.#REVIEW The Assassin's Gambit by @amyraby @SignetEclipse

Assassin's Gambit (Hearts and Thrones #1)

by Amy Raby

Paperback, 400 pages

Published: April 2nd 2013 by Signet
ISBN: 0451417828 (ISBN13: 9780451417824)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Action, Strong female heroine, Adult.

*Received Arc from pub. for review*

Goodreads

Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga, is as deadly as she is beautiful. She’s a trained assassin for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate power. Using her charm and wit, she plans to seduce her way into the emperor’s bed and deal him one final, fatal blow, sparking a battle of succession that could change the face of the empire.

As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son of a deposed emperor, Lucien must constantly be wary of an attempt on his life. But he’s drawn to the stunning Caturanga player visiting the palace. Vitala may be able to distract him from his woes for a while—and fulfill other needs, as well.

Lucien’s quick mind and considerable skills awaken unexpected desires in Vitala, weakening her resolve to finish her mission. An assassin cannot fall for her prey, but Vitala’s gut is telling her to protect this sexy, sensitive man. Now she must decide where her heart and loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her heart for good.

 B&N



Hearts and Thrones Series
Assassin's Gambit #1
Spy's Honor #2  Expected publication: October 1st 2013


 

Debut Author, Amy Raby has won me over in this action infused, romantic, fantasy read. With a strong female protagonist, a fantastic story, and witty enthralling characters that had depth. 

I must admit, what first drew my attention of this book was that gorgeous cover. The dress, the dagger, the castle in the background, the moon and I mean come on that cover model is gorgeous. So yes, without even reading the synopsis, I already was super excited to read this book, then after reading the synopsis, this book had me 110%.



Vitala, is an assassin. She has trained her whole life in The Circle, a well hidden, magically infused group of mercenaries(although they are not paid) who are fighting against the wrongs of  kingdoms led by rulers. These rulers are hurting the people of the kingdom, and the only way the Circle can wrong their right is to kill the leaders. Lucien, is the Emporer of one of these Kingdoms,  who turns out to be Vitala's next target, her most important target that she has trained her whole life to take down.

Vitala's training started at an early age, learning how to become a killer, among killer's. She is strong, smart, and has a way about her that just spells --FIERCE! She has an undeniable death blow that comes in the form of shards, that can be willed from her as to strike down her opponent. As she sets up how she will get into Lucien's world and befriend him, she uses her training of the Caratuga game(a chess like game) to befriend Lucien. He of course is impressed that he has found a worthy opponent in the game. He warms up to her, and gifts her with her very own set of the game. She of course, is using any, and every angle to learn how she will kill, Lucien. She even beds him, and is itching for the kill, when it seems that all hell let's loose and what was once her trying to kill Lucien, turns out their are others who are after his head, and she's not to happy about it.

See, she seems to have fallen for the emporer and his charming, likable ways. As she rescues him, and journey's with him, they are slowly falling in love with each other, and she learns that Lucien may not be as evil, as the Circle first thought. She learns that although he is the Emporer their are others who enforce their own rule when it comes to enforcing the counties of the kingdom, and those men are the truly bad. Much of what Vitala learns about Lucien comes from his trusted men. Men who will stand behind their leader, as they call him a fair, and a true hands-on leader who would fight right along his own men. Lucien is not a typical leader, and is not like his Father or Grandfather. He actually cares about his men, and does seem to care about the people of the Kingdom, although he knows nothing can be changed overnight, he takes all the right steps into righting the wrong of those who are after him, and whom have wronged or deceived him. Lucien and Vitala's love for each other grows throughout this book, and it makes for a great romance as these two stand side by side, ready for battle.

Without spoiling the rest, I will tell you why I LOVED this book! First we get one strong, kick butt heroine, plus she knows how to wear a dress and look fierce! She actually reminds me of an older, version of Megan Fox. Anyway, back to why I heart this so much. Well, it has a great story line, adventure, romance, and it has some great messages behind the story. I found The Assassin's Gambit to truly be captivating, and fans of fantasy/adventure stories will enjoy this book. I also found the fantasy aspects to not be overwhelming and can be easily followed.

If you like a great plot, fleshed out well, with a captivating storyline and characters, with depth and some romantic heat. You will enjoy this story. Fans of Young Adult reads like Throne Of Glass by Sarah J Mass, and Touch Of Power by Maria Snyder will enjoy this step up into an Adult  Fantasy read. I'm looking forward to continuing on with the second book in this series, Spy's Honor.

