Book Review: Dead Wolf Walking by Veronica Blade

Dead Wolf Walking 

(Shapes of Autumn Book 3)

by Veronica Blade 

Kindle Edition

File Size: 1665 KB

Print Length: 232 pages

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: Crush Publishing, Inc. (January 15, 2016)

Publication Date: January 15, 2016

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts:

Yay, love Dead Wolf Walking! Like the first three (including The Legend of Hannah and Eli) books, it's so good. I found the addition of vamp politics entertaining, especially the vamp king... wish we could see more of him in the next books. 

There are some twists, one was expected - - too obvious for me but there's this one that I didn't see coming. Oh I had to mention the different POVs here. Wow, it was nice seeing Zack's head. Really cool to know what he's thinking and how he feels about Autumn and their relationship problems. 

I had fun reading this third installment. So in love with the series, looking forward to reading the fourth! 

Purchase your copy

About the book:

Third installment of the Shapes of Autumn series. 

When a tragic death triggers Autumn and Zack’s worst fear—pursuit by dangerous werewolves—they escape to a safe house. But within the walls of the refuge, an even greater menace looms. Now under the reluctant protection of a vampire king, Autumn and Zack are targeted by a palace full of vamps out for revenge against vampire-killing werewolves. 

After the vampire king discovers a rebel plot to overthrow him, Zack and Autumn are forced to remain in the palace as bait to draw out the enemy. But can the king shield them from so many who want them dead? They have only days to root out the traitors before Autumn’s parents arrive to claim her—not to mention it’s illegal to mix species—which gives them little hope of a future together. But with werewolves hunting them and vampire rebels out for their blood, Zack and Autumn need each other more than ever. Each secretly dreams of finding a way to be together—if they can stay alive. 

About the author:

Veronica Blade lives in Southern California with her husband and children. By day she runs the family business, but each night she slips away to spin her tales. She writes stories about young adults to relive her own childhood and to live vicariously through her characters. Except her heroes and heroines lead far more interesting lives — and they are always way hotter.

Book Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush

by Becca Fitzpatrick

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (September 21, 2010)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 2742 KB
Print Length: 417 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 27, 2009)
Publication Date: October 13, 2009
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★  

My thoughts:


Hush, Hush is just an OK book for me. Patch and Nora's story seemed like an ordinary one. I was about to DNF the book but then I decided to read further because I wanted to know about Patch's history, being a fallen angel, also looking forward to that 'ancient battle' mentioned from the synopsis. Bad news, there's nothing there. The story just dragged on and on and then it abruptly ends without something more to think about. I mean, this is a series. It should give readers at least something a bit more interesting to make one anticipate the second book, right? Well, *sigh* as I said, nothing there.

Oh by the way, the story/romance felt Twilight-ish. It's probably the reason why it became popular. If you are into Twilight-ish read, pick up this book.


About the book:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. 

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. 

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

About the author:  

Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga, including Hush, Hush; Crescendo; Silence; and Finale, all debuted as New York Times best-sellers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or traveling.

Book Review: Aisuru by Anma Natsu

Aisuru

by Anma Natsu

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Zenbi Press (March 27, 2015)

Paperback: 398 pages
Publisher: Zenbi Press; 1st edition (March 22, 2015)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1662 KB
Print Length: 365 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Zenbi Press (March 27, 2015)
Publication Date: March 27, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★  

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Anma Natsu. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

My thoughts:

This is my first Japanese-themed novel and I loved it soooo muchooo! While I tremendously enjoyed reading this (the romance part), it also gave me extreme sadness, hopelessness, and depression. I hate to include my illness in the review but I have to. I started reading this in May 2015, but couldn't get to finish as I was too busy with lots of doctor visits. When I was diagnosed having lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) in June, it became hard for me to go back reading this. The main character, Sakura, is dying and I have cancer. So just imagine me reading the story. Suddenly, Sarura became me. 

I managed to finish the story, with or without cancer, I found the book sooo good. What I loved most is that how the author provided info about the Japanese culture and tradition. The setting of the story was likewise written well. 

