Monday, November 23, 2015

Review : Bitterroot: Part 3 by Heather Hildenbrand and S.M. Reine

Bitterroot: Part 3 

Bitterroot: Part 3 by Heather Hildenbrand and S.M. Reine

My rating: 4.5

I was really anxious to read this final installment in the Bitterroot serial series. I'm so glad that I didn't have to wait long and that this final book left me rather satisfied with the way it ended. I wasn't sure how things could possibly be resolved with the hea ending that I so desperately craved, but I should have known not to worry that these talented authors had it all under control.
Part 3 picks up with the girls now having to compete for alpha. They both want it but for very different reasons. With tensions high and the treachery afoot this one is a fast paced page turner. I really enjoyed this series and am so pleased with the way things worked out. These two authors apparently work great together because the books turned out fabulous!

** I received a digital copy of this book for review. **



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Review: Branching Out by Kerstin March

Branching OutBranching Out by Kerstin March
My rating:
3.5 stars

Branching out is a beautifully written, heartwrenching story of loss, grief, and forgiveness. It picks up shortly after the events of Family Trees and starts at a wedding. March has done a great job at weaving in details from the first book and things that happened between the two without it feeling like a history lesson. I love how poetic the writing feels and March definitely has a way with words. I do admit though that I had some trouble connecting to the story until about 80 pages in, at which point I then was completely enraptured. Branching Out definitely delivers a powerful message and although at times is rather despondent it is also very beautiful. If you love a good emotional story that will make your heart ache, then Branching Out is perfect for you. Just don't forget the tissues!

P.s. I highly recommend reading Family Trees before reading Branching Out.

** I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. *

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Free kindle books


Be sure to check out the Facebook post with a whole list of freebies over on the Book Hoarder Mom Facebook page ♡

Click here to go there now

Monday, November 9, 2015

Review: Cute Emergency


If you can't tell already by the darling cover and title, Cute Emergency is an abundance of  adorable animals with cute quotes sure to delight animal lovers young and old alike. It would make a great gift, but I warn you now you better get two because you'll want to keep one for yourself. If your having a bad day break out Cute Emergency it might just make you feel a bit better. I mean it's pretty hard not to love these sweet faces! 

** I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. ** 

Friday, October 30, 2015

Review Tour: A Faerie's Revenge

AFR_banner_002
Welcome to the blog tour for Rachel Morgan's A FAERIE'S REVENGE,
the fifth book in her Creepy Hollow series!
   
ABOUT THE BOOK
AFR_3DCOVER_350   Title: A Faerie's Revenge Author: Rachel Morgan Series: Creepy Hollow (Book #5) Published: October 27, 2015 Format: Ebook & Paperback Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Blurb: Still reeling from a shocking revelation, Calla Larkenwood finds the threads of her world unraveling further when she's accused of a horrifying crime she didn't commit. In a world where everyone keeps secrets and someone is intent on framing her, how will she figure out who to trust?
   
REVIEW

Loved it! A Faerie's Revenge is the fifth book in the Creepy Hollow series. The first three books are Violet's story and books four and five are Calla's. I would say that I love each book more and more but honestly I think they are all amazing and love them all equally lol.

A Faerie's Revenge is full of action and real emotion. I couldn't read it quick enough! I had to know what was going to happen next. After the way that A Faerie's Secret ended the way it did I needed some answers and I needed them fast! One of my favorite things about reading this series other than the world building is how easy the story seems to flow. Even when there is a lot happening from action to romance and betrayal, the writing never seems forced. It just flows and pieces everything together perfectly in ways that I didn't even see coming and it just astounds me. I went from loving a character, to hating them, to loving them again, and that can be a hard feat to pull off. A Faerie's Revenge rings true on so many subjects it's hard to put into words. It tells of love, true friendship, accepting yourself, betrayal, mistakes, forgiveness, the list just goes on and it just totally blows my mind. So if you haven't read this series yet , I give it my upmost recommendation for all fans of YA fantasy and fae.

