Review & Giveaway: She Never Got to Say Goodbye by Ica Iova

Book Trailer | Amazon | Goodreads

When Olivia trades her promising career for a more domestic lifestyle as a wife and mother, she expects many things but never to see ghosts much less be one.

Her life with her handsome husband, Brandon, a successful criminal lawyer, starts as a happy one, but following a tragedy, guilt, alcohol and drugs crush their blissful world in a hurry. One minute Olivia is planning to leave the marriage and the next she’s floating at the foot of her son’s bed. Dead. Murdered. And all evidence points to Brandon as the prime suspect.

She is angry and determined to make him pay, but soon, she learns that she if she wants justice, she must follow the clues that reach back into Brandon’s past.

Suspenseful, romantic and awash in the afterlife thrill, She Never Got To Say Goodbye captures the power of love and friendship.

REVIEW

A book which gave me some unexpected surprises when I least expected it.

I read nothing from other reviews and go through Google ratings before I started reading.  And I am happy for that decision.

It started off where Olivia and Brandon meet at a restaurant, become friends, falls in love, gets married and has a baby.  Yeah, all these were said in the same pace in the book.  No big ah's and oh's of romance and marriage.  It just happened and then the tragedy hit the happy couple when Olivia was murdered.  The spirit Olivia is on her way to getting revenge on... yeah, you have to go read the book, in order to know more.

It was not an easy read.  I seriously didn't expect a paranormal plot.  So many secrets and revelations - that will cause your mind spiral down to a complete mess.  I was plastered in my chair with my Kindle until I completed this book.  This is the first book for me from this author, but she made sure that I get her other books some serious attention.

4 STARS!

GIVEAWAY

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5 STAR #Review & #Giveaway: The Midnight Spell by Kody Boye and Rhiannon Frater

There are only some books that 'feels' special, right when you close after reading them.  This is one of those special book and I would readily recommend to anyone.

Original Title: The Midnight Spell

Author: Kody Boye and Rhiannon Frater

Publisher: Permuted Press

Release Date: February 28th, 2013

Source: From Xpress Book Blog Tours

Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult
Buy: Amazon | B&N

Adam and Christy have been best friends since kindergarten. Always the perpetual outsiders in their small town in Texas, they’ve always had to deal with nasty comments from their classmates. Adam is called “gay” while Christy is called “witch.”

On both counts the bullies are right.

Their junior year in high school seems destined to be the same old same old until Christy decides to cast a love spell for Adam at the midnight hour. The next day an alluring and mysterious new boy enrolls at school and sets hearts a flutter, including Adam’s. Meanwhile, Christy’s mad crush on the handsome Ian seems to be going nowhere fast. Struggling to capture the heart of Ian while trying to come into her full witch powers is tough enough, but when a great evil arrives in town that threatens everything they hold dear, she realizes that finding a boyfriend is the least of her and Adam’s worries.

Soon Adam, Christy, their potential love interests, and their good friends Drifter and Olivia, will have to battle a force of darkness that has killed in their town before and will again.

REVIEW

What do you ever want from a fantasy novel?  Just tell me..is it vampires, warewolves, witches, ghouls, or is it plain fun?

Whatever you want, these two amazing authors are giving it.  I love you, guys!  I don't want to miss this book for the world.

Adam and Christy are two best friends since forever.  Adam is gay and Christy is a witch (literally).  There is no other gay guy in town and as Adam feels lonely, Christy does a midnight spell to find his true love.  The very next day, a very handsome guy named Mark joins as a new student in their school and he is pinging high side on the gaydar.  And this year, they just has some new friends, Olivia (the new girl) and Drifter.  Adam's friends try to bring Adam and Mark together.  Christy feels something weird about Mark.  And Christy's forever crush, Ian, is suddenly noticing her.  And there is something more bad happening in town.

This book is pure fun.  I enjoyed it to the maximum.  I know many books that portrays love, friendship, parent-child relationship and especially gay guys.  But, this is the book that made me accept and understand like reality.

Friendship: Wow.  I am just jealous of these kids.  Maybe the world is against them.  But, these two don't need much of anything other than each other's company.  I felt so happy and I remembered my happy-happy school days while reading them.  The authors did 100% justice to the plot, that has the main root to be friendship.  The four kids are all cute in their own way and the loyalty they show towards each other is hug-worthy.

