Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Title: A Beautiful Dark

By: Jocelyn Davies

Book One of the Beautiful Dark Trilogy

Publisher: HarperTeen (September 27th, 2011)

My Copy: Ebook from NetGalley

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the book:

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

 A Beautiful Dark is a page turner from the start. Jocelyn Davies has sealed her future as an author with this creative and tantalizing story. Skye is our main character with her down to earth, and naturally good natured personality. Her world is turned upside down from the moment she meets Devin and Asher, which are two of our other amazing characters of this book. As if it couldn’t get any better the story that is told will give a fresh and inventive twist to the concept of Angels in the paranormal genre. As Skye is thrown into a world she never even knew existed or that she was a part of;  readers will learn along side her character. With her confusion readers will find themselves relating to the story as if it were their own. Asher’s character will offer a mouth watering and seductive romance that adds intensity and lust to the storyline. Devin with is own boy next door attitude will melt readers hearts while confusing the lines between like and love.  It is easy to see why this character finds herself torn between these two lovable characters. Although, while we will feel ourselves growing close it is still evident that there are secrets and mysteries that in a short time are destined to unfold. The ultimate betrayals will wrap up this intense read; leaving readers craving what is to come.

Book Tour Review: Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Title: Chain Reaction
By: Simone Elkeles
Series: Perfect Chemistry Series Book 3
Publisher: Walker Books (August 16th, 2011)
My Copy: Review Copy provided by Publisher
BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:
Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.
Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.
Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?
Simone Elkeles guaranteed her position as one of The BookWhisperer’s favorite authors with The Perfect Chemistry series. This incredible series was a best seller from the first book. With each book previewing a separate brother readers will fall in love with each amazing brother, and their counter parts in this series. I feel as though I genuinely know this family after the journey of these three books. This final book was by far the best of the series largely to do with ability to include all three brothers in this single book. It was amazing to see Alex and Brittany showcased as main characters in this novel, and see the progression of there relationship over the years. Carlos is also a large part of the second half of this novel, and it was awesome to catch up on the progress of his relationship with Kiara.  With Luis being a entirely new character to learn in this book I was nervous to see what Simone had to offer. It seems almost unbelievable that this author is able to create three equally attractive and lustful characters that readers will crave and admire. Nikki is spicy and witty new twist giving this last Fuentes brother a run for his money. Luis rises to the occasion, and creates a hot and intense read. Readers will be left breathless, and as always craving more. Unfortunately, Chain Reaction is the final Perfect Chemistry novel, and while I am sad to see it all come to close I was overly thrilled to see how Elkeles wraps up the adventurous journey for the Fuentes family. This has been a hell of a ride! I recommend to anyone that loves a good romance.

Review: Charming by Susie Kaye Lopez

Title: Charming

By: Susie Kaye Lopez

Self Published October 29th, 2010

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Three psychics in two countries with the same message can’t be wrong, can they? Sophie Lancaster is about to find out.
Going off to college is stressful enough without throwing in the revelation that someone has been watching you your entire life. This is Sophie’s reality when she is informed that her soul mate from a former lifetime is by her side. A practical skeptic when it comes to love, Sophie refuses to believe this could be true. However, as the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, she finds it is becoming impossible to deny.
It is not until Sophie meets her soul mate in a dream and recognizes him immediately that she surrenders to the truth. He is the boy she has been sketching her entire life, the one she calls Charming. Suddenly in the midst of her own fairytale, Sophie soon finds herself in an impossible love that she’d do anything to keep. But are the soul mates destined to live their life together only in dreams?

Charming was a chore to judge. I almost seemed like the first and second half of this novel was from a different writer. In the first couple novels I was excited and ready to go. The mystery accompanying Sophie’s special friend was  exciting and intriguing, but it soon seems to stall. Through out the middle, the story fell into a casual life for Sophie. While I think that this was an important addition to the story I just feel that the amount of time spent here could lose readers confidence in the story. Although, as I made it into the second half of the story my confidence was reassured when the story began accelerating through the remainder of the story. In the end I settled on a four star rating due to the powerful and lovable ending, but I was recommend this story with a warning to anticipate a slow middle. In the end Charming is worth the wait, but it will take a bit of endurance to overcome.

