Book Review: Sin and Sorrow by Marion Croslydon

Sin and Sorrow 

by 

Marion Croslydon

Published November 24th 2015 

by Carlux Publishing 

ARC for Review 

Summary
O-negative is Marie Aberdein’s favorite treat and she hates herself for it. But she hates the MacLeod Vampire Hunters even more. They stole everything from her. Twice. The first time, on the night of the Battle of Culloden, the Hunter killed her husband and their child. Marie has survived the last two centuries hidden away with the man she calls Father, keeping their vow never to feed from humans. But the latest Hunter—the direct descendant of her husband’s murderer—doesn’t care about their good intentions. All he wants is for their ashes to blow away in the wind, so he tracks them down and burns the only family she has left.

Payback is long overdue. Marie has escaped the MacLeods’ clutches and she intends to make this lease of life count. Merely digging her fangs into the Hunter won’t do. She’ll take everything he holds dear, starting with his heir, History undergrad and rugby-playing Gabriel. Once she has Gabriel in the palm of her hand, she’ll rip out the boy’s heart. And make his father watch. Only Gabe is more angel than demon. His heart is warm, his soul loyal. He makes Marie feel like the girl she has never had the chance to be. A girl who wants to laugh, flirt, and be kissed. But allowing their love to kindle will clash against the beliefs that make them who they are. When Gabriel becomes the next Hunter at twenty-one, Marie will be one of the creatures he is destined to slaughter. And loving him means giving up her vendetta against his father—something she won’t do.

Sin and Sorrow is a New Adult paranormal romance set at St. Andrews University in modern-day Scotland.

Revenge Cannot Cure the Heart

This was surprising. I wasn’t disappointed but the reader does not get the expected. Based on the synopsis I thought this read would contain a lot of tension albeit muddled pent up passion. Unfortunately I did not pick any of that up. I wanted the lines between good and vile to blur. I didn’t want to hate or fall in love with Marie I wanted to feel her passion and her rage. I will say there is more likely than not going to be a follow up there were too many lose ends that need closure. I may or may not pick up the next. I enjoyed the authors style though I feel as though some of these elements are present in the Outlander Series.

The Story, Marie is tired of fighting she has lived for 200 years now all she wants is to be left alone while she searches for a cure to the disease that is killing her. In the meantime her archenemy destroys every ounce of being she loves on this planet. Determined to make him pay she will do what it takes to make him suffer through watching his children die brutally. However Marie is a super softy and not once did I believe she would do anything outside of her character. Falling in love with the hunters son wasn’t part of the plan but looking back there really was no other way.

The Characters, as I mentioned before Marie is a great person she has a fun controlled personality that I don’t see her hurting a fly ever. She has been through nothing but loss and even with all the horrific events she has had to endure Marie has managed to maintain her soul and keep her spirit. Gabriel is gorgeous and reminds me a lot of a particular Scot in another series I enjoy. He is innocent but strong. He falls in love with Marie and the promises he makes to her make me swoon!

The End, as I mentioned before there are a lot of loose ends that need resolve. Marie was miraculously saved but not with out sacrifice. Now Gabriel will have to face his true enemy and get back what he has lost. The ending between him and Marie was nice and they had their moments of bonding and confessing and promising an undying love. There are two major plot lines that have not closed so I imagine there will be a part two. I will keep my eye out on the next and once I read the synopsis I will know for sure if I cannot live with out it or if I’ll just check out my friends reviews.

My Rating
3.0 Who said anything about drinking blood, Revenge whats that, A true love that will set you free filled stars!

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About the Author

Marion loves to share happy vibes, talk book crush, fictional boyfriends and sexual chemistry with like-minded people. And because she spends most of her days on her own deep inside her writing cave, you are welcome to come and say “hello” from time to time. Just to make sure she doesn’t sink into insanity.

Her friends, family and arch-enemies (there are quite a few) will be forever grateful for your help.

