Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night
Series: Under the Never Sky #2
Author: Veronica Rossi
Genre: Young Adult 

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

AMAZING!

That one word above is my reaction after finishing the last page of Through the Ever Night.  Is it any surprise?  This author rocks my socks off with her writing.  Not only has her writing grown by leaps and bounds, but the characters come alive in your head like a movie.

The characters in this book were also amazing.  I think Roar might have even tied with Perry in this one for my favorites. Not everything that happens is what the readers want, but in the end we grow to respect what we do get.  Action is another focus in this book. While some authors go overboard on the action, I have to say that it was balanced really well with the romantic tension between Perry and Aria. The conflict will also leave the reader shocked.  Who will Aria choose to hold her trust when it is most needed?  That my friends is the question you will have answered when you read this book.

I really don't know how to share my feelings on this book any better than what I stated above.  I don't want to share too much of the plot because of spoilers.  So I am going to leave you with the following:

Friendship, love, angst and full of drama -- the perfect combination!

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Who Is Marcus Finch? - Clue #8

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #8

Stay tuned for more clues!

Giveaway for one copy of Indigo Blues 

at the conclusion of all the Clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Mini Review: Besiege by June Gray

Besiege
Series: Disarm #2
Author: June Gray

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


The continuing story of Elsie and Henry…

Elsie has waited six long months for Henry to return from his deployment to Afghanistan. But she learns that, sometimes, the person who leaves for war is rarely the same one who comes home…

MY THOUGHTS

Besiege is the second novelette in the Disarm series by June Gray.

In Besiege, we pick up where we left off in the last book.  Henry has just been deployed to Afghanistan and Elsie is left with being alone for six months.  After finally admitting their feelings for each other in the last book, this proves to be a real test to their relationship.

Elsie learns through another military wife, small things to help in the pain of being left behind at home.  She forms a friendship with this other woman and they both are there for each other.  Dave, a friend of Henry's and Elsie's brother, checks on her while Henry is away.  This leads to a small glitch in Henry and Elsie's relationship with Dave making a move on Elsie.  Add on the stress of learning that Henry's base was attacked and Elsie starts to fall apart.

When Henry returns though, he isn't the same man who left.  He is dealing with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and has closed himself off from Elsie.  Together they have to try and figure out a way to help him which leads to him going to California for therapy and to spend time with his family.  Again, Elsie has to watch Henry walk away and deciding what she can do to help.

While this book wasn't as sexy and hot as the first part in the series, this one does deal with serious issues. While I think that Henry didn't really need to travel to a therapist, it does create a good set-up for the next part and leaving the reader with another sad cliffhanger.  Even though it wasn't as good as the first book in this series, I do plan on reading the next book.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Who Is Marcus Finch? - Clue #7

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #7

Stay tuned for more clues!

Giveaway for one copy of Indigo Blues 

at the conclusion of all the Clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Mini Review: Disarm by June Gray

Disarm
Series: Disarm #1
Author: June Gray
Genre: Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Even the deepest secrets always find a way to surface...

26-year-old Elsie Sherman has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Henry Logan, since she was twelve years old. Unfortunately, Henry has only ever treated her like a younger sister, stepping into her brother's shoes after he was killed in action.

That is, until one night, when one dance ignites a sensual fire between the two, leaving Elsie aroused and confused. Is she allowed to lust after her surrogate big brother who also happens to be her roommate?

But Henry, an Air Force officer, has been harboring two secrets--one will bring them together and the other will tear them apart--and it is up to Elsie to decide if their relationship is worth fighting for.

MY THOUGHTS

Disarm is the first novelette in the Disarm series by author June Gray.  I saw this on Amazon for free a few days ago and decided to hit the "Buy Now" button.  I thought that even if it wasn't any good, at least it was free and helped pass the time.  What I didn't expect was how sweet and great of a read it would be.

