Review: Reckless by S.C. Stephens

Reckless

(Thoughtless # 3)

By: S.C. Stephens

Pub. Date: March 5, 2013

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 480

Source: ARC galley in exchange for an honest review

Can love survive when life gets Reckless?

When the band hits it big, Kiera and Kellan must ask themselves: Can their love for each other survive the constant pressures of superstardom? The friendships they've formed, the new family they've found, and the history they've forged will all play a part in helping them navigate the turbulent waters of the band's exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success, a declining pop star looking for an edge, and a media circus that twists lies into truths are just some of the obstacles the lovers will have to overcome if they are going to remain together. Fame comes with a price-but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everything?

Spoiler alert: If you haven't read Thoughtless and Effortless, do not read this review!

Wow, just wow. Reading the last book in a series is always a sad thing, and I was so sad to leave these characters behind. I looked forward to reading each book even more then the last, and each one was more enjoyable then the previous one. S.C. Stephens could not have ended the story any more perfectly then she did. The Thoughtless series is one of my favorite New Adult series out there.

In Reckless, the D-Bags have completely made it. They are touring around the country, they have millions of fans, and one of the worlds greatest pop stars has her eye on Kellan. At the same time, Kellan and Kiera are calling each other husband and wife, and Kiera's mom is busy planning the official wedding for them. If that wasn't enough, Kellan is getting to know his biological father and half siblings and Anna is pregnant with Griffin's baby.

I could not get enough of Kellan and the D-Bags. They have such an amazing family bond, and I love them together. Kiera and Kellan are also wonderful and sweet together. Despite getting together under lies, they really are in love and it is beautiful.

I think my favorite aspect of the entire series is watching Kellan grow from a whore who has never known love and family, and could not comprehend that anyone could ever love and care about him, to a man who realizes he is worthy of love, and finally has a family. It was pure and raw emotion watching Kellan realize this, and his story broke my heart every single time.

This series started out with a few problems for me (noticeably way too many details in the writing) but I ended up loving every minute of this series. These books are not to be missed.

Thank you so much Gallery Books for sending me these galleys! 

Double Review: The Dark Duet series (Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark) By C.J. Roberts

Captive in the Dark

(The Dark Duet # 1)

By: C.J. Roberts

Pub. Date: July 20, 2011

Publisher: Self

Pages: 159

Source: Bought

Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

This is one of those books that is definitely hard to read, and even harder to review. Olivia wakes up and is blindfolded and tied up. Her kidnapper is Caleb. He tells her that he is her master, and she must do what he says. If she fights back, she will be punished. Caleb is training her to become a sex slave for a very powerful man, a man that Caleb is hell bent on murdering.

As the punishments and tortures continue, Livvie is trying to desperately to convince Caleb to let her leave, appealing to his sweet side. That's the thing about Caleb. He is a disgusting man on one hand, but on the other, he has these moments that make you think he really doesn't want to be doing what he is doing but he feels like he has no choice.

When Caleb was a young boy, he was taken from his home in America and sold to a man who raped him and pimped him out to other men who like young boys. Caleb doesn't even remember what his real name is, or where he came from. His childhood consisted of suffering, beatings, and rapes. That is until he was saved and he has pledged his allegiance to his rescuer.

The writing completely hooks you from the very first page. The story flowed nicely and while it was hard to get through because of the subject matter, it was an easy read. I purchased the second one as soon as I finished and started it right away. 

Seduced in the Dark

(The Dark Duet # 2)

By: C. J. Roberts

Pub. Date: August 30, 2012

Publisher: Neurotica Books

Pages: 416

Source: Bought

The exciting, titillating, and action-filled conclusion to Captive in the Dark.

What is the price of redemption?

Rescued from sexual slavery by a mysterious Pakistani officer, Caleb carries the weight of a debt that must be paid in blood.

The road has been long and fraught with uncertainty, but for Caleb and Livvie, it’s all coming to an end.

Can he surrender the woman he loves for the sake of vengeance?

