Blog Tour: Revival

Title: Revival

Author: Jena Leigh

Series: The Variant Series #1

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Paranormal

Publish Date: Nov. 24. 2012

Tour Organizer: TeamNerd Reviews

Length: 282 pages

Format: paperback, ebook

Goodreads: here

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Description: Possessing the uncanny ability to fry a television set from twenty paces can really wreck a girl’s social life.

If you’re looking for proof, just ask sixteen-year-old Alexandra Parker. After catching her boyfriend in the arms of the prettiest girl in school, she made the journey from social elite to social pariah in a haze of electricity and exploding electronics. But finding herself at the bottom of Bay View High’s social hierarchy was nothing compared to the shock of discovering who—and what—she really is.

After being zapped out of a burning bookstore by the mysterious Declan—a hero nearly as handsome as he is infuriating—Alex finds herself under the protection of the powerful Grayson family. It’s through them that she learns the truth: that the world she’s always known is nothing like it appears to be... and that she has far more in common with them than she might want to believe.

Now, on the run from a fire-wielding hit man and a secretive government organization, Alex must navigate a strange and treacherous new world filled with superhuman mutants known as Variants. As she begins to unravel the many secrets of her family’s past, she uncovers the real reason for her parents’ death twelve years earlier—and finds out that the threat to her family, and to everyone she cares about, is still dangerously real.

My Review: Revival was a lot better than I expected it to be. I wasn't quite sure how I would feel about this novel as I have read many books about teenagers gaining supernatural powers and I was a bit curious about how this would be different. I think this was a great novel.

Alex is just a normal girl dealing with a break up from a cheating ex boyfriend when she discovers that she is not so normal after all. She meets Declan who just so happens to be able to teleport, Kenzie-telepathic, Nathaniel-telekinetic, and Brian who can see glimpses of the future. Each of these characters are important and fascinating in their own way. They operate as a family and joke and bicker with each other like one. I was happy to see the characters interact with each other in a way that made it clear that, despite not being blood related, they cared for one another.

The training that Alex goes through to control her abilities with her new family is fun and exciting to read. Although she learns quickly, it is amusing to see her mistakes. In my opinion, it is what makes Alex seems more realistic and sincere. All of the characters are well developed as their emotions are well defined and no one seems to be a background character. Brian is, perhaps, my favorite character because he seems far wiser than his years of 10 or 11 because of his visions, yet he does not let it stop him from having fun. Even the girl who Alex's boyfriend cheated with was fleshed out so that she did not merely fill up space on a page. 

I found the dynamic between Declan, Alex, and Nathaniel to be very interesting as I sense a maybe love triangle/unrequited love/I don't know what it is. The two boys both act interested in Alex and share strange looks and comments when one of them goes off with her alone. I am very interested in how this will play out and am happy that there will be more to this series.

Finally, the action is great. It feels movie-like in that there are car chases, fights, guns shooting, power hungry psychopaths, and strange, corrupt government agencies. There is suspense and surprise as nothing is what you expect it to be. I was very pleased with this novel and cannot wait until Resistance.

Quick Opinion: I was pleased with Revival overall. I think the concept of teenagers with supernatural powers, while not a new one, is well executed in this novel. I was captivated with the action in this novel and genuinely interested in what came next and how the characters ended up. I am definitely interested in reading the rest of the Variant series when it is released. I give Revival 4.5 stakes and I cannot wait to find out more about the characters that I have grown to care about.

Get to Know the Author: Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Jena Leigh spent ten years in the mountains of North Carolina before returning home to the lightning capital of North America. A shameless geek, she loves bad sci-fi movies, Skittles, writing cracktastic e-mails to friends and taking shenanigan-filled road trips to faraway concerts. She has a degree in English from Appalachian State University. Revival is her first novel.

Author Links: 

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Where to Get Your Copy: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Giveaway: 

**MUST be 13 or older to enter**

**Winners have 48 hours to respond before new winners are chosen**

*ONE winner will receive a SIGNED hardcopy of REVIVAL and RESISTANCE (Be aware you will have to wait for the second book until it is published in FEB)**

**FIVE winners will be chosen to win e-copies of REVIVAL and RESISTANCE (Be aware you will have to wait for the second book until it is published in FEB)**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read Revival? What did you think? What do you think about a supernatural bunch of teenagers?

