniper's character from the beginning. She shows strength and bravery and it thrilled me to see.

Juniper is a regular senior high school girl, who can't wait to leave the small confines of her school and home to become an incredible marine biologist.
When her mother calls to tell her father about an oil tanker unsafely traveling through the ocean possibly endangering all the sea life Juniper and her father rush to their nearby beach with hopes to help any animals injured and get proof of the oil companies nefarious dealings. That's when they discovered mermaids... yes that's right 3 of those beautiful mythical creatures wash up on shore covered in oil. After rushing the only surviving mermaid to the nearest aquarium she meets Carter and Dr. Schneider who are quick to help. Only the mermaids are stolen from the aquarium and we follow along on the wonderfully intriguing adventure as Juniper, along with Carter, and the group of popular kids from school as they try to figure out just who has the mermaid and what is actually going on.

D.G Driver created a wonderful story filled with magical creatures and strong well thought out characters. I recommend this book to everyone especially younger readers looking for a good easy read.

Caitlin

You can learn more about our weekly reading challenge by following along on our Facebook page, or here on our blog.

Aconite by Christine Alvarez

Amazon CA     Amazon US   

RATING: 5 STARS 

Lupo, witches and reincarnation. A very interesting combination, delivered in a manner that was fresh and inviting. Christine has brought forth a book that kept me hooked from the first page.

Alexis finds her way to the small town of Reedsport. A run-in with Sebastian means a job opportunity loss, but she's quick to recover and begins working at the local cafe, where we meet Jonathon and Jo. Life is unsettled, and feels very odd to Alexis, with so many questions, and nobody being quick to answer, Alexis begins learning of a whole new way of life; reincarnate.

Everything in this book was simply amazing. Spanning from anguish to steamy, I just could not wait to find out what would happen next. I was basically gutted when my tablet decided to balk at 45% in! If you're not a fan of a good cliffhanger though, I highly suggest waiting until she's completed this series. She leaves you with a doozy!

Keri

(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)

Reading Challenge Week 2

2015 Reading Challenge 

Week Two

Read a Book Based Solely on it's Cover

A Life Unplanned by Patty Seitz

Amazon US 

RATING: 4.5 STARS

This book left me with a lot to think about in terms of how I felt. A story based on her mother's life, from the daughter's perspective.

It takes some guts to write your first novel on something as close and personal to you as your mother. You see a strong family bond, unending loyalty, and unwavering strength. Qualities that are quick to hide at the smallest infraction in today's society. Kate was a strong woman that worked through every scenario thrown at her, that would bring anyone else to their knees.

If you are wanting a story to connect with, that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you feel right to the core, then pick this one up. 

Keri

Colour My Ugly by A. Giannoccaro

Amazon US

RATING: 4 STARS

This story was very intense from beginning to end. Right from the get go I knew this wasn't going to be an easy read. There ended up being a few times where I had to put the book down for a few minutes because I couldn't seem to wrap my head around this woman's struggles. 

Our heroine Ellia AKA Lauri has been stuck in a very abusive relationship with a sick sadistic man out for revenge against her murder for hire father for 8 years. When he gets the notion to kill her so he can receive her money he goes to a murder for hire of his own, named Rowan. Not knowing that his murder for hire had sworn to protect the very wife he wanted to kill. Obviously feeling like he failed both Mick and Lauri he swears he's going to set it right and does so by kidnapping her instead of murdering her. Lauri and Rowan begin to realize that they mean more to each other than they ever thought possible, but Rowan's a bad guy. Something that scares Lauri and thrills her at the same time. 

We watch these two struggle to find balance in a world where lies, secrets and murder are common place. We also watch them grow individually and together in ways I never saw coming. If you are into dark, gritty and emotionally intense romance go pick up a copy of Colour My Ugly today.