I highly recommend this to readers who are into Japan-themed novels.


About the book:

"It was madness to be more than her companion and caretaker..." 

For the last eight years, Sakura Takeshi has been counting down the time till her life ended. Though she survived the attack that left her an orphan, it's always been borrowed time as her damaged body continued to break down. 

She told herself she was ready, that she had come to terms with dying before she reached 19. Then she found Kazuki lying wounded in her garden. His arrival opens the door for her whole world to change, but is it too late for her to learn to live, or to love, when there are only months left in her life? 

Set in Hakodate, Japan, Aisuru is a young adult fantasy romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy shōjo manga and Japanese light novels, have a fondness for magical realism, and who are looking for something just a little bit different from the usual young adult romance. 

If you're looking for stories featuring abusive relationships, stalkery bad boys, or shallow, mean natured girls, this isn't the story for you. What you will find are realistic characters, relationships built on mutual respect, and two hearts brought together just when they needed each other most.

About the author:

Anma Natsu is a long-time writer who waited until the big 40 was rapidly approaching to get off her duff and get her first novel out there. A control-freak and proud of it, she took the indie route so she could write the stories she wanted to write and deliver them her way.

With a style that unabashedly reflects the influence her favorite reads, manga and light novels, have had, Anma uses her stories to explore the intricacies of life and love in all its various forms.

Anma also hosts the mostly weekly podcast "The Lackadaisical Writer", available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, and other podcast directories, where she shares her experiences and lessons she's learning as an indie author.

Away from her novel writing and podcasting, she spends her days writing code as a web developer, snuggling with her sweetie for anime time, indulging in the hilarity of natural horror & disaster B-movies, and playing far more video games than a woman her age should admit to.

Book Review: The Last Mile (#3 Lithia Trilogy) by Blair Richmond

The Last Mile 

(the Lithia Trilogy, Book 3)

by Blair Richmond

Series: Lithia Trilogy (Book 3)
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Ashland Creek Press (October 1, 2014)
Amazon Paperback Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 796 KB
Print Length: 165 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Ashland Creek Press (October 4, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Kindle Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Ashland Creek Press. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Katherine lost her only living family, her father, in the last book. While she mourns his death, she's happy to learn that her father loved her. At least that one final day of his life. 

Even though Katherine still has feelings for Alex, I am glad that she was able to finally decide to be with Roman. Not that I like Roman for her. She made me happy by choosing only one guy. ;) 

The story is again well written. It has enough twists and action that made this a good conclusion to the series. Only wished the author would write bonus chapters .... like after a year or so... ;) Oh, I will definitely miss everyone in this book.  

Out of Breath (5 stars)  /  The Ghost Runner (5 stars)

About the book:

In the final book in the acclaimed Lithia Trilogy, Kat has new losses to mourn but also new reasons to live. On the brink of new beginnings, she is back together with Roman, their relationship deepening more and more even as she wonders whether she may still harbor feelings for Alex.

Yet Kat finds it difficult to focus on such things as college and romance, with terror still haunting the hills of Lithia and threatening the entire town. As several recent earthquakes baffle scientists and put residents on edge, it seems that something more dangerous may be looming in Lithia's future.

Trying to balance a busy life while keeping Lithia safe isn't easy--and soon Kat realizes that nothing is a higher priority than saving her hometown, along with its abundance of land and animals, from devastation. The only problem is that she can't find a way to do this without leaving Lithia forever--or risking her own life and the lives of those she loves. And her future with Roman appears as unsteady as the ground under her feet...

In a novel that weaves together stories of love, the environment, and Shakespeare, the natural and supernatural worlds collide in this stunning conclusion to the Lithia Trilogy.

About the author:

Blair Richmond is the pen name of an author from the Pacific Northwest.

