The Gates by Rachael Wade

The Gates
Summary:

Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Getting There is Half the Battle...

Armed with more unsettling knowledge about Gavin Devereaux and her circle of friends, Camille Hart is faced with new adversities and lethal propositions when she returns to the Amaranth exile to carry out Gavin’s risky crusade.

Realizing her journey through the bayou was only the beginning of her struggle to stay with Gavin, she finds that leaving her Louisiana home is the least of her worries. New evils await her on the other side, and as she and her friends press on with their mission, they are confronted with the reality that everything doesn't always go according to plan.

As secrets unfold and alliances are formed and broken, only the strongest will survive and the power of love will be tested when a war between witches, humans, and vampires erupts into an all-out power struggle and all is on the verge of being lost.

My Review-    So looks like I didn't have to wait until April! Wow I must say that was even better than the first. I do not want to give anything away considering it doesn't come out until April, but by golly that was good. There is a bunch of action and a BUNCH of love. Paranormal romance has taken over my heart and soul. There is something about being in love with a being that isn't human that is appealing to me and many others.
    Wade really has done it again with the second installment to The Resistance Trilogy. Her intake on vampires is different and believable. I love it. Not only are there vamps, but also witches. Witches are becoming fun to read about! Not only is there witchy magic but there is also some voodoo and girls you love to hate...or hate to love. Depending on how you look at it.
    The twists in the book are as surprising as ever. I felt my mouth dropping a few times and thinking to myself how I hadn't seen it before. I WANT TO TELL YOU but then I would be giving stuff away and I don't want to be the spoiler queen, so please when it comes out read it for yourself. And if you have not read the first one, go look at my review and then read that one!
     Betrayal plays a big role in The Gates. I am not a fan of betrayal, but we all have done it at least once in our lives. I have done it and I have hurt people I love along the way, but the best you can do is learn from it. I HOPE that the person who was the biggest jerk/jerkette in The Gates gets what comes to him/her(coughHERcough). Hahaha
     Gavin and Camille never seize to amaze me. Their relationship is true and honest. In The Gates, their love will get tested. And oh it made me mad but that's all I'll give away!
    I wanted to thank the Shut up & Reads Group on Goodreads and Rachael for letting us have early copies of the book. I am truly honored and I am so glad I was lucky enough to receive it along with many others. Once the book is out, I will be adding on to this review. There is so much I would love to say but I won't because I don't want to ruin anything for any of you.

Until next time my Lovelies:)

In My Mailbox (1)

This is my first in my mailbox post. I wanted to join in on all the fun and I have got some pretty good books this week! Books are seriously my life, behind my baby boy of course.

ARC(Advanced Reader Copy for those who don't know)

Given to my by The Random House Publishing Group, thank you!


Gifted from the Author, Heather M. White

I had originally won the book, My FairyTale Life, but since I had already bought the book, Heather graciously gifted me this book instead:)

Books I bought:

So yeah I realize I am a little late on the Iron King, but hey better late than never:)

I have gotten all these amazing books, and I still feel so behind! I am currently reading Fifty Shades Darker, The Clockwork Angel, The Gates, and hundreds more. I wish I did not have to work. My how easy that would to be able to read alllll day hehehe. Which reminds me, my one and a half year old just learned the word book!! Ah I was so excited. I bought him a book from barnes and noble (which was 8 dollars!) and when I gave it to him, he smiled and got all excited saying book. I am one PROUD mama!

In a week and ONE day, Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins will be out! So excited. That is by far one of my favorite series ever.

If you have not yet read the series, go look at my earlier posts and read all about it. The Hex Hall books are highly addicting and funny. Mix in some acton and romance and you've got a great book:)

Until tomorrow, or the day after...
Have a lovely night and a lovely week!!

Review of Here by Ella James

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS:

Milo Mitchell's life used to be charmed, but that was before her family dissolved, she went a little crazy, and her best friends started acting more like strangers. Spending Saturday morning in a treehouse with a stun gun for company and a herd of deer for friends is the only exciting thing in her life...until she shoots a fawn and finds her dart stuck in a guy.

Her gorgeous victim is dressed in a Brioni tux and armed with a hanky. He has no idea who or where he is. Afraid her dart caused his amnesia, Milo takes him in, names him Nick, and vows to help him solve his mystery. Soon the pair find Nick's face in a newspaper obituary, and Nick begins to have strange, ethereal memories of Milo--who is sure she's never met him. Suddenly Nick knows things he shouldn't know and is doing things he shouldn't do. When the Department of Defense shows up, Nick and Milo run--toward a shocking conclusion that could destroy both their worlds.

ELLA JAMES' BOOKS:
*Have appeared on numerous Kindle best-seller lists
*Have been listed among the Top 10 Books of 2011
*Have featured heroes rated among the Top 10 Best Book Boyfriends of 2011
*Have been listed as Top Choice Books at the notable YA rating site Flamingnet.com

READERS ARE SAYING...
*I was so engrossed in this story, I lost track of time and stayed up
until four a.m. to read it. Ella should contact someone to get the
rights into making this a movie. Seriously! -Donna M.
*I kept thinking that i knew where the story was headed, well let me say
that i really had no idea! -Ana Lucia
*The romance is great, like always and the ending has a twist like I have
come to expect! I don't know if I can wait for the sequel! -Lucy

http://www.amazon.com/HERE-Trilogy-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B007A0I86Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329427349&sr=8-1

REVIEW:

 

The story is about Milo, a girl still grieving the death of her father three years before.  She is out in the woods trying to tag a mule deer, and finds that she has instead shot an gorgeous amnesiac in a fancy tux. As they are trying to figure out who he his, Milo finds herself attracted to him and desperate to help him solve the mystery behind his peculiar abilities. 

The character of Milo is really likeable.

The story is fast paced and exciting.

The relationship between Milo and Nick is sweet, but still has some romantic tension. 

I really enjoyed reading it, and the whole mystery of Nick/Gabe is what kept me turning the pages.

The plot has some holes and there were a few things that I would have liked some more explanation about, such as the Nick's inability to feel emotions, yet he is overcome by his attraction to Milo, and his miraculous ability to heal people.  

The Department of Defense characters were a little bit over the top and unbelievable.  

I wish that the transition between Milo and Nick's voices was a little bit clearer. 

 

Review by none other than my Aunt Tina who is awesome. Thank you Tina for helping me out, you are the best:)

The Annihilation of Foreverland

I wanted to take the time to thank Airicka for being so kind as to help read and review Foreverland for me. I have been so busy with work and my almost two year old that I barely ever have time to read now. It makes me so sad.
But I will get back to it, I have tons of books I am going to be reviewing in the next week!

When kids awake on an island, they’re told there was an accident. Before they can go home, they will visit Foreverland, an alternate reality that will heal their minds. Reed dreams of a girl that tells him to resist Foreverland. He doesn’t remember her name, but knows he once loved her. He’ll have to endure great suffering and trust his dream. And trust he’s not insane. Danny Boy, the new arrival, meets Reed’s dream girl inside Foreverland. She’s stuck in the fantasy land that no kid can resist. Where every heart’s desire is satisfied. Why should anyone care how Foreverland works? Together, they discover what it’s really doing to them.
(Excerpt from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13368166-the-annihilation-of-foreverland">GoodRead</a>)

I'll be honest, I'd never heard of Tony Bertauski or his book before Tuesday when a friend of mine (<a href="http://jessicaslovelybooks.blogspot.com/">Jessica Ramirez over at The Lovely Books</a>) asked me to read it. I read the blurb on Goodread and was convinced this would be a book I would enjoy.
The cover is ominous. The bright, bold red really pops out at you from the metallic gray, and if that's not enough, the title makes your curiosity tip its head.

The book starts off with Reed, then jumps to Danny (Danny-Boy). This continues throughout the book, back and forth between the two boys and the horrors they must face on an island filled with young boys and old men (are you getting the creepy vibe here too? Yeah, I had that a few times throughout the story). The first few chapters, I was expecting a lot of child abuse to happen; why else would these creepy 'investor' guys trap all these young boys on some island to participate in a warped game of The Hunger Games meets Maze Runner?

All right so let me start off by saying that this book reminded me a lot of The Maze Runner. Young boys locked away to face several horrific ordeals before being chosen 'winner' or in this case, be 'Smoked' There are no girls in the beginning, except the redheaded girl Reed keeps seeing in his dreams and then Danny meets while in the Haystacks.

I liked Reed. Maybe I'm just severely emo, but I love sullen, brooding boys with sharp tongues and a bad ass attitude. He was the only one who stood up to the Director (Fartsy old man) and his investor, Mr. Smith (I'm telling you, investors or not, rich or not, these dudes were creepy in a way that made me want to take a shower, but I think that was the author's intent).

I can't say I thought much of Danny at the beginning, although, I did open up to him much more throughout the novel as his story unfolded. But truly, my affections lay with Reed.

The story was fluid, moving quick, yet pleasantly descriptive. I find when some authors start describing, they go to far, rattling on about every detail, but not Mr. Bertauski. The story flowed smoothly, broken only randomly with the odd grammatical error, but it was easy to overlook when you wanted to get to the next part. I think the only problem I had with any of it was the transition from Danny to Reed. It was sometimes quick and unexpected and I was never sure whose story I was reading.