Warrior Beautiful Review & Giveaway

Title: Warrior Beautiful

Author: Wendy Knight

Series: Riders of Paradesos #1

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publish Date: October 14, 2013

Publisher: Astraea Press

Length: 203 pages

Format: paperback, ebook

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Description: Working with the ex you secretly love to save the souls of the innocent is almost as bad as working with a mighty battle unicorn who would be thrilled to watch you plummet to your death.

Scout is used to pain. Her body has been broken, her heart has been broken, and the only thing keeping her together is her relationship with her younger sister. Lil Bit believes in unicorns and terrifying monsters she calls soul stealers. But unicorns and monsters aren’t real…are they?

When Lil Bit falls prey to the mysterious disease sweeping the country, Scout has two options – believe the doctors who say it’s a pandemic or believe Lil Bit, who says it’s the soul stealers. She chooses her sister and goes looking for the unicorns who are supposed to save them. What she finds aren’t the cute pastel mythical creatures she expects. Battle unicorns are big and tough and full of attitude. Who knew?

Unicorns are real and so are the monsters. Soul stealers are reaping the souls of the innocent, and the unicorns are fighting to stop them. But to save the world, they need the help of humans – the enemy they’re dying to protect. And first to sign up for the fight is the ex-boyfriend Scout’s heart won’t stop loving, no matter how determined she is to hate him

My Review: I really enjoyed Warrior Beautiful. I thought that a book about unicorns would be a little weird and not my cup of tea but I really think that it is a great read. Once I got over the fact that there were unicorns and the preconceived images that unicorns conjurer, I was able to focus on the action. These are definitely not the usual unicorns that you would imagine.

“How, exactly, does one find unicorns that one isn’t positive even exist?” Scout asked aloud, 

because the eerie silence was creeping her out. “Believe.” 

The conflict between Scout and Trey is very interesting. Of course, in my romantic mind, I wanted Scout to forget all of her grievances, Trey to stop being stupid, and the both of them to be happy and ride off into the sunset...maybe on a unicorn. However, the couple have actual issues that they need to work out. But they cannot because of a mass outbreak of a "virus." 

The virus is actually mass amounts of soul stealers that are attacking the world and they have finally made to Scout's town. Scout's little sister Lil Bit is the only one who can see the unicorns and knows the truth about the soul stealers. Of course, society being the way it is, Lil Bit is seen as weird and crazy. In actuality, Lil Bit is a true believer and would make a great warrior because of her innocent heart. 

Lil Bit thwarted her efforts. “Yes Trey. Thank you.” She leaned closer to Trey,

 whispering, “The soul stealers are coming.”

Scout and Trey find themselves two of the last remaining people in their town and must help the unicorns fight the soul stealers. However, can they trust the unicorns when they say that they can help Scout and Trey rescue their families or are the unicorns just looking for warriors to help destroy the soul stealers? 

“Because humans are worthless, untrustworthy, and weak.” Ashra’s horn

 shot sparks, igniting the trees above her. “Because humans and unicorns… have 

trust issues.” Havik turned to look back at Ashra.

I think it should be known that this novel ends probably the biggest and most frustrating cliff hangers. It's pretty much like you turn the page ready for action only to see a blank page. I'm now in desperate need to find out what happens next.

Quick Opinion: Overall, I think Warrior Beautiful is a great story about love, trust, and having faith in yourself and others. Scout and Trey must work out their romantic issues along with fighting to rescue their family. This novel is well written and very interesting. The action scenes are just that, full of action. The cliff hanger did leave me a bit frustrated. I am beginning to get irritated seeing them because they seem to be a trend in writing right now but that's not specific to this novel. Lil Bit was, perhaps, my favorite character even though she is not in much of the book because she is a true believer. She knows what is truly going on but no one but Scout will believe her. I give Warrior Beautiful 4 stakes and I really want to know what happens next.

Meet the Author: Wendy Knight was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the

baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call, etcetera, etcetera). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big: her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S.

You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heel for whatever the occasion may be. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing.

