Review- Spellbound by Samantha Combs

Title- Spellbound

Author- Samantha Combs

Released- 13th June 2011

Publisher- Astraea Press

Genre- YA, Paranormal/Fantasy

Blurb- Logan Daniels has always led a sheltered life in sleepy, predictable Lancaster, New Hampshire. But when beautiful Serena suddenly appears at school one day, his comfortable existence becomes anything but as he finds himself falling in love with her. There's something special about Serena Starr. He realizes what it is when he sees her unleash her spells. Soon, a mysterious and foreboding presence settles over his placid home.

Logan and Serena find themselves battling darkness and evil with an ominous mission: it wants Serena and will stop at nothing to have her. Tearing apart Logan's town, threatening his friends, even causing harm to his family, the demon will spread its doom over every facet of Logan's once placid life. Logan matures in ways he could never have imagined as he struggles to protect those he loves, including Serena. But he can't do it alone.

Serena hails from a long line of able and powerful women who will aide in the battle and perhaps settle a score of their own. The strength of the coven and Serena's love will be behind him, but ultimately this is Logan's fight to win. But, will he?

Review- What a fast paced, energetic, fun read. Combs captured my attention from the first paragraph. Her intense attention to detail is extraordinary. What I loved most about the book was how Combs did the chapters from different characters perspectives, I got to see all points of view of the story which I really enjoyed. Combs had a lot happening in such a short period of time but she managed to keep the story flowing without making it seem rushed. The relationships that formed in Spellbound were in themselves fast paced. I think Combs was spot on with how intense and full on teenage relationships can be, especially in the relationships between Logan and Serena and Dave and Tamera. The paranormal side of Spellbound was really fascinating. Witches, Shapeshifting Demons and Trolls made for one exciting battle between good and evil.

There isn't really much more to say about Spellbound without giving too much away. So I will leave you with a strong recommendation to give Spellbound a read. It will be well worth it.

Also, a resource for finding classes where you can read more great books like this is accreditedonlineschools.org.

To purchase your copy of Spellbound head to AMAZON

And check out Samantha's blog too

	http://www.samanthacombswrites.blogspot.com

WIN A SIGNED COPY OF NIGHTSHADE BY MARYROSE WOOD

Follow the instructions below for you chance to win a "signed copy" of Nightshade by Maryrose Wood. The images are the links. Good Luck everyone!


LIKE Poison Diaries FB page and leave a "signed copy" reference with the name of our blog - @Sassy Book Lovers

Follow & Tweet @poisondiaries with "signed copy" reference with the name of our blog - @SassyBookLovers

Enter the Poison Garden, you will need to find the plant ‘Arum Maculatum’ and add it to the ‘my poison diary’ share it via twitter. Don't forget to include @poisondiaries and @SassyBookLovers

COMPETITION RUNS FOR 7 DAYS AND THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM (PULLED FROM A HAT)

November Giveaway Hop

Welcome to The November Giveaway Hop thanks to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Tristi Pinkston for hosting this amazing hop.


We are number 157 on the list, there are over 200 blogs participating each with their own giveaway.


This hop runs from Tuesday, November 8th through Friday, November 11th.


Since we love to keep our giveaways international, we'll be giving away $20 worth of book/s from the book depository.  Please check HERE to make sure they post to your country before you enter.





To enter this giveaway you MUST be a follower of our blog. FB or TWEET about our giveaway, that's IT!! Oh! Don't forget to leave a comment with your follower name, email addy so we can contact you and your link to show us you spread the word.

The winner will be announced on the 12th November


GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!

Don't forget to check out all the other amazing blogs & their giveaways.

Book Review- The Aetherwood Chronicles- Volume 1, Episodes 1-5

Title- The Aetherwood Chronicles- Volume 1- Episodes 1-5
Author- Vaughn Shepherd and Bunni Darling
Publisher- Lion and Mermaid Publications
Release Date- 4th July 2011
For 18+ to read only!

Description- An anthology of the first five episodes in the Aetherwood Chronicles, a lush, intriguing world filled with sensuality and the supernatural. This anthology combines Episodes 1 through 5, including: Davian and Starr - Episode One: "A Charm", Pheo and Silky - Episode One: "Aos Si", Blair and Dresdin: "New Friend, Old Friend", Davian and Starr - Episode Two: "Twisted", and Pheo and Silky - Episode Two: "Raising the Stakes". This anthology includes scenes of graphic sex, and the episode Blair and Dresdin: "New Friend, Old Friend" includes descriptions of violence and torture.

