StarAngel's Reviews

Book – Relentless Flame

Author – Jillian David

Publication Date – May 4, 2015
Genre –Paranormal Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Immortal. Colossal. Suave. Indebted killer Dante Blackstone has the world at his feet. Every vice, any desire, is his for the asking—until he finds the one person he cannot have: one sweet, diminutive woman who could bring about Dante’s destruction. 

Despite her supernatural ability to heal others, a devastating act of evil has left Hannah Miller broken in body and spirit. As she rebuilds her life while on the lam, a not-so-chance meeting with Dante chips away at the walls surrounding her fragile heart. But before their fledgling love can take flight, Dante’s boss sends an evil minion with one mandate: Eliminate Dante’s new reason to break his eternal contract.

As they fight to survive, Hannah’s amazing gift gives Dante one chance to save them both from the vicious minion. How can any love survive eternal hell and annihilation? 

The answer lies in Dante’s inferno.

My Thoughts - Story
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of Ms. David contacting me to read the first book in this series and I immediately fell in love with her characters! After finishing that book, I couldn’t wait for this one because I needed (wanted) to find out what happens next with Dante. In the first book, he is a cocky, arrogant man-whore but with this story, we get to really know what ticks under his rough exterior.

Ms. David did a kick ass job at bringing out the inter most personalities of the MCs ---- It was easy to connect to these two and I absolutely loved the pairing of Dante and Hannah.

I loved how Ms. David took Hannah as such a plain girl and created this complex character who had so much going on underneath the average persona.

Now I can’t wait to find out more about a new character we were introduced to in this book – Ruth.

Re-Cap
Dante is dying for his ‘meaningful kill’ but is as much in the dark about it as the other Indebted Killers before they became human again.

With a message to deliver from one of his ‘kills’, Dante for once gets the cold shoulder from a woman who has his heart doing a double timed beat. But what he doesn’t know is that this woman could just be what he has been searching for all his life.

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4.5 out of Stars
Angst – 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Told In – Dual POV (Dante & Hannah)

HEA (Spoiler) – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Anyone who likes a subtle paranormal with a great romance

Book – All Cried Out (All Falls Down #2)

Author – Ayden K. Morgen
Publication Date – June 7, 2015
Genre – New Adult Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

With Jared Corbit and Savannah Martin's wedding day quickly approaching, everything should be golden for the two, but their trouble has only just begun. When the media learns of the damage Stewart Paulson has inflicted on the Talbot family, Savannah and Jared get caught in the cross-hairs.

Even worse, the past has caught up with Savannah in a big way, and nothing will prepare her or Jared for the danger headed their way or the devastating decisions they'll be forced to make as a result. 

Jared's determined to protect his fiancée from the people milling in the shadows, but good intentions only go so far. When Savannah learns the truth he's desperately trying to keep from her, their future together begins to unravel. How can she trust him when he's lying to her? And just how far is he willing to go to protect the woman he loves from her past?

All Cried Out, told exclusively from Jared's POV, is the exciting follow up to Ayden K. Morgen's All Falls Down. 

My Thoughts - Story
I fell in love with All Falls Down by Ms. Morgen when I had the chance to read it and couldn’t wait for Jared’s book!

Is it so wrong that I actually found myself loving this book more than the first a few times during reading?

Ms. Morgen took me back on a journey through the ups and downs of Jared and Savannah’s love affair and she even added in more obstacles these two must overcome before they finally get a chance for a breather. So many times, I felt my heart stop, praying that these two would make it. Ms. Morgen brought out so many emotions during her character development and storyline.

After this….I can’t wait to read more stories about the siblings!!

Reason for Reading – Release Blitz/Review

Story Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

HEA? – [spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Book – Love Will Find You (Australian Sports Stars #1)

Author – Iris Blobel
Publication Date – October 7, 2014
Genre – New Adult Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Can their new love survive the scrutiny of the public eye? 

