REVIEW - Soul Choice (More than Magic #3) by Elizabeth Kirke

Title: Soul Choice 
Series: More than Magic #3
Author: Elizabeth Kirke
Release Date: May 30th 2015
Genres: NA Paranormal Fantasy
Links: Goodreads / Amazon US / B&N

Source: Bought ebook 

Summary:

Forget everything you know…about magic…

Jen doesn’t know who people keep mistaking her for, but one thing is clear: her mystery double is not popular. When Jen is kidnapped by a group bent on revenge for something she never did, it’s up to her friends to rescue her. Little do they know, Jen’s captors are ready for them.

Thomas, TS, Charlie, Dani, and Mariana become the latest victims of a malicious experiment, one which could spell doom for magic-kind. Now their lives, and maybe their entire world, are in Jen’s hands. Unfortunately, escaping the facility is the least of their problems. The experiment is dangerous; one in three test subjects dies. And considering five of them are affected, the odds don’t look good.

Time is running out and Jen and her friends are faced with the hardest decisions they’ve ever had to make; how do you know who to trust, when your own mother isn’t who you thought she was? Just how much will you sacrifice for a friend, even if it’s your life?

And how can you make a choice when the wrong one means death?

4.5/5

This was just as awesome as I knew it would be. I seriously love this series and these characters so much. The gang is all back together, the stakes are higher, and the tension and suspense is off the charts. Seriously I was biting my nails during one part because omg it was intense! This book will put you through the emotional wringer. Kirke is evil like that lol.

I'm not really sure what else I can say because I don't wanna spoil anything. But if you haven't started this series yet then what are you waiting for?? I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series or not, but if it is then it was the perfect ending. Action packed, intense and emotional, this is one book you do not want to miss. A must read!

REVIEW - Gideon's Promise by Morgana Phoenix

Title: Gideon's Promise 
Series: Sons of Judgment #2
Author: Morgana Phoenix
Publisher: Fire & Ash Publishing
Release Date: February 21st 2015
Genres: NA Paranormal Romance 
Links: Goodreads / Amazon / B&N

Source: eARC from Author 

Summary:

His love will become her curse.

For centuries, Gideon has kept his secret, knowing that it could mean the life of the woman whose very heartbeat was his reason for living. But when Veil Creatures are slaughtered in their homes by those sworn to protect them, it may be up to him to save those he loves from a fate worse than death. What he doesn’t expect is the betrayal and a choice that could leave his family devastated.

Valkyrie Devereaux believes only in the power of justice, loyalty and obeying the laws of her people. Love was something to be feared and she had been taught long ago that anything that could make you weak, needed to be eliminated. But when she is assigned to join the Casters of the north in hunting down the creatures killing the innocent, even she can’t help the twang of longing for something that goes against everything she was raised to believe was wrong.

Like fire and gasoline, passions collide. Heat erupts as they fight against their desires and their very nature. But a fire like theirs can never be smothered. It can never be stopped. It can only burn to unimaginable heights, but what happens when it careens out of control and destroys everything around them? And who is waiting for that exact moment to destroy the brothers?

She will become his death.

4.5/5

I have been dying to read this book because I LOVED Gideon in Octavian's book. I knew his book would be brilliant, and my god was it. I may have really liked book 1 but I simply adored this book. At the moment Gideon is definitely my favourite Maxwell brother. I have such a weakness for sarcastic, cocky guys. You will all fall in love with this golden-haired charmer who has the biggest heart.
Valkyrie was such an amazing character. I never really knew what to think of her but after getting her back-story my heart absolutely broke for her! She is a tough, loyal, kick-ass warrior but my god what she has gone through was gut-wrenching. Phoenix really knows how to bring on the tears.
The story itself is action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. We got to learn so much more about Casters, Harvesters, veil creatures, etc. I also loved the little flashbacks we got of Gideon's and Valkyrie's past. It was so great to see how they first met.

Overall this was a fantastic, heartbreaking, nail-biting read with a scorching hot romance and an ending that will have you begging for more. Seriously, how could you end it like that?! My heart has been ripped out of my chest! I need Magnus' book NOW!! 
Now someone pass the cookies so I can eat away this pain.

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

BLOG TOUR - Unrequited by Emma Grey (Review & Giveaway) @AngusMarsden @NereydaG1003

Unrequited by Emma Grey 

Release Date: 05/26/14

Summary from Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Kat Hartland loathes Unrequited, the world's biggest boy band. Is she the only girl in Sydney who can't be bothered with perfect-looking Angus Marsden?

