Dark Needs at Night's Edge - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #5)
by Kresley Cole

What is it about:
Neomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers--until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Neomi herself.

To prevent him from harming others, vampire warrior Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

Yet even if Conrad can win Neomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I'm totally reading out of order, but this one sounded more interesting than A Hunger Like No Other which I should have been reading if I kept to series order. And reading the blurbs I had the feeling I wouldn't miss out if I did read out of order.

And I must say I liked this story better than the novella that started this series (The Warlord Wants Forever).
I really liked the idea of a romance between a ghost and a vampire. Neomi can't be touched by Conrad so this made for a romance that's much more about personalities than physical lust. It's still all a bit quick and I would have liked more of a build up where they really get to know each other, but it felt much more convincing than the romance in the novella.

Knowing this time the story is set in the present also made that I didn't feel as lost about the time period as I did in The Warlord Wants Forever. I still really like the mythology and world building that's there.

There were appearances of characters from previous books that make me wonder if I will like them if I decide to read the books that are about them, or if they're as obnoxious as they seemed in this book. The couple that's in A Hunger Like No Other didn't make an appearance as far I could tell, so I will read that one when I'm in the mood for Paranormal Romance and decide if I'll read more depending on how much I like it.

All in all this book was a very enjoyable PNR, even if it won't end up on my keeper shelves.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable and entertaining PNR read.


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Teasing on a Wednesday

Cara couldn't imagine what the sphere could be. Maybe an intergalactic message in a bottle?
"What are you?" she asked the object.
That's when it replied.

(page 187, Invaded by Melissa Landers)


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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Shift of the Tide - Release Day Book Review

The Shift of the Tide (The Uncharted Realms #3)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
A QUICKSILVER HEART
Released from the grip of a tyrant, the Twelve Kingdoms have thrown all that touch them into chaos. As the borders open, new enemies emerge to vie for their hard-won power—and old deceptions crumble under the strain…

The most talented shapeshifter of her generation, Zynda has one love in her life: freedom. The open air above her, the water before her, the sun on her skin or wings or fur—their sensual glories more than make up for her loneliness. She serves the High Queen’s company well, but she can’t trust her allies with her secrets, or the secrets of her people. Best that she should keep her distance, alone.

Except wherever she escapes, Marskal, the Queen’s quiet lieutenant, seems to find her. Solid, stubborn, and disciplined, he’s no more fluid than rock. Yet he knows what she likes, what thrills and unnerves her, when she’s hiding something. His lithe warrior’s body promises pleasure she has gone too long without. But no matter how careful, how tender, how incendiary he is, only Zynda can know the sacrifice she must make for her people’s future—and the time is drawing near…

What did I think of it:
I love this series, so you can bet I dove into this book as soon as I got an ARC in my greedy little trotters.

And you bet I'll be getting the print version as soon as it's available!

I will confess that i had my doubts about Zynda at the start of the book. She seemed a bit too smug about herself and her powers. But soon she encounters situations that teach her she still has lots to learn about life, and when I saw she is capable of changing her views when they're clearly wrong I fell in love.

And then there's Marskal. He's the kind of hero I love, but don't often encounter. He might not be a man of many words, but his actions show more clearly than words ever could how he feels about Zynda and others in his life. He's there when needed and doesn't waver. I loved how I actually got to see who he is and what he stands for instead of hearing him say so and having to believe him at his word.

The challenges the both of them face are many and I was rooting for them to succeed. The stakes are high and at times I feared for how things might end. Luckily Jeffe is the kind of author who never disappoints when it comes to a satisfying ending.

I also loved that there were glimpses of the couples from previous books and to see what those were up to.

As you might already have guessed by my remark about satisfying endings, I loved the conclusion of this book. Zynda and Marskal's tale is told, but in the overall storyline of the series there's enough left to make me hungry for more. Luckily there will at least be one more book.

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful Fantasy Romance


Find buy links here

The Cage - Book Rant

The Cage (The Cage #1)
by Megan Shepherd

What is it about:
When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments—tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle, and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures—all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.

Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer—a handsome young guard called Cassian—appears, they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: Their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken the five teenagers for an otherworldly zoo—where the exhibits are humans.

As a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer—though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so . . . what world lies beyond the walls of their cage?

What did I think of it:
The premise of this book is really cool, so I had high hopes.

Yeah...

