Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
{Review}{Giveaway} The Hidden Library by Heather Lyons
Sometimes, the rabbit hole is deeper than expected . . .
Alice Reeve and Finn Van Brunt have tumbled into a life of secrets. Some secrets they share, such as their employment by the clandestine organization known as The Collectors’ Society. Other secrets they carry within them, fighting to keep buried the things that could change everything they think they know.
On the hunt for an elusive villain who is hell-bent on destroying legacies, Alice, Finn, and the rest of the Society are desperate to unravel the mysteries surrounding them. But the farther they spiral down this rabbit hole, the deeper they fall into secrets that will test their loyalties and pit them against enemies both new and old.
Secrets, they come to find, can reveal the deadliest of truths.
*Swwwwooooonnnn*
I am still and will always be in love with Heather's writing and her ability to pull a story together that makes you FEEL all the FEELS. No matter if she is writing about superpowers or tales that were long since forgotten.
Pulling Twain off my shelf, blowing off the dust and diving back into his story gave me a sense of longing and nostalgia that holds a deep place in my heart. Reading Carroll's semi-creepy tales about mad hatters, sneaky felines, and killer cards just gives you a sense of wonder and imagination like nothing else. I am also still convinced that man was dropping acid in order to dream up that fantasyland.
When we enter The Hidden Library, we pick right back up from where The Collector's Society left us.
Alice is still there doing badassery things with her badass self and I fall back in love with her. The way she talks, moves, her determination, perseverance and everything else about her makes me want to do a little happy dance that I finally found a female character that I don't want to throat punch!
With this book, we get a nice surprise of being inside Finn's head. The reader gets a deeper, emotional, look inside of him and what he is really all about. I liked him in TCS but I absolutely LOVED him in THL! I am glad Heather decided to put his POV in this book, it was a good choice!!.
I am not going to get into the specifics of this story or TCS because I would hate to ruin the books for anyone reading them for the first time (I am also at a loss for what to say other than YOU BETTER READ THIS BOOK).
Just let me say that by the end of it, you are going to look a lot like this...
Just let me say that by the end of it, you are going to look a lot like this...
Find Heather and give her this look...
And then when she laughs and thinks it is funny that you are in emotional turmoil, you will want to just...
There are a lot of curse words I want to use but I am going to contain them and get right with God, while I am silently cursing out everyone until the next book is out...
If I get arrested, I am blaming Heather...
Maybe I will meet Alice in my new padded cell...
We can all join and discuss theories until our heads EXPLODE with wonder...
But seriously, this book will rip every emotion out of you, grind them up, and spit them back out at you like a possessed blender. You won't know which feeling you feel but you will have a lot of them flying at you.
And finally, you will hate/love the author until she does it again in the next book!!
If you haven't read The Collector's Society, then I don't know what you are still doing here reading this...
You need to go...
GO...
GET OUT OF HERE...
READ THE COLLECTOR'S SOCIETY...
NOW!!!
If you have read TCS, and are still here but haven't read The Hidden Library yet, then I just have one thing to say to you...
5"I hate Heather but I still love her" Stars!!!
Amazon ** Amazon UK ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo
Don’t miss the first book in this series, THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY!
Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo
About Heather Lyons:
Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.
Links:
Website: http://www.
Author Goodreads: http://www.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
THE HIDDEN LIBRARY Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
{Review}{Giveaway} Living with Regret by Lisa De Jong
I had my whole life mapped out. Perfect guy. Perfect friends. Everything was exactly the way I wanted it.
That was until that night--the one I can’t remember. It’s all my fault, and now the memories are all I have left of him. Of us.
My guilt drowns me until Sam Shea steps back into my life and helps me to the surface. He slowly opens my heart and crawls deep inside before I even realize what’s happening. I know I don’t deserve him.
While I’m trying to get used to my new life, pieces of that night slowly start to come back to me. Lies and secrets shatter everything I thought I knew.
Maybe I’m not the only one living with regret.
That was until that night--the one I can’t remember. It’s all my fault, and now the memories are all I have left of him. Of us.
