Waiting On Wednesday! February 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.  

Here's my WOW:

A White So Red, 

a gothic fairy tale

by 

Krystle Jones

ebook

Published 2012 by Pesante Press

Coming early 2012.

Take back what is yours.

Seventeen-year-old Snow’s life changed forever the night her stepmother, the Queen, sent her huntsman to cut out her heart. Fleeing for her life, Snow runs to the Silver Forest, a place as dangerous as it is enchanting, and begins an adventure she could never have dreamed.

With no one at her side but a rowdy band of carnivorous dwarves and an arrogant, rogue prince who’s too handsome for his own good, Snow must confront the challenge that’s been laid before her: Kill the Queen, and take back the kingdom that should have been hers.

But if she is to succeed, Snow will have to tap into a powerful, ancient form of magic, one that may have been sleeping inside her all along.

A White So Red is a dark, sexy retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

Yes Yes Yes! I so want to read this one!!!! I just finish The Scarlet Dagger from the same author and I hope that A White So Red will be as good as The Scarlet Dagger is!

Giveaway at Stuck in YA Books!

Giveaway: A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Razorbill Celebration) at Stuck in YA Books!

Title: A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2)

Author: Beth Revis

Pages: 386

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date:  January 10, 2012

Format: Hardcover

Summary: (Goodreads)

 Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. It’s been three months. In that time, Amy has learned to hide who she is. Elder is trying to be the leader he’s always wanted to be. But as the ship gets more and more out of control, only one thing is certain: They have to get off the ship.

Giveaway:

Razorbill Canada has generously  offered one hardcover copy of A Million Suns by Beth Revis. In the spirit of the new site opening up in Canada. Its really an great site to go on to, talk about books and meet others. Penguin Canada is really awesome!

Click here to enter!

The Scarlet Dagger by Krystel Jones Review

The Scarlet Dagger 


(The Red Sector Chronicles #1)

by 

Krystle Jones

Kindle Edition, 1st Edition, 256 pages

Published October 23rd 2011

The strength of Sloane’s heart is about to be put to the ultimate test.

After the Eclipse – the night vampires began openly slaughtering human victims – everything changed. Out of fear, the government salvaged what remained of the human population and enclosed them in massive, security-laden cities called White Sectors, while marking the vampire infested territory as Red Sectors.

When seventeen-year-old Sloane McAllister’s twin brother disappears, she seems to be the only one who thinks he isn’t dead, and vows to stop at nothing to find him. Gathering her courage, she braves the Red Sector to search for clues to his whereabouts. By chance, she encounters Aden, a handsome, charismatic vampire with a hidden agenda. He turns Sloane against her will, and whisks her away to his underground city. Enemies quickly become friends as Sloane struggles against her attraction to Aden, and resists her growing loyalties to the creatures that ruined her life. But the vampires themselves are the least of her problems. The city is harboring a devastating secret, one that could change the tide of the war and threaten to destroy everything Sloane has come to believe in.

My rating 5/5

Thanks to Krystle Jones for provided me a copy of this awesome story!

One word: amazing! I devoured this book in just two days! What's better then to come across a book that made ​​us live a lot of emotions! The author managed to create a fantastic, dark and mystical world. Boost with action from of wall to wall, mysterious, dark and endearing characters and a plot that will leave you breathless at the end of each chapter!

The Scarlet Dagger isn't the first book of the author Krystle Jones and she totally handles her art! I loved her writing style: trendy, easy to read and at the end of each chapter, I asked for more and I received it! Krystle Jones portrays our world, ravaged by a virus a few years earlier, in which transformed much of the population into vampires. Humans that haven't been infected have trained and form a ''militia'' to destroy those who were infected. This new world is divided into sectors for separate humans from vampires.

Sloane, the main character, is part of the ''militia''. She knows how to fight; she is intelligent and very strong girl. She's a natural beauty and I liked the fact that she's not childish even if she's young. She got values ​​in the right place and will fight for those she loves and cares. She has one thing in mind: to find her missing brother who has disappeared into the vampire’s side a few years ago. Just with the summary of the book, the author had me hooked! I couldn't pass over this one! Kick-ass/Warrior girl, some sexy vampires: Oh my!

