Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face. Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn,Destinedis the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless. From goodreads.com
If you haven’t read the first 3 books, run away!
I received this book as part of the blog tour for Around the World ARC tours and I couldn’t wait to get started.
Destined picks up right where Illusions left off. The gang finally discovered who Yuki is and are now holding her captive. So much happens in this book, from bloody fighting to emotional roller coasters. All of the main characters are present and are in for a battle of their lives. Aprilynne brings in certain aspects of a known legend and makes it her own. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story, and love how it was written. Tamani and Laurel’s relationship continues to grow, as her relationship with David and Chelsea.
This book is fast paced and takes place in a matter of a day. Full of action, sword fighting, and unbreakable friendships, Aprilynne concludes the series with a bang. There are a few aspects of the story that I wished turned out differently, but in the end, some things are necessary. I was sad to see this series go. Can’t wait to read what else Aprilynne has in store for us!
What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?
Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.
Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.
But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life? From goodreads.com
The moment I saw the cover I knew I wanted to read this book. I was part of the cover reveal with Entangled Publishing and when the copy came my way I literally squealed.
Chosen Ones takes off from the beginning pages. We meet Tess, a sixteen-year-old girl who lives in a world where everything is watched, rationed, and women can’t bring life into the world. The Chosen Ones are the ones who are the future of the world, and they’re not even human. This is what Tess thinks, this is what everyone thinks. Then Tess is sent to the Templeton to work and she meets James. James is a Chosen One but he is not like the others. Their relationship develops with sweet kind of beauty that takes your breath away. I enjoyed watching both of these characters grow and develop. Tess doesn’t believe in love and yet James opens her heart to new heights. And James, one who is supposed to be without feeling, feels more intently than any human possible. There is so much in this story that’s haunting, beautiful, and extraordinary.
Tiffany creates a world that is believable and unique. Tess is a kick butt kind of a characters that grows with the struggles she has to go through and you can’t help but love her for it. James is a boy with a heart like no other, who feels deeply and loves completely. When I got to the last pages of the book, I sat there staring at the blank page, willing it to turn into book two!
Chosen Ones comes out April 10th! If you love a good story, this book is for you!
OCD kindergarten teacher Johanna hates Valentine’s Day. She hates romance, hates commercialism, and definitely hates her school’s annual charity date auction. She never expects her pre-auction night of drinking to land a sexy Brit in her bed. Or for that Brit to show up at the auction, bid thousands just to talk to her again, and get down on one knee in front of everyone and ask her to marry him. Viscount Damon Hayes has never met anyone like Johanna. She’s neurotic, fascinating, and fun. She also doesn’t care about his title and doesn’t want his money, which makes Johanna perfect to fulfill a surprise clause in his father’s will: marry within three months and remain married for a year, or lose his fortune. A relationship is out of the question, but when passions ignite and the two fall in love, their marriage of convenience becomes anything but. From Goodreads.com (Disclaimer: This is an Adult book)
I had so much fun reading this story! Johanna and Damon are fabulous characters and their chemistry is simply sizzling. Right of the bat, I like where the story was going. Johanna is a take charge kind of a character, but also one with a soft heart. Damon is a perfect reflection of perfection (even with all his problems) and hotness (*le sigh). I loved watching these two interact, okay, fight throughout the book. Even as they get married out of pure need to help each other out, their relationship develops in a beautiful and real way. This books is a fun read, that lets you gleam the aspect of human relationships while still keeping it entertaining. Overall, the characters are fun and real. The plot is fast paced and exciting. I couldn't stop reading, needing to know what happened next. The only part of this book I didn't like is that it ended.
Now I have a special treat for y'all! Diane was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.
What inspired you to write?
I’ve always loved reading, and even as a child, I dreamed of one day becoming a writer. As I grew up, I convinced myself that I couldn’t possibly ever finish a book. I believed that, even as my husband encouraged me to try. I resisted writing because I thought I would be doomed to fail.
Then…I had a scene come in my head that I could not get out. I decided to write it down, just for fun. Well, lo and behold, soon I was writing a book. It wasn’t until I was more than halfway through the novel before I realized—hey, I can do this.
Why chose romance?
Ah, I love happy endings. I love first kisses, first fights. I love to see love conquer all the evil in the world. I love the drama, the tears, and the gut-clenching desire. I actually didn’t plan on my first book to be a romance book, but it turned into one even so.
I’m destined to write romance…probably because I devour it in my free time. Ever since I was twelve, and I picked up a copy of Jude Deveraux’s Highland Velvet—I’ve been hooked. Historical, contemporary, suspense? I’ll take it all, as long as it has true love inside of it, and a happily ever after.
Who was the most fun character to write and why?
Oh, god. This is hard! Let me think…
I might have to say Damon, from my current release, On One Condition. He’s so charming, sweet, and has such a great sense of humor. And I loved watching him win over Johanna—even though she didn’t want anything to do with love.
