Book Review: Ghostly by Samantha Combs

Title: Ghostly

Author: Samantha Combs

Release Date: September 21st 2011

Publisher: Astraea Press

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

High school has never been effortless for social misfit Juice Zander and her sophomore year is proving to be no exception.  Having a new boy in homeroom actually pay attention to her might be a start to all that changing.  But there are some big issues brewing.  That fact that Shane Elliot has revealed himself to be a ghost isn’t her biggest problem.  Neither is the fact that he wants her to help him find a “host body” so he can be a real teenager again.  It’s not even that when she does find a possible donor for her super cute ghost, it’s another so-not-ugly guy who for some unprecedented reason likes her.  No, her real problem is that after years of platonic friendship, she discovers one of her best buddies has feelings for her, and she’s afraid those feelings might be mutual.

Enlisting the help of her tight group of best friends, Juice sets out to 1) find the perfect host for her ghost, 2) figure out her surprising new relationship with her longtime friend and 3) maybe discover she’s not such a social misfit after all.

My Thoughts

This is the first book by author Samantha Combs that I have had the pleasure to read. 

Her earlier book Spellbound, which was released in June this year received great reviews and I will be sure to check it out after reading Ghostly.

It was a delight to read an achingly sweet story about a diverse group of teenagers that did NOT smoke, drink or do drugs, have sex, or have unrealistic 'normal' lives.

There is a supernatural element to this story but for the most part it centers around Juice and her metamorphosis from average girl to desirable average girl, all the while fighting her way through the pitfalls and traps of growing up.

I really enjoyed the honesty of this story, and the lead characters ability to stay true to herself. 

The fact that Juice surrounds herself with true friends that build her up rather than pull her down was great too. 

Many teenage books that I have come across have the obligatory 'downer' or 'whiney' friend, but not here-how refreshing.

Samantha Combs should be extremely proud of herself, this truly is a beautifully written coming of age story that I think all teenage girls could learn from.

An outstanding 4 Star read.

Special Guest Book Reviewers: The Fearsome Beastie by Giles Paley-Phillips

Title: The Fearsome Beastie

Author: Giles Paley-Phillips

Illustrator: Gabriele Antonini

Release Date: May 31st 2011

Publisher: Maverick Arts Publishing 

Source: Received from the author for an honest review 

The fearsome beastie is searching for something to eat and the children are at the top of the menu.

Will they be fooled by the fearsome beastie and his clever tricks?

Thoughts

So I have two very special guest reviewers for this book today. 

As it is a children's picture book, my two youngest daughters and I have sat down to read this book together and we will each give our own review.

Miss 9

It was good and I liked the rhyming.

The pictures are nice. They are clear and bright.

It was funny, but I wouldn't eat beastie stew!!!

Miss 4

That was a scary one!

I liked it. It has nice pictures.

Its scary ay Mummy?!

Read it again!! 

Me

I absolutely loved this book.

It is a beautifully rhyming, colorfully illustrated, totally gorgeous little read. 

It really is a book I could happily read over and over, in fact, we already have!!

And I love seeing the shocked look on the face of my 4 year old every time.

This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read for the whole family.

With just the right amount of scare and surprise and some laughs thrown in too I would highly recommend this book to everyone. 

A definite 5 Star read.

Book Review: Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4)

Author: Nalini Singh

Release Date: September 6th 2011

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Source: Purchased by me

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more..

My Thoughts

I am very happy to say that Archangel's Blade well and truly lived up to all my expectations. 
Which, to be honest wasn't a hard thing to do after being mildly disappointed with Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter #3).

This, the forth book in the Guild Hunter series was fast paced, action packed, and had plenty of sexual tension between Dmitri and Honor which ultimately leads to some great sex!!

I was absolutely and completely riveted by Dmitri. 
He is just so dark and dangerous, quick witted and super, super sexy. (squirms in seat!)

An angelic appearance also from Illium (squirms some more!), Jason, Raphael and Elena means that all the bases are covered, you know where everyone is at.

The story of Holly, who was rescued from Uram in the last book is also rounded out a bit more with Venom making an appearance as her new watchdog. I have a feeling these two are going to play a major part in future books.

I have to say the way in which the past and present were intricately woven together for Dmitri and Honor's love story was outstanding. 
Luckily my girls were at school as I was so enraptured, I devoured this book in less than a day, only stopping for the odd coffee and toilet break!

I would happily and eagerly recommend this book to everyone.
An awesome 5 Star read

4th WINGS Book Title Announced!!!!!

Okay I just had to steal this announcement from Aprilynne Pike's Blog because its so damn exciting!!!!

I am SO excited to finally be able to let you guys know that the fourth and final book in the Wings series will be called:

DESTINED

I am sososo excited for this fourth book and the title is just so fitting! Luckily, Amazon.uk listed Destined a little early so I got to officially tell you the title just a bit sooner than I expected.

Before you ask, I don't have cover art yet, but I expect that next month--early November at the latest.

(Also, in case anyone is worried, yes, I do realized that Destined is also the name of the new House of Night book that is coming out this fall and that is the reason it has taken so long to announce. But the sales and marketing people finally decided that our books are so different--not to mention coming out six months apart--that there would be minimal confusion. I'm really, really excited they let me keep the title because, seriously, it just works so well with the whole book!)