** I received a digital copy of this book for review purposes. * * 


Teaser_001
THE TRAILER
 
AFR_CreepyHollowSeries
FIND IT HERE:
   
ABOUT RACHEL
Rachel_headshot
Rachel Morgan is a South African author who spent a large portion of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making. After completing a degree in genetics, she decided science wasn’t for her—after all, they didn’t approve of made-up facts. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults and those young at heart. She is the author of the bestselling Creepy Hollow series, and the lighthearted contemporary romance Trouble series. You can find her online at the following places:
   
AFR_Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
THE TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday (October 26th)
 
Tuesday (October 27th)
Jen's Book Review The Nerdy Girl's Book Random Things in Action Wednesday (October 28th)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Review: Owls ( Our Most Charming Bird ) by Matt Sewell




I have always been greatly fascinated by owls. They just seem to have this mysterious and enchanting air about them. That's why I was really excited about this title. The cover adorns some of the same lovely illustrations that can be found inside. I really enjoyed that each owl has it's own illustration and paragraph about that particular type. Who knew there were so many different kinds?!! I do think it is worth noting that despite the adorable pictures that I believe this book to be intended for a more mature audience. I did share some of the information inside with my daughter and show her the lovely pictures but I am glad that I was able to skim over some of the details about virgin vigils and superstitions including nailing a wing or whole Barn Owl to a barn. Not to mention that the author seems to have a rather extensive vocabulary that may be hard for younger readers to comprehend.  One feature I found especially charming was the spotting and jotting checklist in the back, to keep track of the types of owls you've seen. It definitely had me ready to spot some owls!  

For more information check out the links below:                                                               

  • More Info
  • Author Bio

  • ** I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. **

    Sunday, October 25, 2015

    Review : Bitterroot prt 2

    Bitterroot, Part 2Bitterroot, Part 2 by Heather Hildenbrand
    My rating: 5 of 5 stars

    After finishing Bitterroot part 1 I was very anxious to get my hands on part 2. I am pleased to say that it was just as exciting as the first one. The girls are getting closer to their competition and Charlie is also getting closer to Owen. The chemistry between Charlie and Owen has me all giddy and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. But in a way I feel bad for rooting for them so much knowing that their relationship would probably only drive Regan away. I find it kind of ironic that although Regan hates Owen that she wants to win the competition that would ultimately wed her to him, not only to be alpha but to protect her sister from him. But on the otherhand he is the only one Charlie really feels close to and she's determined not to lose him to her sister. I mean wow. It seems like a lose , lose situation. I sure hope that that's not the case though. Guess I will just have to wait and see with part 3. Which thankfully will be out pretty soon. So if you haven't started this serial yet, now would be a great time to do so. Being that this is the best serial novella series I've ever read, I highly recommend it to all fans of young adult paranormal romance.



    ** I received a digital copy of this book for review purposes. **


    Friday, October 23, 2015

    Review: A Faerie's Secret ( Creepy Hollow bk 4 ) by Rachel Morgan




     Okay, I'll admit it, I was a little wary to start reading this one. Only because I loved the first three books in this series so much ( so so much ) and was worried about the 10 year time jump and switch of main character. But there was no way I could not read it ( you know what I mean? ). So anyways it didn't take long at all and I was once again absorbed in the world of Creepy Hollow. I felt foolish for ever doubting that Rachel Morgan could pull me in and make me love this book just as much as the others. Calla was an easy character to fall into instalike with and I just couldn't wait to go on this adventure with her. I want to keep my review as spoiler free as possible so bare with me if I don't go into too much detail about the story plot. With that said, the ending has me extremely happy that I already have a copy of book 5 waiting in my kindle because OH MY GOODNESS!!! I did not see that coming! Just wow! 
     If you have not read The Creepy Hollow series you could start with this one but honestly I'm not sure why you would want to miss all the amazingness ( is that a word? ) of the first three books to this spellbinding series. I believe newcomers to the series would enjoy this book but even more so those who have read the previous books. I loved getting to have a little peek into the lives of previous friends ( and foes ) of the series and highly recommend them all to basically everyone who's a fan of YA and the fae. Happy Reading!!! 

    A Faerie's Revenge is due to release Oct 27th.

    ** I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review. ** 

    Monday, October 12, 2015

    Review: The Time Garden A MAGICAL JOURNEY AND COLORING BOOK By DARIA SONG



    This not only is my first time reviewing a coloring book but this is my first experience with such a sophisticated and beautiful coloring book as well. I love that there is a beautiful short story to go along with these gorgeous illustrations. Was it all a dream? One would be lucky to have their dreams filled with such lovely images. An owl, stars, flowers, and a tree much like the one on the cover are just a few of the exquisite things you will find inside, as we are carried along on a little girl's journey through the German antique cuckoo clock her father has brought home. 

    The Time Garden features not only a dazzling removable and colorable jacket cover, but also gold-foil stamping on the cover and spine that would make this a wonderful gift for your loved ones young and old alike. My daughter's eyes got very big upon seeing it and she instantly asked to have a turn coloring in my fancy coloring book and declared she needs one just as fancy for Christmas. I love the sense of awe,wonder, and mystery The Time Garden has evoked in my heart as I explored it's pages and I have already added Daria Song's sequel "The Time Chamber" to my wishlist. Find out more about The Time Garden and Daria Song at the links below: 


  • More Info 
  • Author Bio


  • * I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. *


    Tuesday, October 6, 2015

    Thursday, October 1, 2015

    Review: Dark Heart of Magic



    Synopsis from Goodreads

    Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2)




    My Review: 

     First of all I would like to say that I love Jennifer Estep's writing! I have read her entire Mythos Academy series and now the first two books of this series and I am just awed at how she can completely absorb me in whatever world she is writing about. I always have to wait a couple days before reading something else after finishing one of her books because everything still feels too real for me to move on yet. Dark Heart of Magic was no exception. I immediately found myself once again immersed in this world of monsters and magical mafia type families. Lila is just the type of girl I like to read about. She's smart, savvy, and full of spunk. She could kick most any jerk's butt and doesn't mind letting them know she'll do it. She never fails to make me smile. Then of course I am a sucker for the romance and Devon is super swoon-worthy. I love that instead of the typical bad boy type he is a genuinely good guy who is tough and loyal. You may would think that would be boring but it definitely is not. It just works for him. Maybe because although Lila is supposed to be his body guard he wouldn't hesitate to protect her instead * insert dreamy far off stare here *. Add in a his best friend who's a big flirt who's dating a member of the rival family, the Draconi's, and there's lots of fun excitement to keep me thoroughly captivated from beginning to end. Not too mention that someone is killing monsters and trying to sabotage the Tournament of Blades! If you read the first book, Cold Burn of Magic,there were a couple of shocking revelations in this one that you definitely don't want to miss! I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the next book ( Hope I don't have to wait too long! ). 

    I highly recommend the Black Blade series to lovers of YA urban fantasy with some romance and those who enjoyed Estep's Mythos Academy series. 


    ** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review ** 

    Saturday, September 26, 2015

    Bitterroot post and review




    BITTERROOT Part 1
    by Heather Hildenbrand & SM Reine

    Seventeen year-old Regan Vuk has lived her whole life under the shadow of her future: the pack alpha. She is fast, smart, and determined. According to her own pack members, she is a shoo-in. But Regan’s dad has a secret.

    Seventeen year-old Charlie spent her adolescence drifting from place to place with a mother desperate to hide her illegitimate daughter from the unforgiving reality of werewolf pack dynamics. All Charlie has ever wanted is to know her father--and the family that's been kept from her all these years. But most of all, she wants a place to belong in the world. Where she doesn’t have to pretend she can’t sprout fur and paws at will. Being kidnapped on her way home from prom was not she Charlie had in mind.

    When Charlie finds out the only way to fit in with her new family is to defeat her long-lost sister for the role of alpha, she refuses. That is until she learns that the strange and alluring vampire she's befriended, Owen, is the same vampire prince that's been promised the winner.

    Regan has no doubt that, although she loathes the vampires, it will be her who "wins" Owen. 

    Only problem: Charlie's already fallen for him.

    Bitterroot is a Young Adult Paranormal with a dose of sibling rivalry... Who will you root for?





    Contest! Help spread the word about Bitterroot!

    Share the following message on Twitter, FB, or IG OR follow me on any of these platforms and get entered to win a signed swag pack including a paperback of Seasons of the Moon by SM Reine & Dirty Blood by ME! Contest ends 9/26!*

    2 sisters. 1 vampires prince. Can family survive forbidden love? #Bitterroot for .99. http://bit.ly/Bitterroot1

    *Contest not affiliated with FB, IG, Twitter, or any other outside entity. Must be 13 years or older. Void where prohibited.