My guilt drowns me until Sam Shea steps back into my life and helps me to the surface. He slowly opens my heart and crawls deep inside before I even realize what’s happening. I know I don’t deserve him.
While I’m trying to get used to my new life, pieces of that night slowly start to come back to me. Lies and secrets shatter everything I thought I knew.
Maybe I’m not the only one living with regret.
I have been a Lisa De Jong fan since I read When It Rains, so when I saw she was writing a book with Rachel's story, I was pissing myself with excitement because after reading Changing Forever and hearing about one of the characters kicking the bucket, I was all like WTF... Who, what, where, how... when... WHAAATTT?!?! I was so lost and confused on how this happened...
So when I get this book and finally find out what happened with this character, I was a bit shocked! But I was salivating to figure out the clues to the puzzle that was the disaster of that night. I was determined to finish this book and figure out the mystery because who doesn't love a good mystery to keep you guessing until the end? One of my favorite things to do when I read a book is to try and figure out what is going to happen before I get the details of it.
This book was hard for me to figure out, until about 50%, but I was finally putting the little clues together and I knew what the results were going to be. I was just waiting until I was proven right.
Once everything was revealed, I thought this story was really good. It was written well, in the sense that it flowed nicely, and there weren't vibrant errors or anything but something was just off with the book.
I kept waiting for the emotional punch of this story to punch me in the face and make me cry like a two year old, but it never came. I know Lisa is capable of the emotional punches because I don't think I read any part of When It Rains without crying like an asshole.
But with Rachel, there was some kind of disconnect with her emotions and what was going on around her. She reminded me of someone who was frozen with a ton of walls up and even though she should be feeling all these emotions, she was just like, blah when it came to whatever situation she was in. Or at least, I didn't feel any of the emotions she was trying to portray.
It was like she was an unemotional zombie...
I wanted to feel the punches, I wanted to be slapped, punched, kicked, and knocked on my ass from the emotional portrayals of what was happening because this story was anything but light. It was heavy in subject matter and even though I liked it, I still wanted more. Even with the romantic aspects, it was still a little disjointed and weird to me.
Plus, I wanted to know more about her family in the end and whether or not they got their shit together.
BUT the story itself was still really good and I didn't want to put it down so it still kept me invested, which is all I can really ask for in a story.
Overall, I give this story a 4 "I wanted more emotional punches" Stars!!! If you love Lisa De Jong's books, then I suggest reading this one too!! It can be read as a standalone but the books preceding this one, give you a good foundation of who these characters are so I suggest reading those too!
Here are the links to the books in order:
Book One:
Book 1.5
Book 2:
Book 3:
Giveaway
Monday, September 15, 2014
{Review} What If by Rebecca Donovan
What if you had a second chance to meet someone for the first time?
Cal Logan is shocked to see Nicole Bentley sitting across from him at a coffee shop thousands of miles from their hometown. After all, no one has seen or heard from her since they graduated over a year ago.
Except this girl isn't Nicole.
She looks exactly like Cal's shy childhood crush, but her name is Nyelle Preston and she has no idea who he is. This girl is impulsive and daring, her passion for life infectious. The complete opposite of Nicole. Cal finds himself utterly fascinated-and falling hard. But Nyelle is also extremely secretive. And the closer he comes to finding out what she's hiding, the less he wants to know.
When the secrets from the past and present collide, one thing becomes clear: Nothing is what it seems.
Cal Logan is shocked to see Nicole Bentley sitting across from him at a coffee shop thousands of miles from their hometown. After all, no one has seen or heard from her since they graduated over a year ago.
Except this girl isn't Nicole.
She looks exactly like Cal's shy childhood crush, but her name is Nyelle Preston and she has no idea who he is. This girl is impulsive and daring, her passion for life infectious. The complete opposite of Nicole. Cal finds himself utterly fascinated-and falling hard. But Nyelle is also extremely secretive. And the closer he comes to finding out what she's hiding, the less he wants to know.
When the secrets from the past and present collide, one thing becomes clear: Nothing is what it seems.
