Review: Magic of the Moonlight by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Magic of the Moonlight

By: Ellen Schreiber

Series: Full Moon Book 2

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (December 27th, 2011)

My Copy: Review Galley provided by the Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Beware of a bite under a full moon…
it will complicate your love life.
Celeste has more to worry about than a secret romance with a hot guy from the wrong side of town. That guy, Brandon, is a werewolf. With gossip and hostility swirling at school, it’s time to find a cure for his nocturnal condition, and perhaps the one person who can help is his scientist father. But what if a “cure” makes things worse and Brandon becomes a werewolf full time? And with rumors circulating that there are werewolves in Legend’s Run, is it possible that there is another among their classmates?
To keep Brandon’s secret safe, Celeste must hide her relationship with him from her best friends, but with the Moonlight Ball approaching, she must make a choice. Her dream is to go with her one true love—Brandon. But once the sun goes down, the clouds separate, and the full moon appears, could she really walk into the dance on the arm of a werewolf?
In this installment of the sumptuously romantic Full Moon series, Celeste faces her fears and her friends and finds out whether she’s strong enough to stand up for herself and her one true love.

Schreiber continues Celeste and Brandon’s story in Magic of the Moonlight. While this author promises a sweet little romance; I struggle with the lack of depth to the story. The plot thickens in this second installment, and Celeste and Brandon themselves in a fighting for one another. This is a fast and effortless read that would be good for the younger ages.  While I find this to be a good read; it is not a novel that I would see myself revisiting.

Review: Amaranthine by Leah Crichton

Title: Amaranthine

By: Leah Crichton

Publisher: Crave Books (November 28th, 2011)

My Copy: Review Galley provided from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Sixteen year-old Ireland Brady is sure she’s losing her mind.
After a horrific car accident leaves her barely clinging to life, she wakes from a coma with a renewed sense of gratitude to a world more surreal than she could have imagined, a world which includes Orion Alexander.
Darkly handsome, Orion is cool and confident and has his sights set on her—something she’s never experienced—and she finds herself falling hopelessly in love. But when Orion’s betrayal sends her straight into the arms of his rival, Damien, things go from bad to worse.
Despite Orion’s warnings, Ireland is attracted to Damien. He’s strong and protective, and harbors an intense dislike for Orion, which makes him… perfect.
But Damien is not one to be crossed.
When all the secrets are revealed, will Ireland trust the boy who broke her heart? Or is she doomed to suffer a fate worse than death?

Amaranthine is a unique and creative story that will grab readers will its twist on the life and death. Ireland is your typical teen age girl that finds herself living her worth nightmare. After her parents decision to move the family; her entire family are in a horrific car accident that leaves her near death. When life changes in a split Ireland finds herself awakening to a new world. The new kid in town always has it struggles, but it is easier to accept on the arm of the most beautiful person you know. As the story unravels nothing is what it seems, and Ireland will be left to make the hardest decision anyone has ever had to make.

This was an incredible story. With the sixth sense feel that will leave readers questioning everything and everyone in this remarkable story. Crichton is a magnificent author that expertly woven a  web of mysteries and secrets that have readers questioning what their own decisions. This is a BookWhisperer Recommended Read!!!

Review: Fate Fixed by Bonnie Wheeler

Title: Fate Fixed

By: Bonnie Wheeler

Series: Erris Coven Book 1

Released: July 23rd, 2011

My copy: Ebook provided by Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

When Lexie Anderson’s mother suddenly announces she is marrying a Romanian immigrant, Lexie willingly leaves behind her busy life in Connecticut for her penance in “The Moose Capital of the World.” Small town living is strange enough, now Lexie must cope with her overbearing stepfamily monitoring her every move. They disappear into the woods at night and keep a strange secret locked in their shed. Her once calm mother is now having violent outbursts and Lexie’s little sister is hearing sinister sounds coming from the forest behind their new home.
Lexie’s biggest surprise comes when she discovers the boy she has been dreaming about since her accident is living in Maine. Despite Torin’s questionable reputation, Lexie cannot resist the physical and emotional attraction pulsating between them.
Animals and people in town are turning up dead and Lexie learns the strange new world she lives in has real life monsters. Just when she decides she wants to be with Torin forever, she must fight to protect her mother and sister from being harmed a formidable evil.

