Lord of Rage: 4.5/5 Stars

Title: Lord of Rage

Author: Jill Monroe

Series: Royal House of Shadows: Book #2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 288 Pages (Kindle)

Pub. Date: Published September 2011 by Harlequin Nocturne

Rating: 4.5/5

*ARC received from publisher through NetGalley*

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…

Princess Breena had been dreaming of her warrior lover when she was ripped from her Elden castle and thrown into a strange, dangerous realm. Lost and alone, she prayed for survival and vengeance for her stolen kingdom. She found both in a woodland cottage…in a dark bear of a man.

The golden-haired beauty had eaten his food and slept in his bed when Osborn found her. Though he wanted to awaken his virgin princess to carnal pleasures, Breena wanted more—including his warrior skills. Skills the once-legendary mercenary had long buried. Now Osborn had a choice—risk his life or deny his princess her fairy-tale ending...

~ My Review ~

Goldilocks and the Three Bears was the inspiration behind this one. I loved the chemistry between Breena and Osborn, but I hated their names - I found it distracting throughout the book and preferred it when she called him Warrior. I found the timeline a little confusing in respect to the first book, but that melted away amid their love story. I loved that Breena thought she needed a Warrior to fight for her, and learned to become one instead. A quick and fun read.

The writing style was different from the first book (obviously) but I really liked that fact. Breena has a very different story and a unique voice that was portrayed well by Jill Monroe. I am loving this series and have already started Dayn's story "Lord of the Wolfyn"

I have read a lot of anthologies lately and was enjoying the different authors take on a common thread, but I love what this series is doing in collaborating four great authors to tell four different stories within the same world. It is fun and refreshing. I hope to see more of this type of thing in the future.

My Rating: 4.5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

Royal House of Shadows series:

Book I: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (September 2011)

Book II: Lord of Rage by Jill Monre (October 2011)

Book III: Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (November 2011)

Book IV: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (December 2011)

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh or Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

~ Links 4 More ~

Author Website: here

Read about this series here : here

*NEW. Watch the series book trailer! : here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

NetGalley Review - Lord of the Vampires

Title: Lord of the Vampires

Author: Gena Showalter

Series: Royal House of Shadows: Book #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 288 Pages (Kindle)

Pub. Date: Published September 2011 by Harlequin Nocturne

Rating: 5/5

*ARC received from publisher through NetGalley*

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…

Nicolai the Vampire was renowned for his virility, but in a twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” had become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remained was a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who could help him.

In her dreams, a wanton vampire called to Jane Parker, drawing her to his dark sexuality and his magical realm. But for a human, all was not a fairy tale in Delfina. Jane was the key to Nicolai’s memory…but exploiting her meant dooming the only mortal he craved...

~ My Review ~

My first Gena Showalter book, and now I see what all the fuss is about. I loved her writing style and character development. The plot was seamless and kept me riveted. This is the first book in a multi-author series that is fast becoming a new favourite of mine.

One of my favourite things about Lord of the Vampires was Jane. Finally a strong smart female lead! It was a breath of fresh air to not once have to ask "how can't she see this?" There was the element of self-doubt when it came to Jane and Nicolai's future, but they were believable and not overdone.

Nicolai was a fantastic hero in this one. He was strong and powerful, but bound by his captors. Like waiting for a bomb to explode you could feel the anticipation of what he would be able to do once he was released. He killed without qualms and the possessive drive to protect was perfect for the alpha male.

The villains of the story were painted perfectly so that you wanted them to be destroyed. The "Queen of Hearts" and her daughters are revolting and powerful, giving a worthy opponent to the powerful duo that Jane and Nicolai have the potential to become.

I loved the references to Alice and Wonderland, and the undertones of fairy tale that were laced through the framework of the story. I can't wait to start Lord of Rage and see Jill Monroe's continuation from Breena's side of the story.

