REVIEW - Vampire's Bane by Suzannah Daniels

Title: Vampire's Bane 
Series: Vampire's Bane #1
Author: Suzannah Daniels
Release Date: April 14th 2015
Genres: Mature YA paranormal fantasy/romance/action & adventure/post-apocalyptic
Links: Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK

Source: eBook from Author 

Summary:

A lethal sword.

A dangerous mission.

A seventeen-year-old girl finding her way in a world that is nothing like she remembered.

When Maylin Kavanagh’s parents surrendered her to The Program, they swore it was for her protection. After being confined in a small underground cell for nearly two years, she is finally released.

But the world has changed.

Most of the populace has been wiped out by a deadly disease, and the rules of society have regressed. But that’s not the worst of it. When her group is kidnapped by a band of rogue vampires, Maylin realizes the decline of the human population has brought other races to the forefront—races she never knew existed. And now they’re all battling for survival and power.

In his father’s absence, Thane Warwick must lead his people. He has two priorities: find his father and find humans who can supply blood to his tribe. Immediately intrigued by his latest captive, he becomes interested in Maylin for more than just her blood, but he soon discovers that he must make a choice between his father and her.

Despite their attraction, Maylin and Thane each have an agenda, and only one can be the victor.

VAMPIRE'S BANE is the first book in the VAMPIRE'S BANE series. While it does end at a natural turning point in the heroine's journey, it is an ongoing story, and not all questions will be answered. You will need to read this series in order.

VAMPIRE'S BANE SERIES ORDER
Vampire's Bane #1
Shaman's Curse #2 

3/5

After reading excerpts and participating in the book blitz for this book, I was really intrigued. When the author contacted the blog requesting a review I jumped at the chance. And although I'm disappointed I didn't love it, I still enjoyed the book and managed to finish it in one sitting.
The story is full of mystery and suspense. At times I wasn't sure what was gonna happen next. The book held my attention and made me not want to put it down. Daniels has created a fascinating world and we have only just scratched the surface of it.

Now while the story itself was interesting, my main reason for giving 3 stars has to do with the characters. I never really connected with them. I'm not really sure what it was but they just came across a little...flat. I think there was too much trying to be packed into such a short book that not enough time was spent on character development. And the relationship between Maylin and Thane progressed way too fast for my liking. They knew each other about a day and they were already making out (I'm pretty sure it was only a day). I know if I was kidnapped by a vampire, which I had always thought was myth, I would not be making out with him the next day. I can maybe reason that because Maylin had been locked away for the last 2 years that she was craving some human (or vampire in this case) contact that she kind of latched onto Thane, but I still would have preferred their relationship to have been more fleshed out.

Apart from all that though I did enjoy the story. The ending has me looking forward to book 2. I'm excited to see where the story will go from here.

*I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review*

BLOG TOUR - I Heart Robot by Suzanna Van Rooyen (Review & Giveaway)

I Heart Robot by Suzanne van Rooyen

Genre: YA Sci-fi

Publication date: March 31, 2015

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Tyri wants to be a musician and wants to be with someone who won’t belittle her musical aspirations.

Q-I-99 aka ‘Quinn’ lives in a scrap metal sanctuary with other rogue droids. While some use violence to make their voices heard, demanding equal rights for AI enhanced robots, Quinn just wants a moment on stage with his violin to show the humans that androids like him have more to offer than their processing power.

Tyri and Quinn’s worlds collide when they’re accepted by the Baldur Junior Philharmonic Orchestra. As the rift between robots and humans deepens, Tyri and Quinn’s love of music brings them closer together, making Tyri question where her loyalties lie and Quinn question his place in the world. With the city on the brink of civil war, Tyri and Quinn make a shocking discovery that turns their world inside out. Will their passion for music be enough to hold them together while everything else crumbles down around them, or will the truth of who they are tear them apart?

Purchase Links:

Chapters Indigo | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

ABOUT SUZANNE VAN ROOYEN:

Suzanne is a tattooed storyteller from South Africa. She currently lives in Sweden and is busy making friends with the ghosts of her Viking ancestors. Although she has a Master’s degree in music, Suzanne prefers conjuring strange worlds and creating quirky characters. When she grows up, she wants to be an elf – until then, she spends her time (when not writing) wall climbing, buying far too many books, and entertaining her shiba inu, Lego.