That’s where you can find her:

Website: www.marioncroslydon.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mcroslydon

Facebook: www.facebook.com/marioncroslydon

Book Review: Dearborn (Woodland Creek) by Jenni Moen

Dearborn 

(Woodland Creek) 

by 

Jenni Moen 

Published (first published November 15th 2015) 

by Author Self Pub 

ARC for Review

Summary
I feel his emotions in living color. As if they are my own.

If he’s angry, I rage with him. If he’s grieving, I do too. When he thinks about the past, I’m right there, walking beside him. I am the window to his soul, and yet, in spite of that, he’s a riddle with no solution.

A puzzle with too many missing pieces.

We always want what we can’t have. All I wanted was some peace and quiet. To fall in love with someone untouched by the magic of Woodland Creek. I craved normalcy.

But not as much as I craved him.

When he returns to town a broken hero, there’s no choice to be made. I will reach him when no one else can. Together, we will face a future he doesn’t want.

Why? Because our love is pure magic.

Fate and Love are Stronger Than Any Other Combination 

This was a really nice read. I love paranormal so when I read the synopsis I was hooked. I wanted to see what this magic was about. I enjoyed the authors writing it seemed genuine and kept me interested throughout the story. The characters had a bit of mystery to them that I enjoyed thoroughly. One thing I would say is I wish the author would have explored the paranormal backgrounds of these characters a bit more. Insert sad face here ____. All and all it was an enjoyable read if you are looking to escape for a bit then I recommend this stand alone.

The Story, Willow is a girl who has always been an outcast from the rest of her community. Though very smart all she has wanted to do is stay rooted to her town and maintain the diner given to her by a dear friend. Quinn is back in town after over a decade of being away. Willow see’s him but not only does his presence shake her she is knocked off her feet by his emotions. Willow is an empath and she can feel what everyone around her is going through Quinn has always made her feel a certain way but now it has become painful to have him near. Though she should run far away something greater pulls her towards him. There is a certain beauty to him she can’t ignore so she will do what it takes to make him feel joy again. The more connected these two become the greater the pull. Soon Willow will find out just what makes their love so magical. The answer has always been within her reach. Finding out the truth will be the beginning of something that should have happened a long time ago.

The Characters, Willow is a wonderful girl with a wonderful heart. Her diner has been catering to the paranormal and normal alike for decades. The dynamic she has with her guests is fun to be a part of. There is talk of her parents but they were pretty much completely absentee the entire book. I really enjoyed the connection she had with Quinn and her willingness to pursue what her soul was telling her. Quinn has been through a lot his turmoil is mental and there is something that calls to his very core. He is so distraught by his emotions that he denies what he feels for Willow from the beginning. Watching their love blossom was my favorite part of the book.

The End, once Willow finds answers its like a dam breaking. She knows she has to look into things further without upsetting what she has with Quinn. Finally when there is no more running Willow finds Quinn and she sacrifices everything to keep him safe and by her side. A shocking twist that is sure to delight comes to the surface and Willow will lay everything on the line. Once the truth is revealed it is no wonder that these two belong together. As I said before this was an enjoyable read that I recommend for those that are looking for something different.

My Rating
4.0 Fighting fate is something that cannot be done forever, especially when love is the driving force, These two were meant for each other love filled stars!

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About the Author

Jenni Moen lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three crazy, exuberant kids who have the potential to burn the house down at any moment.

When she’s not chauffeuring kids around town, performing her mom duties as a short order cook and maid, or vacuuming for her fastidious husband, she hammers away at her keyboard at her big girl job as a patent attorney. While vodka and exercise have provided some relief from the daily grind, it is reading … and now writing … that are her true escapes.

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Book Review: Ascendancy (The Van Winkle Project #2) by Karri Thompson

Ascendancy 

(The Van Winkle Project #2) 

by 

Karri Thompson 

Pub November 30th 2015 

by Entangled: TEEN 

ARC for Review 

Summary
I’ve been lied to, deceived, and manipulated—again. You’d think I’d be treated with dignity and respect. I’m the one who’s supposed to save humanity, right? I’m the one with the power to re-populate this dying world. But the clones want to control me, force me to give birth over and over again. And my daughters will face the same fate—unless I change it.

