Blog Tour Review- Branded (Sinners 1)

Title- Branded

Author- Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

Series- Sinners series book 1

Blog Tour Host- Lady Amber's Reviews

Rating- 5/5

Summary

Twenty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I've been accused of a crime I didn't commit and now the Hole is my new home. 
Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 
Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

My Review

 I received this book free from the authors in exchange for and honest review.

"You can overcome anything... short of death"

Wow was all I could really say after I finished this book, just wow, what a ride this book took me on.  There was so much emotion both good and bad in this story, I stopped reading on several occasions just so I sould have a moment to collect myself. 
Lexi held my attention right from the get go she had a strong sense of purpose and was smart enough to pick her battles. I loved how she was a strong person but like any human being she had her moments of defeat like we all would if faced with the terrors she endured over her like in high society and then the hole, I think it made her very relate able and believable. And as if it wasn't enough to have one great character we are introduced to Cole, oh god how I wish he were real, a strong, determined, and might I add gorgeous guard hell bent on duty until Lexi helps him realize the true horror's of the hole. I always knew he had a soft spot, how a man treats his dog is a good tell, but I loved seeing it slowly come to the surface yet the strong man always remained. Did I mention I wish he was real I really really want to meet him and not gonna lie touch the image that was so vividly created I have officially found the man that will haunt my dreams.  The best character for me was Zeus, as a huge dog lover I was so glad to see that he was such a big part of the story, he reminded me of my dog loyal and loving and although I have never had to find out I like to think he would also protect me the way Zeus did for Lexi and Cole. He was a constant for them and a reminder of true friendship and loyalty.
I loved how complex this story was with the range of emotions and the slow trickle of realization. The book made me feel sadness and hope all at the same time and it is my opinion that this was due to great writing.

"Unbelievable that I've found more depth here than I ever have before. The emotional peaks and valleys exhaust me, but my heart feels content, and it doesn't make sense to me."

 I constantly felt like I was right in the middle of it all, especially the last bit when things got very complex and exciting... a reunion, a war, and a few lies revealed. I can't wait to see what happens next I want more I want answers and I want to live in this world again. If you like dytopian and good writing you will love this book, I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. 

Author Bios:

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.
Links:
twitter @abiandmiss.com 

website and blog www.abiandmissy.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AbiandMissy

goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded
Book Trailer: http://video214.com/play/PlssJogkXB4H85hKKomnOA/s/dark

Blog Tour Review-Our Souls To Keep

Title: Our Souls To Keep

Author: Gary Caruso

Genre: dark YA paranormal romantic thriller, 15+
Rating: 3.5 /5
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Summary

 After seventeen-year-old Wake Reynolds agrees to trade his life to prevent the damaged soul of his suicidal mother from the fiery tortures of Hell, Satan strips him of his humanity and forces him to become a demonic collector of souls. With no memory of his human existence, Wake preys on defenseless teenagers until they willingly end their own lives.

After many years of loyal service, something inside Wake is changing. Images of a forgotten life, lost human emotions begin to emerge. As Wake struggles to keep these new sensations hidden, Satan orders him to corrupt the soul of a pregnant girl, Annemarie. Beautiful, gentle Annemarie. From the moment Wake sees her, she brings lightness to his blackened heart. If he chooses to defy Satan and spare the lives of Annemarie and her unborn child, his mother’s soul will writhe in Hell’s deepest pit for eternity. Annemarie or his mother? It’s a choice no one should have to make.

My Review

 I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I really struggled with my rating for this one I just had so many mixed feelings about it that I was not really sure I will say that over all I enjoyed it and I would recommend this book to lovers of the genre. I am a fan of the concept of daemons and hunters and the war between heaven and hell and since I have read many I was surprised to get the daemon point of view that was new for me and I did like it. I also don't read many books with a male point of view and I found that it was not bad at all lol.

I was sucked in to the story quickly, a half breed daemon working with satan to save his Mothers soul, and a pregnant girl whose baby is the key in the war. I found it a little slow in some parts but that's not to say that it did not have it's excitement and when the hunter showed up I had high hopes, but his story was short lived which saddened me in more ways than one. 

I do love hunters!!

 I found myself conflicted with Wake, I mean my heart broke for him for sure, but at the same time he made a choice long ago and he has done many terrible things, and yes I know cause he was forced by the devil but there is were the conflict lies, should he be forgiven? had he earned forgiveness based on a few good deeds? I admired how hard he fought for the ones he cared about, but I don't think I ever really loved his character.

"Nevin was right. Everyone in my life dies."

The ending was definatley not what I expected and I am still unsure how I feel about it. One thing for sure it left me curious and I would like to know what happens to these characters. I know they are important and I hope there is more.