Give her 5 Seconds of Summer. Now.

Or maybe the seriously-hot med student who rescued her on a train—and who could be Douglas Booth's twin! Perfect formal partner, much?

But when Kat comes face to face with Angus Marsden himself, things start to get complicated. Very. Throw in a deranged female popstar, final exams, a part in the musical and a mum who just doesn't get it—and where is her best friend?

When did life get so crazy? Kat's just an ordinary schoolgirl.

Isn't she?

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books

Read the first three chapters at: www.unrequited.com.au

Book Trailer:

4.5/5

Oh this book. I simply adored it! I'll admit that I initially wanted to read it because of the mention of 5SOS in the blurb :P Thankfully I loved everything about this book, and not just just 5SOS mentions.

Told in multiple POVs, Unrequited is, as you can guess, the story of unrequited love. But it is so much more than that. It is about listening to your heart and following your dreams. The book sort of reminded me of those films Valentines Day and New Years Eve where there all these little stories that interconnect, but with fewer people. Normally I don't like when there are more than 2 or 3 POVs but I actually loved that we got so many this time. The story wouldn't have been the same if we only had Kat's POV. Speaking of Kat, omg I loved that girl! She was such a great character. Her snark and cynicism were brilliant and I found myself laughing so many times. I loved her taste in music too ;) Angus I also loved. He was the perfect love interest. Joel (med student from the train) I didn't really like as a love interest for Kat. He treated her like a little sister that he had to protect more so than a potential girlfriend.

The multiple POVs helped move the story along at the perfect pace. It wasn't rushed or dragged. And I absolutely loved the music element. I need to hear the songs they wrote! Oh and if you are any way a romantic like me prepare to cry! The concert near the end of the book? Tears! Those who have read it know what I'm talking about ;)

Normally I would say that I would love a sequel but I actually think the ending was perfect. I would love a book about the other band members though, especially Reuben :)

Overall this was a sweet and fabulous read. The perfect escape from reality. I just loved it! 

About the Author:

Emma Grey has two teenage girls, a three-year-old boy, a couple of businesses and another teen novel in the pipeline. Her first book, 'Wits' End Before Breakfast! Confessions of a Working Mum' was published in 2005.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

GIVEAWAY:

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Blog Tour Organized by:

REVIEW - Switched by Cassie Mae

Title: Switched 
Author: Cassie Mae
Publisher: Random House LLC
Release date: December 2nd 2013
Genres: NA Contemporary 
Links: Amazon / Goodreads 

Source: Bought ebook

Summary:

Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla’s secret is Wesley, Talon’s best bud—and he’s got it bad for Reagan. Now they’re all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart before Talon has a chance to give Reagan the Christmas gift she’s been waiting for.

Soon enough, the once happy couple is fighting. Reagan suddenly can’t get enough of Wesley’s goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who’s “only a friend” ever should. But just when everything seems to be falling into place, Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together and discover a hitch in their plan they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.

4.5/5

I read Switched after Tia gushed about the authors books. So my expectations were a bit high. And I am so happy to say that Switched lived up to my expectations :) 

This book was all kinds of cute and packed full of goofiness. I loved the authors sense of humor. She managed to turn serious situations in to funny ones. I especially loved Kayla and Wesley's banter. Those two were hilarious and so adorable when they were together. I really related with Kayla too. I thought she was a great character, even if she did frustrate me one or two times. And Wesley? He was adorable! So different from the usual bad boy found in most NA books. He was just all kinds of funny and sweet and he plays guitar! Just perfect.

The story-line is fast paced and keeps you hooked. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn't get enough. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud throughout most of it. It didn't frustrate me as much as I thought it would. And I loved the twist at the end. Brilliant! Overall this book was jam-packed with cuteness, silliness and will just warm your heart. This is the first book by Cassie Mae that I have read and it definitely won't be the last :)

*I was provided with an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

BLOG TOUR - Mutilate My Heart by Emily Godwin (Review & Giveaway)

Title: Mutilate My Heart (Mutilate #1)

Author: Emily Godwin
Date of Publication: July 9, 2013
Genre: Contemporary YA romance with paranormal elements

Blurb:
Punk rock band Mutilated Arteries has been seventeen-year-old Becca's world (aka obsession) for the last year. When the band schedules a concert in her hometown, she and her best friend Carli are the first ones in line to buy tickets. The night is everything she expects it to be and more, especially after making friends with the new super-cute bassist, Sketch.

