Monday, May 28, 2012

Across the Galaxy by Heather Hildenbrand

Orphaned as a young girl, Alina Leone has spent the last few years in dusty Arizona, being raised by her guardian, Peter, and wishing for a friendship that isn’t filled with lies and deception about exactly what she really is. Just before she can begin senior year she meets someone from her past – a talking wolf from another galaxy who won’t stop calling her ‘Empress’ - and in a single moment, her future is changed forever. She becomes a fugitive, on the run from the Shadows, the same monsters who killed her parents, and flees to the safety of the planet Bardawulf for refuge. But not everyone in this magically protected fortress is what they seem.
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.

My Review  
Man, I loved this book! It was a totally new & different alien kind of story. An epic battle of dark versus light. You have Alina, the brave but unsure heroine who gets her life turned upside down when she has to leave earth to venture to an unknown planet & begin to uncover her hidden talents. Then you have the big beautiful, yet extremely dangerous, wolf warriors who are sworn to protect her and the others from her planet. And most important, Ander, the jerk with the deep penetrating eyes that you can’t stop thinking about from the minute he comes on the scene. And Alina is not the only one with mysterious secrets; Ander spends his life trying to regain his self-worth and is determined to convince Aline that he is not good enough for her. This story was just amazing! And definitely a new favorite!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Madly & the Jackal - Cover & Excerpt!!

I have a beautiful little treat for you today!!  We are anxiously awaiting the 3rd book in the Madly series by M. Leighton - Madly and the Jackal.  You may have seen the gorgeous cover already but here it is for your viewing pleasure...
How deep does love run?  Deeper than the ocean?  Deeper than memory?  Deeper than magic?

Following their plan to save Atlas, Madly and Jackson return the spirit of Wolfhardt to his prison beneath the sea.  But even the best laid plans couldn’t account for the surprises they find.  This time, Lore aren’t their only challenges. 
Madly is special in ways no one could have guessed and dark forces seek to control her.  They want her power, but first they must weaken her.  They need her beaten.  Vulnerable.  Near death.  And alone.  But that task isn’t an easy one with Jackson at her side.  The strongest of their kind, the only way to separate Jackson from Madly is to destroy his love for her, to erase it from his mind.  And his heart. 
Is it possible to steal Jackson’s love from Madly?  Or is their love the only truly unbreakable thing?

And now, here's an excerpt from Madly and the Jackal...

I tried to smile brightly, but felt it falter.  I reminded myself that if there was anyone who could fix it, it was Jackson.  I was fairly certain there was little he couldn’t do if he set his mind to it.
Clinging to that knowledge like a lifeline, Jackson and I stepped out of the cave and into the vastness of the ocean.  Within a fraction of a second, our tail fins had reformed and we were speeding through the water.  Jackson kept me close to his body as we moved, whether for my comfort or my safety I wasn’t sure.  Either way, I appreciated it.
We swam for quite a distance before I began to feel oriented, recognizing several landmarks as we passed.  I wondered about the magic used to keep the cave entrance and canyon cloaked.  I’d never encountered magic like that before, magic that could be concealed from my bracelet, from my senses.  I concluded that it had to be ancient magic, put in place by the older generations, possibly even someone from the High Council.
 When Jackson stopped suddenly, all thoughts of that curious magic left my mind, replaced in an instant by the task at hand and the inherent peril of it.
“What’s the matter?” I asked in a hushed voice.
Jackson didn’t respond right away.  His sharp blue eyes scanned the waters around us like an eagle scans the sky.  I looked out, trying to see what he saw, hear what he heard, feel what he felt.  Although nothing seemed out of the ordinary to me, I knew Jackson was sensing something.  His tension tickled my nerves from head to toe as if he were strumming them like guitar strings.
“Madly, don’t ask questions.  Swim that way,” he said, pointing off to our right.  “Don’t stop.  Don’t look back.  Don’t worry about me.  I’ll find you.  Just swim.  Now!”
Grabbing me around the waist, Jackson gave me a push for a head start before he turned and darted off like a bullet, cutting through the water in the other direction.
Confused and a little scared, I did as he instructed.  I ignored the thought that there was only one portal in the shield and that it did not lay in this direction.  I ignored the thought that the further Jackson was from me, the harder it would be to maintain his invisibility.  I ignored the thought that I wouldn’t know when to summon the whale or if I still needed to.  I ignored all my screaming instincts and did only what Jackson asked. 
So I swam.
Straining with all my power to keep Jackson’s appearance concealed, I reached out for any whale in the vicinity, thinking absently that I believed I could feel one.  Without taking away from Jackson, I let my own visibility shine through just enough that I could confuse the whale and draw it closer then I put my appearance back under wraps.  It was all I could do, the best I could hope for. 
When the alarms sounded, I wasn’t sure if I had triggered them or if the whale had stumbled into them.  I felt the disorienting, debilitating effects of them instantly.  I managed to keep enough of my wits about me to pray that Jackson was safe and that he would get away.  I wasn’t sure whether it was a good sign or not when the alarms were silenced less than a minute later.  I recovered quickly, but it was with great unease that I resumed my swim.  How could I get out when the portal lay in the other direction?  What if I got trapped?  What if…
My thoughts swam faster than I did as I focused on my trust of Jackson.  It wasn’t until I began passing the familiar landscape of the waters outside Slumber that I slowed.  How had I escaped the shield?  Was there another portal? 
I had so many questions, but at that moment, none of them mattered.  My worries were tightly focused on one thing, one person, as I scanned the shadows of the deep­—looking, listening, feeling.  Jackson was nowhere.  I couldn’t sense him at all. 
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I started to swim back toward Atlas when the memory of Jackson’s voice stopped me.  It rang clearly in my head, as if I were hearing him say the words again, right at my side. 
Don’t look back…I’ll find you.
With an unbearable emptiness burning in my chest, I turned from Atlas and made my way toward shore.  Without Jackson.