Connect with the Author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

3/5

This was a really unique and fun read. I was really looking forward to reading this, and even though I didn't love it, I still enjoyed it.

The story follows Tyri and Quinn, both aspiring musicians, and both struggling to find their place in the world. Their city is on the brick on civil war between robots and humans, and they both must decide which side they stand on. Told in dual POV, I enjoyed the characters of Tyri and Quinn. It was easy to sympathize with them, even if Tyri did annoy me at times. They both shared a great connection because of their love of music, but this did lead to a bit of insta-love. I think their relationship could have been a little more fleshed out.

I loved the world the book was set in. It reminded me of the movie I, Robot and I love that film. As with other sci-fi books, I worry that some of the technical stuff will go over my head but that wasn't the case here. There was just enough to keep you interested but not too much to distract from the rest of the story. 

Overall, while I didn't love it, this book still entertained me and held my attention. It was a interesting exploration of what it really means to be human. The ending is very open ended, with a lot of questions still unanswered. I haven't read anything about this being a series but I really hope it is because there is still so much that needs to be sorted out.

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REVIEW - Taking Chances (Paranormal Investigations #2) by Rita & TJ Webb

Title: Taking Chances 
Series: Paranormal Investigations #2
Authors: Rita & TJ Webb
Publisher: Robot Playground Inc
Release Date: January 2nd 2015
Genres: NA Paranormal Romance
Links: Goodreads / Amazon 

Source: eBook from Author

Summary:

How far would you go to save a friend?

People are going missing in Kodiak, Alaska. 

The evidence: bloody bear prints larger than any bear Jason or Emma have ever seen and black ooze that can eat the flesh from bones.

Bears don't wander into busy shopping districts, turn off security alarms, and break into stores. When Emma’s friend goes missing, Jason and Emma realize the cops aren't up to handling the situation.

Something’s wrong in the paranormal world. Can Jason and Emma fix things before someone else gets hurt?

3/5

I was really looking forward to this book as I really liked Playing Hooky. I was so excited to get back to Jason and Emma's story.
Sadly though the book was a bit of a disappointment. While the story idea is exciting and enjoyable, and I loved all the different magical elements, the execution wasn't that great. The writing felt a bit stiff and disjointed. It didn't really flow that well. And I was left a bit confused at times too. There were some continuity issues and just too much packed into the one book. 
Because of this, some scenes felt very rushed. And even though I was so looking forward to more of Jason and Emma, I just couldn't really connect with them. I felt like there wasn't enough emotion conveyed. The book is told in dual 1st person POV from both of them but despite this I still felt very disconnected from the characters. I did like the banter they had between them though and they did make me laugh a couple times. There was more romance this time round too (which I always love) but again I just wasn't feeling it.

Despite all this I still enjoyed the book and I like where the story is going. The writing might not be the greatest but I could still appreciate what the authors were trying to do. I feel like I should have re-read Playing Hooky because I didn't think the writing was that bad in that :/ Maybe my standards have changed, I'm not sure. I will more than likely read the next book as I do want to know what will happen next.

*I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review*

REVIEW - Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Black Ice 
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Release Date: Oct 7th 2014
Genres: YA Contemporary Thriller
Links: Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / Book Depo 

Source: Bought paperback

Summary:

Britt Phieffer has never been that adventurous, but that's about to change. Wanting to impress her ex-boyfriend, Britt convinces best friend, Korbie, to take a trip with her and go trekking through the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming.
But when a freak storm leaves the girls stranded they seek shelter in a cabin, and find two knights in shining armor, Shaun and Mason, who are also hiding out.

But all is not as it seems, and Britt quickly discovers that the guys are there for reasons other than hiking…dangerous reasons that mean they need to get off the mountain, fast. In exchange for her life, Britt is forced to guide them down, and as they set out on a harrowing journey through the cold and snow, Britt realises the only way to get out of this alive is to pretend she is on their side. 