Review- To be honest, I'm not too sure what to say about this one... One thing is I know for certain is that the authors of this one have one seriously twisted side. The Davian and Starr episodes didn't really draw me in at all. Quite frankly it was boring. It was your typical guy pursues girl, guy turns out to be a vampire but girl is already claimed by another vampire but he keeps pursuing her anyway. Throw in a ghost and a sex scene and there's your story. Blair and Dresdin's episodes is where Shepherd and Darling show their twistedness. The first episode is like some Saw movie s**t. Totally grossed me out! The intimate details of snapping bones and calving into the calf muscle to feast on the tender muscle their had my stomach churning. At least with the Saw movies you can look away! There is no looking away while reading and you cant skip it because you lose vital parts of the story! So I had to swallow and teaspoon of cement and harden the eff up while reading it. And in case you didn't clue on, it's a vampire story... Probably the best out of the three. Now for Pheo and Silky. Apart from there meeting each other at the start the rest is pretty much a porn fest. Don't get me wrong I LOVE reading lemons but when the only thing that seems to be happening is lemons it gets kind of boring. They seem to lose the point of the story because they get too involved in the sex scenes. I like to see an actual story!

I will say some positive things about Shepherd and Darling though. They have an amazing ability to describe everything in their story with such detail and precision, hence the squirming in Blair and Dresdin's story. They did a great job of making it easy for me to paint a picture in my head of how all of the surroundings were, even the food the characters ate were described with accuracy. All in all if you love watching porn and the Saw movies but have small children around all the time or prefer books then this is for you!

To purchase your copy of The Aetherwood Chronicles check out AMAZON

And while you're at it, check out Lion and Mermaid Publications!

Book Review: Guardian by Gillian Joy

Title: Guardian
Author: Gillian Joy
Released: 15th September 2011
Genre: Fantasy
Self Published.

Burb: Headstrong and determined, Hannah always knew that she would become the Guardian. She was the keeper and the protector of all supernatural beings. What she didn't expect was that it would mean she would have to endure the agonising death of her mother first hand as their supernatural connection brings her to her knees, or that it would mean that she could never be with the man she loved.
Blond haired, blue eyed Gabriel was her handsome childhood friend, but would circumstances prevent her from ever being able to explore her true feelings for him?
Jesse, the dark alluring but incorrigible vampire would give anything to be with her, but as the guardian Hannah is forbidden to fall in love with the supernatural.
With her life in turmoil over her conflicting emotions about Gabriel and Jesse and her frustration at being unable to exact revenge for her mother’s horrific death, Hannah flees her life in an attempt to start over. But can we ever really escape from ourselves?
There is no escaping destiny no matter how hard she might try and Hannah must learn to reconcile her commitment to her family with her responsibility as the Guardian and her duty to her heart.

My Rating: A MUST READ!!



My Review: I first met author Gillian through a friend. And I gave what advice I could to help her get her book out to the world and I was lucky enough to get a copy to review. I apologise to Gillian for taking so long with this review, life just keeps getting in the way.

Firstly look at that AMAZING cover! It just reels you in and what lies inside hooks you and doesn't let you go.
When I started reading this book I was blown away by how well everything is described, especially the characters, nothing is left out and it gives you an indepth to each character.

Gillian has gone all out with her amazing story, every page brings us something new and exciting. I was literally glued to each page and got all excited and tear jerky in alot of different parts, it takes you on an emotional journey with the main characters Hannah and her best friend Gabriel. The ending will leave you ready to devour more.

This is Gillian debut novel and she has done an exceptional job and I look forward to seeing where book 2 takes us.

If you haven't read this book yet than I recommend you get yourself a copy, sit in a relaxing chair with a hot cuppa and just dive right in you won't be disappointed.


Go check out Gillian's FB page GUARDIAN for all updates and news.

BUY LINKS: KINDLE OR SMASHWORDS

Book Review: Every Last Kiss by Courtney Cole

Title- Every Last Kiss
Author- Courtney Cole
Genre- Historical Fiction/ Romance/ Fantasy/ YA
Release Date- April 21st 2011
Publisher- Lakehouse Press
Rating- 4/5

Blurb- What would you do if you held Fate in your hands? 17-year old Macy Lockhart has the weight of the world on her shoulders. For thousands of years, she has been a Keeper in the ancient organization, the Order of the Moirae… and she literally holds fate in her hands. But this is something that she forgets because her memories are wiped clean in every life until it is time
for her cycle to start again. For the last two thousand years, this has never been a problem. Until now. And now…Fate, the very thing that Macy was born to keep, is being challenged and she has only one choice: To return to a previous life to fix it; a life where she was Cleopatra’s handmaiden, Charmian. And that’s not all. Unless she interferes with the fabric of time, the very thing she has returned to repair, her soul mate will die leading Marc Antony’s forces against Rome. Can she really stand aside and allow the love of her life to die all over again?

