The Demon Bride

The Demon Bride
Author: Dianna Hardy
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Two thousand and eleven years after the birth of the Failed One, the Witching Pen will be made manifest on Earth by the Great Shanka Witch of the Old Scrolls. By her hand, the Earth will rumble and shatter, and all dimensions will bleed into one.  The true purpose of the Witching Pen has been revealed, and it must be destroyed before an apocalyptic prophecy comes true. There's just one problem –the Pen is indestructible.  As everyone searches for much needed answers, Elena lays down plans for a radical mission to save her mother from the Shanka's shadow world.  Meanwhile, Mary has finally discovered who she really is, and what that means for the human race.  What Mary doesn't know, is that Gwain has been searching for her for over ten thousand years, and had lost all hope of finding her. Now that he has her, he's faced with an impossible choice: does he save the woman who altered his very existence, or does he sacrifice her to save mankind?


Ok, for this review I have decided not to go into detail about anything that happens in this story.  If I were to give you one little detail it would completely ruin the experience you get from reading the book.  So instead I will explain my experience and feelings about this fantastic, heart stopping, tear dropping story. 
I was so sad when I finished this book, I just wasn't ready for it to end.  Dianna gets you completely enthralled with her story of Mary and Gwain and you just want more and more. They are my two favorite characters in the novellas, maybe its their intensity or just the way they are so driven to save the other so they can have a future together or the fact that despite time, they are each others destiny.  This story is not only about Mary and Gwain but Amy, Pueblo, Elena and Karl.  They certainly have their journeys ahead of them.  In this book you almost need to read what's going on with them to bring you down from the intensity of Mary and Gwain.  Not only is the love they have for each other enough to knock your socks off but their journey has non stop action from start to finish.  Be prepared to have questions answered, jaw dropping news, fist pumping scenes and tearful goodbyes...just have a box of tissues ready. This was definitely the best of the three hands down.  When Dianna continues the story of these unforgettable characters, I will be the first in line for it.



Blood Bond : Dirty Blood Series #3

Get your copy today on Amazon!!



Blood Bond
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
YA Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Hybrids.

If I had to choose one word to sum up all of my problems, this would be it.

Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to watch my best friend slowly becoming a monster. Without hybrids, I could let go of the mentality “hunt or be hunted.” CHAS wouldn’t be scouring the Earth, intent on slaughtering and using Alex to do it. Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to be on guard that losing my temper meant losing my shape. There would be no monster inside me, struggling to get out.

Then again, without hybrids, I wouldn’t have Wesley St. John.



The long awaited book #3 of Heather Hildenbrand's Dirty Blood series couldn't get here soon enough.  After having left us hanging at the end of book #2 "Cold Blood", "Blood Bond" picks up right where we left off.  Heather has done some unique and fascinating writing with this book.  She has completely changed her writing style from the first two books adding much more drama, action and intensity to her story.  Just when you think you see the light at the end of the tunnel and hope arising, Heather drops a bomb and it becomes a brand new game.  I truly thought in the beginning that I had it all figured out with this series, where the characters would go, how the story would end...but boy was I wrong.  Since Heather branched off from the Dirty Blood series earlier in the year and wrote the passionate story of Whisper, I have seen her writing change.  She has added such passion, creativity, and a uniqueness to her story that none other has.  You can tell with her writing that Heather truly enjoys what she does, and gives the reader what they want...A fantastic story.  You walk away from it feeling like you have gained friends for life from her stories.  There are good reads and then there are great reads that leave you holding your breath at the end, that is what Heather writes, the great ones.  I am so happy Heather has given me the opportunity to read her writings, she is one of the great ones to follow.  Enjoy!

Blood Bond Book 3 of The Dirty Blood Series!

Blood Bond (The Dirty Blood Series #3)
By: Heather Hildenbrand
YA Book
5 STARS !!!!!

Hybrids.

If I had to choose one word to sum up all of my problems, this would be it.

Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to watch my best friend slowly becoming a monster. Without hybrids, I could let go of the mentality “hunt or be hunted.” CHAS wouldn’t be scouring the Earth, intent on slaughtering and using Alex to do it. Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to be on guard that losing my temper meant losing my shape. There would be no monster inside me, struggling to get out.

Then again, without hybrids, I wouldn’t have Wesley St. John.

****

Look for Blood Bond, book 3 in the Dirty Blood series, by Heather Hildenbrand, August 31st!

The Calling: Night Breeds #1

The Calling (Night Breeds #1)
Author: Lily Grasion
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
4 out of 5 stars


Investigative reporter Rayna Ford is sent to the small community of Wolf's Creek to write an expose on a town supposedly over run with werewolves. Assuming the inhabitants to be under a mass delusion, she learns quickly that all isn't as it seems. Their plans involve more than a newspaper article and her life hangs in the balance as their motive for luring her to them is revealed. Garrett Kincaid knows a thing or two about werewolves. He is one. After leaving his pack, he's spent the last twelve years pretending to be something he isn't. His closely guarded secret threatens to destroy him when he meets Rayna Ford, the woman his wolf has claimed as his own. When he learns the pack has lured Rayna to them in order to get to him, he races to Wolf's Creek to protect her from the very thing he fears the most. Himself. The power struggle within the pack becomes clear once Garrett reaches his old home and learns of the pack's plans for Rayna. The beast lurking beneath his skin is torn between protecting the woman he wants to call mate and keeping the balance within the pack on neutral ground. When choosing a side no longer matters, he does what he must to save his mate, even if that means making one of the most difficult decisions of his life.

Rayna is a reporter/journalist. She comes to a crime scene where women are being brutally murdered. Garrett, her last boyfriend, who happens to also be a detective, finds Rayna at the scene. Garrett knows a lot more about the murders than he is willing to share with Rayna. He thinks he's protecting her, but what he doesn't realize is that he just set her up for danger. Rayna's boss has demanded she investigate Malcolm, a man who has requested Rayna come to his house so he can prove to her that werewolves are real. Little does Rayna know that not only does Malcolm want to expose the werewolves to her but he wants to make her one and expose the werewolves to the world. When Garrett finds out where Rayna has gone, he goes to save her because he knows that Malcolm wants more than he is leading on. Rayna will have to fight to keep from getting turned into a werewolf and Garrett is the only one that can help her. She finds that Garrett has loved her all along and only broke her heart to save her from his past. I was on the fence when I started this book. I was worried that Rayna was going to be this weak,"help me", female character. I was wrong. Rayna is a strong female character who comes to realize what she wants and what she willing to fight for. The story takes place in a remote town inhabited by werewolves, and brings in other supernatural characters. There is lots of action, and twists and turns which keeps you on the edge till the end.

Rating: 4 out of 5  

Alpha Instinct

Alpha Instinct
By: Katie Reus
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)


Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.
The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.
But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…


If you are a fan of Rachel Vincent's Shifter Series, then this is right up your alley. Ana is a strong female shifter who has been through extreme loss, not only losing her family and pack but also losing the love of her life. When Conner comes back, you think that everything is going to be alright. Nope, you're wrong. Ana will have to not only fight to keep her pack but also find out who is still trying to kill them. This book is a great read and I will contiue with the series.

Rated : 4 out of 5

Author Dianna Hardy: Mary and Gwain

 

Believing in Intensity

by Dianna Hardy

www.diannahardy.com

One of my greatest challenges when writing The Demon Bride, was making the intensity of the relationship between Gwain and Mary believable, given that in “real time” they had only known each other a few weeks.

When writing Karl and Elena, it wasn’t an issue – they had known each other for years and years; the intensity made sense. For Amy and Pueblo, it was all about lust, so the intensity also made sense. I needed something to make Mary and Gwain make sense – I knew what that something was, but I needed to make sure it unfolded in a way the reader would understand (which is half the reason this book is twice as long as the others, lol).