About The Author

 

Gary Caruso lives in northern Virginia with his wife Jill, but their favorite place is in Ohio with their three beautiful grandchildren. Although Gary is exhilarated when he sits down to write, teaching middle school science is his first love. He’s passionate about empowering students to make thoughtful decisions and positive choices in life. Gary enjoys reading, especially fiction that blurs the line between what’s real and what’s fantasy. He never imagined becoming a writer until an ordinary car ride on a spring day jolted an unlikely thought into his head. Gary’s early experience writing is a reminder that no matter how intimidating the challenge, action and determination are the foundations for fulfilling any dream. Gary has an insatiable love for writing, a blessing he’s excited to share with his readers.

Links:

GR link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17608363-our-souls-to-keep

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Our-Souls-to-Keep-ebook/dp/B00CBPPML4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1367683787&sr=1-1

B&N link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-souls-to-keep-gary-caruso/1115147101?ean=2940016431963

Excerpt:

The crowd thins, eventually leaving Annemarie and me alone in the hallway. She gathers her books and turns, quicker than I expect. I can’t maneuver out of her way. Our collision is mild, but jarring enough to dislodge the books from her hands.

“I’m so sorry,” she says as she kneels to pick up her scattered books.

I should be helping her, but my eyes are fixed on her graceful movements. Her long brown hair has fallen to the side, exposing the back of her softly curved neck, and every reach for a stray book lengthens her back and shoulders, inviting my touch. From the lowest point, just above the waist of her jeans, the tip of my finger would snake upward, navigating the gentle ridge of her spine until my hand laces through the richness of her flowing hair.

She tilts her head upward and grins at me. “Are you okay?”

Her voice snaps me from my fantasy. “Me? Yeah, I’m…fine. Oh, god. I’m so sorry. I should be picking up your books. You’re…you know.” I point feeble-mindedly at her extended stomach.

“Pregnant,” she says as she stands and straightens her blouse. “It’s all right to say it. I already know.”

The tip of her tongue unknowingly caresses her lower lip and the gentle arc of her full upper lip stretches, the smallest amount, as a smile slowly radiates across her flushed cheeks. These emotions, human, raw and…hormonal, forgotten for so long, now my only hope for clear thought is to suppress them. This has to be one of Satan’s sadistic jokes.

I laugh from embarrassment, but it’s the first time, in too long, that the sound of untempered, unrestrained joy bubbles from my heart. How can she have this warming effect on me? I want to say something cute and funny, but my mind is a hornet’s nest of scrambled thoughts.

“You look familiar,” she says. “Do we have a class together?”

I gaze into her hazel eyes. I must appear flustered because she tilts her head and grins.

“No. I mean, I don’t know. Today is my first day at this school.”

“Great. Welcome to Roosevelt High School. My name is Annemarie.”

“I’m Wake.”

“Wake? That’s an interesting name.”

“Yeah, I know. It sounds like a funeral.”

“I like it. But I have to go. My little guy keeps pushing on my bladder. Lately, I have to use the restroom between every class.” She covers her mouth as if she gave too much information to someone she just met, but her joyful eyes can’t hide the smile hidden behind her hand.

“I can’t believe I just told you that.” She starts to hurry away, but looks over her shoulder. “See you later, Wake.”

I wave like an embarrassed adolescent. What a lousy first impression. I sounded like a bumbling, immature little boy.

I watch as she continues down the hall. I’ve seen other pregnant women before. They were clumsy, out of balance from carrying extra weight in front. But not Annemarie. Her steps are graceful and refined, like she’s gliding on a frozen pond. The gentle curves of her hips have remained slender, and sway hypnotically side-to-side in a rhythm that matches the drumming of my heart.

What am I thinking? Mooning about like a lovesick teenager. I can’t let my physical attraction for Annemarie erode the resolve I’ll need to complete this assignment. Yet, she’s the most beautiful… Does she even know how she makes me feel…how human? I’m stuck in a moment reserved for young love. There’s nothing merciful about denying the uninhibited excitement coursing through every inch of my body, but my plan is already in motion. The fate of my mother’s soul is in my hands. As much as I hate myself for thinking it, Annemarie’s beauty has to be extinguished. I have to collect her. I know Satan is convinced these human emotions will help, but right now, I wish I was a stone-cold demon. It would make it a lot easier to incinerate her goodness from the earth.