My awakening into this future should have been a chance for a new life, but it just promises a living death. With Michael on my side, though, maybe I can save us. He’s the only person I can trust.

I hear rumors of others… A secret society is growing. Tension is building.

A rebellion is imminent.

Double Cross is the Secret Password 

I had very high expectations for this installment and Thompson doesn’t disappoint. From the very beginning we get action action and more action. These action scenes go on to the very end of the book and will keep you turning the pages. One thing I wish was a little more detailed was back story. Unfortunately I read the first installment last year and its been like over 100 books in between. In the beginning I was a little lost but regained my footing pretty quickly. I want answers gosh darn it but I don’t see that happening any time soon.

The Story, Cassie wants to help save humanity but she wants to do it on her terms. The regions are dangerous and Cassie doesn’t trust them. She has been betrayed and now she is on the run for her life. Michael is by her side and he will prove to her how deeply he loves her. Cassie is pit against a world that wants to control her and all she wants is to be safe with her girls and Michael. These two are on a mission to save their daughters while many questions go unanswered. Though these two face many perils there is something bigger going on and they will receive help along the way.

The Characters, Cassie grew much more and it was nice to see her forgive Michael for the secrets he kept. I look forward to see just how things come together for her. Her past comes back in a good way but it adds another level of conflict between Michael and Cassie. Michael is wonderful he is so innocent but in this installment he grows to become Cassie’s protector and greatest ally. I want these two to work things out because I’d like them to be together. There are other characters that provided depth to pivotal moments. There are people who are missing and I hope all of the story lines are answered and tied up nicely.

The End, with help from unlikely sources Cassie and Michael come face to face with one of their most wanted moments. I wasn’t sure these two would survive but they manage the impossible. Things aren’t all hunky dory but they are on their way to the beginning where Cassie wants to do things on her own terms. There is a lot of things going on in the background that I want to see resolved and come to light. I highly recommend this series as it is sure to entertain and keep you steadily turning the pages.

My Rating

4.5 Secret safeguard, Perilous Treachery, Missing Daughters, Kindling love and the promise of a better future love filled stars.

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About the Author 

My debut YA novel, Amateur Angel, was released May 1, 2012. The next book in that series, Hollywood Angels, comes out September 1. The first book in my upcoming dystopian trilogy, The Van Winkle Chronicles, will be released by Entangled Publishing Summer 2013.

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Book Review & Guest Post: Forget Tomorrow (Forget Tomorrow Series #1) by Pintip Dunn

Forget Tomorrow 

(Forget Tomorrow Series #1) 

by 

Pintip Dunn

Expected publication: 

November 3rd 2015 

by

 Entangled Teen 

ARC for Review 

Summary
Imagine a world where your destiny has already been decided...by your future self.

It's Callie’s seventeenth birthday and, like everyone else, she's eagerly awaiting her vision―a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they're meant to be. A world-class swimmer. A renowned scientist.

Or in Callie's case, a criminal.

In her vision, she sees herself murdering her gifted younger sister. Before she can process what it means, Callie is arrested and placed in Limbo―a hellish prison for those destined to break the law. With the help of her childhood crush, Logan, a boy she hasn’t spoken to in five years, she escapes.

But on the run from her future, as well as the government, Callie sets in motion a chain of events that she hopes will change her fate. If not, she must figure out how to protect her sister from the biggest threat of all—Callie, herself.

Ripples and Anchors Secrets and Conspiracy

Oooh la la! Secrets, secrets, secrets the theme is secrets. When I first read the synopsis I was immediately attracted to this story. I wasn’t sure how it would pan out because yikes…That’s pretty severe BUT!! I really enjoyed this read. The author did a marvelous job of world building and I really enjoyed so many concepts of this futuristic sci-fi world. I have to admit there were times when I was like what the what? Just when I thought I had it all figured out something crazy would happen. I recommend this for anyone who likes sci-fi or interesting little mind mystery’s.