After his father’s heart attack, Australian Football League player Tyson Gaspaldi takes his parents on holiday to a small place at the New South Wales coast. 

One morning, following a surfing session, he comes across a crying woman on the beach. Everything about her intrigues him, and he can’t walk away. She’s not only sexy and humble, but, as he soon finds out, vulnerable as well. 

It’s only been a few months since Katie Cassidy lost her sister in a car accident. 

Still overwhelmed by the loss, a chance encounter on the beach with an attractive stranger awakens unexpected emotions inside her. She’s instantly drawn to his caring nature, but also his looks. 

However, Tyson’s past quickly catches up with them, causing Katie’s childhood demons to return, and the road to romance becomes anything but smooth.

My Thoughts - Story
What a cute and sweet read that I devoured in a matter of hours! I wasn’t just interested in the storyline but also the descriptions of Australia, and now I want to go on a trip there to see the sites myself.

Ms. Blobel did a wonderful job of developing her characters but…sorry…Katie started to irritate me with her jumping to conclusions and not trusting Tyson.

Other than that…I thoroughly enjoyed this story and got so wrapped up in the romance!  

Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

HEA? –[spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Book – Unsurprisingly Complicated (Unexpected #2)

Author – Claudia Burgoa
Publication Date – April 30, 2015
Genre – New Adult Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

AJ 

The lies between my parents and I came to light and now I’m working on a new life for myself. Along the way, I have my trusty superhero, Mason, to lean on when I have a hard time standing or when my crazy ex-boyfriend continues to feel he has a claim on me.

Porter has trouble understanding that there hasn’t been an ‘us’ for more than three years plus all the issues he had brought upon himself. My father was right, drugs do kill. My other concern is the growing feelings I am having regarding Mason. There’s something between us I want to explore but I keep getting mixed signals. Here, I thought that after telling my parents about my lies and having their full support, things wouldn’t be as complicated as they are.

Mason 

My parents divorced before I even made my entrance into this world. My father has been obsessed with that love for years while my mother searches for love in all the wrong places. I don’t want a place to call home or a girl I can claim as mine. Except… Ainsley Janine –better known as ‘Nine’—has some special power that makes me question my preferences. The more I try to stay away from her, the more she pulls me closer.

Exploring the possibilities of having something steady in my life isn’t a problem; it’s the long term that worries me. In addition to that, the scumbag she dated years ago keeps popping up everywhere we go. If I could use my license to kill, maybe I can stop worrying about one thing and concentrate on what to do with the green eyed girl who keeps me awake most nights.

My Thoughts - Story
After finishing up Unlike Any Other, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. I wanted to know what happened next to Mason and Nine and if they would finally find true love.

Ms. Burgoa definitely didn’t disappoint with her story of my favorite characters.

Just a bit of a suggestion though…read the first book before you try this one. There is so much that goes on in the first book, that by starting the second book – you may be confused at first. I would say that probably the first 15-20% of the book is dedicated to trying to fill you in and give the back-story of each of the characters.

This book made me laugh…made me pissed…made me cry and finally made me swoon. AJ grows in this book in so many ways. She finally has her family back and she finally takes a chance on a childhood friendship turned to more.

I think the thing about Ms. Burgoa’s writing is her ability to make the reader FEEL – these aren’t just words typed out on a piece of paper or computer screen – this is written from her heart and you can tell because of how in depth she writes her characters.

Another winner and I can’t wait to get to the next in the series, Uncharted.

Re-Cap
We left the first book with a few stolen kisses…now it’s time to see if Mason and his Nine have a chance at love. And what happens to Porter?

Reason for Reading – Edited

Story Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told in – Dual POV

HEA? –[spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Every SINGLE book she writes!

Book – The Ruin of the World (The World Without End)

Author – Nazarea Andrews
Publication Date – May 11, 2015
Genre – Post Apocalypse/Zombie

Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger – This is the final book – No cliffhanger
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

When the zombies rose, we thought the world ended.