Review- This was not what I expected at all! Now as a pre warning there may be some SPOILERS in here... When I started reading Every Last Kiss I was thinking “oh gosh not Cleopatra and Marc Antony!” Only because I have not long finished watching the Rome mini series on DVD. So as I was reading all I could think of in the way of their descriptions and attitudes were what they were like in Rome, which was not very nice. And as I was reading their fateful ending I pretty much ran the scene from Rome through my head. So it's fair to say I didn't have a great starting experience of Every Last Kiss. Then before I had a chance to get use to the idea of reading about them I am thrown 2000 years forward! Utter confusion was my first thought. I was trying to figure out how this all worked in together. So from the important historical happenings of Cleopatras untimely death we go to the not so important relationship troubles of Macy Lockhart. She has just found out that her boyfriend of 2 years Derek had cheated on her. So as does most 17 year old girls who gets their heart broken they seek out revenge somehow. So with the help of her best friend Jessa, Macy destroys everything ever owned or given to her by Derek and dumps it in the tray of his truck... Sounds fair to me! Then the fun begins. At home waiting for her was a package containing a Bloodstone left by an unknown person. Hmmmmm, brain starts ticking away, “who could it be???” Macy starts seeing visions (A dark pair of eyes in particular) and starts to think she is crazy when Annen (a priest) appears in her bedroom who takes her back 2000 years to the time of Cleopatras ruling. The Bloodstone being an aide to help her time travel. So she is back 2000 years and back to her previous lifes body- Charmain. Her memories of her previous life are restored.

Courtney Cole has a different versionof Cleoptra and Marc Antony for us to see. Instead of being the horrible power hungry people we were lead to believe she shows us a loving, kind and generous couple. Being Cleoptras right hand lady, Charmain (Macy) knows all that is going to happen to them having done it already 2000 years ago and the worst part is, she has to let it
happen again so to not change history. It also means letting her soul mate Hasani die again too. Now Hasani I am grateful for. He wasn't in the Rome series so I could make him up in my head all on my own ;) He is the perfect gentleman. The dark dreamy kind, I would gladly take him home. Now I cant give too much away, even though I want to just tell the entire story! The story from when she was taken back 2000 years is just fantastic! So much happens from getting her bloodstone stolen to power hungry people wanting to change Fate. I have a confession, I did shed a tear or two but I will NOT tell you why. I am itching to tell you the fate of Charmain and Hasani but I have to try and keep my mouth shut!

Cournet Cole has really done an awesome job putting Every Last Kiss together. Just by reading this you can tell the amount of research that she has done to make it as close to history as possible but still putting her own personal touches into it. She has kept it real. The way she describes Egypt as such a beautiful, magical place makes me want to go there, but 2000 years ago! After my rocky start, I just loved it! It's such a nice change to read something as fresh as Every Last Kiss was. I would definetely recommend everyone who loves YA/ Romance to read it. Even if you're not into history (like I am) you will thoroughly enjoy it. And to make it even better there are 2 more books to follow, which I will definetely be reading. Fated and With My Last Breath are
books 2 and 3 in the Bloodstone Saga. So make sure you check them outonce you have finished with Every Last Kiss.

To find out more about Courtney Cole check her out on FACEBOOK ,  GOODREADS  OR  WEBSITE

To purchase your copy of Every Last Kiss
check out KINDLE OR AMAZON PB 

And BARNES & NOBLE

Fate Fixed Blog Tour: Interview & Giveaway

Hey Book Lovers we are the next stop on the Fate Fixed Blog Tour. I was lucky to be able to interview author Bonnie Wheeler. So sit back, relax and enjoy!



What or who inspired you to become a writer?

My daughter inspired me to become a writer. In 2010 she became suddenly ill and almost passed away. It was devastating for our family. Those kinds of experiences make you examine who and what is important in your life. When I was young, I wanted to be a writer but I remember my mom telling me it was a “pipe dream,” so I gave it up. I began to realize that life is short and if there is something we really want to do, we should try. In May, Miranda was back in the hospital for an extensive surgery. Since we shared a love for paranormal romances, and I wanted to begin writing, I decided to write a novel for her. I didn’t think anyone else would even see it – I just wanted to write one for her that would give her an escape from what she was going through. Once we were back home and I was half way done, I spent the next few weeks finishing it. She loved it and begged me to publish it and so I did. That is how Fate Fixed came into being. When I told her what the other books would be about, she insisted I write a series. She’s why I am a writer. 

Who is your favorite Author & what is it that really strikes you about their work?