I read a lot of books... I mean, A LOT... Some books I read and can't even make it through the whole thing because of some particular reason; something pisses me off, something makes no sense, something happens that is too hard for me to get through, the list could go on and on. There are even some books that are so predictable, I skip to the end just to test my theory and then I am pissed at myself (and maybe a little at the author) for guessing right...
I didn't have any of these problems with What If. This book consumed me from the very beginning to the very end. It was a multi-layered, puzzle story that didn't make sense unless it was read from the very beginning to the very end and then even after reading the very last word, I wanted to read it again just to make sure I caught everything that was suppose to be in the book.
I was left feeling a little like this...
Each chapter revealed a little more insight into these character's world and even though I had a ton of guesses of what was happening, I didn't really GET IT until everything is revealed at the very end. And then when it ended, I was amazed with all the layering that this story entailed. It got confusing but everything is answered in the order it was suppose to be answered in and revealed just how it was supposed to be revealed.
Plus, it left me wondering about different scenarios in my own life, about what could have happened if something went a different way or if this or this happened instead of this... Although I am the type of person who hates looking back on my life and wondering what could have happened if something was changed because I believe that everything happens for a reason, I did take a step back and wonder about a few things and what would have happened if things were changed or didn't happen at all...
Plus, it left me wondering about different scenarios in my own life, about what could have happened if something went a different way or if this or this happened instead of this... Although I am the type of person who hates looking back on my life and wondering what could have happened if something was changed because I believe that everything happens for a reason, I did take a step back and wonder about a few things and what would have happened if things were changed or didn't happen at all...
In the world of fiction that is so vast and ever-changing, it is nice to come across a story that sucks me in because of the storyline and the characters, rather than just superficial things like sex, obedience, dominance, and more sex.
Not saying those books are not as good, because I like my one-handed reading as much as the next book slut, but it is rare to find a book that can make me feel the chemistry and emotions so hard that sex has nothing to do with it, it is the real EMOTIONS, not the superficial ones.
Cal and .... (no spoils) had these emotions in spades. Even when I was confused, I could feel the underlying emotions that were being portrayed. The pain, heartache, happiness, loneliness, everything was there and presented when it was suppose to be presented. And lets face it, I am such a sucker for long time best friends and lovers that even if this puzzle wasn't presented how it was, I would have loved the pure innocence and romantic elements shown from the very beginning.
The secondary characters also added their own quirkiness and humor to the story, which made it that much better, and I wasn't left feeling that they overshadowed the main characters. They were there to add substance and more heart but they stayed mostly to the background.
I don't know what more to say about this book other than you will regret not picking it up. If the author herself can't get you to read it by just her name alone, then take it from me, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!!
I wish I could give this more stars than the 5 that is offered on different reading sites, but I can't, so I will say I give this book 5 "YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK" stars!!!
Set to be released on SEPTEMBER 16th... TOMORROW!!!!.... TOMORRROOOWWWW!!!
WHAT IF TEASERS
I don't know what more to say about this book other than you will regret not picking it up. If the author herself can't get you to read it by just her name alone, then take it from me, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!!
I wish I could give this more stars than the 5 that is offered on different reading sites, but I can't, so I will say I give this book 5 "YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK" stars!!!
Set to be released on SEPTEMBER 16th... TOMORROW!!!!.... TOMORRROOOWWWW!!!
WHAT IF TEASERS
About this Author...
Optimism seeps from every pore of my body. I truly believe that what's supposed to happen... will! In that regard, I don't know how to give up; it's not part of my biological make up.
I'm a passionate (and some would say, overly enthusiastic) person. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times that I'd like to admit), but I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do - fail or succeed.
I think this is evident when I write, leaving nothing behind and spilling it all out on the pages. I give it all to my readers - love it or hate it.
The path I'm on is very often my own, veering off the beaten path at the sight of something more interesting or captivating, getting caught in the vines and thorns in order to experience the beauty and intrigue others often pass by. And I always meet the most interesting people along the way..
I'm a passionate (and some would say, overly enthusiastic) person. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times that I'd like to admit), but I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do - fail or succeed.
