Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Heavenly Hunted by Aria Williams

Today I am doing the cover reveal of Heavenly Hunted by Aria Williams, hosted by Anna at RBTL World of Books Blog Tours :D!

Title:  Heavenly Hunted
 

Author:  Aria Williams
 

Series:  Heavenly Hell Series (#2)
 

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Angels
 

Publisher:  Self Published
 

Release Date: To Be Announced
 

Blurb/Synopsis:

 There is a new threat in town named Bernie who is has one thing on her mind, killing Indiana. Bernie has very special skills, she stalks her prey while keeping hidden in shadows, isolates her victim’s attacking them when least expected and can get into any house at any time with the occupants unaware.

Indiana feels that no one on this earth poses a risk to herself and continues to her involvement help victims of abuse.

Until Nate put his foot down and demands for her to stop, he feels her safety is more important.

With both Connor and Nate putting their differences aside to protect Indy, will she get through this new threat or will she unintentionally put one her friends lives at risk to satisfy her own selfish needs. Or will love prevail and save the day?

Add Heavenly Hunted to your TBR Pile-->Goodreads

About the Author:

My name is Aria Williams, and I am a new author who loves to write Young adult and paranormal novels. I live on nine acres of beautiful pasture land in the central west of NSW. I work full time as a nurse, this is where I get a lot of my inspiration from. For me I find my inspiration in the form of many vices either good or bad. I write from the heart and use my novels to express myself. My first novel was born from my feelings of helplessness in a world where even the innocent die and many people are left wondering why. It felt right to create a character that could heal any physical illness with some minor consequences.  My second novel Heavenly hell is from my personal experiences involving harassment, and the dominating role in which people in positions of authority take and use to their own selfish advancements. When I am not writing or working, I like to play with my dogs and have fun with my friends.  

Find Aria Williams:

Blog

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Early Review & Giveaway: Charmed by Cambria Hebert

Title: Charmed

 

Author: Cambria Hebert

 

Series: Death Escorts #2

 

Publication Date: July 22, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Paranormal/Fantasy

 

Source: e-arc provided by author for my honest opinion/review.

 

Description from Goodreads:

Life or Death? Not many people would choose death. But what if death chooses you? What if death doesn’t mean the end of your life, but the beginning?

For a Death Escort, death is life. Death is your paycheck. Death is your job.

And Charming is the best Escort the Grim Reaper has ever had.

But when you piss off the Reaper, being the best doesn’t matter. So Charming is assigned a Target who is practically impossible to kill. He knows the Reaper hopes he fails—that he’s counting on it. So Charming vows to prove him wrong. He vows to make the kill.

But someone else vows to get in his way. Someone with a big mouth, a sugar habit, and blond hair. Someone who makes his heart start beating again.

And so Charming is left holding more than one person’s fate in the palm of his hand. He thought the choice would be easy, that there really wasn’t a question at all.

He was wrong.

Life or Death?

 

My Thoughts:

And so just minutes after I lived the moment that defined my life forever… I also lived the moment that would forever define my death.

 

 I liked Recalled (the first book in the escort series), and when I heard that this was going to be a series I was super excited. I love the new take of the Grim Reaper created by Cambria Hebert- it is a little creepy, but original :). I will admit that I did not like Charming in Recalled, because he was portrayed as the bad guy (which he was). But after reading Charmed I completely feel in love with his character. There is just so much more to Charming's character that we did not see in Recalled.

Usually my charm, looks, and money got me to the finish line.

 

Who is Charming? Well let me start off by saying that this boy just leaves a trail of Charm where ever he goes. He uses his charm to get his job done as a death escort. But under all that charm, brand clothing, and materialistic life there is a man that lived a rough life, is protective, is honest, and is caring. At the beginning we get the same Charming we got in Recalled-egotistical, charming, cocky, and a real jerk. But getting deeper into Charmed we get to see the true person Charming really was when he was still alive. And after reading all that he suffered, and what he sacrificed to become a death escort I fell even more in love with him. Plus this boy is just oozing sex. Trust me when I say that I had to fan myself a few times, because he is just intense. I will admit that I loved Charming more than I loved Dex :). What can I say? This girl loves her bad boys, and I love that he is a boxer :D!

If I didn’t know what a complete and utter loser he was, I might fall prey to his… well…. his charm. Damn it.