Becca's mom warns her not to fall for a rock star because rock stars are always on the road - or they die in a plane crash, like her mom's favorite band did twenty-something years ago. But after the band's tour bus breaks down and they're stuck hanging out in Roizen Hills for a week, it's hard for Becca not to fall for Sketch and his caricature drawings and toxic green eyes.

Becca knows Sketch is leaving as soon as the bus is fixed, and she can't be his fan-turned-girlfriend anyway because of the lead singer's "No Girlfriends" rule. Plus, there's something strange about the guys that Becca can't quite decipher... like how they won't reveal their real names, their always-changing odd appearances, and the guitarist's obsession with blood and zombies. Still, Becca wants nothing more than for Sketch to mutilate her heart...but it just might not be in a way she expects.

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17622850-mutilate-my-heart
Purchase links: Amazon | B&N


EXCERPT:

Sketch wraps his arm around my waist and smiles in the glow of the flashlight.

“Who’s up for a séance?” he asks.

Corpse automatically agrees, and Carli does because Corpse does. Plus, this whole ghost thing doesn’t freak her out nearly as badly as it does me, but I’m not going to let them know that.

“Man, no,” Ink protests. “You don’t know what the hell you’re going to be letting into one of our bodies, and with my luck, whatever it is will be coming up into my body!”

“Ink, dude, it’ll be fun,” Corpse says from somewhere in the darkness. “If you’re that scared, just go back and wait by the car.”

“Scared? I’m not scared. I’m just not stupid,” Ink mumbles, but he follows us to the stage nonetheless.

The boards of the stage groan beneath my feet, begging me to go no further. An old, dusty piano sits alone on the edge of the stage. Its yellow keys smile maniacally at me from the darkness surrounding us. Even with the beam of the flashlight, I feel lost in the darkness around us.

Sketch props the flashlight on the stage to stand with the light facing toward the ceiling.

“Alright,” he says, sitting down on the dusty boards. “Let’s all join hands.”

We all sit down in a circle around the flashlight. Sketch sits to my right, Ink to my left. At least one of them would try to save me from any demons.

“Corpse, you want to try to contact this Elijah kid?” Sketch asks. “I’m still new at communicating with the dead.”

Corpse’s face is dark and sinister in the dim light, and it does nothing to calm the feeling of dread flowing through my veins.

“Elijah, we come before you as guests in your great music hall,” Corpse says. With every word that leaves his lips, Ink’s grip on my hand tightens. “If you are here, please give us a sign. We do not want to harm you in any way. We just wish to speak with you. If you have the strength, please, use our friend Ink as your temporary body.”

“Don’t you tell him that!” Ink screams. “Are you crazy, you stupid–”

But whatever Ink was about to call Corpse is cut off by the sound of iron wheels being tugged.

It’s the curtain.

~~~~~~

About the Author:
Emily Godwin is a Young Adult author. She enjoys writing, painting, and sewing her own line of non-evil voodoo dolls. She's a Slytherin, trying to disguise herself as a Hufflepuff, and wishes she could read herself into books.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/EmilyGodwin17
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EmilyGodwinWrites
Blog: http://emilygodwin17.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6912429.Emily_Godwin

~~~~~~

4.5/5

This book was just all kinds of cute. I loved every second of it. After reading her sister's book, American Girl on Saturn, and seeing that the band mentioned in that was featured in this book, I just had to read it. And like AGOS I adored this book! It had everything I had hoped and more. 

This book centers around Becca and her friends and how one night at a concert will change their lives forever. We've all been there. Fantasizing about what it would be like to meet our favourite band, what it would be like to be friends with them, or even go out with one of its members. I can see myself acting so much like Becca. Trying to act cool on the outside but be completely dying on the inside. I loved this girl and how totally awesome she was. And I loved her crazy friend Carli too.

Now even though I don't think Mutilated Arteries would be my sort of band or that I would be that attracted to the guys I still found myself really liking them. They all have great and unique personalities that shine through in their wacky outfits and crazy names. We have Nightmare, Banshee, Ink, Corpse and Sketch. They always go by their stage names which adds some mystery to them. Why does no one know their real names? Why are they always sleeping so much? And what's with Corpse's obsession with zombies and Banshee's obsession with blood? There is something different about this band and the girls are gonna be in for a big surprise when they find out what it is. I loved the paranormal element of the story. Even though the book was great as a contemporary, I think this made the book even better. I loved the twist and can't wait to find out more about it.

