Review: The Lost Heir by Allison Whitmore, Erin Virginia & Grace Arden

Image & description from goodreads.com

Isabella Foxworthy was just another girl…until she learned she was an empath, able to read the energy of others. A secret world known as the Violet City lies beneath her family’s hotel in Los Angeles. Through this discovery, Isabella is catapulted into a whirlwind of magic, adventure, and danger. The Violet City holds the key to protecting her stability; her family hotel, her friends, and her very sanity. With morphlings, empaths, and fair folk also comes a powerful entity that twists her mind into knots, threatening everything she loves. Now, Isabella and her new friends—a guitar-playing jock, his gifted but neurotic brother, and a set of over-indulged twins—have until her 16th birthday to save her world with the help of someone who's been lost for a very long time...the lost Foxworthy heir. But will they find him in time? And will he be a friend or foe?

My Thoughts:
To start let me say that the cover of this book is GORGEOUS!  Moving on to the thick of things...there is a lot, A LOT, going on in this book.  It was over whelming to be honest.  Things moved at such a fast pace that you never really have time to acclimate to all the changes.  Therefore, it seemed like the characters really didn't have any realistic time to adapt to all their changes either.  I liked Isabella, Seth, Micah, Cleo & Xander.  However, the domino effect set in motion by the pace of the story is that there is little room for character & world development.  The world the authors write about sounds amazing but I couldn't really picture it.  The characters were erratic and I never got a feel for them.  The idea of the story is a really good one.  I just wanted to understand it more.  I can't really elaborate more without throwing in spoilers.  Isabella is 15 but she seems more like she's about 12.  Her circumstances from the start seemed confusing.  She lives with her grandmother who she claims doesn't really want her, but yet as the story progresses all her grandmother wants to do is protect her.  Several things just didn't add up.  Even though we clearly find out who the villain of the story is other characters are left a mystery.  And where did Isabellas' grandmother & Theophilus go at the end, then suddenly come back?? 
I could go on & on.  
So, it's not that I didn't like the book .  The story could have been amazing.  I just think this book could have actually been two books with a lot more structure & development.  There is a slight cliff hanger at the end so I know there will be another.  I just don't know if I have the patience to read it.  There's always hope that things will slow down and be explained better in the next one.

I received this book from the publisher through NegGalley for my honest review.

Recommended for readers 12 & up.  Mild language.  

Cover Reveal: Proposals & Poison by Rachelle J. Christensen

Proposals and Poison, Wedding Planner Mysteries book #3 Rachelle J. Christensen “Cozy mystery meets romantic comedy in this fabulous, fast-paced story.” Cami Checketts author of The Resilient One, A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance Love can be a very dangerous thing. At least it seems that way to Adri Pyper, the premier wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. When one of her clients dies mysteriously, Adri takes the advice of the local detective and swears she will stay out of the investigation . . . this time. Luke Stetson's involvement in the case, along with the possibility of a kiss between the two, should be enough incentive to keep Adri out of trouble. But when a dog-themed wedding is almost ruined by a suspect, Adri and her assistant, Lorea, are thrust into private eye mode. When poison enters the picture, even a reluctant sleuth can’t steer clear of danger.   

 

 “Packed with danger and romance, intrigue and entertainment, Rachelle Christensen's Wedding Planner series is romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages late into the night!” --Maria Hoagland, Author of The ReModel Marriage (Romance Renovations series)

Author Rachelle J. Christensen Rachelle is a mother of five who writes mystery/suspense, nonfiction, and women’s fiction. She solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She enjoys raising chickens and laughing with her husband. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. Rachelle is the award-winning author of ten books, including The Soldier’s Bride (a Kindle Scout Selection), Wrong Number, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection. Rachelle has a VIP mailing list where all subscribers get access to free books, guides, and other resources. Sign up now to hear what exciting news Rachelle has to share. http://eepurl.com/eFD3o