It didn’t—it just broke, in a way we couldn’t fix. And we found ways to continue, reasons to fight. 
Faith. Family. Politics. Obsession. The most dangerous of all—hope. 

But when all of that is stripped away, and nothing remains but rage and betrayal—that is the true end of the world. 

Return to the World Without End, for a final battle for hope and survival in the exciting conclusion to Nazarea Andrews’ phenomenal series.

My Thoughts - Story
Well, unfortunately, this is the end of Finn and Nurren’s story – I could have kept reading this series up to #99 (and maybe even longer than that).

As everyone knows I’m on a zombie/post apocalyptic kick for the past few months, and this series was the PERFECT recipe for the type of zombie book I absolutely LOVE!

I get asked why I love these types of books when I normally like to read about romance. It’s easy…

1. ♥It’s a story of survival
2. ♥It’s action packed and actually has a story to follow
3. ♥The love built between characters is so much more complex because of the situation they are in.
4. ♥There are so many ‘feels’

If you can overlook the zombies wanting to eat brains – and just substitute a killer or something, you will see why this genre of books is so compelling and complex.

It takes a special author to be able to meld together a story of survival in the worst of times along with a romance. Ms. Andrews nails that right on the head…her survival books has it all and the complexity of her characters is amazing!

So, my final question is….are we going to get another zombie series?

Re-Cap
I can’t even begin to explain the story of Ren and Finn in this installment…there are too many spoilers and I just want to share that this is an epic love story full with so many emotions…this is definitely a “cry your eyes out” book!

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told in – Dual POV (Finn & Ren)

HEA? – Too much of a spoiler…can’t reveal

Would Read More from Author? Definitely more of the zombie genre

Book – Mystery: Gates of Perdition

Author – RP Kraul
Publication Date – January 31, 2015
Genre – Thriller/Horror

Type – Stand Alone/Series
Cliffhanger – Maybe…
Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Mary watches in awe as a man plays guitar at gloomy Indianhead Reservoir. His skill is astonishing. But Mary is in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

This man is a physiological oddity who suffered wicked abuse at the hands of his foster parents—for which he took revenge. He wants to be normal and whole again, but a manipulative psychiatrist has wakened the demons.

Mary will spend her last days chained in a basement—until she bears the child of a madman the media will call the Indianhead River Killer. 

He will become Pennsylvania’s most prolific serial killer, and he will wreck the lives of the people in Belcorte. Twin Peaks meets The Silence of the Lambs in GATES OF PERDITION, the prequel to MIRRORS OF ANGUISH.

My Thoughts - Story
I felt this was a very complicated book since it was told in so many POV. Once I learned who everyone was and what their story was – it all started to fall into place. Because of this, I felt that each character didn’t have enough “read time” so it was hard to connect with them.

The story itself was twisted and entertaining and I loved how everything twisted around in the end and left you wondering what the hell was going on.

Re-Cap
There is something very strange about the girls going missing and the serial killer in this town of PA. So many people in this town may be strangers or friends but the workings of this killer will bring them all together and leave some dead and others never knowing what hit them.

Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – N/A

Angst Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 3 out of 5 Stars

Told in – Multiple POV

HEA? – N/A

Would Read More from Author? Maybe

Book – Camo & Roses

Author – Amanda Springer
Publication Date – February 20, 2015
Genre – Romance

Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 3.75 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

"What's Mr. Perfect look like?" 
"Tall, dark and handsome," she joked knowing that the description was what most women were attracted to. 
"So you want someone like James," he said. 
"What?!" she asked immediately turning to look at him. "No," she said. Silently looking out the truck window for a few seconds she wondered why her grandpa would bring up his name. "No, why would you say that?" she asked turning back to look at him. 
"Well, you described him." Her grandpa thought that her reaction when he brought up James's name was quite funny. 
"I've never thought about him that way," she said checking her makeup in the visor mirror. Folding the visor back up she wondered if her grandpa was wanting to talk boys in general or if he was wanting to talk about James Hawkins. 
"Why not? He's a good man," her grandpa said pointing out the obvious. 
"He's Chase's friend. He's off limits. No matter how good of a man, or how cute or smart or sweet...," her voice began to drift off. Shaking her head, she realized that she could have kept going, but this conversation was now over. Narrowing her eyes she briefly looked at her grandpa. She had just voluntarily said more about James than she had ever told anyone. "James is off limits," she sternly said out loud.