The romance in the book is super sweet. I really loved Sketch and Corpse. Sketch was just adorable and Corpse is hilarious, if not a bit mad :P 

Overall I simply loved this book. It is beautifully written and completely captivating. It was a heartwarming contemporary, but then add in the paranormal element and you've got yourself a terrific read.  The Godwin sisters are fantastic writers and I loved the crossover between their books. I highly recommend this book to everyone and I can't wait for the next installment to learn more about this insane band. 

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BLOG TOUR - American Girl On Saturn by Nikki Godwin (Review & Giveaway)

Title- American Girl On Saturn
By- Nikki Godwin
Publication Date- August 28, 2013
Links:
Goodreads / Amazon / Smashwords / B&N

Blurb:
The summer after graduation is supposed to be that first real taste of freedom - but not for eighteen-year-old Chloe Branson. Just as that breeze of freedom is making its way into her galaxy, her secret-service-agent dad drops a meteor-sized bomb of bad news on her and her sisters. An attempt has been made on the lives of Canadian boyband, Spaceships Around Saturn, during their USA tour, and the guys have to go into hiding ASAP. The only problem? In the midst of the crisis and media frenzy, their dad volunteered to hide the guys...in their house.

Six-year-old Emery is as ecstatic as any self-proclaimed Saturnite would be, but Chloe and her seventeen-year-old sister Aralie watch their summer plans crash and burn like a falling star. The SAS guys aren't happy with the situation, either. Bad boy Jules picks fights with Aralie about everything from his Twitter followers to his laundry, and heart-throb Benji can't escape Emery's fangirlisms for more than three minutes.

But after the super-cute Milo kisses Chloe during a game of hide-and-seek, she finally understands what Emery means when she talks about SAS being "out of this world." If this is what Saturn feels like, Chloe doesn't want to come back to Earth.

-------------------

4.5/5

This book was so utterly cute and fun, I just devoured it in one sitting. I have been in an odd reading mood the last few weeks. I just haven't felt like reading anything, even when my precious Origin by JLA arrived. But seeing as I was on the blog tour for this book I knew I had to read it. I was worried that my weird mood would cloud my judgment but I am so glad to say that American Girl On Saturn was just what I needed. It pulled me out of my funk and I loved every second of it. 

The book is told from eighteen year old Chloe's POV, who is the oldest of three sisters. The middle child, Aralie, is seventeen, while the youngest sister, the absolutely adorable Emery, is five going on six. Each girl has their own personality and I loved all three of them in their own way. Chloe is the quiet, mature one but she had a great sarcastic wit about her. I loved her inner monologue. It was hilarious some of the stuff she came up with. Aralie is the wild, loud-mouth one. She says what she wants, doesn't seem to have a filter, but I still loved her. I loved the bickering between her and one of the lads. And Emery, oh my god, is the cutest little terror ever! I have always wanted a sister but I think if I had Emery I would go slightly insane :P She is so cute and everything but you would want to have some amount of energy and patience to put up with her. I pitied the lads so much, especially the main guy of the band Benji. She was glued to him for the entire lockdown. Poor guy.

Now about Spaceships Around Saturn. I LOVED these guys! Seriously, I would love for them to be on lockdown in my house for the summer. I thought I would have a hard time keeping track of who was who but they were all so easy to remember because they were all so different. I think Noah and Milo were my favourites. Swoon! But I did love them all. I couldn't get enough of all the bromance, and romance, and hilarity and, and....yeah. Just...everything!

Even though the guys were shot at during a concert and that's why they had to go into hiding, the book is anything but gloomy. It was sweet, fun, romantic, hilarious. The author's writing style is so beautiful and so descriptive. It will make you laugh as well as make you cry (yes I did shed a tear or two). It's the perfect read for a lazy summer day lying in the sun. If you need a pick me then this book is a definite must! The author has a real winner here. 

(There were a few grammatical errors and misplaced words and such but I received and ARC copy so this may be rectified in the final edition. This did not affect my rating.)

[Side-note: Chloe compares Milo's eyes to the caramel in a Milky Way bar. Em, the only Milky Way I know of is the one with nougat. Is there a caramel one that I'm not aware of? Or maybe it's only in America?]

