Review: Evernight (Darkest London #5) by Kristen Callihan

Toe curling romance which will leave you breathless

Title: Evernight
Series: Darkest London
Author: Kristen Callihan
Publisher: Piatkus, UK
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Released: 26th August, 2014
Being quite particular about my Paranormal Romances, every time I pick a Darkest London Book, I know I will enjoy it. Kristen Callihan is my auto buy author and her Darkest London Books are PNR gems. (Read my review of Firelight, Moonglow and Shadowdance here, here and here)

Evernight is no different. Holly Evernight is a SOS operative with a genius and inventive mind. But her past catches up with her in the form of Will, the man whose heart she replaced with one of her inventions. While she is suffering from the affects of her abduction in the previous book, the deranged Will is determined to kill her. With a set up like this, how could I not be invested in this book.

This couple had been hinted in the previous book and even then I was rather intrigued by Will, the Sanguine Demon. Needless to say that he completely won me over in Evernight. He had a dirty mind and even dirtier tongue. Someone like him paired with the prim and composed Holly, promised to have fire and it delivers. I loved the fact that the only way Will could stave his madness by physically touching Holly. Ha! From the get go we had a touchy feel-y couple who almost hated each other. Filled will palpable sexual tension which will have you licking your lips, Evernight was extremely enjoyable.

I am amazed at how deftly Kristen Callihan has expanded the Darkest London world. It is even more incredible that it all started with a mysterious man with a mask. Archer will forever be my favourite hero written by her, even if Will came close, Archer will always have a special place in my heart.

If you a fan of Paranormal Romance, the Darkest London series is a must read. In fact if you haven't read a single book in this series I would ask if you have been living under a stone? Evernight has toe curling romance, awe inspiring world building and character who are not only complex but broken and real. Do yourself a favour and pick this series.

Review copy provided by the publisher

Review: Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield

Raw and powerful, this story will stay with you for a long time

Title: Paper Butterflies
Author: Lisa Heathfield
Publisher: Electric Monkey, UK
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Released: 30th June, 2016
R eading Seed by Lisa Hetfield had been an experience and an eye opener for me. Tugging at my heart string the ending had left me wanting more. So I went in to Paper butterflies with a little trepidation and hope that she will blow my socks off with her writing. And I’m pleased to report she successfully does.

Paper Butterflies is the story of June who lives with her step mother and stepsister along with her busy father. On the surface it may look like a happy family, but it’s hiding dark secrets just under its surface. Amongst it all June’s ray of light in her life is Blister, her secret friend who belongs only to her and is untainted by her life.

I adored this book, in a way even more than Seed. It is clear that Lisa Heathfeild is coming into her own with her writing because each book is getting better than the last. I left the premise vague as I believe some of the emotions you feel from the plot is derived from the slow unveiling of June’s life.

Paper Butterflies is not for the faint hearted as it deal of a lot of issues life, racism, abuse, bullying and neglect. At many instances I found myself tearing up and getting angry, balling my fists and ready to exact some revenge on June’s behalf. I’m a person with coloured skin but fortunately I have never experienced racism or bullying yet.

But what is so special about this book you ask as there are a dime a dozen books with address similar themes you ask? Well, it’s the authors writing. She writes with such gentleness for her characters that I feel, she genuinely cares about them. Horrific events may occur to these characters but not once do I feel that the author is using it as a plot device instead she imbibes them with so much innocence despite the cruelty around them that it tears the reader apart. I truly feel that she is an expert in ‘showing’ instead of ‘telling’ and that is what digs a hole in your heart.

Overall, a fabulous, heart wrenching, throat clogging emotional storying which hits you where it hurts. A must read for anyone and everyone.

Review copy provided by Electric Monkey via NetGalley Releases on the 30th June, 2016

Review: The Taming of the Drew by Stephanie Kate Strohm

A light, fun read, perfect for summer.

Title: The Taming of the Drew
Author: Stephanie Kate Strohm
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
My ratings: 3 out of 5 stars
Released: 5th April, 2016
Ihonestly requested this book because I loved the cover and the premise seemed entertaining. And I'm pleased to say that's exactly what you get. Cass loves acting and performing. When she gets the chance she goes on a summer camp/ stage performance stint on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.

I adored how the writer was able to recreate the story by Shakespeare and build it within the modern world. With the progression of the stage performance the romance between Cass and Drew develops. They have a bad start. Cass thinks that Drew is a a horrid piece of work,obnoxious and annoying, so to teach him a lesson, she decides
to re-enact the play she is doing in real life and Tame Drew. However, fate has other plans and soon Cass' feelings towards Drew changes.

It was a light, fun and entertaining read. It did not delve into anything deep but that's what I was looking for at that time.It was hilarious at some points and had me chuckling away.

Over all, a sweet read which will make the time fly and make your heart lighter.

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley

Review: And I Darken (The Conquerors Saga #1) by Kristen White

Welcome a new breed of YA heroine

Title: And I Darken
Series: The Conquerors Saga
Author: Kristen White
Publisher: Penguin Random House, UK
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Released: 7th July, 2016
A And I Darken, is one of those rare breed of YA stories that makes you sit up and pay attention. Set in Eastern Europe in a time where not many books are set, it is more of a re-imagining of historical events than actual fantasy.

Imagine if Vlad the Impaler was not a man but a woman. How would the events unfold. We have Lada who is brutal, hard and vicious. And a delightful main character. I love this trend of dark heroines which brings a new flavour of heroines who are not just kick ass but are harsh and not afraid of embracing the darker side of life.

However, this story is not simply about Lada, but also follows her younger brother, Radu who is everything that Lada is not. Their relationship between them is convoluted and complex. Their love hate relationship had me on tenterhooks. Bring in Mehmed. Another complexity to these three peoples relationship and it is a recipe for the most festering, gritty and tortuous relationship I have ever read.

The story was a car crash I could not stop reading. The fierce wild Rada opposite the delicate, sly Radu set in an ever changing world of new religion and kingdoms, their abandonment shaped them as children and love and hatred kept changing them as adults.