Aden is a dreamy/vampire/sexy/hotness boy and I really enjoy reading about him and his grin! Who would not fall under the fangs of Aden!?!?! Wonder.... Even if he turns Sloane into a vampire against her will, Aden's still an interesting character. I can't see the ''monster'' in him... really! Very protective of Sloane, we often misunderstood his true intentions. Enigmatic and attractive, Aden will likely become a very important character in the books to follow!

Can't wait to read the rest of this series and see how Sloane will manage what happens at the end of The Scarlet Dagger! Jeez, it's kind of love and hate ending for me!!! Krytle Jones's surely made of me a new slave to her Red Sector Chronicles!

 

You want to know more about the author: Krystle Jones  

This book is a MUST-READ; you have to get it, one way or another :P You should buy it! Not for your budget?(suspicious eyes!) Then put it on your monster TBR pile or borrow from some friends! Ask as a birthday present! :)

You can find the book here:

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The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter Review

The Goddess Test (Goddess Test #1)

by 

Aimee Carter

Paperback, 293 pages

Published April 19th 2011 by Harlequin

In a modern-day take on the myth of Persephone, 18-year-old Kate Winters is thrust into a mythical world, where she must pass seven impossible tests and outsmart a spiteful god in order to save the life of not just her mother but of her captor as well.

You can find the book here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Book Depository 

My rating 4/5

 

I couldn't wait to read this book based on the legend of Persephone and Hades: reinvented story of the abduction of Persephone. I love everything about Hades and Persephone, or more broadly: everything about Satan, the Devil, the king of hell, Where's the Hellhounds???? The author: Aimée Carter, really success to mix the ancient legends and our coeval world.

From the first lines, we quickly learn that Henry's (common name of our day for Hades) looking for the next ''Persephone'' to reign with him in Hell. It seems that several candidates were tempted to take this place, but they all have failed. As time passes, it becomes even more urgent that Henry found his next Persephone to rule the Underworld.

 

Kate's moving in her mother's hometown to spend the last few days/months with her (who has a cancer). Kate will quickly realize that the city and the people who live there are rather bizarre. Kate begins having visions of an enigmatic young man and his mother's condition does not seem to improve.

When Kate meets Henry, he will bid her with something she can't refuse: he can give her more time with her ill mother if she agrees to take the place of Persephone.

As soon as I saw the blurb of this book, I knew I had to read it! I'm a fan of those mythical characters, so I jumped at the chance and I haven't been disappointed! Kate made the acquaintance of several characters in this story and they are all very engaging and funny. My favorite character is Henry who's dark, broken, and physically very attractive (Please, pick me; I want to be the next Persephone!!!! I know I can do it!). I liked the fact that he's staying behind, because the story is really based on the success or failure of Kate. Henry shows up frequently at the right time, while keeping an eager eye on the progress of Kate.

Several times in this story were filled with strong emotions and I had to admit that I have a few tears! What's harder than reading about a girl who faces every day the incoming the death of her mother, who seems inevitable! Kate seems to control her emotions very well; I have to give her that!

The only thing I found less successful is the fact that Kate has to go through several tests to access to Persephone title, but most of them are hardly mentioned in the book. Readers are unaware that Kate passed or not some of these tests. However, the actions, intrigue/plot and the many adventures made me completely forget about these tests and I loved reading this story.

 

I strongly suggest you to read this one if you are an addict of Hades and Persephone's story. If you loved the YA with a touch of paranormal, this book is for you!

You want to know more about this author: Aimée Carter  

 

You should buy! You can borrow! Put on your TBR pile! Goodreads 

Crazy Stalkers!

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*** (Watch out for spoilers in reading the

 blurb of the second book!) ***

The sequel

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test #2)

by 

Aimee Carter

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: March 27th 2012 by HarlequinTeen

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

Blind to Men by Chris Lange Review

Blind to Men

by 

Chris Lange

ebook

Published December 12th 2011 by Noble Romance Publishing

The day has come for Anya to reclaim her life. Protected by an Amazon, she must go to legendary Palance, the city of her dreams. She has to leave her home without even knowing she was cursed at birth. She is blind to men. She can't see them, and they can't see her. Except one.