Parent-Child Relationship:  This book has the most awesome relationship between a parent and a child.  Two best examples!  I just get enough of them.  There were many laugh-out loud moments during those conversations.  The BEST!  And the parental characterization is just perfect.  I can't imagine any better parents.  As much as they embarrass the kids, the love and bonding between the family is transparent.

Homosexuality: Trust me when I say I am new to this reading about homosexuals.  But, this is the first book that made me realize that it need not necessarily be a topic discussed in all seriousness in books.  It's just a plain normal subject.  They are just normal humans and they deserve respect.  Yeah, there is bullying and harrassment, just because the guy is gay, but the acceptance between friends and family is a refreshment.

The suspense element of the story shows the authors' talent in story-telling.  The authors have kept me busy and engaging throughout the read by giving one twist after another.

I highly highly recommend this book to every single human out there.

I strongly shove this book onto your faces.  You SHOULD read them.  What??  How else can I make you read, if you are not going to listen to me, after all those ramblings?

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Rhiannon:

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of over a dozen books, including the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor), as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog), and other horror novels. In 2014, her newest horror novel, The Mesmerized, will be released by Permuted Press. Dead Spots will be published in 2015 by Tor. She was born and raised a Texan and presently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).  She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.

You can find her online at:Website: rhiannonfrater.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/astheworlddies
Twitter:  twitter.com/rhiannonfrater
Blog:  rhianonfrater.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rhiannonfrater/
Email: rhiannonfrater at gmail.com

Kody:

Born and raised in Southeastern Idaho, Kody Boye began his writing career with the publication of his story [A] Prom Queen’s Revenge at the age of fourteen. Published nearly three-dozen times before going independent at eighteen, Boye has authored numerous works—including the short story collection Amorous Things, the novella The Diary of Dakota Hammell, the zombie novel Sunrise and the epic fantasy series The Brotherhood Saga. He is represented by Hannah Brown Gordon of the Foundry Literary + Media Agency.

You can visit him online at kodyboye.com

GIVEAWAY

The authors are giving away a e-copy of "The Midnight Spell" to one winner of the Rafflecopter.  The giveaway is open internationally and is open until May 31st, 2014!

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Review & Giveaway: Scintillate (The Light Key Trilogy #1) by Tracy Clark

Here is a beautiful book about another supernatural ability, narrated with so much emotions and suspense that I can't stop it and I finished this at 1.30 AM and writing this review.

Original Title: Scintillate

Series: The Light Key Trilogy #1

Author: Tracy Clark

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Release Date: February 4th, 2014

Source: Review copy via Netgalley

Genre: Young adult, Paranormal

A mighty flame follows a tiny spark.

Cora Sandoval’s mother disappeared when she was five and they were living in Ireland. Since then, her dad has been more than overprotective, and Cora is beginning to chafe under his confines. But even more troubling is the colorful light she suddenly sees around people. Everyone, that is, except herself—instead, she glows a brilliant, sparkling silver.

As she realizes the danger associated with these strange auras, Cora is inexplicably drawn to Finn, a gorgeous Irish exchange student who makes her feel safe. Their attraction is instant, magnetic, and primal—but her father disapproves, and Finn’s mother orders him home to Ireland upon hearing he’s fallen in love. After a fight with her father, Cora flees to Ireland, both to follow Finn and to look for her missing mother.

There she meets another silver-haloed person and discovers the meaning of her newfound powers and their role in a conspiracy spanning centuries—one that could change mankind forever…and end her life.

Scintillate is the first book in this lush and exciting new trilogy, full of romance, adventure and metaphysical mystery.

REVIEW

Cora is admitted to a hospital with a heavy fever and miraculously she survives.   But, after that fever, she is able to see auras of other people and her aura is always silver - never changing into any other colors.  When she tries to find the reason behind this 'abnormality', it seems like there is a dead end with her dad.  So, she seeks herself answers and all answers point out to her missing mom.  To know the details of her mother, Cora travels Ireland and unravels many mysteries one by one.

I can't help thinking if she would have just been at her home within the safety of her dad and friends (okay, she is not so safe, but this is better), she could have avoided many tragedies and heart breaks in her life.  But, then again, this book would never have to be written if things were that uneventful.

This book was heck of a fast ride.  Tracy Clark keeps throwing new things in every chapter and keeps you interested until the very end.  And still there are a lot of things to be known when I completed this book, but, sigh, guess I have to read the next book to know about them.