The Story, as we know from the synopsis people receive a memory from their future selves. Callie receives one that will make her entire existence shift. This is the beginning of many discoveries coming her way…Callie doesn’t understand why she was given the memory of killing her sister. Running seems to be her only option and she does but it seems fate has a strong hold on Callie. Trying to find answers about what is really going on with people and their memories seems impossible. With the help of people she has taken refuge with she will discover the agencies in power are being forced to break civil rights. All through this process Callie has reunited with her childhood love. With Logan’s help Callie discovers love is what drives her motives. Knowing what she and Logan share is only temporary Callie will focus on communicating and rescuing her sister. Determined to change the future Callie faces an ultimate sacrifice she is will to make.

The Characters, Callie doesn’t understand love her life has been spent in the shadow of a father who abandoned her. Growing up Callie looked forward to receiving her memory of the future but once she does Callie realizes she has missed out on many things. I enjoyed her character because of the way she loves, fully and without measure. Callie is an average girl with an ability few know about. There is a deep connection between her and her sister but the reader doesn’t find out just how deep that connection is until well into the book. I hope in the next installment we see major growth. I want Callie to develop more confidence in herself and her abilities. I also hope we find out more about what is really going on in this wonderfully crafted sci-fi world. Logan, though he is strong physically and has a wonderful heart he is plagued by the mistakes of his past. Losing his brother has been very hard but their connection is strong and he will do what it takes to make him proud. Knowing that their time is short Logan pursues Callie because losing her friendship is just another great regret he harbors. I hope these two find a way to be together. Their friendship and love is very endearing.

The End, wow talk about looming danger. Through the help of an unlikely source Callie figures out the truth. She knows she has to stop fate somehow so she sets off to stop the cycle and close the loop. The ending was really cliffy because…well I can’t say, just know I’m highly anticipating the next release. Many answers are revealed but there are a slew of additional questions I hope get answered in the next installment. I can’t wait to find out just exactly how future memories work. As I mentioned before I do recommend this book for YA and Sci-fi fans a like this is one that will have the reader engaged and trying to guess the out come at every turn.

My Rating 

4.0 Birthday, Leaves, Memory, Limbo, Chanting, River, Woods, Jerky, Harmony, Friends, Log, Incident, Key, Extensions, Olivia, Mediocre, Syringe, Love, Park, Images of Memories Love filled stars!  

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Guest Post

Five things I need in order to write

1. My iPhone. I have long-standing fibromyalgia/RSI, which means I can’t type on a keyboard without debilitating pain. Before smart phones, I coped by having a typist, taking exams orally (even the bar exam!), and using a voice-activation program such as Dragon Naturally Speaking. I made it work for about ten years, but I hated every minute of it. For whatever reason, I just don't enjoy dictating my words. And then, I got my first iPhone, and my life changed. I discovered I could type on the screen's keyboard with minimal pain, so long as it was locked in "portrait" position. (Even the keys in "landscape" position are too far apart for me.) I was so happy to be “typing” or at least “tapping out” my words again. Forget Tomorrow was the first novel I wrote on my iPhone. Since then I have written (almost) three more.  



2. Recliner or high-backed chair. For the same reason as above, I need to support my neck and shoulders while I write. This is especially true during a flare-up. During one such period, I wrote my second book while I was lying flat on my back under a glass coffee table. My laptop was face down on top of the glass, and I dictated into a microphone. My pain is not usually that intense, so most of the time, a recliner or high-backed chair where I can rest my head will suffice. 



3. Perrier. Regular, lime-flavored, or grapefruit-flavored. I have tried, on several occasions, to quit drinking soda. It was always so difficult – and then, I realized that it was the carbonation I liked, not the caffeine or sugar or flavor. So, I started drinking sparkling water, and I didn't miss soda at all! I've been soda-free for a couple years now, and I am addicted to Perrier. I probably go through half a dozen cans a day, and I can't write a single word unless I have a can by my side. 