A huge Thanks to M. Leighton  for letting me share this!  

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Consume (The Devoured #2) by Shelly Crane

Eli and Clara's story continues as she tries to finish high school. Eli is as over protective as ever and Tate and his group of friends are no help. They wait for the Horde, always looking over their shoulder. But the ever annoying but strangely prophetic bird begins to become more of a chatter box and Eli learns something that could change some things. Not just for him and Clara, but Devourers everywhere.

Then an unexpectedness guest comes forcing Eli to flee with Clara, leaving her temporary family behind. She is thrown into his world of underground 'traitors' and learns much of his past. They meet many new people and creatures along the way to freedom. But when tragedy strikes the two, will Clara see the monster in Eli? Can she handle his strange world and awful past? Will one of them lose their life forever...
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.

My Review  
Gah!!! I love this book!! I am a little sad that this is the end, though - I'm really gonna miss Eli & Clara! I was shocked and amazed at all the things they had to go through, but their love was so great they always seem to manage whatever comes their way. They are both willing to make whatever sacrifice necessary to help the other one. It's hard to imagine Eli ever being an evil creature, he is so sweet and loving with Clara. They complete each other, make the other a better person, and manage to overcome all the devastation from their pasts just by being together. Some of the people & events they encountered had me pretty worried, but every time they had a few minutes to look into each other eyes I knew they'd find a way to get through it! This is definitely a series I will want to read again and again!

See my review of Devour (The Devoured #1) by Shelly Crane here.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.

My Review  
Oh my gosh!!! I'm dying here! I knew dating a Revenant would be very stressful for Kate, I just didn't realize how stressful it would be for me just to read about it! But of course Vincent is totally worth it! Mr. tall, dark, and handsome AND in Paris? *sigh* That's about as perfect as it gets - who cares if he's dead (or undead)? I love the other Revenants, too. They are all so unique & funny in their own ways. Although there is one of them that I never particularly cared for... Georgia is also fantastic! She's so energetic & loyal! I have really grown to love this story. I will definitely be an anxious mess waiting on the next book!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Consume Excerpt & Giveaway!!

Contest over!!  Winner - ANNIE!!
Thanks everyone for participating!


As you know, one of my favorite authors is a brilliant lady by the name of Shelly Crane.  She is getting ready to release the 2nd book in the Devoured Series called Consume.  If you would like to check out my review of Devour you can find it here. I am so excited to see what's going on with Eli & Clara!

Eli and Clara's story continues as she tries to finish high school. Eli is as over protective as ever and Tate and his group of friends are no help. They wait for the Horde, always looking over their shoulder. But the ever annoying but strangely prophetic bird begins to become more of a chatter box and Eli learns something that could change some things. Not just for him and Clara, but Devourers everywhere.

Then an unexpectedness guest comes forcing Eli to flee with Clara, leaving her temporary family behind. She is thrown into his world of underground 'traitors' and learns much of his past. They meet many new people and creatures along the way to freedom. But when tragedy strikes the two, will Clara see the monster in Eli? Can she handle his strange world and awful past? Will one of them lose their life forever...

Now here's a little teaser from Consume!!

 I wrapped my arms around his neck and felt his sigh of relief and said, "I just want to be done with this."
          "Ditto that." He pressed his lips to my ear, and even in my current state of sickness and upset, I shivered as he said, "Clara, the look on your face when you thought I wanted that things hands on me…" He took my hand and put it on his chest. "No one is allowed to touch me ever again. No matter what happens, I'll always be only yours."
          I got his meaning; if I didn't make it through this. 

