Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everneath
by Brodi Ashton

Published: January 24th 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins / Balzer + Bray
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 370
Series: Everneath #1
Source: Borrowed from library
Amazon |
Book Depository

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished,
sucked into an
underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans.

Now she's returned - to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything.

But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.

*MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS*
Now I've read this twice, but for some reason I didn't manage to write the review on the first round. But apparently I did make some notes back then! So, I shall quote myself:

my problem: reason why Nikki chose to leave with Cole. Weird how people reacted to her after she came back; where's the police? Her dad's just mad and thinks she's been involved with drugs? How come he didn't ask more about her whereabouts?? Her relationship with her "family" was quite odd, nothing like her and Jack's.

Okay, so I suck at making notes, since even I can't understand half of that. But it's weird how those things bothering me back then didn't even cross my mind this time, and it's also nice to see that even though I'm thinking about different things, I'm still going to give the same rating I gave back then.
But I have no idea what I was thinking when writing those notes. Note to self: MAKE BETTER NOTES.

The book starts with Nikki surviving The Feed in Everneath. It's been a century in Everneath, six months on the human world. Everyone thinks she just took off and has being doing drugs this whole time, and you can't really blame them, since Nikki looks like.. well, like she's been doing drugs for the past six months.
But the truth is, she's lucky to even remotely look like her old self, since that's not what usually happens to humen during The Feed.

Okay, I have to agree little to my earlier thoughts, it is a little odd how everyone's just assuming something and really don't care about the truth. Except Jack, but that's no surprise, since they're like soulmates or something.
But then again, I would be pissed off too, if my daughter just disappeared for six months. Enough of that.

It took me a while to realise the whole Hades and Persephone- thing going on. And usually I'm a huge fan, since I love retellings, but for some reason not this time. Probably cause they aren't Hades and Persephone, living the myth for the first time, but merely telling about a myth that may have happened. Yeah, not such a huge fan of that part, guess I just was expecting something else completely.

Then there's the boys. In the right corner, we have Jack: The loyal puppy with his brown eyes (I'm pretty sure his eyes are brown?). And in the left corner we got Cole: The charismatic bad boy who plays in a band and lured Nikki to Everneath. Yet underneath everything that may actually be some sort of heart that beats for Nikki.
Guess who I like more? That's no pickle, I'm definitely fan of Cole. Yeah, he took Nikki to Everneath, but Nikki was willing. Though he may have manipulated her a little, but hey, Nikki herself expected the worst and took off with Cole. I think that was a sign that she should stay with Cole. They were together for 100 years and didn't get bored to each other, doesn't that count for something?! That's a lot more you can say about Jack's and Nikki's relationship ;)

When I finished reading this, I nearly threw my phone to the wall, cause I had no idea there was going to be more books and there was a huge cliffhanger and I was just so mad when this was over! Guess that's a pretty good indicator for how much I enjoyed reading this book :)

Cover Reveal: The Obvious Game by Rita Arens + giveaway (UK, US, CA)

The Obvious
Game by
Rita Arens


Expected publication
February 7th 2013




"Your shirt is yellow."

"Your eyes are blue."

"You have to stop running away from your problems."

"You're too skinny."

Fifteen-year-old Diana Keller accidentally begins teaching The Obvious Game to new kid Jesse on his sixteenth birthday. As their relationship deepens, Diana avoids Jesse's past with her own secrets - which she'll protect at any cost.

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Reaction by Jessica Roberts

Reaction
by Jessica Roberts

Published: November 5th 2012
Publisher: S/P
Format: Ebook
Series: Reflection #2
Source: Received from author
for review purposes
Amazon / UK |

Harmony…

I’ve previously had that in my life, but only once, briefly, a while ago. It was during the time I’d started my first year of college. My own apartment, a new old car, and a life free of deadbeat stepfathers, all of which was fulfilling enough. But if it wasn’t, I also had a best friend, soul mate, and boyfriend all in one.
Yes, life was near perfect.

But one stormy night can change everything…

For many months I rested in a prolonged sleep, fighting for my life. Well, more than fighting for it, also dreaming of it. Dreaming of him.
Thank goodness, the dream is over and I’m back in the real world now. And all I want is for everything to return to the way it was. But nothing’s the same; most of all, us.

Once again, I find myself at the crossroads of a ruthless battle, this time not for life, but love.
Do I fight for the guy I twice fell for, or do I let her take him away?

*MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS*
I read the first book, Reflection, for a blog tour (read the review here!), and guess what happened after I was finished?
Like a good little stalker blogger I started stalking the author visited author's homepage and sent her a review request for the second book. I think it was 9 pm, and I should've went to bed, since I had to work next morning, but of course I was glued to my computer, hitting F5 over and over again. And then!, the author replied to my message AND sent me the second book! Which I started devouring right away and missed my good night sleep.

