Thursday, April 26, 2012

Dark Mercy Blog Tour! Review and Excerpt!

Welcome! Today I have for you a sneak peek into the first novella part of the Preternaturals Series by ZOE WINTERS! I also have a review on this short dark story. This is the first story leading into the actual series. So read on!


Title- Dark Mercy
Author- Zoe Winters
Source- E-book sent from Dark Mind Book Tours
Pages- 80
Publisher- IncuBooks
Publication Date- March 3rd 2012

Goodreads Summary-
1955, Las Vegas, Nevada 
Angeline has been on the run from her sire, Linus, for centuries. She’s tired, and she’s lonely. High from mescaline-induced blood, she sees a sign—a church that seems to glow in the distance—and she knows. Her future mate is in that building. 
Important Author’s Note:  Dark Mercy is the beginning of Hadrian and Angeline’s story, not the end. Their HEA will happen later in their own full-length novel. This story is important both for the overall series and for this couple, but it’s not their HEA. Just a mild disclaimer so no one goes in with false expectations for this story.



~Review~
Cover Thoughts-
I don't really get how the cover matches the book. It's a nice scenery but I would just want something more eye catching. But hey, it matches my blog design.:P

First Thought-
Vampires! My favorite of all supernatural creatures! :) Hopefully it's not unoriginal.

What I liked-
This is going to sound bad but I loved the ending. It's a sad ending too. I wanted to cry and yell Hadrian! All Angeline wants is to fill the emptiness in her heart. The ending will blow you away! My favorite scene is the one where the girl Hadrian fed off of appears again and Angeline realizes she isn't dead. It left me with so many questions and I realy must read more of the story! 

What I disliked-
Nothing really. The story was okay. It wasn't the best but I don't have any complaints. 
 
Overall Readability-
It was a dark little story that I could almost see myself telling over a campfire. It fast and easy to get into. I recommend this to all vampire lovers so you can see the darker side of vampiric nature.
My Final Thought-
Ohmigosh! That was such a sad ending! Whats the full length novel? I must know! 


5 out of 5 Haunted Roses


 

~Excerpt~

Dark Mercy Excerpt, used with permission. Copyright 2012 Zoe Winters


“A-Angeline. I haven’t seen you here in awhile.” Could he not get that schoolboy stutter out of his voice?
“I was fighting temptation,” she replied coyly.
Hadrian cleared his throat. “And did you succeed?”
“No.”
She glided closer—or floated. The length of her dress made it impossible to tell which. She stopped mere inches in front of him. He should have taken a step back, should have excused himself, but her strange eyes locked with his. They drew him in, hypnotizing him.
If he were another type of man, he would have proclaimed she was a witch putting him under a spell, but it was just as much his responsibility as hers for not moving away. It was his fault for not finding a replacement for midnight Mass.  His mind became fuzzy.
What was I just thinking about?
Her eyes pulled him in, making the rest of the room swirl around him in a slow blur. If he’d looked down to find them both floating and spinning in the air, he wouldn’t have been surprised. He was dizzy from the delicious scent emanating from her.
Her voice was a siren’s song when she spoke again. “Forgive me, Father, for I’m about to sin.”
Angeline’s mouth tasted like hot cinnamon candy as her lips descended on his. Her lip gloss left his mouth tingling. She might burn him alive with a single kiss. She chuckled as she continued her exploration of his mouth, as if he’d stated his thought aloud and she found it amusing.
Somewhere deep inside him was the place that was screaming that this must not happen, but it sounded like it was shouting from far away down a long, dark hallway, disappearing into a tinny echo. Quickly overtaking that voice was one penetrating thought that refused to release him.
I want her. I want her. I want her. I want her. The thought happened in rhythm to the beat of his heart.
Her lips left his mouth and made a burning trail over his cheek and up to the lobe of his ear. “Father Hadrian.” It was a breathy pant that held all the promise of a new universe unfolding.
He couldn’t remember what she said after that or even if she said something after that. The pounding of his own blood rushing through his ears—and other blood racing south in response to her nearness—had drowned out his ability to think or hear anything else but the lilting magic of her voice calling his name.
“Father Hadrian… ”
Her tone had gone from that of an angel to a writhing serpent as she rubbed her sinewy body against him. This was wrong. The thinking part of him clawed to get out. Something was all wrong about this, beyond the breaking of a vow. But he couldn’t form a coherent thought.
I want her. I want her. I want her.
“And you shall have me. Forever,” she said.
Had he spoken out loud? He wasn’t sure.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me right now,” he said, as her fingers slid under the Roman collar.
It startled him. His collar. Where were his vestments? There were more layers of clothing, or there had been a few moments ago. He glanced down to find the vestments somehow on the floor of the sanctuary. He started to pull away.
“No, Father. Eyes right here on mine. Stay with me.”
His gaze shifted back to her eyes and his will merged with her again. He didn’t realize his shirt was off until the air from the chilly room hit his bare chest.
“Oh, what a surprise. You must work out. Don’t be shy, Father Hadrian. It’s a crime you never get to be inside a woman with this body.”