Author Links: Website | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page 

| Twitter | Facebook

Where to Get Your Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble Also see on Goodreads

~Or enter the Giveaway~

**Must be 13 or older**

**Opened to U.S. Only**

**Winner has 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen**

**Winner will win: an ecopy of Warrior International, a Warrior Beautiful keychain & a signed bookmark**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

NOV 18

Brooke's Blog (Book Spotlight + Book Soundtrack + Dream Cast)

Deal Sharing Aunt (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek + Top Ten)

NOV 19

Paulettes Papers (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek)

Moonlight Gleam (Guest Post)

NOV 20

Once Upon A Coffin (Book Review)

Diamond in Rough Coal (Book Review + Top Ten)

My Book Chatter (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek)

NOV 21

An Author in Progress (Rebecca Lamoreaux) (Guest Post)

Robin Ambrose (Guest Post + Top Ten)

Paranormal Book Club (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek + Author Interview)

Mom in Love with Fiction (Book Review)

NOV 22

Now is Gone (Book Review)

Rose & Beps (Book Spotlight +Book Soundtrack + Dream Cast)

Indy Book Fairy (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek)

Writing On the Sunny Side of the Street (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek)

NOV 25

Shantal Hiatt Sessions (Book Spotlight + Book Soundtrack + Dream Cast)

Angela Corbett (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek + Book Soundtrack + Dream Cast)

Racing to Read (Book Review)

Author Shelli Proffitt Howells (Book Review + Sneak Peek)

NOV 26

Lindzee Armstrong (Author) (Book Spotlight + Book Review + Sneak Peek)

Tammy's Tea Time (Book Review)

Jannat Bhat (Book Spotlight + Sneak Peek)

Jen Wylie (Book Review)

Blog Tour Set Up by TeamNerd Reviews

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of Warrior Beautiful. Don't forget to enter the giveaway and go see some other blogs on the tour.

Hers to Cherish Review

Title: Hers to Cherish

Author: Patricia A. Knight

Series: Verdantia #3

Genre: fantasy, erotica, romance

Publish Date: August 25, 2013

Publisher: Troll River Publications

Length: 271 pages

Format: ebook

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Description (From Goodreads.com): Who would've thought a rogue nobleman and a secret agent tied in shibari knots would be so instrumental in saving a world from sexual slavery.

For disgraced nobleman and accused murderer, Ramsey DeKieran, a pardon is an unobtainable fantasy. When the High Lord of Verdantia offers the prize, Ram knows there'll be a catch. He accepts the impossible mission – the off-world rescue of a Verdantian noblewoman, one of the last of her kind. The one bright spot: elite mercenary, Steffania Rickard, is ordered undercover to help DeKieran – posing as his sexual submissive.

For Steffania, assisting the dominating Ramsey on this insane mission will be challenge enough. The damn rogue trips all her triggers – good and bad. But infinitely worse, on the planet, Vxloncia, she must submit as Ram's sex slave, and there's no faking it. Bent at his knee, serving his every command, Steffania doubts her carefully hidden desires will remain concealed.

Their mission takes on new urgency when they unmask a heinous program of enslavement, long cloaked in secrecy. Together they must find a way to overcome their initial animosity and recover a woman vital to the future of their race.

In the maelstrom of sex, savagery, domination, and submission, they will need all their wits and strength to survive – but the battle for their hearts is lost – to one another.

My Review: I have loved Patrica A. Knight's Verdantia series ever since Hers to Choose. The characters are always so vividly described that you become actively involved and interested in their lives. 

Ramsey DeKieran is an accused murderer who has been offered pardon if her can rescue a noblewoman from the planet Vxlonica. Vxloncia is a horrible planet where women viewed as objects and submitted to torture and slavery. 

Ram is an incredible alpha. The role of dominating Steffania is not a stretch for Ram at all. Although his is an accused murderer and a little rough around the edges, Ram does have a big heart and he is capable of caring.  

In order for Ram to succeed in his mission he is accompanied by Steffania Rickard. Steffania is an elite mercenary who is not happy taking orders from anyone, let alone Ramsey. Steffania must learn to play Ram's obedient submissive in order for both of them to survive. 

For Steffania pretending to serve Ram is something she never expected to enjoy. Unwilling, Steffania begins to grow attached to Ram and cannot stop her affections. She also has trouble hiding them. The chemistry between Ram and Steffania is electric. Their BDSM scenes leave the reader and Steffania with little doubt as to Steffania's feelings toward Ram.  

The action in Hers to Cherish is incredible. Ram fighting and the ending scenes during the escape from Vxlonica are straight out of a movie. Also, other characters such as, Pansy, are introduced. I would be interested in reading a book about Pansy, another slaaf Ram and Steff meet on Vxlonica. Pansy was captured and abused by her Dom on Vxlonica. However, a scene towards the end of the book leads me to believe that she may have found someone else to truly love her.