 

I was actually excited to read and learn more of Francesca (Frankie) in Charmed. The little I did read about her in Recalled really made me feel a connection to her character. Frankie is more spontaneous, daring, sassy, and more full of life than Piper's character in Recalled. I just loved that Frankie did not let Charming's charm affect her (it sort of did) but she did not show it. She played Charming back in his game, and this I absolutely loved! What happens when the player finally gets someone who is willing to play him back? These two are just perfect in teasing each other :D!

Her words struck something inside me that I hadn’t felt in a long time, and I pushed it back, I didn’t think about those kinds of things anymore. I didn’t feel.

 

When Frankie decides to make it her mission to stop Charming from completing his next job/kill by messing up his plans, everything in Charming's life starts to mess up. Ever since he died he shut down his emotions, because it helps getting the job done. But now that Frankie is injecting herself in his life, he starts to feel things. He feels emotions that he does not want to acknowledge or even want, because it is ruining his job of being a death escort. Will Charming finally surrender to the things he is feeling and finally start living again, or will he shut down the feelings and continue doing his job so no one will get hurt? You are just going to have to read Charmed to find out :D! I really can't say more without ruining the story to you guys, and trust me when I say this book is worth the buy and worth to read!

...the only direction I seemed to be going was toward him.

“But when I’m around you, I feel like there might be some hope.”

 

Frankie doesn't want to admit or come to terms to what she is feeling towards Charming. I mean who will want to love a man who kills for a living and who tried to hurt her friend? When Charming finally accepts the fact that he is feeling something for Frankie, he wants her to stay away from him. But the attraction and chemistry between these two is just too much for their own minds and bodies to handle. They try to stay away from each other, but their bodies have a mind of their own. I just have to say that Frankie and Charming relationship is one of my favorites. These two are just perfect together! But Charming knows that he can not have a relationship with Frankie, because there is no good that will come out of it, especially when you work for the Grim Repear. That is all I can say without ruining the book :).

Butterflies with razorblade wings.
That’s how he made me feel. It was the feeling that plagued me since we had met, the feeling that took me so long to acknowledge and even longer to identify. It’s exactly what he did to me.

 

Charmed was one of the hardest reviews I had to write so far, because I can't say much without ruining the book. Like I said before Charmed is a book worth buying and reading :). Cambria Hebert brought the heat, sizzle, deepth, and intensity in Charmed with both Charming's and Frankie's characters!
Charmed just has everything that Recalled did not have and so much more. This is definitely going on my favorite reads for 2013 :D!

***e-arc provided by author for my honest opinion and review

 

Final Verdict: 5 Stars

 

 

Favorite Quotes:

"Sometimes there is beauty in sorrow.”

I suddenly felt like I was standing too close to a flame. Heat seared my skin.

“You aren’t dead. You just don’t remember how to live.”

It’s like he and I were stuck on a carousel—destined to go round and round but never actually getting anywhere.

His hand wrapped around mine. His fingers found their way in between mine and curled closed, pressing his palm against mine.

If I had thought Charming was changing before, I knew it now. It was almost like night and day.

She caught my wrists and pulled them away from her head. “Why is it whenever I try to get away from you, I end up in your arms instead?” 

 

About the Author:

Cambria Hebert is a latte sipping author of the Heven & Hell series, the Death Escorts series, and the Take It Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com

 

Find Cambria Hebert:

Website  

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Goodreads 

 

GIVEAWAY!!! 

Win 1 of 2 Kindle copies of Charmed (INT)

2 WINNERS

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Skeleton & Dust by Rhiannon Paille

Today I am participating in the cover reveal for Skeleton & Dust by Rhiannon Paille, organized by Girls Heart Books!

Title: Skeleton & Dust

Author: Rhiannon Paille

Series: The Ferryman + The Flame #3.5

Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013

Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy

 

Synopsis:

In the First Era, before Kaliel and Krishani fell in love, Tor runs. He escapes the Land of Kings and the tyrannical Valtanyana. In the depths of Tempia he forges weapons-- The Flames-- strong enough to oppose the Kings he betrayed.

Aria, The Amethyst Flame, cannot touch the living or the dead and her kin are silent ghosts. Hidden in a cairn deep in the haunted forest, Aria becomes obsessed with the Ferryman, the only boy who can feel her touch.

Before Aria knows it, The Flames, The Ferryman and Tor are swept up in the first war against the Valtanyana.