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

Royal House of Shadows series:

Book I: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (September 2011)

Book II: Lord of Rage by Jill Monre (October 2011)

Book III: Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (November 2011)

Book IV: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (December 2011)

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh or Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

~ Links 4 More ~

Author Website: here

Read about this series here : here

*NEW. Watch the series book trailer! : here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Aftertime - A Great and Exceptional Read

Title: Aftertime

Author: Sophie Littlefield

Series: Aftertime, Book #1

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Fiction

Page Count: 384 Pages (Hardcover)

Pub. Date: Published February 2011 by LUNA Books

Rating: 5/5

~Book's Description from Goodreads~

Someone once said that all apocalypses are experienced locally. In the case of Cass Dollar, the nightmare occurred with the violent abduction of two-year-old Ruthie, which she vividly remembers. Only later is young Cass assaulted also by the vague, twisting memories of a much wider conflagration that she herself only narrowly survived. A government experiment had turned the entire California landscape into the hunting grounds of zombie Beaters, but Cass can only think of the helpless toddler she is missing.

~My Review~

I Am Legend meets The Postman with a healthy dose of a love story - this book had me completely hooked and begging for more!

Cass was easy to read, and although she continually described her utter self-loathing, I couldn't help but form a soft spot for her. Smoke was mysterious and all sorts of tall, dark and handsome. I loved their chemistry, even if it was shrouded with doubts and mystery, they had me rooting for them.

The relationship, however, didn't overtake the plot of the book. I was riveted to the page, scared of the "Beaters" and constantly hoping that Cass would find her daughter Ruthie.

Some of the religious stuff had me worried near the end, but I think that Sophie Littlefield did a good job of portraying the fanatics without bashing Christians in general.

I loved every moment of reading this book, and was thinking of it during the day when I wasn't reading it. I would definitely recommend picking it up. The second book in the series is available now too, so you might just want to get them both (I'm starting Rebirth right after I post this review)

My Rating: 5/5

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, or The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Hereafter Review - 5/5 Brilliant!

Title: Hereafter
Author: Tara Hudson
Series: Hereafter, Book #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy (Ghosts)
Page Count: 404 Pages (Hardcover)
Pub. Date: Published June 2011 by HarperTeen
Rating: 5/5



*ARC received from publisher through NetGalley*

~Book's Description~

For Amelia, time has all but slowed to a stop as her spirit remains stranded alone in the dark waters of a mysterious river. She knows she’s died, but with no recollection of her past life--or her actual death--she’s trapped in one long continuous nightmare, in which she cannot feel anything or interact with anyone. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a teenage boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in a moment of connection, he looks in her eyes and becomes the first person in the world to see that she still exists.
When he touches her, Joshua sparks strange and wonderful sensory feelings in Amelia--at first just momentary flashes, then pulses that become ever stronger as he leads her out of the river and into his life. As Amelia and Joshua uncover who she was and the strange circumstances of her death, new problems arise: somehow, Joshua’s grandmother seems to know exactly what is going on between them, and Eli, a ghost enforcer, is hell-bent on destroying their happiness and dragging Amelia back into the spirit world.
With every touch and the growing feelings that come with them, Amelia and Joshua begin to wonder if there’s something special not only about Joshua but also the dark river that held her captive for so long. Can there truly be love after death?

~My Review~

First off, I am so mad at myself for not reading this one earlier. I realized halfway through the first chapter that Hereafter was fast becoming a new favourite. I loved the writing style, the characters and the tone of the book, I couldn't put it down.

Tara Hudson did a fantastic job with the main characters, Amelia and Joshua. I absolutely adore the both of them and their chemistry is perfect. I found their budding relationship addictive, and couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The ebb and flow of the story was well plotted out, and even though this is the first in a series, I was left very happy at the end. It didn't just feel like the first chunk of a story, but was complete enough in and of itself, but I am so happy I will get more of Amelia and her creepy ghost-world in future books.

If you haven't read Hereafter yet, be sure to pick it up, it is definitely worth the read, and if it's already on your TBR pile, bump it up, you won't be sorry!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC

My Rating: 5/5

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong, A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb, Dead Girl Walking by Linda Joy Singleton, Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, or Fallen by Lauren Kate.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

B.J. Kenney

The Goddess Test - 4/5 Great Story

Title: The Goddess Test 
Author: Aimee Carter
Series: Goddess Test #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology
Page Count: 304 Pages (ARC)
Pub. Date: Published April 26th, 2011 by HarlequinTEEN
Rating: 4/5

EVERY GIRL who has taken the test has DIED.