Their connection with each other became strongly apparent in the second book, The Sands Of Time, but as is the nature of this series, things are revealed at lightning speed and BAM, the story is laid out in front of you.

Gwain and Mary’s relationship had to be intense by the very nature of what they mean to each other, and how they support each other. It couldn’t be any other way (wow, it’s actually hard to write this post without spoilers, lol…).

So how do you make “intensity” believable? I don’t think there’s one way. I concentrated on writing from deep (subjective) third person point of view (POV), as with the whole series, and I made sure I got into everyone’s heads so you get a very rounded view of what is happening, and so I could fit a lot of story into a 70,000 word novel.

When we are with Gwain and Mary specifically, the first half of the book concentrates on their scenes from her point of view, and the second half (after a crucial turning point for them) is told from his. By the very end of the book, we’ve come full circle, and we’re back in Mary’s head for one more chapter.

And don’t forget all the other characters…

Things happen fast in The Witching Pen world – in a matter of a few days at the most, but usually, over a 24-hour period. The depth of what these characters have has to come through in that short space of time in as believable way as possible.

I think I succeeded, but you will be the judge of that – for now, I am done J The Demon Bride was the last instalment in The Witching Pen series, and it will be followed, in the latter half of 2013, by one urban fantasy spin-off novel called The Last Dragon. After that, I have no plans to continue with these characters, although I never say never… at the end of the day, it’s the characters that decide.

The Witching Pen Novellas are available in digital and paperback format. All info and buy links can be found on the series website The Witching Pen Novellas.

And thanks so much to Amy and The Book Diaries for taking the time to read and review this series J

 Dianna Hardy is a multi-genre author of paranormal things, dark things, poetic things, sexy things, taboo things, and sometimes funny things. She writes about witches, demons and angels. All info about her books can be found on her website DiannaHardy.com

 

The Demon Bride eBook is released on 31^st August, in Amazon stores and Smashwords (other retailers to follow).

The Demon Bride paperback can be pre-ordered from

Amazon UK   Amazon US   The Book Depository

You can read the prologue to The Demon Bride here.

Forged in Fire

Forged in Fire
Author: Trish McCallan
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Beth Brown doesn’t believe in premonitions until she dreams a sexy stranger is gunned down during the brutal hijacking of a commercial airliner. When events in her dream start coming true, she heads to the flight’s departure gate. To her shock, she recognizes the man she’d watched die the night before.

Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters comes from a bloodline of elite warriors with psychic abilities. When Zane and two of his platoon buddies arrive at Sea-Tac Airport, he has a vision of his teammates’ corpses. Then she arrives—a leggy blonde who sets off a different kind of alarm.

As Beth teams up with Zane, they discover the hijacking is the first step in a secret cartel’s deadly global agenda and that key personnel within the FBI are compromised. To survive the forces mobilizing against them, Beth will need to open herself to a psychic connection with the sexy SEAL who claims to be her soul mate.

There is nothing hotter than a man in a uniform :)  Especially a military uniform.  Ok, I'm bias, that was my life for 12 years, being surrounded by men in uniform everyday...torture.  Forged in Fire was the perfect story for me, and bonus...it was a little bit paranormal, jackpot!.  This story has strong alpha males, intense realistic action, and a heart stopping love scene. Trish did such a great job with her descriptions and knowledge of the military, the fight scenes, the descriptions and use of weapons, it made it all believable.  Her characters were not invincible but heroic and strong, and that pulls you into the story.  You actually worry for the safety of these characters she has created.  Not only is it easy for you to fall into the story and feel like you are there with them, but the intense bond that these characters have makes you wish one of them was sitting there next to you.  This book was non-stop action from beginning to end, so be prepared to never put you book down for a minute.  Forged in Fire is a great beginning to a fantastic series.  I cannot wait to read book 2.  *Hey Trish? Might your characters be based on real life people? Just ah, let me know, I got some vacation time saved up :)*  ENJOY!