    Wednesday, September 23, 2015

    The Secrets of Blood and Bone




    I didn't realize this was the second book in a series when I requested it. So I haven't read the first book in this series yet. I've heard some say that for them this second book was fine as a stand alone novel. I  was pretty confused and although I could piece together the story somewhat I really feel like reading the first book would exponentially increase my enjoyment and understanding of this story.  I feel it would be unfair to judge this book critically since it was my mistake of not realising it was a second book in a series and it definitely seems interesting enough that I'd like to go back and read book one and then reread this one to get a better picture of the whole story.



    ** I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. **

    Saturday, September 12, 2015

    Wednesday, September 2, 2015

    Free & Cheap kindle books 9/2/2015


     Alpha Girl series by Aileen Erin 


    Book 1 ( FREE ) - Becoming Alpha

    Book 2 ( FREE ) - Avoiding Alpha

    Book 3 ( $1.99 ) - Alpha Divided

    Book 4 ( $2.99 ) - Bruja 










    University Park Series Box Set Books 1-3 by CM Doporto ( $0.99 )  


    University Park Series Box Set: Books 1-3









    Heller Brothers Hockey - A Five Book Hockey Romance Collection by Kelly Jamieson ( $0.99 ) 






    Double check prices before purchase please. Prices may change.


    Monday, August 31, 2015

    Review: Faking Perfect by Rebecca Phillips











































    Faking Perfect

    My Review: 

















      











               FakingPerfect by Rebecca Phillips
                                       
    4.5 stars

    Faking Perfect is the perfect title for this book. Lexi Shaw spends everyday faking perfect. She has spent the past three years reinventing herself and trying so hard to get the world to see her as she wants to be seen. Even if it's not the real her. But I mean really who could blame her? Her mother is a horrible alcoholic who dates losers and her father is an addict that hasn't been in her life since she was four. I think she's so desperate not to be like her mother that she is willing to spend everyday chasing that unattainable perfection that she craves. Although she uses Tyler and ignores him at school, not wanting anyone to know about them, I think there's also a poetic romance to the fact that for a long time he is the only one who truly knows the real Lexi. Of course she is caught up on golden boy Ben. She thinks he is perfect and that appeals to her. If she could be Ben's girlfriend then that means she's good enough for Mr. Perfect himself right? But people aren't always who we think they are or want them to be and Lexi has to find this out the hard way. Tyler is not as prominent in this story as I'd like but he is an ever looming presence. He starts breaking Lexi's rules and acting out but also Lexi can't seem to stop thinking about him. He is not who she thinks she should be with at all but she craves his touch. On top of all of that she finds out some things about her dad and has to try to deal with that as well.

    Overall I really enjoyed Faking Perfect. It was a quick read and had believable and flawed characters just the way I like. I could really relate to Lexi struggling with figuring out that line between being better, being herself, and trying too hard to be perfect. One of my favorite things about this book is how raw and honest it is. The trials Lexi faced are a great representation of things that a true teenager may have to deal with in day to day life. Faking Perfect is a great YA contemporary about self discovery and I'd highly recommend it to fans of this genre. I would love to read more from this author.

    ** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review **


    Tuesday, August 25, 2015

    Harvest Moon Cover Reveal



    Harvest Moon - Moon Series Book 4
    RELEASE DAY - Sept. 28, 2015


    Harvest_Moon_500.jpg


    Some wolves were never meant for a mate...
    Dr. Jason Ayers unleashes all of his rage and his frustration through fists and brute force in an underground boxing ring. The werewolf may be the pack's doctor, but he can't even heal his coma-stricken father after the Nero Organization's attack stopped his heart. And as his Pack brothers settle down around him, he still refuses to believe in the fairy tale notion that every wolf has a true mate...
    In hiding and on the run, nurse Kilani Akamu is a loose end that Nero is desperate to tie up. She can't afford to be attracted to a doctor-especially one as unexpectedly hot and complex as Jason. Yet the sexual sparks arcing between them are undeniable...and Kilani's precognitive senses warn her that temptation is inevitable.
    All it takes is one touch to send Jason's wolf howling. But even if he could protect her from Nero, he can't protect her from himself...




    Facebook Launch Party - You’re all invited!  https://www.facebook.com/events/1484763798506655/