Add Skeleton & Dust by Rhiannon Paille to your TBR Pile-->Goodreads

About the Author:

Rhiannon is an up and coming Indie Author that writes Young Adult Fantasy books and some non fiction. She has a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. When she’s not writing books she’s reading minds, singing karaoke, burning dinner and sipping iced cappuccino despite her allergy to coffee. Some day she’d like to own a unicorn—as long as it doesn’t eat her. She's sold over 25,000 copies of her books worldwide.

 

Find Rhiannon Paille:

Website 

 

Facebook 

 

Twitter 

 

Goodreads 

 

Amazon Author Page 

 

Smashwords 

 

 

 

 

Blog Tour (Interview) & Giveaway: Keeper of the Lost Souls by Kristy Centeno

Welcome to my stop on the Keeper of the Lost Souls blog tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule! For my stop, I have an interview from the author and a giveaway :D!

 

Title: Keeper of the Lost Souls

 

Author: Kristy Centeno

 

Series: The Keeper Witches Series #1

 

Publication Date: June 17, 2013

 

Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy

 

Summary from Goodreads:

Bryn McCaskey is young, naïve, and can talk to ghosts. Like her mother and grandmother, Bryn is part of a breed of witches called The Keepers of the Lost Souls, whose main purpose is to guard those spirits which are permanently or temporarily grounded in the world of the living.
Because Bryn is a witch, she’s fairly comfortable dealing with all sorts of threats, which she does with ease and confidence. Handling supernatural creatures is as easy to her as baking a pie. Dealing with people however, is something she is yet to learn how to handle.
Unfortunately, as her 18th birthday approaches, and the time for her to take on her first assignment finally arrives, Bryn is forced to confront her inability to communicate with others in an effort to save the one soul that can mean the difference between life and death for mankind.
Johnny Shaw is a lost soul with a personal vendetta against witches. A vendetta he has carried on even after death. However, as much as he might hate them, in order to stop a century old threat, he must join forces with one. When fate brings them together, not only will they be forced to learn how to work as a team, but they will have to depend on each other to stop an evil witch carrying a six hundred year grudge.

 

Available from:

 

 

Author Interview:

1. Would you tell the readers a little bit about yourself? 

I’m a hard working mother of four and the eldest of four children. I was born in a small City in a Caribbean island some twenty something years ago and moved to the USA when I was four. I developed a love for books even before I could read them and my parents encouraged my passion by supplying a healthy amount of books, which I read often. 

 

2. Which project are you currently promoting? 

Keeper of the Lost Souls. The first in the Keeper Witches series.

 

3. Can you tell us what the book is about?

 Keeper of the Lost Souls is basically the story of a witch in training, working on learning the necessary skills to protect her charges even when one of those she’s responsible of guarding has a personal vendetta against witches. Not only is she going to have to learn how to trust herself, but the one person in the world who actually hates her. 

 

4. What inspired you to write this book? 

Like most books I write, this one also began as an idea that crossed my train of thought one quiet night in November. Not soon after that it took the shape of a story and from there I turned it into a book. 

 

About the Author:

As a child, I used to lose myself in an imaginary world by the means of a good book. Now that I’m all grown up, I get to create my own fictional realms and make them come to life in ways that most readers might not expect.
I’ve always had a passion for writing but never had the opportunity do so until now. After trying out numerous options I realized that writing was what I loved the most so when I found myself with some free time on my hands, I decided to give it a shot. As it turned out, my very active imagination helped me achieve my goals of creating believable plots with some ordinary, and some not so ordinary characters that helped the stories move along in one way or another.
As I keep moving along in achieving my dreams of becoming a published author, I divide my time in between my four children and my very understanding husband.​

 

Where to find Kristy Centeno:

Website 

 

Twitter 

 

Goodreads 

 

Facebook 

 

Pinterest 

 

 

***GIVEAWAY***

 3 e-books of Keeper of the Lost Souls, Open Internationally!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

New Cover Reveal: Owlet by Emma Michaels

Today I am doing a cover reveal for Owlet by Emma Michaels, hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads & she runs Xpresso Book Tours :D! 

 

 Title: Owlet

Author: Emma Michaels

Series: Society of Feathers #1

Publication Date: October 13, 2012 (Tribute Books)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

 

Synopsis:

Somewhere between falling and flying… there is a girl.