Anyhow, the first book ended with a huge cliffhanger (with the new girl and stuff, read the first book), and like the cover says, the dream is over and reality begins. Heather is released from the hospital and it's time to go on with the life. But how can you do that, when your boyfriend is engaged to someone else and you have no idea what to do with your life?

Luckily, Heather has Creed by her side all the way through. He was by her side the whole time she was in coma, and he even gets her a new place to live in. And it's obvious Creed wants more than just to be friends (especially when there's some lip contact going on), and I definitely would've have wanted to see more of that! Creed is always there for her, but she just doesn't like him that way. Darn! Definitely wanted more for these two!

Then there's Nick. Like said, he's now engaged to someone else and seems quite happy with his life. Then there's ups and downs, and guess how everything end?
Of course it's pretty obvious how things end, but I just wished there was more emotional turmoil, so to speak. More cat fights, heat, you name it! Paige, Nick's bride to be, definitely should've been more active and fight for her guy. And Heather should've done the same, because that's entertainment!
Not talking Jerry Springer- kind of stuff, but a little more drama and action would've been nice.

Aaaand there was one part I just so did not like. Just bugged the hell out of me:

After an unknown length of time, we were still cuddled on his bed, my lips swollen from his ministrations. Beats me how our clothes were still mostly in place with the hunger and lust and deeply moving love that accompanied our tumble in his bed.
My virtue hung on a thread but it was still intact, as much as we pushed the limits. It would stay that way until I was legally and completely his. As contradicting as it may have seemed, it was a matter of our love and admiration for each other. He saw my innocence as beautiful and perfect, and he would take it with his promise to me. I saw his promises to love and cherish me forever as beautiful and perfect, and I would give him my innocence then, happily—and very enthusiastically…. The ambience in the little shed lent itself to magic and tenderness.

Holy shit, that's just.. bull. Both of these people are over 20 years old, there's really no need to lecture.

Overall, almost as enjoyable as the first book, that whole mini-lecture just bugged me so much, I just wanted to forget the whole book. Which is crazy, but what can you do?

pst, there's Reflection banners!

Teaser Tuesdays #30 & Trailer Tuesdays #1

So, it's been ages since I last had Teaser Tuesday, so it's about time!
But I also wanted to do Trailer Tuesday, so why don't I just combine those too?

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Should Be Reading and Trailer Tuesday by Hannah!

When her gaze fell on the house they lived in, Bartholomew ducked down under the sill.

Hettie was already there.

Don't get yourself noticed and you won't get yourself hanged.


The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann

BTW, did anyone else watch the last episode of Gossip Girl?? I didn't even know it would be the last episode?!?! Just...

2013 TBR PILE Reading Challenge

Yup, another year starting, so time for another challenge! I actually have no idea what happened with my this year's challenges.. Probably should do recaps about those. And hope this challenge goes better ;)

My goal is A Friendly Hug, but if possible, A Sweet Kiss would also be nice.

Click here to see the guidelines, levels, schedule and to sign up!



And here's some of the books I plan to read. These all can be found in my bookshelf, untouched. It's a scandal!
Except The Host, I've borrowed that from the library like 5 times, and really try to read it before seeing the movie!

Stacking the Shelves #4

Meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual.

This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Bought

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
The Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

I happened to find these from a flea market. These weren't on top of my to-buy- list, but what can you do when you find a bargain? ;)

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Finally bought this! I've just had so many reviewcopies, I just haven't been interested in reading for fun.. Guess I should do that also!
I also ordered few other books from Book Depo, but they didn't arrive yet :/


For blog tour

The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann

Isn't it pretty!?

I, again!, owe huge thanks to HarperCollins and another super- thank you for Christina!

First Light by Samantha Summers

First Light
by Samantha Summers

Published: May 12th 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 367
Series: Project Five Fifteen #1
Source: Received for
review purposes
Amazon |
Book Depository

What do you do when you've always dreamed of a hero; your knight in shining armour, only to find when he arrives he isn't a hero at all? ... He's a killer.

Ronnie Rose is trying to cope with the loss of her father; now it looks like she might lose everything else that's dear to her too. Huge debts threaten to destroy her family, her childhood home and her future.
Only one person cuts through her pain. Kalen Smith has just moved to town. He's trouble and everyone knows it.
He and his mysterious friends keep to themselves and the town likes it that way. But when Kalen mourns at her dad's funeral, Ronnie wants to know why and her investigation plunges her into a dangerous world of murky government secrets, with deadly consequences.
Ronnie knows she should walk away from Kalen before it's too late. Problem is, she's falling for him...

Can we choose who we fall in love with?

*MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS*
My expectations with this: "OMG!, I have to love this book, since the guy is an assassin, for crying out loud! How awesome is that?!" And yeah, at first I liked the story, but then.. I just lost interested.

It's just Ronnie and her sister after their father dies. During his funeral, Ronnie sees Kalen, the notorious assassin boy! Though she doesn't know that, just that he's "trouble".
And of course she's baffled by the fact that Kalen dares to show up to her father's funeral, especially since there shouldn't be any connection between them. Aaaand this is how their story begins.

At first, I really liked Ronnie. She's really nice and sweet and all that, but also quite tough, considering how she's handeling their father's death.
But after time, I had to change my opinion about her. Because what first seemed like being nice and considerate, turns into her being a total pushover. Whether it's her sister or sister's ***k of a boyfriend, she just let's them walk over her. Grow some backbone!
I don't know if it's because of Kalen, but after he comes to the picture, she just losts her ability to take care of herself or to stand up to herself. She's just not that tough anymore. And yeah, it's great if you can be tough yet vulnerable, but if you lose any kind of ability to make decisions for yourself.. BAD!

And Kalen is the complete opposite, meaning he's "being the man". Someone mouths off to your woman? You beat him up! Just "I'm a man. Me hunt meat for my woman. Me caveman. GRRRR."
And do I remember wrong, or was there some part where the villagers were going to hunt Kalen down with torches and pitchforks, or was there just some moment that made me think of that scene??

Oh well. I didn't completely hate it. I liked the beginning, and I quite liked the ending, but wasn't a fan of the middle part. Which was basically most of the book..
Will I read the next book? I was convinced it would be another assassin's story (you know, the other guys hanging out with Kalen), so my answer was absolutety not. But after realising I was wrong, I may have to consider reading the second book too.

Cover Reveal: Timespell by Diana Paz

Timespell by Diana Paz


Expected publication
April 1st 2013




In TIMESPELL, the brash and impulsive Julia must team up with her sweet and straight-laced best friend, Angie, and the malicious and power-hungry Kaitlyn in order to keep the witch-like powers of her inheritance.

But these powers come at a cost. The girls are bound to serve the Fates, and their first mission sends them back in time to Marie Antoinette’s Paris and eventually, into the chaos and war of the French Revolution.

Surrender Blog Tour

Surrender
by Rhiannon Paille

Published: October 2nd 2012 (first published October 6th 2011)

Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Publisher: CreateSpace
Cover Artist: Marc Wolfe
Number of pages: 402
Word Count: 100k
Buy from Amazon

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever.
She doesn't listen, and because of what she is - a Flame - one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war.

In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Excerpt
“Sorry I scared you,” he said.
Kaliel pressed her lips to her knees, hoping she could hold in her emotions. “I’m not afraid of you.”
Silence hung between them for awhile. He shifted on the cloak, the black tunic he wore shifting with him. He stretched his legs out, and Kaliel looked at his shin-high boots and breeches. He stole a glance at her turtle shell. “What are you afraid of?”
Kaliel stood. “Happy endings.” She didn’t know how else to explain it. She had contemplated the parable so many times it was exhausting. It didn’t matter which path she took—neither of them seemed very appealing. She let the mist soak her sleeves and stick to her skin. She heard Krishani behind her before he ran his hand down her back making shivers run up her spine. He stayed there, a foot away, and she wished he would move closer, envelope her in his arms. He wasn’t supposed to talk to her. This had to be wrong. What would the brotherhood think?
“Happy endings?” he whispered. He sounded both unsure and nervous. “What do you mean?” “What if someone comes?” She was worried Lord Istar would burst through the trees and find them in this compromising awkwardness. It seemed more taboo than practically drowning in the lake.
Krishani let out a breath. “Nobody ever comes here.”
Kaliel closed her eyes. “You come here.”
Krishani took a step forward and she could feel the heat radiating off him. “All the time.”

She didn’t answer, instead listening to the sound of the falls. Moonlight glinted off the flecks of water. She thought about the orb of ice he created for her. She hadn’t been able to do anything close to that awesome.

“What are you thinking?” he asked again.

She closed her eyes and felt her energy shift; like it had the day she went to the Great Oak. Heat rushed through her as she leaned back, trying to feel him, but not trying to force it if it wasn’t what he wanted. It was clear to her he cared, but she was so worried about whether or not she should let him.

“My parable,” she whispered.
He went rigid, his hand sliding down her upper forearm. “What did the Oak say to you?”
She shook her head. “Never mind, I have to figure it out. Both paths seem so dreary.”
“You seem too sweet to have a bad parable.”