I think this is evident when I write, leaving nothing behind and spilling it all out on the pages. I give it all to my readers - love it or hate it.
The path I'm on is very often my own, veering off the beaten path at the sight of something more interesting or captivating, getting caught in the vines and thorns in order to experience the beauty and intrigue others often pass by. And I always meet the most interesting people along the way..
Website: http://rebeccadonovan.com
Twitter: @BeccaDonovan (I heard she was a Twitter whore) ;)...
Friday, May 30, 2014
{Review} Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren
Synopsis
One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.
But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.
When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away
I have to say when I started this book I was deeply intrigued and LMAO at all the shenanigans going on around the trio of friends. Graduating from college and going on a Las Vegas getaway seems like the perfect escape from it all. When the group of friends meet another group of the opposite sex, it seemed like the perfect match up.
So they did what most people do in Vegas and got drunk together.
Waking up and not remembering much about the night before had it's negatives but everyone took it in stride, until Mia figured out what really happened and freaked out!!
Her entire world gets turned upside down again, but this time it was from her own doing. She has to decide what to do with the situation she is in and where to take it from there. Unfortunately there is no clear cut answer, and on impulse decides to follow her gut and see where it would take her.
When she gets there, she immediately regrets the decision because it is not how she thought it would be. Everything seems great and she is having fun playing with Ansel and even though she doesn't know what her future may bring her, she feels that Ansel will be apart of it...
Of course until one of Ansel's secrets comes out to haunt them...
The decision is finally hers but she must now figure it all out...
I really enjoyed several facets of this book. But there were things that left me scratching my head too. I feel Mia and Ansel used sex too much. I understood Mia wanting to hide behind a facade in order to really express her feelings to Ansel but I felt that they were using sex to either hide or reveal themselves and it didn't work for me. I love sex in a story as much as the next book whore but this was a little much and quite frankly, my hand was getting a little tired ;)...
kidding...
sort of..
Of course that didn't change my opinion of the story. I still thought it was a fun, sexy, read and even if I didn't get all the information I was looking for, I still recommend it to everyone!!
Overall, I give this story a 4/5 "I want to fuck Ansel" stars and if you have not read it yet, check it out in the links below...
Authors:
Bio / Social Media
Lauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.
Christina Hobbs (but you’ll always hear Lo call her PQ) used to spend her days in a junior high counseling office surrounded by teenagers. Married to the cutest boy in school, she has a thirteen year old daughter, is an unapologetic lover of boy bands and glitter, and also likes to steal Lo’s shoes.
You can follow their shenanigans at:
@lolashoes (Lauren) & @seeCwrite (Christina) on Twitter. On Tumblr! where we post kissing gifs and writerly stuff andWattpad for short stories and sneak peeks!
For official information about their books, events, interviews, movie news and more, follow @beautifulbastrd.
Buy Links
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
{Review}{Giveaway} A Matter of Forever by Heather Lyons
It all comes down to this . . .
Chloe Lilywhite has struggled for years to find her footing in a series of dangerous and demanding worlds. Creator, first tier Council member, and one of the most powerful Magicals in existence, she was little more than one of Fate’s pawns. But now, Chloe is back home and ready to call the shots. She knows what she wants and who she wants to be.
Except the Elders never got the memo.
Annar and Magical-kind are under attack. The lives of Chloe’s loved ones, and life as they know it, are at stake. Chloe's the key to taking the Elders down, but they won't go quietly into the night.
This time, neither will Chloe.
Chloe Lilywhite has struggled for years to find her footing in a series of dangerous and demanding worlds. Creator, first tier Council member, and one of the most powerful Magicals in existence, she was little more than one of Fate’s pawns. But now, Chloe is back home and ready to call the shots. She knows what she wants and who she wants to be.
Except the Elders never got the memo.
Annar and Magical-kind are under attack. The lives of Chloe’s loved ones, and life as they know it, are at stake. Chloe's the key to taking the Elders down, but they won't go quietly into the night.
This time, neither will Chloe.