This book explored so many aspects of life in the 500 years ago. What it means to be a woman? Is being physically strong the only way you can be powerful? Can you fight battles from court rooms? And what does it even mean to be an emperor? We had Rada hating her gender and trying her best to remove any form of feminity and loved that she discovers that sometimes being a women is how you fight your battles. While Radu was struggling with his own identity, his faith and his loyalties.

I hated the self-righteous Mehmed and I cannot explain the details without giving spoilers. What I can say is that this is one of the must read YA releases this summer, pushing the boundaries of YA story telling which will have you transfixed to the pages.

Review copy provided by the publisher, Penguin Random House, UK

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court Of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Heart breaking romance and evocative world building

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Publisher: Bloomsbury Books, UK
My ratings: 3 out of 5 stars
Released: 2nd May , 2016
This is going to be my difficult review to date. And furthermore, this will contain spoilers for the previous book and this book. So if you don’t want to be spoilt, look away now.This could have possibly been the best book I've ever read but I have such mixed feelings about the events that took place in this book.

So in this edition, our newly changed Fae, Feyre is back in Spring Court but still reeling from the events in ACOTAR. She is suffering from PTSD and unfortunately so is Tamlin. While they are suffering the threat of Rhys coming to make good on this bargain with Feyre looms over them.

*Start of Rant (spoilers ahead)*

Right now comes the rant, so while Feyre and Tamlin are struggling, instead on talking they start drifting away. Feyre being the whiny person she is, starts resenting Tamlin his happiness of being reunited with his family and friends. He tries to protect her from dangers around her, which I admit he goes about the wrong way of doing, pisses Feyre off and she decides to leave for the Night Court.

My rant aside, the rest of book from this point is beautiful. I think S. J Maas is an author who really listens to her readers and tries to fulfil their requests. Unfortunately in this case, she changed the love interest. I had suspected something like this may be pulled off in this series as hints were scattered in the first book, but the way it was done, so quick and brutal that it left me feeling jarred. In the book, it occurs in the course of 5 months but while reading the book, it all happens in the first 15% of the book. For readers who loved ACOTAR, which was more romance than fantasy and especially if you reread it before ACOMAF, then it hurts. S. J Mass sold the whole story of the first book on the romance between Tamlin and Feyre and suddenly both of them behaving so out of character was not only disappointing but made me angry. SO angry that I had to stop reading for 2 days to give myself time to get in terms with it.

ACOTAR was sold to me as the TRUE LOVE story based on the Beauty and the Beast and it was delivered. Then it takes a U turn and goes in a completely new direction. Needless to say, I was really annoyed. In fact I was more than annoyed. Secondly , the new love interest is portrayed in a holier than thou light and it takes away all that mystery and edge that I loved in the first place. Worst of all, it was achieved but putting the first guy in a negative light. This is what annoyed me the most. Why does Tamlin have to be suddenly the bad guy? Why can’t they just drift away rather than make Tamlin act in way he never would have! At one point, I was ready to give up but with the hype surrounding it, I gave it a try and didn’t regret it.

*Rant Over*

It was everything and more I could have asked in a fantasy adventure. It was so beautifully written, with nee exciting characters and old characters given new dimension. Rhys was portrayed in a completely new light and the romance of utterly toe tingling. The chemistry between Rhys and Feyre was OFF. THE. CHARTS. The flirtations, the sexual tension, the interaction, the little notes, I died with pleasure each time (even if a little part felt unfaithful to Tamlin).

The new characters introduced added a wonderful layer to the story and as the story unfold, so does Feyre’s world and the Fearie World unveils more of it’s secrets. I also enjoyed how much more background information was included giving every character nuances which were lacking in the previous book.

If I’m honest most of the book lacked a solid plot and until the very end, not much really happens unless you count the amazing sex scenes. Yes, ACOMAF is not a YA and I’d definitely call it NA. S. J Mass outdid herself.

Regardless of the above issues and Feyre’s annoying habit of changing her mind and turning Rhys into another tortured hero who needs the right woman, the book was fabulous. It was excellent, addictive, exciting and delicious. It was book which compelled me to keep reading and while I wasn’t I occupied my dreams. How I wish, Tamlin was not declared the ‘True Love’ in ACOTAR.

ACOMAF is a must read for all fantasy fans. Hell, it’s a must read for all reader who love a great story which will have your running to the bookstore to the next book.

Review copy provided by the publisher, Bloomsbury Books, UK

Blog Tour: The Moment of Letting Go by J. A Redmerski

Slow and steady romance which warms your heart

Title: The Moment of Letting Go
Author: J A Redmerski
Publisher: Piatkus Books, UK
My ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Released: 3rd September, 2015
This is my first book by J. A Redmerski, off whom I had heard nothing but praises for. Her other NA novels have a fan following and I was going into The Moment of Letting Go with the same mind set.

Sienna is a wedding planner and on her holiday she meets Luke who is s a surfing instructor. Attraction blooms and before she knows it Sienna is extending her holiday and shacking up with Luke.

This book had such an easy going pace. Not all love stories have to have a whirlwind romance. Some take a natural course where people get to know each other slowly and see where their feelings take them.

For some people, it may not be what they expect from a new adult romance as it didn’t have annoying douche male characters or the ’innocent’ female protagonist. Instead we have two people getting to know each, tentatively following their hearts and falling in love.

I think, The Moment of Letting Go is a sweet, coming of age story about two very different people falling in love and making you smile as you are fondly reminded of how you fell in love. It is a perfect beach or a holiday book where the characters explore the beautiful locales in Hawaii and discover themselves at the same time.

ARC received by Piatkus Books, UK 

Below, check out the blogs which are participating in the UK Blog Tour of The Moment of Letting Go 

Review: Seed by Lisa Heathfield

A twisted, ugly, raw emotion churning experience.

Title: Seed
Author: Lisa Heathfield
Publisher:Electric Monkey, UK
My ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Released: 16th April, 2014
W hile I had Seed sitting on my Kindle for a while, I did not plan on reading until I saw the glowing recommendation by one of my fellow UK Book Blogger. She urged me to pick it up and I admit I'm grateful that she did.