But playing nice is hard, especially when Britt is unsure whether Mason, gorgeous and sexy, is the enemy or an ally. And as she begins to lose track of who is in control it is only a matter of time before things turn deadly… 

2.5-3/5

I was really hoping to like this book. From the blurb it seemed like it would be really interesting. Sadly this turned out to be just an OK read, so I was disappointed :/
The big thing I didn't like about the book was the main character Britt. She was so naive and childish and was constantly changing her mind, jumping back and forth with her feelings and actions. She made some really stupid decisions. I just could not connect with her. She was such a weak, spoiled character, so dependent on the men in her life. And she knew it! She knew what she was doing! I just really did not like her.

The romance was another aspect I didn't like. It was very Stockholm Syndrome. I was never rooting for Britt and Mason as a couple because it was just very unrealistic. One minute Britt was lusting after Mason, the next she was reminiscing about her ex, Calvin. It was all very head wrecking.
The writing itself was also only OK. At times it felt a bit disjointed and didn't really flow well. I also got a bit bored a couple times and found myself skimming some sections. Britt's see-saw like thoughts got annoying really quickly.

I know it sounds like I absolutely hated the book, and I am struggling with rating it, but it wasn't completely awful. It managed to keep my attention long enough for me to not give up on it so there's that, lol. I also liked the twist at the end, even if I did see it coming. I was hoping that this would have been better than Hush, Hush as that was just an OK read for me too, but obviously not. I don't know if it will be worth my time reading any future books by this author.

BLOG TOUR - Defining Destiny by Deanna Chase (Review & Giveaway)

Defining Destiny by Deanna Chase 

Publication date: February 20th 2014

Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

When destiny fails…

Singer-songwriter Lucy Moore thought her life was perfect. At just twenty-one, she’s already met her soul mate and together they’ve landed a recording contract. But when her father dies and the love of her life betrays her in more ways than one, she returns home to pick up the pieces. On the shores of Mendocino, California, Lucy has some decisions to make. Should she start a solo career? Or should she leave it all behind for some semblance of normalcy in the quiet town she grew up in? And what about Seth, the tortured artist who always seems to be there when she needs him?

Seth Keenan has demons of his own. Eighteen months ago, he was involved in a horrific accident that he never talks about. His career as an accomplished oil-paint artist has been abandoned, replaced by the buzz of his tattoo gun. And women—well, he never sticks around for longer than a few hours of pleasure… until he meets Lucy. After one evening of listening to her seductive voice, he’s pulled under. But what about the vow he made to never get close to anyone again?

In a world where everyone has one true soul mate, can these two find love in the arms of each other?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19545791-defying-destiny

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Defining+Destiny+Deanna+Chase&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ADefining+Destiny+Deanna+Chase

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3/5

This was a sweet and touching read. I liked the main characters, especially Seth. Lucy did kind of annoy me a few times though, she was what you would call a runner. The story is told in dual POV, which I always love, so it was great to get into both their heads. 

Now I must admit, I actually did not know this was classed as paranormal romance when I was reading it. I thought it was just straight up contemporary. So while I was reading it I found it a bit cheesy and cringy with the constant mention of soul mates and people being referred to as mates instead of boyfriend/girlfriend. It was a bit over the top for me. But after finding out only yesterday that it is actually a paranormal romance, this sort of changes my opinion of the book a bit and I can kind of understand it a bit more. Saying that though I feel like the author should have better explained the paranormal aspect so people like me will know what to expect. I didn't take the whole soul mate thing literally, I just took it as a corny romance element.

So although I didn't like the book as much as other people, I still found it well written and engaging. I know a lot of people will love it.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn’t writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY:

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BLOG TOUR - From Gods by Mary Ting (Review & Giveaway)

Title: From Gods

Author: Mary Ting

Genre: Young Adult

Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Synopsis:

Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny day? It’s not from Mother Nature. It is most likely from Mason Grand, swoon-worthy demigod, one of Zeus’s descendants. 

