Book Review: LICK by Kylie Scott

Title: LICK (Stage Dive #1)
Author: Kylie Scott
Release Date: July 1st 2013
Publisher: Momentum
Source: Received from the author for an honest review
 
Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

My Thoughts

I’ve been following all of the little sneak peeks of LICK on the author’s blog, chaffing at the bit for more with each tantalizing snippet. I drooled over the brooding image of David on the cover, anticipating its release with each passing day. And I squeeeed in an almighty fangirl fashion when it arrived in my inbox for review!

LICK is one of those books you stay up to the wee small hours reading.
It’s a book you read while trying to cook breakfast for the kids; a book so engrossing you’ll (well I did anyway) hold off going to the bathroom just so you can read to the end of the page... or even the next!

For those of you who have read Kylie Scott’s other books (Flesh, Skin, Room With a View: Hot Down Under, Colonist’s Wife) you’ll know about her talent for writing snazzy one liners and snarky, tongue in cheek conversations that have you swooning, giggling, and panting with lust. For those of you, who have yet to experience Kylie’s ninja writing skills, prepare for a great ride.  

LICK is an experience in awesome; I barely stopped to write notes (hello – you already know I barely stopped for bathroom breaks!!) but the ones I did write read like this…

HOT!
FUNNY!
HOT AND FUNNY!
OMG HOT!
OMG, F*&#ING HOT!!
RAWRRRR THAT’S HOT!!!!!

You get the idea!

Yes, LICK is a book I have fallen in love with; an array of characters who feel like friends, or people I’d like to befriend (or have sex with!) Kylie's characters came alive with every word, every turn of the page, to the point I felt bereft once I'd finished reading. I am physically aching for the next book in this series, I only hope the wait isn't too long!

There really are so many things to love about LICK and I could go on-and-on about it, but you really need to experience it’s amazingness for yourself.

I NEED this in paperback on my keeper shelf now!
So I'll definitely be ordering a signed copy a.s.a.p because author Kylie Scott has solidified herself as one of my all time favourite authors.

LICK gets a super sexy, well deserved 5+ stars ~<;]
 

Book Review: Vexed by S.K.Whiteside

Title: Vexed

Author: S.K.Whiteside
Release Date: November 6th 2012 

Publishing Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly
Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Everyone has heard the story but not everyone knows the truth. Isis was ready to give up. Her mate, Osiris, we murdered by the very person he trusted most, his brother Set. Envious of his brothers growing power and his father’s affection, Set killed Osiris and scattered his remains across the lands of Egypt. With the love of her life out of the picture Set imprisoned Isis in attempt to claim her as his own. When she spurns his advances, Set locks Isis in a tower where she is raped, beaten, and left for dead…only she is immortal and death never comes.
With the help of some unexpected allies, Isis escapes and sets forth on a path of revenge. Vengeance will be hers and she makes it clear to her enemies that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

My Thoughts

Vexed by S.K. Whiteside is an interesting story. 
It's a new take on an old tale. 
It is a refreshing and intriguing read... but it really could do with some work. 

Sadly there were more than a few bumps with this story - it lacked reading flow, there was a lack of punctuation, sentences didn't make sense, and the font and font size changed so often it gave me a migraine.

Vexed has plenty of story potential, but it needs some help with the telling, a decent edit and perhaps even some restructuring because it really is all over the place; and for such a short read (193 pages) it took me forever to get through due to the poor formatting alone.
 
I don't care what I'm reading, bad grammar and messy sentence structuring is going to diminish my reading pleasure and sadly, for me Vexed was riddled with problems making it a dissatisfying read. 
2 stars :[

Book Review: The Coffin Girls by Aneesa Price

Title: Coffin Girls, Elegantly Undead (Coffin Girls)
Author: Aneesa Price
Release Date: July 18th 2012
Publisher: Self published
Source: Received from the author for an honest review

A sexy, female vampire with secrets. A sinfully-handsome witch prince on a mission. A formidable Vampire Council with something to hide.