Iris has a secret. She lost her memory eight years ago and never told a living soul. After an asthma attack one night she finds out that her dreams of a strange house on a snowy island may be a memory resurfacing but the more she learns about the past the more she realizes the life she has been living is a lie. As the façade her father has built starts to crumble around her she will have to decide which means more to her; the truth or her life.

 

Add Owlet by Emma Michaels to your TBR pile--->Goodreads 

 

Book Trailer:

Buy Owlet:

 Amazon

 

Barnes & Noble 

 

Smashwords 

 

iBookstore 

 

Google Books 

 

 About the Author:

Emma Michaels is a cover artist and the author of Owlet. As the founder of The Writers Voice blog (http://OurBooksOurVoice.Blogspot.com) she loves to connect authors and readers. Her love of blogging started when she created a review blog in 2009 (www.EmmaMichaels.com) which gave her the courage to finally submit her own novels to publishers.
Feel free to stop by www.EmmaMichaels.com
and follow to receive the latest updates!

 

Where to find Emma Michaels:

Blog

Twitter (Follow)

 

Facebook ("Like") 

 

Goodreads (Add her Books) 

 

The Writers Voice 

 

Cover Reveal: Scorched Treachery by Rebecca Ethington

Today I am participating in a Cover Reveal of Scorched Treachery by Rebecca Ethington, hosted by Julie at Atomr Tours :D!

Title: Scorched Treachery

Author: Rebecca Ethington

Series: The Imdalind Series #3

Expected Publication Date: July 12, 2013

Genre: Paranormal (with action and romance)

Age Group: YA

Cover Designed by: Okay Creations

Synopsis: 

While Joclyn is trapped in the tormenting hell of Cail’s mind, the battle around her only continues to grow and spread.

*

Edmund has infiltrated the underground hallways of Prague, guiding the massacre that would end the lives of the last of the great magical race. In her attempts to stop him, Wynifred has been captured and her magic restrained. Chained up in the ancient dungeons of Prague, her fate is left in the hands of her father, who has tried to kill her before.
With Ryland’s screams and Sain’s fragmented sights as her only company, Wyn must rely on something that has been hidden deep inside of her for centuries to help them break free.

 *

Ilyan’s whole life has been building up to one purpose. Protect the Silnỳ. He knows what he must do, and he has no doubt in his ability to do so.
But when his father’s magic removes Joclyn’s mind from her body, he is left protecting the shell of the one person he loves. Desperate to find a way to break her free of her prison, he makes a choice. And that one choice changes everything.
Now, Ilyan finds himself bound to Joclyn in a way that he never knew to be possible. They say that blood is thicker than water, but Black Water burns, and Ilyan’s heart may not be strong enough to keep the water pumping through his veins and give the girl he loves back into his brother’s care.
Even if he can, it may not be safe to do so.

Reading order: Kiss of Fire (1), Eyes of Ember (2), Scorched Treachery (3)

 

Add Scorched Treachery by Rebecca Ethington to your TBR pile--->Goodreads

 

Full Cover Wrap:

About the Author:

Rebecca Ethington is a story teller and author from Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. Rebecca’s first stint into the world of literary writing, The Imdalind Series, was released in October 2012 and since its release each book has been found in several top 100 lists on Amazon. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her crazy family.

 

Where to find Rebecca Ethington:

Website (Keep Updated) 

Twitter (Follow)

Goodreads (Add her Books)

Amazon Author Page

Barnes & Noble Author Page

Cover Reveal Blitz & Giveaway: By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart (Guest Post)

This is my first ever Cover Reveal Blitz hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads & she runs Xpresso Book Tours :D! So excited to reveal the cover of By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart.

 

 

Title: By Blood

Author: Tracy E. Banghart

Series: By Blood #1

Publication Date: February 18, 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal

 

Synopsis: 

For 17-year-old Emma Wong, spending a summer in England should be a dream come true. Gorgeous scenery? Check. Lots of hot guys with accents? Yes, please.

Throw in an estranged mom, annoying new stepdad, and drooling baby half-brother, and it’s a disaster even her favorite cherry red leather jacket can’t fix. Even worse, there’s (hot) live-in research assistant Josh to contend with. The only thing more embarrassing than   drunk-kissing him hours after they meet? Knowing he’ll be witness to her family’s dysfunction all. summer. long.

But when Emma meets a mysterious girl who happens to be a Druid, her vacation suddenly promises to be far more intriguing than she  anticipated. Powerful rituals, new friends, an intoxicating sense of freedom...and Simon, the sexy foreign stranger she was hoping for. It’s all a perfect distraction from dirty diapers and awkward family dinners.