Or will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

The second book was just as hard to get through as the first book. We dive deeper into the world of sex slavery, which is always a scary thing. Caleb is still training Livvie, but at the same time, the two of them are falling in love with each other. Caleb is still torturing her sexually, but at the same time, helping her, and not allowing any of the other masters to touch her. He is trying to protect her. Caleb is very conflicted. He knows that he gave his word to the Officer that saved him 12 years ago from his sex slave life, but he doesn't want to sell Livvie either.

We find out a lot more about Caleb's life after being rescued from slavery. Despite what he is doing, it is hard to not feel for him and what he went through. The sweet little blond hair, blue eye boy never stood a chance. While the adult Caleb might have turned into a ruthless man because of his past, there is a part of him who really wants to be a good person and help people. I enjoyed learning Caleb's secrets and about his past.

Since The Dark Duet is a two book series, I thought that Seduced in the Dark was the perfect ending. I really loved it! The subject matter might turn people off, especially the fact that a kidnapped girl falls in love with her capture, but these books really are worth the read. I am excited to see what C.J. Roberts comes up with next. 

Review: The Goddess Inheritance by Aimée Carter

The Goddess Inheritance

(The Goddess Test # 3)

By: Aimée Carter

Pub. Date: February 26, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 384

Source: Netgalley

Love or life. Henry or their child. The end of her family or the end of the world. Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

I have loved this series since the beginning, and while I am sad to see it end, I was happy with the direction that Aimée Carter took with the ending. It wasn't completely the happy ending I was hoping for, but I understand why it had to happen the way it did. Everything comes full circle in The Goddess Inheritance and it was a non stop ride the entire book.

While I did spend the first few chapters completely confused, once I started to understand what was happening, I could not put the book down. I needed to know how it was all going to turn out, especially for my favorite guy, Henry. I loved Henry even more in Inheritance. He was as sweet as ever, but at the same time he would do anything to protect his wife and child.

In this installment, Kate was faced with an impossible choice-her family or the world. Kate always put others before herself and will give up her happiness for everyone else. I have always admired Kate's selflessness and this was no exception. With her little boy Milo just born, the stakes were even higher this time around.

I liked that Kate and Henry were finally at a place in their relationship where they trusted each other completely and knew how the other felt. All I wanted was for Kate, Henry, and Milo to finally be a happy family.

Every god and goddess were put to the test in this one, and all of them grew as characters. After centuries of being alive, you would think that they never could, but Carter made it realistic and believable.

The ending was definitely a bittersweet one and I will miss all of these characters. If you haven't read these books yet, you are missing out. You will fall in love with the characters just as I had. The Goddess Inheritance was a wonderful ending to a fantastic series!

Blog Tour~Snark and Circumstance: Georgia Barrett’s Tour of Longbourne, Massachusetts

Georgia Barrett’s Tour of Longbourne, Massachusetts (Scene of Snark and Circumstance)

Hi!  Welcome to my town.  We actually get a lot of tour buses here in the autumn, filled with old people who have a burning need to peep the “fall foliage”.  I hope when I am a senior citizen that I have better things to do than look at leaves through the window of a bus, but even I have to admit that I live in a very pretty town.

Here is the town hall.  It’s pretty typical of the colonial style architecture around here, and here is the church that’s across the street from it.

My sister, Leigh, goes to a church in East Longbourne that is not nearly this pretty.

And these are some of the oldest houses in town.  The one on the far left is Michael Endicott’s house, which is historic and impressive – but that doesn’t mean that I want my mom to drag me there on a Home Tour, which she does to me in Book Three.  And the house on the far right sits on Endicott Street, which was named for Michael’s family; this is something he would prefer that you not forget.

And this is Longbourne High School, Home of the MinuteMen. Which my sister Cassie, the cheerleader, would prefer you not forget. As you can see, there is a lot of brick and white wooden clapboards in this town.  But there are also some strange pockets of interesting, if you look hard enough.

Like my friend Gary’s hair.