My Thoughts - Story
This was a cute story about a girl and a boy who have been friends since childhood. I enjoyed reading about a friendship that turns into a romance.

I liked the way that James could go away for a tour and not talk to Taylor for a long time and how they connect as soon as they are together. I also enjoyed both of their POV on how they were feeling about each other.

It did seem at times drawn out and the anticipation of the two of them finally stepping over the boundaries made me frustrated. I wanted to bang their heads together and knock some sense into them!

Re-Cap
Taylor’s best friend James has been in her life since the beginning of time.  Growing up, it was always Taylor, James and Chase, Taylor’s brother and James’ best friend.

As the two get older, James realizes that it has always been Taylor and he wants more than just friendship. He wants a life with her but something stands in his way. That something is Chase – Chase wants a better life for his sister than to be with a military man.

Taylor on the other hand has had relationships but none of them measure up to James and it isn’t until their twenties that they both realize that it’s more important for them to proceed with their love for each other instead of following Chase’s rules.

Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Told in – Dual POV

HEA? –[spoiler]Yes[/spoiler]

Would Read More from Author? Yes

Recommend To – Readers who enjoy a sweet story with low angst

Book – Fervent (Condemned #3)

Author – Gemma James
Publication Date – April 30, 2015
Genre – Romance/Dark

Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger - Yes
Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Fervent is the third book in the Condemned series.

I never imagined things could get worse, but they do. The men who took us show no mercy. They won’t stop until they’ve destroyed Rafe for something he has no memory of, and I’m their weapon of choice.

Tortured and defiled, they make me wish I was back in that cabin where death was favorable to drawing another breath, but our captors can’t break what’s already broken.

What scares me is the madness I see festering inside Rafe. I’ve taken his freedom, his career, his reputation, yet despite all I’ve done, he’s determined to fight for me, kill for me, give everything he is for me.

He’ll even die for me.

NOTE TO READERS: FERVENT is a new adult dark romance with disturbing themes and explicit content, including sexual scenes and violence that may offend some. Intended for mature audiences. Part three of the CONDEMNED series. This is not a stand-alone read! Please begin with TORRENT and RAMPANT, otherwise, FERVENT might not make much sense.

My Thoughts - Story
I have anticipated this book for so long that when I got a hold of it, I couldn’t put it down for a minute.

This is definitely one of the darkest books in the series and if you have any sort of triggers, this is definitely not the book for you to read. There were scenes where even I drew a few deep breaths to get my bearings straight. And if you know me…it takes a lot to affect me like that.

I was so hoping this was going to be the last in the series because I don’t know if I can take anymore of Alex and Rafe finding each other just to be torn apart.

These two have been through some really tough times and it just keeps getting worse and worse.

Re-Cap
Rafe and Alex find themselves captured without any clue who may have them or what their future holds. The two of them will be tested on their love for each other – begging their capturers to spare the other.

Between mental and physical abuse, the walls start to break down between these two and the last person you would think will be the one who betrays them.

 
Reason for Reading – Release Blitz/Review

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Told in – Dual POV

Hero – Rafe – still can’t remember the past and continuously blames himself for hurting Alex

Heroine – Alex – confused about Rafe and her desire to be hurt

HEA? – Ends with a Cliffhanger

Would Read More from Author? Yes

Recommend To – Readers who enjoy total angst and a dark theme

Book – Fading Away (Hardest Mistakes #1)

Author – Dannielle Wicks
Publication Date – April 7, 2015
Genre – Romance/Paranormal

Type – Companion Series           
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

One night. 
One stupid mistake. 
Changes everything.