Overall Opinion: Hers to Cherish is an amazing book about love, submission, and seeking redemption. During the book Ram must prove his worthiness to Steff as he is an accused murderer and she must deal with her feelings for him. Out of all three books in the Verdantia series I think this one may be my favorite because there is so much love between Ram and Steff. 

Hers to Cherish can be read as a stand-alone book because you do not have to read the other two to understand Ram and Steff's story, although I do recommend reading them. I give this book 4 stakes and I hope there will be more in the series.

Get to Know the Author (From Goodreads.com): Patricia A. Knight is the pen name for an eternal romantic who lives in Dallas, Texas with her horses, dogs, and the best man on the face of the earth – oh yeah, and the most enormous bullfrogs you will ever see. Word to the wise: don't swim in the pool after dark.

Links for Patricia A. Knight:

http://www.trollriverpub.com/

https://www.facebook.com/patricia.knight.71619?ref=tn_tnmn

http://www.patriciaaknight.com/

Where to Get Your Copy: Amazon  Kobo  

You Should Also Check Out: The rest of the Verdantia series: Hers to Choose and Hers to Command 

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of Hers to Cherish.

Unchosen Review & Giveaway

Title: Unchosen

Author: Michelle Vail

Series: The Reaper Diaries #2

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy

Publish Date: October 29, 2013

Publisher: A Freeman Publication

Length: 195 pages

Format: ebook, paperback

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Description: I thought the worst of my reaper training was behind me… turns out I was wrong. Dead wrong. 

Molly Bartolucci has done a lot of growing up but after being accused of using illegal magic at her school for necromancers, reaper-in-training Molly is treading lightly. As the destined leader of Anubis’s Chosen, she needs to study hard, train harder, and stay out of trouble. 

Uh, right. 

It doesn’t help that she’s feeling more than academic about her melt-your-bones hot reaping instructor, Rath. And if her relationship drama isn’t enough to drive her over the edge, she has to deal with mother issues, nosy little sisters, suspicious friends, and an unnamed force stalking her at school. 

Then her family is attacked, and her bio-dad ends up comatose in the hospital. Now, Molly has to uncover who’s trying to hurt her loved ones—and all without the help of Anubis. I thought the worst of my reaper training was behind me… turns out I was wrong. Dead wrong. 

Molly Bartolucci has done a lot of growing up but after being accused of using illegal magic at her school for necromancers, reaper-in-training Molly is treading lightly. As the destined leader of Anubis’s Chosen, she needs to study hard, train harder, and stay out of trouble. 

My Review: Reapers and necromancers have always fascinated me so I was very excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. The book moves swiftly and kept me wanting to find out what happened next.

Molly is a very strong 16 year old girl who is a reaper and zombie maker. Many things are a mystery  about Molly, her situation, and her family, even to Molly. Unchosen follows Molly as she attempts to navigate her way through these mysteries and discover the truth.

The book starts off with Molly being accused of illegally using a "soul box." I loved this scene because I really liked the lawyer, Rosie Knowles.

“When asked if she had used the soul box,” said Dr. Riverton in his slow-as- molasses tone, “Molly nodded.”

“Oh? Maybe she did. Maybe she didn’t. Maybe her neck itched, or she tilted

her head. Since she didn’t give a verbal response, it’s not relevant.” 

I really liked that ghouls and zombies were also used in this book, not just reapers. I think Henry, the ghoul, and Jon Lemons, the zombie definitely adding an extra element to the story. Henry was probably my favorite character because of his dry humor and loyalty to Molly.

Molly's Reaper Diary entries between chapters are fascinating to read because they provide further insight onto the world of reapers and how they act.

"I don’t think you can organize life. Life has too much uncertainty to be controlled even on the most basic of levels. And that’s life, and not death. Death is, like, triple the chaos of life. At least from the reaper perspective." 

I also liked to read about Molly's dreams because they acted as a way for both the reader and Molly to understand what is going on... Also because they usually involve Rath and I like him :)

“You need to be strong on your own. Don’t rely on anyone, Molly, not even me.” 

I was very surprised at the ending but excited at the same time. I think with the way that it ended, with a cliffhanger of course, it left the story wide open for book #3 coming next year. I also think the ending was in no way predictable, at least I didn't see it coming.

Overall Opinion: I am looking forward to the third book in this trilogy. I think that reading the first book, while not a necessity, should be done just so you have all the information and the facts and events are not confusing. I love reapers and think that the portrayal of them in this book was very well executed. I want this to become a movie. I give Unchosen 4 stakes and I really want to see how Molly deals with the new developments in her life. Also I want more of Molly and Rath.

