Review: Vanquished by Vivi Anna

Smart, sexy, and kick-ass brave, Kat has the fighting skills of a warrior and a determination few men can match. She’s caught in a post-apocalyptic world where only the rich live well and Kat is determined to be one of them. To make her dream come true and reunite with her daughter up North, the fearless treasure hunter has to get her hands on a lot of money, and that’s going to take every bit of talent she’s got.

With her devoted partner Damian by her side, Kat sets out to make one last big score in a city rumored to be the nesting place of vicious mutated people. The stakes are high and they get even higher when she discovers her rival, Hades, is after the same thing. Big, mean, and sexy as hell, he’s just the sort of man Kat loves to take to tangle with and will if he can help her in her quest.

WARNING: contains scorching hot love scenes.


What I Thought:

First of all let me say that this is definitely an adult novel:) There is no YA crossover. Just as the WARNING says it contains scorching hot love scenes.

I began reading this story because of the synopsis. "...the fighting skills of a warrior and a determination few men can match." Yup, sounds like my kind of character. Although Kat was the main reason I wanted to read the book, the dystopian setting hooked me right off the bat. The author has a way of describing the setting that I loved.

The characters did not disappoint. Kat was exactly as you would expect her, a hell Kat. She's strong, smart and sexy. And then there was Hades, and all I can say there is YUM. For some reason I never really liked Damian, so there was never a "team ..." for me. But that's OK, Hades was just fine.

Some books that promise" hot love scenes" give you just that, but minus a good appealing story plot. This was not one of those books. The dystopian setting and the scorched landscape was wonderfully put together, making an exciting ride.

One Sentence Discription: A hell-Kat on wheels blazing through a world of death and mystery. 



Disclosure: I received this book for review from Bewitching Book Tours and from the author as part of a virtual book tour. I was not compensated. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have posted are my own. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Forged by Becky Banks

 

First loves, dark pasts, and fast cars collide in this high-octane adventure.

 

 

Eva Lynn Rodgers, the daughter of a mechanic, grew up with a need for speed. So did her best friend, and later boyfriend, Nathaniel Vellanova. But when Eva left the drizzling rain of Portland, Oregon, for a high-powered career in New York, she left both Nathaniel and her past behind.

Now Eva's back, and her BMW—like her life in general—could use a little love. Her new mechanic is the right man for the job, but he's got some scores to settle with the girl who peeled out for the East Coast when he needed her most.

It's time for Eva and Nathaniel to confront their demons. Passionate and dangerous sparks ignite as Nathaniel's brutal youth rises up and pulls Eva Lynn back to him—forging a bond that, this time, won't be denied.

What I Thought: I was contacted as tour host for the Forged Official Blog Tour and the first thing I did was read the blurb. Fast cars? Hot mechanics? Dark pasts? Sounds pretty steamy:) So I added myself to blog tour host list and then I went on my way.

 

Fast forward to a little while later. I get a package in the mail. I open it. And the FIRST thing I see is "Sexy new uses for Duct Tape". And I am left thinking, "Whoa, what have I gotten myself into?" :) And then I thought, what a clever marketing tool. I could picture myself reading this on the bus, or the subway somewhere and having people look at the cover and wonder ????

 

The cover of the book just made  me open it and immediately begin reading, just to find out what it was all about. From the moment I picked up this book, I did not want to put it down. I adored the characters, the feisty Eva and the brooding mysterious Nathaniel. The book did not leave me wanting for high octane, I absolutely loved the descriptions of the roaring cars, an exciting adrenalin filled rush.

 

The story itself was witty and the characters were complex. I loved the direction the plot took, leading the reader on a roller coaster ride of romance. When I was finished with the story, the cover of the book made perfect sense. Genius I tell you! Not to mention that the particular scene in the book was totally a WTF moment, that had me laughing in stitches. But YOU will have to jump on the ride to find out why.

 

One Sentence Description: A sensuous ride of of lost loves and hot cars!

Sounds awesome right? Enter to win a personalized and autographed copy of FORGED here.

 

 

 

Becky Banks grew up, like the generations of Bankses before her, in the Hawaiian Islands. With the Islands as her roots, Becky was raised within the time-honored tradition of “talking story” amid a backdrop of grassy fields, blue waters, and cloud-clad mountains. She moved to the mainland after high school to attend Oregon State University, where she studied forestry, natural resources, and science education.

She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband Keith.