A vampire descendent from the original Coffin Girls, Anais runs a successful event and wedding planning business from her majestic New Orleans plantation house. To the Vampire Council, she is seen as an exemplary hostess and household head of a misfit bunch of vampires.
When Yves, her maker and head of the Vampire Council requests her assistance in hosting the mysterious, yet dashing Prince of Witches, Conall, she has no option but to accept. But Anais is the keeper of secrets; secrets that can kill. Protective of her family’s undiscovered uniqueness, Anais is guarded, yet intrigued by the enigmatic witch prince.
Conall and Anais are drawn together when confronted with fatal encounters and an unimaginable destiny… if she’s willing to accept it and fight.

My Thoughts

I found Coffin Girls, Elegantly Undead, to be a slow moving story that tempted me to skim its pages and skip ahead. I thought the plot was good, but there wasn't anything keeping me interested enough to really enjoy the story.
I'm also not a huge fan of writing that reads like a manual - giving an almost blow-by-blow of events rather than using imagery to create a sense of being there. I would have enjoyed a little less telling and more use of descriptive writing; and for me, the story lacked flow, it was a bit of a bumpy read.

While the characters were interesting and a bit different than your average vampire, werewolf, witch; I didn't really care for Anais. I initially thought she was an intriguing MC, and she had a definite heat and attraction with Raulf but she very quickly moved on to Conall which I felt cheapened her character.

Sadly, without a decent connection to the characters I lost interest and took my time to finish the book - I dont think the Coffin Girls is a bad book, I just dont think it was a book for me.

Overall an interesting story with a difference for lovers of all things supernatural but I thought it could do with a little more depth and polish. 3 out of 5 stars :]

Release Day Book Review: Betwixt by Melissa Pearl

Title: Betwixt
Author: Melissa Pearl
Release Date: November 5th 2012
Publisher: Self published
Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Beautiful, wild-child Nicole Tepper is hit by a car and left for dead. But when she wakes the next morning, Nicole finds herself in bed without a scratch. Perhaps she was more intoxicated than usual, as her mother is giving her the silent treatment and her friends are ignoring her as well.

Things take a turn for the weird when Nicole soon discovers she is actually hovering between life and death. Her body is lying in the forest while her spirit is searching for anyone who can hear her. Unfortunately the only person who can is Dale Finnigan, the guy she publicly humiliated with a sharp-tongued insult that has left him branded.

Desperate, Nicole has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince the freaked-out senior to help her. Will he find her body before it's too late? Or will the guy who tried to kill her with his car, beat him there and finish her off before anyone finds out?

My Thoughts

*Short moment of fangirl behaviour required*

OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
I was blown away by its emotion and sincerity. Simply beautiful.
I loved, loved, loved it!! I could not put it down, didn't want it to be over, loved it!

*fangirl squealing session over!*

Seriously though, it's no secret that I loved author Melissa Pearl's Time Spirit Trilogy, in fact they are on my favourite YA reads of 2012 list, and you can check out my reviews for them here: Book #1, Book #2, Book #3
And Forbidden Territory, which Melissa co-authored with Brenda Howson was a fantastic read too. You can read my review here

So needless to say, I had some pretty high expectations for Betwixt.
I needn't have worried because Melissa has again proved to me why I love her (writing) so much.

Melissa Pearl has a talent for writing characters (in this case Nicky) with such emotion and truth, that you forget that you are reading a book. You almost become Nicky, its like slipping into her skin.
Admittedly, my teenage years are far behind me, but reading the first few pages of Nicky's chaotic teenage ramblings, had me reliving a similar moment in my own past, a mistake I had once made - and I was hooked.

The raw emotion, the turbulent thoughts of a messed up, hormone addled teenage mind is both refreshing and harrowing at the same time.
The mean games of popularity, the constant need to be top dog, the good looking girl with the swoon worthy boyfriend, and all the nasty bits in-between just made me feel for Nicky all the more.
She really is just a broken little girl trying to fill up all the cracks before she completely falls apart, and Melissa has captured it all with pinpoint accuracy.

Nicky's story is fresh and original, and while it's one of life and death, it's also a story of self discovery, personal growth, love, forgiveness and faith. A really great addition to a market flooded with supe's and otherworldly beings, Betwixt has a paranormal element all of its own.
Full of beautifully written moments of horror and surprise, laugh-out-loud one liners, complete and utter sweetness (aww Dale), and bone aching sadness and joy; Betwixt is a story that is so lovingly told, it will have you questioning more than just how your actions affect those around you, but the very world you have created for yourself.