Website: http://blairrichmond.blogspot.com

Book Review: Thrown to the Wolves: The Legend of Hannah & Eli

Thrown to the Wolves: 
The Legend of Hannah & Eli (Shapes of Autumn)
by Veronica Blade

Paperback Edition
Paperback: 140 pages
Publisher: Crush Publishing (April 3, 2014)
Amazon Paperback Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1286 KB
Print Length: 89 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Crush Publishing, Inc (April 1, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Kindle Link

Shapes of Autumn series: 
0.2 Thrown to the Wolves: The Legend of Hannah & Eli 
1. My Wolf’s Bane 
2. Wolves at the Door 

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the publisher, Crush Publishing. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Hannah, a werewolf, had been sold by her father to the king so he can be elevated from being a pack leader to Baron. She knew her life would end in the castle once she became the king's wife. Few days before the wedding, he heard the king mention his plans to someone - to murder her right after the first night following their wedding. So she formulates an escape plan. . . and while doing castle tours, she met a very handsome shifter - Eli. 

Eli is a shifter, a slave to the king. Although he knows his way around and outside the castle, he can't leave. . . not without his sister. . . 

Wohoo! I soooo love this series! Thrown to the Wolves got new characters and settings, this is a well written prequel to the Autumn series. I usually don't like prequels, some I read in the past don't really add something important or of great significance to the story but this one is sooo gooood! Hannah & Eli's story happened in 1358, England. Yup - historical setting there, so excited to read this, love the distinct social and cultural setting, like this is another book series.

As for my theories from the first two books, some I believe were answered but it's funny because I got some more from this story LOL. Btw, I was the first blogger to have this book but I didn't want to post my review as I felt there is a need to read the first two books again. I'm officially addicted to this series!  

About the book:

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER: As with any Veronica Blade book, this is a ROMANCE NOVEL, meaning it's romance FIRST and everything else is secondary. 

A young werewolf must fight for her life to gain freedom, but her triumph could mean losing her only chance at happiness. 

Hannah, a seventeen-year-old werewolf, would rather be a peasant and free than dripping in jewels and wife to the tyrant werewolf king. Running from him will get her hunted, and most likely killed, yet she formulates a plan. 

While sneaking around the castle, she encounters Eli, a handsome blond shape-shifter and slave to the king. Drawn to Eli as a fellow captive, she admires his courage and honor — qualities rarely seen amongst her own kind. With him, Hannah finds rare moments of joy in the place she's desperate to escape. Though she dreams of being with Eli forever, she knows he will never abandon his sister, another prisoner of the evil king. 

Meeting in secret, Eli and Hannah's bond deepens as he trains her to protect herself. When she discovers the king’s scheme to murder her after their wedding, Hannah must choose between a short life and brief happiness with Eli or freedom and a future without him. 

About the author:

Veronica Blade lives in Southern California with her husband and children. By day she runs the family business, but each night she slips away to spin her tales. She writes stories about young adults to relive her own childhood and to live vicariously through her characters. Except heroes and heroines lead far more interesting lives — and they are always way hotter.

Follow her: http://veronicablade.com/ 

Book Review: Wolves At The Door by Veronica Blade

Wolves at the Door 
(Shapes of Autumn, book 2)

Author: Veronica Blade
Series: Shapes of Autumn
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Crush Publishing (January 28, 2014)
Amazon Link Paperback / Kindle Edition

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the publisher, Crush Publishing. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

The story picks-up right after book one ended. Zack starts to date Autumn while he literally prepares to run away from the wolf king. They both agreed to just enjoy the remaining weeks though Autumn is secretly wishing he would ask her to run away with him. 

Some new characters show up and they don't know whether they are good or bad company. Book two is as intense as the first one. There are too many secrets now waiting to be revealed! Autumn's parents identity - are they human or shape-shifters like Autumn? Where is Daniel? Will he be back soon? Who is Renzo?!? Why is he in town and messing with Autumn and Zack? Waaaa, I want book number three! 

Book 2 is full of action... love love Autumn's new powers .... and by the way - Zack's too hawt in this book! I promise you will love this as much as the first one! Definitely, my new favorite series to follow!