Becky’s first novel, The Legend of Lady MacLaoch, received Night Owl Reviews’ Top Pick Award and achieved #8 on the Amazon Bestsellers list for Historical Romance

Author Links

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeckyBanks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/beckybanks

Goodreads: : http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15845411-forged

Google +: https://plus.google.com/100850922676975702322?prsrc=3

Website: http://www.beckybanksonline.com



 

Disclosure: I received this book for review from Jitterbug PR  and from the author as part of a virtual book tour. I was not compensated.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have posted are my own. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

 

 

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and  mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

 

What I thought: Tiger’s Curse is nothing like I’ve ever previously read. It was referred to me by a friend, and as soon as I read the first word I was hooked. I’d have to say, Kishan is hands down my favorite character, for reasons that must remain unsaid due to some spoilers. India was a great backdrop for this story, especially with the amazing folklore. As the book drew to a close, it left me wanting more; this series had earned another adoring fan.

 

 

Review By Daniella

Review: Stitch

 

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence.  In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees – and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell – Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless.  But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn’t figured out yet is that she’s not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university’s idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface…

 

What I thought: Something different about this book compared to others is that there’s always that sort of ‘air of mystery’ hanging around the campus. You never know what’s going to happen next, and that’s what makes it so exciting and hard to put down. I found myself engrossed in the storyline from the very first sentence.  My favorite character would have to be Janie, because her witty, sarcastic ways always keep the story rolling on a humorous note. The setting itself is pretty interesting, yet also very misleading. There’s a twist in there, that I myself never saw coming. One thing for sure is, after I turned the last page, I instantly wanted to buy the sequel.

 

 

 

 

 

Review By Daniella

 

 

Review of City of Whispers

When an epidemic turns most New Yorkers into vampires, a handful of remaining humans find themselves struggling to survive in a quarantined Manhattan. As their numbers dwindle, Ailis Laurent undergoes a transformation of her own: she becomes a hardened vampire killer.

What I thought: This was a wonderfully refreshing tale of an epidemic that just happens to be vampires. It is not the cliche vampire tale, but a gritty, action packed adventure in a quarenteened city. I LOVED the main character. There is just something about a kick-but girl staking some vamps. And this girl was very good at what she does!

One Sentence description: A biting tale of survival, where the turned are not always what they seem...

Review of Tamed by Douglas R. Brown

Synopsis:

Werewolves are real.
And they make excellent pets.
Owning one of the legendary creatures is the latest fad. The WereHouse insists their werepets are loyal, docile, and 100% safe, but what happens when these gentle giants turn on their masters?
While on a routine EMS call, paramedic Christine Alt is attacked by a rogue werepet. She escapes with her life, but the encounter leaves her with more than just scars. As her body begins to change, she discovers the WereHouse is hiding a terrible secret, and they will stop at nothing to keep her from exposing them.

What I Thought:

I loved the original concept of the book. Werewolves as pets? As docile pets? What an exciting idea. I really liked both of the main characters, their personalities were enjoyable and they were easy to relate to. The world that was created was like no other that I have read. An excellent story, exciting to the very end.

One Sentence Description: A weretale of dominating proportions.

 

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Review of Wisteria by Bisi Leyton

Sixteen year old Wisteria Kuti has two options—track the infected around the Isle of Smythe or leave the only known safe haven and face a world infested with flesh eating biters. But even with well-armed trackers, things go wrong and Wisteria ends up alone facing certain death, until she is rescued by the mysterious Bach. Uninfected, Bach is able to survive among the hordes of living dead.

Eighteen year old Bach, from a race known as The Family, has no interest in human affairs. He was sent here to complete his Great Walk and return home as a man—as a Sen Son. The Family regard humans as Dirt People, but Bach is drawn to this Terran girl, whom he has never seen before, but somehow knows.

Hunted by flesh eaters, cannibals, and the mysterious blood thirsty group called Red Phoenix, Wisteria and Bach make their way back to the Isle of Smythe, a community built on secrets and lies.

What I Thought: First let me say that I read this book before publication and before final edit. When I was asked to read this I was really excited. The synopsis is very intriguing, and I know I have said this before but I have a "thing" for zombies:)

The first thing that struck me as I read this book was that the main character was unlike the majority of female characters, she was not the prettiest, the skinniest, the deadliest, etc. She is what I would like to call an average, all around girl. This was refreshing to read about a character like this.