New Beginnings (The Ivory Series Book 2)

Title: New Beginnings

Author: Melissa Crowe

Series: The Ivory Sereis book 2

Rating: 4/5

Summary
Vaughan and Nicola have survived a vampire turf war, now they face a much greater threat.
“So, when you say you need to go to Egypt and find The Creator. What does that mean exactly?”
After 66 years as a blood drinker, Vaughan makes moves to regain the mortality that was stolen from him.
“It is time for you to show your loyalty to me. I have a task I wish for you to undertake in exchange for what you request.”
He and the seductress Cleopatra embark on a doomed mission to find Clara and take her to Egypt for punishment.
When you make a deal with the devil, there’s sure to be consequences.

My Review
 I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was gifted book one and two at the same time so I decided to read them back to back and I am glad I did I liked it that way and since this one was from Vaughan's point of view it was a bit different. I was not over the moon for Vaughan in book one but getting some insight into the man and the monster within had me feeling a new found respect for him and all the choices he made. I liked getting a look into his past and then into the vampire history, I loved how different the legend was, starting in Egypt, also the creator is a women that was a plus for me lol.
Vaughan's journey to Egypt and Russia was exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Will he do what he is asked? Will his wish be granted? and best of all we have the beautiful Cleopatra at his side, Yes Cleopatra that made me so excited, I have always loved her story and the idea that she became a vampire to bring her revenge was such a cool idea.
I found that I enjoyed book two a bit more I found it a bit more full of adventure and being from a vampires point of view I think added to the excitement. I am excited to continue this series and although I know there is trouble in the future I enjoyed the sweet ending and I am rooting for this couple to get the happily ever after they are searching for.

Review- First Sight (The Ivory Series book 1)

Title: First Sight

Author- Melissa Crowe

Series- The Ivory series book 1

Rating- 4/5

Summary
Nicola Grainger appears to have it all, she is young, beautiful and gets whatever she wants. That is until she meets the mysterious and deeply troubled Vaughan. 

Vaughan is a 65 year old vampire who wants nothing more than to be human again. He loathes those who abuse the life they are given, the one he wishes he could lead. 

The two enter a forbidden relationship that sees them thrust into the middle of a vampire turf war with Ulrich and his rival coven. Loyalties are tested, who will survive?

My Review
 I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
     I found this book to be a fun read, I liked how the vampire lore was a bit different it had some fun add on's to the already well known vampire legends. Maybe it's because I just watched it but I found myself thinking about True Blood a few times as I read, I mean vampire club owner, vampire employees, the compelling, and also the way they die, but I think I am giving away a bit much. I just had to say they are similar and since I love me some True Blood that was not a bad thing at all.
     I liked how average Nicola was she was just a young girl trying to have fun with her face and experience all the things the world has to offer. I liked the people who surrounded her too like her best friend and the siblings that came with her. Her mom was my favorite she reminded me of my mom, she had a cute sense of humor, and I thought they had a cute relationship.  
    The bar seemed liked a cool place to hang out and I think it was a great place for the two lovers to meet. Yes Vaughan was hot but I dunno I didn't fall head over heals for him. I liked Nicola and Vaughan together but it seemed a little rushed, like they hand out a couple times, she watches Interview with a vampire, he confesses and BAM love, but I am sure they had reasons and I got over it quickly.
     The love triangle or what I would call a love triangle was different and I think brought a bit more excitement and especially when one of the people is a crazy love sick vampire. I found the ending a bit blah it was not bad but not great either, although I am curious and I will be continuing on the book two right away as I have that one too.
   Lastly I want to say that this cover has a crazy haunting beauty that I liked and kinda fit with the book. so if you like vampire I think you should read this fun book.

Review- Secret Seekers Society and the beast of bladenboro

Title: Secret Seekers Society and the beast of bladenboro

Author: J.L. Hickey

Rating: 5/5

Summary
Secret Seekers Society and the Beast of Bladenboro follows the young protagonists Hunter Glenn, and Eliza Lynn through an adventure ripe with adversity, paranormal monsters, secret societies, and most haunting of all, a life without their parents.

It all happened one fall afternoon when they learned that their parent’s plane had gone down overseas, never to be seen again. 

The book follows the siblings as they are dropped off at their new guardian’s home, an ancient and creepy mansion known only as the Belmonte Estate. Here they unravel the secrets of their parent’s true identities, the origin of the mysterious Mansion, and their inheritance into an ancient secret society of monster hunters known as Seekers.