Get to Know the Author: Michele Vail is the author of The Reaper Diaries, a young adult paranormal series set in the modern world with a zombie twist. The stories center on 16-year-old Molly Bartolucci, a reaper-in-training who's learning to deal with love, destiny, and death.

Michele Vail is the pen name of national bestselling paranormal romance author Michele Bardsley (who also writes thriller mysteries under Michele Freeman). The Reaper Diaries consist of three books: Undeadly, Unchosen, and Unbroken. 

Author Links: www.michelevail.com 

www.thereaperdiaries.com

Where to Get Your Copy: Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Suggestions: I strongly suggest the first book in this trilogy, Undeadly, to gain understanding of the characters and backstory. Also I think there could be some confusion and some things won't hold much meaning to you.

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think 

of Unchosen and don't forget to enter the giveaway.

Wild Hyacinthe Review

Title: Wild Hyacinthe

Authors: Nola Sarina and Emily Faith

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

Publish Date: November 4, 2013

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Length: 222 pages

Format: ebook

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Description: A deadly lover. His perfect mate. Asher is everything Aria's never dared to imagine: sexy, confident, and rich. But if she convinces him to take her to his bed . . . her first time may be her last.

Incubus Asher Chain seduces every woman he meets whether he wants to or not, and refuses to let anyone grow close to him. Until the alluring, tattooed waitress Aria Hyacinthe admits she’s been living in her car. Enthralled by her unusual beauty - and terrified he’ll succumb to his deadly, incubus needs - Asher offers her a place to stay.

Living in Asher's loft above his gym, Aria's desire for his body is growing more urgent with every touch. Used to being the backward, shy one, in his presence she becomes fierce, captivating, and breaks down Asher’s walls against all his attempts to keep his distance. She has no clue that if he gives in to her passionate pleas, she won't survive the night, just like all the other women who have fallen victim to his charms.

But the deeper Asher and Aria fall in love, the harder he must fight the incubus in his soul, demanding her life.

Sensuality Level: Spicy

My Review: The authors start of the book immediately letting us know that Asher Chain is an incubus. He has become accustomed to doing whatever he must do in order to stay alive. However, Asher does not want to constantly kill woman in bed. Understandably he feels an immense guilt for what he has done over the years for his own survival. The fact that Asher felt guilty and did not want to hurt anyone is what made me like him. I think that I might not have had he been arrogant and had actually liked killing woman.

Aria, I instantly liked because she is strong, independent, opinionated, and down to earth. She does not let Asher get away with the things that he is used to because he is rich. In fact, she does not exactly like that he is rich. I think this made me respect her the most because it shows that when she says she loves him, it is he she loves, not his money. 

Another character I liked was Gypsy, Asher's twin sister. Gypsy manages all the money and business that Asher has. She also cleans up after every "accident" that Asher's incubus' side creates. Gypsy seems extremely self efficient and I am interested to see what would happen if she falls in love.

I was reading at the edge of my seat during every intimate scene because I knew Asher was an incubus. As much as I wanted Asher and Aria together, I was afraid for Aria. Asher tries so hard throughout the story to resist her and I personally think he deserves a medal because Aria did not make it easy for him. 

I really liked the way the authors concluded the story because it was a satisfying ending. Too much more would be a spoiler but I will say that I am interested in a continuation to see about other incubuses mentioned and Gypsy.

Excerpt:

I looked up. The nametag over her full breast read “Aria H” and her hair was short, spiky black with a longer streak of blue over her right eye—just long enough to tuck behind her ear. I blinked and swallowed, taking in the sight of the girl who escaped my approach last night. Earrings decorated the rim of each ear: studs and silver hoops from the lobe to the cartilage. Her eyes were bright blue, laced with white throughout. She peered at me with an intense gaze full of intelligence, shaded by long, black lashes.

The incubus urges within me swelled at the sight of one so full of life. I felt constriction in my chest, the need to charge my body with her life. My pants tightened as I realized how deeply I wanted to fuck her into lifelessness. Wanted to but didn’t want to, all at once.

“Hi,” she said, her hands folded in front of her midsection. “What’ll you have?”

I cleared my throat, still stunned by the effect her atypical beauty had over me, and then smiled at her with my usual, winning charm. Well, not always winning, I supposed. Her rejection of me last night was an unprecedented event in my life, and I tucked my hands beneath the table to hide my scabbed knuckles. Rejection made me angry. I had burned off the alcohol and irritation on a freestanding punching bag in my gym last night with bare, bleeding fists.