Nevertheless, it was an exciting read. Every chapter brought to mind a question that made me want to keep reading to get answers. The ending was painless (meaning, I wasn't left feeling like I had a hole in the head or like I had the floor yanked out from under me. It's a good thing, I assure you. I hate abrupt endings). I knew what happened. I had some, not all, the answers to my questions, and those questions left unanswered will no doubt be answered in a second book? (assuming Mr. Bertauski will be making a sequel). I know I can see it. But even if he doesn't and this is the end, it was an enjoyable read.

Will I read the next book? YES.

Will I tell my friends about this book? Yes.

Did I enjoy it? Yes.

Airicka Phoenix is a YA paranormal romance writer, a part-time cook, maid and gardener, and never says no to chocolate.
Airicka Phoenix Website // Blog // Twitter // Facebook // GoodRead

Review of House on Plunkett Street

hey everyone!
So i have been slacking so bad when it comes to posting reviews. Been going through some stuff and also just been so busy. Here is my review though! Also my next post will be a guest post by Airika Phoenix:)
she has been way too good for me.

My Review:
How many of you like ghost stories that are creepy? I do, but this is a different type of ghost story. It is fun and cheerful! Phoebe the main character needs a change. She moves into an unusual apartment, I say unusual because instead of it feeling like haunted house, she sensed happiness. There she meets three ghosts by the names of Isolda, Polly, and Hazel.

All three of them teach Phoebe how to live life. Three ghosts, who almost feel like the best friends I never had. Why oh why can't I meet three friendly ghosts?

In this heartwarming tale of starting over and finding yourself, I found myself laughing and crying. Cheering Phoebe on all along the way. I think every girl can relate to Phoebe in some way or another. Even if she couldn't see her beauty, I could through the pages of the books. Bathey did a great job with bringing such an interesting character to life the way she did. I feel like Phoebe is real and I know I could easily be friends with her.

I wanted to thank Lorena again for introducing me to such a fun loving book. I look forward to reading more books.

Interview with Lorena Bathey

 House on Plunkett Street

Author Interview

                                       Biography

Growing up in the Bay Area of Northern California, Lorena Bathey attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga graduating with a degree in English. Then she traveled, learned about life, and developed great fodder for a book. Losing her mother to cancer and her own marriage’s demise brought her to find herself. She wrote Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother and found speaking and empowering others was her passion.  

 

Lorena Bathey found after writing her first book that characters were visiting her mind and wouldn't leave. She was introduced to Marissa, Andrea, Lily, Deidre and Beatrice and her first novel, Beatrice Munson, came to life. After finishing that book she was inspired to write more novels and she knew that pursuing her passion was the best way to live her life. So a writer she became.

 

After meeting the love of her life, they embarked on the thrilling life to follow their dreams bringing their families along for the ride. Today Lorena has nine novels in her writing queue all with screenplays in the works.  

 

But writing isn't the only muse that inspires Lorena. She has become a passionate photographer and likes to push the envelope taking shots while learning how to navigate Photoshop. Travel, walking, enjoying new restaurants, and Italy are other loves and things she makes sure she has time for.

 

Interview Time

1. Thank you for joining The Lovely Books today, first and foremost, how are you doing today?

I am doing fantastic. It's a bit rainy here but I like that.

2. When did you first start writing?

I started officially when my first book came out in 2005. My first book was a memoir, Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother. The story came about as I started writing about the changes my life was taking after losing my mother to cancer and my husband leaving me. It was earth shattering losing everything I really knew within three years, so I started writing about the loss, myself, and who I wanted to be. The story was about starting over and how women really get lost in roles and forget to put their happiness as a priority. While writing my memoir I began a novel called, Beatrice Munson. I wrote half of it and put it away. In 2010 I picked up Beatrice Munson again and finished it in nine months. It was the beginning of my career as a novelist.

3. How did you come up with the title to House on Plunkett Street?

I knew the story was going to take place in this apartment and I don't know, the name just sort of popped into my head and it worked.

4. Are you a cat person or dog person?

Dog...my dream dog is a brown Newfoundland.  I already have a name picked out for him, George.

5. Tell us a little about House on Plunkett Street.

It is the story of a woman in her late twenties, Phoebe Bertram. She's always been ignored and overlooked. She's bland and just has a mediocre life. Then things start getting shaken up and she has to move into the apartment on Plunkett Street. Everything begins to change when she moves in. The house seems to have energy of its own. Then one night she dreams of three women from different eras sitting on her couch. Amazingly enough, these same women come back and begin visiting Phoebe. They become like life coaches and teach her about how to not merely just exist in her life, but live it.