In other exciting news, I finished the first draft of the first book in my new series today!!!! I still have several weeks of editing to do before it's even ready to go to my editor for approval, but it still feels like a big step and make me super happy today!

Ciao!

That has just made my evening...I.CAN.NOT.WAIT!!!

Book Review: The Guardian's Kiss by Jamie Lynn Dougherty

Title: The Guardian's Kiss (A Samantha Brand Novel)

Author: Jamie Lynn Dougherty

Release Date: June 29th 2011

Source: Received from the author for the purpose of an honest review

Take a step into this world of Angels, Demons and a little something in between. A touch of faith and trust. And a woman finding her true strengths and doing anything she can to protect those around her. Ultimately finding out more about herself and her soul mate than she could have ever imagined.

What would you do if you had the survival of mankind weighing on your shoulders? Would you face your true identity? Or would you run and hide?
When Samantha’s sister is infected by a deadly virus. Samantha and her twin must face their deepest secret. One that they have kept their entire lives. 

When they are rescued by a handsome soldier Trent, Samantha senses something in him she feels she can trust. Little does she know, he has secrets, not even she could have prepared for. Will her destiny take her down the path that will save the human race? Or will it be too late?

With ethereal gifts and a Guardian to watch over her, Samantha must remember who or what she truly is to save those she cares for the most.

My Thoughts

I have quite a bit to say about this book and I warn you now, although I hate spoilers in a review and always do my best to avoid them,
there will be spoilers here.

There are parts of this book that I absolutely loved and parts that I struggled with.

If you like Angels (you know I do!!) and Demons, supernatural strangeness, spirit guides, zombie inducing virus's, and much, much more you are going to love this book.

I really enjoyed the relationship that these sisters had. It was clear that they cared for each other and had each others backs.
Which is why I had a problem with the way in which Samantha dealt with their deaths.
Barely a tear was shed, not a moment of despair to be had.
I know they were on the run, and had lots of other stuff going on but I just didn't understand her apparent lack of feeling.

I enjoyed very much the banter between Samantha and H.B. I found him to be quite the larakin and I liked the added tension he brought to her relationship with Trent.
But once he was unable to change back from his coyote form his roll faded into the background bar a few telepathic conversations with Sam.
I would have liked a little more of H.B's smart mouth and his attempts at seducing Sam away from Trent!

I did enjoy very much the underlying story line for Dricus and Barbra.
I definitely felt the emotion of their connection and was happy to see the growing love between them improve his Fallen status.

I really, really loved the parts of the story that were written from Trent's P.O.V.
Although sparse, I found myself holding my breath throughout.
His 'voice' was just so refreshing, stripped bare, and a joy to read.
I would love to read more of the story from his prospective.

The story line in general was interesting and I liked the zombie virus/government experiment/Lucifer theme very much.
There were a few aspects of the back story that I would have liked more clarity on, however it is the first book in a series and the author cant give everything away!!

I was devastated with the ending.

I really did not want it to finish, and to finish that way was just gut wrenching!!

All that being said, I haven't been able to get this story out of my head!!

The author has done her job very well with these characters. I care about them, a lot.

It looks like I have a long wait too, as expected publication date for Book 2 is set for January 2012

Overall, a thoroughly enticing read.

4 Stars ;]

WINNERS!!!!!!!

I cant believe I have spent hours, YES HOURS!!!! tallying entries and randomly drawing winners!!!!!

AND HERE THEY ARE.....................

Winner of the handmade bookmark is.....Nathiel

Winner of 'The Call From Within' is.....frys.family

Winner of 'Spartan Heart' Part 1 OR Part 2 is.....leanne109 

Winners of a 'Spartan Heart' bookmark are....leanne109

                                                                              jennifer

                                                                              gaby

                                                                              Mindy fangedmom

Winners of author bookmarks are.....Shannon

                                                               elliot2668

Winner of 'The History of Rock & Roll in 99 Tweets' is.....Janet

Winner of the silver skull bookmark is.....Carla

Winner of Heavenly  is.....Aik

Winner of the butterfly bookmark is.....Janet

Winners of random swag are.....Alice

                                                      Clarissa P (Clary)

                                                      Katrina

                                                      Brandie Lucas

Winner of the silver love journal is.....Betsy

 A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY THAT DONATED A PRIZE AND TO EVERYONE THAT ENTERED, I HOPE YOU ALL HAD FUN :)

ALL winners have been contacted via email (check your spam folders)

Book Review: Paying The Piper by Rachel Brimble

Title: Paying The Piper

Author: Rachel Brimble

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.

Release Date: September 19th 2011

Source: Received from Honey Bee Promotions for the purpose of an honest review

 Blood is thicker than water...and its stain is deeper.

Nightclub manager Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother's ashes are scattered but the owner wants to sell to anyone but her. And that owner happens to be her father ... who has a secret she will do anything to discover.

Social worker and all around good guy Jimmy Betts needs funds to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. Time is running out and he's desperate for cash. He agrees to to a one-time 'job' for bad-man Karl Butler.