Fate Fixed wraps a Mystery/Thriller into a Paranormal Romance. It chapters alternates between one of three characters; telling the story from their perspective. Lexie is trying to come to terms with the accidental death of her father, as well as, accept her new life that includes several new obnoxious step brothers. As if the these drastic changes weren't enougher new framily is about to wisked away for a fresh start in a new town. I was surprised by this story, and it's almost horror genre comparisons. Lexie's story is a terrifying, yet sweet all wrapped up in one book. First off the brothers are very unsettling, but it is easy to see where Lexie accepts Alik so effortlessly. He seems to be her peace in all the chaos, and I think this bond is helping her accept all of this changes. Torin and his family are a mystery most of this book. While he has a common presence in the book he talks in code, and the true nature of his being is not revealed for most of the book. I love his family! While I had a little trouble accepting the depth and sincerity of Lexie and Torin's connection; you can tell that this is a devoted family and the bonds run deep. The desire to protect Lexie is a common trait for all of the cousins, and her acceptance is obvious througtout the pages. The overall pace of Fate Fixed was a little to be desired. I liked the storyline, I liked the mixture of Mystery/Thriller vs. Romance, I liked the conclusion, but throughout all of these like I still felt like something is missing from the story. I believe that thing missing the the captivating romance that almost makes you feel as though you are living it. This story has all of the potential, but it just didn't quite make it there for me.

Review: Pride and Popularity by Jenni James

Title: Pride & Popularity

By: Jenni James

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Publisher: Inkberry Press (August 3rd, 2011)

My Copy: Review Galley from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Taylor always gets what he wants—until now.
Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.
This modern high school adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor.

James offers a quick witty romance that readers will speed through. Chloe perceives Taylor as the arrogant heart throb that could only offer heartbreak and mayhem. From the start it appears that Chloe catches Taylor’s eye, but Chloe wishes for nothing but the chance to blend in with the background. Readers will sympathize with her character, and justify her defensive character. It is easy to understand her desire to avoid is his unwanted attention, and to place judgment on his character. Although, it is best to not judge a book by its cover especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Pride and Popularity is easy to slide through effortlessly. A great book for relaxation, and watching a love blossom.

Love Unscripted’s Song

For those of you that have already read Love Unscripted I just finished it yesterday, and was checking out Tina’s website. While I was there I came across a video that she has posted. For those who have read you will know what song I am speaking of. Those who don’t know; read it it’s worth the wait to read first.

Anyway, back to the point she posted this video of her lyrics with a melody her friend created. I think I fell in love with this book even more after hearing this incredible creation. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Video from http://tinareber.com/what-do-you-say-video/ author Tina Reber Website.

Review Love Unscripted by Tina Reber

Title: Love Unscripted

By: Tina Reber

Published: March 6th, 2010

Genre: Adult Romance

My Copy: Ebook Provided from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Ryan Christensen just wanted to be an actor. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think that accepting a role in an unknown film would toss his career into overdrive. His new fame has cost him dearly; anonymity is no longer an option. His fans stalk him, the paparazzi hound him, and Hollywood studios all want a piece of him. Despite all of that, Ryan Christensen craves the most basic of human needs - to have love in his heart and privacy in his life.
Taryn Mitchell, the story's protagonist, is a realist. She's been feigning contentment, running the family pub in Seaport, Rhode Island, while quietly nursing her own internal heartaches. Her feet are fairly glued to the ground and she doesn't buy into all the hype that has descended on her tiny, coastal town. In her world, men are safe if they're kept at a distance.
Fate has other plans for these two when their paths cross one sunny afternoon. A group of female fans has attacked him, leaving his shirt torn, his face cut, and Ryan in obvious distress. Bonds between them form from the most dramatic of circumstances while jealousy, insecurity, and the stress of his celebrity life try to tear them apart.
Through all the tabloid lies, secrecy, and pressure, can Taryn's peace and Ryan's high-profile insanity live together in harmony?