Prince Of Wolves: Quinn Loftis

Prince of Wolves (The Grey Wolves #1)
Author: Quinn Loftis
YA Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Jaque Pierce was just an ordinary 17 year old girl getting ready to start her senior year in high school in Coldspring, Texas. When a mysterious foreign exchange student from Romania moves in across the street, Jacque and her two best friends, Sally and Jen, don't realize the last two weeks of their summer was going to get a lot more interesting. From the moment Jacque sets eyes on Fane she feels an instant connection, a pull like a moth to a flame. Little does she know that the flame she is drawn to is actually a Canis Lupus, werewolf, and she just happens to be his mate; the other half of his soul. The problem is Fane is not the only wolf in Coldspring, Texas. Just as Fane and Jacque are getting to know each other, another wolf steps out to try and claim Jacque as his mate. Fane will now have to fight for the right to complete the mating bond, something that is his right by birth but is being denied him by a crazed Alpha. Will the love Fane has for Jacque be enough to give him the strength to defeat his enemy, will Jacque accept that she is Fane's mate and complete the bond between them?

This is my favorite series ever! I have read this twice already and could read it again.
Jacque is this ordinary girl that lives with her mother. She has two of the best friends ever, Sally and Jennifer. When a transfer student from Romania, Fane, moves in across the street, Jacque's world as she knows it is about to change. Fane is her mate, and better yet he is a prince! Better yet, he is not only a prince but a huge hunk of hotness werewolf. This story only gets better from here on and this is just the beginning. I loved this book, not only because of the story but the relationships between Jacque and her friends but the relationship between Jacque and Fane. Jacque and Fane go through many hardships to be together, and fight they do. I guarantee that you will love this book and will be excited to read the next book, Just One Drop. I know I was. I will read anything Quinn writes, even if it's not the Prince of Wolves series. She has great talent of making you laugh, cry and sigh throughout the book. I know she can make you do that with any story she writes. Quinn is definitely my number one favorite author. Enjoy!

Dead Flesh

Dead Flesh
Author: Tim O'Rourke
Older YA Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis

When Kiera and her friends return from the dead, they soon realise that the world is not the same – it has been pushed. Returning to Hallowed Manor, Kiera soon learns that it’s not only the world that has changed, she is changing, too.  Asked to help solve the murder of missing school teacher, Emily Clarke, Kiera and her friends soon discover that they are now living in a world where humans and wolves live together, sharing a fragile peace. But during her investigations, Kiera soon discovers that the world is now a much darker and dangerous place than the one she left behind.

Kiera and Potter are back!  I am so happy Tim decided to continue with a new series for Kiera.  I was so happy to see that Kiera and Potter are together. Its the first series that I've read when two characters get romantically involved and their personalities don't change.  They stay true to who they are.  I think that is what I love most about these characters.  This series is very different from the first Kiera Hudson series.  With the first series, Kiera had the help of Luke, Murphy and Potter from the start.  This series Kiera starts off with no help and has others relying on her on shat to do.  She has a huge weight on her shoulders and you feel such compassion for her.  I won't give anything away with this book because just when you think Kiera has saved the day and finally found her path....the bottom drops and all is not what it seems.  I had a feeling of a returning character but not in the way it happened.  My jaw dropped and stayed that way even after I was done reading.  I look forward to the next book and the short about Potter.