About the book:

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER: As with any Veronica Blade book, this is a ROMANCE NOVEL, meaning it's romance FIRST and everything else is secondary. Rated PG-13 for sexual situations and mild profanity.

THIS IS BOOK #2 IN THE SHAPES OF AUTUMN SERIES

Their forbidden love could cost them their lives...

Autumn’s just learned she’s a shape-shifter — something her parents should’ve told her long ago. Unless they adopted her and didn’t know she wasn’t human. Either way, learning the truth has the same outcome: her parents lied. Zack is the only one she can count on, but he’s a werewolf and the king’s decree forbids contact between the species, let alone love. Zack’s planning to leave after graduation, but letting him go isn’t an option. He’s becoming more a part of her every day, a part she would fight for, give up everything for — even kill for. If she’s not killed first.

If Zack’s experience with his own kind has taught him anything, it’s that werewolves can’t be trusted. He’d rather die free than live in a pack under the rule of the werewolf king. So, instead of preparing for college like any other senior, he’s planning to go on the run after graduation. Escaping won’t be easy with the werewolves guarding him. But until that day comes, Zack knows he’s endangering Autumn every moment he’s around her. If it’s this difficult staying away from her now, how hard will it be to leave her behind in just a few weeks?

About the author: 

Veronica Blade lives in Southern California with her husband and children. By day she runs the family business, but each night she slips away to spin her tales. She writes stories about young adults to relive her own childhood and to live vicariously through her characters. Except heroes and heroines lead far more interesting lives — and they are always way hotter.

Follow her: http://veronicablade.com/

Kindle Download at $2.99 : A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker

A Ranger's Tale

Author: Mysti Parker
Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC (December 18, 2010)

Jenai's Book Review

About the book:

In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...

High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls. 

As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger. 

When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose. 

From that moment on she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.

About the author:

Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel,

A Ranger's Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. The highly anticipated third book, Hearts in Exile, has already received some great reviews. The Tallenmere series has been likened to Terry Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth' series, but is probably closer to a spicy cross between Tolkien and Mercedes Lackey.

Mysti's other writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, and Christmas Lites II. Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine EveryDayFiction. She has also served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K.

Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder's Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.

Download Amazon Kindle @$2.99

Vampire Academy on Dimitri Belikov's POV

Just sharin' Vampire Academy's first chapter in DIMITRI BELIKOV'S POIN T OF VIEW! 

Read this last week and still not over my Dimka. Although Richelle Mead has been very clear on NOT writing anything in Dimitri's POV after this, I am still hoping she will, I can wait forever, you know. I can and I will! That is how I love VA so muchhhy. 

Enjoy!

THE MEETING

 “Dimitri!”

I turned instantly at the sound of my name, shooting a glare at the guardian approaching in the darkness.  What was he thinking?  Everyone out here tonight knew how essential secrecy was.  It didn’t matter that he was young and simply excited about his first big mission.  We had no room for errors, not when this was the only break we’d had in over a year.  Realizing his mistake, he grew apologetic, though not nearly enough.

“Sorry.” He dropped his voice to a stage whisper and tapped his ear.  “Headset’s not working.  We checked the house, and they’re already gone.  They must have had warning, maybe a perimeter of spies on the streets.”  As his excitement returned, the young guardian—Laurence—began speaking rapidly.  “I was thinking about it.  They probably have a whole network of people working with them!  It makes sense, right?  How else have they managed to stay ahead of us for so long?  There’s no telling how deep this conspiracy goes!  We might be facing an army tonight!”

I said nothing and showed nothing as I mulled over his words.  It was something of a mystery how a couple of teenage girls had managed to escape detection for two years, especially when one of them was a privileged Moroi princess and the other a delinquent dhampir with a disciplinary file so long that it broke school records.  When I’d joined the teaching staff of St. Vladimir’s last year and learned of the princess’s case, I’d honestly been surprised the girls hadn’t slipped up sooner.  Being in league with others might explain how they’d remained hidden …and yet, in all our data gathering, we’d never once had even the slightest hint that they had one accomplice, let alone “a whole network” or “army.”