It also took me a while to write a review for Seed as the book left my thoughts disarrayed and scattered. I will only give a vague premise as I strongly believe even a small detail can be spoilery. So Pearl lives in a farm called Seed, with her family. She is home schooled and and worships nature with their leader Papa S. Seed and it's life is what Pearl know until one day there are new comers who bring new scenarios and new questions with them.

I'm purposely being vague here as this book is something which should be gone into as blind as possible and the way things get revealed is half the fun. Pearl's life seems perfect to her and at first she hates the newcomers who bring uncertainty with them. The relationships between the people in Seed kept me on my edge of my seat. The whole set up so weird and twisted but reading from Pearl's point of view, it seemed the other way around. Ellis and his family bring the much needed change and then events starts unfolding rather quickly. Some of them are sweet while some of them were horrifying.

What I loved most about Seed was how there were different dynamics between each family member and how skilfully Lisa Heathfield manages to capture ever glare and glances which are telling yet leaving me asking me for more clarification. The author is a master of 'showing not telling' which gave so much depth to this book.

The ending is what left me utterly gobsmacked. I wasn't sure if I wanted to applaud or scream at my Kindle for the ending. I may warn you it felt like a cliff hanger to me.

This book is highly recommended to YA readers who want to try something new bored with the regular dystopian, contemporary romance, or fantasy. It was twisted, ugly, raw, emotion churning experience which I definitely want to repeat again and again. Do yourself a favour and try this book.

Special thanks to Michelle from Tales of Yesterday for her recommendation

Review based on a copy received from the publisher via Netgalley.

Review: The Fire Sermon (The Fire Sermon #1) by Francesca Haig

Intricate world building and complex characters

Title: The Fire Sermon
Series: The Fire Sermon
Author: Francesca Haig
Publisher: HarperVoyager, UK
My ratings: 3 out of 5 stars
Releases: 23rd February, 2015
T he Fire Sermon was one of my most highly anticipated books of early 2015. With the promotions running high I could not get my hands on this bad boy quickly enough. Alas, my relationship with this book turned out to be more complicated than I expected.

The premise is quite interesting. In a post apocalyptic world children are born as twins. One twin is unmarred and is called the Alpha while the other twin almost always has a physical disability marking them as the Omega. Now the Alphas blame all their misfortunes on these Omegas and they are ostracised and condemned. They would be eliminated but for the fact that if an Omega is hurt the Alpha feels it too. Zach and Cass twins but in their case, Cass is an anomaly. She is an omega without any surface marking but with a power to see slices of the future. This is the story about her.

I loved the way it started. The relationship between Zach and Cass was so complex, heart breaking and intense. While they loved each other the resent for the other was on the surface and sooner rather than later it emerges. Cass’ early life and her eventual imprisonment was interesting and set up for a riveting read. But then Cass escapes and pick up another Omega, Kip. Together they make their journey to the promised land of the Island, a last haven for the Omega. This is where things go down hill. While I enjoyed the growing relationship between Kip and Cass, it was mind numbingly slow. The whole journey was daunting but pointless. I’m not going to go into details but things don’t pick up until Piper appears.

However this reprieve does not last and before we know it the story slows down again. While I appreciate the world building the plotting was slow and failed to capture my interest. I put this book down several times and had to force myself to complete it months later.

Saying the above, the action picks up again toward the end. The last few pages were filled with revelations which shocked me and made me sit up and take notice. The ending was left open and after the shocking events I am keen to see where the story will go now.

To sum it up, The Fire Sermon may not be for everyone. It was a slow burning type of book, with intricate world building and fascinating lore appealing to a more mature fantasy fan base.

Review copy provided by HarperVoyager, UK

Review: Rogue (Talon #2) by Julie Kagawa

Dragons, forbidden romance and Julie Kagawa, don't need anything more.

Title: Rogue
Series: : Talon
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: MiraINK, UK
My ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Released: 28th April, 2015
Rogue is the sequel to the Talon, the new series by Julie Kagawa. She is most known for her Iron Fey series but I'm a fan of her Blood of Eden series.

Rogue picks up pretty much where Talon stops. After Garret is taken prisoner it is Ember's turn to rescue Garrett. However to do so she has to get help from Cobalt. This results in a lot of Cobalt spread out in the book. While I did enjoy reading about Cobalt, I have my suspicions that Kagawa is up to no good. I've pretty much read everything written by her and I understand her style of writing. Which means that the story is going in a direction I'm not sure I like. If I can see a love triangle forming which in some ways excites and fills me with dread. I want Ember and Garrett to be together forever but Cobalt seems to be getting in the way and then I'll be a puddle of tears at the end as I won't know whom to chose. Either way my heart will be broken.

A photo posted by Samina 🌷⛄️ (@escapismfanatic) on Apr 18, 2015 at 6:25am PDT

I loved Ember. She is a character which I can genuinely root for. She is struggling on the inside and I think this is what readers are able to relate most. She is trying to do the right thing and her inner struggle gives her depth, loyalty and strength of character. The action is exhilarating and the forbidden romance aspect adds excitement to the relationship.

Overall, Rogue was full of action, romance of the best kind, angst and fast car ride without breaks. I fell and fell until it it came to an abrupt stop with the cliff-hanger. Now I'm literally hanging on the edge of my seat to find out what will happen next. Julie Kagawa knows to write and she toys with her readers. I cannot wait for the next book with which I'll trust Julie to deliver another amazing instalment which will be long and agonising.

To sum it all, I only have a few words. Dragons, forbidden romance and Julie Kagawa. I don't need much to pick this series up.

