{Promo} Fragile Brilliance by Tammy Blackwell

Series: Shifters & Seers #1

Publication date: November 26, 2013

ISBN: 9781493658

Synopsis  

Maggie McCray has worked her whole life for the opportunity to attend Sanders College. It’s her one chance at becoming a world-renowned artist, and she’s determined nothing will get in her way. But when a murder brings Maggie and her powers to the attention of the Alpha Pack and the tragically handsome Charlie Hagan, her carefully planned future hangs in jeopardy.

Charlie Hagan isn’t happy when the Alpha Female assigns him as Maggie McCray’s personal bodyguard. Just being near the Thaumaturgic threatens to unleash the primal instincts he’s been suppressing for so long. Charlie knows if the coyote is uncaged, then the person he’ll most need to protect Maggie from is himself.

{Arc Review} Becoming Alphay by Aileen Erin

Series: Alpha Girl #1

Publication date: December 17, 2013

Publisher:  Ink Monster, LLC

ISBN-13: 9780989405010

Synopsis  

A life of perpetual abnormality was not really a life, no matter where we moved my curse would follow. I can’t touch anyone without listening and seen what they are feeling, what they are thinking. Sadly things can always turn for the worst.

My one opportunity to start fresh and to have contact with people like me was in Texas, and yet one stupid silly sexy kiss turned my world… or should I say myself into something I was not expecting… a werewolf.

Review

I am guilty of picking up this book from Netgalley because it satisfies my guilty pleasure of werewolves finding their mates, their destined lovers. You see it is only with this paranormal creatures that I can accept the idea of insta love and meant to be’s. And let me tell you that this book filled up to my expectations.

This is the story of Tessa, a girl with a supernatural ability that lets her know by touch what others are feeling or thinking, haunted by this reality her family decides to relocate to a place they hope will bring better opportunities to Tessa and a fresh start, sadly this two don’t come in the way her family was hoping for.

Both Tessa and the reader get pushed around into a world that goes from the boarder from normality and makes us deep into urban fantasy. Tessa is turned into a werewolf, a shifter and now her school life goes from high school into a secret boarding school for werewolves.

The world we go into is not perfect, the rules at first come like things we know but little by little we see little shifts and little changes on the rules of the world. Soon enemies come and new allies start to show their faces.

Tessa is a girl that respects herself, a girl that will try to do the right thing even if life has not treated her. I like the fact that she is loved in her family circle and that compared to other books she has a healthy relationships with them.

Dastien on the other hand was a character that I had some issues with, he is the main lead and the reason Tessa’s destiny is changed forever. But even though his logic might have been correct his actions make him sketchy and not as lovable as I feel the author was trying to make him.

I want the next installment to come out soon, Avoiding Alpha, there were some shifts near the end of the book that lead me to make assumptions and speculations about how the next book will turn up and hopefully that there will be no regression with the characters and more evolution in the story and characters will take place.

Rating:

3.5 Broken TV’s.

{Cover Wars} Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

Hi guys and welcome to Cover Wars where covers aren’t afraid to cry for attention. Each week we have a new book title showcasing the different faces it’s had and each week we reveal last week’s winner. Last week we had The Affinity Bridge by George Mann you guys voted and now it’s time to reveal the grand winner.

Now that the winner has had its chance to gloat, let’s take a look this weeks contestant Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster and for all of us that we aren’t all that familiar with this book let’s take a look at the book blurb:

When Nowhere Is Safe

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

Now that we are all know a little about what this book is about shall we take a look at the covers that will be fighting for your affection.

First up we have the face known in most of the paperbacks, the one that isn’t afraid to show a little bit more of Honoria then ladies of the Victorian era would, especially while standing next to a man, specially a dangerous one like Blade.

Next up we have the a cover that shows a lady that likes to live more in the shadows, one that leaves you wanting to know the women that hides behind the hat and what secrets she hides, we have the audio book cover.

Well guys the covers have done their catwalk and now it’s time for you to pick your favorite, don’t worry they don’t mind just comment or vote and let us know which one you prefer and remember to check in next Wednesday to see which cover won.