What can I say. The story started out ok, but then went down fast. The teens were continuously bickering, and when they were not, they were getting it on with each other. Cora was a special snowflake. Cassian got too little screentime to actually be a believable love interest. And then something was revealed about Cora that made me immediately lose all respect I might have had for her.

I did finish the book because I kept hoping it would eventually be the story I wanted it to be, but alas.

You can safely assume I wont read the other books in this series.

Why should you read it:
Maybe you will like Cora and the other teens better than I did.


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Faking It - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Faking It (Losing It #2)
by Cora Carmack

What is it about:
Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Considering that I didn't much care for Cade in Losing It, I was surprised to find that I loved this book more than Losing It.

Cade felt more mature in this book and Max was a perfect fit for him. I very much enjoyed seeing the two of them connect and falling for each other. Max is not an easy character, but she was easy to relate to because of her issues. At some points in the book I feared Cade would be too soft and pliable for her, but luckily he managed to shape up when it was needed.

The tone of this book is a bit more serious than the first book, but there's still lots of fun and fluffy moments. All in all a very enjoyable read.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable New Adult Romance


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On McPig's Radar - Witch Creek

You bet this is a pre-order!


Witch Creek: A Wildlands Novel (Wildlands #4)
by Laura Bickle

In the backcountry of Yellowstone, evil moves below the surface . . .

Following Nine of Stars comes the next chapter in Laura Bickle's critically acclaimed Wildlands series

As the daughter of an alchemist, Petra Dee has battled supernatural horrors and experienced astonishing wonders. But there’s no magic on earth that can defeat her recent cancer diagnosis, or help find her missing husband, Gabriel. Still, she would bet all her remaining days that the answer to his disappearance lies in the dark subterranean world beneath the Rutherford Ranch on the outskirts of Temperance, Wyoming.

Gabe is being held prisoner by the sheriff and heir to the ranch, Owen Rutherford. Owen is determined to harness the power of the Tree of Life—and he needs Gabe to reveal its magic. Secretly, the sheriff has also made a pact to free a creature of the underground, a flesh-devouring mermaid. Muirenn has vowed to exact vengeance on Gabe, who helped imprison her, but first . . . she's hungry. Once freed, she will swim into Yellowstone—to feed.

With her coyote sidekick Sig, Petra must descend into the underworld to rescue Gabe before it's too late . . . for both of them.


Expected publication: February 27th 2018 by Harper Voyager

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The Upside of Unrequited - Slightly Ranty Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Upside of Unrequited
by Becky Albertalli

What is it about:
Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love—she’s lived through it twenty-six times. She crushes hard and crushes often, but always in secret. Because no matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.

Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly’s totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie’s new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. Will is funny and flirtatious and just might be perfect crush material. Maybe more than crush material. And if Molly can win him over, she’ll get her first kiss and she’ll get her twin back.

There’s only one problem: Molly’s coworker Reid. He’s an awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there’s absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
While browsing the local bookstore in hope they'd have the next book in Perkins' Anna and the French Kiss series I ran into this book. On my quest for Contemporary Romance I actually like I decided to give this a try.

And I'm in two minds about this book.

Mostly this isn't so much a romance as it is a coming of age and finding out who you are tale. Molly is close to her sister, but when her sister gets a girlfriend Molly is adrift. I liked how she's questioning herself and her world, and how she tries to cope with the changing relationship between her and her sister.

What I didn't like is the fact that when she finally finds her footing it's because of a crush that might finally be more than just a crush. Apart from the fact that I liked Reid and wanted him to have more screen time (Yes: I wanted them at the Ren Faire together), I was disappointed by this development. I'd have loved this story more if Molly's growth came from within. Although it could have been worse: at least she didn't lose weight and got a make-over that suddenly made her feel happy about herself.

And don't get me started on the sickly sweet ending where everything and everyone was suddenly full of magic, cheer, forgiveness, and happy little trees, even those who couldn't stand each other before (ok, maybe the happy little trees are an exaggeration).

All in all a nice read, but not a keeper.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice contemporary YA read.


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EPIC by Adrienne Wilder - Spotlight + giveaway

Epic
by Adrienne Wilder
released June 15, 2017 - 319 pages

Andrew Atler has learned the hard way, fiction is far better than real life. In his romance novels the world is safe, predictable, and there is always a happy ending. Best of all, he can safely fall in love and the person will never know. There he can weave a tale of perfect passion plus pay the bills.