Who was the hardest character to write and why?
My current book I’m writing, a historical romance, has a character named Winston that had some seriously horrible things happen to him. He’s having nightmares, trust issues, and consumed with guilt and self-hatred. Getting into his head is hard, and at times upsetting. But that is who he is, so who am I to fight it?
Do you find it harder to write shorter stories?
Easier, actually. I have gotten quite good at writing a full length story that is compressed into 25K and under. At first, it intimidated me. But once I tried it? Oh, man, I was hooked!
Who are some of the authors that inspire you?
Oh, there’s so many! Julia Quinn, Christina Dodd, Johanna Lindsey, Jude Deveraux and all of my fellow authors at my publisher’s. Every single one of them inspires me to write better. To be better.
One thing you wish you knew before starting your career as a writer.
The waiting! As a writer, you’re always waiting. Waiting to finish the book. Waiting to revise it. Waiting to hear back from the agent. Waiting to hear back from the publisher. Waiting for your cover. Waiting for your edits…
You get the idea. I always tell people interested in writing that you better be good at waiting—or at least at pretending to be good!
Coffee or Tea:
Depends. At night I love some decaf Peach Tea. Mmmm. But during the day? Black coffee. All the way. I actually can’t write without coffee at my side. No lie!
Favorite Desert:
Chocolate cake. Decadent chocolate cake. Melt in your mouth chocolate cake, with the little shavings of chocolate on top. Mmm….
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
On a warm, sunny beach where crystal blue water surrounded me. I love how blue the water is in the Caribbean and Hawaii. But if I had to choose one, I’d definitely say Hawaii!
Diane Alberts lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her husband, four kids, and a bird. She lives in the mountains-but wishes it were the beach. Diane believes strongly in a happily-ever-after for everyone. She especially loves tortured heroes and heroines, as can be seen in her stories. She loves interacting with readers, so feel free to email her atdiane@dianealberts.com, or follow her on her various social networks. Her website address is:www.dianealberts.com.
Love can never die. Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the livingandthe dead—or rather, theundead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie? The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses. But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire. InDearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love. From Goodreads.com
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read Dearly, Departed. Honestly, reading the synopsis, I was intrigued but at the same time terrified at the prospect. Zombie’s in love? What? But after I thought about it, it’s like Vampires in love so I decided to give this book a chance. I was pleasantly surprised.
The characters in this book are interesting. I like Nora and her fighting to be who she wants to be. She doesn’t take crap from people, she learns to fight, and she takes the whole zombie thing surprisingly well. The group of zombies that Nora is introduced to are a hoot. They really give the book a special touch. The one character that definitely makes the book for me is Bram. Except for the whole part where he’s dead, he’s the perfect guy. His character was the most liked out of all the ones I read. He even outshines Nora, who should have more points to her considering she’s actually the one with the heartbeat.
The world Lia created is appealing to say the least. The New Victoria is a unique twist to the steampunk novels I’ve gotten used to. The descriptions are vivid and believable. I enjoyed getting to discover the ways of 2195.
However, I have to admit the ever changing point of view almost drove me up the wall. While I really liked getting into the heads of Nora, Bram, and even Nora’s best friend, the others didn’t seem as necessary to me. I was a little confused at the beginning, thinking I must have missed something. In the end, I got a bit better grip on what was going on.
Overall, this book is definitely worth reading. Lia takes what is known in fiction and makes it her own: a world where death and decay may play a role, but love shines like the brightest star. I don’t know if I’ll be reading it again, but I most definitely will read what happens next. Dearly, Departed is out now, wherever the books are sold.
She wanted her life to change... he wanted his to stay the same. Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them. Ashlyn is about to discover what she'd thought to be true her whole life, wasn't, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever. From Goodreads.com
Ashlyn is a girl with a best friend and a crush on her best friends brother. Sounds like a typical teenage drama, right? That is until she finds out that her friend has been keeping a huge secret from her. Mermaids. There are mermaids in this book people.
I enjoyed every moment of this story. Ashlyn is an interesting character, who works to figure things out when her best friend disappears. I like the fact that she’s smitten with Finn for years, while he’s smitten with her. I like Finn. A lot. He’s a great character, and I feel like he balances Ash out very nicely. They’re definitely two peas in a pod but at the same time they have to fight to stay together. I also like that both were in other relationships before finally having a chance to be together. It kind of shows that there are other roads to take, and there are other people in the world that can teach you valuable lessons for life. Finn and Ash’s relationship is so beautiful it makes your breath catch.
I also really enjoyed being able to get into both of the main characters heads and see the world through their eyes. It gave the story a special kind of a touch. Tatiana was also a wonderful character that brought a certain touch to the story. The brother/sister duo was definitely a nice addition to an already great story.