What would it truely be like to have a super star boyfriend? Would you have the power to overlook stupid press lies, and trust with untainted certainty? That is what Taryn and Ryan experience in Unscripted Love. When Ryan meets Taryn he is instantly attracted to the young woman that doesn't fall at his feet or throw herself into his arms. For Ryan she is a breath of fresh air in his claustrophobic bubble that everyone is trying to break into. This was a powerful romance from the start, and I love the story line that offers reality of romance in the Hollywood. Everyone in the world sees the glamour glitz of being rich and famous, but what they easily overlook is the constant attention and scrutinization that these individuals endure. Furthermore, the danger that is included in such admiration from adoring fans. All of this attention for some would be a match made in heaven; but for someone like Ryan that appreciates his privacy and normality its simply an intrusion of his privacy and occasionally terrifying.

It is easy to feel the attraction between these two, and easier to see the warning signs presenting as the story progresses. This is was a powerful and emotional read that kept me up long after bed time. I was a little disappointed to see the constant flux of pace throughout the story from fast action moments to slow and steady build ups, but overall I was able to over look this obstacle and truely enjoy the experience. I see that a sequel is anticipated, and I look forward to seeing what the future will hold for Ryan and Taryn. I am personally hoping to see some resolution in the second book.

If I Lie Cover Reveal

Hello All!!! I had the pleasure of being asked to help spread some exciting new. Corrine Jackson author of If I Lie is revealing the cover today. I was asked if I would like to participate, and post the new cover for everyone to see as well. Isn’t this exciting. I love being a part of things like this.

If I Lie

By: Corrine Jackson

Release Date: August 28, 2012

A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…
and her promise.

***************************************************

Doesn’t this sound like an awesome book… I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I love the simplicity of it all. Although, I always love black and white still shots they seem to capture a moment in time so dramatically. To check out more head over to Corrine’s blog here.

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Title: Eaverneath

By: Brodi Ashton

Series: Everneath Book #1

Publisher: Balzer and Bray (January 24th, 2012)

My Copy: Publisher provided Review Galley

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

 Everneath is a gut wrenching and haunting mythological tale of lover and survival. Nikki is an awesome character that has seen her fair share of heartache for such a young girl. After the death of mother to the clutches of a drunk driver, and the betrayal of her first love she finds herself looking for anyway to make it all go away. Cole is the answer to the silent prayer when he offers to take her to the Everneath. A year later, she finds herself back on the surface. Although, she presence is only temporary, she has vowed to make the most of it and right the wrongs that she made before her first disappearance. Only what she finds is that she has made the biggest mistake of her life, and it will cost her her future.

I loved all of the characters of this book. Even for the villain; Cole is creepy and mysterious, but I find myself having second thoughts about hating him. Even though everything about him is wrong I reluctantly understand why he would want to make a better future for himself, and I think deep down her really does love Nikki. What better way to improve the future with a new queen, and one you just happen to love.  This was such a great book; that I am having a hard time not spoiling it for everyone else. This book is a rollercoaster from page one. The intensity of emotions and power of love throughout this novel is captivating and drags you right in the Everneath. The cliff hanger that Brodi left readers has me cussing right down to the last word. This is an author with raw talent to make you an instant fan. I can not wait to see what happens in the next book, and this is a new BOOKWHISPERER SERIES FAVORITE!!!!

Review: Cold Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

 Title: Cold Blood

By: Heather Hildenbrand

Series: Dirty Blood Book 2

Publisher: Self Published (November 2011)

My Copy: Bought from Barnes and Nobles

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process. Which happens more often than not for the freshman. Lucky for them, my presence has just stolen the spotlight, and they get a break from the daily joys of hazing. At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea. So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming committee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here?