Elsie Sherman lost her brother while he was fighting for his country.  She has been harboring a crush on her brothers best friend Henry Logan.  Henry and Elsie are now living together as roommates and what starts out as a friendship ends up turning into something more after a night out.  Henry finally starts to show interest in Elsie and the sparks start to ignite into a steamy romance.  When they finally do the deed and both confess to having a crush on each other for a long time, Henry gets the word from his commander that his deployment date has been moved up.  Just when the two finally have a start to a lasting relationship, Henry has to leave to serve the country.  Elsie is scared to let him go -- even though she knows it is his duty -- but she is afraid she will lose him like she lost her brother.

This was a great read for the start of a series/serial.  The writing was great and the characters were believable.  Even though it is considered a novelette -- coming in at around 14,000 words -- it didn't have the downside of being rushed like a short story usually is.  The ending is left with a bit of sadness, but it was something I expected since this is a 6 part series.  I quickly ended up buying the boxed e-book set so I could continue the story.  Again, another author to add to my favorite authors list.

MY RATING

Outstanding book that will stay on my bookshelf for rereading!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Review: Addicted by Charlotte Stein

Addicted
Author: Charlotte Stein
Genre: Adult Romance / Erotica

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Kit Connor has always led a safe, cautious life. But when her friend points out that her erotic writing lacks something, she decides to attend a Sexual Healing group to improve her knowledge.

Kit expects to find the gritty underbelly of sex, and instead finds louche, laidback, sex-loving Dillon Holt.

He makes a suggestion to her: that he will tell tales of his sexual excess, and help her book get the realism it needs. She agrees, but hasn't the least idea of what she's getting into.

Dillon doesn't have simple advice in mind … he has lessons to teach her. Lessons on everything she's never dared to experience, from kink to real passion.

Now Kit is never sure: is Dillon the addict, or is she just addicted to him?

MY THOUGHTS

After reading a previous book by Charlotte Stein, I have been watching out for new releases by her.  The last book I read was a short story, but this one is a full length that I was highly anticipating.  Ms. Stein can right descriptive scenes like a master story teller.  It actually feels like you are the character in the book with all of the emotions pouring from the pages into your body.

I absolutely loved Dillon in this book. He was so carefree and funny that it was refreshing in this genre.  After reading so many books about Alpha/Dominant men with having to have the upper hand, it was delightful to read about a main male character actually being kind and very generous to the woman in the bedroom.  This is not to say that he is not a strong and alpha man -- the man is freaking huge in height and "length" -- but he has a tender side as well.

Kit was just as funny, but she did get on my nerves at time with her inner dialogue and embarrassment at every little thing.  This is something that could be overlooked, but at times I just wanted her to get over it and quit making up such random things in her head.

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  It had the steamy factor, the hot male lead, the chemistry, the humor and the wonderful writing I knew Charlotte Stein could deliver.  Another hit by an author I am "Addicted" to now!

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Who Is Marcus Finch? - Clue #6

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #6

Stay tuned for more clues!

Giveaway for one copy of Indigo Blues 

at the conclusion of all the Clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Who is Marcus Finch? - Clue #5

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #5

Stay tuned for more clues!

Giveaway for one copy of Indigo Blues 

at the conclusion of all the Clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Review: The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

The Siren
Series: The Original Sinners #1
Author: Tiffany Reisz

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book...if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.

Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him...or returning to his bed?

Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

MY THOUGHTS

This is one of those books where you want to read it so bad, but you also don't want to start it because of fear.  I have heard amazing things about this series and was told on numerous occasions to read it.  I have also heard that it delves deep into the BDSM world with heavy emphasis on the S&M.  While I am huge fan of erotica books,  I now realize that everything before was tame compared to this book.

The first half of this book was hard for me.  I couldn't get a real connection with Nora formed and my feelings for her were just ho-hum.  It is hard to explain in words my exact feelings for her because she was so far off the map of my comfort zone.  I loved her banter with Wes and Zack, but I was actually scared of her character just as much as Zack was.

Soren was also a character I wasn't sure about.  Was he a bad guy or a good guy?  While I am still not sure which side of the camp to place him in,  I can honestly say that the camp is starting to blend together into one. There really isn't a good side or a bad side. For now I am going to hold him in the neutral zone even with the revelations that came throughout this story.