5/5 
Fantastic Fantasy Roses

"It's not really that," she said. "It's that I don't belong here-or anywhere. In Riorca, people hate my Kjallan half; in Kjall, they hate my Riorcan half. I had a home in the Circle, where there were others like me, but now I don't even have that.
I have nothing, Lucien. I have nobody."
"I've been called many things, Vitala, but never have I been called a nobody."
"I don't mean you. I mean there's no group where I belong."
"We'll make our own group. You belong with me." He'd never spoken words more true. She did belong with him. For all the women he'd been with, he'd never found a more perfect companion for himself than Vitala.

"We're neither of us flawless. You accept my broken parts, and I'll accept yours."

.Waiting On Wednesday: Reawakended A #OUAT Tale & The Sound by @sarahalderson

Hosted by

Jill @ Breaking The Spine

One of my WOW's today features my favorite TV show on television, Once Upon A Time. OUAT features Grimm Fairy Tale re-tellings and I can't get enough of the show, so I'm hoping the book version is just as good. My second WOW is The Sound, by Sarah Alderson, the same author who penned Hunting Lila. The Sound, sounds (no pun intended) like a great beachy read. It seems filled with a great mystery of sorts as well. Since the setting of both of these  books is in New England, I already have a special liking to them.

So what's holding court on your WOW post? Link me, so I can visit.








A Once Upon A Time Tale
Reawakened
Expected publication: May 4th 2013 by Disney Hyperion Books
Goodreads 

Emma Swan's life has been anything but a fairy tale. She's been on her own since she was abandoned as a baby--that is, until the night of her twenty-eighth birthday, when Henry, a ten-year-old boy, shows up on her doorstep. He's the son Emma gave up for adoption, and this surprise visit turns her life upside down.
Henry takes Emma back to his home in Storybrooke, Maine, where, Henry claims, all the residents are actually fairy tale characters who can't remember their true identities. And if Henry's right, that means that his sweet-natured, lonely schoolteacher Mary Margaret Blanchard is really Snow White, the iconic princess ... and also Emma's long-lost mother.
In Fairy Tale Land, we meet Snow White as a bandit on the run, forced into exile by her stepmother, the Evil Queen. Snow's a young woman learning to become a hero, who will do anything to live happily ever after with her one true love, Prince Charming.
The closer Emma comes to Henry in Storybrooke, the harder it is for her to ignore the dark curse that haunts this small New England town and binds her to Mary Margaret. If Emma can learn to accept her destiny as Storybrooke's savior and break the curse, she just might get the family reunion she's dreamed about her entire life.
ABC's "ONCE UPON A TIME" is a modern adventure with thrilling twists and hints of darkness, brimming with wonder, and filled with the magic of our most beloved fairy tales





The Sound

by Sarah Alderson

Expected publication: August 1st 2013 by Simon & Schuster UK 

Goodreads

When aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nantucket, playground for Boston's elite, she's hoping for a low-key summer reading books and blogging about bands. Boys are firmly off the agenda.

What she doesn't count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets, falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy, and falling out with a dangerous serial killer...

The gripping new stand-alone novel from the author of Hunting Lila. Out August 2013

.#REVIEW On Every Street by @MetalBlonde Karina Halle

On Every Street (The Artists Trilogy 0.5)

by Karina Halle

When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

This 50K word (100+ pages) novella takes place six years before Sins & Needles. It can be read before or after Sins & Needles and may also be read as a standalone.

Add to Goodreads-

On Every Street (The Artists Trilogy, #0.5)      
Sins & Needles (The Artists Trilogy, #1) 
Shooting Scars (The Artists Trilogy, #2) 
Bold Tricks (The Artists Trilogy, #3)      
    
     

   


Only .99 for a limited time!

When an author can make you love a bad, bad man, then you know that author is good.
When you invest yourself into the characters and it makes you feel emotional,
and creates a sense of euphoria and sadness all at the same time, guess what, then you know that author is more then good. They are great!
THIS IS THAT KIND OF BOOK AND AUTHOR!