Cold Blood takes a leap into the Hunter’s world. After the battle that concluded Dirty Blood; Tara find herself enrolled in the Wood Point academy for Hunters. At her Grandmother’s demand Tara agrees to attend the prestigious Hunter Academy, but little does she know that lies ahead. Jack and Fess have explained the reluctance that Werewolves and Hunters alike hold towards mixed blood. The reality of this truth becomes a harsh reality when Tara finds herself with more enemies than she can count. Tara’s life becomes a living nightmare.

Fortunately, two of the school misfits Logan and Cambria accept Tara with open arms. Cambria seems to have a bit of a dark side, but Logan seems altogether genuine. Alex which happens to be Tara’s tutor/trainer is a delectable addition to this novel. His shocking outburst the first day of school will leave readers questioning her character, but as the layers peel back his is just as twisted and a complicated as Tara. It is easy to see Tara struggle with feeling for his character. Personally, I must add that in my opinion he is no Wes. I was frustrated with her for allowing this emotional attachment to build in this book. Although, it does add for some obvious male dominance altercations that adds a little spice for the reader.

Overall, this was another good read for this loveable series. I honestly expected a little more action and intensity after book one; but as an avid reader I can also recognize the need for the build that this novel offers. I look forward to the next book, and can’t wait to see what is to come. BOOKWHISPERER RECOMMEND!!

End of Prince of Wolves Contest

 Prince of Wolves contest is coming to a close today, and I wanted to thank everyone who participated, and the compliments that were published in regards to the Grey Wolves series. I have heard from the author often during the duration of this contest, and she was thrilled to hear such wonderful feed back about her books. I hate it that I have to select only a few winners, but you all deserve props for the wonderful display of readership that we have to offer to the book community. It is a dream to be able to read numerous book for the sole purpose of helping authors in their journeys as authors. I love each and every book that I have the pleasure of reviewing and thank reader and writers alike for the dedication they offer for the literary world. We not only help their dreams come true, but they offer dreams for us to follow. Thank you for the adventures!!!!!

Sneek Peak Charmfall

I absolutely love the Dark Elite series by Chloe Neill. It is one The BookWhisperer favorites, and I am anxiously awaiting Charmfall that is due to be released January 3rd from Puffin Books. While ramaging around today I was delighted to see that first chapter post on Chloe’s website. Check it out here.

If you have not had the pleasure of reading this series I also included book cover and descriptions below.. This is a must read young adult paranormal fiction.

  Description for Firespell (Dark Elite Book 1)

As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

 

Description for Hexbound (Dark Elite Book 2)

Lily Parker is new to St. Sophia’s School for Girls, but she’s already learned that magic can be your best friend…or your worst enemy.

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Turns out, even a little magic can turn you to the dark side. That’s why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities, on top of avoiding the snobs who think they run her school, nursing a crush on a cute sophomore with a big, werewolf-y secret, and fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago’s nastiest nightlife—including the tainted magic users known as Reapers.

Then Lily’s invited to a private meeting with Sebastian. He’s hot, powerful, and offering to help her harness the magic flowing in her veins in a way no one else can. He’s also a Reaper. Lily can’t hide her suspicions. But she’ll soon find out that the line between good and evil isn’t always clear…

 

Description for Charmfall (Dark Elite Book 3)

High school can be a battlefield, but for Lily Parker, surviving at St. Sophia’s School for Girls is a matter of life and death…

Protecting Chicago from the dark side can be an exhausting job, especially when you’re a junior. So when the girls of St. Sophia’s start gearing up for Sneak, their fall formal, Lily decides to join in on some good, old-fashioned party prep—even if it means not giving demons, vampires and the twisted magic users known as Reapers her undivided attention.

But when a Reaper infiltrates the school, Lily doesn’t forget what she’s sworn to protect. She reaches deep into herself to draw out her magic—and finds that it’s gone. And it turns out she’s not alone. A magical blackout has slammed through paranormal Chicago, and no one knows what—or who—caused it. But Lily knows getting back her magic is worth the risk of going behind enemy lines…

 

This year they also released a compliation for Fire Spell and Hexbound titled Dark Elite.