I don't even know where to begin with this review. It took me a long time to finally crack this book open and then it took me an even longer time to think of what to say without putting a whole bunch of crying GIFs in the place of the review. Because honestly, that is all I wanted to do at the end was cry, cry, and cry some more!
A little like this...
Some of this...
And then finally the ending...
I was the most anxious to read this book but I didn't want to read it at the same time. Throughout this series I often wondered what was going to happen to the main characters, how Heather was going to end this, and how the Hell could everyone live a happily ever after without the use of cloning or breaking souls in half. I was curious, but I also didn't want this series to end, it has been apart of my life for almost two years and I feel like a part of my family is gone.
What do I do now?
How do I go on?
Maybe a little dramatic but thats how embedded these characters became into my life and soul!! I wanted everything to work out and wanted everything to be perfect for all of them and I didn't really get that.
I mean yeah, they got their happily ever after but at the expense of one and I wasn't sure how I felt about that... I was angry, sad, disappointed, happy, excited... it was all very emotional..
What do I do now?
How do I go on?
Maybe a little dramatic but thats how embedded these characters became into my life and soul!! I wanted everything to work out and wanted everything to be perfect for all of them and I didn't really get that.
I mean yeah, they got their happily ever after but at the expense of one and I wasn't sure how I felt about that... I was angry, sad, disappointed, happy, excited... it was all very emotional..
Even sitting back thinking about how everything unfolded still gets my heart pounding, goosebumps flaring, and tears are threatening to fall. It was just so much and even if I loved every word, I wanted to scream!!
The only real complaint I had was that the story itself lost some of the details that I love. I wanted more explanation to the things happening around Chloe and with the Elders. It was small and probably not as important to others as it was to me but I like things explained with details so I can really understand it all. Especially with a series this intense and information heavy.
The only real complaint I had was that the story itself lost some of the details that I love. I wanted more explanation to the things happening around Chloe and with the Elders. It was small and probably not as important to others as it was to me but I like things explained with details so I can really understand it all. Especially with a series this intense and information heavy.
Of course that didn't take away from the intense emotions that this book illicit from me, I was still a blubbering mess by the end and I didn't know what to do with all of this. I wanted more... No... I NEEDED more of them, of these characters,
I just... MORE, I NEED MORE!!
I just... MORE, I NEED MORE!!
I still loved all the secondary characters and Heather does a great job with breaking up the intense moments with swoon worthy ones that helps with all the anxiety you experience throughout. And trust me, you will be shaking and not wanting to turn the page because you are scared shitless of what is going to happen next. I was tempted to read the ending because my nerves just couldn't take it anymore, but I kept on and was a good girl. I read from the beginning to the end (in order) and the ending just left me wrecked for an entirely different reason than I thought.
Let me take a moment of silence for the ending.....
...
....
Siiiiiggghh...
I have to give Heather major kudos because I didn't guess this ending, I didn't guess it at all. But then again, Heather does an amazing job with telling stories I shouldn't have tried to guess anyway.
Honestly, I never want to start her books because I am scared to death of what is going to happen and then, I never want them to end because they are so good I don't want to be pulled out of them. They are a great way to escape and live in another world and this series will truly be missed because I can never read them for the first time again. I am happy to have the books at my fingertips whenever I want, but it is not the same as experiencing it all for the first time. All the first swoons, cries, laughs, WTFs, OMGs... none of them can compare to the first time BUT with that said, I was so glad to experience them at all!!
I give this amazing series a big 5 "I don't know what to do with my life now" stars...
Excerpt
A man near us breaks into noisy tears as he babbles about the end of the days, and how it’s finally reached us here in Annar. Others join in, and I’m confused, so very, very confused and angry all at the same time. Have these people forgotten that they’re the most powerful beings in the universe? Why are they cowering? They’re the Council—the most powerful of the powerful. These are our leaders, yet they’re acting like a pack of confused, scared children who don’t know their asses from their heads.
Jonah must be on the same page, same paragraph, hell, same word even, because when the two of us get up, his voice carries throughout the assembly hall, all confidence and steadiness I envy in the face of such horrors. “Everyone, you need to get up, dust yourselves off, and remember who you are. You are not helpless. For gods’ sakes, you are Magicals. Act like it.”