~Want to know what happens next?~
Visit these links!


~Tour Schedule ~ 
April 19th, 2012
(Author Interview, Excerpt)

April 20th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

April 23rd, 2012
(Excerpt)

April 24th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

April 25th, 2012
(Excerpt)

April 26th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

April 27th, 2012
(Review)

April 30th, 2012
(Review)

May 1st, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

May 2nd, 2012
(Author Interview, Excerpt)

May 3rd, 2012
(Author Interview, Excerpt)

May 4th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

May 7th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

May 8th, 2012
(Review, Author Interview, Excerpt)

May 9th, 2012
(Excerpt)

May 10th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

May 11th, 2012
(Review, Character Interview, Excerpt)

May 14th, 2012
(Review, Author Interview, Excerpt)

May 15th, 2012
(Review)

May 16th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

May 17th, 2012
(Excerpt)

May 18th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)

May 21st, 2012
(Review, Character Interview)

May 22nd, 2012
(Excerpt)

May 23rd, 2012
(Excerpt)

May 24th, 2012
(Review, Author Interview)

May 25th, 2012
(Review, Excerpt)


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cover Reveal of Redheads Are Soulless by Heather White


Releases May 22nd 2012
Redheads are Soulless

High School senior, Sofia Black, has had a very hard life. Since her father's death 7 years ago, she has had to look after her drug addicted, alcoholic mother. School isn't any better for her either. The other kids constantly tease, and ridicule her. All she wants is to get out of her small hometown in Alabama.
When new student, Jason, shows up, Sofia's world is turned upside down. She doesn't understand why he wants to befriend her so badly... And, just when she thinks she can trust him, trouble appears.
Jason's twin brother, Robbie, moves into town, and things go haywire. Sofia is now running for her life - and Jason is forced to share hidden secrets with her. She learns the truth about her father's death, and finds out that she may not be as "human" as she once thought. She struggles to accept her fate, while fighting for her life.

 Links to the Author and Series;


I love this cover. :) Besides the fact that people think I'm a redhead I always think its funny people assume we gingers have no souls. This is one of my favorite covers all year. What do you think about it?

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Destiny Blog Tour! 2 Book Reviews!


Cheers* Welcome minions to another tour stop on the Destiny Tour! Today I have 2 reviews on Heather White's book series: When Destiny Knocks, and When Destiny Strikes! Happy reading!

Title- When Destiny Knocks (Destiny Saga 1)
Author- Heather White
Source- E-book sent from SupaGurl Tours
Pages- 200 pages
Publisher- Self
Publication Date- December 24th 2011

Goodreads Summary-
16 year old Karlie has had a pretty normal life... But when her Mom dies she is forced to move over 1,000 miles away to live with her Dad. That's when things start getting weird.
She can't explain the earthquakes that nobody else feels, or why she no longer sleeps. But most of all she doesn't know why she trusts Shane so much, even though his Dad wants her dead.
Suddenly, Karlie's normal life is turned upside down and she enters a world she never dreamed could really exist.