Matt Grim flies the colors of Hell’s Legion. When he’s not riding his chopper, he’s working as a bouncer for the Six. Matt’s life consists of drinking, playing in a band, and burning the midnight oil in the dungeon. He lives hard, plays hard, and rides even harder.

Two people who would never be a part of the same EPIC love story.

But sometimes those fairy tale clichés have a way of working magic.

And sometimes…sometimes those happy endings do come true.

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Goodreads

Author Bio:

Georgia born and bred, I am an artist, a writer, and a general pain in the ass.

I spend most of my days working on my next book or designing cover art for other writers. For stress relief I do Olympic lifting and occasionally run (but hate it). I have been in love with writing since I was very young but it wasn't until recently that I decided to pursue it as a profession.

I have experimented in several genres and found that since I identify as male, male romance has been the most comfortable for me to write. I don't discriminate in my books. All characters are fair game. I do however, prefer a happy ending at some level.

I don't write the standard romance book. Some might even argue that what I write isn't romance at all. Personally, I think of them as love stories, where even in a fantastical world, there are realistic outcomes to the obstacles the characters face.

Many of my books have dark turns and twists where the characters fight for the light at the end of the tunnel. I write action, fist fights, gun fights, downright dirty evil people who have to be stopped, things catch fire, blow up, and fall in. My characters come in a unique range. They are not all good guys, but the majority of them have very good hearts. Many of them have been through hell in their lives, and many of them have a laundry list of faults. But hopefully they manage to surprise you with their tenacity and loyalty.

If all goes well, there will be a myriad of different kinds of books available this year. If I am really lucky, you will enjoy them.

Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads
Amazon - Wattpad



Wild
by Adrienne Wilder
Releasing in August 2017

No sane man would choose to live in the Alaskan bush unless he had something to hide. And Keegan Brooks has secrets darker than night, more dangerous than wolves, more brutal than an Alaskan winter. Every day for him was survival until he found August Vallory the sole survivor in a downed plane.

It’s no longer just Keegan’s life teetering on the edge of survival.

Now it’s his heart.

Goodreads - Amazon




Blog Tour
Aug 14-25

Aug 14 Boy Meets Boys Reviews – guest post
Aug 15 Making it Happen - review
Vampy and Racey – review/guest post
Aug 16 The Novel Approach Reviews – guest post
Aug 17 Joyfully Jay – guest post
Aug 18 Jeep Diva – guest post
Aug 21 I Smell Sheep – guest post
Aug 22 Love Unchained - review
Pearls Cast Before a McPig - spotlight
Aug 23 Love Bytes – guest post
Aug 25 Jessie G Books – spotlight


Giveaway
Win an ecopy of an Adrienne Wilder book of your choice.

Rules:
Open internationally to everyone who's 18+ and legally allowed to enter
Leave a comment which book you'd like to win
Leave a way for me to contact you
Do so before August 26th, 2017

A winner will be randomly selected soon after.


Tour Wide Giveaway
$20 amazon gift card:

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Anna and the French Kiss - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss #1)
by Stephanie Perkins

What is it about:
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
When complaining that I find it hard to find Contemporary Romances that I like, I had several people recommending me Anna and the French Kiss. Although it's YA and not Adult or New Adult, I decided to give it a try.

And I fell in love.

This is such a fun, light read, even with the teenage love drama.

I will confess that I love Paris and that it's the foreign city that I visited the most, so that this story is set in Paris might have been one of the reasons I loved this book.

But I also really loved reading bout Anna and the people she befriends at the boarding school (yes: a boarding school, yet another thing I love to read about). Some of them were more interesting and likeable than others, but I loved how much friendship there is in this book. And how even when people make mistakes their friends are there for them.

Anna and St. Clair did test my patience at times I will confess. They really should have just sat down and talked instead of wallowing in their own thoughts and feelings, but as the book would have been over very soon that way, I won't hold it against them.

All in all this is a very enjoyable and fluffy read that I can advice to anyone who's looking for a light, heartwarming read. I will most certainly read the other books in this series as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and fluffy YA Romance


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They All Fall Down - Book Review

They All Fall Down
by Roxanne St. Claire

What is it about:
Every year, the lives of ten girls at Vienna High are transformed.

All because of the list.