SAMMY STEVENS was tragically orphaned at the age of nine and sent to live with a foster family in the town of Miakoda Falls. She's bullied at school by the arrogant, selfish, one and only... KAI JORDAN.

Kai is your typical entitled teen who's on the verge of attending University and having everything he ever wanted handed to him.

But that all changes when he is involved in a car accident after a night of partying...

He's suddenly and painfully brought into the world of supernatural.

Kai turns to the last person he ever would've expected, Sammy, as he struggles with his new identity and watches the people closest to him move on. And he is forgotten.

As Kai and Sammy grow closer, Kai must figure out a way to either stay human or risk being stuck forever, as a prisoner of his own body… 

My Thoughts - Story
Have you ever read a book without reading the synopsis?

I skimmed the first part of the synopsis and agreed to read and review…just think of my surprise when I found out that this had a touch of the supernatural to it.

It wasn’t a bad surprise because this story was adorable – it had everything in one – a life lesson, a beautiful love story, a coming of age and beauty.  If I was back in school – I would say there were a few parables we could all from in this.

I loved Sammy’s character and grew to love Kai – just a sweet story all the way around!

Re-Cap
Kai is the bad boy in high school who torments others – especially Sammy.

Then one night everything changes, Kai gets a lesson on what happens to those who don’t appreciate others.  Who better than Sammy to show Kai what life is really about?

She is the only one who he can trust and puts his life in her hands.

 
Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? Yes

Book – Forsaken (Shadow Cove Saga #1)

Author – J.D. Barker
Publication Date – November 30, 2014
Genre – Horror/Thriller

Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger – Yes
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

When horror author Thad McAlister began his latest novel, a tale rooted in the witch trials of centuries past, the words flowed effortlessly. The story poured forth, filling page after page with the most frightening character ever to crawl from his imagination. It was his greatest work, one that would guarantee him a position among the legends of the craft.

But was it really fiction?

He inadvertently opened a door, one that would soon jeopardize the lives of his family.

She wants to come back.

At home, his wife struggles to keep their family alive. Secretly wondering if she caused it all…a deal she made long ago. A deal with the Forsaken. 

My Thoughts - Story
When I started to read the Prologue and saw “Needful Things”, I honestly rolled my eyes and thought this was going to be a knock off of a Stephen King book. I was pleasantly surprised when my first evaluation was wrong.

This book was captivating, gripping, mind numbing and left me in a book coma by the time it was completed. I immediately wanted more to find out what was going to happen next. It was the premise of the whole book – as each page ended; I couldn’t wait to find out what new development would arise in the next one. 

The characters were phenomenal and the development of them was spot on.

The author did a great job in twisting a tale while also having Thad’s book run parallel to the present. Mr. Barker is a genius in how he played with the time aspect and birthing this story.

Re-Cap
Thad is best selling author who just completed his newest book but something is wrong. It revolves around a special journal and the whispers he heard penning this book.

As he is about to leave for a movie signing, strange things start to happen around the house…the lawn dies, small piles of dirt appear and his daughter’s imaginary friend is warning her of danger coming.

Read as Thad tries to race against time in getting back to save his family, while his wife tries to fight against terrifying spirits.

 
Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – N/A

Angst Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY

Book – All Falls Down (All Falls Down #1)

Author – Ayden K. Morgen
Publication Date – November 1, 2014
Genre – Romance/Suspense

Type – Stand Alone Series (Next book told in Jared’s POV)
Cliffhanger – Yes and No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

When Savannah Martin walks in on her abusive boyfriend and her best friend in bed together, she thinks life can't possibly get any worse. And then she wakes up in a hospital in Italy, scared and alone. With nowhere left to go, Savannah runs to the family who took her in when her mother abandoned her as a teenager.