Whether 16 or 60, you will fall in love with this book and the author.
Melissa Pearl is a powerhouse of emotional writing and her stories are addictive.

From start to finish, Betwixt had me choking with emotion, breaking my heart - but it was an absolute joy to read. Another book for the keeper shelf, Betwixt is a 5 Star Read ~<;]

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Book Review: Until There Was You by Jessica Scott

Title: Until There Was You (Coming Home #2)
Author: Jessica Scott
Release Date: October 8th 2012
Publisher: Loveswept (A Loveswept Contemporary Military Romance)
Source: Received from the author for an honest review

He plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed army captains will prove that opposites attract . . .

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye.

He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

My Thoughts

I read Jessica Scott's first novel in her Coming Home series, Because Of You and you can read my review here.

I started reading Until There Was You, hoping for a similarly well written story and well defined characters that the author had presented with her first novel.
Unfortunately, I found myself floundering and feeling let down by its distinct lack of the afore mentioned qualities.

I did not like, nor was I able to connect with Claire. She's pushy and rude, and while I understand that there is a certain need to be strong willed and stoic in the military, she just came across as a bitch.
And while Evan is described as a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else, he actually comes off as more of an uptight coward who hides behind the rules.
I just struggled to find anything to like about either of the MC's.

The story also, was far more about their training and getting ready for deployment than it was about a building romance. I was bogged down with military drills and procedures, infighting amongst the ranks, and the senseless drivel presented by the secondary characters that I guess was supposed to strengthen the main storyline.

I just felt that the whole book needed another edit, the story fleshed out some more, the characters built up and refined, and more romance and feeling added because I just didn't feel anything, and therefore I didn't enjoy this book on any level.

I do however think that Jessica Scott can write a good story, but this one needed more work, and in order to be a romance there needed to be more attention spent building the attraction and sexual heat between her characters, that was evident in her first book.
 
For me, this was a disappointing follow up, 2 Stars :|

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Book Review: Fathom by Merrie Destefano

Title: Fathom
Author: Merrie Destefano
Release Date: October 1st 2012 (expected)
Publisher: Self published
Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Everything is changing . . .

Turning sixteen can be hell, especially if everyone in town thinks your mother killed herself and your sister. All Kira Callahan wants to do is swim, hang out with her best friend, Sean, and ignore the kids who torment her at school. That is, until one day when she gets invited to a party. For three minutes her life is wonderful—she even kisses Sean in the driveway. Then somebody spikes her drink at the party and some girls from out of town lure her into the ocean and hold her underwater.

Kira soon discovers that the group of wild teenagers who have come to visit Crescent Moon Bay are not as innocent as they seem. In fact, nothing is as it seems—not the mysterious deaths of her sister and mother, not her heritage, not even her best friend. And everything seems to hinge on the ancient Celtic legends that her mother used to tell her as a child.

My Thoughts

Fathom is a story steeped in mystery, legends, and the ghosts of a tragic past. And although it has been written with a YA audience in mind, I have fallen in love with with beautiful and charismatic tale.

I fell in love with Kira straight off the bat.
Kira is a great girl, her determination and love for those around her is an attribute both admirable and foolish, no more so when faced with a choice between her own happiness, or fulfilling the happiness of others. 
She has very deep-set ideals that are not often found in your average teenager; she's a fighter, and once her mind is set on something, no amount of persuasion will move her from it.

Haunted by the ghosts of her past, the unwanted rumors about her that never die down, combined with the new and strange feelings for her cute best friend, Kira's life just gets even more complicated by some strangely intriguing attention from the mysterious new kids in town. 
Watched like a hawk by her overprotective family, whispering and waiting anxiously for something to happen to her, for her to turn out like her mother, Kira has to battle more than just her own demons.

Fathom is a story shrouded in secrets; and this new and improved version of Selkie's and their Celtic Legend is fantastic.
They are an adventurous, sexy, messed up group, on a quest of self discovery that has been predestined in the ongoing legends that this old and secret race live by. They are chaotic, erratic, and their emotions are almost always in turmoil, making them unpredictable and exciting. The author has morphed this legend into a unique and captivating version that is completely her own.

