Review & Giveaway: Liberty Bound (Prophecy Girl #2) by Faith McKay @faithmckay

 Liberty Bound

Lacuna Valley #2

by Faith McKay

YA Urban Fantasy

Published March 2014

*Ebook obtained directly from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

     All Sam ever wanted was to be free of her mother. With a happy home and Nick at her side, life should be great. But life has never been that simple. With the werewolves angry, the deal with the seasonals broken, and her mother on the run with the orb, Sam is more lost than ever. This would be a great time to make use of her prophetic dreams, if she could only figure out how to navigate them.     While Sam seems powerless, her little sister is not, and everyone wants to take advantage of her wish-granting abilities. It's all Sam can do to keep them at bay. At nine years old with powers that could save—or end—the world and a mother who left her for dead, Violet's had more than her share of awful. Sam's not about to let anything else happen to her sister. But Violet is starting to realize that with all her power, maybe she doesn't need Sam's help at all.

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Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Author's Website. 

Also check out Prophecy Girl, Lacuna Valley #1 and add it on Goodreads!

Faith McKay writes quirky paranormal stories with guts. She is the author of PROPHECY GIRL and its new sequel, LIBERTY BOUND, a story where characters struggle with the idea of having a destiny. In comparison, she feels really lucky that her destiny was to struggle with comma placement and be that awkward lady who points out puns at parties. Other things to know about Faith… She wears two different colored shoes. She is a survivor of child abuse. She has lived with chronic illness for over a decade. A lot of people don't like her because she laughs too much. It's also the reason a lot of other people do like her, so go figure. She listens to more music than people are probably supposed to. She's a nomad. The word sounds really cool, so a lot of people say it, but she actually lives in an RV with her husband, Robert. If you'd like to know more about the Lacuna Valley series or Faith McKay, visit her website at FaithMcKay.net. 

You can also follow her on facebook and twitter.

 Yay for fabulous sequels! I really, really enjoy this series. It has really fabulous characters. Faith McKay created a really fun but nail biting world. You can go back and read my review of book 1, Prophecy Girl, here. 

This novel picks up right after the the last one ends. Poor Sam is still feeling like she's holding the entire world on her shoulders. She's trying her best to save everyone including her sister without having to actually use her little sister to do so. She's trying to spare her little sister from having to bare such a burden and also risk her safety because she can't quite control her powers. I love Nick and his little brother Zach. They melt my heart. Poor Nick is stuck basically being non-existent now that he's lost the orb to Sam's crazy mom. There's quite a bit of turmoil within his family because of it. They're all trying to find the orb and get it back to their town. A caution light causes quite a bit of uproar in the town of peacefulness. Everyone is fighting with everyone else. No one is happy in the quiet little town now. 

Great plot sequence in this novel! I was never bored. I did become a tad exhausted because of Sam's burden. Not exhausted in the sense that I wanted to put it down. Exhausted in the sense that I felt Sam's burden like it was on my own shoulders. She was basically losing everyone. I will tell you that Sam does quite of bit of whining and wallowing. I can't really blame her but it is a tad annoying here and there. 

I love that we continue to see the Seasonals! They're still one of my most fave fantasy characters! They're just wonderfully magical characters! Well, in this novel, they aren't exactly on such good terms with Nick & Sam. Quite a bit of hostility here and there. Love them though!

Overall, I'm so glad that I was able to continue reading Sam's story! I can't wait for more!!!! Yikes! What a cliffhanger! It left me wanting more and wishing the novel continued so I could find out what was about to happen. 

So overall rating: 4.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 3.5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 4.5 Stars
Climax: 4 Stars
Ending: 4 Stars

Can't wait for more!

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Review: Reborn (Wanderers #2) by Jessica Miller

Reborn

Wanderers #2

by Jessica Miller

YA PNR

Published October 25, 2013

*Ebook obtained directly from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Ella finally knows what she is, but now she’s not so sure she knows who she is.

With Jack still on the loose her parents have her confined to the house leaving Ella to feel like she’s stuck in a prison. Coping with the loss of her best friend and the love of her life, Ella feels trapped in an endless cycle of torment. She feels she’s doomed to lose everyone she loves. In attempt to keep her safe and help her understand her new life her parents decide that what’s best for her is to go back to school, but not just any school.