Kenzie Summerall can't imagine how she's been voted onto a list of the hottest girls in school, but when she lands at number five, her average life becomes dazzling. Doors open to the best parties, new friends surround her, the cutest jock in school is after her.

This is the power of the list. If you're on it, your life changes.

If you're on it this year? Your life ends.

The girls on the list have started to die, one by one. Is it a coincidence? A curse? Or is the list in the hands of a killer?

Time is running out for Kenzie, but she’s determined to uncover the deadly secret of the list...before her number’s up.

What did I think of it:
This was a very entertaining read.

I will say that I sniffed out the Who or What of the story very early on, but the Why was more difficult because it was a bit out there. Even so, the story is suspenseful and very enjoyable. I liked Kenzie and her best friend and loved reading how Kenzie tries to stay alive and to figure out what's going on and why.

There were a couple of situations where I wanted to kick some sense in Kenzie, but this being a YA thriller I must say she was acting more sensible than expected. And I actually was rooting for the right guy in the inescapable teen romance drama triangly thing for once.

All in all a fun read. I might try other books by St. Claire in the future.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining YA read


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The Plague Carrier - Book Review

The Plague Carrier
by Merrie Destefano

What is it about:
A teenage runaway’s post-apocalyptic world comes tumbling down when she discovers a survivor in a field of dead bodies.

Condemned as a runaway and sentenced to work as a Cleaner, fifteen-year-old Anna now spends her days searching for valuables in a field of dead warriors. Her life goes from bad to worse, however, when she stumbles upon a plague carrier, a boy her age who could kill her entire camp with a single drop from the flask he carries around his neck.

What did I think of it:
This is a short post-apocalyptic YA story.

Anna's life has fallen to pieces, but she stills keeps hope and keeps going on. Then a dangerous boy shows up and might destroy what little she has left. I loved that there's a minimum of worldbuilding, but that Destefano still manages to create a clear post-apocalyptic setting and atmosphere with well chosen words and descriptions.

This being a short story I can't tell too much without spoiling, but it was a great read, and I wouldn't mind reading more stories in this setting.

Why should you read it:
This is a quick and satisfying Post-Apocalyptic YA read


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Teaser Tuesdays - The Kiss of Deception

"My back is dirtier than a potato?"
She grunted and set to work.

(page 170, The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson)


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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Heroine Worship - Book Review

Heroine Worship (Heroine Complex #2)
by Sarah Kuhn

What is it about:
Once upon a time, Aveda Jupiter (aka Annie Chang) was demon-infested San Francisco’s most beloved superheroine, a beacon of hope and strength and really awesome outfits. But all that changed the day she agreed to share the spotlight with her best friend and former assistant Evie Tanaka—who’s now a badass, fire-wielding superheroine in her own right. They were supposed to be a dynamic duo, but more and more, Aveda finds herself shoved into the sidekick role. Where, it must be said, she is not at all comfortable.

It doesn’t help that Aveda’s finally being forced to deal with fallout from her diva behavior—and the fact that she’s been a less than stellar friend to Evie. Or that Scott Cameron—the man Aveda’s loved for nearly a decade—is suddenly giving her the cold shoulder after what seemed to be some promising steps toward friendship. Or that the city has been demon-free for three months in the wake of Evie and Aveda’s apocalypse-preventing battle against the evil forces of the Otherworld, leaving Aveda without the one thing she craves most in life: a mission.

All of this is causing Aveda’s burning sense of heroic purpose—the thing that’s guided her all these years—to falter.

In short, Aveda Jupiter is having an identity crisis.

When Evie gets engaged and drafts Aveda as her maid-of-honor, Aveda finally sees a chance to reclaim her sense of self and sets out on a single-minded mission to make sure Evie has the most epic wedding ever. But when a mysterious, unseen supernatural evil rises up and starts attacking brides-to-be, Aveda must summon both her superheroine and best friend mojo to take down the enemy and make sure Evie’s wedding goes off without a hitch—or see both her city and her most important friendship destroyed forever.

What did I think of it:
I ordered this book right after I finished the first book in this series.

And this is yet another fun read.

Aveda is not as easy to like as Evie, in fact I didn't much like her in the first book. But in this book you get to see more about what makes her tick, and soon I could understand why Aveda is such a difficult person. I even started to root for her. It sure helps that Aveda is aware of her flaws and is actively trying to better herself, even though not always in the best way. By the end of the book I loved Aveda.