~Review~
Cover Thoughts-
The best cover like ever. How can you get any more awesome than that? It has a sword! A sword that Karlie uses! This totally goes with the book and I love it!
First Thought-
I don't really think the summary catches the attention the book needs. Surely it can't be as boring. 
What I liked-
I'll admit it was action-packed and full of girl power awesomeness! I love how each character has their own unique personality and ability. You got the witch, the guardians, the half-demon, the angel, and Karlie: defender of the human race. I love how Karlie fights like a warrior because its hot! I felt bad for Alex though! He likes Karlie but she likes Shane so the poor angel is alone. :( I love the whole idea of the series too. It's basically about Karlie embracing her Destiny as defender of us and destroying all the bad supernaturals against us like: ogres, werewolves, vampires, and demons. I wish I had the warrior bad-as* life of Karlie but then again I don't because I value my life. 

What I disliked-
I found myself wondering how alot of information fit together, like details were missing or something. Even the smallest details can affect a reader. I also hate instalove. I hate it with every once of my being becuase laying eyes on someone and loving them unconditionally enough not to kill them does not happen. Seriously I would have liked it if Shane tried to kill her one time. 

Overall Readability-
Even though When Destiny Knocks had the most hated thing I could hate I liked it. It was a "cute" little read that I would like to finish but not nessasairly remember much or love. Bad as* warrior girls are my favorite characters so it is impossible to not like it. :)
My Final Thought-
Now move on to the next book!

3 out of 5 Haunted Roses




Title- When Destiny Strikes (Destiny Saga 2)
Author- Heather White
Source- E-book sent from SupaGurl Tours
Pages- 200 pages
Publisher- Self
Publication Date- April 2012

Goodreads Summary-
Now that Karlie has received her full powers, things are going to be great... right? Karlie's number one priority is to kill Serenity - after all she deserves it for trying to kill Alex. Though it isn't as easy as it sounds. Serenity teams up with demons to create an army to destroy Karlie. On top of that, there are a ton of zombies, everywhere... And a new angel in town, who seems more like a demon... And of course, a shape shifter dragon! It's all weird, even for Karlie. With friends turning against friends, it seems as though her life got a whole lot more complicated.



~Review~
Cover Thoughts-
It's not as good as the first one but I like how it still holds the girl in power feeling. I especially love the cover model's hair. So hot. :)
First Thought-
Read the first one, will this one be better?
What I liked-
The ending! It was the probably the best idea of the whole series so far. It makes the reader want so much more! I was like oh my gosh I did not expect that at all! To be honest I believe When Destiny Strikes was the better book. It emotional where all the characters look towards there doom, action-packed when they fought all the enemies, and even betrayal was involved. I loved how this book made the series something to look forward too. I also love Karlie's spat with Hannah and how you can clearly see her jealousy. It added a little normal drama to her ever so changing life.

What I disliked-
I didn't like one scene and its probably the most important one other than the ending. Karlie goes with Alex and Serenity is there but then Alex betrays her. She practically dies but somehow she finds it in her heart to forgive Alex and then Shane acts like a little girl and doesn't kill that little poo head? I was like dude your a half-demon not a puppy go get revenge. And Karlie should not have forgiven him that fast. Other than that and a few details issues again I liked the book.

Overall Readability-
Way way way better than the first. It just screamed action! My blood was pumping right along with Karlie as she fought almost to her death to the end. 

My Final Thought-
Issac is soooo sexy. :) I'm soooo jealous. I'm really hoping theres a next one!
  