Review: Bound by CK Bryant

Title: Bound

By: C.K. Bryant

Series: Crystor Series Book #1

Publisher: Dragonfly Press (October 8th, 2011)

My Copy: Review Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

C.K. Bryant offers a debuting series that combines mythological and supernatural elements that create a intricate and fresh world.  Kira and Lydia are best friends with normal thought and concerns consistent with every other senior. Or so Kira thought until she discovered her best friend and brother are not from this world or human. Dedication and loyalty are in abundance throughout this book, and it is easy to see why these three friends are willing to risk there own lives for one another. The stage is excellently set for Kira to fit into Octavion and Lydia’s world. It also make is easy to understand Kira’s desperation to support and help them in there quest. Ophera was carefully crafted and easily imaginable. I had no problem seeing this world as though I was looking through the eyes of the characters. Ms. Bryant is a dedicated writer that will test your shock ability with her graphic novel. She will take her story that a cliff, and proceed without hesitation as her story drops readers from the deadly heights. I was very impressed with this novel, and the ability of this author. I definitely look forward to reading more from this series.

Review: Love’s Road Home by Lisa Lewis

Title: Love’s Road Home

By: Lisa Lewis

Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing (April 28th, 2011)

My Copy: Review Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

She wanted to settle down.
But he was on his way up ...
A normal life? Bethany Miller has no idea what that is, but she wants it. After spending too much time on an ex-boyfriend only interested in pinning his crimes on her, she accepts a loathsome roadie job from her road manager father. Still running from her chaotic past, she meets an altogether new thing to avoid-a gorgeous brown-eyed man who seems about as far from "normal" as she can imagine.
Teetering on the edge of stardom, guitarist Tom Crowley makes music his number one priority now that his band's first major tour is underway. So why is more and more of his attention sidetracked by his less than friendly crew member? Can't a love life coexist with a life on the road? When Beth's vengeful ex escapes police custody, Tom's protective nature and attraction know no bounds-if only he can get Beth to stop running.

Love’s Road Home is a dreamy romance. It is easy to fall in love with Beth and Tom. Tom is a rising country rock star, and Beth is the daughter of there manager. His southern drawl with lure readers into his intoxicating personality. Beth on the other hand is trying to recuperate from a disastrous relationship that almost ended with her a prison sentence. Working as a stage hand for Roadhouse was only temporary, and a means to hide from her shadowed past. When these character met is a like a tidal wave that will take readers by surprise. They compliment one another in every sense of the word, and readers will be silently cheering them on from the start. It was wonderful to see the change in her character as Tom helps her to overcome her dark past, and embrace the spark between them. The twist offering her a bit of the lime light was a perfect addition to the building story, and I fell deeper in love with Tom character for the adoration and pride that he takes from sharing a stage. This is a wonderful romance, and a I look forward to finding more from this author.

Review: Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter

Title: Awake at Dawn

By: C. C. Hunter

Series: Shadow Falls Series Book #2 (October 11th, 2011)

My copy: Bought from Barnes and Nobles

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities. But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold.

To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away. When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point. Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie--and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...

Awake at Dawn is book two of the Shadow Falls Series. This is a exhilarating series about a young girl’s journey to discover just who and WHAT she really is.  Book one introduced readers to a plethora of various character and supernatural talents. With her two best friends one a witch and one a vampire; Kylie is beginning to find a home at Shadow Falls. It is also to her benefit to have a very hot Fairy beating down the door. Even though a very hot Werewolf seems to occupy a lot of her thoughts. The story continues to become more twisted as Kylie discovers more talents that seem to point her in several different directions. As if her life wasn’t complicated enough strange things are happening around Kylie, and it seems see has captured more than a Fairy and Werewolf’s eye. Although, their purpose seems to be a lot more sinister.

The Shadow Falls books had me captured from the start. It is an exciting journey to follow, and I love the characters for all of the quirky and steamy charm. For a young girl like Kylie is wonderful to see her spreading some roots, and find a place that she feels at home. Although, even among misfits she seems to still have a borderline misfit quality. As a truly unknown species readers will never know what to expect. Awake at Dawn as broaden the horizons, and shed little light on what to expect next. With the plot thickening I can’t wait to see what is in store for this character.