Review: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

Title: Descended by Blood

By: Angeline Kace

Series: Vampire Born Book #1

Publisher: Accendo Press (August 26th, 2011)

My Copy: Advance Reading Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

Book Description:

Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it.

T Angeline Kace is the next big thing! With this heart pounding vampire romance readers will find their selves swept away with her story. Brooke is a heroine that demands respect. With her ever loving soft side for the ones she loves she is a character that readers will admire; although this is not the extent of this character when she develops as a kick a** heroine readers will fall in love . Kace offers a love triangle that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. This was hidden from the start of the story with the romance budding between Jaren and Brooke.  I honestly found their relationship to be lacking in intensity, but I found this to be a cover for the emotional rollercoaster that was too come.Throughout the story readers will be as confused as the main character, but I have to admit by the end I have settled on my favorite. Descended by Blood is a detailed and powerful story that will give a new twist the paranormal genre. The pace of the novel will carry readers through the story without effort, and all too soon the story will come to a close. The cliff hanger is a gut dropping ending that will leave the readers cursing the author for the abrupt stop. Like with many amazing authors this is a sign of the excellence that this story has to offer. I am honored to have had the ability to read such an incredible story, and I look forward to getting my hands on the next book. Descended by Blood is the newest addition to The Bookwhisperer favorite list, and a must read for paranormal lovers.

Review: Drip, Drop Teardrop

Title: Drip Drop Teardrop

By: Samantha Young

Publisher: Createspace (May 9th, 2011)

My Copy: Review Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Avery hasn’t had it easy.
When she was ten years old her parents died in a car crash. Now nine years later her Aunt Caroline is the only family member she has left. And Caroline is dying. So when Death comes knocking (quite literally) in the form of the damaged and dangerous, Brennus, Avery makes a deal with the reaper in order to save Caroline. Brennus is an Ankou. One of the many, once mortal men and women, who were given the choice to become an immortal in exchange for ferrying the dead over into their afterlife. Nine years ago Brennus took Avery’s parents and tried to take Avery, but she fought him and won. Amazed by her strength Brennus followed Avery and has watched over her. Now he knows Avery is the one to offer him freedom from his obligation to the dead. And he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

Drip Drop Teardrop is a very short story at just over sixty pages. The storyline follows a young girl that was orphaned at nine years old after a tragic car accident with her parents. Her loving Aunt takes her in happily, but now a terminal cancer has taken hold and the future for Avery looks to be very lonely. While out with her friends one night every month at the local 4.0 night club; she has several run ins with a mysterious man named Brennus. Little does Avery know Brennus is following her for a reason, and it just might cost her her life. Avery is a simple character, and readers will find it easy to sympathize with her character. Brennus is mysterious and a bit scary. When Avery discovers Brennus is actually death; it is easy to understand why her character would be accepting of his true character. While her impression seems much darker than his true character; with a life surrounded by death it is realistic to believe see would accept existence of a Reaper with ease.The romance of this story just goes to show what a talented author Young is for writing a heart stopping romance. Brennus and Avery offer a intense and swift romance carrying readers through the story effortlessly. Leaving a final question is it worth it all for the someone that you love.

Review: The Underworld by Jessica Sorensen

Title: The Underworld

By: Jessica Sorensen

Series: Fallen Star Book #2

Publisher: Createspace (July 30th, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

The Underworld is the sequel to The Fallen Star (Fallen Star Series, Volume 1)
Gemma thought her mind was gone, but she was wrong. And now she is left trying to figure out the truth to what Stephan is planning to do with her and the star, before it’s too late.
But finding out the truth is hard, especially since Gemma doesn’t know who she can trust. There may be only one person who Gemma can turn to for answers, but that means having to go to the one place no one wants to go—The Underworld.