I enjoyed the dystopian setting of the book, as well as the communities that Wisteria comes in contact with along the way. I wont go into too much details, as I hate spoilers, but the synopsis will give you somewhat of an idea of this. There was a twist to the normal zombie story, in that the love interest is not Terran... I mean human:) This was a nice sci-fi element to the story that I enjoyed.

The book was full of nonstop action from the beginning until the end, and I did not put it down until I had finished it. I loved the book and I love the cover!

One Sentence Description: An ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny.

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Review: Third Scroll by Dana Marton

A maiden healer sold to barbarians.
A world of savage warlords and cruel concubines.
When ancient powers collide, can the slave save the realm and the high lord's heart?












What I Thought: I picked this book up when I found it listed as free on Amazon. I have to admit that what first made me want it was the beautiful cover, and although I have tons of other books that I have also picked up for free, I chose this one to read first. I cannot begin to express how much I LOVED this book. It had me captivated from the beginning until the end, even bringing tears to my eyes as I read the final chapter. Yes, it was THAT good. I loved the main character, a beautiful strong willed woman that stays true to the nature of her heart even during the most trying of circumstances. Personally at some parts I wanted her to want revenge, but when she chose the higher path I admired her courageous spirit. The only part that bothered me was that the second book is not out yet, but I would have immediately gone and purchased it if it had been.

I would like to point out the author has other books that she had traditionally published but this book was passed up by publishers, although they praised her for the book. I have to stick my tongue out at them and say "Your Loss!" The Author decided to self publish and I am glad she did:)

Review: Friendship Bog Series

His friend is hurt and the doctor lives far away.

He might run into snakes.

Or that giant bullfrog.

Or Black Snapping Crabs!

Is Pibbin too small to be brave?

  

A treasured shell has disappeared.

Huge tracks lead to danger, and Leeper is gone.

Can Pibbin solve this mystery . . . alone?

What I thought: 

These two books are the beginning of a series, set in a swampy water world of tiny creatures.
 

The first book tells the story of Pibbin, a tiny frog sent on a dangerous journey to find the healing leaves that will save his turtle friend. The book was very cute, with adorable illustrations. It was a wonderful story of friendship, and shows that with love and bravery anything is possible.
 

The second book is another adventure for Pibbin. The story shell is found missing! Who took it, and how can it be returned in time for the party? Pibbin travels the bog running into different unique characters, some that may be the end of him. Pibbin once again shows that bravery has nothing to do with the size of your body, but the size of your heart. 

Indie Author Monday: Protected & Torn

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Age Group: Adult content

Synopsis:The genetically modified super humans, Herkulean, are only supposed to mate and breed with their own. So why did Erik Lee, a pure bred Herkulean and captain of the Arcana fall in love with the beautiful human, Jayda Rowan? Why are his people trying to kill her? Can he protect her or will his weakness cost him her life? Will he be able to hold on to her or will he lose her to the mysterious tall and handsome Mike Neal. Find out how Jayda brings out the human in Erik as she fights for her life.



What I thought: This book was inspired by Andromeda, and as I have never seen it, I was coming at the book oblivious to anything on the show. Even though that was the case, I never felt like I didn't know part of story, or that I was missing something. The Author's Bio says that she was inspired by V.C. Andrews, and there is a certain feeling in her writing that reminds me of V.C. Andrews books (which I love btw). The story revolves around an intense love that is sometimes incredibly sweet and other times brutal. I love the almost soap opera feel that it had throughout the book, as I sat on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next in the dark twists. The story line was told from the point of view of all character's. Most of the books I read create tension and suspense by not knowing what the other characters are really feeling. This was the opposite and I loved knowing their innermost thoughts and feelings, making me feel as though I was watching the story unfold from all sides. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the second!

One sentence description: A sensual story of love and betrayal.

Indie Author Monday: Hippocampus

Author: Tom Tancin
Age level: YA
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Overview:

An Island that Shouldn't Exist...
A Life He Didn't Know...
A Destiny That Can't Be Escaped

There was no turning back. We were going to set into motion a revolution that could either save Atlantis or leave it destroyed in the process.

Sixteen-year-old Trey Atlas' known life is a lie. While he was raised in Miami, Trey was actually born in Atlantis. Sent off the legendary island as a baby for his own safety, Trey is the only living heir to the Atlantean throne. Whether he likes it or not, Trey has to go back to his birthplace and accept his role as the Ruling Prince and lead the revolution to defeat the Knights of the Abyss. Otherwise, thousands of innocent lives and his true family legacy could be lost forever.