She didn’t want to talk about the nightmares of the Flames, the parable, the fact the Brotherhood would disapprove of him touching her. It felt so natural; the last few moons had been lonely without him. She couldn’t explain what she felt, but she couldn’t watch him marry the land and leave the island.
“But I do,” she said. She drew her hands instinctively to her chest, her elbows digging into her ribs. He dropped his hand as she turned, and buried her face in his chest. He reluctantly ran his hands through her hair, letting them rest on the small of her back.
“I thought about you every day,” he said as she pressed her cheek into his tunic.
She smiled against his shirt. “And I thought about you.”
“Promise me something?” He wasn’t holding her, not really, their bodies weren’t pressed together and the inches between them made Kaliel feel cold.
“What?”
“You’ll find a happy ending.”
“What if I can’t?”
He pulled back and brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Promise me you will.” His eyes met hers and his jaw dropped. His hand paused, cupping her face in his palm. He held her gaze, her heart beating hard. Before she had time to answer, he pressed his lips against hers. She didn’t expect him to do that and it was better than she imagined. She came to life under him, kissing him back with unyielding passion that made him pull away to seemingly catch his breath.
Kaliel’s sadness drained away as he broke from her lips and then cupped her face with both hands and kissed her again, pressing the length of his body against her. His kisses made her feel light and giddy, like she could float into the sky. She slid her hands up his chest and looped them around his neck. There was swimming in the lake and losing her breath and then there was this. Being out of breath with him was like drowning in a sea of happiness. He could keep her prisoner forever and she’d never complain. He pulled away again, and wound his arms around her waist, trapping her against him. His lips found hers again, rough and inexperienced, but strong and satisfying.

She opened her mouth and his tongue grazed hers, warmth spreading from her heart to the rest of her body, making her tingle. She smiled against his lips.

“I missed you.” She tried to steady her breathing.

Krishani shook his head and put his hands on either side of her face. “This is all I want. This and nothing else, ever.” His mouth covered hers again. He pressed himself against her and she sighed. It felt like she had known him her entire life and even longer, if longer even existed.

Images appeared behind her eyelids — the shape of a boy and a girl wearing gaudy crowns on their heads. They were painted into parchment, but they were blurry. She was too elated by Krishani and his lips on hers to record the images, but they seemed familiar.

And then everything changed. Krishani pushed his lips against hers one last time and she felt the shift in her energy dissipate. It was as though all the joy evaporated, replaced by intense fear. She pushed him away and tried to understand the pounding in her heart that made her want to break in half.

Bloom the weed of temptation.
He looked confused and shocked. Without a word, she turned and fled towards the Elmare Castle.

Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror.

To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology.

She’s married to a chef/comic book shop owner and she has a fondness for architecture.

She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Frost Fire Book Blitz

Frost Fire
by Olivia Rivers

Published: November 20th 2012
Format: Ebook
Series: Tortured Elements #1
Publisher: Red Sparrow Press
Buy from Amazon

“Magic is just like love, Allai. It won’t wait for permission before it destroys you.”

Like sand in an hourglass, Allai’s future is dwindling away. She’s spent her entire life fighting the Mages who threaten humanity, and dreams of someday eradicating magic. But all it takes is an anonymous phone call for the truth to spill out: Allai is the one thing she despises most.

She’s a Mage.

Though ancient law mandates Allai’s death, she still has one last chance of survival. His name is Drake Rhaize, and he swears he can lead Allai to a sanctuary for Mages. Allai hasn’t seen Drake in years, but she remembers him as the Demon boy who used to hold her close and softly whisper that he’d keep her safe. But Drake has changed since then: He’s now suspected of murder, and has been out-casted for betraying his own kind.

While Allai doesn’t trust Drake, she has no choice but to put her life in his hands and hope he can get her to safety. Because Allai’s father has hired a pack of Demons to bring her back to him, dead or alive – and Demons never stop the hunt.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

For a moment, all she felt was relief. Jareth didn’t seem to know that Drake had saved her life. And for some reason, she didn’t want all of the Sentinel knowing that. It somehow seemed... personal.

But then one of Jareth’s words slammed into her.

“Captured?” Allai repeated. She tried to keep her voice calm. Everyone in the Manor knew her history with Drake, but that didn’t mean they needed to know how much it confused or scared her.

“Yeah, Shieldak didn’t kill him.” Jareth paused and raised his eyebrows at her. “You really haven’t heard about this? Really? The guy tried to kill you, you know.”

“Believe me, I know,” Allai snapped. Then she said in a cooler tone, “It’s barely been a day since he was found. It’s not my fault that I didn’t get the news as fast as you did.”

It was a lie. If she had just gone into Shieldak’s office and asked about Drake, she would have known the outcome. But she hadn’t wanted to ask, because she had thought she’d just hear that Drake was dead. And Allai wasn’t sure how she would have reacted to that.