Review copy provided by MiraINK, UK

Releases 28th April, 2015

Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Read the next phenomenon in YA/NA

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Series: : A Court of Thron and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher:Bloomsbury Childrens Books, UK
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Releases: 7th May, 2010
Over the course of a few years Sarah J Maas has become something of an auto buy author for me. Which is rare as not every book turned out by YA writers appeal to me but I think Sarah has a skill to keep churning out which hits just the right spots for me. Her Throne of Glass series has become an annual celebration for me where I can immerse myself in Celeana’s world. I adore that series (Read my reviews of Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, The Assassin’s Blade) and cannot wait for Queen of Shadows coming in September. When I was given a copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses I was beyond excited but I had been saving it for a better time. And let me tell you the wait was worth it. Now I’m bummed that I don’t have the next book on me. As with any 5 star review the following may be filled with fangirling and dispersed occasional with squeals. Now that we have dispersed with warnings I can follow through my review.

Feyre lives in a small little village on the bordering human and faerie territories. She hunts in the nearby woods and provided for her family. While she has heard of the elusive faeries but has never set her eyes on them until one night when her family is nearly starving in the winter that she spots a wolf that may be fae and manages to bring it down. But a few days later she is taken away by a wild looking beast snarling at her door for killing a fae and she is taken to replace his life. She is to stay in Fae territories and live the rest of her life with the beastly Tamlin, and his unwelcoming friend. While she is served by an array of servants she is sill a prisoner in a guilder cage. However danger is not far away and soon she may be having feeling for her captor no prisoner should have.

I can admit that I’m not giving justice to the plot but believe me people it is awesome. A Court of Thorns and Roses (known as ACOTAR from hence forth) is a fairy tale retelling of the beauty and the beast. I love love love fairy tales and the combination of fantasy, action and beautiful writing made this book an instant favourite.

It has been a while since I have found a series which I can unashamedly fangirl about and this book is it. Feyre is such a well thought out heroine. She is self sacrificing and lives with her lazy and deplorable sister. When she first arrives at Tamlin’s Manor she is subdued and quiet but she finds her inner iron core soon enough. Her chemistry with Tamlin was off the charts and there romance was so, so sweet. It was slow burning, swoon worthy and honest to god made my heart skip a few beats. The Fire Night scene was unforgettable ands sexy as hell. This not a YA book. Not, it is anew adult and Sarah shows how New Adult is done.

There is character development where pretty much each and every character learns and grows from the experiences into his books and learns about each other.

The writing is excellent and the imagery used by Sarah J Mass is lush, beautiful and absolutely stunning. On a side note, do check out her Pinterest Boards to get an even better visual of her imagery. Like all her books, ACOTOR has a slow start and some people may even find it dragging towards the middle but I find that the action catches up to you quickly enough and in all fairness I am too busy exulting in the story to have noticed the slow pace. This book may be slightly long for your average YA/NA book but in my opinion is was worth it. In fact I want the next book even longer. The longer the better.

Tamlin is simply swoon worthy and he is everything I could ask for. He is mysterious, determined, noble and oh so smouldering. I wanted more of him. Also to mention Lucien whose banter with Feyre was spot on and provided this weird dynamic which I loved. What I should mention at this point is that Rhysand or Rhys as he is known is another character who is quite mysterious and dangerous I thoroughly enjoyed the role he played towards the end. As we see more of him towards the end, he leaves a very strong impression. I know in my bones and there is more for us in store about Rhys in Book 2 and I simply cannot wait for it.

Over all I predict great things for this series. I know that this series is going to become a phenomenon. There is no doubt in my mind that this book will rock great many readers. Not only does it appeal to the girly side of me which likes fairy tales, jewellery and dresses but also my blood thirsty side which demands blood, grime and body parts being flung about.

A Court of Thorns and Roses was intense, captivating, sensual, and it will make you obsessive over it.

Now that I have read the advanced copy I have an even longer wait for the next book which comes out next year. This was a book which left be hugging the book and heaving a giant sigh with a ginormous grin of satisfaction on my face. An absolute must read! I want MAORR!!!

Releasing 7th May. 2015. Mark the date on your calenders!

Review copy provided by Bloomsbury Childrens Books, UK

Review: Bold Tricks (The Artist's Trilogy #3) by Karina Halle

Disappointed and relived that it is over

Title: Bold Tricks
Series: The Artist’s Trilogy
Author: Karina Halle
Publisher: Headline Eternal, UK
My ratings: 2 out of 5 stars
Released: 16th December, 2014
I have been a Karina Halle fan since 2010. I’m one of those rabid fan of EIT that absolutely adored this series. When she began to get the popularity she deserved I could not have been happier. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for the amazing EIT series that got readers attention; it was Sins and Needles ,her contemporary erotica. I personally tried really hard to like it but failed. I am unable to understand the appeal for this series.

I read the first book which was enjoyable but as the trilogy went on it become worse and worse for me. I tried really hard to get on board but I was unable to do so. Bold Tricks is the final book in the Artist’s Trilogy and brings the toxic love triangle between Ellie, Camden and Javior.

Bold Tricks takes off exactly where Shooting Scars ends with Gus and Ellie’s mother taken hostage by Travis and the gang running for their lives. I thought this premise would give me the long awaited battle between Camden and Javior, the push and pull in Ellie’s mind but surprisingly she made up her mind pretty early in the book.

What my major problem with the book was, why was Javior demonised for Ellie to choose one or the other. Once she made up her mind, Javior was depicted in an increasingly bad light and Camden was almost given a Sainthood. I never liked Camden but I fancied the scheming, murderous Javior. My feelings aside, I just felt that Ellie was looking at Camden with tinted glasses and Javior was being turned into a monster. In fact towards the end, I started to hate Ellie.

I felt the dialogues were really cheesy while the action kept me on the edge of my seat, the premise with the romance left a bad taste in my mouth.

Overall Bold Tricks bored and at some points annoyed me. I still love Karina Halle but I like her horror more than the romance tittles she writes. She is doing what her readership demands I guess but a few more horror titles will not go amiss. I adored the Experiment in Terror series (Read my raving reviews here) and it is one of my favourite series and I still say it is a must read. The Artist Trilogy may appeal to you but it was not for me.

