Review: BRANDED by @kearytaylor #Amreading

Branded (Fall of Angels #1)

by Keary Taylor      

3.5/5 stars

Jessica's had the nightmares for as long as she can remember.  Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels.  Her friends and family think she's a crazy because of it all.  Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.

But when two men she can't ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares.  The two of them couldn't be more different.  She will do anything to be with one of them.  Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck.  But one of the two has set events into motion what will pull her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear.

(Amazon product description)

Reviewer: Aprilelayne

Length: 347 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Quality of editing:  85% - misuse of words, repeated adjectives.  Not blaringly annoying, but noticeable.

I have to admit this book got to me, well first of all, that cover!!  That’s what drew me in! I didn’t realize until this past month or so how checking the cover out again after reading the book, makes the covers even more remarkable.  This works both ways though, I have another book that I am about to give 5 stars to, but the cover is ‘eh.’  Branded though, is a solid cover….did you notice the reflective image in the bottom? Wonderfully executed!

Now onto the story itself.  The story and world Keary Taylor creates in this paranormal novel is fascinating, new, and original.  Angels, who would think you could change the conception and idea of what they truly are and their intents?  Taylor pulls it off in creating this angelic world with great detail and development.  She vividly describes and develops her ‘angels,’ I must say I was intrigued and thought ‘What would old-school Anne Rice think?’ of Taylor’s concept of angels and the role religion plays into this story.

The story starts off solid and really developed with its original concept and plotline, but then Taylor veered into the ‘romance’ content and for me it went downhill.  I do give her credit to trying to toe the line with romance without sexuality, but it felt dry and immature.  While the main character, Jessica, is 20yrs old and a socially timid person, she suddenly turned into Bella Swan in her sudden high school classic infatuation with not one but two men who randomly both met and instantly found her irresistible? Two opposing men? Again, is her name Jessica or Bella?  Slipperly slope into Twilight-like flattery.

In fairness, the imagery and originality of the ‘angels’ story deserves five stars! I still want to learn more about the angels, Cole (the antagonist), and the whole system of their trials she witnesses.

As a whole though, the book deserves 3.5 stars.  The flip into romance and its style just brought the overall book down several notches.  I would suggest a stronger focus on emotional development of the characters and the romantic dialogue to bring this book back to a solid 4-5 stars.

The angels and trials and Jessica’s role could have developed into something really solid in the paranormal category.  And these subjects may have been expanded in the following novels (two more novels plus a novella are in the arc) but for the moment I have decided to leave well enough alone at Branded. 

Review: IMMUNE by @TheShannonMayer 5 stars!!!! #AmReading #UrbanFantasy

Immune (Rylee Adamson #2)

**Warning** I'm so sorry Mom, this one will be no good for you to read either. There is a full on sex scene (nipples and everything), violence and well, lots of bad words. You know-- the ones you used to wash my mouth out with soap for? Consider yourself warned.

Underestimating demons is a bad idea, and it's a mistake Rylee may pay for with not only her life, but the life of a child who has gone missing.

That is, unless she allows O'Shea to help her; trusting the man who once sought for a way to bring her down.

If only life were that simple. And in Rylee's world, it rarely is.

(Amazon product description)

This series is so freaking amazing!  

Immune is the perfect follow up to Priceless.  It was funny, sexy and action-packed.  I actually laughed out loud so much my cat got up and left the bed. 

Finally, a heroine who doesn’t annoy me.  Rylee is the perfect combination of loyal, intelligent, compassionate and kick-ass. Many times, the heroines in urban fantasy novels tend to be so tough or snarky that they come off as unlikable.  Rylee is a smart-ass for sure, but she isn’t insulting.  Well, I guess the she gets a little sassy with the bad guys, but then it’s just hilarious.  (The seven dwarves comment was the best!)  The other cool thing about Rylee is she is not afraid of a little gore.  Blood , guts, troll crap...nothing fazes her.  Good thing too, because that girl can’t stay clean.    

Priceless fans will be glad that we get a lot more of O’Shea’s character in this book.  From the beginning of Priceless to the end of Immune, he goes through the most character growth and change.  It makes me excited to see what Mayer has in store for him in the third book.  I sort of wish his scenes would’ve been written in first person like Rylee’s.  I felt a little bit distant from him even when we were in his head.  It wasn’t a bad thing, just noticeable.  I’m sure there is a reason for it.  Readers will love the way the relationship between him and Rylee develops in throughout this book.

Alex the submissive werewolf also has an expanded role in this book.  I don’t like dogs, but I want an Alex so bad!!!!  He is sweet and unintentionally hilarious.  I would love to know more about him.  Perhaps if enough readers pressure the author, maybe she will give us a short story of Alex’s transition someday.  (Hint, hint.) 