Cora is a strong character; adrenaline-driven stupid teen, but she is strong in her motives.  She is not brave, but she never gives up.  Cora is a perfect character for this story.  Cora's relationship with her dad is bad, and I felt annoyed at some points.  Can't someone finally trust each other and be open for some time?  I loved how Cora had put in the right words about the trust they had.

"No, Dad."  I shook my head.  "Not real trust.  It's easy to say you trust a bird in a cage."

And Finn - that guy speaks the right things at the right time.  Yes, they are too cheesy, but I can't help smiling.

"How is it possible that every kiss is the most satisfying in the world, and still it's never enough?"

This guy is swoon worthy for most parts of the novel.  I hated how things ended up between them.  And then there are Mari and Dun.  The friendship and the budding romance between the two is so adorable.  And there are so many other characters towards the end of the book.  All have been portrayed well and if I start mentioning them, I am afraid the review may contain spoilers, so I stop.

Fast paced read and an entertainer.  This was a page turner and the suspense was handled well keeping the readers hooked.  Recommeded to paranormal lovers!

Scintillating!

GIVEAWAY

1 Prize pack of a key necklace and a signed copy of Scintillate. US ONLY

3 paperbacks of Scintillate US Only.
3 eBooks of Scintillate International.

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Review: The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) - Already started with the next book!!!

I know I am a little behind on my review copies..what with being newly married and so much other family stuff happening..  So, I am trying to keep up on my review copies now, as well as with my own bought ones.

Series: Bloodlines #2

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: June 12th 2012

Source: Bought

Genre: Paranormal, Young-adult

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

REVIEW

Although I have some problems with Bloodlines, I still can't give up on Richelle Mead or this series.  After all, she is the author of one of my all-time favorite series and the creator of the best kick-ass heroine..  So, I have bought both "The Golden Lily" and "The Indigo Spell" and started with this one.

Sydney is better (but still not someone whom I love to be a heroine) in this novel and getting used to being with Moroi and dhampirs.  Eddie (dhampir), Angeline (dhampir), Dimitri (oh, yeah, he comes back), Sonya Karp (remember her? She is a spirit user, turned Strigoi and was brought back to Moroi again) and Adrian (OH GOD, ADRIAN! Wait, I will come back to him later!), along with Sydney, tries to hide Jill from the rest of the supernatural community, so that Lissa's rule continues.  Sydney is also faced with the new problem that her blood is too 'bad' to be drunk by a Strigoi and afraid that anyone might consider her a lab rat, if this is revealed.  Also, there is a new gang called "Warriors of Light", who tries to kill Sonya. 

Apart from all these, Sydney is finally dating for the first time in her life, not that I approve of Brayden-Sydney relationship.  I liked the naiveness of this new 'dating' Sydney and she slowly comes to like and care about Adrian, Eddie, Angeline and Jill.  While Adrian, Dimitri and Sonya are doing a research about restoring Strigoi back, Sydney helps them with their work in spite of her deeply instilled beliefs.  As the story progresses, we see the characters settle down in their new homes and become friendly, loyal and at last, a family. 

Look, I am a fan of Dimitri okay?  But, ask me now again.  I am TEAM ADRIAN!

Source: Penguin Teen Australia

I have always liked Adrian and felt so sad for him at the end of VA series.  I am happy when Richelle Mead's Bloodlines series came, because I thought at least I will see Adrian living his HEA - and yes, even if its with Sydney.  Its obvious (well, not-so-obvious to Sydney) from the start that Adrian is falling for Sydney.  And I am angry with Sydney for not knowing this..of course, Mead has said that she is naive in the relationship details by bringing in a boyfriend..but still I can't approve.   Adrian is dopy and drunk for the most part of the novel, but I think he more than made up towards the end.  I can see a relationship forming between Adrian and Sydney and am waiting to hear how that works out.

I had already started with the next book - The Indigo Spell!  I think I am liking it better than this one, and I seriously think this series AND Sydney is growing on me..

3.5 STARS!

SERIES ORDER

1.  Bloodlines - Amazon | Goodreads | Review

2.  The Golden Lily - Amazon | Goodreads | Review

3.  The Indigo Spell - Amazon | Goodreads | Review to come

4.  The Fiery Heart - Expected publication 2013 - Pre-order at Amazon | Goodreads

Review & Giveaway: Farsighted by Emlyn Chand

Original Title: Farsighted
Series: Farsighted #1
Author: Emlyn Chand
Publisher: Blue Crown Press
Release Date: March 15th 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young-adult

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, an enticing new girl comes to their small Midwest town all the way from India. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future.