A Faerie whose name I don’t know whisper-shrieks, “Those things are here to kill us!”
“Our ancestors defeated them before.” I’m amazed at how unruffled he sounds, like he’s had years and years of practice leading scared people through difficult times. “Our ancestors kicked these things’ asses when they were at full strength. The Elders are no longer at full strength. So, unless you want to roll over and offer them your lives right now, I suggest you get up and do something. Fight back, godsdammit!”
Several people, now on their feet, pump their fists in rallied agreement. Maccon Lightningriver, a gash on his temple dripping blood down his handsome face, stumbles toward us. Thank goodness he’s here to back us up, and yet . . . gods. Where’s a Shaman when you need them?
“Whatever you need,” he says to us, “I will back you up one hundred percent.”
A smattering of people surge forward claiming the same as Jonah and Mac knock fists against one another. There are a lot of people hurt, though, and so much blood. There are also way too many still looking at Jonah like he’s crazy to even suggest we should fight back. Too many crying about how they’re going to die. Too many suggesting we surrender.
Un-fricking-believable.
“I can’t believe this.” I slam a palm against the wall closest to me and fortify Karnach’s wall. Somewhere in the distance, an angry howl sounds, like Enlilkian knows I’m not going to simply hand him my head on a platter. Good. “We. Are. The. Council. Are you telling me that only the Guard can fight?”
An Intellectual Tech nearby, still rocking on the ground, his voice shaking just as easily as the walls had just minutes before, cries out, “Some of our crafts aren’t meant for fighting! Not like,”—he waves a hand frantically at the small group of us in the front—“you all. We’re nothing but lambs to the slaughter to these monsters!” Handfuls of people scattered throughout the room murmur in frightened agreement.
“Are you kidding me?” I scoff. “That’s your excuse as to why you’re not going to do anything to fight back? To protect Karnach? To protect Magical-kind?” My voice trembles, too, but in white-hot anger, not fear. “When I was out hunting Elders while the rest of you were sitting in your comfortable houses and offices, there was a Métis on my team that has no craft whatsoever. And you know what? He never gave up. He never fell back on how he had no Magic to make things easy on him. He fought those bastards with everything he’s got, and sometimes that meant his fists.” I jab a finger toward the Informer. “Don’t give me asinine excuses. Nobody is expecting you to use a craft that won’t work. But dammit, you have hands. You have a brain. You have an urge to stay alive, don’t you? Use those!”
It makes me want to scream to see so many blank faces reflecting back at me.
About The Author
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And if you want to read them all for yourself, check out the links below!!!
Let me take a moment of silence for the ending.....
...
....
Siiiiiggghh...
I have to give Heather major kudos because I didn't guess this ending, I didn't guess it at all. But then again, Heather does an amazing job with telling stories I shouldn't have tried to guess anyway.
Honestly, I never want to start her books because I am scared to death of what is going to happen and then, I never want them to end because they are so good I don't want to be pulled out of them. They are a great way to escape and live in another world and this series will truly be missed because I can never read them for the first time again. I am happy to have the books at my fingertips whenever I want, but it is not the same as experiencing it all for the first time. All the first swoons, cries, laughs, WTFs, OMGs... none of them can compare to the first time BUT with that said, I was so glad to experience them at all!!
I give this amazing series a big 5 "I don't know what to do with my life now" stars...
Excerpt
A man near us breaks into noisy tears as he babbles about the end of the days, and how it’s finally reached us here in Annar. Others join in, and I’m confused, so very, very confused and angry all at the same time. Have these people forgotten that they’re the most powerful beings in the universe? Why are they cowering? They’re the Council—the most powerful of the powerful. These are our leaders, yet they’re acting like a pack of confused, scared children who don’t know their asses from their heads.
Jonah must be on the same page, same paragraph, hell, same word even, because when the two of us get up, his voice carries throughout the assembly hall, all confidence and steadiness I envy in the face of such horrors. “Everyone, you need to get up, dust yourselves off, and remember who you are. You are not helpless. For gods’ sakes, you are Magicals. Act like it.”