Rating 4 out of 5 

Dirty Blood

Dirty Blood
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
YA Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

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

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

With all the wonderful reviews of Dirty Blood on the Internet, I figured I would throw mine in there as well.  This was a little late for me considering I read this back in October.  I loved it just as much then as I do now and will be forever a fan and follower of Heather.  This was the first book I had read by Heather and she had me hooked immediately.  I love things that go bump in the night, all the paranormal, fantasy especially werewolves.  Heather's story was unique in the fact that she mixed werewolves along with the hunters.  In her story they fight each other and co-exist, which added many layers to her story.  Although I am a Wes fan now, when I read this I want to yell for Tara to run for the hills away from him, he's infuriating!  He's so hot and cold with Tara that I feel so bad for her.   Heather has given you action and adventure along with romance and suspense all wrapped into one. She is so good at adding mystery to her characters that you don't know whether they are good or bad which makes the end more of a surprise.  Heather is one of the many great authors that you will want to continue following for many years.  Enjoy! 

Stormwalker

Stormwalker
Author: Allyson James
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Half-Navajo Janet Begay possesses extraordinary power which is tied to the storms that waft across the desert. The only person who can control her when she's caught in the storm's evocative power is Mick, a dark-haired, blue-eyed biker Janet can't seem to touch with her powers. He can wield fire and not get burned, and Janet's never sure where he goes when they're not together.

Together they investigate mysterious disappearances, which Janet fears are tied to her mother's people, the mythical gods from below the earth. They are helped along the way by Coyote and Crow, but these shapeshifting gods have their own agendas.

Unoriginal, that is one word to sum it up.  It was such an exciting read.  The best thing about this was that you never knew what was going to happen and the author does such a great job of keeping things exciting.  Every page was a page turner to see what would happen next.  Each character had their own excitement and secret.  Allyson did a great job of creating a world of hidden creatures, from demons, skinwalkers, dragons, witches and unworldly Gods.  I like that the main character Janet, was a strong female character with her head on her shoulders.  She is not the damsel in distress who needs to be saved on every page.  I am very excited to continue the series with "Firewalker", which is about Mick.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

Wake Me When The Sun Goes Down

Wake Me When The Sun Goes Down (Forged Bloodlines #1)
Author: Lisa Olsen
Adult Book
(Amy’s Review)

Anja Evans wakes up in the morgue with a hell of a hangover. It takes almost eating her best friend before she figures out... she's a vampire. When a dark and dangerous vampire shows up at her door asking to see her license and registration, Anja assumes Bishop is a regular cop. But breeding among vampires is strictly controlled, and her unlicensed status makes her an enemy of The Order. Struggling to find a balance between her former life and her undead one, Anja tries to blend school and living up to her new identity, all while searching to find the elusive Viking, whose blood gave Anja the strength of a vampire hundreds of years old.

What could be worse than waking up in a morgue with no idea how you got there? Finding out you’re a vampire. Anja has no idea what happened to her that night and is determined to find out what happened to her. When Bishop shows up at her door asking for her license and registration, she thinks he’s the police and there to help her. Well, he’s the police alright, the vampire police. Anja will need Bishop’s help to stay alive and learn how to be a vampire but her attraction for him just might push him away. Anja and Bishop will have to work together to find out who turned her or she just might end up dead. This is such a great vampire story. Anja is a strong female character that only bows down when she needs help and shows her strength when determined to find out who turned her. Bishop is such your typical male brooding vampire with a secret past. Always fighting what he is feeling because, well men are stubborn. Mason adds humor to the story being the flirtatious friend of Bishop, and what could make the story more complete than Leandor, the rival male suitor. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Anathema

Anathema (The Cloud Prophet Trilogy #1)
Author: Megg Jensen
YA Book
(Amy's Review)
3 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Forget prophecy. Make your own destiny.

Sheltered from the outside world with no hope for escape, slave girl Reychel dreads her fifteenth birthday - when her master’s symbol is burned on the back of her bald scalp. Her best friend disappears the night before, leaving her to face the branding ceremony alone. She soon discovers nothing is as it seems when people desperate for freedom beg for Reychel's help.

Can Reychel learn to believe in herself?