My silence made Laurence nervous, and he no longer smiled.  “It’s irrelevant now,” I told him.  “And there’s no point jumping to conclusions when—”

“Dimitri?”  A female voice crackled in my earpiece.  “We’ve got visuals on them.  They’re approaching the intersection of Brown and Boudreaux, from the north.”

Without another word to Laurence, I turned and headed toward the streets indicated.  I heard him running after me, but his stride was shorter, and he couldn’t quite keep up.  I tried to force calm as my heart rate increased, but it was difficult.  This was it.  This was it.  We might finally have her: Vasilisa Dragomir, the missing princess, last of her line.  Although I knew all guardian work was honorable—including the instruction of future guardians—part of me had longed for something more at St. Vladimir’s.  When I’d learned about the Dragomir princess and how she’d escaped the school, I’d made finding her a personal project, pushing leads that others had said were hopeless.

Me?  I didn’t believe in hopeless.

I slowed my pace as the intersection neared, allowing Laurence to catch up.  A quick scan revealed the dark shapes of other guardians lurking in shadows and behind objects.  This was the spot they’d chosen for the interception.  Quickly, I stepped off the road and hid in the cover of a tree, urging Laurence to do the same with a jerk of my head.  We didn’t have to wait long.  As I peered around the tree’s edge, I saw two female figures approaching, one practically dragging the other along.  At first, I assumed it must be the stronger dhampir helping the princess, but as they grew closer, their heights and builds revealed that it was exactly the opposite.

I had no time to ponder this oddity.  When they were about six feet from me, I quickly stepped out from the tree and blocked their path.  They came to a halt, and whatever weaknesses the dhampir girl had now vanished.  She grabbed the princess roughly by the arm and jerked her back, so that the dhampir’s own body served as a shield keeping me away.  Around us, other guardians fanned out, taking defensive positions but not advancing without my command.  The dhampir girl’s dark eyes made note of them, but she kept her attention focused squarely on me.

I didn’t entirely know what to expect from her, maybe that she’d try to run away or beg for her freedom.  Instead, she shifted into an even more defensive position in front of the princess and spoke in a voice that was barely more than a growl: “Leave her alone.  Don’t touch her.”

The girl was hopelessly outmatched yet still defiant, as though I were the one at a disadvantage.  In moments like these, I was glad my old instructors in Russia had grilled me into concealing my feelings—because I was surprised.  Very surprised.  And as I took this dhampir girl in, I suddenly understood with perfect clarity how they’d eluded us for so long.  A network of accomplices?  An army?  Laurence was a fool.  The princess didn’t need a network or army, not when she had this protector.

Rose Hathaway.



to continue reading, click HERE.

Book Review: My Wolf's Bane by Veronica Blade

My Wolf's Bane: Shapes of Autumn

Author: Veronica Blade
Paperback: 386 pages
Publisher: Crush Publishing (February 7, 2013)
Amazon Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 552 KB
Print Length: 388 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 098534346X
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Crush Publishing, Inc. (January 27, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Crush Publishing. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts: 

My Wolf's Bane is the first book in the Shapes of Autumn series.

When I received the request to review the book, I wasn't that interested. Oh well, because there's this note from the publisher :  

it's romance FIRST and everything else is secondary. . . .

After Twilight, I can no longer appreciate the same storyline. If it's Bella and Edward in disguise, I'd certainly stop reading. The first 2-3 chapters it is definitely Twilight-y. There were a couple of Edward's and Bella's cheesy lines and OMG, even Autumn's truck reminds me of Bella's so it was like I was just giving it a chance and ready to stop anytime. It was rather a complete surprise to actually find myself glued to the pages of the book probably past the first quarter of the story. It was when the wolf myth was introduced, I completely forgot the whole I-Hate-Twilight issue. I got so SOOO fascinated with it and I started loving Autumn and Zack by then.  

