4.5 STARS | ReVamped by Ada Adams

Title: ReVamped
Series: Angel Creek #1
Author: Ada Adams
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Elements: Vampires, Werewolves
Publisher: Ada Adams
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B007BDZ6X0
Published: February 20th, 2012
Source: Girls Heart Books Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★.5

A simple mission turned deadly.

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.

When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

I loved ReVamped! The characters were fun and the story was intriguing. Each character has their own story and their own pain to work toward being healed, and the whole team is there to help. Dawn's story was the most interesting, as it should be since she's the main character. Once I thought I had it all figured out, something new came up to make me think again. The love interests, Ethan and Sebastian, one human and the other a vampire, are both hot, but I still gravitated toward Sebastian. I'm just really excited to read the next book, ReAwakened!

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"Many people sing in the shower. I write scenes in my head and act them out."

In her career as a writer and an actress, Ada spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the kick-butt female characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning and has attained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating characters with unique quirks!) as well as a Masters of Science in Education.

Ada began her writing career at age three with a string of short stories that only a mother could love, and has been inventing quirky characters and imaginary worlds ever since. Her readership has now grown to include people who aren't directly related to her. A passionate advocate for the arts, Ada is also an editor-in-chief of VEUX Magazine - a fashion/literary publication which showcases up-and-coming talent from all over the world. Amongst other things she enjoys are zombies, chocolate, and bubble tea.

Ada lives in Toronto, Canada, and when she's not writing you can find her on an adventurous nature hike with her puppies, Caramilk and Oreo. Or deep in a jar of Nutella.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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3 STARS | Marcie by Carly M. Duncan

Title: Marcie
Author: Carly M. Duncan
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Contemporary
Publisher: Carly M. Duncan
Format: PDF
ASIN: B00CQ3BPTO
Published: May 9th, 2013
Source: Release Day Diva
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★

When Kate's mother, Marcie, dies mysteriously she is forever tormented by the many questions surrounding her mother's death. In Marcie's absence Kate clings to her mother's husbands, searching for solace.

As family secrets are revealed Kate works to build her own life and family, but the mystery of her mother's death sidetracks her until she finally gets the answer she's always hoped for.

I honestly don't know what to say. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. I really liked how Kate was able to build the life she always wanted as a child for her daughter. She's able to give her daughter the love she never felt from her mother. And she has an amazing husband that loves her deeply. There are only two things that kind of bothered me: 1.) we are never told Kate's daughter's name, and 2.) the ending was kind of anti-climatic. I was kind of like, "Oh, really?" Otherwise, I enjoyed reading this book and I liked how the story would be told from the present but then flashback to the past.

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Carly Duncan is a television producer by day and a writer whenever there is time. She lives with her husband, two daughters and beloved Westie in Brooklyn, New York.








Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4.5 STARS | I Remember You be Scarlett Metal

Title: I Remember You
Series: I Remember You #1
Author: Scarlett Metal
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Music
Publisher: Scarlett Metal
Format: PDF
ASIN: B00CJ17754
Published: April 25th, 2013
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★.5

Lance never got over his teenage love despite years of trying to forget her with with alcohol, music, and other women. He runs into her when he’s back into town for a show with his band. Will he be able to move on or will he finally realize she’s the piece missing from his life?

Samantha dated lots of different guys after Lance, guys most girls would love to have even a chance with. No one can make her happy though; she compares them all to Lance. She sees Lance again after ten years apart. Will he be all she remembered, or will she finally be able to move past that part of her life?

They spend a passionate together but can they be more? Or will the differences that drove them apart when they were young threaten to keep them apart now? And when tragedy strikes, will they put that all aside and find happiness together?

I loved I Remember You! I was kind of heartbroken in the beginning, it was pretty sad what happened between Samantha and Lance. But their "chance" meeting about 10 years later had me hoping that everything would work out for them in the end, that they would have their happily ever after. I was extremely happy with how this book ended. I do wish it were longer, though.