Aveda's love interest was also a character in the first book, and I wasn't impressed by him there, and in this book he didn't manage to make much of an impression either.

Luckily there's so much more to this book than the romance. I was invested in what was going on from the start and wanted to find out who or what was behind all the strange things that were happening. As with the first book I love how suspense and humor manage to go hand in hand. There isn't a dull moment.

Even though the first book is still my favorite, I very much enjoyed this book as well, and you bet I will get my greedy trotters on the third book once it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and very entertaining Superhero read.


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The Nothing - Book Review

The Nothing (The Between #3)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
When people in Wakeworld begin dying in their sleep, Vivian Maylor travels through an increasingly unstable Between on a quest to stop the mysterious epidemic. Although she has no love for the dark magic of the Sorcieri, they hold the only hope of stopping the disaster. Vivian has one chance to save the worlds – if she can persuade the Master of the Sorcieri to share his secrets, and if she is willing to sacrifice everything she loves…

What did I think of it:
Did you ever love a series so much you both wanted to read the last book and didn't want to read it, because then it would officially mean it was over? That's how I felt about this series. And the longer you wait to pick up that last book the harder it gets, because that means you should reread the previous books, and when you do you get all angsty about reading that last book all over again.

But I finally sat down, reread the previous books and dove into The Nothing.

And this is an awesome read!

I knew things would be difficult and I knew not everyone was going to make it out in one piece, or even alive, but I still hoped and rooted for all my favorites.

What an emotional roller coaster!

Vivian and the others encounter lots of danger, difficult decisions, and heartache. There are choices to be made, sacrifices... I can tell you I shed some tears over events in this book.

Everything leads up to an edge of your seat finale that blew me away. What a great ending to a wonderful and emotional series. This series is a keeper for sure!

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome and emotional UF read with dragons and a cool penguin!


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Wakeworld - Book Review (repost)

Wakeworld (The Between #2)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
Vivian Maylor is trying to hold it together. But her attempts to build a life with the man she loves seem doomed by the dragon inside her yearning to break free. Vivian is a dreamshifter, the last line of defense between reality and the dreamworld, and the only one of her kind.

Weston Jennings also believes he is the only one of his kind. He fears his powers as a dreamshifter, and resists learning to control them. After suffering a tragic loss, Weston heads deep into the woods of the Pacific Northwest to embrace a safe life of solitude. But when a terrible mistake leads to an innocent’s death, his guilt drives him to his former home, where he encounters what he never thought he would find: another shifter.

Now Vivian and Weston must work together to defeat a new threat to the dreamworld.

What did I think of it:
I loved Between, the first book in this series, and preordered Wakeworld as soon as it was possible. Still it took me a while to find the time to pick it up.

I'm very glad I finally found that time though, because this is yet another winner.

Schafer doesn't make it easy for her characters. They have to struggle and fight to get where they're trying to go. I felt for Vivian, and even more for Zee (Vivian's love interest). They get challenges thrown their way that could easily break them. Still they keep trying.

I really liked to see that Vivian has grown since the first book. There she let herself be dragged along mostly, powerless to stop what was happening to her. In this book she was starting to take control of things, not always with success, but at least she was doing everything she could to change her fate.

The story is full of twists and turns, and you have to keep paying attention to what's happening. I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep reading to see if Vivian and Zee would manage to get out alive and (mostly) well.

The ending was satisfying, but left many things open that make me anxious and eager for the next book. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book when it releases, because I want more!

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful (Urban) Fantasy read with dragons.


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Between - Book Review (repost)

In celebration of the Release of World Tree Girl I decided to repost my reviews of other books by Kerry Schafer this week.


Between (The Between #1)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
Vivian Maylor can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because she just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, or it could be the stress of her new job at the hospital. But perhaps it’s because her dreams have started to bleed through into her waking hours.

All of her life Vivian has rejected her mother’s insane ramblings about Dreamworlds for concrete science and fact, until an emergency room patient ranting about dragons spontaneously combusts before her eyes—forcing Viv to consider the idea that her visions of mythical beasts might be real.

And when a chance encounter leads her to a man she knows only from her dreams, Vivian finds herself falling into a world that seems strange and familiar all at once—a world where the line between dream and reality is hard to determine, and hard to control…

What did I think of it:
This is a beautiful read.