That’s is his hair with the blue tips.  He and my other friend Dave are in a retro punk band, The Cryptic Pigs from Hell.   Dave doesn’t have a Mohawk – he’s rocking more of a retro, Elvis Costello sort of vibe. 

(And that’s Elvis Costello, by the way, whose music Dave introduced me to.  Because Dave does not like to have his picture taken and I don’t blame him so I had to come up with a reasonable approximation to show that we are not all prepbots in this town.)

Still, it’s not a bad place to live, prepbots and all.  Thanks for spending some time here with me!

Review: The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden

(The Coincidence # 1)

By: Jessica Sorensen

Pub. Date: December 13, 2012

Publisher: Self

Pages: 296

Source: Bought

There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.

Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.

For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.

Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.

Callie and Kayden went to school together, but they weren't friends. At the night of Kaydens graduation party, Callie stops Kayden's father from beating the crap out of him. When they see each other at college all Kayden wants is to thank Callie for saving his life that night and to get to know her. The two of them start a friendship, and as certain circumstances start to change, they start to get to know each other on different levels as well.

Wow. This is one of those stories that came from nowhere. I never heard of it before I saw it on someone's else's blog. The synopsis was so intriguing and I wanted to learn more about these characters. Both were so broken and they helped each other heal.

Callie used to be "normal". She was friendly and popular. But that all changes one day. She cuts off all of her hair, and becomes dark and a freak, as the other kids say. As the story goes on, you start to find out what exactly happened to her. I felt so bad for her and what she went through.  

Kayden is the popular, smart, jock. He is all smiles on the outside, but is living a nightmare on the inside. His father is a horribly abusive man, who has been hurting him since he was a child. Even though he knows he probably could stand up for himself, he never does. He just takes the abuse because it has been going on for so long, it is just apart of his life. He has scars all over of his body, some from his father and some were self-inflicted, which just killed me.

I loved the connection between these two sad and broken characters. I also loved the secondary characters. They brought a lot to the story, especially Callie and Kayden's best friends.

I am so excited for the second book, The Redemption of Callie & Kayden, especially because this one ended on a major cliffhanger. I need to know what is going to happen!

I highly recommend this new adult story. It is one of my favorites that I have read! 

Review: The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock

The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door

By: Karen Finneyfrock

Pub. Date: February 21, 2013

Publisher: Viking Children's

Pages: 272

Source: Netgalley

That’s the day the trouble started.  The trouble that nearly ruined my life.  The trouble that turned me Dark.  The trouble that begs me for revenge.

Celia Door enters her freshman year of high school with giant boots, dark eyeliner, and a thirst for revenge against Sandy Firestone, the girl who did something unspeakable to Celia last year.

But then Celia meets Drake, the cool new kid from New York City who entrusts her with his deepest, darkest secret. When Celia’s quest for justice threatens her relationship with Drake, she’s forced to decide which is sweeter: revenge or friendship.

This debut novel from Karen Finneyfrock establishes her as a bright, bold, razor-sharp new voice for teens.

Celia Door is a 14 year old girl with no friends and her parents have recently separated. When girls at her school created "The Book" (think the burn book in Mean Girls), Celia became dark. She wears dark clothes, writes dark poetry, and basically acts dark. Around the same time the book surfaced, she lost her best friend, and now kids at her school were basically bullying her. It's hard not to feel for Celia and what she was going through. I think every person and can identify with her on some level. All Celia wants to do is get revenge on the girls that started the book. Then the new kid in school Drake wants to be Celia's friend, and everything begins to change.

The story was predictable and I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing, especially when Celia notified us that she wrote a poem, then shared it with us. I think the poems would have meant more if she didn't write one for every single aspect of her day! While I liked Celia, I didn't really enjoy Drake's character. I felt no connection to him, and I thought he was so dramatic. Granted, I had to keep reminding myself that he was only 14, but still.

I loved that the story was set in Hershey, PA, one of my favorite places on earth! I thought it added a lot to the story.