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Scarlett lives in the Midwest with her family. When she's not busy writing steamy stories, she can be found with her nose in a book, camping, or geocaching with her family. She loves Diet Coke, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and 80's hair bands.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Gravitational Pull by Marissa Carmel

Title: Gravitational Pull
Series: Vis Vires Trilogy #2
Author: Marissa Carmel
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Elements: Psychic Abilities, Angels, Demons, Pixies, Unicorns
Publisher: Libertine Press
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00C6R4MD6
Published: April 3rd, 2013
Source: Good Choice Reading Promotions
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★
Series Reviews: iFeel

Touch me, and bring me to life...

How do you move on when you don't even know where you were going in the first place?

The Spirit Stalker is dead and I have finally started to erect my life. But I quickly discover, that just because the structure is built doesn't mean the foundation is sturdy. As much as I try to manage my abilities, I can't completely control them. The physical impossibility of the relationship I have with Justice has reached a boiling point; our fundamental problem, my inability to control myself from absorbing his power, and his fear of touching me because of it.

As if that wasn't deal-breaker enough, a new threat looms on my horizon - Darklings. They are grim reapers of the immortal world who surface every five-hundred-years to feed off the souls of magical beings who are weak, aimless, lost; those who have given up and want to move on.

They also hunt power. Which means, they're hunting me.

Abandoned by the one person I need the most, I find myself in Melenia's realm. There, I’m courted by Siberian, a dangerous pixie who covets me, hunted by Death personified; all the while hiding my powers and my ancient bloodline. The pixie prince is alluring, and I feel so broken and vulnerable. I know giving in to him means giving myself over to him. But right now, I don't care. All I want is to feel anything other than the loss and rejection Justice left me with. Anything other than pain.

So what do I do when I'm scared to be touched, even though I know it's the only way to bring my soul back to life?

I'm completely in love with this series! When I finished iFeel, I desperately wanted to start reading Gravitational Pull. I loved it that much. And after reading Gravitational Pull, I feel that same way about reading the third book, Constellation. There were so many times in this book that I thought my heart was going to break for Liv, and I was so angry with Justice. He was a complete coward in this book. If he hadn't run from what he was feeling, a lot of heartbreak could have been avoided for both himself and Liv. I am so intrigued by the presage's warning and Liv's feeling of deja vu when saying or hearing a certain line (readers will just have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about). I'm close to pulling my hair out I want to read the next book so badly. Marissa Carmel has done an amazing job creating a world and characters that just pull the reader in and not letting them go. Bravo!

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Marissa Carmel has been writing since a young age and although it has always been for personal enjoyment, she finally decided breakout and share her imagination with the world. She hopes that her universe is as fun and intriguing to her readers as it is to her. Marissa Carmel is originally from NJ but moved to Maryland several years ago, she enjoys reading, writing, and catching up on her ever growing DVR library. She is currently working on the sequel to iFeel, Gravitational Pull and the third and final installment of the Vis Vires trilogy, Constellation.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4 STARS | Carry Your Heart by Audrey Bell

Title: Carry Your Heart
Series: After Forever #1
Author: Audrey Bell
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary
Publisher: Audrey Bell
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00CMYSI7O
Published: May 3rd, 2013
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★

Champion skier Pippa Baker lost everything in the avalanche: her boyfriend, his best friend, and her will to win. After a year of grief, she returns to competition.

She finds more than buried memories and steep slopes in Utah. She finds Hunter Dawson, a heartbreaking daredevil with the gold medals to prove it. And she finds that his reputation doesn’t stop her from falling hard, and that her heart might not be as broken as she once believed.

But, Hunter has scars and memories too—scars that make him believe falling in love might hurt too much, scars that make him run.

Pippa knows how much love hurts when it’s gone. Will she stop herself before she’s in too deep? Or will she let herself fall?

