Guest Review- Raven by Suzy Turner

Title- Raven
Author- Suzy Turner
Genre- YA Fantasy
Published- 8th of May 2011
Publisher- Suzanne Turner Publishing

Guest Reviewer- Michelle Mesics!

Blurb- Her whole life had been based on a lie. Lilly had grown up in a loveless home with a father who she had barely ever seen and a mother who was... well, not very motherly.
After they mysteriously disappear without a trace, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is.
Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.

Review- This is a really good read ! The story flows so easily and with lots of different supernatural creatures introduced through the story, it really keeps you interested. The story is about a 13 year old girl called Raven who has grown up in London with parents who had never shown her any love or attention. Then one day she comes home from school to find they have disappeared. Her kind neighbours take her in until she is flown to Canada to live with her paternal grandfather that she never knew she had. Once Raven is there she discovers she has an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins who all welcome her with open arms. She finally feels like she belongs and loved. She settles in quickly to her new life and family, and even has her first romance with a boy called Oliver. But she starts having strange dreams about cats and ravens and being able to fly. When the dreams become more frequent and vivid, her grandfather Gabriel finally tells her the truth about her family, about her real mother and that her father’s family were actually descendants of ravens and could morph into the bird, and that her mother’s family could morph into cats. All the creatures she thought existed in fairy tales were real : werewolves, vampires, witches, ghosts, you name it. A world that seemed so alien to her would soon become her every day life.

The author’s description of Canada is really good, it sounds like a gorgeous place to visit!! Although it is wonderful to see Raven treated so good, sometimes the many references to how much her family love her and how good it feels to belong gets a little much. One of my favourite characters is Rose, Raven’s aunty. She is artistic , loves music and her cats. She is so kind to Raven when she first meets her, a real grandmother-type figure, and very supportive of Raven when she learns the truth about her family and their special powers. There are alot of good characters in this book, and it is a really great story. I look forward to reading the next book in the saga.

The second book in the Raven Saga is now available. Be sure to check out DECEMBER MOON

To learn more about Suzy Turner and her upcoming projects visit here BLOG or GOODREADS

Raven is FREE right now in Ebook form on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE and SMASHWORDS

What a great review! Thanks again to Michelle for helping us out with our reviews! You did a great job! *applause*

Renee & Stacey

Review- Mark of the Seer

Title- Mark of the Seer
Author- Jenna Kay
Genre- YA Paranomal
Publisher- Crushing Heart and Black Butterfly Publishing
Expected Release Date- 29th of February 2012

Blurb- CLARITY MILLER always thought of her life as semi-normal. She had friends that would do anything for her, a boyfriend that was madly in love with her, and a roof over her head that she shared with her aunt.

Everything seemed to be falling into place. That is, until the day she met Sam.

When Sam informs her that he’s her guardian angel and that she has been given the gifts of a Seer, her life starts spiraling out of control. She wants nothing to do with the spiritual realm.

All she wants is to have a normal life as a teenager, but when a tragedy occurs that causes the whole town of Garlandton to fall to its knees she realizes that she has a very important decision to make.

Should she embrace the life of a Seer?
Only time will tell . . .
Review- What an intriguing story about the battle between good and evil with a very creative twist to it. Jenna Kay has taken the well used tale of good vs evil to another level with her use of such amazing creativity and imagination. The characters in the book (and not just the main ones) had their backgrounds explained at some point in the book which I loved. I find that some books I read we are given characters and have to create their lives in our mind. Jenna Kay made sure that we had a platform for them. Greatly appreciated! Mark of the Seer is fast paced with a main storyline and lots of events happening in between which means I didn't get bored. Even if the paranormal genre isn't your thing I honestly believe that all types of people will enjoy this book. Young and old. So make sure you get your copy once it's released!

For more information on Jenna and Mark of the Seer check out her GOODREADS , WEBSITE and FACEBOOK

Check out Crushing Heart and Black Butterfly Publishing HERE

Follower Love Giveaway Hop

Hey all,

We are so happy to be apart of this amazing hop. With over 300 blogs participating, there will be so much fun to be had!  We are number 311 on the list, a big "Thank you" to I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Rachael Renee Anderson for hosting this hop.

On with our giveaway...

I made this little collage of the books I'm looking forward to the most, some have already been released, most have not. These will be the winners choices...

What a list ha?! Cause we love our followers so much we'll be having 2 winners. All you have to do to enter is fill out the rafflecopter form below. Good Luck to you all! :) (If you're having trouble identifying the books from the picture, I've listed them all on the form.)