Review copy provided by Headline Eternal, UK

 

Review: Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) by Tim O'Rourke + Giveaway [INT]

Thrilling, exhilarating and exciting

Title: Vampire Seeker
Series: Samantha Carter
Author: Tim O’Rourke
Publisher: Piatkus Books, UK  
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Releases: 16th January, 2014
When offered the opportunity to try out Tim O’Rourke’s Vampire Seeker, I was reluctant as I have not read any male writers who have done this genre justice. I’m pleased to say that Tim proved me wrong many times over.

Samantha Carter is your regular student in London who is convinced that the recent vicious murders occurring in Whitechapel are the doings of a vampire and not some crazy criminal. Convinced of her theory, she follows the perpetrator into the London subway only to be ambushed and wakes up in 1888 Wild West America. There she meets a bunch of ‘vampire hunters’ and before she knows it, she is travelling with them, hunting and having an adventure of a life time.

I really really enjoyed Vampire Seeker. It was such an unexpected find for me that it brought back my mojo in reading. It was exhilarating and exciting. There was romance in the air with the mysterious Harry and the other fellow vampire hunters were such an enigmatic bunch. There were many mysteries to be uncovered and throughout book and I could not predict what was going to happen next.

It kept me on the edge of my seat and made me keep turning the pages late into the night. The world building was spot on and Samantha was a character that I could root for. Her bevy of companions had their own side stories and I adored the breath-taking imagery and action.

Just a warning; Vampire Seeker is an adult read and it has scenes unsuitable for a younger audience. Needless to say, I loved watching Sam and Harry turn circles around each other.

Rest assured Tim O’Rourke has found a new fan in me and after writing this review I’ll be running off to read Vampire Watchmen as I simple cannot wait.

Review based on a copy provided by Piatkus Books, UK


Released on 16th January, 2011

Now I have have got signed copies of Vampire Seeker and Vampire Twin to giveaway to one lucky winner. It is open internationally so don't wait and start entering for a chance to win and read this awesome series.

   a Rafflecopter giveaway

 About the author

Tim has written over twenty novels and is the author of the bestselling Kiera Hudsonseries. Visit his website http://timorourkeauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

For more chances to win, visit the other blogs below participating in the blog tour. Good luck.

 

Review: Four Nights With The Duke (Desperate Duchesses #8) by Eloisa James

Sensuous, romantic and funny.

Title: Four Nights With The Duke
Series: Desperate Duchesses
Author: Eloisa James
Publisher: Piatkus Books, UK
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Releases: 31st March, 2015
W hen Four Nights With The Duke fell into my lap, I could not have been more excited. Historical Romance is my guilty pleasure and it never fails to entertain me. In addition, Eloisa James is a fantastic author whose writing I’ve always enjoyed. Needless to say, I couldn’t start reading this bad boy quickly enough.

So we have our heroine Emelia who is ready to blackmail the Duke of Pindar into marrying her in order to save her orphaned nephew. Evander thinks that she is acting under her affections for him declared when they were teenagers. So he agrees under the condition that he will spend only 4 nights with her and only when she begs it off him.

With a premise like this how could I not love Four Nights with The Duke? Emelia was an author and her perspective of event were coloured by the writing side of her personality. It was hilarious how she interpreted real life events and modified them to write her stories. Vander on the other hands starts of as your quintessential romance novel duke,. Basically he is dark, broody, rough around the edges and utterly swoon worthy. However as the story moves on he turns out to be much more. As he falls passionately in love with Mia, we get to see how his view on Mia keeps changing.

Futhermore I loved the narration which was filled with humour, reminiscent of Julia Quinn. The ending was quite emotional and I’m glad Mia stood up for self.

Overall, For Night With The Duke was sensuous, funny, romantic and heart-warming tale. With its adorable main characters and solid set of side charterers, Four Night With The Duke is a winner for sure.

Review copy provided by Piatkus Books  

Releases 31st March, 2015 in the UK

 

Review: Consequences (Consequences #1) by Aleatha Roming

Manipulation and mind screwing taken to another level

Title: Consequences
Series: Consequences
Author: Aleatha Roming
Publisher: Self Published
My ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Released: August,2011
Consequences is a clever book. It made me think twice, no, make that thrice at events taking place over the course of the story. What starts as a harmless date turns sinister, as Claire is kidnapped and kept captive by Anthony Rawlings, self-made millionaire. Through all the atrocities Claire has to endure she slowly learns to survive. She learns to live. She follows the rules and pleases Anthony.

Consequences is not a book for everyone. It introduces the reader to a scenario which can happen to anyone anywhere. The way Claire is trapped and kept captive broke my heart for her. It was a gilded cage where she was tortured every single day. Through sheer will force she learns to survive and through the strength of her mind learns to endure. The evilness in Anthony made me want to hurl the book at someone. The way he manipulated circumstances where Claire had to beg for little privileges was heart wrenching. The complete power he held over Claire made me want to torture Anthony to no end. Regardless over time, even he is unable to resist Claire and the power she has within her and slowly even he starts to fall for Claire. Or does he?

This book was a total mind –f**k. It starts of well but moves at a snail’s pace in the middle 75 percent of the book. It was essential to demonstrate Claire’s growth and her psychological state of mind but I can only take so much shopping and spa visiting. I believe this little issue can be addressed by some editing and fine tuning.

I really don’t know what to say to convey my feelings about the story. It gave me the creeps. I was sad and angry though out the book. The book wasn’t that long but it surely felt like it.

I was so completely enamoured by Claire’s ordeal and strength of character that I kept reading with a morbid fascination. We get glimpses at the justification of Anthony’s behaviour but even though it is likely in the future books, I believe he is beyond redemption.

This story is something that should be experienced by the reader themselves and make the decision to keep reading as it may not be to everybody’s taste. The middle bit requires editing but my curiosity to find out more kept me going. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoy dark literature to give it a go, as it is something which may intrigue or repulse you. As for me, I was so exhausted with the mind games by the end of Consequences that I’m not sure I have the energy or the right state of mind for more mind –f**k. Maybe in the future, as I’m assured that the series gets better.