What a creative story.  Megg has created a unique world full of magic, and gifted individuals who possess unnatural abilities.  This story gives you a old world setting but the characters give off the modern day interactions.  It has perfect balance.  It has action, romance, and deciept, which keeps you guessing on what will happen next.  I gave this three stars only because it was slow at parts for me, but it is a younger YA book.  Enjoy! 

Personal Demons

Personal Demons
Author: Lisa Desrochers
Older YA Book
(Amy's Review)
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance---even her closest friends---and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same . . . until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can’t seem to stay away from him.

What she doesn’t know is that Luc is on a mission. He’s been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie’s soul. It should be easy---all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can’t be far behind. And sure enough, it’s not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn’t long before they find themselves fighting for more than just Frannie’s soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay . . . for all of them.


For all of you who are fans of stories about Angels and Demons without having the overwhelming “religious” aspect, you have to read this book.  My expectations of this book were low when I found it.  Not only because it's a YA book, but I haven’t had much luck with really good books about Angels and Demons.  This book was AWESOME!  Now when I say this is a YA book, I mean older YA, like 16+ age wise.  There are a couple steamy scenes that might not be appropriate for the younger crowd, plus Frannie “main character” is pretty much trying to have sex with someone most of the book.  Who am I to judge?  This book has a great story line that keeps you engrossed in the story.  There are no areas of the book that “slow down”, which is good because some books start to lose you when the story gets boring.  In this book, you have 3 main characters, Frannie, Luc and Gabe.  Luc and Gabe are pretty much fighting for Frannie’s soul and affection the entire book.  I’ve noticed from reviews that readers have left are picking which character is the one to beat, Team Gabe or Team Luc, I’ve decided that I am Team Both!  They are each too yummy for me choose.   So back to the book, each character is intriguing.  Frannie portrays your typical girl teen character, has all the attitude and indecision a normal teenager has, except she’s a little special :)  Luc and Gabe’s characters both portray themselves well as Heaven and Hell, each dealing the consequences of falling for a mortal.  There are some great action scenes, romantic scenes and tons of drama.  This series is definitely one to follow.  Enjoy!

Afterlight: Dark Ink Chronicles #1

Afterlight
Author: Elle Jasper
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Savannah's most unconventional tattoo artist, Riley Poe, lives on the edge. Now she's put over the edge when her younger brother is taken by a sinister cult led by vampires. Her only ally is the hot-tempered vampire Eli Dupre, attracted to Riley's beauty and rare blood type. To save her brother from certain un-death, Riley faces dangers she's never dreamed of, ruthless bloodthirsty enemies, and an evil of endless hunger that wants to devour it all...

It’s funny how we come across good books without even realizing it.  I was at a used book store checking out what was in that day and this book ended up in my basket somehow.  I know I did not put it in my mix but someone was bringing this book to me.  I am so glad they did.  I loved this story.  I have even gotten 4 of my friends hooked on this series.  This is about Riley, she is a tattoo artist and she is human.  She takes care of her younger brother after the death of her mother.   When Riley’s brother Seth is brought in a cult trying to turn them into vampires, Riley turns to her Gullah relatives for help they bring her to the Dupre family, a very old vampire family.  You cannot help but get wrapped up in the adventure Riley goes on.  Elle brings in Louisana history and it makes this story seem real.  It is a definite must read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Blood Will Tell: Warriors of Ankh #1

Blood Will Tell
Author: Samatha Young
YA Book
(Amy’s Review)

Eden is a Soul Eater. While that hasn’t meant much to her in the past, she’s pretty sure any minute now she’s going to go all "Carrie" on her eleventh grade class.  Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters.   Eden is Noah’s next assignment. Problem is… this is an assignment with a difference. Eden’s not your average, run of the mill, Soul Eater. Noah’s job?  To test Eden for possible redemption.
It’s a risky business.  Especially if Noah awakens Eden’s inner monster.   It would be kind of hard for Eden to listen to the angel on her shoulder when the devil on the other is telling her, her new best friend is a lying, scheming, immortal enemy.......betrayal is such a bitch.  So is Eden when you get on her bad side.