Book Review: Devotion by Kristie Cook

Title: Devotion (Soul Savers #3)
Author: Kristie Cook
Released: 31st January 2012
Published by: Ang'dora Productions, LLC
Edition: E-ARC

Blurb: With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge— protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

Someone’s keeping a secret. A big one. Faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight . . . who will?


My Rating: A MUST READ!!!


My Review: Firstly, just look at the gorgeous cover. Amazing work from Author Brenda Pandos. I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Kristie Cook for giving me the opportunity to review Devotion. After reading Promise, Purpose & Genesis I was dying to dive straight back into this mind blowing world Kristie has created....

One word.. PHENOMENAL!! I have to admit I'm so in love with this series, with some series after the first book they start to go down hill. But with the Soul Savers series, each book always brings a new and spin-tingling adventure. Devotion has hit the ball right out of the park!

Kristie knows how to capture her audience and keep them hanging on her every word to the very end. Her writing style is truly astounding, with her words you can picture in your minds eye everything that's happening, the detail and descriptions make you feel like you actually there standing along side the characters.

This book has everything..ultimate betrayal, heart pounding excitment, toe curling romance, heart wrenching sadness (tissues may be required, *sniffles* lol), all of it sums up to be a full mind blower. The other thing I love about these books is that even when you finish the last page and close the book, your mind is still buzzing from what you've read. Even when you lay down to sleep, it crawls back into your mind and your on the adventure all over again.

I seriously just couldn't put this book down, my kindle went with me everywhere. Even sitting in the doctor's office waiting my turn I was devouring this book. If you haven't read this series I recommend you do so...RIGHT NOW!!! Go get swept up like I did.

I can't WAIT for book 4, cause if it's anything like this one I may be left simply speechless! ;)

BUY LINKS

AMAZON PB , KINDLE , BARNES & NOBLE , SMASHWORDS

So what you waiting for? Go get your copies right now, don't miss out on such a thrilling journey.

Also you can find Kristie Cook in these places..

FACEBOOK , WEBSITE , GOODREADS OR TWITTER

RELIC Blog Tour: Book Review / Giveaway

Hey all, we're the next stop on Deena's awesome RELIC tour.

Title: Relic (A Brethren Novel)
Author: Deena Remiel
Released: 27th January 2012
Published by: Decadent Publishing
Edition: Review copy

Blurb: Raphael, a Brethren Savior, an angel with a forgotten past, has lost his power to heal and is on a self-imposed guilt trip to get it back. If he can’t, his tour of eternal duty as Brethren Savior will be revoked. On his journey, he winds up enmeshed in a web of attempted murder and resurrection, all thanks to a woman he’s only seen in a photograph and by chance on an Arizona desert hiking trail.

Serena Sikes is a wanted woman. Desired by “undesirables” for a gift her brother gave her—a stolen relic with suspected healing powers. Hunted down in the Arizona desert and left for dead, she is found by none other than the angel who cannot heal.

Raphael and Serena are inexorably bound together, for locked deep within the relic’s heart had lived the soul of his long lost wife. Now, it resides inside Serena. Evil lurks around every corner as Raphael tries to keep both Serena and his dead wife’s soul alive and lustful temptation at bay.

Three souls bound together by an ancient relic, bound by a timeless gift, and bound by a love that is eternal.



My Rating: A MUST READ!!!!


My Review: I was lucky enough to recieve a review copy from the author, I was so excited to get started. Deena Remiel is such an amazing writer, I love all her work. This story seriously doesn't disappoint.

There's a saying, "Lightning never strikes the same place twice." but with Deena's Brethren series, not only has it struck once, twice but THREE times (can't forget about Brethren Beginnings). The electric current will leave you simply breathless! I can still feel the zing!

RELIC we meet some new and very exciting (sexy) characters, and of course our favourite characters are back and always bringing a smile and giggle with them. Raphael and Serena's story is full of danger, action, romance, passion... (you get the idea) *winks*

Raphael is the perfect savior, he's sweet, loyal and has such a protective streak you never want to cross him especially when it comes to family.

Serena is such a lovely girl, she's been through so much hardship in her life. Her mother dying at a young age and her father being in a home with no acknowledgment to her presence. Also a brother who has a very naughty streak which keeps getting him into trouble. But through all that she still comes out on the other side with her head held high, I truly admire her strong personality.

All the characters have their unique and fun personalities, and each one brings life to this story.