Wesley.  Oh sweet Wesley. I think he was one of my favorite characters in this book.  My heart hurt for him so much.  I seriously hope the next book in this series will give me some peace with his heartache.  I really want him to be happy.

Then we have Zack.  Brooding and British.  The London Fog. Those two sentences are Zach, but he is also so much more.  He is a man who is hurting, who is looking for freedom from his guilt, and a man who is trying to understand how Nora can live the way she does.  This man has been through a hard time with his wife and you desperately want him to have happiness again.

This book really pushed me to the end of my comfort zone.  If you think you can handle BDSM in your erotic reads, then just consider them tame and vanilla compared to what you will read in this book.  There were even spots I had to stop reading and reassure myself that it was just a book and continue on.  It might not have started out great for me as a read, but it definitely converted me into a fan of this author and the characters by the last half of the book.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON

Who Is Marcus Finch? - Clue #4

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #4

Stay tuned for more clues!

Giveaway for one copy of Indigo Blues 

at the conclusion of all the Clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Who Is Marcus Finch - Clue #3

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #3

Stay tuned for more clues!

Giveaway for one copy of Indigo Blues 

at the conclusion of all the Clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Who Is Marcus Finch? - Clue #2

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #2

Stay tuned for more clues!

Giveaway for one copy of Indigo Blues 

at the conclusion of all the Clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Who Is Marcus Finch? - Clue #1

For more information about these clues, please check out the post found HERE.

CLUE #1

Stay tuned for more clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Who is Marcus Finch?

Starting this week, I will be joining in the blog tour for Penguin in the reveal of Who Is Marcus Finch?

Each day from 1-22 to 2-9 (except weekends) a new clue will be posted here on the blog.

Today though, I am going to at least give you a small and early hint.  This is not actually one of the clues, but it does tell you what series it follows.

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

SUMMARY

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch–a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood–or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Stay tuned for more clues!

Check out these websites for more information, excerpts and more! 

Bloodlines Website: http://www.bloodlinesseries.com/

Bloodlines Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BloodlinesBooks

Bloodlines trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bMJEaT41b4

Bloodlines excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102759112/THE-INDIGO-SPELL-by-Richelle-Mead-Bloodlines-3-First-Chapter

Mini Review: With Regret - Part One by Samantha Kay

With Regret: Part One
Series: With Regret #1
Author: Samantha Kay
Genre: M/M Romance

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)

Jacob’s trust in Phil is suddenly shattered, leaving him questioning everything they had become. He thought Phil would never hurt him, never betray him, and never lie. But as he discovers the true extent of Phil’s hidden pastime, he is forced to decide what to do next: leave, stay, or seek revenge…

MY THOUGHTS

First off let me say that I read the 'dirty version' of this short story.  The author gives you an option to read the clean version on her blog, but I am all for the dirtier the better.  I can't say if the Amazon version is the dirty or clean version as I purchased my copy through the Smashwords website.

Second, if you are not a fan of cheating, keep in mind that the cheating is the catalyst for this story.  I am not a huge fan of cheating in a book or in real life, but I will say that even though there is a cheating part in the beginning of this book, the fallout of that act is what the story is actually about.  It centers around the pain, the heartbreak and the strength of whether or not a relationship can survive after the cheating is found out by the betrayed partner.

While there is a bunch of groveling on Phil's part, I am still left wondering why he would cheat in the first place.  He describes his relationship with Jacob as perfect and not lacking in anything.  He tries to explain to Jacob that it was the excitement in doing the act but I am not buying it.  Jacob is hurt and wants to hate Phil for what he has done.  Can they work past this hurtful act or will they walk away from each other? By the end of the short story, we get some answers but we are left with it up in the air.  Personally, I want to know how they are going to continue to work through this or if Jacob is going to even forgive Phil for this.  I hope the author plans on continuing the story so I can get some closure as well.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

AUTHOR WEBSITE / GOODREADS / AMAZON