Review: Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

A new take on Trolls and yes, they are yummy too.

Title: Stolen Songbird
Series: The Malediction Trilogy
Author: Danielle L. Jenson
Publisher: Strange Chemistry, UK
My ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Released: 1st of April, 2014

It seems I may be in the minority amongst the sea of reviews which proclaim Stolen Songbird as Epic. This book may not have felt epic to me but it was a good book nevertheless. It starts by the kidnapping of a young woman called Cecile. She is on her way home when she is kidnapped and taken into the mountains and inside a cave to Trollus. the city where Trolls have been imprisoned for centuries. Her purpose? To be wedded off to the Prince of Trollus so that the Trolls can be freed from the curse which imprisons them within the underground city. This is where Cecile meets Tristan, makes friends, allies and some enemies in the process too.

What I admire and appreciate about Stolen Songbird is that is that it stays away from your typical YA clichés like a protagonist who feels different from others, or that she is shy and awkward not is there any love triangle or insta love. It was like breath of fresh air. Cecile was not special or felt that she was 'different'. She was as normal as they come but she had courage and sensibility. No matter which situation she was in, she did not lose her cool but thought everything through. She makes mistakes but learns from them and that is what is nice to know about the protagonist.

The world building was exquisite, with lots of details put in which enabled the reader to conjure the underground world of Trollus. I loved the fact that the author used such an ignored (?) mythological beast and turned them into swoon worthy, beautiful and cunning characters. Yes, we do have the odd gruesome, ugly and terrifying Trolls scattered through-out the story to keep the blood thirsty in me happy. But it was full of well thought out side characters which added depth and complexity into the plot line.

Without going into too much detail and giving most of the story line away, Stolen Songbird is a fantastical read which treads the fine line in the YA genre which delivers. It has everything to make it worthy of all the accolades it's being given. It has romance, character development, well thought out side characters, an interesting plotline and it delves into the different facets of human relationships. There is friendship, romance, love, loyalty and a desperate fight for freedom.

If you want to read something truly different in the YA genre after being jaded by cliché's being thoroughly used and misused, Stolen Songbird is for you.

Released 1st of April in the UK

ARC provided by Strange Chemistry, UK

Review: The Offering (The Pledge #3) by Kimberly Derting

The Queen finally gets her Queendom

Title: The Offering
Series: The Pledge
Author: Kimberly Derting
Publisher: Allison and Busby, UK
My ratings: 3 out of 5 stars
Released: January, 2014
I had high expectations of The Offering. After the enjoyable The Pledge(read my review here) and The Essence (read my review here), I was hoping for an epic conclusion to The Pledge Trilogy. Kimberly Derting had found success with the Body Finder Series so I had hopes that after The Essence (which I assumed suffered from the middle book syndrome) she will be able to conclude the series with a bang but I was disappointed.

The Offering begins with Charlie still struggling with Sabara’s essence within her and still trying to revive her country. So after Niko’s betrayal, Charlie decided to take things in her hand and decides to end this by herself.

The Offering starts with a promise to deliver but somehow on the way, it sort of lost itself. It was slow and the shifting POV’s made reading jarring a times. All the things I loved in the Pledge where somewhat lost in The Offering Max was hardly present and the secrets and danger of knowing of understanding different language was not given enough importance. Instead we are still shown how the country suffered under Sabara’a reign. Honestly, I already know how evil she was and how Charlie is better than her. Show me some action instead.

The middle portion was slow too but it picks up towards the end. The ending was appropriate and ticked all the boxes but the slow approach and the pacing were its downfall. Charlie was acting like a victim in most of the story but Brooklyn saved the story for becoming a complete self-pity fest. I would have enjoyed if there was more exploration of the different relationships I enjoyed in the previous books but I got none of that. Even Niko, who I thought would bring excitement and drama, just became another hapless and foolish character.

Overall, The Offering concluded The Pledge series with a pretty little bow but I wish the last leg of the journey had more. Everything I loved about the series felt somewhat missing even if every element which can make a book truly epic was present. It was not a bad book but not something what I expected at this point in this series or by the author.

There was romance, adventure, suspense, betrayal, sacrifice and friendship. I’d recommend it to fans of dystopia, queendom and gleeful hand rubbing villains.

Review based on the copy sent by the publisher, Allison and Busby

Review: Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Darkness, Light and the Shades in between.....

Title: Siege and Storm
Series: The Grisha  
Author: Leigh Bardogo  
Publisher: Indigo/Orion Books 

Released: 6th of June, 2013  
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars.
 Siege and Storm is the brilliant sequel to the amazing Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardogo. I find 5 star reviews particularly difficult to write and I don't know where to begin. What is it that works for one story and doesn't for others? Is it simply the writing, the prose, the pace, the plot, the characters or the world building? Or perhaps it simply is the coming together of all of the above in a manner that pleases you and makes the experience of reading a good book. The reason I love reading is I get to discover gems amongst many mediocre books. and I believe this is half of the fun. I love how you keep looking and then you find this amazing read and bang! You love it. This was what I felt while reading Shadow and Bone. After this I picked up Siege and Storm with some apprehension as I did believe Shadow and Bone was a difficult act to follow on but needn't had worried. Siege and Storm was that and more.

“You know the problem with heroes and saints,?" I asked as I closed the book's cover and headed for the door. "They always end up dead.” 

We see so much growth of characters and we also get to watch Alina grow more and more comfortable with her powers and ironically how it's putting her on unease. My heart broke for steady, loyal Mal. I really liked how Bardugo brought real issues between their relationship. IT didn't have the forbidden relation regurgitation we get to see in YA so often. At this point I'm sad for Mal and angry at him too. I won't give away spoilers so I'll be keeping mum about it.

“He tapped the sun over his heart. "I came here for you. You're my flag. You're my nation.”

Then we come to the Darkling, who unfortunately had a lot less page time but his presence was still felt. what I love the most about the Grisha Series is not only the world and magic but also the characters as to how each one of them have various shades of grey. No one is trust worthy or' good' not even Alina. The Darkling, I believe represents this as I believe he has the best thought provoking dialogues in this series. Logic may say he is evil and mad but somehow I keep grasping on the hope that perhaps there is more to him. I desperately hope that happens in Ruin and Rising.