The world Brenda builds is beautiful, romantic, and enchanting. The story takes something we already know and love and gives it a new, exciting twist. This book was everything I hoped it would be. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the world of Everblue. Thank you so much, Brenda, for giving me the privilege of reading your story. Everyone needs to get their hands on this book! Its worth it!
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck. From Goodreads.com
I’ve been hearing so many wonderful things about this book for months. Naturally, I wanted it. When I received it in the mail I was deliriously happy, and a bit apprehensive. You see, sometimes when you hear about a book and all its wonders, it falls short. Half-Blood did NOT disappoint. Honestly, this book BLEW ME OUT OF THE WATER!!!
Half-Blood is a story of Alex. She is a kick-arse kind of a girl with troubles following her everywhere she goes. She’s been on the run for years with her mother, when daimons finally reach them, ripping her life even more apart. She is returned to Covenant for training, where she meets some interesting people while reconciling with old friends. Since she needs extra help for missing training so long, she trains with Aiden. And that’s when the real fun begins.
I don’t know how to talk about this book without giving everything away. The characters are amazing. Their relationships, their banter, even their fighting is all genius. You get pulled in from page one and cannot put it down until you know what happens. Alex is a strong character who, even though is a bit irrational, can take care of herself. Aiden. Well, that’s all I have to say right there. Anyone swooning yet? Seriously, he is perfection. I can’t even elaborate on that because this review will turn into a book.
Now, one of my favorite parts of the book is all the fighting. The scenes are amazing. Emotional. Real. I’m stopping there.
Overall, this book is the best book I’ve read this year. I’ve loved so many out there, but this story just took a place in my heart and won’t leave. Jennifer is a genius with words. Her sense of humor is fabulous, and the conversations these characters have will go down in for their epic-ness in the Book of Epic. She weaves a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, leaving you begging for more the moment you stop reading. Honestly, it’s an obsession. Fun, brilliant, fabulous! You all need to read that book the moment it comes out! I’m not even kidding!!! That’s an order. If you don’t do it, I’ll send Aiden after you! Oh, Aiden *swoons*
Anyway, go grab a copy!! You won’t regret it!
Caution:
This book may, and probably, will accelerate your heart rate. May cause severe perspiration and restlessness. Read at your own risk.
It could happen tomorrow... A cataclysmic event. An army of "The Changed." Can one teen really survive on her own? An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky, destroying every electronic device and killing billions. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human... Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the Changed, Alex meets up with Tom---a young army veteran---and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse. This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to survive. From goodreads.com
Wow. Ummm. Wow. End of review.
But seriously guys, I don’t even know what to say about this book, because it blew me away!
Its beings with a girl named Alex going on a little hike. She’s struggling with some things in her life and need a bit of time to figure things out. That one hike changes her life forever. The whole world changes. An EMP sweeps through the sky killing most of the population and leaving many “Changed.” Alex meets Ellie and Tom. Together they create a family of their own, trying to survive.
I loved the relationships in this book. Each character is real. I expected good story as soon as I started reading. What I didn’t expect was zombie. But I loved it! The way Ilsa writes, it’s breathtaking. The reality of the savageness of these used to be people is outstanding. I’m definitely privy to one guy in the story, but I won’t reveal who that is just yet. Alex is a strong character who fights for others before she fights for herself.
The story pulls you in from the opening pages and keeps holding on till the end. The last words of the book, oh my goodness, are unbelievable!!! Ilsa leaves as with the biggest cliffhanger since the time of cliffhangers and I want book 2 now!!!! This books will leave you wanting more. So much more! It’s a dark, edgy read that is unique and entertaining. This book comes out September 6th. I highly recommend it! Buy it. Read it. Love it.
When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.
From Goodreads.com
So it is officially that time. Wolfsbane is out TOMORROW!!!!! Its amazing how fast time really flies; and how slow it drags by. Well, it is the 25th of July so its time for a review. Here we go.
Andrea is a genius! Sorry, I had to get that out of the way. But, seriously, have you read Nightshade? Wait, you haven’t??? What is wrong with you? May the wrath of book fairies be upon you!!! Ok, maybe not, but I highly recommend it!
Wolfsbane picks up right where Nightshade ends. We know that Calla and Shay are gone. They have ran away, and were promptly kidnapped by some people we get to meet more intimately in Wolfsbane. We get to meet many, many people in Wolfsbane. This book introduces us to the other side of the story. This is where we find out more about the Searchers. Because this is where Calla and Shay are; in the land of the sworn enemies of the Guardians. But just like in any situation, there are two sides to every story. Here we meet Monroe, Connor, Ariadne, Anika, Ethan, and many more. There is a lot of information in Wolfsbane, and we get to find out more about the history and the set up of this world Andrea created.
