Review: Wings of Arian by Devri Walls

Title: Wings of Arian (Solus #1)
Author: Devri Walls
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Source: Book Tour
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.

With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life. 
She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar. 

However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation. 

And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions.

It's been awhile since a series hooked me like Solus did.  I read books 1 - 3 back to back not wanting to put any of them down.  The series begins with Wings of Arian the story of Kiora and her Protector.  Kiora is very special.  She is the first person born in a thousand years that can defeat the evil that is slowing taking over the land of Meros.  Meros is a land of peace and goodness, but Dralazar is escaping his prison and is determined to see evil across the land.  This may sound like a bit of a standard fantasy beginning, but that is not the case.

There are amazingly unique creatures and magics that are introduced throughout the story that give Wings of Arian a different feel than other fantasy novels.  I particularly love the shapeshifters and their society.  Their home is a place I wish I could actually see.  As Kiora learns of her powers and her destiny, she meets these and other creatures no one ever even thought to exist.  Some will be loyal to her and others will want to use her to prove their value to Dralazar - and through it all her Protector stands by her side.

Do you hear romance in the background?  Possibly, but with all the training and fighting against the ultimate evil to save the entire land, it's hard to start a new relationship - especially when they can't stand each other.

Full of the magic and mystery that really defines what a good fantasy story is for me, this book earned it's five stars over and over again.  This is turning into a favorite series already!

Barnes & Noble: Wings of Arian (For fans of Julie Kagawa, J.K. Rowling, Cinda Williams Chima)

Review: Hellsbane by Paige Cuccaro

Title: Hellsbane (Hellsbane #1)
Author: Paige Cuccaro
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Self-Purchased
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Emma Jane Hellsbane always knew she was different, but she had no idea she wasn’t even human. Well, at least she’s half-human. She’s half-fallen angel, too, and now dear ol’ dad wants her dead. All the Fallen angels want all their troublesome offspring removed from the mortal coil so she’s trying not to take it personally. Besides, she wants him dead just as much. Her father’s death is the only way she’ll be forgiven for his sin, stop those pesky demons from trying to hack off her head, and have any hope at all of getting back to a normal life as a wicked slick Intuitive Consciousness Explorer.

Of course, first she’ll have to figure out which fallen angel is her father, avoid accidentally seducing her angelic mentor, help an old friend conquer his own fallen sperm donor, and basically save the world from a cataclysmic divine smack down.

No problem. With a last name like Hellsbane, Emma Jane was definitely born for the job.

Emma Jane has just learned that she's special - in a not so good way.  It means that demons will be tracking her down trying to kill her before she can kill her Fallen Angel father.  Not the best way to be introduced to you real genealogy.  Thankfully she has her Magister, an angel appointed to train her, to help her learn the basics.  It's too bad he can't just tell her who her father is so she can go take care of it and save herself a world of trouble.

Emma is a sarcastic and witty character.  One that isn't afraid to talk back to the angels, and even gives them nicknames without permission.  She knows they need her as much as she needs them and isn't afraid to remind them of it.  In other words, she's bad ass.  I love her character.  She is just accepting enough to move the story forward and just stubborn enough to keep her from being another sheep in the flock.

Emma needs to learn a lot before she will have the skills to take out her father, and she hits the ground running.  It was great watching her interact with Eli and Tommy.  They are both fantastic character in their rights.  The action was spaced out enough not to be exhausting, but often enough to really keep things interesting.  Throw in a little bit of a romance to weave through it all and you have a great story.

Barnes & Noble: Hellsbane

Cover Reveal: Death is But a Dream by Erin Hayes

Designed by Phatpuppy Art
Death is but a Dream by Erin Hayes
Publication date: Fall, 2013
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Mythology

Caught between life and death, all Callie wants is to live again.

Homicide detective Callie Saunders knows that death isn’t all pearly gates and angels. After being hit by a bus, she finds that it's the ancient gods and goddesses of Greek mythology who are in charge of everything.

So when Hades offers her a deal, she accepts. If she wants to be brought back to life, she’ll have to figure out who is trying to kill his son. But if she fails, both her soul and the world will be destroyed.

With the odds mounting against her, it’ll take everything she has within her to wake up from death. But the rules are constantly changing. And someone wants her to stay dead

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18269916-death-is-but-a-dream

AUTHOR BIO

Erin Gulyas is an advertising copywriter. Erin Hayes is her alter ego that writes book in her spare time. This is the blog of Erin Hayes.

Author Links:

Website: http://erinsalterego.blogspot.ca/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5335865.Erin_Hayes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erinhayes5399

Book Blitz: Captivated by Emily Jane Trent

Captivated by Emily Jane Trent
(Adam & Ella #1)
Genres: New Adult, Romance 

Ella Walker, still suffering from issues of mental abuse, turns twenty-one and meets the man of her dreams. Can she break the bonds of her emotional prison and be the woman he desires? As an aspiring romance author, Ella struggles to find passion in her work. When Adam Bianci, the gorgeous Italian billionaire appears in her life, he lights up her drab existence. She’s determined not to let him slip through her grasp. But will his secrets and the tangled web of his own abuse keep them apart?