I know this review might sound like I didn't like the book, but I did! In all honestly, I did think about giving it up around page 60 or so, but I am glad I stuck with it. It ended up being a really cute story with a great message. I definitely believe that this story would be much more enjoyable for young teens, maybe 13-16.  

Review: A Song For Julia by Charles Sheehan-Miles

 A Song For Julia

By: Charles Sheehan-Miles

Pub. Date: December 5, 2012

Publisher: Cincinnatus Press

Pages: 374

Source: ebook from author through AToMR book tours

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

 A Song For Julia is very much a character driven novel. Crank and Julia are from two completely different words. Julia is at Harvard whose father is a retired ambassador, while Crank is a high school drop out, whose mom left five years, and dad is a South Boston cop. Their lives could not be more different, and when they meet at a war protest in Washington D.C., there is definitely an attraction between the two, and both of them know that they won't ever see each other again after this day.

Turns out when they are back home in Boston, Julia hits his car after he finished his performance at a local bar. The two of them have a very interesting connection. You can see the attraction there, but Crank is so hot and cold with her, that it definitely wasn't immediate love.

My favorite parts was how well Julia connected with Crank's younger brother, Sean, who has Asperger's Syndrome. You don't see many authors tackling characters with these sort of neurological diseases, but Sheehan-Miles wrote an honest portrayal of someone living with Asperger's.

Julia was sort of one dimensional for me. She had a very sad back story that she kept hinting at throughout the story, and when she finally opened up it was hard to not feel for her. She was alone when she needed people the most, and it makes it very hard to trust. But other then that, I didn't really care about her. Same went for Crank. He left home at 16 because he blames himself for his mom leaving, and he doesn't get along with his dad. I had this image that his father was an abusive alcoholic, but that is not the case at all. He is a wonderful father who just wants the best for his son, and I think Crank was very dramatic and hurtful to his father. I did love how protective and sweet Crank was with his brother though.

Overall, I did enjoy A Song For Julia, but because it was so character driven, for about 100 pages in the middle, I was very bored. Nothing was really happening, but then eventually it picked back up.  It is an emotional read, and I loved watching the characters heal and move on from their pain.

I am excited to read Sheehan-Miles other books!

Double Review: The Fetish Box: Open All Night and What Escapes by Nicole Camden

The Fetish Box: Open All Night (Part 1)

By: Nicole Camden

Pub. Date: Feb 11, 2013

Publisher: Pocket Star Books

Pages: 75

Source: Netgalley

An enchanting eBook debut about a world where your fantasies come true and nothing is quite what it seems. Come on in to realize your heart’s darkest desire...Virginal twenty-two-year-old Mary has just inherited a sex shop in Florida from her mother. After a long drive from California, she arrives at her deceased mother’s house only to be confronted immediately with two equally sexy strangers: the strong, silent John and the irreverent, taunting Max. She’s innocent, almost completely untouched, but feels a completely uncharacteristic pull to each man. Shocking even herself, she realizes it’s not an unwelcome desire.

Max is a playboy who knows how to give women what they want, but John… John might just be able to give Mary something even she doesn’t know she needs…

The Fetish Box: What Escapes

By: Nicole Camden

Pub. Date: March 4, 2013

Publisher: Pocket Star Books

Pages: 85

Source: Netgalley

The breathtaking second installment in the Fetish Box eBook series…open the box and see what escapes…Mary is surprised by the deep feelings that follow in the wake of her first sexual encounter, but fascination with her lover John doesn’t dim her desire for the unapologetically lusty Irish bar-owner, Max. Feeding one hunger has unleashed other needs, and Mary wants to experience everything her new life has to offer.