Skylar Rome is supposed to be having the best summer ever before she heads off to college.  Little did she know, her whole life was about to change while visiting her cousin. Nearly drowning at the beach due to unknown forces, one of the Grand brothers she’d just met, Mason, saves her life. Cool, collected, mysterious, and dangerously good-looking, Skylar is drawn to him from the start. Though she knows he is the type of guy good girls stayed away from, it seems he is always saving her life, and the attraction was inevitable. 

Upon meeting the brothers, strange things begin to happen. When she accidentally kills one of the brothers, it throws her life into turmoil, as they search to find the answers. Implausibly, she gets caught up in a world of the descendants of ancient gods, all who have super powers. Not only is her discovery difficult to accept, evil beings are after her. Running out of time and running for her life, she must unravel a mystery. What do they want from her? Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will she find the answers, or will she die trying?

Quotes from Blogs:

“A fast paced adventure full of mystery, action, magic and romance! Readers won’t be able to put this book down!” InD’tale Magazine

“A story that is Electrifying with love. Get ready to be shocked!” Janie, Crossangels

“From Gods takes mythology to a whole new level of imagination with its incredible plot and amazing characters. It’s full of hotness that you never want to end!” Michele, Insane About Books

“From Gods by the AMAZING AUTHOR Mary Ting is OMGods good!! If you even LIKE Greek Mythology, set aside some time because you will DEVOUR Mary Ting's Demi Gods and Vultures!!!” Mindy, Books Complete Me

“This book is “electric” as it blends paranormal romance, mythology (which I love), action and suspense together for an amazing read. Mary Ting, you’ve done it again! This book exceeded my expectations and I was literally blown away as if I were struck by lightning!” Vanessa, Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader

"Get ready for an action packed suspenseful ride through this story. Mythology at its best and electric characters. This one will leave you begging for more!" Brittany, Spare Time Book

"This was just the jolt I needed! Mary Ting offers us mythology fans her own electrifying spin on Demi-God Greatness filled with suspense, comedy, romance, & mystery! I am officially a From Gods' Fan! Can. Not. Wait. For. More." Jeni's Bookshelf

"One of those books you can't stop reading. Amazing, magical, tender and at the same time incredibly sexy. A must read!” Anncleire, Please Another Book

 “With his stunning good looks, dark mysterious nature and his knack for saving her life, how could Skyler not fall for Mason. The question is, can she break through the wall surrounding his heart while her life is at risk again and again.” Ellie, EllieSewSweet

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3/5

I quite enjoyed this book. The thing that first attracted me to the book was the mention of mythology. I love anything to do with mythology, especially Greek, and so I jumped at the chance to review From Gods.

It's a fast-paced story, with plenty of action but I felt not enough back-story was given about the Gods and their descendants. I felt too much emphasis was put on the love story and not enough on the mythology. Skylar and Mason gave with whiplash with their back and forth emotions. Its was a bit too insta-love. I would have liked it to be a bit more fleshed out. Saying that I did enjoy the side characters, particularly Nick. He was the joker of the group and he kept me quite amused. 

There was a bit of a cliffhanger and so I am left wondering what the next book has in store. While I didn't like it as much as I was hoping it was still an enjoyable, quick read. Lovers of mythology I'm sure will really enjoy it. 

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AUTHOR BIO: 

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHkVg-DWCh8&feature=youtu.be

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryTing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMClarke

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryTing

Website: http://www.authormaryting

Blog: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4388953.Mary_Ting

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7181038.M_Clarke

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mting888/boards/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/GWm74K

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/From-Gods-ebook/dp/B00FRQRC4O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381551797&sr=1-1&keywords=from+gods 

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-gods-mary-ting/1117077139?ean=2940148419365 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/366606

GIVEAWAY:

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BLOG TOUR - Breaking the Reins by Juliana Haygert (Review & Giveaway)

Breaking the Reins by Juliana Haygert 

Publication date: August 14th 2013 

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Horses, mansions, tea parties, and lies are twenty-year-old Hannah Taylor’s life. To others, her family and her relationship with Eric is perfect. But she knows the truth. She lives it.