But things aren't as simple as they were then.

For starters, two years of constant emotional abuse has broken Savannah in ways she's not sure can be repaired. And patriarch Matthew Talbot has been murdered, leaving his eldest daughter, Lexi, in charge of a global non-profit and her younger sisters.

Jared Corbit, Lexi's gorgeous boyfriend, is the only thing standing between her and whoever murdered her father. That doesn't stop Savannah from falling in love with him. She knows it's wrong, but she just can't stay away from him when he makes he feel like no one else ever has before.

Finding out his relationship with Lexi is a ruse should make things easier, but when the truth is finally revealed, Savannah's fragile world threatens to fall apart. There's a murderer on the loose, and he's gunning for the only family she has. To save their lives, she and Jared will be forced to make a decision that just might destroy her completely.

How is she supposed to let the man she loves marry another woman?

My Thoughts - Story
This book completely took me by surprise – it was nothing like I thought it was going to be. The author was able to take a story and weave so many other shoot off stories along the way. Definitely a captivating book that had me baffled with what was going on.

I did have a bit of trouble connecting with Savannah at first and at times got annoyed at her self pity and denial that she belonged.

I also got pissed at Lexi a few times and thought that she treated her younger sister as a child when in fact she was in college and over eighteen.

Just two little annoyances that didn’t take away my enjoyment of the story.

Re-Cap
Savannah is from an abusive relationship and with bad news from the States; she takes off to be with her surrogate family.

But things aren’t how she left it so many years before – there are threats on her friends’ lives and a new face has joined the estate.

Lexi has her boyfriend living with the family who is there to protect them but things get a bit complicated when Savannah learns that Jared has feelings for her instead of Lexi.

 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? Yes

Book – Almost Alive (The Beautiful Dead #3)

Author – Daryl Banner
Publication Date – April 24, 2015
Genre – Post Apocalyptic

Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger – Maybe?? (Please, Daryl)
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

*BOOK #3 IN THE BEAUTIFUL DEAD TRILOGY*
*It is recommended to read this series in order*
THE BEAUTIFUL DEAD (#1)
DEAD OF WINTER (#2)
ALMOST ALIVE (#3)

Twelve years have passed since the devastation.

The world is changed. What once was a planet struggling to survive is now a planet bursting to life. The humans are thriving. Gardens are growing. Trees are reaching up to the sky and the Undeadly clutch on the planet is slowly letting go.

But what does that mean for Winter and her friends?

In the wake of spring, the last of the desperate Undead gather, fighting to maintain their place in a world that no longer wants them. Mother Nature slowly but certainly works to purge the planet of the Dead, just when Winter thought she had finally embraced this Second Life.

Her new friends are back and old nemeses return for the final chapter in Winter's Undead journey.

My Thoughts - Story
I bow down before you, Mr. Banner.

This has to be one epic poetic ending if I ever read one….wow – just fucking wow!

As I sobbed and blubbered like a baby with this book, I also rejoiced. How? This book is full of soul searching, vengeance, love, repentance and so many other gut wrenching emotions. But along the way as Winter searches her soul from the past and the present, we find that people can change and do better with second chances.

God, I ask myself time and time again wondering how the hell Mr. Banner can write about the undead but convey a deep and meaningful message – Talent? Luck? I don’t think so…instead, I believe this man is a genius with the written word.

I feel – and NO not just feel….but really FEEL – I’m Winter, I’m John, I’m Anna, I’m Jasmine, I’m Grim and all the characters – I feel their pain, their happiness and their love.  I live through their determination to save the undead and finally their resolve when making the final decision.

It’s sadness to see these characters go and I feel like each one has been buried in my heart and will continue to live through my memories and thoughts of this epic story.

Goodbye my beautiful dead…..or is it?

Re-Cap
How many years have passed since Winter buried John hoping for him to arise?

What has happened to the rest of Trenton while she waited for her beloved?