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Series endorsements “Mystery, suspense, murder and romance all intriguingly tied together in one very fun walk-down-the-aisle cozy mystery!”—Shauna Wheelwright, reviewer “I love a great mystery that keeps my interest and keeps the pages turning. I loved the Hawaiian setting, that was a character on its own. As the story progressed, I enjoyed where the author went with the mystery, doing a perfect job of planting the right amount of seeds to try to throw me off the trail of who the killer was.”—Mindy Holt, reviewer   Giveaway Details $25 cash giveaway plus an ebook bundle of the Wedding Planner Mystery Books 1 & 2. (gifted via Amazon) Ends 3/3/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Catch Me When I Fall by Vicki Leigh

Image & description from goodreads.com

In 1814, at the age of seventeen, Daniel Graham sacrificed himself to save another. Recruited at his death to be a Protector of the Night, he has spent 200 years as a Dreamcatcher, guarding humans from Nightmares—clawed, red-eyed creatures that feed off people’s fears while they sleep. He’s become one of the best, but he wants nothing more than to stop.

Then he’s given an assignment to watch over sixteen-year-old Kayla Bartlett, a clinically depressed patient in a psychiatric ward. Nightmares love a human with a tortured past. Yet, when they take a deep interest in her, appearing in unprecedented numbers, the job becomes more dangerous than any Daniel’s ever experienced—because someone with the power to control the monsters seems to want her dead.

Driven by his growing feelings for her, he whisks her away to Rome where others like him can keep her safe. Under their roof, the Protectors discover what Kayla is and why someone who can manipulate Nightmares has her in his sights. But before they can make a move, the Protectors are betrayed and Kayla is kidnapped. Daniel will stop at nothing to save her. Even if it means giving up his immortality.

He thought she was just another girl to protect. He was wrong.

My Thoughts:
I liked the concept of the story.  It was original.  I think the history of the dream catchers & weavers could have been expanded on. I also feel like there would have been a bit of divine intervention when hell on Earth breaks out.  I liked Daniel.  I thought he was a great hero.  I think Kayla was a bit naive and some of her reactions to certain events were unrealistic.  Of course my biggest problem with the book was the "insta-love" connection between Daniel & Kayla.  I might have been able to accept it on Daniel's part if he'd been watching over her for at least a few months.  The pace of the story was slow up until about the 1/3 of the book.  This is why it took me so long to read it.  I'd stop & then once I finished another book I'd pick it up again.  Then the pace picked up & things got more interesting.  I don't think I'll read the next book in the series.  The reason being that I just don't connect to these characters & therefor don't really care what happens to them.

2.5 Rating.
For readers 14 & up.  Mild to moderate language, violence & sexual content. 
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson

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  Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson Lani has lived in Hana, Hawaii for five years. She’s learned to surf, fish, dive, and manage her grandmother’s bed and breakfast. She’s also learned to take one day at a time the way it should be taken—relaxed and unrushed, savoring every moment. But, like a large wave on the brink of breaking, her life is about to crash out of control. A proposal of marriage, a conniving grandmother, a cryptic Asian woman, and a handsome guest, and suddenly everything calm begins to churn, everything clear becomes confused, and all that was normal segues into peculiar. As Lani struggles against the current to hold her ground, she realizes that she can either continue to fight and eventually lose, or take a take a leap of faith, hold her breath, and ride the wave wherever it takes her. ***This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series that features one recurring character—the match maker—but it is a STAND-ALONE novel.***

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the Power of the Matchmaker series.  I love these books.  I've read several books by Rachael Anderson as well, and they are always some of my favorite reads.  The only recurring character in the books is Pearl.  An almost mystical Asian woman who seems to always know just the right thing to say when you need to hear it most.  
I kind of want to be Lani.  She lives in Hawaii, has an awesome group of friends & can bake bread!  She likes the laid back, easy going life in Hana.  I could see how being close with her grandmother had become so important to her. 
Easton was like the Tasmanian devil tornado swirling in & shaking up Lani's serene, but a bit boring, life. I loved how he challenged her & made her crazy.
The way the supporting characters were great & could just hear their Hawaiian accents come through.  
The books in this series can be read as stand alone novels.  Not Always Happenstance is a sweet, witty & fun read that had me chuckling to myself.  