Hmm - actually it wasn't really 'romance FIRST'. The thing is, Autumn just had to deal with her psycho ex-boyfriend and in order to save Autumn, Zack had to pose as her new boyfriend. But really, I was more interested in the wolf-ish stuff, discovering the mystery of Autumn's identity and Zack's past. As for Zack's character, I thought he was intellectual for someone his age.  He can analyze complicated and deadly situations while maintaining  his coolness. I like men like that.

I actually couldn't get over Autumn and Zack so I'm re-reading the book. Oh I just found out that the author wrote some extras about My Wolf's Bane - in Zack's POV! Sweeet! I know, like that of Midnight Sun, but this time, I don't care! SCENE EXTRAS - LONE WOLF. Right now, it feels like I finally found a new book series to follow since Vampire Academy ended in 2010. Yep - excited much! I can't wait to read book #2! 

 About the book:

Different species. Mortal enemies. It'll never work, but they'll die trying. 

Autumn Rossi thought she was a normal teenager. Suddenly, she can outrun every critter in the forest, making her wonder if she’s even human. 

When the new guy at school, Zack de Luca, witnesses a questionable scene, he unfairly pins her as stuck-up. He acts like he hates her, yet he keeps bailing her out of trouble. Not only is Zack both insufferable and irresistible, he seems to sniff her anytime he gets close. 

As passion flares between them, Autumn isn’t sure which is more dangerous: her psycho ex-boyfriend, or falling for Zack — who’s risking his life just by being near her. 

About the author:

Veronica Blade lives in Southern California with her husband and children. By day she runs the family business, but each night she slips away to spin her tales. She writes stories about young adults to relive her own childhood and to live vicariously through her characters. Except her heroes and heroines lead far more interesting lives — and they are always way hotter.

Follow her:

http://veronicablade.com/

Book Review: Sky by R.E. Palmer

Sky

Author: R.E. Palmer
Paperback: 348 pages
Publisher: FrontRunner Publications (January 7, 2013)
Amazon Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 490 KB
Print Length: 348 pages
Publisher: FrontRunner Publications (November 29, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, R.E. Palmer. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The story started out a bit slow. The pacing picked up after a few chapters or so. Tomas Moone has been dreaming about this mysterious girl, he called her Sky. Every time he tried to reach out to her, she would always disappear. There's a reason behind the girl's disappearance and it's connected with Shelley's story, a newspaper correspondent, working on a story of a girl in coma who suddenly woke up and killed people after having contact with her. The storyline is believable, I liked the paranormal eeriness until it became sci-fi something.

Sky is told in different POVs, I enjoyed Tomas and Shelley's perspective but skimmed through all other especially Selene's part. The storyline didn't appeal much to me and it felt like I was just reading the story because I want to know what happened with Tomas' granddad and Carly.

As for the writing style, human characters in this book repeatedly said "...errr" (confused state) in their dialogue and the author also used never ending ellipses in both dialogue and narration, thus, distracting me in reading the story. I don't know the rules on that as I don't do literary analysis in this blog but I just want to say that the above constantly annoyed me. 

To read positive reviews, click HERE. 

About the book:

Tomas Moone has a secret - he’s terrified if anyone finds out, he’ll lose the girl of his dreams he’s so desperate to meet. 

Selene has a secret - she fears if Tomas discovers the truth, he’ll reject her, and the last of her race will be lost forever. 

Carly has no secrets – she’s in a coma. If Tomas fails to rescue her, she will suffer an eternity of horror and torment. 

For the first time in her career, Shelley has a killer story, but she dare not tell it… no one would ever believe her. 