4. Blankets. Socks. Sweatshirts. Fingerless gloves. What can I say? I am SO COLD all the time -- bad circulation, I guess -- and I need to be nice and cozy in order to write. I have been known to show up at a writing friend's house for the afternoon with blankets, pillow, and slippers. I haven’t gone beyond the socks, sweatshirt, and gloves for the library yet, but you never know… 



5. Okay, this one is bad. I kinda don't want to admit it, but here goes... Before I can start writing, I go to my phone's settings and turn on airplane mode, so that my text and internet is disabled. If I DON'T, then I will write two words, check my email, write another sentence, scroll through FB, look up some synonyms for an overused word, write a paragraph, and then hop over to Twitter or instagram... You get the idea. I get distracted SO EASILY and the only way for me to rack up a significant word count is to shut off my access.

There you have it! The five things I need in order to write. What am I missing? What do you need in order to write/read/study/work?

Wow!! Wasn't that inspiring?!! Thank you for stopping by and I can't wait for the next installment!

eeeee!

(((hugs)))

About the Author 

Pintip Dunn graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B. in English Literature and Language. She received her J.D. at Yale Law School, where she was an editor of the YALE LAW JOURNAL. She also published an article in the YALE LAW JOURNAL, entitled, “How Judges Overrule: Speech Act Theory and the Doctrine of Stare Decisis,”

Pintip is represented by literary agent Beth Miller of Writers House. She is a 2012 RWA Golden Heart® finalist and a 2014 double-finalist. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Washington Romance Writers, YARWA, and The Golden Network.

She lives with her husband and children in Maryland. You can learn more about Pintip and her books at www.pintipdunn.com

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Book Review & Guest Post: The Revolution of Ivy (The Book of Ivy #2) by Amy Engel

The Revolution of Ivy 

(The Book of Ivy #2) 

by 

Amy Engel 

Expected Pub 

November 3rd 2015 

by Entangled Teen 

ARC For Review 

Summary

Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty--forced marriages and murder plots--for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders.

But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.

My Review of The Book of Ivy

(The Book of Ivy #1)

Here

Freedom is More Valuable than All the Safety in The World

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!! This is dystopian post apocalyptic done right. The author does not hold back the world building and flow is just as amazing as before. The first book in this series got a 5 star from me which is unheard of…So you can imagine the bar was set HIGH. Not only did she meet the 5 star caliber she exceeded it! ONE MILLION STARS!!! I can’t help it guys this was a wonderful story full of struggle, survival, acceptance, redemption, LOVE, forgiveness, and the power of the human spirit. I don’t have the words…just this was one killer read. Engel knocks a bottom of the 9th walk off grand slam. It is bitter sweet that this is the end but it is full of hope and absolutely beautiful. Do I recommend this read ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY… absolutely.

The Story, Ivy is on the other side of the wall surrounded by endless skies and ominous feelings of madness solitude and despair. Betrayed and abandoned by those that were supposed to love and protect her Ivy is lost. She is not only lost in the physical world but within herself as well. The drive to survive propelled her forward fighting the wild, and confronting a monster from her past are just a few obstacles she faces. On the brink of giving up fate smiles and brings Ivy what she needs most. A foundation for building strength and knowledge of what it takes to survive and thrive. Nature is a formidable force and hunger is a serious threat. Ivy will work hard and learn everything she can in order to never be a victim ever again. Having Bishop by her side was a dream she never imagined but knowing she cannot survive losing him again she hides her heart. There love has never been easy but very real and undeniable. Knowing how far she has come and knowing how strong she is now Ivy faces and accepts the truths hidden deep within her soul. Her life is no longer about who has power and who doesn’t but when faced with a choice Ivy follows her heart. Fighting for what is right and for those she loves is what Ivy has become she will never run again.