Now it's KATE'S TURN.

It’s always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate’s going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won’t live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he’ll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he’s crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she’ll become Henry’s future bride, and a goddess.

If she fails...

~My Review~

Kate has a choice; to keep someone alive she must trade the rest of her winters to live with a stranger in a mysterious mansion. She doesn't want any more death around her, but there is much more to this bargain than she knows.

Something different and innovative in the YA genre. Aimee's take on the mythology of Hades and Persephone was both lighthearted and heartbreaking at the same time. I didn't want to stop reading, and although I was ok with the ending, I feel like it could have been better. I am hoping that with more to the story I will get a more satisfying conclusion to Kate's story.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarlequinTEEN for the ARC

My Rating: 4/5

~ You'll like this book if you liked ~

Abandon by Meg Cabot, Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, or Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

B.J. Kenney

Bumped, Megan McCafferty - 4.5/5 Great Read

Title: Bumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
Series: Bumped, Book #1
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Page Count: 336 Pages (Hardcover)
Pub. Date: Published April 2011 by Balzer + Bray (Imprint of HarperCollins)
Rating: 4.5/5

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid infused food.
Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.
Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.
When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.
From New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty comes a strikingly original look at friendship, love, and sisterhood—in a future that is eerily believable..

~My Review~

In a world where teens are the only people able to conceive Melody is praised for her choice to be a surrogate. Her twin sister Harmony, raised by "the churchies", however is not happy about her newfound sister's choice and has set out to change her mind.

With all the dystopian fiction flooding the bookshelves lately, I was pleasantly surprised by Megan McCafferty's fresh take on the genre. The conflict surrounding the society in Bumped isn't post-apocalyptic or struggling under oppression as so many are, it's an amplified struggle that we face today - we make our choices based on fear, fear of poverty, fear of rejection, and in more cases than not a miss-placed fear of God.

I was sucked into the story of Melody and Harmony, and their struggle to know what is the right thing to do. I felt compassion for the Harmony, who is trying to balance what she knows is true in her heart, and the rules she feel obligated to follow. Melody wants to fulfil the role her parents have trained her for. Both sisters start out the book making their decisions based on fear and manipulation, but grow throughout their struggles to a place where they can start to think on their own.

The ending wasn't as wrapped up as I wanted it to be, but after finding out that Megan McCafferty is writing a sequel, I am actually glad she ended it the way she did. Bumped was a light and fun read that also really made me think.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC

My Rating: 4.5/5

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, or Matched by Ally Condie.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

The Vespertine - ARC Review

Title: The Vespertine

Author: Saundra Mitchell

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Page Count: 304 Pages

Pub. Date: 03/07/2011
Rating: 5/5

*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

~Book’s Description From NetGalley~

It's the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.
When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia's world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she's not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

~My Review~

A tale of a girl who can see the future and how it brings her world down around her.

The cover art sold me on this one before I even read the first page, the writing is what kept me gripped until the end. I love it when the prologue gives away just enough to make you think you know what's going to happen without really giving you anything at all.

The book starts with Amelia locked in an attic with nothing but pen and paper to keep her company. She sees herself the monster - deserving of this fate - and then we start the story anew at the beginning of her first season in Baltimore.

Amelia's brother has sent her to her cousin in Baltimore to secure a profitable marriage, instead what she finds is a latent ability to see into the future through the sunset. She spends her summer telling fortunes, making friends, and falling for the wrong man - who is perfect for her.

Nathaniel has secrets of his own, and being a struggling artist should put him out of the running for Amelia's hand, but they are drawn to each other by forces neither can explain.

When her visions turn from frivolous to foreboding Amelia starts to question whether she is the seer of the future, or the cause of it.

The paranormal element is subtle with the forbidden romance and the suspense of Amelia's inevitable downfall driving the story. A wonderful and original book that adds a voice of its own to the YA genre.

My Rating: 5/5

~You'll like this series if you liked~

I would put this one in-between The Luxe by Anna Godbersen and A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray but with a much more satisfying ending than either series.

~Links 4 More~

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here