The children have grown and the living are taking over the world again, but what does this mean for the undead?

When John awakes, how long will it take for him to have his waking dream and remember how he loved Winter?

Why are the undead just poofing into thin air?

Winter and her crew of the undead need to find the answers in order to save themselves.

Can this end happily for the two?

 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour

Story Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY

Book – The Nines

Author – Dakota Madison & Sierra Avalon
Publication Date – April 13, 2015
Genre – Thriller/Suspense Romance

Type – Stand Alone Series
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 3.75 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Dakota Madison and Sierra Avalon team up to bring readers a new breed of antiheroes…THE NINES.

Vengeance is mine not the Lord’s. It’s what I breathe for. It’s what I’m still living for. I live for the moment when I will literally have his eye for mine. It’s been two years. Two long and difficult years, but my plan is nearly complete. When I’m not in a hospital having doctors try to repair my ravaged body I spend my time on the computer, doing hacking jobs for large corporations and governments who don’t want to get their hands dirty or be associated with a job if things go sideways. But they don’t have any reason to worry. I’m meticulous, so I’ll never get caught. Just one thing stands in my way: The mysterious young woman without a past who desperately wants to be part of my future. I just need to figure out why…

THE NINES is an ongoing romantic suspense series. Each book can be read as a STAND ALONE NOVEL or as PART OF THE SERIES. 

My Thoughts - Story
This is the first book I have read from this author and I have to say that this book was so fast paced, I was able to complete it in no time. So much was going on from the minute you read the first page until the last.

I did have a bit of a problem connecting with the characters until further in the story but it didn’t take away from the plot and the outcome.

Definitely a series I will continue to read!

Re-Cap
Is it fate that brings Roxie and the masked man together?

Is it a way to let go of the past and make a future together?

Roxie is the sister of a high school bomber and she runs away to college, changes her name and tries to put her past behind her. Until a mysterious man who wears a mask gains her curiosity. What is his connection to her brother and the bombing?

Along with this, there are a slew of murders and rapes going on around campus and Roxie’s roommate is one of them.

They race against time trying to find a way to bring justice to the hurt girls.

 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? Yes

Recommend To – Anyone who loves a great suspense --- need to know what’s gonna happen next.

Book – Darkness Within (The Darkness #1)

Author – Candis Vargo
Publication Date – March 10, 2015
Genre – Psychological Thriller

Type – Part of Series
Cliffhanger – Yes
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Tragedy strikes the Roseburg family and leaves Mike struggling to help his wife, Mia. After losing their only child in an accident, Mia is far from emotionally distraught…instead, she continues on like their son is still alive. 

Four months passed since the accident… 

Mike begins to work with a psychiatrist to help his wife with her delusions when a darkness begins to haunt them. As this dark presence becomes violent, making itself known, Mike wonders if the illusion of their child that his wife is seeing is something far more demonic. 

With the dark force looming over them, Mike is left questioning his own sanity as he tries to unravel what is real and what is not. 

Soon he realizes… 

Something is dreadfully wrong. 

My Thoughts - Story
So, when I read a “mind fuck” psychological thriller, I always guess ahead of time how long it will take me to figure out the twist.

This one?

It took me a bit, but not as long as I thought it would ---- the hints were all there but for some reason, I overlooked them until it was almost staring me right in the face.

What a work of art when the author can twist a story so that all else doesn’t matter to you except for the outcome of a book.

Gripping is another word I would use to describe this story because you don’t want to put it down until you figure out what is going to happen and as soon as things start making sense and you think a rainbow will appear after the storm….BAM – the author hits you with a surprise!

Re-Cap
Mike struggles hard to help his wife after her accident in which their little boy was killed.

With the aid of a therapist, Mike learns how to start breaking through to his wife that their son is dead. But along the way, he starts to see things that before he thought was only his wife’s imagination.

Follow his journey while he comes to terms about the husband he was before and the husband he is trying to be now.