The Characters, Ivy grows so much in this installment. We see such a transition but it was wonderful and it felt organic. What I mean by that is Ivy works very hard to learn and to grow so though the transition isn’t overnight or insane it’s real. Little by little we see the changes within her, finding out what she wants, who she wants to become. Loving Bishop didn’t happen by choice but it is this love that has taught her so much about herself. Life has always been planned and the blame of all her pain was always someone else’s. Now Ivy knows that certain things can’t be changed or controlled letting go of those poisonous thoughts opened her mind to accepting a new hope for a new life. Bishop, good golly miss molly!! This guy!! Gah! Wonderful, amazing, cherishing, supportive, just….everything. Bishop was so good for Ivy he loved her fiercely, but not in a overly overbearing way. He wanted Ivy to find herself and he hoped that when she did, she would also find that he will always be by her side. These two are the culmination of decades of anger and hate…their love for each other holds the key to stopping what has festered for so long between two families. Decisions and second chances Ivy and Bishop are the second chance of the bigger picture. Though some decisions were taken from them these two overcame those challenges together. I loved all of the side characters because each interaction helped with Ivy’s growth…Ash, Caleb, Victoria, Erin, Callie, Matthew, Justin, the jam guy and even Mark(ugh I hate that guy)…they all helped shape her into the wonderful woman she becomes.

The End, ugh just typing those two words is making me cry…Wow I balled and balled and balled my head off. Some very shocking and very painful things come to fruition. It was hard to read because of the connection to the characters and story the pain came through the pages. Ivy’s desperation for something different, anything else was…heartbreaking. Was it an HEA…yes but it too was very real don’t forget this is post apocalyptic so it’s not like 10 years later the world is fixed! No, no, no this was a story of survival and love. Not let’s fix America so that being said don’t expect that because it isn’t there. What is there is the complexities of humanity our drive to continue living. Finding kindness in a world of chaos seeing the world as it was raw and untamable. This is their story and the choices they made. I’m super sad it’s over but I’m elated that it happened.

My Rating

5.0 million Stars!! Gah!! I’m getting emotional again this series is wonderful I recommend it to EVERYONE. Warning only awesome people non awesome people might not get it ;0) If your even a tiny bit awesome then RUSH… like…push people out of the way to read because this is AWESOME. Okay even if you’re not awesome I still think you should give this a try and find the awesome WITHIN!!!

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Guest Post

Lets welcome Ms. Engel!!! She is here to tell us a little bit more about our beloved Ivy and Bishop eeeeeeeee! What a treat! 

If Ivy could have done 3 things differently in her life what would they be?

This is a great question! I think if Ivy (knowing what she knows now) could go back and do things differently, she would start by not taking everything her father tells her at face value. She would listen to her father, but also try and find out answer for herself and not automatically trust everything her family tells her. In that same vein, I also think she would seek out friendships beyond her family. She lived such an insulated life and just having a small taste of a broader world was so good for her. I think she would expand on that and cultivate friendships with a larger circle of people. Lastly, I think she would want to go back in time and genuinely tell Bishop how much she loves him. She felt like she had a valid reason for keeping the depth of her feelings from him, but now, alone and beyond and fence and believing she’ll never see him again, I think she regrets not having told him her true feelings.


If Bishop could speak from his heart directly into Ivy’s heart what would he tell her now that she is on the other side of the wall?
This is actually a really hard question to answer. Bishop isn’t embarrassed about his feelings or ashamed of them, but he’s also someone who shows how he feels more by doing than by saying. He’s not the best at “laying it all out there” as he’s said before. He’ll never be the type of guy who tells a girl he loves her fifty times a day. But I think if he could speak directly to Ivy’s heart he would tell her, first and foremost, that the still loves her and that he forgives her. He would say that she is his best friend, too, and the first person he could ever really be himself around. He would tell her to be brave and strong beyond the fence and not to give up. And to wait for him.

Wasn't that amazing?! *Sigh* Thank you for stopping by! Hugs your way!

<3 <3 <3

About The Author

Amy Engel was born in Kansas and after a childhood spent bouncing between countries (Iran, Taiwan) and states (Kansas, California, Missouri, Washington, D.C.), she settled in Kansas City, Missouri where she lives with her husband and two kids. Before devoting herself full time to motherhood and writing, she was a criminal defense attorney, which is not quite as exciting as it looks on TV. When she has a free moment, she can usually be found reading, running, or shoe shopping. 

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