{Blog Tour Review} Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream

Series: Blood Prince #1

Publication date: July 1st, 2013

Publisher: Key Publishing

ASIN: B00DPYZZXA

Synopsis

After a weird event in a land that connects different planes where a werewolf, a vampire, a demon, an angel and a god meet under a mysterious tree there only lies hope for a prophecy to come to life.

After each of the men part our story follows Etienne the werewolf prince that carries the consequences of a blessing gone wrong that has left him being half of what he once was now he is the future heir of a kingdom he can no longer protect the way he was destined to.

As faith would have it there is a solution for his terrible “blessing” but he must act fast yet a stop on the woods marks an encounter with a creature that makes him find the peace he has not known since the day marked him.

Review

Before midnight is an entertaining story that from the very beginning lets you know that if you wish to truly discover all the secrets this book hides you will have to continue with this series up until the very end.

The way Jennifer Blackstream blended and twisted the story we all know as Cinderella was beyond my expectations, she made this story feel original, fresh and at times as if I was reading it for the first time.

Loupe the gentle creature that catches Etienne’s eye was entertaining to get to know, the way her circumstances changed and her dreams came crumbling down on her don’t present her as a truly weak women but as a strong woman in the making.

My main issue with this book would be the sex scene in this book, for me if there is going to be a scene giving a lot of importance on the sexy times it better be relevant to the story and in my opinion it wasn’t relevant to dedicate such a word count to this event but also the time it took place wasn’t the smartest one.

Before Midnight is a fast and interesting read that will let you feeling that there is more about this Cinderella then you think you knew perfect for those that don’t mind an explicit sex scene.

Rating:

 3.5 Broken TV's

If you like Underworld, then read The Grey Wolf Series or The Alexandra Jones Series

Hello everyone!

Lil Berry here at this wonderful blog has kindly asked me to write a guest post for you all with some book recommendations based on some of my favourite films (you’ll see what I mean in a minute).

This was a tricky one for me as most of my favourite films involve vampires, werewolves, magic etc. and I highly doubt you all need any recommendations for books in that kind of genre! But the more I did a little research, the more I found that some of my favourite series of 2012 haven’t actually been mentioned too much, so I’ve stuck with the werewolf theme.

Here goes... Some of my all time favourite films are the Underworld series which involves vampires and werewolves as well as entertaining the hybrid notion which seems to be getting more popular lately. So if you liked (or loved) these films, I have a couple of different recommendations for you which cover all of these themes.

The Grey Wolf Series (currently on 5 books) by Quinn Loftis

This was hand down my favourite series of 2012. I adored everything about it; the characters, the storyline, the writing, the romances, simply everything. And Loftis actually does something pretty interesting with her narration and switches it up with each book. I wasn't sure I’d like this too much but her crossovers were just flawless, couldn't fault it at all.

Anyway, if you liked the Underworld films then you’ll like this series. It revolves around werewolves (sorry, no vampires!) and is quite YA in that it’s also very relationship oriented, following the challenges of the canis lupus finding their mates. Its not too soppy though and is one of the only series of books that actually had me laughing out loud. Definitely check these out.

The Grey Wolf Series onGoodReads

Alexandra Jones Series (currently on 3 books) by Samantha Towle

This was another of my favourites this year and involves more of the hybrid theme with Varcolacs, half vampire half werewolf creatures. I think I liked the storyline most about this series, it was pretty original (check out the GoodReads link below for more) and the characters were really likable. Its maybe slightly darker than typical YA books which I also loved and each book has you craving the next one.

The Alexandra JonesSeries on GoodReads

If you've got any other recommendations along this theme then let me know!

RobynLeanne @ Fairytales andFolklore

{Cover Wars} Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

This week we are connecting more with our wild side to decide who is the winner of this weeks Cover Wars, as you can see by the title today's contestant is Andrea Cremer's very own Nightshade. Shall we take a pick at the book blurb??

Since Calla was a child she knew her destiny, she is expected to become Ren's mate, follow the orders of the Keepers, be an exemplary female alpha and follow the rules that her people have for several years. That is until one night she decides to save a boys life and starts to breake her masters rules.

Problems start to grow when the mysterious boy appears at her school and starts to look for answers, answers she cannot give him. After failing to avoid him Calla is asked by a Keeper to protect this boy who's thirst for knowledge will take Calla down the dangerous path of truth.