The Underworld is the second book to the Fallen Star series. I was intrigued with this story line from the start of the first book. In this second book Gemma is struggling to know just who to trust. At every twist and turns it seems one more person has a personal agenda that may just hand her over to the dark side. Although, as the story progresses Gemma is continually learning to control the star’s power and test its limits. This second novel carries the same excellent story line, but it seems to be lacking some of the intensity and intrigue that the first novel offered. I still find this book to be a very recommended read, but it was lacking some of the excellence that the first novel gave me.

Review: Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle

Title: Brightest Kind of Darkness

By: P.T. Michelle

Series: Brightest Kind of Darkness Book 1

Publisher: Self Published (June 27th, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.
After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.
Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle is a unique and inventive story about fate, and the power to change it. Nara Collins has the ability to dream her days prior to them actually happening, but when she decides to protect those she cares about Fate is not all that happy with her. The story is fast paced and intriguing, but the storyline itself is very complex. I felt that the author struggles throughout to detail her characters. As the story unfolds it becomes difficult to understand with the complexity of the dreams. The potential of such a novel is immense, but I would have liked to see it more defined and easier to understand what the author was truly intending to show.  Even with these obstacles I find that her story is entertaining and extremely interesting. I know with such a storyline, it is one that I will attempt to read any following books of the series. This could eventually prove to be the a difficult start to an incredible series.

Review: Between by Jessica Warman

Title: Between

By: Jessica Warman

Publisher: Bloomsbury Books (August 2nd, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Elizabeth Valchar-pretty, popular, and perfect-wakes up the morning after her eighteenth birthday party on her family's yacht, where she'd been celebrating with her six closest friends. A persistent thumping noise has roused her. When she goes to investigate, what she finds will change everything she thought she knew about her life, her friends, and everything in between. As Liz begins to unravel the circumstances surrounding her birthday night, she will find that no one around her, least of all Liz herself, was perfect-or innocent. Critically acclaimed author Jessica Warman brings readers along on a roller-coaster ride of a mystery, one that is also a heartbreaking character study, a touching romance, and ultimately a hopeful tale of redemption, love, and letting go.

Jessica Warman offers a story of tragedy and eternal peace. The story of this young girl’s death, and the eventual acceptance is a disheartening tale that will capture readers attention. While the story was a bit long for my taste; it eventually falls into a peaceful ending that will give readers closure. The unraveling of the Elizabeth’s life is eye opening experience of what young adults content with in this day in age. Recommended for those you enjoy novels such as If I Stay.

Review: Dark Souls by Paula Norris

Title: Dark Souls

By: Paula Norris

Publisher: Point Books (August 1st, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

Description:

Welcome to York, England.

Mist lingers in the streets.

Narrow buildings cast long shadows.

This is the most haunted city in the world. . . .

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint cobblestones, hoping she won’t run into the countless ghosts who supposedly roam the city. . . .

Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy — one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls?

Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous — and deadly — is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery — and find redemption.

 Dark Souls  is a creepy ghost story that readers will enjoy. Paula begins this story with a gut wrenching twist that sets the stage for the entirety of the story. Miranda and her brother are victims and survivors. This story is an intriguing story of mystery and the will to overcome. Readers will devour this story quickly with its fast pace and creative story.

Driving Me Crazy

I just hate it when you find a book you wanna read so bad, and you can’t find it anywhere. So, here let me share it will you, so you can suffer too! LOL! Dr. Suess doesn’t have anything on me. Anyway, back to the point. The books I am desperately wanting, and can’t seem to find.