“Like my name tag?” Aria asked, taking note of the fact that I hadn’t managed to tear my eyes away from her chest the whole time I sat there and drank in her appearance.

I cleared my throat and stopped blatantly staring at her cleavage, embarrassed. “Yeah, it’s very . . . uh . . . letters.”

What the hell? Where was my charm and finesse? I scrambled for something else to say and came up with nothing.

She giggled. “You wanna try that again?”

I chuckled and leaned forward, grateful for her good humor with my stumble. “Yes, I do, sorry. I’m Asher.”

She bit her lip and I wanted to bite it, too. “I think we covered that much last night.”

She was totally right, and I was being a fucking moron. “So we did. And you’re Aria, as I failed to coax out of you when we last met.”

She nodded. “So, Asher, what would you like?”

The list ran through my head at a ridiculous rate. You, naked. Me, naked with you. Your mouth in my lap. Oh, the list went on and on. But that list led to death, darkness and disgust. No. 

Overall Opinion: Overall, I really liked Wild Hyacinthe. I would have liked it to be a little longer but only because when I get into a book I don't want it to end. I also would have liked to see how Asher became an incubus but his sister, Gypsy, is not. Overall I think the romance and relationship are very well built. They don't seem forced or rushed once you learn the truth about Aria. I give Wild Hyacinthe 4-4.5 stakes and I would really like a continuation of Asher and Aria's story or maybe about Gypsy finding love. 

Get to Know the Authors: Nola Sarina and Emily Faith are authors from Alberta, Canada. Both mothers and lovers of music and art, they draw inspiration for their fiction from Nola’s dark fantasy concepts and Emily’s flair for romance that ignites both in and out of the bedroom. Learn more about Emily and Nola at nolasarina.com/wh-emily-faith/. They also love to be stalked on Twitter @NolaSarina and @EmilyFaith2012.

Where to Get Your Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Suggestions: If you like the style of this book I would suggest Gilded Destiny and Jaded Touch by Nola Sarina. The two books are both about Vespers which I find extremely fascinating after reading the books. Also the romance is great too. You can see my review of Gilded Destiny here. And my review of Jaded Touch here.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of Wild Hyacinthe.

Created by reviewer Pam

Death of the Mad Hatter Review

Title: Death of the Mad Hatter

Author: Sarah J. Pepper

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Publish Date: November 29, 2013

Publisher: Createspace

Length: 333 pages

Format: paperback, ebook

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Description:  If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.

Heads would Roll…

Hearts would Break…

In the end, would it matter who Reigned?  

My Review: I absolutely loved Death of the Mad Hatter. Alice in Wonderland is one of my absolute favorite stories and I love to read any adaptations. I especially liked how, in this story, the original story line was not followed at all. 

I liked the changes that Ms. Pepper has made in characters of Alice in Wonderland. They are mostly the same in that Hearts is still an evil queen who has a abnormal obsession with beheading and the Cheshire cat is still insane. The Joker has a much more prominent role in this story and I'm not sure how I liked it because he works for Hearts, is evil, and tortures people.

I was upset with the death of the Mad Hatter. Yes the title of the book already tells you that it will happen but I still wanted to cry. The Mad Hatter is probably one of my favorite characters in the original story. The character who has been changed the most is definitely Alice, or Alice Mae.

Alice is definitely not the same little girl that everyone knows who simply falls down the rabbit hole and is left in the confusing world of Wonderland. She is capable of leaving and returning Wonderland as long as she is working for the queen, Hearts. She is strong, loyal, and loving. I think that Alice is much more of a three dimensional character in this novel than in the original because you get to see more of her feelings and her life than just what is in Wonderland.

The story mainly follows Ryley, an almost eighteen year old boy, who has moved around many times in his life per his father's request to keep him safe. Ryley is oblivious to everything that is Wonderland and his own involvement in prophecies that will alter everyone's lives. Throughout the novel Ryley must learn about himself, Alice Mae, Wonderland, and his own father's involvement.

I really liked the dual narrative of this novel because you are able to see Alice Mae and Ryley's reactions to varying events. I think that Ryley and Alice Mae's interactions were beautifully written. I loved that Ryley simultaneously wanted to strangle and kiss Alice Mae at the same time. 