I just couldn't put Fathom down. 
Its not just Kira's story, it's a story that encompasses a whole family, the legends of old that they live by and their small seaside town. 
There are so many elements and threads to Fathom that there really isn't a moment to catch your breath. Its entirely absorbing, and I lost myself in it's pages; I especially loved the brief passages of undersea life and I hungered for more of this fascinating world.
Beautifully written and very evocative, Fathom is a fantastic story full of excitement, mystery, love and grief.

A fantastic 5 Star read ;]


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Book Review: Kiera's Quest: Sacrifices by Kristy Brown

Title: Kiera's Quest: Sacrifices

Author: Kristy Brown
Release Date: August 3rd 2012
Publisher: Muse It Up
Source: Received from the author for an honest review.

After almost beating the villainous Witch Queen, Kiera’s triumph is tainted with sadness for the loss of Joe and Daz.

When the handsome Prince Zakk asks Kiera to re-enter his world in order to save her friend, she does not hesitate.

On their perilous journey Kiera realizes that she is there to save many lives.

As she comes face to face with her evil nemesis once again, Kiera comes closer to finding out the truth to why she has been chosen.

Will she succeed?
Will this be the end to Kiera’s quest?

My Thoughts

I read book #1 in this series, Kiera's Quest: Awakenings back in June and you can read my review here

For a reasonably short read, Sacrifices has a lot going on. 

Lots of new friends and some new foes; a few friendly faces re-appear, and some new twists and turns make for a non stop reading adventure.

However, lots of scene changes and different points of view did make it a slightly disjointed read, I mean 28 chapters in less than 80 pages?
Overall I think it worked out okay, but it did take me a few of those chapters to get back into the fast paced world that author Kristy Brown has created.

Well written, with plenty of great characters and story arc's - Kiera's Quest: Sacrifices is a great continuation of an intriguing and action packed story, with a cliffhanger to leave you gasping!
4 Stars ;]

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Book Review: Captured In Sin by Devlin Chase

Title: Captured In Sin (The Vengeful Elements, #1)

Author: Devlin Chase
Release Date: February 29th 2012
Publisher: Self published
Source: Received from the author for an honest review.

Seven Sinners. Seven Innocents. One Prophecy.

Catherine De Sano is quite happy with her life, despite the trauma of her childhood. The last thing she needs is to be stalked by a devastatingly sexy man who's trying to convince her that her life is in danger...that she's being hunted by a rogue vampire. If it weren't for the fact that he knows how she spends her evenings she would have had him arrested. Now she's stuck with him, whether she likes it or not.

Darien Hawkwood has never met such a stubborn young woman before. The fact that she might be the key to an ancient prophecy seems to be having little impact and the instant attraction between them isn't helping him keep his emotions under control either. But he also knows that he needs her - more than she could ever begin to imagine.

As danger closes in around them and forces of nature are unleashed, Darien will need to turn his back on everything he's known if he's to protect Catherine - and give her the chance to fulfil her destiny.

My Thoughts

I really like the premise of this book.
A strong willed, independent women meets her match in a vampire who stubbornly stalks here every move, professing to keep her safe; only to find herself repeatedly caught in the grasp of the evil and mad rogue vampire that wants her dead - or does he?
 
For me, the first 50 or so pages of Captured In Sin were a little bumpy and disjointed to read. Some of the sentence structuring was difficult to follow and the repeated use of words in a sentence frustrating. The flow of the story and world building was a bit clumpy also. 

The dinner scene between Catherine and her estranged brother was awkward and felt unnatural and I didn't get what the author was trying to do with them, I didn't connect with them at all. And while Cat is obviously very good at her day job, she feels the need to burgle her clients at night - this scenario came out of nowhere and threw me for a loop. There really was no clue as to why this would be something she'd do until a little later in the book when she gets to the convent; where more of Cat's character is revealed and I started to get a better idea about the person she was. 

But for those first 50 or so pages I was confused and lost. I think that section of the book could do with an edit, or at least iron out some of the wrinkles, a more cohesive story flow would better hold the reader's interest.