After a fire takes her grandma’s life and kills her horse, Hannah’s immaculate life spirals out of control. Her father disapproves of her decision to run her grandma’s ranch instead of focusing solely on learning the family business; Animal Control brings her Argus, a mistreated horse that she can’t turn away even though she’s not ready for another horse; and her boyfriend, Eric Bennett, a world famous polo player, becomes possessive and authoritarian. Despite her best efforts to disguise it, Hannah grows wary of him.

Then, Leonardo Fernandes struts onto the polo scene. A cocky rookie with a messy life of his own, he’s drawn to Hannah and isn’t afraid of showing it, even when Eric makes it clear she is his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Hannah suffers for Eric’s jealousy. The abuse only gets worse when Leo steals the title of best polo player in the world from Eric.

But the title isn’t enough for Leo. He wants Hannah too, and she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Somehow, she must find a way to break free from abusive Eric before he breaks every bone in her body.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17730510-breaking-the-reins?ac=1

Purchase: 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | Apple

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3/5

I really wanted to read this book after seeing the cover and reading the blurb. The thing that really caught my attention was the mention of horses. I have always loved horses. I loved learning about ranch life and I especially loved Argus. I nearly cried for that poor horse. I am a huge animal lover so I wanted to kill the people that mistreated him. I loved the whole aspect of Hannah teaching him how to trust people again.
The book starts off a bit slow but things begin to pick up around half way in. When Eric first hit Hannah I would have expected her to get out of there straight away. But instead she made excuses for him and stayed with him. This really annoyed me. There is no excuse for hitting the person you love. If a boyfriend ever hit me I would be gone in a flash. I wanted to scream at Hannah to get out of there, to tell someone what was happening. She was just so naive.

Leo I liked. I thought he was a great love interest and I felt so bad for him that Hannah couldn't see what a great guy he was and leave that bastard Eric behind. He was a total cowboy, wearing the boots and hat. I totally swooned. Who doesn't love a hot cowboy ;)
The ending annoyed me too. I felt Hannah acted very blaze about the whole ordeal. She didn't seem to be affected at all by it which dumbfounded me. If I went through what she went through I wouldn't be all hunky dory the next day. 

Overall it was a good story with a good premise. An emotional read and a book that I know horse lovers will love.

AUTHOR BIO:

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY

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REVIEW - Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs

Title: Oh. My. Gods
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Series: Oh. My. Gods. #1
Publisher: Speak
Published: May 14th 2009
Genre: YA Mythology 
Link: Goodreads / Amazon
Source: Bought paperback

Summary:
When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and plans to move to an island in the Aegean Sea, Phoebe's well-plotted senior year becomes ancient history. Now, instead of enjoying a triumphant track season and planning for college with her best friends, Phoebe is trying to keep her head above water at the uber exclusive Academy. If it isn't hard enough being the new kid in school, Phoebe's classmates are all descendants of the Greek gods! When you're running against teammates with superpowers, dealing with a stepsister from Hades, and nursing a crush on a boy who is quite literally a god, the drama takes on mythic proportions!

3/5

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I had heard great things about it and it sounded like a fun read. It was a very quick and light read but it didn't really live up to my expectations.

I love books about Greek mythology. Greek mythology has always fascinated me and so this book immediately appealed to me. It sounded something similar to the Percy Jackson books, even though I haven't read those books. I loved hearing about all the different gods and goddesses, some I hadn't heard of before. I liked all the different characters we are introduced to but never really connected with any of them. Phoebe I kind of liked but she was a bit annoying at times and really naive. And the whole thing with her Mam coming back engaged after a week away is totally ridiculous. I did not get that at all. I thought there was gonna be some big explanation for it but nope. We're meant to believe it was love at first sight. 

Not much really happens in the story. It focuses mainly on Phoebe training to win a race and her pining away after Griffin. I was hoping there would be more displays of powers from the descendants or some bit of action but instead it was just an angst ridden book about a girl with a crush on a guy who was a completer jerk to her in the beginning. I don't understand want Phoebe saw in him apart from his good looks. The whole story line was very predictable.