Trouble is, intriguing doesn’t often mean simple. And Emma is about to discover just how not simple her life really is.

By Blood is a novel about the ways that blood can bind us to others – or tear us apart.

 

Add By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart to your TBR pile--->Goodreads 

 

PRAISE FOR BY BLOOD

“By Blood effortlessly transports you to the cobblestone streets and small pubs of Oxford, and Emma’s sassy voice pulls you right into the story with its hot British boys and touch of magic. A must read!” —Susanne Winnacker, author of Impostor and The Other Life

“A five star read from start to finish. Un-put-downable!” —Vanessa Garbin, author of the forthcoming Captivate

"Emma's sarcastic, biting narrative and the lure of Celtic myth and magic constructs a brilliant book to cosy up with...if you dare!" ~ 21st Century Once Upon a Times blog

"Love this book! It's a sweet little gem and I am glad that I got to read it! If you are looking for a story that is fun and quick, then I would recommend this book. You will want to know what happens to Emma in the matters of boys, family and adventure!" ~ Sarah, Me My Shelf And I blog.

 

GUEST POST ~ THE BEAUTY OF A BADASS CHICK

One of my biggest role models when I was in high school was Buffy Summers, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Growing up, I constantly felt like I had to prove I was just as strong/smart/brave as the boys.  And here was Buffy, a short, dainty blond chick who was constantly underestimated…and then totally kicked people’s butts.

The truth is, being a girl can be awfully scary sometimes. It’s just a fact of nature that we’re often shorter or weaker than our male counterparts, and that can lead to moments where we feel powerless or out of control.

Emma, the main character in By Blood, is a short, curvaceous chick, but it was really important to me that she also be strong enough to take care of herself. Not with special powers, but with knowledge and a little skill. Her dad’s a cop and she helps him teach self-defense classes, so she has the tools to defend herself (which, yes, she has occasion to use in By Blood! ;-)). Here’s a little peek at one of these classes:

Dad moved to stand behind me, then simulated a slow-motion attack so I could demonstrate as I explained the best techniques to evade or incapacitate an assailant. I walked the girls through “SING” – solar plexus, instep, nose, groin – and they laughed at the funny face Dad made when I pretended to hit him in the crotch.

“Remember,” I said, “it doesn’t matter how tall or short you are, or whether you’re in shape.” I made a grand gesture that started at my black sneakers and swept up purple leg warmers, black leggings, to the loose gray tunic that clung to my curves. “I’m not exactly intimidating, right? I’m shorter than most of you for one thing. But that doesn’t mean I can’t protect myself.” I shifted my position, ready for the next move. “The more we practice, the more muscle memory we build, so our instincts when in danger will be the right instincts.”

Now came the best part—the part that got the oohs and aahs. Dad reached over my shoulders and before you could say “speeding ticket” I had him on the floor, belly up on the mat. The girls started clapping and a couple laughed in surprise. Dad grinned up at me. I loved that he let me lead the class, and that he was okay with me throwing him around in front of a bunch of girls. Not all cops were cool like that. Not all Dads either.

There are lots of places to take self-defense classes, and resources online and elsewhere that can give you tips on how to protect yourself. As Emma says, you don’t have to be in great shape or a black belt to save yourself in a scary moment. All you need is knowledge – and maybe a little practice!

Here’s an example of some good self-defense tips! http://lifehacker.com/5825528/basic-self+defense-moves-anyone-can-do-and-everyone-should-know

About the Author:

Tracy E. Banghart is a cheesy movie–loving, fantasy football–playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began “practicing” her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story. She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family’s cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat. When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake.

Where to find Tracey E. Banghart:

Website (Keep Updated)

Goodreads (Add her Books)

Facebook ("Like")

Twitter (Follow)

Giveaway!!!

Grand Prize Giveaway:

Giveaway Prize Pack #1 (US only)
Signed paperback copy of By Blood

Plus (all hardcover):
Beauty Queens, by Libba Bray
Starcrossed, by Josephine Angelini
The Body Finder, by Kimberly Derting
Jane, by April Lindner
By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead, by Julie Anne Peters
Sean Griswold’s Head, by Lindsey Leavitt
Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi
Slide, by Jill Hathaway
Wither, by Lauren DeStefano
Imaginary Girls, by Nova Ren Suma

Giveaway Prize Pack #2 (Intl)
Signed paperback copy of By Blood + $50 Amazon Gift Card 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Charmed by Cambria Hebert

Today is the cover reveal of Charmed the second book in the Death Escorts series by Cambria Hebert :D! I am just loving the cover. 