Teenager Tomas Moone thinks he may be losing his mind. For years, he has shared a secret, ethereal romance with a girl from his dreams he calls Sky. But suddenly she disappears, and is replaced by Selene - a dark, mysterious woman. She takes him to new and wondrous, alien worlds while he sleeps, promising power and immortality. Despite this, Tomas misses Sky and longs to see her again. When Selene appears in physical form, revealing the secret of who she really is, Tomas is stunned. Suddenly, he has a new reason for living – to save the planet, and find the girl of his dreams. But Tomas is unaware that Selene has hidden plans for him – plans that threaten him, the girl he loves and everything he holds dear… 

About the author:

R.E. Palmer R.E. Palmer was born in Solihull, England. After ten years as a computer programmer, he left to train as an Alexander Technique teacher to follow his main interest - sports performance. From an early age, he loved to read and soon developed a love of sci-fi, fantasy and horror. After writing a number of short stories since his late teens, he finally completed his first novel in 2012; SKY.

You can follow the author on twitter @r_e_palmer, or visit his website at www.repalmerbooks.com for updates on the sequel.

Book Review: Out of Breath by Blair Richmond

Out Of Breath
Book One to the Lithia Trilogy

Author: Blair Richmond
Paperback: 274 pages
Publisher: Ashland Creek Press (October 11, 2011)
Amazon Link


Kindle Edition
File Size: 355 KB
Print Length: 275 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0979647576
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Ashland Creek Press (September 22, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Link


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Ashland Creek Press. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:


Out of Breath tells the story of Katherine, a vegetarian runner from Texas. She was born and raised in Lithia, a town in Oregon, but when her mother died, his dad lost his job and believed that life would be better outside Lithia. Too many bad things happened in Texas so Katherine decides to return to her hometown to start a new life, this time without his father. 

At first, after reading the first three chapters, the story line didn't appeal much to me. Thought it was just an ordinary story for a paranormal-ish book. When I get to read the part where Katherine met Stacey and David, Out of Breath became a page-turner. I didn't stop until I read the whole book. I love how the author wove the story. Normally, paranormal romance books depend on the love story but Out of Breath is different. The story could actually stand out even without the main character's love interest/s. This is what I'm looking for in a novel. You don't have to wait for the romance part every single page. The story could be very well accepted as it is and the romance part is just a bonus to the readers. I love Katherine's personality, she's tough and strong for a female lead. If there is hesitation on some things, it would easily be resolved. What else? I love how the setting of the story is described. Imagine a place with forests, environmentalists, vegan people, etc.  

As for the book cover, nice right? The paranormal part was surprising. With the book cover in mind, I thought differently. I'm not gonna spoil it for you so you decide which otherworldly beings are in this book. And would you believe these otherworldly beings are also vegan?? Interesting story!

Okay, while I loved this book, I just want to say that I had a little "connection problem" with the "romance part".  It's just that I can't feel excitement with Alex and Roman, Katherine's love interests in the story. I love Alex (not sure about Roman though) but I felt something is lacking, probably because I have this delicate heart *wink* when it comes to dealing with love triangle issues in books. 

Overall, I truly loved Out of Breath. If you are looking for a series to start, pick-up this book then! Now so happy to be reading book 2, Ghost Runner ;)! 

About the book:


Nineteen-year-old Kat Jones has been a competitive runner since she was a young girl, but after her mother's death, the path her life was supposed to take begins to crumble around her -- until one day, she finds herself on the run in a literal sense, this time in a race for her very life.

Kat's journey takes her to the Pacific Northwest town of Lithia, the place of her last good memories, of the days when her mother was still alive. But soon after her arrival, strange things begin to happen in Lithia -- and when one of her new friends disappears under mysterious circumstances, Kat begins to realize that Lithia's inhabitants are not all of this world. Worst of all, she is falling in love with one of these otherworldly locals, and the friend who hopes to save her has secrets of his own.

As Kat tries to rebuild her life, she is also training for a race that will turn out to be her biggest challenge yet, as she must outrun not only the demons of her past but the demons of the here and now, who threaten her very existence and that of the entire town.

At once a paranormal love story and an environmental allegory, Out of Breath offers an exciting new voice in young adult fiction.


About the author:

Blair Richmond is the pen name of an author from the Pacific Northwest.

Website: http://blairrichmond.blogspot.com