I will confess I had expected this to be a cool Urban Fantasy read. What I didn't expect was to be taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This story frustrated me, made me feel worry, anger and hope. Vivian is a very likable heroine and I couldn't help cheering her on and screaming at her in total frustration at times. The things that happen to her are new and scary for her and I think Schafer did a wonderful job in showing how this affects Vivian.

It might not surprise anyone when I tell you I fell in love with Poe, the penguin Vivian encounters in the Dreamworld. He's a great character and brought a lot of emotion to the story without even being able to speak.

The story itself is really beautiful and intricate. There are lots of things going on that Vivian has to figure out and I was curious to find out where it all would lead. The ending leaves a lot open for the sequel, but not in a frustrating way. instead I was left feeling satisfied for now while looking forward to read book two as soon as it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful and emotional Urban Fantasy read.


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World Tree Girl - Release Day Book Review

World Tree Girl (Shadow Valley Manor #2)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
The girl with the full-body tattoo of a world tree is not just another runaway. She's dead, for starters, and her veins are emptied of blood and oozing a strange, jelly-like substance. To Maureen Keslyn, seasoned paranormal investigator, former FBI agent, new owner of the Shadow Valley Manor Retirement Home, this isn’t just a corpse. It’s a sign that the Medusa, a dangerous paranormal hybrid, is on another killing spree.

Maureen and her team—Jake, the local sheriff, Matt, the Shadow Valley Manor cook with knife skills that extend beyond the kitchen, and eighteen-year-old Sophronia, who has an uncanny affinity for ghosts—are determined to hunt down and eliminate the creature.

Their case is complicated by the ghost of Maureen’s former partner, Phil Evers, who refuses to cross to the other side, and his very much alive daughter Jillian, who shows up demanding to know how Maureen inherited the Manor. When Sophronia uses her power to try to help Phil across, a huge spirit storm blows up at Shadow Valley Manor, and she disappears. With the life of one of their own in deadly peril, Maureen and the team have a ticking clock to find Sophronia and bring down the Medusa.

What did I think of it:
I pre-ordered this book as soon as it was available, but release day drew near and still no word from bookdepository that they would start to ship anytime soon. Luckily the awesome Kerry Schafer offered me a digital review copy so I could read the book early while waiting for my print copy to arrive.

And this is yet another great read!
There will be book hugging once my print copy arrives.

While this book is perfectly readable as a standalone, I'm going to tell you to get your hands on Dead Before Dying first, because you will want all the Maureen you can get!

Maureen sure knows how to find trouble, and when she doesn't find it, it manages to find her.

I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put the book down. I had to find out if the Medusa was indeed on a killing spree, who was involved, and if Maureen would be in time to rescue those she loves.

I will confess I did want to scream at Maureen from time to time to be more resolute to those people who bothered her. She was being much too polite in my opinion. I would have lost my temper and booted them out of my manor if I was her.

That aside this is a wonderful, action-packed and suspenseful read. Maureen is awesome, but the other characters are all really cool as well. I especially loved Mac and Sophronia, but Jake and Matt are also great.

And the ending! Wow! I need the next book! Let there be a next book!

All in all I loved this book and will keep an eye out for news on this series and anything else Kerry writes.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool and suspenseful Paranormal read


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Dead Before Dying - Book Review (repost)

Tomorrow it's the release day of World Tree Girl, the second book in the Shadow Valley Manor series, so I'm reposting my review of Dead Before Dying today.

Check back tomorrow for my review of World Tree Girl


Dead Before Dying (Shadow Valley Manor #1)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
In this supernatural thriller, shot through with biting wit, Maureen Keslyn checks herself in to Shadow Valley Manor to recuperate and rehabilitate from her last job. There, she runs afoul of the stern director and makes friends with some of the other residents, mostly older, all harboring either a secret or a grudge. With secrets of her own, like why she has her own Federal Agent checking up on her, and how she injured herself in the first place, Maureen fits right in, even as she sticks out like a thorn.

But Shadow Valley isn't just for rest. Maureen is working undercover, seeking to find and eradicate whatever forces are picking off the residents (and staff) at a grisly clip. With her resources dwindling one death at a time, and unnatural forces seething to rise up once more, Maureen's experience fighting the supernatural will be her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil and her only chance at surviving it.

She'll need people as paranoid as she is from the sheriff, to the undertaker's daughter, to a cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it if she is going to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...