But Mary’s dark desires aren’t the only ones swirling in the depths of The Fetish Box, and violence erupts amid the passion. When one of the men is attacked and the people at The Box put in danger, Mary realizes that some desires are more dangerous than others…

 When I read the synopsis for Open All Night, I didn't realize that it was part 1, so I requested the second part, What Escapes  right away. I don't think I am going to read part 3, What Remains and I definitely would not pay $1.99 to read each part. I hate writing negative reviews, but I was not happy at all. First of all, I don't understand the publisher's choice to release this book in three parts, it might have actually been better if it was just one book. Second, I just wasn't a big fan of the writing. Except for John, I thought the characters were stupid and annoying.

Never meeting her mother, Mary receives her sex shop after her mom dies. It is there that she meets Max and John. John was kind of interesting, but I wish his story would have been developed a little more. I thought Max was disgusting. At his first meeting with Mary, he pulls down her shirt and pinches her nipples. What the hell? And she is totally ok with it. After that happened (which was in the beginning), I was turned off for the rest of part 1.

I don't even know why I read part 2. I guess I was hoping it would get better. It didn't. In this installment, someone is after The Fetish Box, and the workers are getting hurt. It ends on a cliffhanger and we don't know who is after them. They are a very tight knit group, so when one is hurt the rest are going to do what they can to retaliate.

I am interested to see if Mary chooses John or Max, since she is attracted to both. My vote is for John.

Final thoughts: Don't waste your time.

Book Release Day and Review: If You Stay by Courtney Cole

If You Stay

By: Courtney Cole

Pub. Date: February 12, 2013

Publisher: Lakehouse Press

Pages: 346

Source: eARC in exchange for an honest review/Ink Slinger Blog Tour

24-year old Pax Tate is an asshole. Seriously.

He’s a tattooed, rock-hard bad-boy with a bad attitude to match.

But he’s got his reasons.

His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart filled with guilt although he doesn’t understand why. What he does know is that he and his dad are left alone and with more issues than they can count.

As Pax grew up, he tried to be the kid his father always wanted; the perfect golden boy, but it didn’t work. His dad couldn’t overcome his grief long enough to notice and Pax couldn’t keep up the impossible perfect façade.  So he slipped far, far from it.

Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the ugliness, the black void that he doesn’t want to deal with. If he pretends that the emptiness isn’t there, then it isn’t, right?  Wrong.

And it’s never more apparent than when he meets Mila. Sweet, beautiful Mila Hill is the fresh air to his hardened frown, the beauty to his ugly heart. He doesn’t know how to not hurt her, but he quickly realizes that he’s got to figure it out because he needs her to breathe.

When memories of his mother’s death resurface from where he’s repressed them for so long, Mila is there to catch him when the guilt starts making sense. Mila is the one…the one who can save him from his broken troubled heart; from his issues, from the emptiness.

But only if he can stop being an asshole long enough to allow it.

He knows that. And he’s working on it.

But is that enough to make her stay?

I don't even know where to start with this review. This book was AMAZING! Edge of your seat amazing. Chapter 1 was so intriguing and I was completely hooked after the first page!

Pax is not your normal "bad-boy". He knows he's an asshole. He goes out of his way to be an asshole. When you think he will have a redeeming trait, he turns around and does something assholic (yes, I understand assholic isn't a word, but oh well!). But when Pax meets Mila, he doesn't want to be that guy anymore. He wants to get to the bottom of his past and what really happened to his mother all those years ago, something that he has no memory of, but everyday lives with the guilt from that day.

Mila is a sweet girl. She's just trying to get through life as normal as possible, especially after losing both her parents years ago. When she meets Pax, and SAVES HIS LIFE, she questions everything she thought she wanted. Despite his um, flaws, she knows that there is something special about him, and that deep down he really is a sweet and caring person.

I loved watching these characters grow, especially Pax. I think this story is about forgiveness, which Pax has to do a lot of. His transformation was definitely a unique one and it was hard to not root for him.

The writing was absolutely incredible! Courtney Cole has an amazing gift. She brought these two characters to life. Mila and Pax were both so realistic and so honestly raw! I am excited to read all of her other books and to see what she comes up with next!

Also, can we just talk about that cover for a second....HOT!

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!