Ellie Watt aka Eden White, is out for revenge! Revenge over what happened to her when she was younger. She's a bad-ass in her own right.  She comes from con artist parents, having to live the life on the road, she basically learns the life of a con, but she is different then her parents. Not having them around for support, she seeks out an old family friend, and he teaches her the ways of being a con. The do's and don'ts. She's ready for this, but having to go up against a drug lord is not an easy task. She has her mark, she's set her sights, and she's ready. The only thing she didn't anticipate was having feelings for the person that can connect her to her mark.


Jaiver YOU, YOU, dirty rotten scoundrel!  Your such a bad-ass, a ruthless sexy-mofo . You had me right from the start. A Latino lover, hmmm... Eden your one lucky girl!
But, then your true colors shined through, and you were BAD, and I mean dangerously BAD. You scared me at times, had me walking on cloud nine, and then you SHATTERED ME and MY HEART into a million pieces!! OH, and yea, Eden's too!

Jaiver is the bridge to getting to Eden's mark, but he proves to be more, oh so much more. He's suave, sexy, and oh so dangerous all at the same time. He radiates heat and danger. As these two get closer he uses his charm on Eden, and basically wins her over. He's romantic at times, loving, and so good in the bedroom. He makes her feel like a queen. Having no idea of Eden's true intentions he wraps her up in his life and they ultimately fall for each other. But, like I said Jaivar is dangerous and Eden is frightened many times by his dangerous lifestyle. She accepts him and throws caution and her quest for revenge out the window. When all is good and life can't seem to get any better, yep it happens, KABOOM, and everything Eden thought she had is now shattered into a million pieces, and she will have to deal with the ultimate betrayal.


Miss Halle does an incredible job at working you up in this short, but oh so sweet novella. You will love this book, and it is a must read for not only fans of New Adult/Adult, but fans of Urban Fantasies, yes UF, without the paranormal that's what this felt like. Love the TV show Revenge, then you will love this book. Love having a writer rip you apart at the seams, yep then this is the book for you.


Oh, and one last thing. I know a lot of people don't read novella's. I'm not sure why, maybe they feel bored by the short, or they feel that it's not long enough to wet their appetite, well I'm here to prove you wrong. This book, and many others out there are worthy of your time. So don't pass on some great reads, and insights to a series.

5/5

More like a dozen!

                          

“So, what would you like to drink?”
“Aside from you?”
I laughed anxiously. “You can’t drink me.”
He leaned forward, his eyes running up and down my body, causing my skin to heat. “Yes, I believe I can. And I believe I will. But for now, I’ll just have a Bombay and tonic.”   

“Why am I good to you?” he repeated, his lips brushing against mine as he spoke.
“Because I can see you are broken. And I want nothing more than to put you back together.” 

 “I’m scared of him. I’m disgusted by the vile monster he becomes, this beast he lets out. But I still love him. I’d still do anything for him. I can’t just turn off my heart. I want to, I do, but I can’t. I love him with everything I have and I hate myself for it. Because it’s wrong to love him, I know. It’s so wrong.”

  “You know,” he began, voice low and full, “if you were to ever leave me, I’d come looking for you, on every street.”
“You promise?”
“Always.” And I knew he kept his promises.” 

.Release Day #REVIEW Poison by Bridget Zinn

Poison

 by Bridget Zinn

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published March 12th 2013 by Disney Hyperion

*Received Arc for review*

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.
But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart…misses.   Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?
Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she's the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

A great mix of fantasy/adventure, with light romantic elements, friendship, and hard choices.

Kyra is a master potioner, and an all around strong-willed sixteen year old. She's brave, cunning, and carries a heavy burden.  She creates potions that have all sorts of results, like sleeping to death. Kyra has a mission, she can see the future and unfortunately for her and everyone in the land it's not good.

See, her best friend growing up is the princess of the land, Arianna, they had a close friendship, playing everyday together, and hiding out away from the palace. Arianna is now at the age where she must find a hand in marriage, not that she wants to though. Arianna is forced to by her parents. The King and Queen have arranged for suitors to take Arianna's hand. Kyra has seen the future of what will happen once her best friend, marries, and it's not good. Kyra's quest is of course to save the land and rid the kingdom of Arianna, not an easy feat, especially because they are besties, but Kyra has to put her emotions aside and fulfill her duties. She attempts to kill her friend through a poison dart but fails, and now Kyra is on the run, as she is all the talk to everyone in the villages across the land. She's always looking over her shoulder, and hiding her appearance from all, for fear of getting caught before she can finish what she started. Now, don't get me wrong Kyra is not heartless, she is basically emotionally distressed over the fate that lays before her, killing your only friend whom you shared your youth with is not an easy task, but she must put emotions aside and fulfill her destiny, and save the land.