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18276127-captivated

Purchase: 

--Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/148sRkj

--Amazon: http://amzn.to/154JayM
--Smashwords:  http://bit.ly/18rZg9P

AUTHOR BIO

Emily Jane Trent writes steamy romances about characters you’ll get to know and love. The sex scenes are hot, and the romance even hotter! If you are a fan of stories with a heroine that’s got spunk and a hunk of a hero that you’d like to take home with you, these stories are what you’re looking for. The stories will let you escape into a fantasy – and you won’t want it to end - ever.


Author links:

Blog: http://www.EmilyJaneTrent.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6567624.Emily_Jane_Trent
Twitter:  http://www.Twitter.com/EmilyJaneTrent
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/EmilyJaneTrentBooks 

Author Interview:

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

I’ve been a writer since I was a child. I’ve always loved fiction and was an avid reader. The amazing opportunity to be a self-published author makes it possible for me to share my work. That’s what has really changed, and I think it gives readers lots of choices.

Among all the books you have read which of these has significantly contributed to your writing style?

I read a lot of contemporary romance and new adult romance as I love the genre and like to keep up with what readers enjoy. My writing style is unique, and when I write I just block everything else out. Only the story exists. So I don’t know if my style has been influenced except to say that I do focus on writing the types of stories I know my readers want.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Absolutely, and you’ll see that a lot in my romances. In fact, that can be one of the most exciting factors in the story, how the characters are instantly in love.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in California and lived there most of my life. A few years ago I moved to Tucson and I love this area of Arizona. It’s mountainous and beautiful.

Is there something that has just recently happened in your life that you would like to share?

Well, this may be the obvious thing. But writing romance and publishing is a great experience. It’s still pretty new for me. I started my Facebook Fan Page and readers talk to me all the time. That’s such a wonderful thing, to be able to chat directly with my readers. I can’t get enough of it.

Can you sum up Captivated in a few words?

Captivated is the story of Ella, a young girl, overcoming any and all personal issues to be with the man she loves. Adam, the hero, has his own struggles and ultimately conquers all because of his love for Ella.

If Captivated was made into a movie or TV series, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?

Seriously, it’s my readers that get to choose. But if I’m on the spot I’d say:

Ellen Page or Chloe Grace Moretz for Ella Walker

William Moseley or Freddie Stroma for Adam Bianci

Any advice to aspiring writers?

Just write is my best advice. I’ll always get my idea and do an outline of the chapters and storyline. When I’m happy with that, I’ll just start writing. It’s best to write the whole story before you start rewriting or changing. The creative flow will stop if you start evaluating it too much before you’ve even told the story. Keep writing and critiques or editing separate. 

Out of Commission

Hi everyone.  I know I have missed a few posts this weekend and I am working to get the up now.  I had the flu all weekend and was not able to get posts up.  I apologize for the ones I've missed and you should be seeing them up later today or early tomorrow.

Review: Gamble in Gold by Natalie Anderson

Title: Gamble in Gold (Flirting to Win Novella)
Author: Natalie Anderson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher Request (Entangled: Indulgence)
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Seven years have passed since shy Lexie Peterson had her heart trampled by her teenage crush. And Luke Marchetti walks into his flat to find Lexie in a negligee, all he can think of is having a little flirt and fling. But Lexie’s determination to keep him at a distance makes him realize she deserves more than he can offer. Is one kiss enough to entice the two to take a gamble on love?

This one was a little too short for me.  The story went flying by so fast I couldn't get to know the characters.  There wasn't time to introduce any side stories or people (except the dog - who I think is awesom).  A story about a tough guy putting on a show to hide his true feelings from the shy sensitive girl he's loved for years.  Their love was forbidden as children, and now she doesn't trust him.  I think if the story had been fleshed out a little more I could have connected better, but there wasn't enough time to develop the the way I liked.

The story was good though, but I always have a soft spot for London.  There are a few very humorous scenes were we get to see a glimpse of the people under their masks.


*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

Barnes & Noble: Gamble in Gold: A Flirting to Win Novella

Cover Reveal: The Promise by Apryl Baker

The Promise (Coven, #1)

by Apryl Baker

Synopsis:

Armed with kick-ass shoes, can CJ stop a maniacal coven leader, save the town, and still get Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous while surviving the darkness coming for her?

The smoke from the fire burned her eyes, its heat caressed her skin and the taste of fear choked her. She was going to burn just as her ancestor did all those centuries ago in New Salem Village. How could she have been so wrong about everything?

Cassie Jayne Bishop grew up the only non-believer in town of Coven. When a stranger comes to the sleepy town of New Salem, everything she thought was true unraveled around her. Ethan made her question everything, even her sister’s death. Clues start to pile up and Cassie is determined to find out if the Coven was the real reason her sister died.

What she uncovers terrifies her to the very depths of her soul...

Other books by Apryl Baker

About the Author: 
So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friend Chazz laughs at me when I scare myself watching them and tells me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.

Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.

Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.

I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.

You can reach me at any of these places:

Apryl’s Blog

Twitter

Wattpad

Goodreads

Facebook

PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!