 

Title: Charmed

Author: Cambria Hebert

Series: Death Escorts #2

Expected Publication Date: July 22, 2013

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Cover Designed:  Regina Wamba

Synopsis:

Life or Death? Not many people would choose death. But what if death chooses you? What if death doesn’t mean the end of your life, but the beginning?

For a Death Escort, death is life. Death is your paycheck. Death is your job.

And Charming is the best Escort the Grim Reaper has ever had.

But when you piss off the Reaper, being the best doesn’t matter. So Charming is assigned a Target who is practically impossible to kill. He knows the Reaper hopes he fails—that he’s counting on it. So Charming vows to prove him wrong. He vows to make the kill.

But someone else vows to get in his way. Someone with a big mouth, a sugar habit, and blond hair. Someone who makes his heart start beating again.

And so Charming is left holding more than one person’s fate in the palm of his hand. He thought the choice would be easy, that there really wasn’t a question at all.

He was wrong.

Life or Death?

 

Book Trailer:

 

Full Cover:

 

 

Where to find Cambria Hebert:

Website (Keep Updated) 

Facebook ("Like") 

Twitter (Follow) 

Youtube (Subscribe) 

Goodreads (Add her Books) 

 

Where to Buy Recalled (Death Escorts #1):

Amazon (Ebook & Paperback)

Barnes & Noble (Ebook $2.99 & Paperback)

 

Short Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Series: The Host #1
Publication Date: May 6, 2008
Genre: YA/ Sci-Fi/ Romance
Source: Bought

Description from Goodreads: 

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

My Thoughts:

 

I read Stephanie Meyers Twilight Series and enjoyed the books, but I have to admit that I loved The Host more. 

 

 

I loved all of the characters, especially Melanie/Wanderer and Ian. I also loved Jared, but he was a bit of a jerk most of the time. The love triangle between Jared, Ian, and Melanie/Wanderer was great, because it didn't feel like a love triangle to me. I did not hate it or get tired of it like I usually do with other love triangles in other book series, I believe the reason to this is that Jared loved Melanie and Ian loved Wanda (the host in Melanie's body). I absolutely loved Melanie's and the Wanda's characters. Stephanie Meyer did an amazing job at giving both of these characters their own personality. When I think of Melanie and Wanda, I think that it is sort of like us and our conscious in real life. Overall the characters were freaking amazing.

 

 

The beginning was a little slow for me. There was a lot of description and a few diaglouge. It's a great beginning, because Stephenie explains/describes why the souls came to Earth, and how they live their daily lives. I guess in other words a lot of world building for my own personal taste. Great insight in how Earth has changed, but not too interesting. It starts getting interesting once Melanie/Wanda leave society and go into the desert.

 

Like any other girl I love my swoon moments in books! There are not a lot of swoon moments, but it is not about the quantity in the host, it is about the quality. There are major swoon moments from both Jared and Ian with Melanie and Wanda. What more can a girl ask for? I have to admit that I love both Jared and Ian, because they are both hotties and great guys in their own way. If I had to choose between these two I would probably choose Ian :)!

 

I recommend everyone to read this book! It is still one of my favorite reads, and yes I would probably re-read this book again.  

Final Verdict: 4.5 Stars

The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because the beginning was very slow for me. 

 

About the Author:

I was born in Connecticut in 1973, during a brief blip in my family's otherwise western U.S. existence. We were settled in Phoenix by the time I was four, and I think of myself as a native. The unusual spelling of my name was a gift from my father, Stephen (+ ie = me). Though I have had my name spelled wrong on pretty much everything my entire life long, I must admit that it makes it easier to google myself now.
I filled the "Jan Brady" spot in my family-the second of three girls. Unlike the Brady's, none of my three brothers are steps, and all of them are younger than all the girls. I went to high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, the kind of place where every fall a few girls would come back to school with new noses and there were Porsches in the student lot (for the record, I have my original nose, and never had a car until after I was in my twenties). I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship, and I used it to pay my way to Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah. I majored in English, but concentrated on literature rather than creative writing, mostly because I didn't consider reading books "work" (as long as I was going to be doing something anyway, I might as well get course credit for it, right?).
 