“Why won’t you leave me alone?” I whispered one night as he hovered behind me while I tried to work at my desk.
 Long minutes passed. I didn’t think he would answer. 
I even had time to hope he might have gone, until I felt his hand on my shoulder. 
 “Then I’d be alone, too," he said, and he stayed the whole night through, till the lamps burned down to nothing.” 

Leigh Bardugo does not cut corners and she is brutal in the fearless portrayal of the dark side of her characters. I love that even Alina, is not far away from a certain type of madness and the irony that even if the Darkling and Alina are two opposite sides of the spectrum, one Dark while the other summons Light, they are similar in a way which cannot be told but only be shown which I'm glad that Bardogo does justice to.

“I've seen what you truly are," said the Darkling, "and I've never turned away. I never will. Can he say the same?” 

Another character worth mentioning was Stormhound who was most intriguing. Bardogo knows how to create flawed characters which somehow endear themselves to you and Storm hound was no exception. He is cunning, brave, charming and dare I say almost interesting enough to make up for the missing Darkling. Almost.

“When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable.”

Siege and Storm was an excellent sequel in every manner. It had a tight plot with the right place. It didn't feel like a filler which is a common problem with sequels in a Trilogy. The world Bardugo pushes you into is beautiful, dangerous and pushes the limits of your imagination. It's characters so complex that you can somehow understand them and feel for them even as they walk down the path of no redemption. Siege and Storm was the best sequel I have read so far this year and I do hope I get my hands on Ruin and Rising soon before I go crazy with anticipation. I'd recommend it to every not only Ya readers but to everyone who likes a bit of escapism into a intricate world of magic, kingdoms, power, love friendship and most of all hope.

ARC Review: Broken by A. E. Rought

A retelling of a Gothic classic ...YA style.

Title: Broken
Author: A. E Rought
Publisher: Strange Chemistry  
My ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars   
Released: 8th January, 2013
 Despite reading not so positive review half way through the book, I ploughed on reading this YA retelling of the classic tale of Frankenstein. I have to say, I’m glad I ignore negative reviews or else I would have missed on all the magic created by A. E. Rought.


Emma is mourning. The love of her life, Daniel died only a few months ago and she is still grieving. Skulking in cemeteries and walking in deserted alleys in the evening is her life now. No matter what she does she can’t get the image of Daniel falling to his death, out her mind. She goes through the daily ritual of her life, without any passion and zeal to live. Then one day, walks in Alex Franks. The tall and mysterious guy at school seems to have a strange connection with Emma. He reminds her too much of Daniel and try she may she finds herself drawn to him. They have chemistry and every time they meet it feels like they have known each other forever. Confused will be too simple an emotion to describe what Emma feels as she tries to figure out what’s happening around her.


Emma is the heart and soul of Broken. Her grieve was palpable. She was living and breathing her nightmare, unable to let go. It’s not easy to watch you loved one die in front of you. She is floating in her life trying to get back to how it was before but knows it will never be the same again. Rought wrote her so well that I could feel her pain in every line she wrote about Daniel. I felt her joy, her confusion and especially how her heart would have felt grieving the loss. It was Emma who made Broken credible.

” I’m not Emma any more, just hut and loss and anguish in a sack of skin and possibly broken bones. Emotion scores my insides, scrapes them out with the force of a tidal wave.” 
 
Alex was your typical YA hero or was he? He was tall, dark and mysterious but I liked how he was forthcoming about his emotions. He liked Emma and was not afraid to show it. There were elements of insta-love which we all have come to dislike in YA but there was a reason why it was like this and funnily it worked. I loved the scenes between Emma and Alex and how detailed they were.

” I’m his dream come to life, it’s written on every line of his face. The world narrows to us, thought die. His mismatched hazel eyes fill my vision, the black freckle in the left iris pulling me in, pushing me under. A vine of darkness unfurls in me, nudging and probing, …”

Rought took no short cuts in trying to convey what the narrator was seeing by describing Alex’s scars and his eyes and his smile. The scenes between them were so sweet and heart breaking as I knew (thanks to the blurb and the publicity declaring Broken as a remake) as to why Alex was so much like Daniel.

There were plenty of side characters like Emma’s BFF, Bree but my favourite had to her mum. She reminded me of my Mum. Sometimes strict and always there when I needed her.

Then why did I knock of half a star? Well, I wanted to give it 4 stars but I enjoyed that start too much to let the lack lustre hasty ending bother me. Things simply spiralled out of control at the end. The mildly annoying characters suddenly become villainous that I wouldn’t have guessed they were actually evil as it would be lame to think the author would make it so easy for me to guess. The ending seemed strange and seemed kind of picture perfect. There were larger issues at hand which were not dealt with. I wonder if they are planning to make a sequel.

“Lost so long ago in the shadows of loss, only to be shoved headlong in to unnatural horror and heart ache, I can’t turn him away. He’s a kindred soul. Broken, remade and my perfect match.”
 
Regardless of my whining, and the not so positive reviews floating about, I still enjoyed Broken. Its characters were what gave Broken an edge, the romantic scenes were simply magical and I can’t blame Emma for falling so quickly in love with Alex. With his leather jacket, hoodie with its hood up, designer jeans and scars which scream bad boy….who wouldn’t? Ahem. Returning to the review, Broken is worth giving a try if you want to read a creepy, gothic tale of romance with a modern twist to it. Broken made my heart skip s few beats and it still managed to give me the creeps. I’d recommend it to any YA romance fan who may want a taste of love on the dark side with a squeeze of Goth to really make it come alive.  

 Arc provided by Strange Chemistry

ARC Review: On Dublin Street ( On Dublin Street #1) by Samantha Young

Contemporary romance which will reduce you to tears

Title: On Dublin Street 
Series: On Dublin Street 
Author: Samantha Young
Publisher: Penguin UK
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars
Released: 17th January, 2013
When you see the cover (UK and US) for On Dublin Street you may groan thinking, “oh another book which is inspired by the Fifty Shades band wagon with an enigmatic male lead and a timid female lead” but On Dublin Street is more than that.