A Faerie whose name I don’t know whisper-shrieks, “Those things are here to kill us!”
“Our ancestors defeated them before.” I’m amazed at how unruffled he sounds, like he’s had years and years of practice leading scared people through difficult times. “Our ancestors kicked these things’ asses when they were at full strength. The Elders are no longer at full strength. So, unless you want to roll over and offer them your lives right now, I suggest you get up and do something. Fight back, godsdammit!”
Several people, now on their feet, pump their fists in rallied agreement. Maccon Lightningriver, a gash on his temple dripping blood down his handsome face, stumbles toward us. Thank goodness he’s here to back us up, and yet . . . gods. Where’s a Shaman when you need them?
“Whatever you need,” he says to us, “I will back you up one hundred percent.”
A smattering of people surge forward claiming the same as Jonah and Mac knock fists against one another. There are a lot of people hurt, though, and so much blood. There are also way too many still looking at Jonah like he’s crazy to even suggest we should fight back. Too many crying about how they’re going to die. Too many suggesting we surrender.
Un-fricking-believable.
“I can’t believe this.” I slam a palm against the wall closest to me and fortify Karnach’s wall. Somewhere in the distance, an angry howl sounds, like Enlilkian knows I’m not going to simply hand him my head on a platter. Good. “We. Are. The. Council. Are you telling me that only the Guard can fight?”
An Intellectual Tech nearby, still rocking on the ground, his voice shaking just as easily as the walls had just minutes before, cries out, “Some of our crafts aren’t meant for fighting! Not like,”—he waves a hand frantically at the small group of us in the front—“you all. We’re nothing but lambs to the slaughter to these monsters!” Handfuls of people scattered throughout the room murmur in frightened agreement.
“Are you kidding me?” I scoff. “That’s your excuse as to why you’re not going to do anything to fight back? To protect Karnach? To protect Magical-kind?” My voice trembles, too, but in white-hot anger, not fear. “When I was out hunting Elders while the rest of you were sitting in your comfortable houses and offices, there was a Métis on my team that has no craft whatsoever. And you know what? He never gave up. He never fell back on how he had no Magic to make things easy on him. He fought those bastards with everything he’s got, and sometimes that meant his fists.” I jab a finger toward the Informer. “Don’t give me asinine excuses. Nobody is expecting you to use a craft that won’t work. But dammit, you have hands. You have a brain. You have an urge to stay alive, don’t you? Use those!”
It makes me want to scream to see so many blank faces reflecting back at me.
About Heather Lyons:
Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.
Links:
Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/
A MATTER OF FOREVER Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And if you want to read them all for yourself, check out the links below!!!
Monday, May 5, 2014
{Review} Finding June by Caitlin Kerry
Title: Finding June
Author: Caitlin Kerry
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Synopsis
Tell me your story June....
June thought she had it all. She soon found out how wrong she was. Her dreams of finding the good life were washed away when she was dumped on the sandy beaches of Mexico. Now back in Boise as an overeducated server, she doesn't even know where to begin on fixing her life.
But one thing June does know is the new guy at work is one to stay away from. Reece Day catches June's attention, even if she doesn’t want it. Reece has the uncanny ability to always get in the last word, to get under June’s skin, making her question what she really wants in life.
June quickly realizes that for the first time in her life, she finally has the chance to find herself.
*Finding June is recommended for ages 17+ due to adult matters*
My Thoughts
June was a very complex character who set out on a journey to really find herself. She thought she was suppose to be a certain way, do certain things but she didn't know what those things were. She had a degree, a failed relationship, a bestie, and a waitressing job. And other than those things, she didn't know what else she was suppose to do with her life.
I think we all have been there. Wandering around, not really knowing what to do or who we want to be. It is only by chance or maybe a miracle some people know which course to take and know exactly where they are headed in life, when the rest of us are just trying to keep our heads above water and try not to drown in the mundane world we call life.