One of my favorite authors is Christopher Pike. I love his narrative drive and when I get to the end of his novels, I feel lost for a while because it’s done! I love that feeling with a book – especially when the characters stay with you. 

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

The hardest part was believing I had a story anyone would want to read. Our inner critics can be brutal and mine was/ is no exception. Knowing it was for my daughter helped. I thought to myself, even if she was the only to read it, it was worth doing for her.

What was the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?


It surprised me to learn that in Romania (Where the Serovs are from) – about 80% of rural farmers still believe in werewolves and that is why they hunt the timber wolves who are in great danger of extinction. That inspired me when crafting the novel – and why Alik talked about Dire Wolves failing to evolve.

Do you ever experience writers block?

I haven’t yet, but I’m sure it will come eventually. My writing teacher told the class, “if you ever get stuck, open a door or a window and let a new character walk in and it helps.” I’m keeping that in mind in case I ever need it!

What is the last book you read?

I just read Burning Autumn from young adult author Elizabeth Waldie. She is only 15 and lives in PA. Impressive first book, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the future. Plus, it had werewolves – which I am a fan of.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be? 

I would have to pick someone fictional! And – keeping in mind that I am a total dork – I would want to be someone who could spend time with vampires. Maybe Bella Swann so I could smooch Edward or Sookie Stackhouse so I could read people’s minds and go to Fangtasia!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love chasing my family around. I have three children: Miranda is 15, Justin is 14 and my little man, Bobby, is 6. I have so much fun with them. I also love when my husband takes me for rides on his motorcycle. If I need a quiet day and don’t want to write, I love going to the movies or curling up on the couch with a soft blanket, cup of tea, and an amazing book.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

I would say 99.9% is imagination, but Lexie’s grief over her father’s loss touched home with me. I lost my mom when I was 25 and I don’t think it is ever easy to lose a parent. I mourned for her and Ella when I created the story line. I remembered how painful a sudden loss is when you don’t get a chance to say good-bye, it is a terrible experience.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

It’s cliché, but I wanted to be a mommy. I loved my dolls and was a romantic, even then. I had a lot of Barbie and Ken weddings happening.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?
 
I’m not sure, but I would hope the casting director would be generous and try not to capture my insane hair! 

What project are you working on now?

I’m writing Blood Twist, The Erris Coven Series, Book 2. I am also writing a contemporary woman’s fiction novel about a family that unravels when their teen daughter runs away. I am super excited about my series though. I just love all of the characters and cannot wait to see how my readers react to the future books. We will see more Torin and Lexie and the werewolf situation, but also Brooke and Cian’s love put to the test, Teagan will finally meet a lady he cannot charm, and what secret Braden has been hiding from his family. Lot of fun things!


Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes! Write as often as possible. Even if you don’t think you have anything to say. It helps to stay in your story world. Give yourself permission to write junk, you can go back and toss out what you don’t like later. Also, if you really want to write, go ahead and do it. I always thought I had to wait until I was at a better time in my life: older, smarter, retired. I wish I had started years ago when I first dreamed of doing it.


Is there anything you’d like to say to your readers and fans?


Sure! First – thank you so much for taking the time to read my book! Also, I would like to tell them that it makes me so very happy to hear from them. I’m on Facebook and Goodreads, even Twitter. Please add me as a friend and let me know what you think! I love to talk and meet new people! Plus, my blog has a page dedicated to guest posts from authors and I love fan-fiction, so if anyone wants to write a fan-fiction piece for The Erris Coven, I will publish it on my blog! 

Light or Dark chocolate?


Light chocolate. I'm a plain Hershey's girl.

Tea or Coffee?

Both, but coffee is a must.

Dogs or Cats?


Both – They’re happy company!

Favorite Color?

Red. It’s warm and spicy!

George Clooney, Brad Pitt or Aussie Hugh Jackman?

Hugh {{{giggles}}}

Favorite Disney movie? 

Monsters, Inc. I love Boo!



Thank you Bonnie for answering my questions, it's been a pleasure having you on our blog today.



BUY LINKS: SMASHWORDS , BARNES & NOBLE , KINDLE OR AMAZON PB




                                        

                                                     AUTHOR BIO

Bonnie Wheeler lives in Torrington, Connecticut with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing or spending time with her family, she is attending classes at the University of Connecticut. Bonnie loves cooking, writing, reading, and shopping. Fate Fixed was released in July and is the first novel in The Erris Coven Series. She is hoping to release the sequel later this Fall.

For your chance to win an e-copy of Fate Fixed leave a comment with your email addy and we'll announce a winner 29th October.

THE NEXT STOP ON THE TOUR IS OVER WITH  – Poisoned Rationality