REVIEW

Alex has been born blind, and has no friends in his school.  Starting another year at school doesn't sound good to him, what with others always bullying and laughing at him constantly.  But, this year is going to be different..as in 'special'..  Some unusual things happen in Alex's life.  He starts 'seeing' present and future happenings.  This year, he is also getting some new friends Simmi and Shapri, who are also having some special gifts.  Alex has a crush on Simmi.  But, things get serious, when Alex sees Simmi murdered by some telekinetic powered psycho, Dax.  Alex swears to protect Simmi, whatever it takes.  


The writing and plot are seriously awesome.  I could just imagine how someone blind feels.  Throughout the novel, the author has identified everything and everyone with smell, hearing and touch. Its definitely not easy to bring that feel to the audience.  I felt blind and helpless in most cases, not knowing what everyone else is doing.  That is the real success that I feel about this book.

With excellent characters and amazing descriptiveness (with limited resources), the author couldn't have done it more better.  The characters of Alex's mom and dad are cool.

This novel is slow paced and with less action.  And my most important problem was Alex.  I understand that the guy is a teenager and he is dealing a lot more than others his age.  But, he could have some things better.  Being rude and losing his mind, is something Alex constantly does.  As I said before, although I know that the guy is still young and having a tough time, I started to get annoyed after some time.  He could have enjoyed his life, at least now that he has friends.. No, he has to go and spoil everything due to unnecessary fears.

Has full potential to become a great series!  Loved the writing!

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away e-copies of this novel to THREE winners of this giving away.  Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below.  Winners will be chosen by random.org.

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Review: Spiritus by Dana Michelle Burnett

Original Title: Spiritus
Series: Spiritus #1
Author: Dana Michelle Burnett
Release Date: October 2011
Genre: Paranormal, Young-adult

A love that refuses to die…

“As I watched him vanish into a soft mist that faded away, I knew that he was no ordinary spirit…I knew that he was a dangerous entity that could be in some corner of another realm planning his revenge, but I also knew that I was hopelessly in love with him.”

When Becca moves into her ancestral home in Corydon, Indiana, her life takes a puzzling and thrilling turn when she meets the ghost haunting the halls. As the seductive spirit lures her closer and closer, she learns about her own past and starts to understand that some mistakes are meant to last.

Becca McAllister has always been different from other girls her age. Never part of the "in crowd", Becca never really fit in anywhere. When her mother dies and her father moves them to the small town of Corydon, Indiana, Becca didn't expect things to change.

But things do change when Becca accidentally makes contact with a one hundred and sixty year old ghost, Alastor Sinclair, that haunts the halls of her new home.

To Becca, Alastor is a seductive spirit that seems to see straight into her soul. To Alastor, Becca is what he was waited a century for--A second chance.

But the closer they get, the more Becca realizes that this isn't the first time she and Alastor have known each other. Worse still, is she the one responsible for his death so long ago? And if so, did he come back for love or revenge?

REVIEW

Becca McAllister recently lost her mother in a car accident.  Unable to stay with the memories of her mother in the same home, Becca and her father move to her ancestral home in Corydon, Indiana.  Soon after she reached that house, she started getting memories of her in that house in her previous life.   She also started seeing a ghost, who says that he came for her.  Initially, Becca thinks she has gone mad. But, eventually after some research, she learns that the ghost's name is Alastor and he was her husband in her previous life, when she killed him.  Had he come for revenge now..after all these years?

My first thought, after a few pages of reading this book was, -- It resembles MEDIATOR series by Meg Cabot.  I loved the Mediator series, so naturally I got excited to read this.

I am not sure whether I loved or hated this book.  It was written well, but somehow I felt that there is a major problem with the plot.  The story itself is not clear after some pages.

• There is no proper explanation of why Becca loves Alastor in her life now.
• What is the problem with Alastor?  Why should he come back from the death?  Is it for revenge or love?
• What does Alastor actually want with Becca?

These are some major issues that confused me until the end.  I was hoping that it would be answered somewhere..  Nope, no luck!

I can only hope that the author has given some explanation for all these things in the upcoming books of the series.