Alice Mae has definitely spent too much time in Wonderland as she has developed their curious ways.  Any simple question results in a riddle from her which adds to Ryley's frustration. 

I loved the ending of this novel because everything was resolved in the right way IMO. In the end Ryley learns about his destiny and Wonderland is changed. 

Excerpt: I didn’t know what a heart attack felt like, but if I were to guess, I’d say it was the pounding sensation in my chest that almost paralyzed me when Ryley’s lips met mine. Resting my elbows on the queen’s table, I buried my head in my hands and willed my heartbeat to slow. My palms were sweaty. My legs were shaking. Even so, none of my physical ailments had anything to do with my impromptu fall down the rabbit’s hole.

“Why do you insist upon sticking your arms and legs out when falling down through the rabbit holes, Al?” Chez said. His fuzzy tail swept across my hands. 

That cleared the butterflies from my stomach. I lowered my hands and glared at the damn cat. “Because I’m just a stupid girl and won’t learn,” I said, sarcastically. 

Rolling onto his back, Chez chuckled, “I think you secretly like tracking mud into the castle. You know it annoys the queen.” 

“It’s no secret,” Hearts said, walking into the room. “How many times have you scrubbed the floors clean of your mud prints?” 

“Two hundred and forty eight times,” I said, smiling like it didn’t bother me, even though I hated the ancient sponge (a glorified germ factory) and the bucket of bleach. 

Hearts stepped up a series of short stairs and then sat down on a chair, much higher than mine. She lifted the black and crimson colored tea pot and poured herself a cup. After dropping two sugar cubes into it, she looked me over. 

Overall Opinion: Overall, I loved Death of the Mad Hatter. I think it is a beautiful take on a classic story. Everything that you thought you knew about Alice is completely changed. The romance between Alice Mae and Ryley is sweet and I love their HEA. I give this story 5 stakes and I would love a novella or short story to see an update on Wonderland and the couple. Also, this cover is amazing. I simply love this author's book covers. 

Get to Know the Author (from Amazon): Sarah J. Pepper lives in South Dakota with her real-life prince charming. At a young age, she fell for paranormal books and now incorporates that genre with the romance that thrives in the hearts of us all. When she's not storytelling, she's most likely biking, hoarding chocolate, or taking a bubble bath. 

Author Links:

Goodreads Author page

Goodreads: Death of the Mad Hatter

Facebook

Blog

Where to Get Your Copy: This book is currently available for preorder and will be available on Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble. Here it is on Smashwords

Suggestions: I definitely suggest another book by this author, Fallen Tears, it is an amazing story of love, angels, and just enough darkness for those of you who like an edge. You can check out my review of Fallen Tears here.

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of Death of the Mad Hatter

Fallen Tears Review

Title: Fallen Tears

Author: Sarah J. Pepper

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Publish Date: December 13, 2012

Length: 205 pages

Format: paperback, ebook

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Description (from Amazon): An élite club of shamed angels – the Fallen – welcomes disgraced super-naturals, like me. Defiant and vengeful, we’re catalysts in destruction and mayhem, much to our angelic adversaries’ dismay. Satisfying the void left in our soulless bodies motivates many Fallen to play with feeble humans. For even though we wield infernal-powers, they have one thing we crave. 

Souls. 

As a Fallen, an infinite number of days lay before me – if I choose. The Big Man upstairs always gives us a choice. I can accept my fate and perish, or consume a human’s soul and live. The last one I devoured glows like a firefly inside my chest. One day, it’ll flicker and fade into darkness. The Archangels who cast me from heaven would claim victory in the everlasting battle we wage, unless I consume another. 

My next victim? A young man with ridiculously enticing lips. Gorgeous doesn’t define his otherworldly appearance. His vogue hairstyle accentuates his sky-blue eyes. His laugh echoes in my ears. His perfect smile is burned to memory. The undeniable urge to consume his soul unveils my wicked inhibitions. I want him… his soul. One problem – he’s protected by a Guardian angel. 

My Review: Can I please start of by saying that Sarah J. Pepper has some of the best book covers I have ever seen? I'm about to begin another of her books, Death of the Mad Hatter which also has an amazing cover (the review will be posted very soon). 

That aside...

I absolutely loved Fallen Tears. I haven't read many books about angels or fallen angels and the ones that I have haven't really been too similar so the topic hasn't really been overdone IMHO like vampires and werewolves have. The story starts out by showing how Miriam was once an angel and how she fell. After the prologue alone I felt sympathy for the poor girl who was betrayed and had her life ruined by someone she trusted.