My rating: 4.5/5

 I won this book by entering a contest on Beth's blog: Beth's Wild and Crazy Book Reviews  and I immediately inquired about the author, I didn't know anything!

Then, when I read the summary of the book, I thought: this is rather an unusual concept. The general story seems interesting enough and I don't think I've read on this subject before. I must admit that once I started reading this story, I couldn't stop! From the first lines, the reader is projected into a strange world and he made the acquaintance of Anya, the main character, who does not seem to be able to see men or to hear the words related to the description of a male. I loved how the author introduces the reader to this aspect. After only a few lines, the reader quickly understands the situation of Anya and her adventures are just adorable, crispy and well thought out.

Anya's a somewhat naive girl (thanks to his condition, a little farfetched, but that still do!), she's does not seem to be afraid of much and she's willing to try anything. I liked that this character will eventually find her real place in the world after eighteen years of well-guarded and false ''imprisonment''. She will discover and tame much more in this outside world.

Kylor is the ''Amazon'' protector of Anya. He's the one that will help Anya to discover this new world and adapt to both physical and psychological level. While Anya is now aged of eighteen years old and still not aware of the half of her universe, Kylor will help her get through this awesome new world. Although sometimes I felt that Kylor took some ''advantage'' of the little Anya, he's still a reliable person, intentioned and pretty sexy!

The author: Chris Lange seems to have developed a great imagination. Her style is well suited and well used. Very easy to read, to understand and enjoy, but still, this little story will leave you perplexed at its length. I was so absorbed with the adventures of Anya and her protector Kylor that I quickly realized that there were only a few pages before the end! Why??? I sincerely wanted much more! I wanted to lose myself in this story for days!!

I recommend this book to all history buffs fantasy and sexy romance lovers! Blind to men was my first book from the author Chris Lange and not the last!

Buy or at least Borrow!

Want to know more about the author: Chris Lange 

You can find the book here:

 Noble RomancePublishing 

 Amazon

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Always Purrty Design giveaway

All Bloggers! You might be interested in winning a free blog design? 

Check this giveaway at Always Purrty Design

Click hereto enter!

Giveaway

Free Blog Design Giveaway

$100 Value

You get:

Installation

Consultation

Customized Design

Grab Button

Navigation*

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Help with any HTML

Signature

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2 Icons and Badges

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Deadline March 15th

Shift by M.R Merrick Review

Shift (The Protector #2)

by

 M.R. Merrick

Ebook, 1st Edition

Published February 1st 2012 by M.R. Merrick

 Goodreads 

Devastated by the loss of his mother, Chase is trying to balance the life he’s been left with, a family he’s still getting to know, and power he never thought he’d have. He doesn’t understand why the Goddess has named him the Protector and granted him two gifts: the Mark, a tattoo that now covers his back, and the ring. But between getting interrogated by the Circle and psychic attacks from Riley, the Mark is the least of his concern. There’s a demon inside Rayna that’s fighting to be released, and it’s not her inner witch. It’s something else–a monster threatening to tear her apart.

As Chase struggles to control his magic, his enemies are closing in. Everyone has staked a claim on his ring, and destroying it may be his only chance to stop Riley. But Chase must decide if stopping him is worth risking the lives of everyone he cares about, or if protecting the ring will be enough to save his world.

My rating: 5/5

 

Again, the author M.R. Merrick was able to give more than asked. Action, suspense, unpredictable discovery and many others. After reading the first novel in this series: 

(The Protector: Exiled), I immediately fell in love with Chase and Rayna! As in the first book and since it's a sequel, the main character is Chase and I love the fact that it’s a boy. I really enjoyed reading Chase point of view in both books! Less rare these days, but still very interesting and brings a little change!

I loved the first book and the second didn't disappoint me! There are several new elements in this book that helps us understand more and more from the first book. I think we learn much more about Rayna in this sequel. You learn a lot about his past and her powers and even more! Oh I wish I could tell you what I discovered in the second book!