-------------------

AUTHOR BIO:
Nikki Godwin is a Young Adult/New Adult author from the southern USA. She is a city girl who can't live without Mountain Dew, black eyeliner, Hawthorne Heights, and candles from Bath & Body Works. When not writing, she's not-so-secretly internet-stalking her favorite bands. She may or may not completely love One Direction.

Links:
Goodreads / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Amazon 

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REVIEW - Immortal City by Scott Speer

Title: Immortal City
Author: Scott Speer
Series: Immortal City #1
Publisher: Scholastic UK Ltd
Published: April 5th 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Links: Goodreads / Amazon


Summary:
Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat … and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

4.5/5

I loved loved loved this book!! I love the world that the author has created. This is like no other angel book I have ever read. Action-packed and with a romance that will leave you breathless, this book is a must read!

The angels have landed and they are everywhere. Since they made themselves know 100 years ago, their status on earth has rocketed up the social ladder and they are now the biggest celebrities around. The used to protect because they could, but all that's changed and now they charge people for their services. I loved the idea behind the angels and their greedy nature. If angels did actually exist and made themselves know I could totally see them being just as the author has described in the book. We live in money-hungry, fame-obsessed world so why wouldn't the angels want a part of this? It was a new and fresh change from all the angel lore that is out there. 

Maddy and Jackson I loved. I loved that Maddy wasn't obsessed with the angel craze as everyone else is. She seemed to be a fairly level-headed person, and knew what she wanted in live. She is completely unfazed by the whole thing and doesn't want anything to do with the angels. That is until Jackson steps into her life. Jackson I LOVED! He is the hottest angel around and so he is THE biggest celebrity out there. He has fame, fortune, and is used to getting what he wants and to people not saying no to him. But then he meets Maddy and he is left shaken by this stubborn girl. She intrigues him as she doesn't want anything to do with him and so he sets out to woo her. What he slowly comes to realize is is that not everyone falls for the glitz and glam. I loved seeing him grow and watch him learn that there is more to being an angel than the money. That angels were once better than that. Everything he has ever believed in is questioned. I loved the relationship between him and Maddy. It was a bit insta-love but not in an annoying way. It was very believable and I can't wait to see where it will go in book 2.

The book is action packed. There is a serial killer on the loose who is cutting off angels wings and killing them. When we find out who the killer is I was like WHAT?!?! Get out!! I so did not see that coming! You are left guessing who it could be and then when we do it's such a shocker that you will be left wondering if you did actually read that. Props to the author for creating such a climax!

Now the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars has to do with the narration. It is in 3rd person and is told mainly from Maddy's POV but we do get glimpses of Jacksons POV and then one or two others. Now that is all well and good, I felt that we got a better idea of what was going on and got to see the bigger picture. But sometimes during one persons POV we get little snippets of the other persons thoughts. This became a bit confusing at times and I didn't really like it. To give you a better understanding of what I'm talking about I've included this little paragraph from the book. Don't worry, it's not spoilery.

Teaser:

“You’re right,” Jacks said. “You’re not part of my world. You’re not one of those girls. And maybe that’s why.”

“Why what?”

“Why I can’t stop thinking about you.” 

Maddy rolled her eyes. “Guys like you don’t say that to girls like me.”

“I’ve never said that to anyone, actually,” Jacks corrected. “In fact, I’ve never done anything like this before.” He let out a little laugh. “How am I doing?”

He swallowed hard, trying to push down his nervousness. He was astonished to realize he was nervous. Somehow being around Maddy just put him in a different space. Jacks felt so present. 

Maddy stared at him, letting the anger and frustration surge through her. 

“Why are you doing this to me?” she asked finally.

He paused, considering. 

“I’m being honest. I know you may not believe me. But I haven’t been able to not think about you. When we were in the back at the restaurant, and . . .” Jacks’s voice trailed off, his face coloring. “I still feel terrible about what I did. I lied to you and, even though I had good reasons for it, it was wrong of me.” 

Maddy studied him. Was he telling the truth?

Jacks smiled. “I mean this in the best possible way: I’m not going to leave you alone until you let me make it up to you. I’m serious. I’ll be here every night. You might as well get me some pajamas and a toothbrush.”

Despite her best efforts not to, Maddy laughed. She looked at Jacks and could see the faintest twinkle of light in his eyes. 

“So what you’re saying is that I should just give in and let you make it up to me. Otherwise you’ll be tormenting me like this for the rest of my life?”

“Pretty much. Yeah.”

“Well.” She sighed. “What do you have in mind?”

“Come fly with me.”