Jocelyn Butler has moved to Edinburgh after her parent’s death 7 years ago. Trying to run away from her memories and her past she decided to move into a new flat and meets Ellie Carmichael and her brother Braden Carmichael with whom she feels inexplicably attracted to. And hence, begins a whirlwind romance between them.

I don’t want to give too much away as the whole point of this book was you slowly uncover Jocelyn’s past and her journey of recovering her old self again. Jocelyn was a strange character. She had so many layers and dare I say this book is less a romance but more her story than anything else. She has issues and she deals with them her own way. She is a strong person and yet she is fragile in so many more ways. She doesn’t let people ‘in’ her life. The best part is that she knows that she is distant and realises that this makes her strange. The consciousness on her part makes it all the more interesting.

 “You make me laugh, you challenge me, and you turn me on like no else can. I feel like I’m missing something really important when you’re gone. So important I don’t feel like myself. I’ve never felt like someone was mine before. But you’re mine, Jocelyn.” .

 In comes Braden with this Scottish brogue and cave-man ways that is perfect in every way possible. How can Jocelyn refuse him when all he wants is her? Their romance was difficult. Like many contemporary romances these days it starts on a physical level and slowly escalates into a flurry of broken hearts, heated arguments and teary good byes.

Needless to say I enjoyed everything. These two would take one step forward and then two steps back ward. I loved the way Braden simply got Jocelyn. She understood her and was still willing to put up with her. At one point I wanted to scream at Jocelyn for being so utterly selfish but Braden even forgave her for that. Well, at least he had the ability to jerk her out of her self-induced isolation. 

“He is my best friend. Three months ago I was determined to just have sex and end this thing. But he’s a part of me now. He is deeper than anyone else, and I have no idea what to expect from that or from the future.” 

 This book is not simply a romance but a coming of age of a woman who has locked herself away in her own tower. I love the way Ms Young took the story forward and slowly with the help of other characters brought Jocelyn out of it. If this is not enough for you, then let me let you the romance is excellently written and believable. In my opinion Braden was the perfect match for Jocelyn who was strong willed, independent and stubborn. Bonus points for great sexual chemistry they had which almost set my Kindle on fire. 

 

So, if you are fed up of all Fifty rip-offs or paranormal romances which simply make you …well, yawn with their sheer retentiveness, On Dublin Street makes you sit up. It effortlessly manages to balance the sexiness of an erotica novel and rounds it off with a strong characters and a well thought background story. The broken characters add a dash of uniqueness to it. On Dublin Street is a must read for every romance reader be it an erotica fan or a historical romance fan. 

ARC provided by Penguin UK

Blog Stop: CornerStone (Souls of Stones #1) by Kelly Walker + Giveaway (INT))

Today, Escapism from Reality is the blog stop for CornerStone by Kelly Walker. Read my review below and scroll down for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of the CornerStone. The cover art is so pretty if I wasn't hosting I'd have entered too.

Title: CornerStone  
Author: Kelly Walker
Series: Soul of Stones
Publisher: Self Published
Released: 22 October, 2012
My ratings: 4 out of 5 stars.
Emariya Warren has no choice but to end agree to an arranged marriage with the Prince of the enemies, to stop the war that's been going on for century. Apprehensive and a little scared, Emariya sets out on a journey across the land her family rules to meet the Prince. But what if she is late? What if the prince is a fraud and doesn't keep his word? ether are so many things at stake that Emariya didn't have a choice left.

Emariya while having a sheltered bringing was made of stern stuff no matter the problems she faced it with courage and resilience. Even the events and trouble she encounters on her journey she warms people's hearts and wins them along the way. She was self sacrificing and there wasn't much she would not do for her people.

Torian on there other hand seemed a built like a mystery to me. I think I know him yet I'm not sure if I do. I can't tell you much or else I may be giving away spoilers. Yet I thought he was honourable, smart and an amazing swordsman. That alone makes him swoon worthy.

Cornerstone is the first book in the Trilogy, souls of Stones. In this fantasy world there are three rival kingdoms each represented by a Stone. These stones have special properties ties to the land. However Emariya is different. She is a second stone. Having been born out of the merging of two lines she has powers from both stones. Like any other first book, Cornerstone felt like a stepping stone in setting the story and the world. There was a fantasy setting but I think more of it would come into play in the later books into his trilogy.

What I liked about his book was how Walker managed to surprise me. As to my habit I'd try to guess a the plot but she would twist it in a way that I had no idea what would happen next. There was a sense of suspense and I did not know whom to trust and whom not to. Everyone was has their own agenda. I specially liked the twist she put in the last chapter. Cruel, Ms Walker, left me with my jaws hanging with a scrunched up face thinking...I did not see THAT coming.

 My only complaint is that I wish Torian and Emariya and a little more page time. I just felt that the delicious moments of love blossoming could have received a little more time.

When you're reading Cornerstone it you're sure to experience so many emotions. There was suspense, mystery, fantasy and action which made reading his book a breeze. The side characters were written such that each of them represented something special for Emariya. Friendship, love, betrayal,courage and goodness of the heart were all mashed up in this epic fantasy which had me smiling on minute and biting my nails the second.

Amazon US   Amazon UK

 Now scroll down and fill in the rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of CornerStone. This giveaway is open Internationally. So, what's stopping you? Click away fro your chance to win.

The Giveaway 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE AUTHOR

Kelly Walker, YA Author
Kelly Walker is a part time novelist, full time wife, and an all the time dreamer. Her first promotion was 8 years ago and it came with the job title of 'Mom'. Her second promotion came with no raise in pay but a huge jump in responsibility when she became 'Mom of two'. It's a rewarding career but the retirement plan sucks. She is a huge advocate of animal rescue and adoption and shares her Virginia home (and couch) with three dogs and two cats.

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