My Review
I downloaded this book free from amazon and after much nagging from a friend telling me I needed to hurry up and read this book I finally did, and I was not disappointed. This book was mysterious, heartwarming, and action packed, it even contained monsters and legends some I had heard of and some new ones like Treyer the giant green puppy who stole my heart.
The mystery surrounding the creepy mansion was written in such a way as to reveal just enough but not to much keeping me entertained and curious. I loved the image of this big scary building filled with excitement and danger. I also enjoyed how the author had the ability to write from multiple points of view so seamlessly I didn't even notice at first and I was pleased with that as I am not usually a fan since it can be distracting to me sometimes but that was not the case here.
The idea of a secret society that hunts, kills, and saves the paranormal and misunderstood of the world was neat and the Enlightenment to come will I think really open some doors into the world and allow the reader to find more of this world well I think so any way. I think this book was a fantastic start to what I am sure is going to be a very exciting series.
I loved getting to know the characters in this book  they all brought something to the table and now that I know what I know I am looking forward to seeing them on this journey. I know now that one beast is just the tip of the iceberg and after all they have been through and survived, not only Hunter and Elly but the adults too, so much more is left to be revealed and discovered. 

 I hope we get to know more about the adults like Uncle Joe, Ben and Abrm and how they got to the mansion and their jobs there. Mostly i want to know about the whole Dominick thing as it seems to be the root of a lot of the trouble. Anyway don't be like me listen when I say you should read this book  its a fun ride full of adventure.

Review- Unhinged (Underworld 1)

Title: Unhinged

Author: Tempest C. Avery

Series: Underworld book 1

Rating: 5/5

Summary:
     Spencer Perry lost everything the day her boyfriend died. Even when he came back as a ghost, she was never able to return to her old self. Determined to find a way to bring both of them back--him from the dead and her from her depression--Spencer hops a ride with a Reaper across the river to the Underworld where she meets the god of the dead. Hadrian isn't what she expected Hades to be like, but when he agrees to a deal that can get her Micah back, she puts all caution aside and accepts. Too bad she didn't realize that she'd also just accepted a lot more than one gorgeous yet frustrating god. Bad things are happening all around her, and now she not only has to worry about keeping Micah's ghost status a secret from their friends, but also figure out who's behind all of the accidents. All signs point towards Hadrian, but something about that just doesn't feel right to her. Something that she hopes has nothing to do with her growing attraction towards him.

My Review:
  I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.  I loved this book start, finish and everything in between. Not only was it heavy on the Greek mythology, which has always been of great interest to me, but it also had a very interesting different take on all the myths . This book had so much great stuff I don't really know were to start. okay let just say don't let the idea of the underworld and ghosts fool you, it may be a dark setting but this book was a great story of true love and finding yourself along the way even if the person you find is not what you expected.
  I went into the book thinking it was gonna be one thing and then the story became so much more complex and I became even more invested in the story and the fates of the characters. I'm usually not a huge fan of the love triangle but in this book it was my favorite aspect.  Spencer is the devastated girl caught in the middle of the boyfriend she would risk the underworld for, and the devilishly handsome God of the dead. And not only did she have to different boys vying for her attention, I was glad to see Spencer find a way back to her friends she had shut out after Micah's death.
  Hadrian/Hades may be the God of the Underworld but send me down anytime, He is the tortured bad boy every girl thinks they can change, and somehow Spencer does get through to him,  and in return he awakens something in her that died with Micah. I thought it made things so much more interesting that the one thing that could save Micah and bring them back together is also the one thing that has the ability to tear them apart.
  If you love Greek mythology then you should read this book. Great book with a great ending that left me wanting so much more I can not wait to read the next one and find out what happens next. 
  

Review- Allusive Aftershock

Title: Alusive Aftershock

Author: Susan Griscom

Rating:5/5

Goodreads Summary:

What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!

Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because … well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can’t quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.

But, Max--her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn’t-know-it-yet--hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking.

When Max leaves her stranded in his parents' wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a “megathrust” earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict.

But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?

My Review:

I won this book at a book party on facebook. man am I glad I won, I had heard such great things about this book but I had not idea it would be that good, every page just as fantastic as the last.
 Adela was great although that blind spot she had for Max was very frustrating for me, I mean I could tell from space the guy was spoiled, selfish and vain, but then again love is blind we all see what we want. Otherwise Adela was very determined and resilient and once the tragedy had changed her she was even better in my eyes. I believe that our true colors show in times of disaster and i enjoyed who Adela and Courtland were they grew together and faced so much in such a short time I really don't know if even I could have been that brave.
 Oh how I wish Courtland was real, he is handsome, strong, polite and best of all a sensitivity to animals. The two of them together was adorable and I got misty several times in this book as I cheered them on and things were looking good and all of a sudden another blow is delt to them.
Adela said "I may have been scared -of what I don't know- but one thing was for sure. I wasn't a bit sorry that he wasn't Max."
That melted my heart :)
 I loved how as things got worse some how the author was able to make the terrible situations into a beautiful story of love and being true to ourselves. I absolutely loved the ending, it was beautiful and heart warming yet realistic. Now if you have not read this book I suggest you do it is so worth every minute you read. I love this cover too stunning and very telling.