However after those first bumpy pages, the writing starts to flow more easily and really finds its rhythm. I found myself connecting with the characters and enjoying the continual sexually charged banter. 
I was also intrigued by the secondary characters, and the roles that they may play in the rest of this series. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself thoroughly enjoying this book. And there is a lot to like. 
New hero's, new rules; a new and exciting world of danger, intrigue, and of course, plenty of romance and sex!

Overall, a surprisingly good read once you get past the bumpy start.
3.5 Stars :]

Book Review: Dead Embers by T.G Ayer

Title: Dead Embers (Valkyrie #2)

Author: T.G Ayer
Release Date: e-book: August 15th 2012, print: August 30th 2012
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Source: Received from the author for an honest review.

Valkyrie-in-training Bryn Halbrook just can't catch a break. With her boyfriend stuck in Hel and the taunting laughter of Loki still ringing in her ears, she struggles to concentrate on her training and duties in Odin's realm. The last thing she expects or wants is more adventure—but then treachery, a shocking abduction and a chilling discovery send her forth on another perilous, globe-hopping mission.

As the ultimate battle, Ragnarok, draws closer, it's a race against time for Bryn, Fenrir and their team to discover who kidnapped her foster brother from the halls of Asgard and what's causing the mysterious deaths of so many of Odin's chosen warriors.

In the exciting sequel to DEAD RADIANCE, Bryn encounters dwarfs and dragons, new friends and old foes—but worst enemy of all may be the person she trusts most!

My Thoughts

I reviewed the first book in this series Dead Radiance, earlier this year and you can read it here.
 

I should also state that after reading Dead Radiance, I had the incredible pleasure of meeting this talented and very sweet and unassuming author in person, but that has in no way colored my judgement in writing this review, as always, this review is unbiased, honest, and my own opinion.

                                   
                                           ~<3 ~      ~<3 ~

Dead Embers picks up immediately from where Dead Radiance finished, throwing the reader headlong into the emotional and heart wrenching moment that shocked many to the core.

Second guessing every decision she has ever made has left Bryn confused and in a tailspin of self doubt - and without her most trusted friend at her side, she struggles to cope as Ragnorak quickly approaches. 

Warned by the god's to trust no-one, Bryn is yet again thrust into a journey fraught with betrayal, leading her to question not only her own actions but the actions and intentions of all those around her.

The depth of emotion with which T.G Ayer writes, is such that I was immediately sucked into her hauntingly beautiful world of Norse mythology yet again. Insanely intense at times, I was kept on the edge of my seat - desperately trying to anticipate the next unnecessary death, the next friend to turn.
Darker than book #1 - Dead Embers will have you in knots as you try to unravel all the plot twists and turns. And I knew there would be an ultimate twist, a reason for all the betrayal and deceit, but I was still shocked by the sheer hatred that this well organized and despicable plan entailed...
and O.M.G - what an ending - Holy Helheim!!

Full of suspense, intrigue, and astounding revelations - Dead Embers is an incredibly emotional, and shockingly additive adventure that will be enjoyed by readers both young and old.

Another richly deserved 5 Star read ~<;]

**due for e-book release next week, check back on my blog for your chance to win some goodies in my Dead Embers giveaway**

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Book Review: Because of You by Jessica Scott

Title: Because of You (Coming Home #1) 

Author: Jessica Scott

Release Date: November 14th 2011
Publisher: Loveswept
Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Keeping his men alive is all that matters to Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison. But meeting Jen St. James the night before his latest deployment makes Shane wonder if there’s more to life than war. He leaves for Iraq remembering a single kiss with a woman he’ll never see again—until a near fatal attack lands him back at home and in her care.

Jen has survived her own brush with death and endured its scars. And yet there’s a fire in Shane that makes Jen forget all about her past. He may be her patient, but when this warrior looks her in the eyes, she feels—for the first time in a long time—like a woman. Shane is too proud to ask for help, but for Jen, caring for him is more than a duty—it’s a need. And as Jen guides Shane through the fires of healing, she finds something she never expected—her deepest desire.

My Thoughts

Let me start off by saying that I haven't read a Loveswept novel since I was in my late teens, so I initially accepted the review request for that reason alone. 

But then I read the blurb, looked at the cover, and learnt about the author. And I was immediately intrigued because Jessica Scott is a soldier. 

An actual 'served her country in Iraq' soldier! In the Army for 16 years soldier!
 