What I thought: There were a number of things that I liked about this book. This first was that it is written from a male's perspective. This might seem an odd thing to like, but the majority of books that I read are from the female perspective. And honestly I think everyone likes to read a book that they can relate to the characters in some way, and not only girl's read:) This really seems like a book that a teenage boy would love, full of action, adventure and a damsel in distress. Kudos to Tom Tancin for writing a book that hits on a reading population that may be getting overlooked in the current YA trends. Love triangles are cool and all, but maybe not so much from a young teen boys perspective;)

It was also refreshing to read a book about Atlantis, the world that author creates is unique. I enjoyed the main character Trey, he is a hero, who really doesn't start off wanting to be a hero. He's just a teen boy, interested in swimming and girls! But when he is introduced to his real background everything changes. Will he step up to the challenge? Read the book and find out!

Wish I talked more about the Author or the book? Check out Tom's Author Interview

Review: Glamour by Penelope Fletcher

Synopsis from Amazon:
Rae Wilder has problems. Supernatural creatures swarm the earth, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Stalked by a handsome fairy who claims she is like him, demonkind, Rae thinks maybe it was a mistake breaking the rules by going over the Wall into demon territory. Plunged into a world of dark magics, fierce creatures, and ritual sacrifice, she is charged with a guarding a magical amulet. The changes to her mind and body are startling, but rather than accept her purpose she struggles against who she is destined to be. Throw in a big lust for a vampire who can't keep his hands off her, and life starts to get complicated. Rae is forced to make the ultimate choice: to live and die human, or embrace her birth-right and wield magics that could turn her into something wicked, a force of nature nothing can control.

What I thought: First I would like to say how I ended this book. With one single word "Wow". This book goes out with a mighty bang. The first thing I thought about this book was that it had a beautiful cover, and hey, I have never read a book about fairies. It was free, so why not? I am very glad I did. The main character has no shortage of attractive "Demons" lurking after her, or any shortage of exciting events that get thrown her way. I liked the dystopian type world, that is in the mixture of paranormal. This book is the beginning of a series, that looks extremely promising, and I cant wait to read the next one. Yet another example of a wonderful indie author!

One Sentence Description: Fairies and Vampires and Demons... Oh my!

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Review: Year of the Dead by Jack J. Lee

Year of the Dead (Sustainable Earth)

Author: Jack J. Lee.



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5 Stars- Absolutely LOVED this book

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Book Description(as described on Amazon):

An advanced alien civilization sends out probes to study and preserve different planetary cultures and biospheres. A probe evaluates Earth and determines that humanity is headed toward extinction due to self-inflicted environmental degradation. In order to make Earth sustainable and to save humanity, the probe decides that Earth’s population must be radically reduced.

The probe is programmed with prime directives that force it to make all interventions culturally appropriate. Since pop culture is full of movies describing the end of the world by zombies and vampires, the probe manufactures viruses that create an outbreak of these creatures. Ninety-eight percent of humanity is wiped out by culturally-sensitive environmentalist aliens who are here to save us.

This is a story of people living in Salt Lake City, Utah when the alien probe destroys the world. The unlucky, slow, and foolish die quickly. This isn’t a typical zombie apocalypse story about a bunch of victims wandering the world slowly getting picked off one-by-one. This novel is about people, who refuse to be victims. They understand that the only way to survive is to band together and to control their environment. The aliens, zombies, and vampires need to be taught that on Earth the top predator will always be human.

My thoughts: I LOVED this book. I am currently reading three or four books, and by reading I mean I started the first couple chapters, and I will eventually get back to them... who knows when:) I have been super busy with the current round of editing, and really haven't had any time to read. Oh, who am I kidding, there is always time for reading, if its the right book! And this certainly was the right book. I was hooked from the start, the book rushes into action and really never stops. The characters where relatable and entertaining, as they fight to survive in a deadly new world.

The book is set in SLC Utah:) I really enjoyed this. The description of the towns and the areas people is great, I could almost imagine the areas around me covered in zombies... and vampires... did I mention I live in Utah? The only bad part is that I will have to wait to read the next book in the series, I told myself I was not allowed to pop open another book until I finish this round...darn it:( 
I didnt even know it was a series until I read the sneak peak at the end and it blew me away. FLDS and Vampires/Zombies...Super cool.


Once Sentance Description: A bloody fun tale of the undead!