I wanted to kick myself when I finished this book.  I looked over it so many times on Amazon, then it popped up free one day and I thought, what the hell.  I should have bought it months ago. 
Eden grew up in a house full of evil Soul Eaters.  She is one too, but hasn’t gone through the ritual.  Her friend Noah, has been there for her for months, but he is not only her friend but an Ahkn warrior tasked with keeping Eden from turning.  This book pulls at so many heart strings.  You feel so bad for Eden living with her evil parents, but has the love from her brother Stellan who wants to help her be a “good” Soul Eater.  Eden faces loss and love and finds a new family in this book.  It is so good!  I can’t say it enough. 

Rating: 5 out of 5

A Job From Hell

A Job From Hell
Author: Jayde Scott
YA Book
(Amy's Review)
4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis

The moment Amber starts her summer job in Scotland and sets eyes upon Aidan, her fate is sealed. Summoned by an ancient bond, she can never love another. Lost in the woods one night Amber enters Aidan's deadly world when she unknowingly participates in a paranormal race and promptly wins the first prize...a prize worth killing for.

In a world of forbidden love, ancient enemies, legends and rituals, nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. Life will never be the same again, unless she enters the Otherworld. But to do so, Amber must die...

This was a really cute YA book.  It has just enough action, and romance for the young adult readers.  A girl who takes a job as a housekeeper ends up doing much more than just cleaning.  No only does she listen to her troublesome brother Dallas, getting them into a deadly game, but ends up the mate to a very powerful vampire.  In this story, it's not only just vampires, but a world full of supernaturals.  Jump into this book and I guarantee you will never look at Scotland the same way again.  Enjoy :) 

The Gates

The Gates
Author: Rachael Wade
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Armed with more unsettling knowledge about Gavin Devereaux and her circle of friends, Camille Hart is faced with new adversities and lethal propositions when she returns to the Amaranth exile to carry out Gavin's risky crusade. Realizing her journey through the bayou was only the beginning of her struggle to stay with Gavin, she finds that leaving her Louisiana home is the least of her worries. New evils await her on the other side, and as she and her friends press on with their mission, they are confronted with the reality that everything doesn't always go according to plan. As secrets unfold and alliances are formed and broken, only the strongest will survive and the power of love will be tested when a war between witches, humans, and vampires erupts into an all-out power struggle and all is on the verge of being lost.

I should have written this review last night when I finished reading but sleep took over.  Rachael has outdone herself with this second book of the Resistance Trilogy.  My review will not have any actual story spoilers, if I were to even elaborate on a specific event in The Gates it will ruin the book in its entirety.  You need to go in blind and read it, then you will truly feel the story. 

While I enjoyed the first book Amaranth, The Gates blew me away.  Not only is 80 percent of the book non stop action, adventure and suspense but it also shows so much depth between Gavin and Camille.  Although I wanted to reach inside my kindle and grab Gavin by the shoulders to shake him and slap him around a bit, I kept going giving him the benefit of the doubt.  Why are men so stupid sometimes, I don't know they just are.  The Gates pulls so much emotion out of you, I got embarrassed at one point because a tear escaped and my 2 teenagers look at me like I was nuts.  Embarrassing!!!  If you've read Amaranth then you will love The Gates, if you haven't read Amaranth then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  Get on it!  That's my review :P

Blue Moon Rising

Blue Moon Rising (The Patroness, #1)
Author: Natalie Herzer 
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Maiwenn Cadic does not have an easy life. Not only does she try to solve magical troubles as a Private Investigator by day, but she is also the Patroness of Paris and kicks the ass of the shadows lurking in the night – and all of it in a world, where magic supposedly doesn't even exist.