But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl's beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace. Their lives couldn't be more different, yet one thread binds them: they're both trying to escape the bonds of their fathers. Maybe the only way they'll be free is by being together, instead of alone.

Content Warning: Some profanity, sexual situations.

My Thoughts

The writing was smooth and flowed easily. 

The characters were well written and I was interested and entertained by Grace and Jimmy's story.

That being said I really wanted to learn more about the secondary characters, especially the kids from the soup kitchen. There was something about them that held a lot of appeal for me. 

I also thought we needed just a little more information on the family dynamic surrounding Grace, her sister and their parents. I just felt that there was too much history left unsaid that we needed to know to better understand Grace.

And for me, the ending was just a little hurried, Grace and Jimmy's HEA came together a little too abruptly (a mere few pages). 

All in all though, I found Paying The Piper to be a great little contemporary romance and a worthy 3 Star read.

Other books by this author:

 

Book Review: The Embrace of Life and Death (A Dark Kiss Tale) by Liz Strange

Title: The Embrace of Life and Death (A Dark Kiss Tale)

Author: Liz Strange

Publisher: MLR Press, LLC

Release Date: June 7th 2011

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Kieran is a hundred-and-twenty-year-old immortal, originally hailing from the harsh, famine-stricken life of 1880s Ireland. He has surpassed death and thrived, gaining wealth, power and knowledge. Azrael is the angel of death, but his mission is far from ominous. He is the protector of the grief-stricken, and the champion of lost souls. The two are polar opposites in mission and nature, yet are inexplicably drawn to one another.

The Supreme One sees all, and when he discovers the truth about the relationship he is enraged. Their commitment to be together must be stronger than his determination to keep them apart.

My Thoughts

I really love anything to do with angels and had high hopes for this book, sadly it didn't quite tick all the boxes for me.

I found Kieran to be an overly emotional man and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't picture him as a vampire. He is the weepiest, most effeminate male I have ever read and I had a hard time believing in his character. I was equally confused by the Angel Azrael. 

I just didn't connect with these characters and that's unfortunate.

I found the first half of this story to be rather slow but I stuck with it. And the second half did become more interesting with the ominous 'Supreme One' turning things upside down and throwing some time travel into the mix but it just wasn't enough to make up for character flaws. Also, I'm in no way religious and don't attend church but the whole alien turning benevolent God, punishing the lower class humans storyline didn't sit well with me either. It just felt contrived.

That being said, it did have some good points. I was glad to see it pointed out that we cant help who we fall in love with, that love comes in all shapes and forms regardless of gender and appearances, something I strongly agree with. And even though it didn't work for me I have to give the author, Liz Strange points for taking on God and changing it up. That takes courage.

2 STARS 

1000 facebook friends, 100 blog followers GIVEAWAY

YES ITS FINALLY HERE!

THE BIG 1000 FACEBOOK FRIENDS, 100 BLOG FOLLOWERS CELEBRATORY GIVEAWAY IS HERE....

Firstly I'd like to send out a few thank yous.  

To all the wonderful authors and publishers that have offered up their books for me to review, I'm honored-thank you. 

To everyone that has entered one of my little giveaways, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. 

To all the other bloggers that have inspired me to do my bit, to offer up my own opinions-thank you.

An extra special thank you to the wonderfully kind people that have offered up prizes for this giveaway, I will be promoting you like crazy in the weeks to come!

And last but not least, a BIG thank you to all the people I've met and spoken/chatted to in the last six months or so. You've all been great, funny, interesting, maybe slightly mad, lovely, opinionated, sometimes sad, but above all, wonderful cyberspace buddies. 

So here are the prizes..............

1 hand made beaded bookmark from Autum at Midnight Creations
 (winner will get to choose the design)

*example only*

1 copy of The Call From Within (Dearhart Clan #1) by Eri Nelson

sent to you by the author

 1 winner will have their choice of either Spartan Heart Part 1 OR Part 2 by Kristine Cheney 

Spartan Heart bookmarks

pdf ebook

2 winners will receive author bookmarks courtesy of Crystal at All My Book Finds

1 copy of The History of Rock and Roll in 99 tweets by Andy Szpuk

e-book

1 metal bookmark with sterling silver skull

1  copy of Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

1 metal butterfly bookmark

4 winners will receive random swag 

1 silver 'Love' journal

Thats 16 prizes with the possibility of more yet to come!!!

The Rules

You need follow the links and thoughtfully thank 

for their gracious donations....

Crystal and Shanna over at All My Book Finds

Autum at Midnight Creations

Kristine Cheney

Eri Nelson

Andy Szpuk (you may even like to friend Andy)  

You must leave a comment on this post telling me that you have 

done it (I will check) and tally up your points

you will get:

1 point for each donator you thank

1 point for being a facebook friend

1 point for being a blog follower

an extra 5 points for doing ALL of the above

What are you waiting for?!?!

The more points you earn the more chances you have to win!!

Giveaway will run from Sept 1st through to the 14th 2011

All winners will be chosen at random and will be 

announced on the 15th September 2011