If you want to know more about this book check out My Nightshade Review

Now that we are all acquainted to some extent with the book, lets take a look at our contestants:
First we have the wild woman, the girl with the catch me if you can look:

On the other corner waiting for us is the girl that isn't afraid to show us she is both sides of the coin:

From the first cover we see this secure girl, the one that is almost smirking at us, hiding from us something we can't quiet understand, I guess that what she really is smirking about is that this girl in the cover may not make a lot of sense until you get to a certain part of the book and suddenly it all adds up.
Her lovely rival is more how I picture Calla, there is a confidence in her eyes and it feels like we are looking at a girl that feels comfortable in her own skin. By the blurb you can see that this is a girl that her world is about to be shaken around somewhere around an 8.0 in the Richter Scale.
What do you think guys? Which one has your heart and which one should just hit the bench?

{Review} Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Series: Nightshade #1

Publication Date: June 28th, 2011

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

ISBN-13: 9780399254826

Synopsis

Since Calla was a child she knew her destiny, she is expected to become Ren's mate, follow the orders of the Keepers, be an exemplary female alpha and follow the rules that her people have for several years. That is until one night she decides to save a boys life and starts to breake her masters rules.

Problems start to grow when the mysterious boy appears at her school and starts to look for answers, answers she cannot give him. After failing to avoid him Calla is asked by a Keeper to protect this boy who's thirst for knowledge will take Calla down the dangerous path of truth.

{Review} Hammered by Kevin Hearne

Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #3

Publication Date: July 5th, 2011

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

ISBN-13: 9780345522481


Synopsis
Atikus might have gone over his head last time, making promises he doesn't wish to fulfill, but is honored bound too. He promised the Hindu witch Laksha and his vampire attorney Lief to go to Asgard; for the first to get a golden apple that will grant her a really long life, for the second a fight in hopes of getting rid of the big bad bully that is Thor.
But before he can go and fight Thor he has to deal with with stuff he has left unfinished, like the hammers of God and beware of the bacchus, you know the typical trying to get revenge sorta thing.

{Review} Unleashed by Debbie Viguié & Nancy Holder

Series: Wolf Springs Chronicles #1

Publication Date: November 22, 2011

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

ISBN-13: 9780385740982

Synopsis

Katelyn McBride was really happy with her life, she knew what she wanted to do with her future, had nice friends and a really good best friend, a mother that supported her and did what she loved to do, but tragedy strikes Katelyn and she is forced to move from sunny California to the middle of nowhere Arkansas.

Strange things seem to be happening in Wolf Springs, like the weird curfew hours and the girls that are going missing in the woods. Katelyn finds herself in a strange position as she befriends both Trick and Cordelia two people that don't seem to get along but seem to be keeping secrets of their own.

{Review} Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Series: Iron Druid Chronicles

Publication date: June 7, 2011

Publisher: Del Rey 

ISBN-13: 9780345522498

Synopsis

Apparently Tempe, Arizona is a real-state gem for the paranormals and Atticus finds this out the bad way. A coven of witches is trying to invade so now Atticus will have to learn to trust the local coven, and will have to put to the test their nonaggression treaty, to fight as one for the peace that they love.

Besides the witch invasion Atticus must deal with the sudden fame that his gotten from killing an ambitious Celtic god and the demons he let loose.

{Review} Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Series: Iron Druid Chronicles

Publication date: May 3,  2011

Publisher: Del Rey 

ISBN-13: 9780345522474

Synopsis

Meet Siodhachan Ó Suileabháin, now a days known as Attikus O'Sullivan owner of a small bookstore that sells occult books, dog owner and... oh yeah the last of the druids. Now resides in Tempe Arizona where he lives a peaceful life until his old foe Aenghus Óg celtic god of love finds him. Now he's put a price on Attikus head and if all things fail Aenghus Óg will take care of things himself.

Attikus will not go down with out a fight and for that he will need the help of his vampire and werewolf layers, the Celtic goddes of dead a.k.a. the Morigan and a sexy redhead bar tender with more then meets the eye. Hopefully his friends and his Irish luck will be enough to get him out of this two thousand year old problem.