As with Priceless, the only character I didn’t like was Milly.  Thankfully, her role in Immune is pretty small.  I have my fingers crossed that Eve, the thousand pound harpy, sits on her in book three.

Much of this review focuses on character because that is the most important thing to me in most books I read, but I wouldn’t be doing the book justice if I didn’t mention the non-stop action.  I felt like I was on a roller coaster from the first chapter until the end of the book.  Rylee finds herself battling vampires, demons, werewolves and trolls.  To help her in her quest is her posse made up of O’Shea, Alex, and the orphaned harpy, Eve.  Then there are those characters who are not totally #TeamRylee, but who aid her for their own reasons.  The combination adds depth to the story. 

Overall, I give Immune...

Plot - 5 bookmarks

Character development - 12 bookmarks (It’s my review. If I want to give 12 out of 5, I will!)

Love story - 5 bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Gemma Arterton (Rylee), David Boreanaz (O'Shea), Blake Lively (Milly), Frances McDormand (Giselle), James Marsters (Doran), “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (Dox), Selma Hayek (Louisa)

REVIEW: Only In Time by @Kelli_McCracken. #AmReading

Only In Time (A Mystique Antiques Novella) 

by Kelli McCracken

Time doesn't always mend a broken heart.

Jonah McCabe made a horrible mistake six years ago that cost him his chance at happiness. Then fate interceded.

A last minute favor has him coming face to face with his past. Every beautiful inch of it. Her laughter still echoed in his mind. As did the pain in her voice the day she left.

Can he make things right in a race against the clock, or will time continue to work against him?

(Amazon product description)

Most of us have that person in our past that could have been The One if only X had happened.  In our introspective moments we might even find ourselves daydreaming about the possibility of a second chance.  Most of the time though, when we meet our What-If person we find they have gained 50 lbs., developed an alcohol problem and have been living in their mother’s basement since their last divorce.  Not pretty. 

I think this is why Only In Time appealed to me so much.  It’s the fantasy-made-true of two people who botched their first attempt to come together and are given a second chance six years later.  Time has changed both Jonah and Ally, but in this case, change is a good thing.  As young adults with their future opportunities spread out before them, they both felt a relationship with each other would hold the other one back.  But when they meet again, the both have had the opportunity to grow into the adults they are meant to be.  It really is a beautiful idea. 

I also love the concept of this Mystique Antiques series. The books are based on the idea that the objects sold in this one antique shop in Savannah, GA are enchanted to find their owners.  In this case, Ally is gifted a watch which helps her to see the truth of her past with Jonah.  The magical elements are light--not an elaborate paranormal world--which is just right for a novella length story. 

Overall, I give Only In Time...

Plot - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Character Development - 5 bookmarks

Writing & Formatting - 4 1/2 bookmarks (The writing was well edited. There were a few odd space breaks in the formatting. Not annoying really, just several of them.  I had no problem reading right through them.)

Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Kit Harrington (Jonah- mostly because I would love to see him rock a guitar), Diana Argon (Ally)

Another great GIVEAWAY over at #BestSellingReads. 1st prize is a Kindle Fire! #AmReading

The best authors in New Fiction at BestSellingReads.com are celebrating the arrival of Spring with a March promotion:

BestSelling Reads Kindle Fire Giveaway

Prize for winning reader entry: Kindle Fire 7”, LCD Display, Wi-Fi, 8GB

2nd & 3rd place winners: $25 Amazon gift card

Enter at

http://www.bestsellingreads.com

Winners will be chosen March 26th by Rafflecopter. No purchase necessary but always welcome.

REVIEW: Sweet Serendipity by @Elena_Gray. Super cute romance! #Amreading #Kindle

Silence is golden. Honesty...not so much.

Gwen Palmer's saucy mouth gets in the way of her heart's desire...again. Just when she is about to trade her baker's hat for a nun's habit, she comes face to face with her idol, Ethan Reynolds.

Ethan isn't immune to Gwen's loose lips. Nor her quirkiness. And something about her smile tugs at his heart. Will he look beyond her outrageous remarks and see the truth inside? Or will Gwen lose her one chance at true love?

(Amazon product description)

Oh, I sooooo identify with this main character!  I have a tendency to blurt out things that sound fine in my head, but somehow the words completely change when they fall out of my mouth.  Gwen is a normal, intelligent woman, but somehow, when she is in the presence of a single man her brain malfunctions and her mouth operates like it has a mind of its own.  In the scenes where Gwen and Ethan meet, her humiliation just builds and builds with every word.   It is so funny! 

While most men are turned off by Gwen’s running mouth and biting honesty, Ethan finds it refreshing.  As a famous celebrity chef, Ethan is fed up with disingenuous people who want to ride his coat tails.  At least with Gwen, he knows where he stands.  The romance that builds between the two felt realistic.  It was quick, but no insta-love.  The pacing was perfect for a novella length story. 

I really liked the elements of magic in this story.  In a novella, it is hard to build an elaborate paranormal world.  The hints of magic reminded me a little of an Alice Hoffman novel.  Just perfect.

The writing quality in this book was strong.  (There is nothing worse than downloading an e-book that is riddled with errors.)  Ms. Gray’s use of dialog was brilliant, and the book was well edited.  This was a fun, short read.

Overall, I give Sweet Serendipity...

Plot - 5 bookmarks

Character development - 4 bookmarks (Probably would have been 5 if it had been a full length novel and the characters had more time to grow.)

Paranormal elements - 5 bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Curtis Stone (Ethan - I know his coloring doesn’t match the character, but when I think of hot celebrity chef, my mind goes straight to Curtis), Carey Mulligan (Gwen), Carol Kane (Eliza)

Get your Kindles ready on 3/6/13! IMMUNE the sequel to PRICELESS by @TheShannonMayer releases!

Mark March 6th on your calendars, folks!  

I am so excited this week for the release of IMMUNE, the sequel to Shannon Mayer's best selling urban fantasy novel PRICELESS.  Shannon Mayer was one of my new favorite authors in 2012.  PRICELESS had strong characters, an exciting plot, a healthy dose of comic relief and the coolest take on werewolves I've ever read. (If you would like to check out my review of PRICELESS, here is the link.)

About Immune

*Warning* I’m so sorry Mom, this one will be no good for you to read either. There is a full on sex scene (nipples and everything), violence and well, lots of bad words. You know— the ones you used to wash my mouth out with soap for? Consider yourself warned.

Underestimating demons is a bad idea, and it’s a mistake Rylee may pay for with not only her life, but the life of a child who has gone missing.

That is, unless she allows O’Shea to help her; trusting the man who once sought for a way to bring her down.

If only life were that simple. And in Rylee’s world, it rarely is.

****

To help celebrate her new release, the author is running two giveaways on her blog with incredible prizes.  

Shannon, why don't you tell my readers about the giveaway? 

*turns blog over to Shannon Mayer*

Reader & Fan Appreciation Giveaway

Because my readers and fans are so incredibly loyal, I want to show you JUST how much I appreciate all of you!  What do you say to a GIVEAWAY?

• THREE winners will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card AND a SIGNED copy of Priceless 

All you have to do is enter the Reader & Fan Appreciation Giveaway on my WEBSITE HERE.  I'll just ask you to like my Facebook page, share on Facebook & Twitter etc.  Easy stuff for some GREAT prizes!

Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway

Okay, so you didn't think I would forget about my AMAZING reviewers, did you??  Do you think you all deserve a special giveaway for the extra work you put in for me?  Well I do...so here's what I've got for you!  You could win:

• ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER: iPAD Mini or $250 Amazon Gift Card, a SIGNED copy of Priceless & the winner's name will appear in the THIRD book

In Addition to the Grand Prize Winner, the following prizes will also be up for grabs:

• TWO winners will receive a SIGNED copy of Priceless AND their name will appear in the THIRD book
• TWO SIGNED copies of Priceless
• ONE SKYPE Chat with Shannon Mayer 

All you have to do is enter the Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway on my WEBSITE HERE by writing your review, posting to your blog, Amazon etc. and entering it's link in the giveaway.  A valid link to your review is REQUIRED to be eligible for the Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway.  All in day's work for you all for some INCREDIBLE prizes!

About the Author

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.

Social Media links:

Blog: http://shannonmayer.blogspot.com/

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

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5172000.Shannon_Mayer

Happy release day to @AlexiaPurdy for her new book EVER WINTER! #AmReading #RBTL

Such a pretty cover! 

Sizzling love stories, paranormal worlds & intriguing characters! 5 great books #FREE 2/27-28 #FebFreebies

Five top rated Kindle books FREE 

February 27th & 28th!

Night Visions by Elena Gray - http://bit.ly/egNVis

Soul Search by Amber Scott - http://bit.ly/acSoUl

What the Heart Wants by Kelli McCrackin - http://amzn.to/kmWTHW

Untitled by Jackie Chanel - http://bit.ly/jcUnTlD

Arcadia's Gift by Jesi Lea Ryan - http://bit.ly/jlrARC

FREE BOOK on 2/22! Immortalis Carpe Noctem by Katie Salidas @QuixoticKatie. Excerpt here! #Vampires

Who likes FREE books?  

How about FREE books with VAMPIRES?  

Duh, who doesn't?  

Summary: 

Explore the emotional upheaval that is the transformation from human to vampire. Bleeding to death after brutal mugging on the campus of UNLV, Twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by the cold and aloof, vampire, Lysander. Taking pity on her, he shares the gift-and curse-of immortality. She awakens as a vampire and is soon devastated by harsh realities of her new way of life: An unyielding thirst for blood as well as the loss of her friends, her independence, and her humanity. As if having her humanity stripped away was not enough to make life interesting, Alyssa finds out her "turning," did not go unnoticed by the rest of undead society. Old enemies; an ancient sect of vampire hunters, known as the Acta Sanctorum, as well as a powerful Vampire mistress, each set plans in motion to destroy both Alyssa and Lysander. Only by accepting her new-found immortality, seizing the night, will Alyssa hope to survive. She and Lysander must fight together against two sets of enemies bent on destroying them both.

About the author:

  

  

Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons.  She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, she still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write.

 And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…

Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.

Want to learn more about Katie and her fascinating Immortalis books?  Just click on the links below. 

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

All Romance Ebooks

Exerpt:

He patted the space next to him on the loveseat. “Don’t leave. I thought we were going to get to know each other. You need more champagne.”

“Yeah, more champagne,” Jessie blurted out, pretending to be drunk. She grabbed the bottle of champagne and put it to her lips as if drinking. “Mmmm, have a drink, Lyss,” she said with a wink.

She leaned in, handing the bottle to me, and whispered, “Have a little fun. Don’t you want him?”

Jessie didn’t give me time to answer. She immediately returned to her hypnotic gyrations. Erick watched me, so I too lifted the bottle to my mouth, pretending to drink the bubbly beverage.

I used to like champagne, when I was mortal. Now, just the smell of it made me want to retch. Bubbles tickled the tip of my tongue. My stomach flipped, threatening to heave if I swallowed so much as a drop. I lowered the bottle with a fake smile plastered on my face. “Mmm, we need some more of this.”

Erick got up and pulled me close to him. He pressed his hard body to mine, rocking side to side with the beat of the music. “You’re absolutely right. Let’s get some more.”  Erick’s advances became more sexual the more he drank. Halfway through the second bottle, he pulled us both on top of him on the love seat.

I must admit, I savored the delicious warmth of his hand as he squeezed my butt. He lavished attention on both of us, alternating between kissing Jessie and me. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself. I let my hands explore his body as he claimed my mouth. Under his loose, silky shirt was a perfect washboard stomach. I traced each ripple down to his obvious arousal, cupping the tent in his jeans.

He moaned into my mouth. I knew I should stop. The beast inside roared to life, begging for just a small taste.

Erick’s hand slid down between my legs. His fingertips traced the outline of my sex through my thong.

“Ah, hmmmm.” I sighed, enjoying his touch.

It had been so long since I had had the pleasures of a man, and his gestures were quite tempting.

I lingered too long. I should have stopped myself, but his smell, his touch, his heartbeat, his warmth—it was all too tempting. I wanted so badly to taste him. I needed to taste him. Just one taste wouldn’t hurt, right?

My thirst, my hunger, the nagging sensation won. I concentrated on my desire to have Erick. I needed to have him, a taste of him. I left his hot mouth and moved my kisses down towards his neck. His succulent vein thumped against my lips; blood pulsed below the surface of his skin, just begging me to take it.

I tried one last time to fight the urge. No, he’s an innocent. He’s done no harm to anyone. He doesn’t deserve my deadly kiss.

His fingers slid underneath my thong, dipping slowly into my wet opening.

I lost control, giving in to my desire. Opening my mouth wide, I sank my teeth into his neck, severing the vein. My reward was a satisfying rush of hot blood, flooding my mouth.

He moaned, a pleasurable sound. I hoped he was caught in the moment and had not realized what I had done. I didn’t need him knowing I was sucking the life out of him.

His hands still explored my nether regions, confirming my suspicion.

Don’t fight it, let me take you. I willed my desires on him as I drank in his blood. I wanted him, all of him. Every drop of his blood was ecstasy.

His hand went limp beneath me.

Shit!

A moment of clarity hit me. I have to stop myself. He’s an innocent!