What transpires next, is Kyra setting out on a mission to find the hidden princess and kill her. The land around Kyra is filled with, magic, witches, and more. Now, that there is a bounty on her head Kyra must step wisely and find a way to find and kill the princess while avoiding getting herself caught or killed. While the kingdom is trying to hunt Kyra down, for her betrayal. Kyra finds a way to hunt the princess down. Her help comes in the form of a pig. This pig is like a bloodhound, and can detect were the princess is by scent, and detect were she has been.  This pig feels more like a nuisance to Kyra, but she soon realizes it may be her only hope into tracking down Arianna. The pig is cute, and although Kyra dislikes her, she eventually grows attached to the little hog. -->and no, the pig does not talk.

  As the journey continues and Kyra magically alters her appearance, through her potions, she manages to avoid being caught. But, doesn't manage to be avoided 100%, as she comes face to face with a handsome boy, Fred. Fred is funny and drives Kyra a little crazy at times, as he somehow becomes attached to Kyra and her journey, as they continue to cross paths, on more than one occasion. Fred is a great addition to the story, and we learn that there is more to him than meets the eye.

I really enjoyed Poison. I thought it was a fun, fast paced, easily read fantasy/fairy-tale, with a great story.
It had a great mystery and I actually was surprised at all the twists that was thrown out there. I enjoyed how Fred and Kyra built some sort of friendship through out the book. She basically felt that he was a thorn in her side, but it seemed Fred was her saving grace, on more than one occasion, and he held secrets that were surprising. The last half of the book was fantastic. I loved how the plot unfolded, and we learn everything about what has really happened in the kingdom, and was surprised at the mystery and suspense of it all.

Zinn's debut is lovely, and fits the Disney family of books to a tee. I felt at times that I could actually see this book turned into a movie, and enjoyed by many. As I would love to see this book continue with more from the characters, I'm saddened to share, that the author had passed away before she could see her work enjoyed by many. There may be more from her, and I'm not sure if her family will release anything else written by Zinn, but if there is I will most definitely pick it up. I'm so glad her book was published but saddened that she won't see all of the love it will transpire. RIP, Bridget.


4/5

4/5 Family-Friendly Roses

.#REVIEW: Sea Of Tranquility by Katja Millay

The Sea of Tranquility

by Katja Millay

Kindle Edition, 448 pages

Published November 13th 2012 by Atria Books

*Received from pub. for review





I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

 

 

 

Beautifully written story about broken characters, second chances, healing, and so much more.

What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? Hmm... NOTHING REALLY! It is a must read, especially for Young Adults.


Characters that leap from the pages, that were so life like.

Nastya is in high school. She is a  bad ass wearing all black, mini skirts, heels to the sky, make-up, tough as nails. BUT BROKEN! VERY BROKEN! So broken in fact she doesn't speak, choosing not to. Not one single word has been uttered from her lips, since something major that has happened in her life. Day in day out you can read her thoughts, but she never shares them verbally with anyone. A shell of her former self, after tragedy be fells her.

Living with her aunt, she escapes the pain her family feels for her. Your left wondering what could've scarred this girl into never speaking again. Friendless, except for a boy who seems to enjoy speaking to her with her not responding other than an occasional hand gesture, or eye-roll Drew seems to like the idea of her not being able to talk. He's popular especially with the ladies and he kind of uses Nastya, but not in a bad way. In a way that benefits himself from being bothered, by girls in general. They think these two are an item, No harm, no foul, for these two. Nastya generally like Drew, as he tries to communicate with her through meaningless sexual innuendo.

 Drew's best friend Josh , is a different story. He has caught Nastya's eye, as he is a loner, that no one bothers with. Having been through his own broken, sad past he seems to walk around inside a bubble, and that is something Nastya envy's, having wanting the same for herself. As these broken friends become intertwined in each other's lives, Josh and Nastya become closer and a sort of strange but endearing friendship starts, as they accept each other and learn and grow from one another.

Josh is Nastya's healing grace. He is someone that accepts her, and seems to understand her without words being said. As the story unfolds you will slowly learn about these two and their past, and why these two need each other, and why it makes sense that they are together. Josh helps Nastya more than anyone else has. She learns to let go little by little.