As I mentioned earlier, this book contains plenty of action, secrets statements, and continuation of the first tasks unfinished or misses and put asides temporarily to allow the story to progress. The course is somewhat in the same kind of the first book, but since it's more developed than and also as much interesting as the first novel.

The author's style is particularly well developed. Easy to read and enjoyable. M.R. Merrick will allow you to get away a few minutes in an unreal world, but this is what every avid reader wants!

M.R. Merrick also surprised me on a certain subject. I didn't expect to read about some development between Chase and Rayna, but I think it's something that could be well exploited if of course the author does not fall into eroticism! It should be remembered that although the main characters are young and this book is for young adults, this kind of feelings / emotions / experiences are normal at this age. M.R. Merrick was able to implement his ideas well and knows how to communicate it!

A super interesting end that allows us to consider a third book just as shattering as the first two books. I look forward to how this small team of '' protectors'' will get the things out in the next story!

Loved Exiled, I love Shift and I will love book 3 of The Protector series!

I recommend this book and sincerely the entire series!

You want to know more about this author: M.R. Merrick 

Buy this book, at least, put on your TBR pile!!!!

Find this book here:

Amazon

Also check my review of Exiled, the first book of this series!

Fan Fictions about Eric and Sookie by Deborah Court!

You're in love with the TV show True Blood but dream to see Sookie and Eric together? Here's something just for you, at Eric and Sookie Lovers 

Two fan fictions about Eric the Vampire Viking and Sookie the Mind Reader and everything else she can be! (Won’t tell cause some of you didn't see or read all the season and/or books).

Pieces of Glass and The Dark Queen, both fan fictions written by the extraordinary and wonderful Deborah Court. She's also the author of Bound to the Prince and The House of Pleasure (you can learn more about Deborah Court and her books on her website, click here) 

My rating 5.5/5

Pieces of Glass take place at the ''alternative ending'' (imagined by Deborah Court) on the 4th season of True Blood.

The Dark Queen is the ''sequel'' of Pieces of Glass, with new treats and new characters.

Since I love everything Deborah is writing, I couldn't pass over these fanfics (I'm a True Blood and Eric and Sookie lover myself) so I had to read these two story!

Well written, as usual, good passionate and sexy scene, the author didn't forget the personalities of the actual characters and reading those fanfics really transported you into the world of True Blood!

Eric can't be any sexier than in this fan fiction and I even think that I found Sookie a bit less naive! These fanfics are pack with action, a good plot and a dreamy ending! I totally recommend both of these story, if you're a Eric and Sookie lovers or just fan of True Blood and looking for a little something else : the fan fictions of Deborah Court are just for you!

Taste by Kate Evangelista Cover Reveal

Taste

by 

Kate Evangelista 

Published by Crescent Moon Press

Release date: Fall 2012

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

Show some love and ADD this book in your TBR pile on Goodreads!

To learn about the author: Kate Evangelista

Inked Magic by Jory Strong Giveaway at Debbie's Book Bag!

Want a chance to win INked Magic by Jory Strong???

Just click here to enter this giveaway hosted by Debbie at Debbie's Book Bag! 

Here the blurb of Inked Magic and the giveaway rules!

Skin didn't lie to her. It was her gift, sometimes her curse. To feel what others felt. To see the things held in their memories...

With the touch of her palms to the skin of a crime victim, San Francisco tattoo artist Etain can see the faces of the guilty and draw them. She's a changeling elf but unaware of it, at odds with her police captain father and FBI agent brother. Magic and her gift have put her in the path of two compelling men.

Cathal Dunne, the son of an Irish mob boss, needs Etain's help finding the rapists who left his cousin for dead. Eamon, a powerful Elven lord, is determined to make her his consort - wife.

Her gift once made permanence impossible when it came to having a lover. Now, as Etain approaches the transition to fully Elven, her survival depends on keeping two. One of the men is willing to her her. The other isn't - until the search for a sexual predator turns deadly, and only by paying magic's price will there be any future at all.

 This book sounds so amazing!!!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Inked Magic by Jory Strong.

~ You must be a GFC follower or E-mail subscriber to participate.

~ US and Canadian Addresses only.

~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST March 5th.

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