Embrace

By: Jessica Shirvington

Series: The Violet Eden Chapters

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It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”
Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.
Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.
A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

This was an exceptional start to a series. I was an instant fan to Jessica’s writing as well as the story she telling. It was my pleasure to participate in this Blog Tour, and spread the word about this amazing new series. This is a must read, and one that promises excellent reviews to come. I chose to post a guest post for my participation in this tour, and my guest post today “Where Are You From” will help us learn a little more about the writer behind this awesome book.

 

Where Are You From?
By Jessica Shirvington

In my first draft of EMBRACE (there were eight!), I didn’t set the city. I was in two minds the entire time. I suppose I was drawing on all the places I have been around the world. Although I now live in Sydney, when I started to write EMBRACE, my family and I had just moved back from six years living in London. And prior to that, I’d spent quite a lot of time traveling to many cities around the world – so much so, that when I was writing scenes in EMBRACE, I found myself thinking of different cities around the world and never being able to truly decided which one most suited Violet’s world.

In my second and third and fourth drafts, I chose different cities (I’ll never tell) from around the world and set Violet’s story there. But each time, it felt forced.

I wanted her to live in a city, as opposed to some small town where all these major apocalyptic events just miraculously found her. To be believable she had to be in a metropolitan environment, but which one?

In the end, the answer was … any of them, and none of them. It wasn’t that the cities I chose didn’t work; it was that in my mind I’d amalgamated them into what I needed for her story to work for me. So I made the decision to give that option to all of my readers and simply called her city, the City.

It isn’t the ‘done thing’ usually, but I believe for this story, it works. I want readers to be able to put this story where they know. If they live in a city, it can be there, if they live in a rural area, then it isn’t a stretch for them to imagine a city nearby. It is an element of control that I wanted to give to the reader.

That said, I like a little control myself … and I discovered that by giving this open setting for Violet’s hometown, it also opened up the possibility to use other locations around the world that would really pop off the page.
In ENTICED (the sequel, out in September!), Violet and her friends find themselves traveling to Jordan – on a quest to the place of Moses’ death – Mount Nebo. In EMBLAZE (book 3, out March 2013) they travel to the island of Santorini in Greece, which is small and stunning, and holds terrors that none of them are prepared for.
Each book I take the characters somewhere new and as I write the series, I have discovered how very important this is to me. I want my characters to go to the world, to find the problems and be part of the solution, rather than the fight always, and too conveniently, finding them.

Embrace

By: Jessica Shirvington

Series: The Violet Eden Chapters

My Copy: Review Galley from Sourcebooks

BookWhisperer Rating:

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It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”
Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.
Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.
A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

Embrace is an eye catcher from the start; it has such a beautifully simple cover that will grab or attention right away. I have had this book on my to read list for some time now, and have had some struggle getting to it. Now I am kicking myself for the delay that I have allowed in getting to it. Embrace is an exceptional read, and I am a new fan for The Violet Eden Chapters. I must warn readers that I would label this a Mature YA Paranormal Romance, because it does include so advanced sexual content. From the first line Violet's story is straight forward and enticing. At first glance, Violet is just your average everyday girl with a major crush; but as the story unfolds what we actually find is a deep seeded and dedicated love and thrilling story about a very special girl. As Violet travels this road of self-discovery readers will clutch desperately to the hope of resolution for this young girl. As her world crumbles further this glimmer of hope will slip away until it’s seems merely a fantasy.  The raw emotion pouring from these pages will absorb readers into the story, and overwhelm them with a realistic experience that leaves them demanding more. This love triangle between Lincoln, Phoenix, and Violet is deeply troubling as we find ourselves caught in the web of truths and lies; one will remain standing but this will prove and unexpected surprise til the last moment. While seeing the good in both characters, and their absolute dedication to Violet it becomes harder and harder distinguish where loyalties lie. Shirvington has left off with a conclusion that will wrap up some loose ends, but leaves the future uncertain for where the next book will take us. Enticed is book two of The Violet Eden Chapters, and it is scheduled for release September of 2012.