SPIRITUS SERIES ORDER

1.  Spiritus

2.  Haunted

Review & Excerpt: Dark Mercy by Zoe Winters

Original Title: Dark Mercy

Author: Zoe Winters

Publisher: Incubooks

Published Date: March 3rd 2012

Genre: Paranormal

1955, Las Vegas, Nevada
Angeline has been on the run from her sire, Linus, for centuries. She’s tired, and she’s lonely. High from mescaline-induced blood, she sees a sign—a church that seems to glow in the distance—and she knows. Her future mate is in that building.

Important Author’s Note:
Dark Mercy is the beginning of Hadrian and Angeline’s story, not the end. Their HEA will happen later in their own full-length novel. This story is important both for the overall series and for this couple, but it’s not their HEA. Just a mild disclaimer so no one goes in with false expectations for this story.

EXCERPT

“A-Angeline. I haven’t seen you here in awhile.” Could he not get that schoolboy stutter out of his voice?
“I was fighting temptation,” she replied coyly.
Hadrian cleared his throat. “And did you succeed?”
“No.”
She glided closer—or floated. The length of her dress made it impossible to tell which. She stopped mere inches in front of him. He should have taken a step back, should have excused himself, but her strange eyes locked with his. They drew him in, hypnotizing him.
If he were another type of man, he would have proclaimed she was a witch putting him under a spell, but it was just as much his responsibility as hers for not moving away. It was his fault for not finding a replacement for midnight Mass.  His mind became fuzzy.
What was I just thinking about?
Her eyes pulled him in, making the rest of the room swirl around him in a slow blur. If he’d looked down to find them both floating and spinning in the air, he wouldn’t have been surprised. He was dizzy from the delicious scent emanating from her.
Her voice was a siren’s song when she spoke again. “Forgive me, Father, for I’m about to sin.”
Angeline’s mouth tasted like hot cinnamon candy as her lips descended on his. Her lip gloss left his mouth tingling. She might burn him alive with a single kiss. She chuckled as she continued her exploration of his mouth, as if he’d stated his thought aloud and she found it amusing.
Somewhere deep inside him was the place that was screaming that this must not happen, but it sounded like it was shouting from far away down a long, dark hallway, disappearing into a tinny echo. Quickly overtaking that voice was one penetrating thought that refused to release him.
I want her. I want her. I want her. I want her. The thought happened in rhythm to the beat of his heart.
Her lips left his mouth and made a burning trail over his cheek and up to the lobe of his ear. “Father Hadrian.” It was a breathy pant that held all the promise of a new universe unfolding.
He couldn’t remember what she said after that or even if she said something after that. The pounding of his own blood rushing through his ears—and other blood racing south in response to her nearness—had drowned out his ability to think or hear anything else but the lilting magic of her voice calling his name.
“Father Hadrian… ”
Her tone had gone from that of an angel to a writhing serpent as she rubbed her sinewy body against him. This was wrong. The thinking part of him clawed to get out. Something was all wrong about this, beyond the breaking of a vow. But he couldn’t form a coherent thought.
I want her. I want her. I want her.
“And you shall have me. Forever,” she said.
Had he spoken out loud? He wasn’t sure.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me right now,” he said, as her fingers slid under the Roman collar.
It startled him. His collar. Where were his vestments? There were more layers of clothing, or there had been a few moments ago. He glanced down to find the vestments somehow on the floor of the sanctuary. He started to pull away.
“No, Father. Eyes right here on mine. Stay with me.”
His gaze shifted back to her eyes and his will merged with her again. He didn’t realize his shirt was off until the air from the chilly room hit his bare chest.
“Oh, what a surprise. You must work out. Don’t be shy, Father Hadrian. It’s a crime you never get to be inside a woman with this body.”

REVIEW

Angeline is a centuries old vampire, who has lived lonely for years.  She lost most traces of humanity, that she possessed when she was human and intended to be a nun.  Her sire, Linus, who created Angeline, made sure of that.  After so long, she was searching for a mate to ease her loneliness.  She finds someone - Hadrian, a priest, who works to alleviate the pains of the sinned humans.  Angeline wants Father Hadrian...

Excellent written Zoe!  Hats off!  Its a short novel of Angeline and Hadrian, but as the author has mentioned in her note in the book description, this is not their 'happily ever after'.  So, I can't wait to read their full story.  The world building and characterization is just great!  If Zoe has tried to build an audience with this short novel, she is clearly doing a clean job..it really will attract the readers to read the full story of Angeline and Hadrian.

For such a short story, the author has done an amazing job of taking the readers to the world she built and scaring them.  A new author to look forward to!