 I loved everything about this story, from Nastya to Drew's loving mother, who was like a mother hen to everyone. I loved Josh and how he accepted Nastya and was there for her--her savior in so many ways.
 I loved how the author kept you guessing as to the whys and what's of what happened to Nastya. I just loved the whole story. Read it. Savor it.
Oh, I also loved the message I got from this engaging read--

No matter how broken someone is, it can take one person, or thing to change everything, and begin the healing process, and relive life again. Never give up!

5/5

 

 



“There are so many things that can break you if there's nothing to hold you together.”

   

 

 

 

“I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.”  

“What did you call her?" she asks but I don't think it's her real question.
"Sunshine," I say, and she smiles like she believes it's perfect and she may be the only person other than me who would think so.
"What is she to you?" she whispers. The real question and I know the answer even if I don't know how to say it.
Drew's muffled voice rises up from the floor before I can respond.
"Family," he says.
And he's right.”

When you look at her what do you feel?... Joy, fear, frustration, longing, friendship, anger, need, despair, love, lust?"
"Yes."
"Yes, what?"
"All of it.”  

“I was ripped out of the water and thrown and smashed into a thousand pieces that I can't put back together. I don't know where they go. And there are so many missing that the ones that are left don't fit together anymore. I think I'll stay in pieces. I can shift them, rearrange, depending on the day, depending on what I need to be.”  

Release Day #.Review: Rush By @maya_banks

Rush (Breathless #1)

by Maya Banks  

Paperback, 416 pages

Expected publication: February 5th 2013 by Berkley

Goodreads
*Sent from Sullivan & Brothers for review

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

Breathless Series

Pick up Rush-- Out today

 

 

 

A rival of Fifty Shades, Miss Banks grips you into the storyline and carries the erotica genre into an oasis of steam and heat.

 

 

 Rush was a total surprise for me. I mean I like erotica, but only if it has a good storyline to go with it, and Rush does not disappoint.

We have three hot business men, Gabe, the in control, wealthy, head of a successful, real estate, partner in HCM Global Resorts and Hotels. He shares responsibility with two other eligible bachelors, Ash and Jace. Three sexy, powerful men who get any woman they want. Tight knit, and friends since high school, they know everything there is to know about one another, except for one secret that Gabe has kept hidden from his best friends, the one secret that is determined to crush there friendship for good, and she comes in the name of Mia. Mia, is not just any regular girl that comes in and out of these playboys lives, hell no! She is none other than Jace's younger sister, fourteen years younger but totally grown at the age of twenty-four, and utterly beautiful. Gabe has had his eyes on her and finds her harder and harder to resist.

 

Mia has always had feelings for Gabe. Having always only been looked at as the baby sister of Jace. She feels that they will never have a chance together, but things quickly change as Gabe offers her a job, and a contract. A contract that will propel them from friends to  sexual partners. See Gabe is weary of relationships, having been burned by his ex wife in the past. He sees any sexual contact as business. Being that he is a smart business man, he draws up a contract of do's/don'ts and more for whomever is his sexual partner at the time. I know, total win in the romance department, huh? Well, this contract is basically a way of covering his a** and showing whomever he's with at the time who is in control, and believe me Gabe is in total control in every aspect of the relationship. From choosing how to have sex, to where, and what his potential mate will go, and what they'll wear. Ironically that aspect didn't creep me out, it had me wondering how far these two would go before they crack.

 Mia does sign the contract, but being she's naïve, she doesn't really know what she's getting into. She just knows she loves Gabe and whatever it takes for them to be together works for her.

 

Now, don't get me wrong Gabe, does have his faults, but he does have a good side when it comes to Mia. He takes care of her, every need, and want. From a job as his assistant, to lavishing her with gifts of new clothes, to taking her out to eat. But, of course Mia must take care of Gabe's every sexual desire, and oh boy does he have a sexual appetite!!! From his office, to his personal car, to his bed. Total dominance and control, Gabe seems to change into a different person when it comes to the sexual aspect of their relationship, your always left wondering if their relationship will advance, and what his true feelings are.

 

After an incident that rocks Gabe to his core, as well as Mia. Things change for these two, and Mia seems to have had enough. Hiding their relationship/contract from everyone proves to be their downfall as well as Gabe's and his need for control, although at this point, everyone knows you can't control your heart.