Carry Your Heart was a highly enjoyable read! I really liked the winter sports element in this book. I don't read very many books with a sports angle, but this one was very well written. I loved the main characters, Pippa and Hunter. Both have pasts that weigh heavily on them and have to find the strength to overcome them if they want a chance to be able to open up to someone else. These are the kinds of stories that I really enjoy, when the main characters have a seemingly impossible summit to crest to be able to open themselves up to loving another. These are always the really beautiful stories, and Carry Your Heart fits this perfectly.

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Audrey Bell lives in New York City, where she indulges her SoulCycle addiction and expresses her passionate hatred of the 6 Train. You can find her reading in Central Park, overcaffeinating at Starbucks, or trying to kidnap her neighbors’ Maltese puppy. She loves hearing from readers. Check out her blog at audreybellbooks.blogspot.com.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4 STARS | Enchanted Hearts by Belinda Boring

Title: Enchanted Hearts
Author: Belinda Boring
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Elements: Fae
Publisher: Moonstruck Media
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00AOISSYI
Published: December 14th, 2012
Source: Release Day Diva
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★

How do you choose between mere moments and a lifetime?

Aithne was raised on fairytales, spending hours daydreaming about meeting one of the elusive Fae. Little did she know, hidden in the shadows, a Fae Prince stood watching. All it took was one glance and Hadrian became enchanted, unable to stay away. Revealing his presence, Aithne's life was forever changed as her childhood fantasies of magic became a reality.

With each encounter, Aithne fell deeper in love and even though she knew Hadrian couldn't offer her the future she craved, it was enough. That was until William, the local blacksmith's son and friend, stepped forward. Wearing his own heart on his sleeve, and eager to claim Aithne as his wife, there was nothing William wouldn't do for the girl he loved. Even if it meant risking it all at the Midsummer Night's festival.

Three enchanted hearts ... two honorable men ... one important choice.

Such a bittersweet ending! I was an emotional mess by the time I finished reading Enchanted Hearts. Aithne has to choose between her childhood friends and local blacksmith's son, William, and Hadrian, a Fae Prince. I was happy for the one Aithne chose, but I was also really heartbroken for the one that she didn't. I loved all the characters in this story.

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A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Wanted by Amanda Lance

Title: Wanted
Series: Wanted #1
Author: Amanda Lance
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00CJ178Z8
Published: April 25th, 2013
Source: YA Bound Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★

Considering she’s a girl who calculates everything, Addie Battes knew the statistical probability of being abducted in her lifetime—too bad she never analyzed the odds of falling in love with her captor.

While stopping at a crowded rest area one summer night, seventeen-year-old Addie accidentally catches a truck hijacking in progress. Desperate to rid the crime of its only witness, one of the thieves kidnaps Addie. Yet surprisingly, when a renegade thief attempts to silence her for good, Addie is saved by the very man who abducted her. Now, forced on board a cargo ship in the middle of the ocean, Addie finds herself surrounded by international smugglers who want nothing more than to throw her overboard.

All except the artistic and intriguing Charlie Hays, whose strange protectiveness convinces Addie to trust him, even when common sense tells her otherwise. Yet, despite her doubt, and his unrelenting temper, their relationship develops into something much more. But, Charlie’s scorned colleague has stowed away, and as he seeks revenge against his coworker, Addie and Charlie are forced to put their new love—and lives—at risk.

I really loved Wanted. It was a strange situation that Addie--she was kidnapped and then fell in love with her captor. I was stuck between screaming that Addie and Charlie needed to be together and that they shouldn't because it was just weird to fall in love with the man who kidnapped you. But in the end, I fell just as much in love with Charlie as Addie did. I really wish that there were more to this book. I loved all the characters, even Reid, who wasn't very nice. And Polo was just so adorable. I would love to read more about the other characters. Ben is an interesting character, he's kind of enigmatic. But yeah, I love love LOVED this book!