She's also a wife and Mom, doing all the things that we all do, to keep our families safe and happy - but damn, Jessica Scott is a soldier too!
So...thoroughly impressed with her credentials, I happily sat down to read her book.

Jessica Scott has brought to life some really great characters. 
They are like-able, have their own set of faults and hangups and are exceptionally real.  
With her unique insight into the hearts and feelings of active soldiers, Jessica wraps a sweet but troubled romance around a very yummy Shane, and a relationship shy Jen. Added to that, the turbulent recovery of both body and soul for each of them, and and the harsh reality of military life, Because of You is an incredibly well written story.

At its core is the love story, and as I've already mentioned its very sweet. Both carrying scars that hold them back from their instant attraction, its takes time for Shane and Jen to admit that there is something between them. 
Lots of hesitant touches and lingering kisses build into a great love for one another and the trials and tribulations that come their way are tackled together, if at times not in a completely agreeable manner!
The wrenching story arcs for the secondary characters are also impeccably written, and at times I forgot this was a novel, because the author writes with such clarity and truth.

I cant wait to see what Jessica Scott comes up with next 4 Stars ;]



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Book Review: Inhale by Kendall Grey

Title: Inhale (Just Breathe #1)

Author: Kendall Grey

Publication Date: May 1st 2012 (to be confirmed)

Publisher: Howling Mad Press

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18*

**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to whale education**

My Thoughts

I absolutely love the premise for this book.
A new and exciting race of paranormals that embody the elements and enter the dreams of humans.
It is a story and genre that is right up my alley

I'm afraid Inhale didn't quite hit the mark for me.

I felt that the first 1/4 of this book was over explanatory and quite disjointed, and instead of helping I found the extensive background and Sentinel history bogged me down and I struggled to make my way through without skimming over the pages.
And strangely, I felt like I was reading book #3 or #4 in a series and that I was missing something.

Once I made my way through those first bumpy chapters though, I found the story took off and I was really engaged.

I definitely enjoyed the characters.

Gavin Cassidy is a gorgeous, pierced and tattooed rock star who's 'muse' for writing music has left him. 

He fills his time with nameless, faceless groupies and copious amounts of booze.

Zoe is studious, faithful, and an advocate for saving her beloved whales.
Cheated on one too many times and in need of a change she travels to Australia in the hope of outrunning her nightmares, and stumbles upon the much younger 'Perfect' in her dreams.

There are some really well written bad guys and gals too, and like I said the characters, setting and story are great; I just found the storytelling in the beginning lacked flow and a sense of cohesiveness.

All said and done, I'm definitely putting book #2 Exhale on my to-read list because despite the few hurdles to begin with I enjoyed Inhale very much.
A very respectable 4 Star read. 

LINKS

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Book Review: Cold Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Title: Cold Blood (Dirty Blood #2)

Author: Heather Hildenbrand

Publication Date: November 22nd 2011

Publisher: Accendo Press

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process.

At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea. So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming committee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here? 

My Thoughts

Cold Blood is just as exciting as the first book Dirty Blood (you can read my review for book #1 here), but in new surroundings with all new pressures and with some great new characters.
 
Cambria or 'goth girl' as she lovingly refers to herself is a particular favourite. She has a quick wit and kick arse attitude which fits well with Tara's  personality.

Wes is more in the background in this instalment and I really did miss his presence but that's not to say there was no love interest for Tara (I'm not telling, spoiler free remember!)

Another great instalment in the Dirty Blood series, Cold Blood has action, intrigue, bitch fights, an awesome twist and so much more.

Cold Blood is an excellent read, 4 Stars ;]

Book Review: Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Title: Dirty Blood (Dirty Blood #1)

Author: Heather Hildenbrand

Publication Date: April 28th 2011 (first published April 1st 2011) 

Publisher: Accendo Press

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up.

Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And Two, I was born to kill them.

My Thoughts

Dirty Blood has a great cast of characters that are not cliched and over done and I enjoyed Tara immensely. She's witty, a little smart mouthed and by no means a push over.

Dirty Blood is definitely a new and exciting version of the age old werewolf story, complete with new history, myths and legends (and not a vampire in sight!)
This book is bold, refreshing, and an entertaining read.

A great 4 Star read

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