What did I think of it:
I love Kerry Schafer's The Between books (even though I still haven't read the last book, because I don't want the series to be over), so when I heard about this new series I had to get my trotters on it.

And this is an amazing read!

I loved Maureen from the start and once I read the first few pages I almost couldn't put it down. If not for the fact I had appointments to keep, I would have finished this book in one sitting, it's that engaging.

Maureen meets some really cool people, and some rather nasty people as well, but all were interesting. As one death after another happens I was totally invested in Maureen and her unlikely allies getting to the truth of things.

The writing and story are fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. There's also lots of humor to keep you entertained as well. I reached the ending of this book much too soon in my opinion. I want to read much, much more about Maureen.

Luckily there will most likely be a sequel, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that!

Why should you read it:
It's a witty and awesome Supernatural Thriller.


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Enclave - Book Review (repost)

I'm busy rereading this series, because it's just so awesome!


Enclave (Razorland #1)
by Ann Aguirre

What is it about:
In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

What did I think of it:
Being a sucker for stories set in a post-apocalyptic world I just had to read this book.

And let me tell you: Enclave totally blew me away!

Let me start with the setting:
Aguirre creates a realistic, gritty, grim and even barbaric world and describes this in such colorful detail I could easily picture it. The Enclave in which Deuce lives and the tunnels around it feel real and alive. I was impressed by how Aguirre described this strange and yet familiar world and succeeded in letting me see it through Deuce's eyes.

As for the characters:
Deuce is a difficult person to love at first, but as she learns and grows I started to grow to like her until I found myself rooting for her. Fade on the other hand is someone I connected with and rooted for from the start and often I found myself agreeing with him when he and Deuce collided with each other.

The story:
Absolutely awesome!
It has everything I love: suspense, kick-ass action, terrifying monsters, betrayal, hope and even love. It's gritty, dark and full of emotion. I like how Aguirre doesn't pull any punches and shows the gruesome reality of a world in ruins and what mankind can turn into when the worst comes to the worst.

So nothing negative to say?
The critical reader might find some small inconsistencies, like Deuce using the word window and then later on in the story she suddenly doesn't know what a window is, but it's nothing major and it certainly didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome post-apocalyptic Young Adult story.


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On McPig's wishlist - Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress #1)
by Julie C. Dao

An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl's quest to become Empress--and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.


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Wildfire - Ranty Book Review

Wildfire (Hidden Legacy #3)
by Ilona Andrews

What is it about:
Just when Nevada Baylor has finally come to accept the depths of her magical powers, she also realizes she’s fallen in love. Connor “Mad” Rogan is in many ways her equal when it comes to magic, but she’s completely out of her elements when it comes to her feelings for him. To make matters more complicated, an old flame comes back into Rogan’s life…

Rogan knows there’s nothing between him and his ex-fiance, Rynda Sherwood. But as Nevada begins to learn more about her past, her power, and her potential future, he knows she will be faced with choices she never dreamed of and the promise of a life spent without him.

As Nevada and Rogan race to discover the whereabouts of Rynda’s kidnapped husband and are forced to confront Nevada’s grandmother, who may or may not have evil motives, these two people must decide if they can trust in each other or allow everything to go up in smoke.

What did I think of it:
If this had been the first book in a series by a new to me author, I don't know if I'd finished it.

Don't get me wrong: the worldbuilding is excellent, the main storyline really cool, and most of the characters are fun as well.

It was the other woman trope that really annoyed me. Why do so many authors think they can only keep a relationship interesting by introducing another (wo)man so the hero(ine) gets all insecure and jealous? I'm so tired of this trope. I want to see more secure female friendships where they support each other and encourage each other. Not this bullshit where every woman who's not family is a potential rival.

That rant over with: apart from the catfighty atmosphere whenever Rogan's ex-fiancee was present I enjoyed the story. There was cool action, some very intriguing revelations, and a solid plot. The ending tied some things up very nicely, but left enough open for there to be more books. I'll be keeping an eye out for news on this series.

Why should you read it:
This is a cool PNR read with excellent worldbuilding


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TBR Orphans - How did I do in July?

I started July with an Orphan:
Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

After that I only read books I had recently acquired though, so just one Orphan read in July.
For August i'm again starting with an Orphaned book. Let's see if I manage to read more than just one this month.

How did you do on your challenges?