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A native of New Jersey and lifelong nerd, Amanda Lance recently completed her Master in Liberal Arts at Thomas Edison State College after her BA in English Literature and AFA in creative writing. As an avid reader of all genres, some of her favorite authors include Hemingway, Marquis de Sade, Stevenson, Bukowski and Radcliffe.

When she isn’t writing or reading, Amanda can found indulging in film noir or hiking with her other half and their extremely spoiled dog. She is obsessively working on her next book and trying to tame her caffeine addiction.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent

Title: With All My Soul
Series: Soul Screamers #7
Author: Rachel Vincent
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Elements: Bean sidhes, Reapers, Demons, Psychic Abilities, Necromancers
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0373210664
Published: March 26th, 2013
Source: Library
Events: With All My Soul Mini-Reading Challenge
Rating: ★★★★★
Series Reviews: If I Die | Never to Sleep | Before I Wake

What does it mean when your school is voted the most dangerous in America? It's time to kick some hellion butt...

After not really surviving her junior year (does "undead" count as survival?), Kaylee Cavanaugh has vowed to take back her school from the hellions causing all the trouble. She's going to find a way to turn the incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another in order to protect her friends and finish this war, once and forever.

But then she meets Wrath and understands that she's closer to the edge than she's ever been. And when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realizes she can't save everyone she loves without risking everything she has....

I'm so incredibly sad that the series is over! This final book in the Soul Screamers series pack quite a punch, emotionally and mentally. Kaylee is truly amazing in With All My Soul. Her sacrifice was so selfless, it just stunned me. The love between Tod and Kaylee left me emotionally wrecked. It was so beautiful in its pureness and depth. And as we learn in With All My Soul, their connection is a lot deeper than it ever was. Their love for each other is what saves them both in the end. There were a few very powerful moments for the other characters too. Nash realizes just how much Tod loves him and what he gave up so that Nash could live. And Sabine shows that she really does care about everyone in their group, more than they ever thought.

Now this is probably wishful thinking, but I think it would be incredibly awesome if there were a spinoff series written that explored more of the afterlife, maybe from Tod's POV or another reaper or something. Because there is one loose end that wasn't tied in With All My Soul. As far as I know, Thane is still out there.

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A resident of San Antonio, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.




Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe

Title: Astarte's Wrath
Series: Kythan Guardians #0.5
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Steampunk
Publisher: Trisha Wolfe
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B00BNZ6XV6
Published: March 2nd, 2013
Source: Trisha Wolfe
Events: Book Promotion
Rating: ★★★★★

Two thousand years before Dez Harkly developed her secret powers, Guardian Astarte was vowed to protect by the binds enslaving her to the Egyptian pharaohs. Discover the prophecy that originated from a very different time, and spans generations to link two very different girls.

This is the beginning.

Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt grow deeper. Not only is Caesarion her duty, he's the son of Cleopatra, and he's human. All of which makes their love forbidden.

But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar creeps into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythan free themselves of their servitude, and protecting her charge - the last pharaoh - while Egypt burns around her.

I absolutely loved Astarte's Wrath. It was equal part thrilling and heartbreaking. There was no way that I couldn't love the characters of Star and Xarion. Their love seems doomed--and in many ways it is--but there is also a hope that is brought forth from their love for each other. I'll admit that I was getting teary toward the end. I just couldn't help it, I loved these characters so much, that my heart broke for them. I loved how seamlessly this prequel flows into the main story of the Kythan Guardians series. I'm really excited to see what happens in Destiny's Fire.

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Trisha Wolfe is the author of the YA Steampunk DESTINY'S FIRE (Omnific Publishing), the NA Historical/Supernatural ASTARTE'S WRATH, and the upcoming YA Utopian FIREBLOOD from Spencer Hill Press, October 2013. Her NA Dark Fantasy OF SILVER AND BEASTS available May 2013.

She’s the creator of YA Bound, a promotional site for the Young Adult genre. Also a member of SCWW and The Apocalypsies.




Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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