When things go from bad to worse it seems that everything is slipping through his fingers and he is losing control, and may lose Mia for good.

 

 

 At first, I had a hard time with Mia. Yes, she's young, and clouded by her love for Gabe. She gives into his every whim, and I wanted to slap her awake and tell her to stick her heels in the ground and demand Gabe to throw out that damn contract. And, Gabe sexy, and yes, domineering, you'll want to slap him at times. Especially, over an incident that puts Mia in a compromising position, and is just wrong. Yes, I wanted to kick Gabe's a**, but I wanted to kick Mia's a** as well! Mia does grow, and without spoiling any more. I can say the end was what made me fall for this book, and at that point I knew Miss Banks is an author that not only can write great sex scenes, but she can weave a plot that will have you from the very first chapters. Having never read any of Miss Banks many works, I can now say I am a fan! Continuing on with the series, I'll be starting Fever, next!

   

 

4/5 HOT Steamy Roses 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"She greedily drank in the sight of him, like an addict getting their next high-like she'd gone far too long without that fix. He was a man whose presence filled any room he occupied...."  

 

 

 

"I can't go easy, Mia," he said, his voice strained and edgy. "I want to be inside you more than I want to breathe right now. I have to have you. Now."



 

 

Who could possibly say no to Gabe Hamilton? Apart from the fact that he had more money than God, he had natural charisma that drew women in as well as men alike. They responded to him. Some feared him, others hated him, but everyone respected him.

 

 

She closed her eyes dreamily, swaying along with the music as Gabe held her tightly, his hand roaming her bod. They were practically making love on the floor. Not sex, Not this torrid, all-consuming obsession, that gripped them every time the clothes came off.

 





.#Review: Effortless by S.C. Stephens

Effortless (Thoughtless #2)

by S.C. Stephens

Paperback, 496 pages

Expected publication: January 8th 2013 by Gallery Books (first published March 15th 2011)

more details...ISBN

1476717486                      

(ISBN13: 9781476717487)

After being caught in the middle of a love triangle which led to a devastating betrayal, Kiera pledged to learn from the mistakes she’d made. She was determined to never again inflict that kind of pain on anyone, especially the soulful, talented man who held her heart. But life offers new challenges for every relationship, and when Kiera’s love is put to the ultimate test, will it survive? Love is easy . . . trust is hard....

*Check out my review of Thoughtless the first book in the series HERE

 

 

 

Effortless was amazing!

 

 

The whole book had me enthralled and I couldn't put it down, and even after a few weeks of ending it I still can't stop thinking about the utterly amazing Kellan Kyle and the rest of the characters from this book. A must read for all New Adult fans as well as Romance Fans!

  

 

 

 

Kellan and Kiera... two people who have found love, although not the conventional way, have taken their relationship to the next level. The level of, Can their relationship survive their trust issues? Can two people who continually seem to hurt each other or hurt for each other finally become comfortable with one another and grow in their relationship?

 

It's been a rollercoaster of emotions for Kiera this past year. She made mistakes, and hopefully has learned from them. Lies, betrayel, pain and almost losing her life, has changed her and she is slowly growing up, but we still see the immature side of Kiera in this book, and sometimes her choices are just plain dumb, and other times they are great. She's learning to not make the same mistaks she did with her ex, Denny. She's not allowing herself to become 100% absorbed in Kellan's life, and finally make a life for herself.

 

 

Things between these two are going great. The band is becoming more popular, and with that comes opportunities for Kellan and the band. Opportunities that may not sit well with Kiera, but not wanting to stand in Kellan's way, she knows these opportunities, come once a life time. As the boys of the band are now going on tour for six months, Kiera, although happy, and trying her best to be understanding is still having a hard time with being away from Kellan for that long.

 

Wouldn't you feel the same? Their relationship has just started and now it seems they are being ripped apart and all the insecurity questions pop into both of their minds, but one thing I've learned and maybe you have too, is that if love can survive absence then it truly does make the heart grow founder.

 

But, when all you've based your relationship with is trust issues, and conflict. Can it truly survive with both Kellan and Kiera keeping things from the other, will all they have, finally come crashing down, when the lies come front and center and all the issues of betrayal are now exposed between these two.

 

 

 

 

There was so much going on with this second book, the secondary characters were great, as they helped Kiera with being away from Kellan.