Recommended for readers 14 & up.  

  Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

  Blog Tour $50 Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/29/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Gate Keeper's Sons by Eva Pohler

Image & Description from goodreads.com

Fifteen-year-old Therese watches her parents die. While in a coma, she meets the twin sons of Hades—Hypnos, the god of sleep, and Thanatos, the god of death. She thinks she's manipulating a dream, not kissing the god of death and totally rocking his world.

Than makes a deal with Hades and goes as a mortal to the Upperworld to try and win Therese's heart, but not all the gods are happy. Some give her gifts. Others try to kill her.

The deal requires Therese to avenge the death of her parents. With the help of Than’s fierce and exotic sisters, the Furies, she finds herself in an arena face to face with the murderer, and only one will survive. 

My Thoughts:
I liked the idea of this story very much.  The characters for the most part were likable.  However, they lacked depth & complexity.  They were naive.  Not to mention, Than is supposed to be a God who's centuries old.  He should have been wiser & more mature.  Therese was extremely immature for her age.  The life changing events she experienced would have caused her to grow up or at least made her more cautious.  The little side stories about her friends, especially Jen & Vicki, were under developed.  Both experienced some serious things that were barely touched on.  It seems like those stories could have been expanded on instead of the fluff about the appearance of Mt. Olympus and other inconsequential nonsense.  The thing that I disliked the most was how easily things popped up to help Therese.  You need to be able to travel like the Gods?  Ok, here's a magical robe.  It was like watching the Magic Unicorn Rainbow show where everything the hero or heroin needs is there tied up in a neat little bow.  It became far too clear that this was the way the author was going about moving the story along instead of letting her characters work & struggle to build, well, CHARACTER.  
Now here's the saving grace of the story.  I liked the idea enough that I'll read the next book.  Because I do think that there is room for improvement & the story has real promise.

I bought this book & reviewed it without any compensation from the author or a publisher.
Recommended for ages 12& up. 
No sexual content.  Mild language & violence. 

Cover Reveal: The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson

Coming soon from USA Today Bestselling Author Rachael Anderson

The Fall of Lord Drayson

Who is he really? A high and mighty Lord, or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother have two months to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied.They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Mere hours later, Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. Grudgingly, she takes him into her home to tend to his wounds, but when he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach a much-needed lesson in humility. Pushing her own twinge of conscience aside, she informs the earl of Drayson that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

Coming late-summer 2016

Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

Cover Reveal Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Code or Paypal Cash Ends 2/17/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Wings of Arian by Devri Walls

Image & Description from goodreads.com

Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.

With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life.
She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar.

However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation.

And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions. 

My Thoughts:
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book.  I bought it on a whim and having never heard anything about it I was skeptic.  It was a wonderful choice!
Kiora is a fantastic heroin who, while having a pure heart, is still human and susceptible to her emotions.  Emane is her perfect match.  He's brave, hot-headed and a prince. They balanced each other perfectly.  The story is well paced & unique.  There's lots of mystery so I stayed interested but I never felt like things were dragging along.  The supporting characters are well written & I found myself attached to some of them as much as I was Kiora & Emane.  The story reminds us that even the best intentions can cause pain & suffering.  My heart broke for Kiora as she had to endure watching her neighbors & even her own sister turn on her. However, I was cheering for Emane as he stood up to his father & showed that he could be a true leader. 
I can't wait to read & review the next book & see where the story takes us.  I recommend this book for anyone who loved Eragon and other books like it.

I bought & reviewed this book on my own with no compensation from any publisher or the author.

Recommended for readers 13 & up.