When five shapeshifters end up dead, she knows it’s bad news and has to call in The Council, who immediately send their legendary assassin and shapeshifter, Kylian ‘The Killer’ Tremaine. Together they have to overcome their prejudices and obstacles in the form of a trigger-happy bounty hunter and a hungry rogue, and solve the murder before more bodies pile up.

What a surprisingly delightful read.  I was a bit skeptical at first with the whole French culture aspect, I thought I would be a bit lost but it worked for me.  I've never been to Paris but I must say that based on the descriptions that the author used, I will be booking my plane ticket.  The story had mystery to it, a great suspense that has you nail biting at the end.  The characters are lovable, and they show such great chemistry.  I read this in one afternoon because it was so hard to put down.  I honestly don't have one negative comment about it.  I hope that the author gets moving and writes the next one soon.  What a great cliff hanger at the end! 

Malevolence (The Legacy #2)

Malevolence (The Legacy #2)

Author: Devyn Dawson

Older YA Book

(Amy’s Review)

Synopsis:

Rumors are flying among the supernatural world, the vampires plan on going public with their secret of existence. Abel Casey has hit the ground running as the Great Wolf. He has matured as both a man and werewolf, juggling both with finesse and ease. Chrissy is ready to take their relationship to the next step, but will Abel agree the timing is right?  A trip to Paris, proves to be more than a vacation for Pru and her mom Dolly. Pru and her new bodyguard Gus, become instant friends, touring Paris' famous Père Lachaise cemetery and vampire museum together. They find themselves face to face with vampires and Allie's new love Pascale. Oakley is less than enthusiastic with someone else protecting the love of his life Pru. The supernatural world is growing by leaps and bounds, and the Great Wolf will face decisions that will change relationships forever....

This is the second book of Devyn Dawson’s Legacy Series.  I enjoyed this book more than the first.  It had more action and suspense to it.  It was exciting to see Abel show more “Alpha” instinct in this book.  In the first book he was very unsure of his abilities.  Abel and Pru grow so much as characters in this book, they both are put into situations that require them to show their strength and leadership abilities.  Abel and Chrissy are not my favorite couple.  There is just something about her that puts me off, I will have to wait and see where the story goes with her.  I liked Gus, who becomes Pru’s bodyguard and it helps force Oakley to step up and show his feelings more towards Pru.  I was happy to have that *sigh* at the end for Oakley and Pru, all I can say is “Finally!”   Now, this book put me on the fence with Arien, I didn’t like him so much in the first book and I am having series doubts that he is not such a bad guy.  I see a love triangle forming involving him.  I look forward to the next book. 

Rating 4 out of 5

Stained

Stained
Author: Jessica McBrayer
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Thorn works after dark. That’s when she combines her gifts as a tattoo artist and her powers as a natural born witch to weave magick into her ink. Her tattoo parlor, Stained, on Berkeley’s quirky Telegraph Avenue draws clients from all walks of life. Her work is in high demand from the supernatural community and the undead.  With her raven familiar, Thorn’s been on the run all her adult life. She won’t talk about why. She only wants to practice her art in peace. But when a murderer targets her clients, Sé, a tall, dark and Irish detective is assigned to investigate. They must trust each other and survive the cat and mouse game that ensues.

Thorn is a tattoo artist that just happens to be a witch.  She is the only tattoo artist that can tattoo vampires, because of her healing magick.  When her supernatural customers start to turn up dead, Thorn becomes the #1 suspect.   She is the last person to see them alive.  Se, a detective investigating the murders, has an instant attraction to Thorn and trys to help clear her of the murders.  Thorn will not only need her own magick but the magick of her dead grandmother and the help of her loved ones.  This book has a good story and has great flow.  The book pulls you in and you want to keep reading.  Thorn is a strong female that has been on her own for a long time.  Se, is a strong male character that has gentlemen qualities which you don’t see too much in male characters, he’s just a genuine good guy.  There are secrets with all the characters which makes the story even better.  Everyone has their own agenda. 
Rating: 5 out of 5