This series is a must read, if you love action packed books with a touch of Romance, I recommend you get your hands on the Brethren series. Starting with book 1 Trinity. They're sure to bring a spark of Angel dust to your dreams.  (For mature audiences only! 15+)


BUY LINKS: At the moment Trinity & Relic are .99c each on Kindle (until Feb 25th), so don't miss out on this amazing offer!

TRINITY on Kindle  &  RELIC on Kindle


To be entered to win a e-book copy of book 1 Trinity just leave us a comment with your email addy, we'll choose a winner on 7th Febuary using Random.org.

Good Luck!
Here's the awesome trailer...

You can stalk Deena in these places... Website , Goodreads , Facebook or Twitter

So, what you waiting for? Go get your copy/s NOW!!! ;D

COVER REVEAL!!!

                 Sequel to Brighter Kind Of Darkness

Lucid releases spring of 2012 (official date to be announced)

Links:
Twitter | Facebook | Website | Goodreads

This is such a gorgeous cover!! If you haven't read book 1 Brightest Kind Of Darkness we recommend you check it out!! More info on Goodreads

Guest Review- The Gifted Ones- A Memoir by Lisa Vaughn

Title- The Gifted Ones- A Memoir
Author- Lisa Vaughn
Released- April 19th 2011
Publisher- CreateSpace
Guest Reviewer- Michelle Mesics

Blurb- Lisa was conservatively raised in a Catholic family in no-where middle America, where excitement is scarce and dreams are for sleeping. Little did she know, at age thirteen, she would suddenly find herself on a totally different path. Through an unlikely chance meeting of a fellow classmate, she's surprisingly mesmerized, almost consumed, to befriend a girl who is obviously from the other side of the tracks...the cool side. Lisa does whatever she has to just to be accepted into this small club of coolness. Little did she realize, she was signing up for a lot more than social status. The two best friends find themselves innocently taking their relationship to a foreign level neither had experienced or saw coming. A rollercoaster ride littered with choices and challenges Lisa never fathomed facing, especially in no-where middle America. She will find out what she is made of as she faces the consequences and struggles that come along with going against the grain. Throughout their six year relationship, you will witness a touching story of human nature at it's best...and at it's worst. Showing just how far the human spirit can be challenged and pushed to a point where your “fight or flight” instincts naturally kick in. Struggling just to survive in a world where you are not like everyone else, but at the same time you really are. The daily struggles- both internal and external- are exhausting, yet necessary in their quest for one simple human need....love. Finally breaking through all constraints that hold them back, reaching levels of one-ness that few actually obtain in a lifetime with their partner...only to find once they've reached that special place, it's not quite the right fit...for one of them, at least. This contemporary story will lead the reader through highs and lows, giving insight to the every day challenges of the socially unaccepted, which will no doubt leave them rooting for the underdog. Appealing to a wide variety of audiences, both homosexual and heterosexual, as the true message is not sexually based. A true story of human resilience and the power of love...plain and simple.

Review- I just want to start out by thanking Renee and Stacey for asking to write a review for the blog, I’m very honoured !! ( Sorry it took so long!)

I really enjoy reading autobiographies and real life stories as much as novels, especially when they are well written like Lisa Vaughn’s memoir. Lisa is a fantastic writer, and the start of her memoir draws you in straight away because she starts it with every teenage girl’s worse nightmare: her parents finding her diary!! You just have to keep reading to find out what was written in that diary and to find out the repercussions of her parents reading it !! Her memoir is mainly about her teenage/ early adult years and about her falling in love for the first time. Lisa’s writings about her antics as a teenager really brought back memories and had me smiling. From how she got along with some teachers and not with others, and especially the story about telling her parents she was going bowling but really going elsewhere to party with her friends! Who hasn’t done that?? ( Not me Mum, honest !! ) I really loved the way Lisa describes her romance, especially the early days when they were so caught up in their own world and did everything they could to spend as much time together as they could. It was wonderful, and I’m sure it will make everyone remember what that feeling was like, as I know it did for me. Her descriptions of what life was like growing up in the early 70’s and early 80’s with strict religious parents was great, a lot of people will be able to relate to that. It makes you very sympathetic to Lisa, you feel sad when things go bad for her and very happy when things are going well. The way she describes the other people in her life was great, you could almost picture them in your head and it felt like you knew them personally.

Overall this is just a really great book.Lisa’s writing style makes you just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I totally recommend this book and look forward to reading more from her.

Shell xo

For more information head to The Gifted Ones BLOGSPOT

And to purchase your copy head to AMAZON or SMASHWORDS

I would just like to thank Shell for taking time to help us out with our reviews. You did an amazing job!

Renee and Stacey