In order for Miriam to survive she must consume a human soul. This necessity as always been met until Miriam sets her sights on Lincoln to be her next victim. For some unknown reason Lincoln is different than other humans she has hunted. 

The attraction between Lincoln and Miriam is so genuine and endearing. I think I loved the relationship even more so than usual because Miriam was fighting it and literally wanted to kill Lincoln half the time. 

When Miriam discovers why Lincoln is different than other she has hunted I wanted to cry for her. She needs to make an extremely difficult decision after learning the truth because it will alter both of their lives.

I was extremely pleased with the ending of the book for the mere fact that it has an ending. So many books I have read lately have had cliffhanger endings which has led me to believe that authors are sadists. The ending of this novel will not disappoint and although it is a little predictable (there really aren't that many possible outcomes) it's the way that the outcome plays out that is the enjoyable part.

Excerpt: “Are you going to tell me how you were able to change their color so quickly, or are you going to let me believe their contacts?” 

“It’s a Talent of mine.” He chuckled and then told me it was fine if I wanted to keep my secrets. I asked him why he cared. 

“I worry about you,” he admitted. I reached down to get my dagger. 

“Why do you care?” Lincoln grabbed my hand before it slid passed him. I couldn’t have been pleased to be sitting when the tantalizing wave trickled into me. I couldn’t imagine how wonderful it’d feel to consume his soul. But then he gave me a look of endearment that ruined my moment of hunger. 

“One of the first things you told me was that you were emancipated from your mother… Are you close to your father?” 

I snickered, “Dad keeps a watchful eye on all his children. Again, why do you care?” He gave me a knowing look, suggesting that we’d previously covered why he cared. 

Stopped at a red light, he asked me where to turn to my place. “You can just pull over there,” I said, pointing to a vacant parking spot. It was now or never. “My place isn’t too far away. I can walk.” 

“You don’t live close, do you?” Lincoln stated with absolute seriousness. “How would you possibly know that?” 

“Because I live only a few blocks down from here, and I haven’t seen any people moving in or out in months.” He drove into the vacant spot. “Where do you live? No jokes. Just tell me.” 

The firehouse I’d been squatting in wasn’t too far away, perhaps a mile. If I wasn’t overcome by the uncontrollable urge to hunt, I could probably figure out a way to live better. But the truth was that it consumed my thoughts, and I didn’t really care about worldly possessions. My biggest nuisance was finding something to eat. 

“I’m not going to show you where I live,” I said, thinking that I might as well throw down a welcome mat for Daniel and the Archangels, for they would certainly seek Lincoln’s vengeance after I sliced him with my dagger.

I tried to release my hand from his handhold, but he refused to let go. Our gaze locked. Lincoln was baiting me; if I’d been able to force him away in the restaurant, which should have been impossible considering my girlish physique. I should have been able to pry my hand away from his, so why was I struggling to let go? 

“Is it because I live amongst the wealthy?” he asked. I jerked my hand from his grasp and raised my eyebrow, daring him to ask me how I was able to over-power him. When he made no effort to comment, I pulled up the cuff of my jeans and grabbed the blade. 

“No, you’d make any homeless person jealous even if you were considered middle class.” Grabbing my shoulders, he pulled me backwards just as I freed my weapon from its sheath. Forcefully gripping me, he looked in my eyes like he could unfurl my secrets if he searched hard enough. 

His heart drummed against his chest, syncing with my racing one. “Miri, please tell me you have a place to call home.” 

I told him I did, but he didn’t look convinced that it was safe enough for me. Hadn’t I proven I could take care of myself? I was stronger than him!

Overall Opinion: Overall, anyone who loves romance and warring emotions will enjoy this book. The conflicting feels of love and the need to consume a soul make the story so endearing. Many times I felt myself tearing up due to Miriam constantly pushing Lincoln away because she believes she will ultimately kill him. I happily give Fallen Tears 5 stakes and I wish there was a sequel.

Get to Know the Author (from Amazon): Sarah J. Pepper lives in South Dakota with her real-life prince charming. At a young age, she fell for paranormal books and now incorporates that genre with the romance that thrives in the hearts of us all. When she's not storytelling, she's most likely biking, hoarding chocolate, or taking a bubble bath. Get a glimpse inside her head at www.peppersreadingcorner.com

Where to Get Your Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think 

of Fallen Tears and angels and the Fallen in general.