The notes, and things Kellan arranged for Kiera, in his absence, were fantastic, I mean can we say romantic with a capital R. Swoon!

 

Anna, Kiera's sister was a great roommate for Kiera, and I grew to really enjoy her story in this book, as well as the support they gave each other.

 

Kellan had issues in this story, and although they weren't bad, they did affect him.

 

 

And, even though, I was concerned about a person from a past relationship, who seemed to resurface at the wrong time. It seems to  have worked out at the end and seemed to be a great thing to have, this new friendship.

 

 

 

5/5 Rockin Roses

 

 

 

I'm highly anticipating the third book in this series, Reckless!

 

 

Quotes 

 



 

“You are told from the moment you enter school that time is constant. It never changes. It is one of those set things in life that you can always rely on...much like death and taxes. There will always be sixty seconds in a minute. There will always be sixty minutes in an hour. And there will always be twenty-four hours in a day.
Time was not fluctuating. It moved on at the same, constant pace at every moment in your life."

And that was the biggest load of crap that I’d ever been taught in school. Truth was, time did fluctuate. It was easy to lose hours or even days in a blink of an eye. Other times, it was a struggle to get through a mere hour. It ebbed and flowed as relentlessly as the
tides, and just as powerfully too. The moments that you wanted to last forever were the ones that were washed away all too soon. The moments that you wanted to speed up, were slowed down to a snail’s pace.
That was the truth of the matter.”  

 

 

 

 

 

 "I wanted to surprise you" His jaw tight, he spat out. " Are you surprised....? I know I am."

 

 

 

 

“Loving you, Kellan, is so easy, it's effortless."
His smile matched mine, then I frowned and sighed "Trusting you...that's the hard part”  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.REVIEW: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Shadowfell                 
by Juliet Marillier
416 pages

Published: September 11th 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Series :  Shadowfell #1

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy /Magic/

Romance/Adventure

Received Arc Copy from Pub

Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill—a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk—Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.

During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule.

Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban.

 
 
 

 

 

 

An adventurous fantasy book, that was highly enjoyable. Shadowfell

was one of those books that whisked you away and had

you routing for the heroine.

 

 







Shadowfell, for me was a fantastic fantasy read. I enjoyed all aspects of the book, even when the plot seemed to trudge along -slower than I expected, this book still held my interest and has me dying for the next book in the series.

Our adventure begins with our main character, Neryn, sixteen and traveling with the only surviving member of her family, her father. Protective of her at first, he slowly is on a downward spiral, and loses control, through his addiction with the drink.

After an awful circumstance leaves Neryn alone a mysterious hero comes and basically swoops Neryn away from the danger. Unconvincing of this hero's agenda, Neryn is always on guard, and even though, this hero named Flint seems to have her best interest at heart, Neryn  is determined to adventure her journey alone. A journey that will take her across a vast land of uncertainty, and emotion. She will face many obstacles along the way, but she is skillful, smart, and has an ability, that will help her face all sorts of creatures, good and bad.

Flint, is a character, that will have you convinced he has Neryn's best interest at heart, but he just may have an underling agenda that will have you convinced he is deceiving her. Reading the parts with Flint, had me falling for him, but I also was convinced that he too, may be after her for her ability, in a evil way. He will come to her rescue, and like breadcrumbs on the journey by the end of the book we learn full well, what his intentions truly are. I enjoyed Fint's character, and found him to be a wonderfully written character.  


Miss Marillier has a way of capturing, and holding your attention, through her words. I was actually captivated and read this book rather quickly. Some parts had me at a little less attention, but I never was bored with the plot or the characters. The story held my interest, and I enjoyed "walking" along the journey that are heroine sets off on. I felt like I was walking along with Neryn, throughout the journey and I found myself routing for her, and carrying her emotional baggage, telling her in my mind which steps she should take, or whom she should trust.
Imaginative, and lovely!

5/5 lovely roses

“It seemed to me it would be better to die standing up to a tyrant than to survive as a tool of his will.”  

" I did not complete the gesture. For there, in a crevice between the rocks at my feet, I saw a tiny plant growing. Three fronded shoots of soft green cradled a single flower no bigger than my thumbnail, a five-petaled bloom, white as first snow, fragile and perfect. So unlikely a survivor. So delicate, to stand against the scourging wind, the biting cold, the drenching rain. It was a place of death and sorrow. Apart from me..."