Calla is still as kick butt as ever. The people she meets and fights along side are pretty kick butt as well. I really enjoy the characters Andrea introduces to us. She has a way of writing likable and not so likable people in the way that keeps you interested. Shay is there with Calla and we see a little bit more of him and his history in this book.
I have to be honest though. There is one thing I did not enjoy about Wolfsbane (which may make some of you very happy). The thing being the absence of Ren. Where was Ren??? Don’t panic, he is in the book, but not as much as I would’ve liked. Yes, in case that didn’t give me away, I am Team Ren all the way. There is just something about him that just *SWOON* Enough said. While Shay is likable enough, mostly, sometimes, maybe; Ren is just dreamy. And who doesn’t love a boy who will give up his one love just so that she can be happy. Recently in books, boys like Ren haven’t been getting the girls so maybe I’m a bit of a sucker for bad boys with a broken heart.
Alright, I will stop talking about Ren. For a bit. (Although I do feel like calling up Doctor and seeing if he can take me to see Ren. That boy needs a hug. Or something)
Overall, Wolfsbane is a wonderful book 2 in a series. Can I just say that even being part of the whole publishing world I am still tortured by the concept of waiting? I want Bloodrose now! Or actually 4 months ago when I finished Wolfsbane, because let me tell you, Andrea likes to torture people!
This series is beautiful. Andrea created a world where tough choices are made, people fight for what they believe in, and love can mean ultimate sacrifice. I love these characters and their journey. Wolfsbane is in stores July 26th! Buy it, read it, love it!
Much love,
Valia
PS. Team Shay or Team Ren? I want to hear your thoughts!
What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?
Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.
From Goodreads.com
So we meet Emma, a new girl in a preppy uptown New York school. Yay for her right? Well, not so much considering she’s new and she’s got a lot to deal with. Enter Brendan, the hotness personified. The boy who comes to her rescue even before he takes a look at her. Then, they meet and all hell breaks lose. You see Emma has these dreams, and they are pretty much freaking her out. Emma and Brendan’s relationship develops somewhat like that Katy Perry song “Hot and Cold.” Emma is experiencing strange occurrences everywhere she goes. She may be losing her mind. But Emma is a smart girl. She befriends a girl, Angelique. She researches the history that keeps haunting her in her dreams, and then she does what any self respecting girl would do and gets her man. But that is just the beginning of the story!
Let me just say that I loved Emma and Brendan! Their relationship is real and heartfelt. When Emma has to make decisions about her own life, you feel as if you are making those decisions with her. Seriously, you cannot help but fall in love with Brendan so imagine what she has to go through. I love how much of a take charge kind of a character she is. When someone wrongs her cousin, she wastes no time in making the wrong right. Sure, sometimes she doesn’t think before she acts, but really, thats what hot boys are for. Brendan *swoon* is, well, the swooning should’ve covered that. He’s a fun character with a heart that makes a girl cry a little because they just don’t seem to make them like that anymore. (All you guys out there, calm down, all you have to do is prove me wrong. Now go buy some flowers for your lady)
Every character in this book is interesting. I liked Angelique as the friend and I’m interested to find out more about her story. I liked the mean girl, the families, the school itself. Cara brings us into a world that is beautifully developed.
Not to sound cliche, but this book held me Spellbound from the first words. Cara is not afraid to bring reality to her characters. She touches hearts and entertains at the same time. Simply put, the book is enchanting. Cara is a genius and I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future. A love story of two individuals fighting against the world to be together, Spellbound will attract your interest and captivate your heart.
This book comes out June 28th! Buy it, read it, love it!
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.
From Goodreads.com
Let me just start out by saying that I absolutely love Greek mythology. I’ve been working with a few ideas for my own book that has that element to it. So when I received this book for review I was more than excited. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. More like hooked, addicted, and maybe a little obsessed. :-)
From the first pages, I liked Helen. Her character is real and easy to relate to. Same goes for her best friend Claire. Their relationship reminds me of my own best friend and the way we are. I swear some of those conversations could be my own. Then we meet the Delos family. Anyone know of a Lucas they can share with me? I loved every member of that family. Their dynamics, relationships, and wit made me laugh out loud more than once. When Lucas and Helen finally became friends, it’s amazing. Their relationship is complicated and hard, but also beautiful. I don’t even know how to describe what goes on between those two. You’re just going to have to read it. :)
I loved every character in this book. They’re all so fun and real while being supernatural. I stayed up for two nights trying to finish this book. Its such a beautiful adaptation of Greek mythology into modern day storyline. Josephine grips you in a tale that is too much for words! Haunting, exploding, and absolutely breathtaking. I honestly cannot say more about this book without being spoiler-y. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
I couldn't help myself in doing this spotlight! Starcrossed is everything a book should be! You will not be disappointed. Go out, buy it, read it, and Love it! I’d love to hear your thoughts! ;-)