3 out of 5 Haunted Roses



Links to When Destiny Knocks-



~Tour Stops~

April 15th - SupaGurl Books *Review & Giveaway
April 16th - Waiting on Sunday to Drown *Review & Guest Post
April 17th - Lovey Dovey Books *Review & Giveaway
The Autumn Review - Review & Guest Post
April 18th - Reviewing What I'm Reading *Reviews
April 19th - Megan Likes Books - Review & Giveaway
April 20th - Moonlight Book Reviews *Book 1 Review
Good Choice Reading *Review
April 21st - the haunted rose *Review
April 22nd - An Avid Reader's Musings *Promo
April 23rd - Read My Mind *Review book 1
April 24th - Always YA at Heart *Review & Giveaway
April 25th - Escaping... One Book @ a Time *Review
April 26th - My Pathway to Books Reviews *Character Interviews & Giveaway
April 27th - Love of Books *Vlog Post
April 28th - Doodle's Book Blog *Book 1 Review
April 29th - What the Cat Read *Review & Interview
April 30th - Firestarbooks *Guest Post & Giveaway
Intriguing Reads *Review
May 1st - Moonlight Book Reviews *Interview
May 2nd - A Bibliophile's Thoughts on Books *Review book 1
May 3rd - Novels On The Run *Guest Spot & Review
May 4th -What the Cat Read *Interview
May 5th - SupaGurl Books *Mercedes's Review* From a Reader
May 6th - An Avid Reader's Musings *Review
May 7th - Doodle's Book Blog *Book 2 Review & Giveaway
May 8th - Short and Sweet Reviews *Review & Giveaway
May 9th - Read My Mind *Review Book 2
May 10th - A Bibliophile's Thoughts on Books *Review book 2
- Chicklitgirl *Review
May 11th - Sweet Southern Home*Promo & Giveaway
May 12th - Moonlight Book Reviews *Book 2 review
- Chicklitgirl *Interview & Giveaway
- The Reading Housewives of Indiana
May 13th - SupaGurl Books Tour Wrap-Up






Thursday, April 19, 2012

Ashes By Estevan Vega Book Review


Title- Ashes (Arson #1)
Author- Estevan Vega
Source- Ebook sent from author
Pages- 346 pages
Publisher- StoneGate InkPublication Date- September 11th 2011


Goodreads Summary-
More than three months have passed since Arson and Emery were taken. Taken and then separated. And experimented on. Salvation Asylum is more like a prison than a psychiatric facility. Unknowingly, Arson has become a vital instrument in a campaign set to genetically alter mankind. Enraged, confused, trapped, and unable to fully manifest his abilities, he wonders if he will ever see Emery again. His new existence is one crawling with questions. Is Grandma alive? Where does the fire come from? Can he become more than a monster? In Ashes, book two of the ARSON series, nightmare and reality collide as Arson must embrace what he is and the haunting realization that there may be others out there, others like him
 

Cover Thoughts-
I love it! It has Emery's mask and Arson's subject number 219 all burned and creepy looking and I can't help but shiver. It fits perfectly.

First Thought-
Okay. So I read the first one. Emery and Arson are kidnapped. What happens now?



What I liked-
The whole book is completely different from the first one. If Arson is a gentle blowing tumbleweed of emotion, then Ashes is a volcanic eruption! So many things happened that I didn't see coming. Some new characters were introduced like Adam the one with all the power in this story and he is apparently trying to steal Arson's girl Emery while they are on the run from a madhouse gone bad. My favorite part in the whole novel is when Adam and Emery escape to Adam's old home and Adam heals Emery's horribly scarred face. Then that beautiful moment was made better by an awesome action scene where they get caught and Adam kills practically everybody with his mind. I also like the lovely Red. What you learn about her will blow your mind because she was far from what I expected!
 
What I disliked-
I felt like the book was missing a lot of Arson and I had a hard time deciding between Adam or Arson for Emery. I want to say Arson because he isn't a psychopath like Adam but Arson wasn't in a single scene with Emery at all! I was hoping the next in the series will have the emotion of Arson, the action of Ashes, but an equal amount of Adam and Arson as characters.
 
Overall Readability-
It was fast-paced, action-packed, way different, and might be even better than Arson!

My Final Thought-
OhMiGulosh! Arson is going to be so mad when he finds out what a lying conniver Adam is! :) So anxious for the next installment! 

4 out of 5 Haunted Roses



Want to read Ashes too or visit the author?
Check out these links:
Author Website

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Embrace Blog Tour! Review and Giveaway!