 
Reason for Reading – Author Request

Story Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – N/A

Angst Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY 

Book – Dear Juliet (Forever Family #3)

Author – Trudy Stiles
Publication Date – April 20, 2015
Genre – Romance

Type – Stand Alone Series
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 3.75 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

The bestselling Forever Family Series concludes with this emotionally gripping story. Follow the lives of two incredible people as they battle their way through many years of heartache, loss and love. This story will take you on an epic journey that spans almost 20 years.

I've known her since the third grade.
I've loved her since our teen years.
But her heart belonged to my best friend. 

Juliet Oliver was adopted at birth and has always struggled with this fact. She's been emotionally detached from everyone in her entire life, except for one person. He's been the one source of support, love and encouragement. 

Seth Tyson has had his share of painful relationships. He's constantly battling with his own demons, led by issues at home. 

Blurb:
I lost her. 
I thought she was the love of my life.
She was everything I needed. Everything I wanted.
She made me forget about my past. My family.
She made me feel real.
How do I move on from her? 
Will I find someone like her?
It’s time to pick up the pieces.
But can I?
I’m Seth Tyson and this is my story. 
~~~
I deserve a happily ever after, don’t I?

This is Seth's story and his quest to find his happily ever after.

My Thoughts - Story
After some deep thought, I had to lower my rating because I didn’t connect with this book as deeply as I had for the first two.

I was expecting a story where we learn more about Seth and his search for a happily ever after. Instead this book is about his past with Juliet (as a friend). Maybe if the book was only about half of their past and then working toward a deeper relationship with each other, it may have deserved the 4.5 stars but instead they wait till the story is almost over.

Now don’t get me wrong – I did enjoy the story and all the angst written throughout the story.

Re-Cap
At the end of book 2, we left Seth closing the chapter of his life with Tabitha and wishing for his own happily ever after.

Now we transgress to the past and learn about Seth and Juliet’s childhood. How these two should have been together but such as life…shit happens.

 
Reason for Reading – Blog Tour

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 3 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? Yes

Book – His First and Last (Ardent Springs)

Author – Terri Osburn
Publication Date – April 21, 2015
Genre – Romance

Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger - No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

At eighteen, Lorelei Pratchett couldn’t wait to get out of her hometown. Twelve years later, her Hollywood dreams have fizzled and she’s back—temporarily, she thinks. Though she throws herself into saving the old theater and starting a baking business, small towns have long memories, and Lorelei’s wild past still haunts her. It doesn’t help that her ex-boyfriend, Spencer Boyd, is even hotter, smarter, and more distracting than before.

The fiery Lorelei that Spencer knew years ago may have become closed off and cautious, but their chemistry hasn’t faded one bit. Losing her a second time is unthinkable to him, yet Lorelei is convinced she doesn’t belong in Ardent Springs. Somehow, Spencer needs to show her that everything she needs is right here: family, friendship, new beginnings…and a man who’s never stopped loving her.

Warm, sexy, and laugh-out-loud funny, His First and Last is an irresistible story of first love and second chances.

My Thoughts - Story
This was such a sweet second chance love story but I spent the beginning of the book really hating Lorelei and thinking Spencer was stupid for putting all his faith in this woman.

But as the book progressed, I did find myself opening up to these characters and rooting for them and their HEA.

I enjoyed the writing and the descriptions from the author – I fell in love with the small town the author painted and the Norman Rockwell setting.

Re-Cap
Lorelei finds herself back where she hates it the most – Ardent Springs. Leaving behind her first love and her grandmother, she is thrown directly back in the line of fire from the townspeople and the embarrassing way she left things.

This time around, Spencer and her grandmother have different plans on how to make Lorelei set her apron strings to stay for good.

 
Reason for Reading – NetGalley

Story Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Steam Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Angst Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Writing Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Would Read More from Author? Possibly

Recommend To – Anyone who likes a story about second chances.