I hoped I’d realized this before I was too close to ending his life. I pulled away and rested my head on his chest, trying to regain composure. I listened for the sound of his heart. The soft, fading beat told me I was too late. I had taken too much blood. His heart struggled as it slowly came to a stop. No!

Erick was dead. 

Valentine's Day sucks! Have a #DateWithABook instead! #amreading 2/12&13 #FreeBooks

Valentine's Day.  Is there a more universally hated holiday?  Single people feel lonely and miserable.  Those who are in a relationship dread having to buy the right present to convey their feelings for their significant other.  It's an all around suckfest.  

Flowers die. Chocolate makes you fat. And scoring dinner reservations are a nightmare.  Luckily, I have a cure for what ails you.  

FREE BOOKS!!!!!

That's right.  On February 12th & 13th, these six great books are available for free on Amazon.  Something for everyone!

Allegiance by Derek Blass

Who do YOU pledge allegiance to?

After exposing one of the most notorious rings of police corruption in history, lawyer Cruz Marquez planned on starting a new life south of the border.  That plan unraveled when an extremist group of Minutemen captured and tortured him and his wife.

The Minutemen aren't his only problem.  Cruz will have to navigate the waters with Mexico's most powerful drug cartel, Los Punos, to escape the grips of the Minutemen.  But, will he just find himself indebted to an even worse master?

Find out as Cruz is forced to spell out his allegiance.  To his country, to his freedom, or to cold, hard vengeance.  Will Cruz pledge allegiance to do right, or will he do anything to serve up revenge?

Fearless by Tawdra Kandle

Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear others' thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly.  

Dark Waters by Shannon Mayer

The bond between sisters is stretched to the limit as they are thrown into the world of the Fae. As they learn their places in this new world, secrets and dangers from the past emerge setting them on a dangerous path; one that would see them face off not as sisters, but enemies. Add in a wicked love triangle and you have the start of a new twist on classic Irish lore.

Raindrop's World by Carl Pettit

Raindrop’s World is a collection of illustrated vignettes that come together as a whole story. The individual stories, which include The Imaginary Armadillo, Raindrop and the Kapok Tree, The Beetle and the Tree Frog, and The Explorer's New Home, tell the tale of two leafcutter ants and one very determined little beetle venturing out into the Amazonian Rainforest. They’re searching for an extremely old, and wise tree frog. Raindrop, the tenacious ant in charge of the expedition, urges her friends on. She has a long list of questions that she wants to ask this tree-dwelling amphibian, but with the onset of night, she might be disappointed. It’s up to Little Clay, the lone beetle among the ants, to carry on and find this enigmatic frog. When at last he does, the advice he gets isn’t what he’d expected at all.

A Murderous Game by Patricia Paris

Betrayal. Passion. Second Chances. When Murder's a game...Be Careful how you Play.

Abby Carpenter is a woman with a few problems: a little red diary that has a way of showing up at the worst times, a creepy coworker trying to sabotage her career, and a philandering ex-husband who won't stay dead---and now, the CEO of the largest account to land on the doorstep of the marketing firm she works for, happens to be a man she made a complete fool of herself over fourteen years ago. Abby's convinced if he recognizes her the firm could lose the account, and she could lose her job.

Gage Faraday can't shake the feeling his new account manager, Abigail Carpenter, reminds him of someone, he just can't place who. As he begins working with her to develop a marketing plan for his company's new development, he realizes they've run into a snag---he's developed a major attraction for his new business associate---but, he's a man who goes after what he wants, and he wants Abby.

Just when Abby begins to think things may finally be going her way, her ex turns up dead---very dead---and she becomes the primary suspect in the murder investigation. Now she's being pursued by a relentless detective, a sleazy tabloid reporter, and a man who won't take no for an answer. Will the forces working to tear Abby and Gage apart prevail, or will destiny have its' due? Find out in this sexy, sassy, romance with a touch of suspense.

Arcadia's Gift by Jesi Lea Ryan (ME!!!!)

Most people who experience death don't live to tell about it.

When sixteen year old Arcadia "Cady" Day wakes in a hospital after experiencing what can only be called a psychic episode, she finds her family in tatters. With her twin sister gone, her dad moved out, her mom's spiraling depression and her sister's boyfriend, Cane, barely able to look at her, the only bright spot in her life is Bryan Sullivan, the new guy in school. When Bryan's around, Cady can almost pretend she's a regular girl, living a regular life; when he's not, she's wracked with wild, inexplicable mood swings. As her home life crumbles and her emotional control slips away, Cady begins to suspect that her first psychic episode was just the beginning...

So forget the hearts and flowers!  Book boyfriends are better anyway.  Enjoy your #DateWithABook!!!!