Series: The Dark Divine Trilogy Book 3
Publisher: Egmont USA
Released: March 13th, 2012
My Copy: NetGalley Ebook

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:
The Savage Grace is book three in the Dark Divine Series. Over the past two books readers have followed this dark and twisting journey for Grace and Daniel. After uncovering that Grace's brother was alive and well; they must come to grips with the knowledge that he has also become their enemy. With Daniel stuck in the form of the white wolf; Grace is on her own to uncover how to save him and everyone else she loves. This was a very character developing story for Grace. The changes in her since the beginning of the series have been tremendous, but in this book alone it is easy to observe her character transforming from a young girl to a woman. Quite a bit of time is deciated to this throughout, and will slightly change the pace of this novel compared to the other. Although, don't be alarmed about halfway through Bree Despain shifts direction and the action and anticipation with start to grow. The conclusion carries the intensity that will readers have come to love in the Dark Divine series. Unfortunately, this seemed to be the end of the Dark Divine Trilogy, and I have to say that it has been a hell of a ride. I was a little shocked that it ended like it did, but when I reflect I believe that Despain created an ending that previews the future for Grace and Daniel without uncovering all the mystery. I look forward to seeing what the future hold for Bree Despain. As a talented and already successful author the opportunities should be endless.

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Published: January 8th, 2012

My Copy: Ebook provided by the Author

BookWhisperer Rating:
About the book:
Every summer, when the willow trees blow lazily in the breeze Maven Wilder goes back to Portwood. At one time she was sure she knew what love was. She thought she was in it, but not anymore.
Maven never expected to meet Henri Levitt that summer. A brown-haired, brown-eyed guy that keeps to himself and is always working odd jobs, Henri lives with relatives and comes off a bit depressed. He’s happy to stay busy, and if that means little social life, that is fine by him.
Nobody in Portwood thinks twice about Henri. And it’s only after an embarrassing accident happens at The Yogurt Hut that Maven even notices him. After meeting Henri that day, Maven’s life changes in ways she never counted on.
Spending the summer with Henri shows Maven there is more to life than heartbreak, and that some people do change you for the better. Maven learns a lot over the summer. And after meeting Henri, her life will never be the same.
As an avid reader, I have become used to the highs and lows of emotion in my books. With that said it is very difficult to spark an emotion dark enough to make me cry, but Perfectly Hopeless reaches deep enough to touch that nerve. As I was blubbering I was shocked to realize this story have affected me so deeply.  This was a terrible story about young love and loss. I was so caught up in the romance between Maven and Henri that I was blindsided we he began showing symptoms of being sick. Maven nor Henri really acknowledge the future they were desperate to live for today, and enjoy every minute. It is tragic that a young couple could find what many will search for for a lifetime; only to have it yanked back so quickly. Life can be so unfair, and this is an example of that reality when a simple dance and a scuffle with an ex-boyfriend would be the weight between life and death. This story will leave readers speechless, and overcome by the grief felt from within these pages.

I added All the Wrong Reasons to my list after finding it reviewed as a must read for Beautiful Disaster Fans. I concur whole heartedly with this statement, and I am frustrated with myself for overlooking this book for so long. The cover for this novel, while fitting, does not do this story justice. All the Wrong Reasons is fast paced and effortlessly sucks you into the story. Irelyn's life resembled that of a caged animal; as she constantly tries to live up to the expectations of her prestige Grandparents. As she stands on the brink of adulthood; this young girl should be living and experiencing life, but it is apparently obvious that under watchful eyes she must scrutinize her every action. As Irelyn embarks on her first year in college she finds herself enjoying the freedom and friendship, but when she willingly walks into arms of one HOT lead singer in a local band she begins to question where her future is heading and just who and what makes her happy.  This is an incredible story about self discovery, betrayal, and love that refuses to release you even after the last page. I never thought it possible to hold my breath through an entire book, but All the Wrong Reasons proves it. Be prepared for the rolling coaster of emotions as this story unfolds.
**Stop here to avoid spoilers**
Some details that I would like to point out about this book are included here. I didn't want to include them with the first part of the review for fear of ruining the story for other readers. First off, I love the way this author makes the main character appear as the villain for much of this book. With two loving and wonderful guys chasing her it is easy to sympathize with her current situation, but it is also possible to lay blame where it is due as she leaves a trail of unresolved issues along the way. She knowingly opens her arms to this disaster, although I don't quite blame her; but this open the door for the avalanche that will follow. Lucas perceives himself as the "bad guy" of the story, but at no point was I capable of viewing him as such. It is obvious from the start that this was never an affair or a fling. Readers will endure her rollercoaster relationship, but silently find themselves in love with one. Some characters true colors remain hidden for a majority of the story, but in the climax of the story true identities emerge unfold the deeper meaning in the story. As everything begins falling apart readers will find themselves furious with the situation and at the reality of the choices proving just how unfair life can really be. This story is not only a romance, but a realistic display of finding yourself and being true to yourself. I loved every second to this story, and recommend it to everyone. If you are desperate to read something you can feel this is the book for you.