Ella’s not alone though. The school is filled with students who are just like her, including her brother Dean. Her mission is to keep herself blended in the background and out of trouble, but unfortunately Ella isn’t that lucky. With the roommate from hell, her brother constantly breathing down her neck, and being pinned right away as the outcast, Ella wants nothing more than to just crawl under a rock for the rest of her life. Even the school’s sweetheart has it in for her.

Can she overcome her fear of the unknown? Will she ever learn to accept who she is? The most important thing Ella is concerned about is just surviving the semester at Hamilton Hill.

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I live in a fantasy world and have an over active imagination. But the best part about that is I never stop creating new characters and new stories to share. I love writing and expressing myself in a way that everyone else can enjoy as well. I work in the salon most days, but when i'm not doing hair, I'm writing or reading. 

Connect with Jessica:   Goodreads   Twitter    Facebook   Blog

Ah! This series leaves me hanging every time but I love it. It's like a little bit or torture along with all the goodness that's within the pages.

After finishing the first book in the series, I was totally heartbroken, hoping that it was all a misunderstanding, and as soon as I started book 2, it would be set right.

I liked where the author took the plot - sending Ella away to the school. I liked the new characters that were introduced. Roman was questionable there for a while. I wasn't sure if I liked him or not. He was so wishy washy and couldn't make up his own mind. It was like he was totally bipolar. Things are explained the farther you move along in the novel. Then it was Ella who got on my nerves because I felt like she was leading on Roman and still pining after Tristan (who could blame her though - loved him!)

Then you hit the climax - the battle. I was a little shocked that it wasn't more drawn out and climactic. It seemed almost too easy and over way too quickly. But then the kink is thrown in what you think happened and you're back going "OH MY CRAP!"

The ending left me feeling awful for Roman but excited for Ella. I can't wait to see where the story goes next. But again, I'm really sad for Roman :(

Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Cover Rating: 3 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Plot: 4 Stars
Climax: 3.5 Stars
Ending: 4.5 Stars

ARC Review: Claim Me (Stark Trilogy #2) by J. Kenner

Claim Me

Stark Trilogy #2

by J. Kenner

Erotic Romance / Light BDSM

Expected Publication: April 23, 2013 by Batam

*ARC Ebook obtained via NetGalley in 

exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.

Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.

I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.

But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.

Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

  

Pre-Order Your Copy:

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About the Author:

J. Kenner spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and Central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge her passion for writing. California born, she now lives—and writes—in Texas, with her husband and daughters.


Connect with the Author: Goodreads   Twitter    Facebook   Website







My Review:

Oh my, my, my.... I just can't get enough of Damien Stark.

Let me start out by saying that for most readers, you either like this type of novel (erotica with BDSM) or you don't. I like them... a lot.

With that being said, I won't go into detail about the actual erotic fun in this novel but I will say that Kenner didn't disappoint. Great scenes and high emotion throughout them.

Now, the rest of the deets...

I adore the characters in this novel. They seem to me to have more depth than other popular erotica novel characters do. If you read book 1, Release Me, and you enjoyed it, this novel doesn't disappoint. I will say that the first nearly half of the novel is a tad slow... great scenes, but as far as the plot unfolding, it's a tad slow. Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the first half... but compared to the rest of the novel, it wasn't nearly as eventful.

All of a sudden, the novel seems to take off - it's one thing after another. You learn more about Damien's past, which breaks your heart even more for this man, and you also continue to see Nikki struggle with trying to keep herself from turning to cutting to ground her. Slowly, Damien begins to open up little by little but there's still so many mysteries yet to be unveiled. It leaves the reader on their toes waiting for "what's next?!"

The drama constantly had me biting my nails and wanting to jump through the novel. Nikki's mom - UG! - that woman makes me want to hurl... better yet, I want to punch her in her face! >_<

Now.... the ending.... jeewiz... I can't believe that Julie left us hanging where she does! Now don't get me wrong, the ending is perfect... but the events that are beginning to unfold! I wanted to scream at the book when I reached the last page! LoL I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends - I'm crossing my fingers that things work out the way I want them too ^_^


Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars --> ahh that scarf! Love that they used this as the cover image.
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Plot: 4 Stars
Climax: 4.5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars

Review: Beauty from Pain (Beauty #1) by Georgia Cates

Beauty from Pain

(Beauty #1)

by Georgia Cates

Adult Romance

Published January 29, 2013

*Ebook won via blog giveaway*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.

Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.

It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.

Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and language.

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About the Author:

Per Georgia's blog - She's a wife, mom of 2 daughters, and a L&D Nurse. Of course, now, she can add Author to that list! Her debut novel was Blood of Anteros - a Paranormal romance. She recently hit the New York Times Best Sellers List with Beauty From Pain!! Yay!

Connect with Georgia:

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My Review:

 Where to start! I guess I can start from the cover to the juicy details.

Seriously - take another look at this cover. It's STUNNING! Love it!

Now, down to the rest of the juicy details within the cover... Oh boy... hold on to your knickers ;)

I LOVED this book.

First off, the characters:
You have Laurelyn, our lead female, who is getting over a rough break up (well, do you even call it that - he was freaking married & she didn't know it! Douchebag...) and decides to go with her best friend to Australia for a few months to stay at her bestie's brother's house.

Enter Jack... ooh la la. He's a hot, rich, vineyard owning, private man... did I say hot? LoL See, Jack has this quirky relationship habit (again, can I call it that?) where he scouts out a woman of his choice and they make an agreement to spend a few weeks together. He never tells them his real name, never takes them home, never tells them anything that could potentially lead them to find out who he REALLY is. It's an interesting take on a relationship - that's for sure. Definitely a creative way to have your cake, eat it, & not let anyone know who the baker is... LoL

Jack is in town for a steady three months so he decides to take a chance & change up his routine. He wants to stick with the same "relationship" for 3 months instead of just a couple weeks. While scouting for his next woman, he finds Laurelyn. I absolutely loved how he gets his information while at the bar. Too fun! Well, turns out, it's a perfect match: he wants 3 months & she's only in the country for 3 months. Win win right? Well, from the beginning, everything with Laurelyn is different.

Oh yea  - I forgot to mention... her bestie's brother has the hots for Laurelyn too. There's a lot of male testosterone being thrown around because he wants Laurelyn all to himself while they're here for 3 months. It gets ugly a few times because he definitely is a jealous type. 

Oh... and then there's one of Jack's other "girlfriends" who happened to figure out who he really is... and she's one jealous, crazy biatch. >_<

Well, I don't want to include spoilers, so I'm not going to go into much more detail with regards to the plot & outcomes.

The plot moves smoothly, the characters are extremely likable, the emotion is high, the sex is hot, and it keeps you on your toes.Of course there are a few moments of predictability but these days, there's few novels that don't have a few moments like that - especially when it comes to romance.

Overall, definitely 5 stars! Loved it. I couldn't put it down.

Cover Rating: 5 Huge Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 4.5 Stars
Climax: 4.5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars <--I NEED BOOK 2 NOWWWWWWW





Review: The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden

(Coincidence #1)

By Jessica Sorensen

 

NA Contemporary Romance

Published December 13, 2012

 

*Self-Purchased ebook*

Synopsis Via Goodreads:

There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.

Get Your Copy for $.99 (GET THIS BOOK!! LoL)

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About the Author:
The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Connect with Jessica:
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My Review:

Holy emotional mess! I don't know how to breathe right after getting to the end of this one.

I absolutely LOVE every main character - Luke, Seth, Callie & Kayden.

I cried for them, I smiled for them, I was angry for them... I wanted to jump through the book and take matters into my own hands.

How many things can go horribly wrong in one set of kids' lives??! Cutter, rape, bulimia, getting beaten & bullied by kids and family....

Such an emotional, heart wrenching book of facing the demons with the main characters Callie & Kayden.

I'm very happy that the characters were able to find comfort in each other. I found it completely heart wrenching to go through Callie's journey with her of letting down some of her walls and working through "the List." I loved Seth because he was there for her every step of the way.

Kayden - having to deal with his dad all of the time. I was on edge for him every step of the way when he would go home. I never knew what would happen next and if he would make it out of that house alive.

I can't believe that Jessica left us with such a cliffhanger!!! My mental sanity is seriously lacking when I managed to make it to the last page in the book. I must have book 2 now!!!!


Quote:
"In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one."


Overall Rating: 5 Huge Stars

Cover Rating: 5 Huge Stars - this cover is absolutely STUNNING & fits the story perfectly! One of my favorite moments in the novel!!!!

Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars
Climax: 5 Freaking, Heart Wrenching, Tear Jerking Stars!
Ending: Seriously, I'm not putting a star on this because I don't know what I'm thinking at the moment... stars don't match the magnitude for which the ending has left me gasping for breath...