6. Do you see a little of yourself inside of Phoebe?

Not so much myself, as a lot of young women I know. It seems these women in their late twenties to early thirties aren't quite sure what they want. And this story is about how easy it can be to simply float along letting life pull you without engaging in what happens to you. Phoebe isn't a bad person; she's just not sure who she is. These ghosts that come back have learned a thing or two and the show what steps to take to change. But the work is done by Phoebe. I guess I felt it would've been nice to have had someone guide me. There is so much possiblity but yet not always the support to make daring decisions.

7. Who are your literary heroes?

I love Stephen King. I love his amazing way of building, developing, and incorporating characters in a story. He's a master at it.

I love Shakespeare. His words are so beautiful at times and raunchy at others. When they are heard as a play, they take on such unbelievable dimension.

I also love Jane Austen. I know...so girly. But Jane was able to create characters with great balance and stories that made you hate people in them. That's a talent.

8. What are your favorite books to read? Have a secret spot you read them at?

I have very eclectic taste. One night I'm reading Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum books the next Stephen King's The Stand. I like to read books that are interesting and different. I hate being able to figure out the whole plot of the book in the first few chapters.

I like to get comfy on the couch with a cup of tea and a lot of pillows to prop up my head. As long as I don't fall asleep, it's great.

9. Pink or purple?

Deep purple. It's actually one of the colors I've chosen for my wedding.

10. What is your idea of the perfect man?

My fiancée. I know that sounds so corny huh, ugh! But it's true. He is the perfect man....for me.

That is the most important thing that women need to know. There is no perfect man, but there is a perfect man for you.

Mine is smart, strong, gentle, adores me, understands me, makes me laugh like crazy, and is my best friend.

11. Any future projects in store?

Oh yes. I have nine novels in my writing queue. My next book is a thriller called, The X. It's about a woman whose happy life in suburbia is shattered one day when her husband files for divorce and then lures her teenage boys away. She finds out there is more going on than she could know and has to become strong to find out what's going on and get her boys back. She teams up with an ex-FBI guy and it's a wild ride.

12. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes, write. It is that simple. Don't worry about whether people will like it or what you're trying to say. Just write what you want and keep writing. Eventually it will all come together. That's when you can go back and get a professional editor to help you clean things up.

Second piece of advice. Get a thick skin. Not everyone will like your books and plenty will tell you why. Take that criticism and use it to make you a better writer, and then keep writing.

13. What are some words you would like to share with your fans?

 

First, thank you for being fans and buying my work. I like to tell stories and I love to bring new and interesting characters to the page. Please write me at Lorena@LorenaBBooks.com if you have anything you want to say. I love critique that makes me better. Or if you have an idea, need some support in the writing process, or just want to be friends.

 

Being a writer can be lonely, so we authors have to stick together.

 

But mostly, remember to follow your dreams. Because when you do you'll be amazed what life brings you.

 

Thank you, Jessica for the opportunity to answer these fun questions. I am so glad to be able to connect with individuals like you who give such support to us authors. You bring our work to light and I am eternally grateful for that.

 

My closing remarks:

Thank you so much Lorena, it was such a pleasure getting to know you and read your book. Your answers were very honest and heartfelt. I look forward to working with you in future projects.

 

My review will be up tomorrow because I want all the spotlight to be just on Lorena for tonight. Tomorrow all the sportlight will be about her book House on Plunkett Street. Which reminds me, go and sign up to win a free ebook! The giveaway ends on 21st of this month.

 

So if you have not yet entered please do asap, and help spread the word about this wonderful author.

 

Find her at Lorena@LorenaBBooks.com or at http://www.lorenabbooks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorena-B-Books/138014032926011?ref=tn_tnmn and at www.twitter.com/lorenabbooks

House on Plunkett Street Giveaway

Hey y'all! 

    Long time no write, I have been MIA! Have no fear though, I have some exciting news:)

Lorena Bathey, author of House on Plunkett Street, is offering FIVE free ebooks to five lucky winners who enter the giveaway. How cool is that! The interview and review will not be up until later this week, possibly the weekend. But the giveaway is starting tomorrow! Get ready to tweet and win some books.

"Phoebe Bertram is boring, bland, and unexciting. She works a job that is inadequate of her abilities. She has a boyfriend that is a dud. She is on the treadmill of her life and doesn’t know how to get off. 

With changes in her job and her apartment going condo, she must find a new place to live. Her friend Meghan brings her to the perfect apartment and the moment Phoebe steps in the door she knows there is something atypical about this perspective residence.

What she never expects are the three ghosts that arrive on her couch to teach her how life is really meant to be lived"

Enter the Giveaway Lovelys:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway