Watchers Tour! Awakening Review and Giveaway!

Welcome! Today is my stop on a very special tour! The Watcher's Tour! Today is also the release of Karice's other series Witch Avenue. I have for you a review for the first book in the Watcher's trilogy called Awakening and 2 giveaways!

Title- Awakening

Author- Karice Bolton

Source- ebook sent from author

Pages- 220

Publisher- Purely Persistant

Publication Date- September 28th 2011

Goodreads Summary-

Alone in snowy, remote Whistler village, Ana tries to build a new life since losing her parents. With a cozy condo, a sweet-faced bulldog and an evening job to leave the days free for the slopes, life slips into a great routine. If only she could shake the guilt for not remembering anything about her parents and banish the night terrors that haunt her every dream. On a whim, Ana goes out with Athen, a guy she’s just met in the Grizzly Pub... The only problem is that she feels like she already knows him. Within 48 hours of meeting Athen and his family, Ana’s world implodes. She falls for Athen quickly and before she knows it, a past life begins to resurface. As thrilling as the revelations appear at first, she fights against the chilling information that Athen is from the underworld. Soon she begins to struggle as her own supernatural gifts are slowly unveiled, and she realizes that the nightmares she’s been having might be premonitions and not dreams at all.It is up to Ana to decipher between fact and fiction before it is too late, and her new love, Athen, follows in her same fate - one that is lost between two worlds.

~Review~

Cover Thoughts-

Perfection! It has the snowy holiday feeling of the book and it shows the white demon (angel) side of the book. Although Awakening never brings up Ana wearing a white dress or having angel wings I can tell its her. It's magical just like the story. <3

First Thought-

Sounds very interesting. :) The summary tells of loss, love, and a supernatural world; my favorite three things in every book.

What I liked-

My favorite scene ever is the ending. That is seriously the climax in the book. My jaw just dropped. You will literally never see it coming. I also like how Awakening isn't all supernatural. It has a comfortable, homey feeling. It's not all love and death and life sucks but I'm an angel so its alright. It's loss, friendship, love, companionship, recovery, and loss again. The setting is basically around the holidays so it diffidently brings the festive feeling. I was wishing it was Christmas and that I had a nice fireplace to read Awakening next too. I also love bull dogs so it was so cute learning that Ana has had a bulldog her entire existence. It makes me wish I could have that. There was a few action scenes and few demons suck moments, but my favorite overall moments were the ones where Ana had visions. She completely underestimates herself and those are her true moments of awesomeness. I am totally looking forward to Legions especially after reading that ending. I really enjoy reading fallen angel stories and hawt guys so Awakening was the perfect book for me. 

What I disliked-

Sometimes I felt like for a fallen angel story it was slow. I'm used to lots of adventure and romance. Awakening diffidently had romance but I wasn't seeing the action I was looking for. A few fighting scenes with demons just didn't fill my violent heart. :) It was probably too comfortable. I think maybe Karice should write just a bit more out of her comfort zone one time to see what happens. I am hoping in legions and cataclysm that there is more action and death. I know that sounds depressing but a good angel or human death adds creativeness to the series. It kinda sucks that white demons can die but come back to life every time. :( Also I got confused with the names in the beginning. Arie, Athen, and Ana. I got it all figured out now though!

Overall Readability-

A total top of the to read lister. It gives a different original take on the fallen angel story that you should totally check out. It might be slow or too comfortable but you should relax with a slower supernatural every now and then. If you like killer endings, knock out angels, and ravenous demons I recommend this to you.

My Final Thought-

What? Oh my gawd. Athen? Of all people? Athen? Poor Ana. How will she go on?

4 out of 5 Haunted Roses

You can see the rest of the tour schedule here!

~Author Information~

The Watchers Trilogy
Awakening (Book 1)
Legions (Book 2)
Cataclysm(Book 3)
2 Watchers Novellas will be released in 2013

The Witch Avenue Series
Lonely Souls (Book 1)

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

~Giveaway~

And now for these 2 awesome giveaways!

Just fill out the raffelcopters and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Faustian Host by Dave Becker Book Review

Title- The Faustian Host (Apocalypse Signs)
Author- Dave Becker
Source- Ebook sent from author
Pages- 221 pages
Publisher- self-published

Publication Date- March 15th 2012

Goodreads Summary-

Plymouth Rock is bleeding. Day has turned to night. Hundred-pound hailstones level buildings. The small town of Clement seems cursed, and the residents know who's to blame: the new kid, Tony Marino. After losing his family and his home, 14-year-old Tony is forced to move from Florida to Massachusetts to attend Kalos Academy, an unconventional school for gifted children. Strange things begin to happen the day he arrives, and soon stories of plagues, monsters, and mystical objects surround him. Refusing to believe superstitions, Tony struggles to explain the occurrences logically, until he comes face to face with a satanic cult determined to bring about the end of the world.

Cover Thoughts-

At first I had no idea what the 7 rings meant or why there was rocks because I have never explored this aspect of the apocalypse. Since reading the book I get it now and it's awesome!

First Thought-

ooooooohhhhh. Apocalypse? :) and no zombies? Should be very interesting and new. 

What I liked-

The best part is when Tony has the whole school believing he is cursed. He is literally the only one that refuses to believe that something supernatural is at work in his town. Since he showed up things break, rocks bleed, hailstones rain, and locusts eat. Poor kid lost his family and his home as is forced to go to Massachusetts. He has to endure rejection and being an outcast at a really smart academy. He doesn't even think he is smart but he is. That is something I totally have in common with him. I don't know what to believe in and I can hardly believe in myself.  My favorite quote is "It doesn't matter. Unknown science might as well be magic, except that magic seems to make people give up. Science encourages us to find the answer." Also "Our name is Legion, for we are many." I seriously had no idea that was in the bible. I only remember it from Ghost Rider. I could tell this entire book had to have taken months of research. The details of everything came together nicely especially the scene where the kids go on their research trip. It had an ending nobody could have seen coming.  

What I disliked-

At times it was hard to keep up. If the book is made for teenagers they may have a hard time focusing or understanding completely the points that come across. I had to reread a few times because I wanted to understand everything. It was reasonably slow for me and I couldn't read a lot at one time until about 3/4ths of the way through it. Also a few times I felt blasted at with information. My brain was on overload processing it all and remembering. 

Overall Readability-

It's deffidently a book made for more mature young adults. It might be slow and overloading but its totally worth the read. You learn soooo much! After I was done reading I did some research of my own and now I wish I could read more about this different style of the apocalypse! 

My Final Thought-

"I'm afraid that will be quite impossible." I have no idea how they are going to get out of this one! What an ending!
4 out of 5 Haunted Roses



Want to learn more about The Faustian Host or the author?
Check out these links:
$2.99 on Amazon

Goodreads

Author Website

Barnes and Noble

Redheads Are Soulless Tour! Review and Excerpt!

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to my stop on the Red Blog Tour! Even though the title is a total lie to redheads everywhere because I certainly have a soul this book is fantastic! Enjoy my review and excerpt!

Title- Redheads are Soulless

Author- Heather M. White

Source- ebook sent from author

Pages- 213

Publisher- self-published

Goodreads Summary-

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.

~Review~

Cover Thoughts-

I freaking love it! I promise it is not because I am a redhead too. It's because she looks beautiful on the cover and matches perfectly with Sofia. I even like the contrast of the purple and red. :)

First Thought-

Ooooooohhhh Aaaaaaaahhh. I love this summary! I'm really excited to get reading this!

What I liked-

I finished it in one sitting. I sat down and was crying from the start. It is just so sad how Sophia lives. She is alone, outcast, basically her mother's keeper, and her father died. I love how you can feel her emotions and every aspect of her loneliness is covered and the emotions are so raw. My favorite scene was where she first met Jason. Finally a boy of her dreams is here for her and cares for her and she just turns him down. She doesn't believe in the potential or beauty within herself. That really clicked in me because its like every girl is insecure and Sophia just embodies that insecure presence even though she is actually kind-hearted and one of a kind. I also love the twist at the end. I really didn't see it coming at all. It was hard to wrap my mind around it and then every piece fell into place. Robbie the super bad boy might be competition next to the super sweet boy Jason. I will totally be looking forward to the nest book in the series.

What I disliked-

Some things I kind of worried about like the story about her dad. If she and her mom know the real story then what do the cops or the town know? It is a small gossiping town that have talk and rumors so I was like what do they think about her father's death? Also towards the middle of the book you learn what Sophia actually is and what Jason and Robbie are and that confused me too. It wasn't enough information on them to keep me actually interested in what they are. I really wanted to know more about it and what their beliefs are but maybe that will come later in the series. That is it!

Overall Readability-

Awe-mazing! I really liked it! The story is original and I have never read anything even close to it! It has some good twists and a great plot. It is diffidently a story to look forward to.

My Final Thought-

How did they find more of their kind? What are Jason and Adrianne going to do now? How could the story stop at such a good part?!

4 out of 5 Haunted Roses

~Author Bio~

Hi! I'm Heather M White, a YA Paranormal author. I'm 22 years old and I recently got married. I just moved from Saint Louis, Missouri to a very small town in Arkansas. My passion is: writing. I also like to read, and play guitar. And I love Dr. Pepper! 

Goodreads

Website

Twitter

~Excerpt~

Just then, the classroom door opened and in walked a student I have never seen before. I wanted to look away, but I couldn't. Something about this guy captured my attention. It was like my eyes were glued to him.

He walked to the front of the class with pride and dignity. His hair was black, but not in a gothic, I hate my life, way. More like a, I’m a rock star, kind of way. His bangs swept to the side, and normally I’m not into that, but it looked good on him. He was tall, towering at least a foot over Mr. Franks. His tight, black hoodie clung to his abdomen, and it was hard

not to stare at his rock hard muscles. He wasn’t big like a football player, but something told me nobody would want to mess with him.

His eyes met mine for a second, and the hair on my arms stood up. His eyes were solid black. But then, something explainable happened they turned to a golden brown color. I blinked a few times. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.

He winked at me, and I was finally able to look away. I was sure my face was as bright as my red hair.

I looked up again once I heard Mr. Franks voice. “Everybody, this is Jason Morgan. He has just transferred here from California.” He pointed to the empty seat beside me. “Just take a seat in the back, please.”

My heart sped up about a hundred beats a minute.

He would be sitting by me.

Of course he would, that is the only empty desk in the class. Nobody else wants to sit by me.

On his way back to the seat, I could see people were giving him sympathetic looks. Poor guy, having to sit by her, I hope he doesn’t get her herpes, I could hear them whisper.

I looked down at my textbook, ignoring the whispers, as Jason took a seat beside me. I could feel his eyes on me. I glanced up for a moment. Sure enough, he was looking right at me.

“I’m Jason,” he introduced himself in a whisper.

“I know. Mr. Franks just told the class,” I whispered back, hoping that my unkind tone would end the conversation.

“I was hoping you’d tell me your name.”

I tried to hide the surprised look on my face.

“Why would you want to know my name?”

“Well,” he paused for a moment, “we are going to be sitting beside each other all year. I should at least know your name.”

I glanced around to make sure nobody was looking. “You really shouldn’t talk to me,” I warned him.

“What if I want to talk to you?”

“I’m kind of a freak,” I admitted sadly.

“Maybe I’m a freak, too.”

I sighed. “It’s your reputation at stake.”

“I think I’ll take my chances,” he smiled. “Are you going to tell me your name?”

“Sofia Black,” I mumbled.

“Well, Sofia Black, it is very nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

I turned my attention back to Mr. Franks, who happened to be standing right in front of us.

“Sorry, Mr. Franks,” I apologized immediately.

He tried to look mad, but I could see a smile beyond his angry face. “Since you two like talking so much, maybe you could show Jason around school.”

“I wouldn’t want to tarnish his reputation like that,” I protested.

“I’d love for Sofia to show me around,” Jason added quickly.

Mr. Franks smiled. “Then it’s settled.” With that, he walked back to the front of the room and continued the lesson.

My mouth hung open in disbelief. What was with this guy? Did he really have no self respect?

Vaempires Revolution Tour! Guestpost and Giveaway!

Hello and welcome to this awesome tour stop including the amazing soundtrack in the guestpost from Thomas Winship and a giveaway of 1 ebook! Woot woot!

Title- Væmpires Revolution

Author- Thomas Winship

Pages- 216

Publisher- Createspace

Publication Date- October 28th 2011

Goodreads Summary-

It is the morning of Princess Cassandra’s sixteenth birthday. Everyone’s attention is focused on the heir to the vampire throne. World leaders, the rich and famous, and VIPs from every corner of the globe have gathered in the nation’s capital to celebrate the momentous event. 
Cassandra’s boyfriend, Daniel, is late for the party. He’s still outside the city when all hell breaks loose. What he believes is an act of terrorism proves to be a full-fledged revolution. Væmpires—former vampires who mutated into warm-blooded creatures with an insatiable hunger for cold blood—have launched coordinated attacks across the globe, with three goals: the eradication of humanity, the enslavement of vampires, and the ascension of væmpires as the dominant species on the planet.
The vampire and human leaders are killed. Cassandra is missing. Daniel is the acting king. Desperate to find the princess, Daniel and his friends fight their way across the besieged city. With the hopes of the free world resting on the shoulders of four vampire teenagers, væmpires unleash their secret weapons—væmpires with special powers.
What can four teens do against an enemy that can shape-shift, fly, or walk through walls?

Thomas Winship

Thomas Winship was born in Middletown, NY (USA) and still resides in Orange County. He holds an MBA in Management from St. Thomas Aquinas College, where he serves as an adjunct professor of courses in English Composition, Communications, and Business. He also spent fifteen years working for a global pharmaceutical company, specializing in organizational development, talent management, and training. Tom writes in his spare time. His first novel, a mystery/legal thriller entitled Temporary Insanity (a.k.a. Case Closed), was a 2008 finalist in a national contest but failed to garner industry attention. His second novel, Væmpires: Revolution, was published in October and a follow-up novella, Væmpires: White Christmas, was published in December. He is an avid collector of books, comic books, music, and movies. His interests are diverse: on any given day, Tom is likely to be found watching a horror movie, attending a hard rock concert, or enjoying a Broadway show. He is currently working on the next installment of the “Væmpires” series, which is scheduled for a 2012 release.

~Væmpires Soundtrack~ 

Hello everyone. I’m so excited to be today’s guest blogger at The Haunted Rose! I’m Thomas Winship, author of Væmpires: Revolution and Væmpires: White Christmas. Both books are part of a new, ongoing vampire series that explores the question: what if vampires evolved? On the subject of questions—one of the most common questions I’m asked is: which songs would I select for a Væmpires soundtrack?I haven’t answered the question as yet, because doing so involved a lot of soul searching that I simply wasn’t ready for. Until now, that is. When I saw Rose’s website, it finally felt like it was time to make those long-awaited decisions. They weren’t easy. I’m a huge lover of music (my iTunes library has 150,000 songs), so I gave each selection serious consideration. And even now, as I’m ready to unveil them, there’s still a debate running in my mind. These songs represent a good mix of genres, as well as a mix of new and old. It’s also important to note that this list will probably change over time … but for now, I give you the unofficialVæmpires: Revolutionsoundtrack: Track 1) Opening/Daniel’s Theme: Linkin Park – Burn It Down Chapter 1 This track captures the feel of Orion as the attack gets underway and Daniel begins to realize the scope of what he’s up against. Embed: Track 2) Vampires Theme: Skillet – Hero Chapters 2-4 This is the perfect track for segueing from our introduction to Daniel into our introduction to Princess Cassandra. Embed: Track 3) Vielyn’s Theme: Spill Canvas - All Over You Chapter 5 As on reviewer put it, “Vielyn has some major resentment issues.” The old saying claims that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned … but Vielyn’s out to prove it wrong. Embed: Track 4) Daniel’s Theme:Kansas -Carry On Wayward Son Chapter 6 This is a wonderful classic track that was the easiest selection; because it ran through my head the entire time I wrote this part of the novel. Embed: Track 5) Cassandra & Vielyn’s Theme:Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know Chapters 5 & 7 This is a song that accurately portrays the disconnects and lingering echoes of a broken relationship—the perfect fit for the dynamic between these former lovers. Embed: Track 6) Vielyn’s Theme: Marilyn Manson - No Reflection Chapter 7 I selected this track for a few reasons. The song speaks to a traditional vampire stereotype, so it was hard to resist, but Vielyn also reminds me of Manson. Embed: Track 7) Daniel’s Theme:Shinedown–Unity Chapters 8-9 A song about strength and helping those who need it; exactly what Daniel is doing as he passes through the embattled city. Embed: Track 8) Væmpires Theme: Halestorm - Love Bites (So Do I) Chapter 10 Much like the Manson song, the title alone makes this a compelling choice for a vampire soundtrack. The content is a bit more light-hearted, but it fits perfectly with the celebration—the soon to be abbreviated celebration—that Daniel stumbles upon. Embed: Track 9) Væmpires Theme: Skillet – Monster Chapter 12 The perfect track for the scenes in which Vielyn and Jorl expose their monstrous sides to Cassandra. Embed: Track 10) Cassandra’s Theme: Katy Perry - Part of Me Chapter 14 Cassandra triumphant. As if we ever doubted it … Embed: Track 11) Daniel’s Theme:Nickelback - This Means War Chapters 15-16 With a little help from his friends, Daniel takes the fight to the væmpires … in “shoking” fashion. Embed: Track 12) Cassandra & Daniel’s Theme: Blake Shelton – God Gave Me You Chapter 17 Against all odds, the lovers reunite. Embed: Track 13) Battle Theme: Five Finger Death Punch – Back For More Chapters 20-22 Unfortunately, our heroes’ celebration is premature. The væmpires are back with a vengeance for an all-out epic battle. Embed: Track 14) Closing/Cassandra & Daniel’s Theme: Miranda Lambert - Over You Chapter 23 I’m not giving this away. You’ll have to read it for yourself. Embed: So, there you have it: the unofficial Væmpires: Revolution soundtrack. Enjoy! I’d like to thank all of you for stopping in and offer a very special “thank you” to Rosefor hosting my Dark Mind Book Tour and for inviting me to The Haunted Rose. I hope you enjoyed my guest blog. I’d love to hear what you think of it and/or answer any questions you may have. Post comments or questions below and I’ll be sure to respond. Feel free to stop by my website and reach out. I’d love to hear from you if you check out Vaempires. Below are links where you can find me. 

Take care, 

Thomas Winship 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Goodreads

Did we catch your attention? Buy the book!

$0.99 on Amazon for Kindle

Itunes

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~Giveaway~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shelving Sunday I

Every Sunday I try to dedicate one post to thank every author that sent me books, or giveaway hosts I won from, or a friend that lent me a book. 

Don't forget to tell me if you own or have any of these too!

~Won~

S.M.Boyce hosted an enormous blog tour with lots of giveaways and I fortunately won the cool bracelets and tattoos below and a ebook copy of Lichgates.

The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it, and Kara Magari is its next target. She has no idea what she's getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she's thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that all want the Grimoire's secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to control her. 

Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known of life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book – one question that can fix everything in his broken life – and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.

There’s no escaping Ourea. There’s no going back now.

Okay so these bookmarks weren't technically won. Imogen Rose was just kind enough to send me some. :) I also plan on having a giveaway with these since I have so many! Maybe to celebrate the release of the second book in the bonfire academy series Integration.

Integration expected publication: July 30th 2012




SupaGurl Books hosted a giveaway on the Meeting Destiny Tour by Nancy Straight. I won all three signed paperbacks in the series! I can't wait to get reading Meeting Destiny.

Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense.A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger…Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities.

 ~Sent~

Swipe was sent as a paperback by Thomas Nelson Publishing for Evan Angler's blog tour. I did a review for it located here. 

Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?

Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, Swipe follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn’t even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship. 

The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It’s almost Logan Langly’s 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back. 

When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is Left Behind meets Matched for middle-grade readers.

~Bought~

Finally I got my hands on this amazing book in one of my favorite series! 

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

~Ebooks~

And last but not least here is a quick rundown of all the ebooks I have acquired through blog tours, authors, and bought myself.

~Bought~

~Sent~

*for review*

~Won~

See any up above that you heard of? Or own? Or want to know more about? Comment!