I think Caitlin did a fantastic job portraying a woman who is just, lost. She doesn't know which direction to turn and if it wasn't for Reece to help guide her along, she would probably still be lost.
Which brings me to the next character, Reece. He did a lot for June. He stuck by her side, guided her through difficult times, and then was there to just listen when she needed it most.
Which brings me to the next character, Reece. He did a lot for June. He stuck by her side, guided her through difficult times, and then was there to just listen when she needed it most.
It also helped that he was gorgeous and she got to be naked with him ;)...
I think everyone needs a person to help them, whether it is a friend, lover, parent, counselor, etc, it is important to have that person to help you along the way and help you see the potential in yourself and the world around you.
I really enjoyed the overall theme of this story because I have been in situations where I was at a crossroads and didn't know where in life I was headed. So it was interesting to see and be inside the mind of someone else who was on this journey, as well. I loved June's smartass mouth and the cute, funny banter she seemed to have with everyone. I also loved how well this story was written and how involved I got in this story!
The only thing I did not care for was the relationship between Reece and June was a little anticlimactic. I understood it but I didn't FEEL it like I wanted too. And there were times where I was getting tired of being inside June's mind because of all the back and forth... BUT then again, she was a person figuring herself out, so that should be expected.
Overall, I give this book a 4/5 "Reece is the next YODA" stars and if you want to be taken on a journey of self-discovery then pick this book up today and READ IT!!!!
EXCERPT!!!!
Overall, I give this book a 4/5 "Reece is the next YODA" stars and if you want to be taken on a journey of self-discovery then pick this book up today and READ IT!!!!
EXCERPT!!!!
I was almost pleading at this point for him to leave me alone. “Reece, yesterday was a long day and I am not really in the mood for company and … wait, how did you know where I lived?”
Reece sheepishly stared beyond me, not looking at my face anymore. “Oh well …”
“Jolene,” we said at the same time. I thought she was starting to let go of the whole June and Reece union, but I guess she was just being more silent about it.
Reece slipped his hands in the back pockets of his jeans and rocked on his heels, reverting back to his chipper side. “I was going to call, but I figured it was a beautiful Sunday morning and I could take a lovely stroll to see you.”
I raised my eyebrow. I wasn’t buying it.
He splayed his hands out and said, “Okay, I owe you an apology. I was an ass last night. I had no right to say what I did.”
An apology wasn’t what I was expecting. I was going to say something, but Reece beat me to it. “To sweeten the apology pot, let me make it up to you. Let me take you out,” Reece said with a wide grin. His eyes lit up and I swear I didn’t breathe for two seconds. I couldn’t explain his affect on me. My reaction to Reece was something I had never experience before. Even Owen didn’t stir these feelings in me when we were dating. The small voice in the back of my head repeated to stay away. I was in dangerous waters and I wasn’t sure what to do. Reece could sense my hesitation and said, “Just as friends, a friendly outing in the afternoon. I won’t even make you go out during the night.”
I had the decision to either look like a bitch or to accept. While my mind said no, my heart was telling me a different story. Even though I was still pissed to hell, I knew he was trying to make an effort to be nice and apologize. It was only right I put the bitch away for a bit and accept his offer for a friend date.
“Yes,” I finally said.
“Yes?” He was acting like he couldn’t believe that I had agreed.
“Are you surprised?”
“Are you going to slam the door in my face if I say yes?”
I gave him a dirty look.
“Too soon?” he asked. I shook my head at him and at myself. This time I did close the door in his face.
What did I get myself into?
Buy the Book
About the Author
Caitlin Kerry is obsessed with the stories we tell. Her love of reading and writing led her to accomplish a goal she set for herself at the age of seventeen. She has a degree in History and Political Science and is only a semester away from a Masters in Public Administration. Caitlin is an avid tea drinker, hopeful adventurer, lover of music and often finds the best medicine is the quiet of nature.
When Caitlin isn't writing or reading she usually can be found enjoying the great outdoors with her geologist husband, always looking for the next adventure. She currently resides in Southeastern Idaho.
I love meeting new people. Feel free to say hi!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)