Eeep!! I can't wait to get my hands on this!  
And if you haven't had the chance to read Devour yet, then here is your chance!  Shelly has generously  offered to give away a Kindle copy of both Devour AND Consume!! 
 And you know me, I don't like to make things too difficult, so all you need to do is leave a comment on this post to enter the giveaway!  (And please include your email so I can reach you if you win!)
I will draw & email the winner on May 21st.

A big THANKS to Shelly Crane for donating the books & letting me post the excerpt!

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.

My Review  
HO-LY CRAP!! Let me just pick my jaw up off the floor and see if I can begin to write a spoiler-free review of the astounding book! As usual with Cassie Clare’s books, I feel like I have been beaten up emotionally and psychologically after reading it. Her books make you feel like you’ve been set aflame with desire then thrown off a steep cliff hitting every rock & branch on the way down, then as you feel like you’re about to slam face-first into the asphalt, you get that tiny sliver of sunshine to hold on to. And that’s putting it mildly. I actually was afraid Jace might not have as much face-time in this book, but I should’ve known better – Jace would never allow that! There was plenty of swooning and melting to be done. And Sebastian, I actually starting to find myself wondering if maybe he wasn’t all bad after all. (I’m not gonna tell you whether I found out or not) Clary is growing stronger & starting to act & feel like the Shadowhunter she was meant to be and she is remains just as stubborn as ever- which is one of the things I love about her. All the other characters & relationships in the story are equally frustrating and amazing. But no matter how much emotional turmoil this book caused me, I still thoroughly love being immersed in the world of Shadowhunters & Downworlders. 

Monday, May 14, 2012

Cover Reveal!!

So excited to be a part of this!! Here is the beautiful new cover for the 2nd book in the
 Seraphina Parrish Trilogy by Michelle Warren...


Gorgeous, isn't it?  I am very excited to read more of this wonderful story!  If you would like to check out my review for Wander Dust (Seraphina Parrish Trilogy #1) by Michelle Warren you can find it  here.
And now I have some more great news for you..


Here are the links for Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  

Here are some other links you might be interested in..

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.

My Review 
Woah! My heart is still racing from this book! So many ups & downs, twists & turns, my head is still spinning! But even after all the anxiety this book has caused me, I still absolutely loved it!! Tris is still searching to find her true self & although she did irritate me several times, she still has my total admiration for her bravery & selflessness. Even when she loses faith in herself, she somehow manages to put others first & find the courage to do what she believes is right. And Tobias is strong & passionate as always. He's still learning how to love & figuring out who to trust, but he remains loyal through it all. I'm dying to see how it's all gonna end!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Gravity (The Eclipse #1) by M. Leighton

Love is irresistible. Gravity is undeniable.

Holy men have foretold their birth for thousands of years. Supernatural creatures have awaited it for thousands more. Now, in the presence of an eclipse, three souls mature for a single purpose—to fight. They must fight for their lives, for their freedom and for the liberation of everyone possessed of a second nature.

********

Peyton Giles’s world is turned upside down when she learns that everyone in her life and in her school is much more than they appear, she most of all. Peyton is the one person in all of time and history powerful enough to bring peace to the darkness and to the light. Not knowing that her powers could kill her, however, Peyton nearly loses her life only to have her brother’s best friend save it. Drawn to him in ways she can’t explain, Trace is the one person that she literally can’t live without. Her soul is tethered to her world through her connection to him. Without it, she will die.

For the most part, Trace Kramer has always steered clear of his best friend’s sister. Until now. He never would’ve expected that Peyton would hold his life and his future in her hands the way she’s always held his heart. But she does.

Peyton and Trace soon learn that love and fate aren’t easier than duty and destiny, at least not when you’re being hunted. Together, they are more powerful than any other creature on the planet—and more valuable—but apart, neither can survive to fight for freedom, for the only life they’ve ever known and for the lives of everyone they’ve ever met.

Their need for one another is undeniable. Their love for one another is irresistible. But can it endure all that they must suffer?
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.

My Review  
A-MA-ZING!!! I already knew that I loved M. Leighton's books, but I am still awed by the unique & thrilling stories she continues to write! As always, I love the characters - Peyton is so strong & willing to make any sacrifice to help the people she loves and that helps her handle the huge changes she is experiencing rather well! And Trace is absolutely dreamy & strong & those eyes....wow...OK back on track here. Trace is a hottie, that's for sure! This book was so full of excitement I could hardly stand to put it down! I'm dying to find out what happens next!