I sure do love a beautiful cover. This one is definitely drool worthy. Lonely Souls by Karice Bolton

Witch Avenue Series

Release Schedule for June 2012

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It's two weeks before Triss turns 18, and her world is about to change into the most magical one imaginable as she readies herself to enter The Witch Avenue Order... that is until her mother's disappearance. Instead of celebrating her transformation, she finds herself spreading rose petals into her mother's empty grave.

When Logan, her best friend from junior high, moves back to town for college, he vows to help her find the answers she so desperately seeks surrounding her mother's disappearance. As they begin uncovering clues, it becomes apparent that the life of white magic they both grew up loving, is not what the majority practices, and their lives are in danger.

With a haunting feeling that her mother may still be alive, she begins to hear a call to the wilderness. Triss realizes that in order to find the answers she needs, she must learn the ways of her ancestors and become the hunter, not the hunted before it's too late, and she becomes part of the lonely souls.

For More about this author check her out at any of the outlets below:

Karice Bolton's Website

Karice Bolton's Blog

Facebook: Karice Bolton

Twitter: @KariceBolton

Title: The Key

By: Felicia Rogers

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

My Copy: Ebook provided by Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

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A teenage girl suffering from a family tragedy, Maddie Clevenger is oblivious to the ancient mystery surrounding her. She's young and incredibly unlucky, in life and in love. She should be enjoying her senior year of high school, but instead she is tormented by a reoccurring nightmare and a very real stalker. But all that changes when Chase Donovan, an Air Force brat with a protective streak, shows up at school. Will Chase be the key to helping her solve her stalker problem? Will he be the key to solving the mystery surrounding her family's past?

I experience something very unusual while read this novel. There are many times that I find a book that will begin slowly, but turn out to be an extraordinary story diamonds in the ruff. I hate having to give any type of negative reviews, but this story was exactly the opposite for me. Starting out I was feeling the characters, and engrossed with the direction of this story. As the story continued it almost seemed to lose some of it momentum, and I became distant from the story. As the details mounted and the characters became more complex it felt as the though they were not longer so clear cut for my understanding. As I struggled with the remainder of the story; I desperately hope to see more from this author that will carry the same aggression that I experienced in the beginning of this story.

Title: Violet Midnight

By: Allie Burke

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

My Copy: Ebook from the Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Tell Me About It:

He knew she was gone the second her cool touch withdrew from his arm. He never saw her but had felt her disappear into some cold, dark place. He perceived the black emptiness where she had been summoned, her deep anxiety filling his heart. But he couldn't reach her. He didn't even know her name.
Elias moved to Hazel Grove, California to get away from the rain, his parents, and everything that was taken from him in Hayward, Washington. But he thinks he may be going crazy when he starts seeing purple glitter in the air, the scent of rosemary is everywhere, and he is hearing a beautiful voice.
Jane is content in her life of solitude in the quiet town of Jasmyn Lake, but when her special magic sends her on a journey to meet the man she has been dreaming about for months, she cannot resist.
Look into the world of The Enchanters, where water has a sense of humor, trees scare people, and love - is destiny.

Violet Midnight was a difficult book to review. From the start it was confusing and a bit frustrating. The author jumps into a story running, and with the lack of transitions between characters and time from one chapter to the next this was almost overwhelming. Curiosity seemed to push me through the struggles, but once the story slowly came together it was lacking the emotional pull that would accompany a great read. Overall, I can say after concluding the book that was mildly entertained, but this is not a story that I would care to revisit.