:0 oooooh aaaaaah! Look at that beautiful banner! Welcome to my stop on the Embrace Blog Tour! Today I have for you a review and I put the grand prize giveaway here too! Enjoy!


Title- Embrace
Author- Cherie Colyer
Source- E-book sent from YA Bound Tours
Pages- 222 pages
Publisher- Omnific Publishing
Publication Date- December 20th 2011

Goodreads Summary-
How far would you go to save the people you love? 
Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve. Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him. Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own. Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover. Dangerous, intoxicating, and darkly romantic, Embrace is a thriller that will leave you spellbound.




~Review~
Cover Thoughts-
I was very drawn to it. The red was very inviting and I wanted to read the book and see if the girl compares to the one on the cover. To be honest I don't think they match. I can't imagine Madison wearing bright red lipstick. It just doesn't seem like her.
 
First Thought-
What an awesome summary! I'm excited to read something a bit different from the norm!
 
What I liked-
My favorite part about the whole book is how Madison doesn't start out as a witch using magic. She has to EMBRACE her powers. She is a regular girl worrying about boys of course and it all goes downhill when a new guy arrives and he seems to have the hots for her. I also liked how the romance wasn't the main part of the book. Cherie Colyer included the bond in friendship, family, and the emotions you feel when you can't turn to anyone about your deepest secrets. I was having a hard time choosing what guy I liked better though. Isaac is hot, new, and enticing where Kevin is comfortable, cute, and loving. I actually never saw anything coming. I was shocked near the ending too! Who would have thought? :)
What I disliked-
I really don't see the how you can be looking up mental illnesses and find out about magic which is how Madison found out. Maybe a little more description about the pull that Madison feels towards that side of her would have made it more believable. If I was randomly looking up mental illnesses on panic disorders and schizophrenia and found some wierd stuff like witchcraft I would probably laugh and exit out. One other thing that caught my attention was I wish I could have read more from Isaac and his family. I wish Isaac's parents could have intervened somewhere with their own input about magic and what they know.
Overall Readability-
All in all it was a great read. It was something different from most paranormal books. It was like a combination of teem high school drama (contemporary) and the supernatural world. I'm really hoping there is a second so I can see what happens next in their new coven.
My Final Thought-
Issac is soooo sexy. :) I'm soooo jealous. I'm really hoping theirs a next one!

4 out of 5 Haunted Roses



~Giveaway~

Grand Prize: One signed copy of Embrace, bookmarks, and Embrace bracelets, can be entered to win using the Rafflecopter form below, or entered on other blogs on the tour. We are all using the same form for the Grand Prize. US only.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

In My Mailbox IV

I don't know how long it has been since my last mailbox post. :( Too Long! It is probably becuase I went through a oy my gosh this kindle is awesome phase where every last book I got from an author was an ebook. :) Ebooks are great though but I have a few things below I didn't get on my kindle so I should show them to you!

FireSeed One is my next book on my review list and I was so happy the author was king enough to send me a paperback that was signed with a bookmark! I would have read it sooner but I had books to read for blog tours. I can't wait to tell you what FireSeed One by Catherine Stine is like my review coming up. And come soon becuase theres an ebook giveaway! ;)

I won these 2 beauitful bookmarks in a All's Fair in Vanity's War giveaway. I also won the ebook but sadly it was on smashwords. I can't read it on my kindle. :( Hopefully I can get a mobi copy and be able to tell you in a review how the book is!  I would also like to thank literary exploration for hosting the giveaway!

And lastly I won these 6 bookmarks from the author Keary Taylor! I will be reading Eden soon! I have such a long list of reviews I need to do! Hopefully summer will arrive soon and I can get caught up! Thank you Keary Taylor!

I can't tell you how many ebooks I have collected since my last in my mailbox so I am not going to bore you with a long list. I will just tell you I won:
  • Night Walker by Lisa Kessler
  • The Grimoire by S. M. Boyce
Those are just the ones that I won in giveaways! I have some for blog tours and tons up for review! I'm a lucky blogger! Thank you followers! :)