Where to Buy:

Barnes & Noble and Amazon 

About the Author:

Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people.

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.

Follow Courtney on twitter!

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Kiera's Quest: Sacrifices by Kristy Brown

Sacrifices

(Kiera's Quest #2)

By: Kristy Brown

Pub. Date: August 3, 2012

Publisher: Muse It Up

Pages: 81

Source: Received from author in exchange for an honest review

After almost beating the villainous Witch Queen, Kiera’s triumph is tainted with sadness for the loss of Joe and Daz. When the handsome Prince Zakk asks Kiera to re-enter his world in order to save her friend, she does not hesitate. On their perilous journey Kiera realizes that she is there to save many lives. As she comes face to face with her evil nemesis once again, Kiera comes closer to finding out the truth to why she has been chosen. Will she succeed? Will this be the end to Kiera’s quest?

Sacrifices picks off right where Awakenings left off. Kiera and Zakk go back into the fantasy world, and right away we are swept away into a magical world. Kiera definitely has to find her way in this one, and she also had to find her confidence. I enjoyed watching that development.

A lot of different story lines are happening at the same time and each one is exciting. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. There was also different POV which I always enjoy.

As with Awakening, I really enjoyed Sacrifices. It is a short read, but it works. Kristy Brown is truly a talented author. Even if you aren't a big fantasy fan like me, these stories are still enjoyable! 

Cover Reveal: Shooting Scars by Karina Halle

I am so excited to share with all of you the cover of Shooting Scars, book two in The Artists Trilogy by Karina Halle.

Shooting Scars

(The Artists Trilogy # 2)

By: Karina Halle

Pub. Date: May 2013

Publisher: Metal Blonde Books

A second chance at first love.

There are a few things worth risking everything for - even your life. For Camden McQueen, this is one of them.

Shooting Scars is the second book in The Artists Trilogy and is told from the dual POV of Camden and Ellie.

I really love this cover, especially that Camden is looking hot on it! I'm just wondering why is he holding a scalpel?? Can't wait to find out more about this story!

Review: Persistence of Vision by Liesel K. Hill

Persistence of Vision

(Interchron # 1)

By: Liesel K. Hill

Pub. Date: January 29, 2013

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Pages: 386

Source: Author for blog tour

In a world where collective hives are enslaving the population and individuals have been hunted to the verge of extinction, Maggie Harper, and independent 21st Century woman, must find the strength to preserve the freedom of the future, but without the aid of her memories.

After experiencing a traumatic time loss, Maggie is plagued by a barrage of images she can't explain. When she's attacked by a creep with a spider's web tattoo, she is saved by Marcus, a man she's never met, but somehow remembers. He tells her that both he and her creepy attacker are from a future in which individuals are being murdered by collectives, and Marcus is part of the rebellion. The collectives have acquired time travel and they plan to enslave the human race throughout all of history. The flashes Maggie has been seeing are echoes of lost memories, and the information buried deep within them is instrumental in defeating the collective hives.

In order to preserve the individuality of mankind, Maggie must try to re-discover stolen memories, re-kindle friendships she has no recollection of, and wade through her feelings for the mysterious Marcus, all while dodging the tattooed assassins the collectives keep sending her way.

If Maggie can't fill the holes in her memory and find the answers to stop the collectives, the world both in her time and in all ages past and future will be doomed to enslavement in the grey, mediocre collectives. As the danger swirls around her and the collectives close in, Maggie realizes she must make a choice: stand out or fade away...

Holy insane meatballs! That's how I will describe this book. I had no idea what to expect when I accepted this book for review.....a fantasy, new adult book?? What?? I was intrigued, and I am very, very happy with the end result!

This is one of those stories that is very hard for me to write a review for. There was so much going on, that I can not put a synopsis into words. You just have to read this book for yourself to find out what all the hype is about!

There were parts of the story where I was confused, but many of my questions were answered by the end of the book. The ending left me with even more questions that I can not wait to find out the answers to in future books! Persistence of Vision kept me at the edge of my seat, and I could not turn the pages quick enough.