Title: Whisper Cape

By: Regan Walsh

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Tell me about it:

Escape to a world where the impossible becomes possible.
WHISPER CAPE is a town of secrets and Addison MacKenna soon becomes tangled in a web of them. Plagued with nightmares of her father’s sudden and brutal death, Addie struggles with her anguish and refuses to believe his demise was accidental.
Fighting to shake off one of those devastating early morning nightmares, Addison finds it even harder to escape from the vision of a man lying on the side of the road—a man she may have just killed. When she frantically tries to locate him, he seemingly disappears, just the beginning of strange occurrences in her life. She also cannot ignore the weird sensations in her own body. Suddenly, the impossible seems possible, but is that a blessing or a curse?
Believing that her continual and worsening nightmares are both the key to her own new abilities and the clue to her father’s death, Addie knows she will not rest until she has the answers she craves. As she strives to cope with her new remarkable talents, someone else learns of her abilities—a disgruntled maniacal psychopath with his own agenda that involves eliminating Addie. The only one who can protect her, instruct her in the use of her powers and teach her how to destroy the murderous monster is the same man who makes Addie’s heart race and her blood heat with passion. The same man she’d left for dead.
Cael Sheridan may be arrogant and mysterious but he's also undeniably gorgeous. A member of a secret society, he is sworn to protect the woman he believes to be the daughter of his recently murdered mentor. In the process, he finds it impossible to resist her magnetic sensuality, complicating his efforts to shield and guide her as she learns to manage her newly acquired skills. At the same time, Addison has much to teach him about trust and commitment. Fate has brought them together, but will it make them stronger or destroy them both in end?

This is perfect The BookWhisperer reviews Whisper Cape, fitting huh? Whisper Cape is an intense romance; with a touch of paranormal. With Addison as the main character this is a easy going and laid back atmosphere relates to her genuine and good natured personality. When women start appearing dead about the small town of Whisper Cape Addison soon finds herself the victim of one strangers desires. This is not your chick lit, or fancy dancy love story; but rather a brutal and honest romance that promises to get your blood pumping. This novel was intended as a romance, and directs more of its attention in that direction. Personally, I am a huge fan of amazing stories that includes a romance; Whisper Cape appears to be more of a romance, and a little bit of an incredible story.

In celebration of my participating in the Book Tour for Whisper Cape I will be holding a contest for one ebook copy for one lucky winner. Details about the book are below.

Tell me more:
Escape to a world where the impossible becomes possible.

WHISPER CAPE is a town of secrets and Addison MacKenna soon becomes tangled in a web of them. Plagued with nightmares of her father’s sudden and brutal death, Addie struggles with her anguish and refuses to believe his demise was accidental.

Fighting to shake off one of those devastating early morning nightmares, Addison finds it even harder to escape from the vision of a man lying on the side of the road—a man she may have just killed. When she frantically tries to locate him, he seemingly disappears, just the beginning of strange occurrences in her life. She also cannot ignore the weird sensations in her own body. Suddenly, the impossible seems possible, but is that a blessing or a curse?

Believing that her continual and worsening nightmares are both the key to her own new abilities and the clue to her father’s death, Addie knows she will not rest until she has the answers she craves. As she strives to cope with her new remarkable talents, someone else learns of her abilities—a disgruntled maniacal psychopath with his own agenda that involves eliminating Addie. The only one who can protect her, instruct her in the use of her powers and teach her how to destroy the murderous monster is the same man who makes Addie’s heart race and her blood heat with passion. The same man she’d left for dead.

Cael Sheridan may be arrogant and mysterious but he's also undeniably gorgeous. A member of a secret society, he is sworn to protect the woman he believes to be the daughter of his recently murdered mentor. In the process, he finds it impossible to resist her magnetic sensuality, complicating his efforts to shield and guide her as she learns to manage her newly acquired skills. At the same time, Addison has much to teach him about trust and commitment. Fate has brought them together, but will it make them stronger or destroy them both in end?

To Check out my review take a look here.
This Contest will run through  Saturday March 3rd. The winner will receive one ebook copy of Whisper Cape. To sign up for your chance to win. Leave me a comment below with your email address, so I can let you know if you win.