 The Reaping of Norah Bentley by Eva Truesdale

Norah Bentley should be dead. She should have drowned in the Atlantic Ocean the day she followed those strange ghost lights into the stormy waves.
It was her time to go, and nobody knows that better than Eli. As the grim reaper assigned to reap her soul, Eli knew this day was coming. But like with all the souls he's assigned, he's spent months getting to know Norah from a distance, catching glimpses of her life and memories of the small North Carolina town she grew up in-and he's been falling in love with her in the process. So, he won't be reaping her soul any time soon. That's the good news.
The bad news is that Eli's boss doesn't exactly approve of their relationship. So now Norah's got death omens following her wherever she goes-from giant hellhounds to screaming banshees-and it's starting to freak her out a bit. Eli is the only one who seems to be able to chase them away, and she's more than happy to have an excuse to keep him close by.
That proves tricky, however, since the Afterworlds and all the other souls assigned to Eli are still calling to him and making his extended vacation on earth difficult. Then Norah discovers the other consequence that Eli conveniently forgot to mention: the eternity in Purgatory that his soul may be facing for saving hers. Because apparently, those guys who wrote the laws of the universe don't like to be messed with.
Now, to save Eli's soul, Norah will to have to face death itself-or risk living an eternity without him.

 

Descendant by Eva Truesdale

Alex is willing to sacrifice anything to save her sister. The problem? That sacrifice might spell bad news for the rest of the human race.
A close-encounter with a werewolf leaves Alex with a healthy dose of
the creature's toxin flowing through her blood-which should make the
next full moon interesting. And it does. Just not in the way she was
expecting. Because the full-moon comes and goes, but it doesn't bring
the expected gruesome transformations or beastly urges with it. During
her search for the reason behind her insistent humanity, Alex starts
to unravel a past that threatens to make her future very complicated.
The complications don't waste any time starting, either. While Alex is
trying to deal with the mysterious death of her father, a
too-hot-for-his-own-good werewolf that possibly wants to kill her, and
the fact that she herself may never have been human to begin with, her
little sister Lora is taken. During her fight to get her back, Alex
learns of the magic, binding pact that prevents lycans (the creature
from which werewolves originate) from harming humans. It was invoked
centuries ago, in a desperate last-ditch effort to curb the bloody
relations between the two races. As the descendant of the one who
created the pact, Alex is the only one capable of severing it.
Something she would never even think about doing. Or at least, she
wouldn't have thought about it-until she realizes the cost of not
doing so may be her little sister's life.(less

Aren’t they beautiful, and don’t they sound awesome.. Tell what books you are craving, but can’t get a hold of!

Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

 

Title: Bloodlines

By: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines Series Book 1
    Spinoff of Vampire Academy Series

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy via Publisher

Release Date: August 23rd, 2011

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Blood doesn't lie...

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...

After the pain stacking end to the Vampire Academy series I was distraught that is had all come to an end. I expected the Bloodlines series to take two old character; making them the new main characters and building a whole new story. What I found in this first book is that Richelle Mead is a sneaky little woman. Bloodlines main character is the Alchemist Sydney that assisted in busting out Rose in the final Vampire Academy book. In that series she was a shell of character. This novel turns her inside out, and shows us another character similar to the heroine qualities of Rose Hathaway. Her mission in this novel is trying to resurrect her honor another consequence of helping Rose, by protecting Jill at a boarding school in Palm Springs. Jill, if you remember, is the recently known sister of Lisa Dagonmir that allowed her to become the Queen. This book just took off from from the end of Vampire Academy with different characters. Much to my enjoyment we have not seen the end to Dimitri and Rose seeing as how they both appeared at different times in this novel. Another character that I was thrilled to see present in this book is our beloved Adrian. I was surprised to find that he is a key player in this new books, and just might be thinking we will see a lot more of him in the next book. The Golden Lily is the second book for the Bloodlines series, and it is due March 2012. With Bloodlines ending came an appearance of someone that promises to make the next book vicious and snarling. This just might be the emotional blowout that Vampire Academy lovers have been waiting for.

As a first novel I feel that Bloodlines had obstacles to overcome. After such a thrilling and powerful series Mead has a very high expectation level for this series. I think that she rose to the occasion creating another powerful and mesmerizing read that will take VA lovers through another incredible journey. As a first novel readers can expect this book to have a slower progression than that of VA, but once the series has been established I look for the same fast and punching story that we have come to know and love. There are some many incredible developments in this book that I am no longer scared or unsure about the direction of this spin off series. I am having such a hard time not squealing and telling you everything, but I believe I can contain myself just a few moments longer to finish this review. LOL! After reading this novel, Final Sacrifice was not the end to the VA series by a long shot; this new series is following different characters, but the story is only building and growing. Don’t miss out on this fantastic ride!!