The book was very quick and light and would be a good book to read if you're looking for something that doesn't require much attention and is a break from all the heavy drama-filled books out there. I will probably read the second book just to see what happens with Phoebe but I don't have high expectations that it will be any better than this one.

BLOG TOUR - Thundering Luv by L.M. Preston (Review & Giveaway)

Title: Thundering Luv

Series: Luv Series Book #2

Author: L.M. Preston

Publication Date: June 1, 2013

Published by: Phenomenal One Press

Book Blurb:

Jewel has always been able to get the guy she wanted. The starting jock on the football team, the team captain on the basketball team, and the lead swimmer on the swim team. Problem is, she didn't find them the least bit exciting. Was she cold or a she-wolf for guys? Colin thought so, and he'd do anything to bring her down a peg or two. When these two collide on the sandy beach during their mixed up summer vacation, sparks fly, making this a summer neither will forget. 

  Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17210395-thundering-luv 

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3/5

I am always a bit two minds when it comes to short stories. Most of the time I feel that the book isn't long enough to deliver any real emotion or leave much of an impact on me. That being said I quite enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of making me care about the characters and I actually found myself getting emotional at some bits. I became invested in the characters and really wanted to see what would happen next with them. I liked how Jewel and Colin interacted with one another. I loved that the book was told in dual POV. Again though, as is the case with most short stories, we have the dreaded insta-love. Even though the book was spaced out over a summer it still felt like insta-love because of how short the book was. It felt a bit rushed, especially the ending. I would have loved if the book was longer and the ending wasn't has rushed. But overall this was a fun and romantic read.

EXCERPT:

“I mean, how does your mom do it? Most ladies can’t even find a guy to marry them – my mom is still ‘dating’ my dad and can’t get him to commit. But your mom,” Amy inhaled loudly, “she’s like…hum, like a husband whisperer or something,” Amy laughed.

Jewel lifted her shades to peek out at Amy, “So are you saying guys and dogs are the same?” she jumped up and plopped down on Amy’s butt to tickle Amy’s feet, “You calling my mom a dog trainer,” she giggled.

            Whack! The volleyball hit Jewel on the forehead with such force, she fell backwards. Jewel’s foot hit’s Meg’s drink and red juice splattered all over her white bikini. Amy’s butt went upward to knock Jewel onto the hard deck. Falling back, Jewel’s head hit the wood floor knocking her shades off.

            Jewel tried to catch her breath. Pain and anger became one as she blinked against the glare of the sun. Her eyes meet the dark brown ones of a laughing boy standing above her. A gorgeous guy, but who cared, he’d hit her so hard with his dumb ball, she was seeing stars.

            “You! You! Stupid, don’t you know how to hit a ball?” Jewel struggled to get up, and pushed the boys tanned hand away from her. His unruly long black hair, dark eyes, and full lips cocked up in a smirk made her angrier.

            “I’m trying to help you,” his baritone voice sounded like he was fighting against laughter, and he grasped her hand. His firm muscular shaped arm flexed as he bent to help her.

            Jewel slapped it away, “I don’t want your help you ruined my bathing suit and,” she touched her forehead where a small lump was forming, “put a knot on my head!” She pushed at him and stood up, grabbing the volleyball off the ground. His yummy face taunted her when his eyebrow went up questioning her motive. Then she aimed the ball at his head and missed.

            He ducked, “What was that for?” His laughing eyes turned stormy.

            Waving her hand at him, she stepped forward. “Idiots that hit girls with their,” Jewel slipped back, and tried to get her balance, but the last thing she remembered was him smirking at her as her head hit the floor again.

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Author Info: 

L.M. Preston was born and raised in Washington, DC. An avid reader, she loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl. With a thirst for knowledge she attended college at Bowie State University, and worked in the IT field as a Techie and Educator for over sixteen years. She started writing science fiction under the encouragement of her husband who was a Sci-Fi buff and her four kids. Her first published novel, Explorer X - Alpha was the beginning of her obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds. She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing. 

    

Author Links:

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3348681.L_M_Preston

Blog - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/

Website - http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/

Twitter - http://twitter.com/LM_Preston

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