I know this review is a short one, but take my advice, and GET THIS BOOK! The writing is fantastic, the characters are realistic and the plot is entertaining and fast paced!

Thank you Liesel for sending me a copy to review and allowing me to participate in the blog tour! 

Review: Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

Dance of Shadows

By: Yelena Black

Pub. Date: February 12, 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Book

Pages: 447

Source: Netgalley

Dancing with someone is an act of trust. Elegant and intimate; you're close enough to kiss, close enough to feel your partner's heartbeat. But for Vanessa, dance is deadly – and she must be very careful who she trusts . . .

Vanessa Adler attends an elite ballet school – the same one her older sister, Margaret, attended before she disappeared. Vanessa feels she can never live up to her sister's shining reputation. But Vanessa, with her glorious red hair and fair skin, has a kind of power when she dances – she loses herself in the music, breathes different air, and the world around her turns to flames . . .

Soon she attracts the attention of three men: gorgeous Zep, mysterious Justin, and the great, enigmatic choreographer Josef Zhalkovsky. When Josef asks Vanessa to dance the lead in the Firebird, she has little idea of the danger that lies ahead – and the burning forces about to be unleashed . . .

I love me a good dance story, and Dance of Shadows was no exception. I loved this book! There was so much mystery and suspense and I absolutely loved the dance element!

Vanessa is starting her first year at the same prestigious NYC ballet school where her older sister disappeared from. While she is a very talented dancer, the only reason Vanessa is at the school at all is to solve the mystery of her sister's disappearance. Things become very creepy, very fast, and Vanessa has no idea what it can all mean. I thought Vanessa was a very strong and brave character. So many times I thought she was going to lose it, but she came back fighting.

My favorite part of Dance of Shadows was the mystery. I enjoyed figuring everything out right along with Vanessa. There were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. I also really enjoyed every single character and trying to decide who was evil and who wasn't. The friends that Vanessa made were all very easy to feel a connection with as well.

Dance of Shadows was very well written. I never knew what was going to happen and I found myself flying through the pages to get to the end. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I need to know what it going to happen next!

Review: Indigo Awakening by Jordan Dane

Indigo Awakening

(The Hunted # 1)

By: Jordan Dane

Pub. Date: December 18, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 304

Source: Netgalley

Because of what you are, the Believers will hunt you down.

Voices told Lucas Darby to run. Voices no one else can hear. He’s warned his sister not to look for him, but Rayne refuses to let her troubled brother vanish on the streets of LA. In her desperate search, she meets Gabriel Stewart, a runaway with mysterious powers and far too many secrets. Rayne can’t explain her crazy need to trust the strange yet compelling boy—to touch him—to protect him even though he scares her.

A fanatical church secretly hunts psychic kids—gifted “Indigo” teens feared to be the next evolution of mankind—for reasons only “the Believers” know. Now Rayne’s only hope is Gabe, who is haunted by an awakening power—a force darker than either of them imagine—that could doom them all.

This is the first book I have read by Jordan Dane and I loved it! It was very different then the kind of books that are out there now, and I fell in love with every single character.  I've heard of "indigo teens" before, but I didn't realize how big of a thing it really is. I thought it was very interesting that Dane is writing a series around it.

After Lucas' parents died, his older sister had him committed to a mental institution because he was "different". Years later, Lucas escapes. His other sister, Rayne is the only one that cares for his well being, and goes to look for him. While in LA she meets up with Gabe. Gabe is also different and has special abilities. Gabe tries to stay away from people, so he doesn't hurt them. The characters were the best part of the story for me. They were written so perfectly. Gabe was my favorite. I loved learning about him and his past. I also felt really bad for him.

I also enjoyed the different view points. We heard from Gabe, Rayne, Lucas and even the bad guys. The multiple points of views really brought a lot to the story.

From page 1 I was immersed in the story and the lives of these characters. It ended on a major cliffhanger, and I can not wait to see what is going to happen next!