Guest Post with Mary Ting

I just had the pleasure of reading Crossroads by Mary Ting. This is another thrill ride with the Angel twist. I was honored to have a guest post by this talented author, and share some of her thoughts. Crossroads is a young adult paranormal romance about a young girl that falls in love with an angel.  Her novel was just launched on the first by World Castle Publishing, and I have listed the book cover and description below. There are also links to where you can pick up your own copy.

Synopsis:

On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

Barnes http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crossroa...
Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Crossroads-ebook/d...
Amazon softcover: http://www.amazon.com/Crossroads-Mary-Ti...

Some Thoughts from Mary Ting

I started writing Crossroads after my grandmother passed away about 3 years ago. When these characters came to life in my mind, along with the character Gamma, inspired by my grandmother, it was a way for me to heal. I decided to start from a dream I had in high school, chapter one. Chapter two is also based on my dream as well. I didn’t think I would have much to write about, but when I made Claudia to be more like me, it was easy. Her first car, her first job, her first experience at camping and her grandmother having a stroke was all part of me. Too bad Michael wasn’t real…lol!!!

Many people like Davin, which I’m really happy about because his character was inspired by my friend who passed away. He was very likable and was a best friend to all his friends. Patty is my friend from church. She is exactly how I described her, social butterfly who knows everything about her friends and fashion. I named Claudia after a student I once had many years ago. I can still picture her face, just like an angel. When I was much younger, I had a crush on a boy name Michael, but his character is based off my husband, protective, romantic, and silly at times. No… he doesn’t have wings…lol!!!

Though I was busy with work, being a wife, a mother, and PTA president, I would always find time to write, even if that meant typing while I was cooking or brushing my teeth. Crossroads was written for a fast, fun reading with likable characters. Many have emailed me to let me know how Crossroads has helped them escaped from their everyday stress. Also, how they’ve connected to this book because of chapter one, having a loved one passed away from a drunk driver.I took on a journey not knowing how rewarding it would be for me. I’ve meet so many wonderful people from all over the world through facebook, goodreads and blog sites. I’ve made everlasting friendship where friendship knows no boundaries. And I have to thank my grandmother who continues to watch over me from Heaven.

 

Giveaway

Mary has also been generous enough to offer a giveaway for Crossroads. She is offering your choice paperback or ebook for the winner. Winners will be selected on August 31st at 11:59pm. If you are interested please comment below.

Extra points offered for following Mary Ting on Facebook or Twitter.

+1 www.facebook.com/crossroadsbook

+1 I twit @maryting

Just leave in the comments additional points, and I will verify them when I select a winner.

Review: Crossroads by Mary Ting

Title: Crossroads

By: Mary Ting

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: World Castle Publishing  (August 1, 2011)

My Copy: Autographed Copy per Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the book:

On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

Crossroads is another riveting story of the love between a young girl and angel. After several other releases with this same general storyline I was nervous shortly after starting; the story seemed to slow and slightly forced. If I was asked what I would rate the story at that point I would have to say it would have regretfully said a three. I was missing the deep connection of the main characters, and felt that the romance was more pushed than felt. Although, shortly after I would have had to eat my words. Mary Ting offers a slow start, but as the story amps up it takes on a life of its own. With perseverance readers will find that the author  finds her comfort, and build a story that we all crave. Michael and Claudia are very special characters that will shine throughout the story. With genuinely pure hearts they both are willing to risk everything for the ones they love.  With a forbidden love they are a secret only to the cavalry, and it may cost them both their lives. I was not only entranced by these two characters, because all of the characters are imaginative and creatively written. I see a twist in the future with later characters, and I am anxious to see where the story takes them. It is obvious that the story of Michael and Claudia will not stop here, and I think that the second book to reshape the story. This was well worth the time reading and recommending.