Where to find Stephenie Meyer:

Website (Keep Updated) 

 

Goodreads (Add her Books) 

 

Where to Buy The Host:

Amazon (Ebook & Paperback) 

 

Barnes & Noble (Ebook & Paperback) 

 

Book Depository (Paperback) 

 

Review: Bound By Prophecy by Melissa Wright

Title: Bound By Prophecy
Author: Melissa Wright
Series: Descendants #1
Publication Date: April 2013
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy
Source: Won a paperback copy from the Author for an honest review.

Description from Goodreads:
Twenty-two-year-old Aern is done watching his brother destroy the only thing that matters. He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action.
What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.
Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.
Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.

My Thoughts:

 

They called it a thinning of the blood. Though most of our ancestors' magic had slowly weakened, it still left us the ability to hold sway over humans.

Bound By Prophecy caught my interest from the first few pages I read. From the very beginning there is mystery and action. The story is told from Aern's POV and he and his brother, Morgan, have the ability to "sway" humans. This sort of reminded me of the movie PUSH, because they can sway people to do anything they want just by touching them. I loved reading from Aern's POV and I loved Aern :D! Aern is charming, protective, witty, and a fighter.

For one brief instant, I considered leaving her. Touching her face, dropping her into a coma, and walking away.

When he meets Emily, Brianna's sister, he does not know what to expect from her. Emily hates Aern for kidnapping her sister, and she does not like what he is and what he can do. I loved Emily's character because this girl does not need a boy to fight her battles or defend her from the bad guys.

"Tell them anyone who touches her dies."

Emily and Aern stay together, because they both need each other. Emily needs Aern to find her sister, and Aern needs to protect Emily so Morgan won't use her as leverage to get to Brianna. Throughout the book they start getting closer to each other. Aern starts feeling a pull towards Emily, but he knows that nothing can happen between them. This does not stop his jealous outburst towards other man.

Knowing we had gotten lucky before. It wouldn't happen again. This time, people would die.

There is a battle going on and off throughout the book. The battle and romance are centered on the prophecy that has been passed down to Aern, Morgan, Emily, and Brianna. All four of them have a part to play in the prophecy. All the lives lost, the blood shed, and betrayal are unstoppable and can only be stopped by these four characters.

Bound By Prophecy was a page turner, I could not put this book down once I started it. I will definitely be reading the second book in the series. The only reason I did not give this book a five star review was because the pace slowed down a little, but after those brief pages it picked up again. 

Bound By Prophecy is full of romance, action, mystery, and there are a few twists in the book. Both of the main characters are strong, lovable, and they both stand on equal grounds-one is not seen as less than the other.

Final Verdict: 4 Stars

 Favorite Quotes:

I wished I could say her name. Distract her. Something. But all I could do was offer my hand, tell her with my eyes it would be okay.

"This is so unfair," she said. "You look like The Bourne Identity and I look like Big Trouble in Little China."

 She drew me toward her, gaze dropping as she pressed me back on the pillows to curl against my chest. The motion was tentative, she had done it nonetheless.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, "You will both be safe, Emily. I swear by it."-

 My hands braced her there as I pressed my forehead to hers and held her. Just long enough for a silent promise. I would come back to her.

 She slipped her arms around  my back, and we stayed there, unspeaking, as I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

*I won a copy of the book from the author for an honest review. 

About the Author:

Melissa is the author of the Frey Saga and Bound by Prophecy. She is currently working on book two of the Descendants Series, and when not writing, can be found on Goodreads and Pinterest. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com

 

Where to find Melissa Wright:

Goodreads (Add To Shelf) 

Website (Keep Updated)

Pinterest (Follow)  

 

Where to Buy Bound By Prophecy:

Amazon (Kindle & Paperback) 

Banres & Noble (Nook & Paperback) 

Book Depository (Paperback) 

Book Blitz: Angels of the Knight Series by Valerie Zambito

                 Thank you to the ladies at YA Bound for letting me be part of this Book Blitz :D!

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

(Angels of the Knights #1)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.

The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.

E-book is currently free!

Angels of the Knights - Blane 
(Angels of the Knights #2)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.

Buy Links:

About the Author

Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

Website│Twitter│Facebook│Goodreads

***GIVEAWAY***

(1) Print or e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by: