Wicked Love: A Weeping Willow Novel (Weeping Willow Series #3)

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Wicked Love: A Weeping Willow Novel
(Weeping Willow #3)
By Sandra Madera
YA Paranormal Romance (16& up)
Published by Sandra Madera
Pub. Date: February 1, 2015
ebook
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥



Summary ~ from goodreads~

Waking up in a foreign land, Nalin ventures home only to find that it is not as he remembers it.  His parents are dead and buried. His sister has been ruling in his place.  He is wounded, and he dreams strange things...about a girl who call out to him in the darkness. 

Now that Nalin has returned to the Realm of Magic, the Elves hope that the end of the war is near, and the Ljósálfar can finally defeat the Dökkálfar after driving them underground.

However, it becomes clear that Nalin is not himself, and he knows it. He can't remember a large portion of  his life, and his parents have been killed. everyone around him is just as oblivious to the time that has been robbed from them.  Everyone except for the one that calls himself Avery. Nalin senses dark magic is at work when Avery talks of a raven-haired Elfling that traveled to the Realm of Disorder to save him from the clutches of the Dark King, a girl that has not returned. The same girl that cries out to him from his dreams.

Nalin knows better than to trust his Dökkálfar enemy, but something tells him this Elfling is not an ordinary girl.  He is determined to find the one called Willow and set time right.

My Review:

WOW! Sandra Madera is a wonderful story teller!  Another great cliffhanger ending!
Wicked Love is book 3 of the Weeping Willow Series and is a great addition to the series.
A fantastical story about Good vs. Evil, finding trust,  love, peace and redemption with others and  within ourselves.  
From the beginning of Willows life, Willow and Nalin have had many struggles, obstacles and tough choices to make. They have a love that is so intense that their souls complete each other. They are stronger when they are together.  Power hungry beings from different Realms plot with the Dark King  to get what they desire and  Nalin and Willow become victims in this plot.  Nalin will do anything to get Willow back and he finds one Realm that helps him by guiding him in the right direction to achieve in getting Willow back! Willow is everything to him. Willow is his love and completes his soul. 

After I finished the story what came to mind, is our life  left to fate or  destiny?  I would say yes and no. I believe we choose a path to take and depending on that choice we face certain obstacles and we have to make those right choices to keep us on the correct path.  If we make a wrong turn, we don't give up. We keep moving on to help others and ourselves. If we make awful choices we can't erase them but we can rectify what we've done by not making the mistakes again and moving forward. How we handle our struggles influences us into who we are as a person. It's easier to forgive others and difficult to forgive ourselves.

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Weeping Willow Series:

Book 1 - Wicked Chemistry: Original Weeping Willow Shorts
Book 2 - Wicked Magic: A Weeping Willow Novel
Book 3 - Wicked Love: A Weeping Willow Novel
Book 4 - Wicked Voices: A Weeping Willow Novel ( Coming 2016 )

Here are links to get more info on Sandra Madera.

http://sandra-madera.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/S_Madera

Goodreads Author Page

Amazon Author Page

My review of Splintered by A.G. Howard ~ An amazing trip down the rabbit hole~

Goodreads

Splintered (Splintered #1)
by A. G. Howard
YA Paranormal Romance
Published by Amulet Books
Pub. Date: January 1, 2013
Hardcover
Pages: 384
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥½



Summary ~ from goodreads~

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land  as well as a girl's pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers - precisely the affection that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before.  This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventure in Wonderland.  Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother's mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality.  The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on.  There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice's tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice's mistakes and save her family.  She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

My Review from goodreads ~

Splintered by A.G. Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4½ stars! I just got back from a trip down the rabbit hole. A wonderfully written and unique spin-off of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The visuals written for the scenes in Wonderland and the connection and feelings to the characters made it an awesome roller coaster of a ride.

One of my many favorite quotes ~
“Do you really think these are Alice's tears?" I ask. "That I'm supposed to make them go away somehow?"
"I'm the wrong guy to ask. I just saw a skeleton with antlers and a forest of aphid-noshing flower zombies.:”
~ Alyssa/Jeb ~

Alyssa is Alice's great great great granddaughter. She discovers that the story of Alice in Wonderland has truth behind it. Her decision to take the same trip her great great great grandmother took, puts her in a place of madness, darkness and magic. Through her journey she finds her first love in her best friend Jeb and strong emotional connection with Morpheus from Wonderland. Her goal is to break a curse that is on her family and to do that she has to go through many trials. If she does not succeed her mothers life may end and the family curse will never end.

View all my reviews

A Splintered Novella will be released on October 22nd, titled
 ~The Moth In The Mirror ~

Goodreads

The second book of the Splintered series will be out on January 7, 2014, titled
 ~Unhinged~

Goodreads

Check out her wonderful website
http://www.aghoward.com/

and her Goodreads Author page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5186274.A_G_Howard

Deadly Crush ebook Giveaway and Review

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Deadly Crush ( Deadly Trilogy #1)
by Ashley Stoyanoff
YA Paranormal Romance
Published by: Ashley Stoyanoff Books
Pub. Date: August 23, 2013
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥½





Summary ~ from goodreads ~

Dog Mountain is just like any other small town - peaceful and uneventful.  Well, that is if peaceful means wolves howling all night, and uneventful means it's overrun by pesky werewolves, then yes, Dog mountain is just your average small town.

Jade Shaw has spent the last two years avoiding the pack. But when Aidan Collins moves to town, avoiding the dogs doesn't seem possible. The pack wants him just as much as she does.

Determined to keep him out of the packs's grasp, Jade does everything she can to gain his attention. Little does she know, Aidan is in deeper with the pack than she could have imagined, and competing for his attention is a deadly game, one she may not want to win

My Review from Goodreads:

Deadly Crush by Ashley Stoyanoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was given an ARC for an honest review.

4½ stars!!

A great first book to a new series. Deadly Crush left me on the edge of my seat. Romance, suspense and action. A thrilling ride! Another OMG cliffhanger by Ashley! I was very upset that it ended. I need to read more! It was very difficult putting it down.

I fell in love with all the characters. Aidan, Jade, Dominic, Macy, Trevor and Jared. Reading the interactions of them all was fun. I love the name of the town Dog Mountain!

The main characters Aidan and Jade, find themselves intrigued and drawn to each other. Jade has livid in her town all her life and has grown up knowing that a pack of werewolves also live there. For the past two years she has been trying to avoid the pack. She now finds it very difficult to do that. It seems she has the unwanted attention of several pack members. She meets Aidan and hopes he doesn't get involved with the pack.

Aidan was just passing through her town and has now found himself a permanent resident and member of a new pack. As soon as he met Jade he felt drawn to her. She is very feisty, stubborn and shows no fear when talking to the pack. This has him intrigued and curious. But showing others he is interested in her may cause her death.

Ashley's books are wonderful! Her first series The Soul's Mark has a new unique story about vampires. Her new trilogy Deadly takes her readers on a new journey with werewolves and werecougars.

View all my reviews

Enter to win a ebook copy of Deadly Crush!!
Entries close at 12 AM eastern time on August 24th. Winners will be notified on by Noon on Saturday August 24th.

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My Review of The Emerald Tablet ~ Legends of Amun Ra~ by Joshua Silverman

The Emerald Tablet ( Legends of Amun Ra #1)
by Joshua Silverman
Published by: Enchanted Forest Press
Pub. Date: September 15, 2012
eBook
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥




Summary ~ from goodreads ~

Leoros doesn't have many friends. The son of a scientist and archaeologist, he is constantly on the move.  But when his parents make a startling discovery in Egypt, Leoros' world is turned upside down.

When an archaeologist discovers the mythic Emerald Tablet buried beneath Egypt desert, her son decodes the ancient text leading him to a distant world.

On that world, a slave girl begins a journey towards a destiny she cannot imagine. But when an ancient foe rises from the ashes, they will be brought together by forces neither understands
.
Leoros, who dreams of being like the heroes in the comic books, must fight to unlock the secrets of the universe to save people he never knew existed.

Alantia, whose bloody visions wake her in the night, senses the darkness coming.

Together they will face an enemy with the power of dark energy, lose a mentor to the assassins's blade, and be betrayed by someone they trust. Their fight for the future is just beginning, and before it is over, a final sacrifice must be made. When the darkness comes, will they stand and fight or will they join it?

Here is my review from goodreads:




The Emerald Tablet by Joshua Silverman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was given a copy for an honest review.

Thank you Joshua Silverman for a wonderful story. A story that is cleverly written using the present, history and the mythology from Greece and Egypt.

A quote from the summary, "Leoros' world is turned upside down".

Not only Leoros world, but many others as well. I like how the story tells of more characters lives being affected in many different ways. Everyone having to make important choices in their lives. Characters coming to terms of reality and learning it can be difficult to make decisions when the line between good and evil becomes blurred. Characters struggling with science, faith and emotions.

I highlighted a part of the book that stood out to me. A discussion between Alex and Camilla about love. Alex science tells him the emotions of love is similar to how large quantities of chocolate makes the brain react.
* Beware this part may contain a spoiler*

Quote:
"Tell me Alex, would you die for me? For Leoros?"
Alex looks bewildered at her question. "What kind of Question is that? Iv'e killed for both of you already and I'm certainly ready to die for you."
She smiles at his response. "I know you have. I just wonder if you'd do the same for large quantities of chocolate."



View all my reviews

Review of Shattered by Sandra Madera

goodreads

Shattered

by Sandra Madera

YA

Published by: Sandra Madera

Pub. Date: April 14, 2013

Ebook

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary ~ from goodreads~

Identical twins, Miranda and Natasia Moralez, couldn't be more different. Being the head of the cheerleading team, Natasia is the most popular girl in the school. Miranda is not, taking photographs in her spare time for the school paper. Life is normal until a tragic accident takes  the life of one twin. Miranda quickly realizes that the car crash that took her sister's life was no accident. It was planned Now, Miranda has to find out who wanted her sister dead before she succumbs to the same fate.

My Review:

Another great book by Sandra Madera!  This is a short story, and I know there are many readers who don't like short stories, but when you read this book it does not feel that way at all.  Filled with mystery and suspense. I would call this a young adult thriller. From the very first page I was taken into the story. With many  twists and turns I was kept at the edge of my seat. The ending did catch me by surprise. This is a story I would enjoy reading over and over. 

You must check out Sandra Madera's other books!! She is a very talented writer. From paranormal, suspense, horror, mystery and thriller. I've read all her books and never been disappointed.

Links to her books on goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4777433.Sandra_Madera

Sandra Madera's website:

http://www.sandramadera.com/AboutMe.html

Review of Waking Dreams by Ashley Stoyanoff ~ Also news of special promotions of her books!

Goodreads

Waking Dreams

(The Soul's Mark, Novella)

by Ashley Stoyanoff

YA Paranormal Romance

Published by: Ashley Stoyanoff Books

Pub. Date: April 14th 2013

eBook

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary ~ from goodreads ~

In The Soul's Mark, Eric Carter felt a burning spark when he first laid eyes on Amelia Caldwell. There was just something about her - something familiar - that pulled him to her.  The problem was acting on the spark was suicide. Amelia was marked for his father.

Eric had been around for a long time, and before Amelia, life happened. One day he was a simple rancher and then the next, he was thrust into a world that he had never known existed, and dreaming of a girl that he knew he couldn't live without.

In this novella, Eric Carter's history is revealed.

My Review:

I love all The Soul's Mark Characters. It was great to read more about Eric. He's wonderful, and fun to read. This novella brings you into Eric's past and present memories and thoughts. Seeing what type of man he was before and after he was turned into a vampire made me like him more.  Ashley did an excellent job showing the relationship between Mitchell and Eric. The respect and fondness of 'Father' and 'Son'  really came through more in this story. With vivid detail I felt absorbed into Eric's world.

This novella also gave me more insight on Mitchell's view and feelings for his family and responsibility for everyone. I liked reading how Mitchell begun to run the town of Willowberg.

If you love paranormal romance and a fresh look at vampires, check these books out.

Here are links to goodreads for The Soul's Mark books.........:

And right now through July 31st, go to Smashwords and use a special code to get The Soul's Mark: Found for free 

and a special code to get The Soul's Mark: Hunted & The Soul's Mark: Broken 50% off!!! 

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Use the code SW100 to get The Soul's Mark: FOUND for FREE 

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for 50% off, just use the code SSW50 

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for 50% off, just use the code SSW50

Ashley Stoyanoff also has a new book out Deadly Crush (Dead Trilogy #1) this will soon be released on August 23, 2013. I can't wait to read this!!!

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Here are links to learn more about Ashley Stoyanoff:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5890982.Ashley_Stoyanoff

http://www.ashleystoyanoff.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AshleyStoyanoffTheSoulsMark

Troll or Derby by Red Tash ~ Spring Sale Only 99¢

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Troll Or Derby: A Fairy Wicked Tale

Debra Wheeler seems like any other high school reject: at fifteen, she's more into roller skating than boys, and Mom plays favorites with big sister Gennifer, the homecoming princess. With little to love in ultra-rural Bedrock, Indiana, Deb's counting down the days until she can skate away to join the roller derby.

When Gennifer is kidnapped, Mom's breakdown forces Deb to take charge. With no clue where to start and thugs on her tail, she turns to the only adult who has ever helped her out in a jam: Coach, the owner of the skating rink. So what if he has tusks and might be a troll? Coach gives her a pair of magical skates and sends her off into a world that reveals a magical, if somewhat sinister, nature. Deb soon discovers that beneath the "glamours" of everyday life flit a million fantastical stories--and her own might be the juiciest gossip in town.

The Midwestern lifestyle every teenager loves to hate is turned inside out as Deb careens through Rumspringa, biker gangs, flea markets and tractor pulls--all teeming with fae. The valiant troll Harlow tries to intervene before Deb strays from her mission into romance and roller derby, but will they join forces to save Gennifer, or be lost to this strange new realm, forever?

Readers will find Deb a smart and witty narrator who--like them--says the wrong thing, wishes she could be someone else, and falls for the wrong person. They'll be drawn in by a girl who is independent and street smart, and they'll fall for her destined BFF, the whimsical troll loner who guides them through this quirky dark fantasy romp.

Here are some short and sweet reviews from me and others:

"I absolutely love Red Tash's original idea of using roller derby in a fantasy story!! This book has it all! Fairy Tale Characters that have real life emotional experiences that does not have that perfect sweet ending. Red Tash does a wonderful job creating her world of Trolls and Fairies.  Written with detail, it is a great book with suspense and some scenes that made me cringe.  As for Harlow and Deb, I love how their relationship is developing.  I will definitely read the next book!!

Thank You Red, for an enjoyable ride!!' 

♥♥♥♥½  ~ Josie

"It was such a fun read! I was hooked from the beginning and it didn't slow down at all.  I definitely want to read more about Deb and Harlow." ~ Elizabeth Wetzel

"This is a dark fairy tale about a fairy and a troll who fight the only way they know how...with Rock 'n' Roll and Roller Derby. It's packed with bikers, gangsters, drug dealers, Mmish and a whole bunch of other worldly creatures.   I'm pretty sure your parents won't want you reading this book. Read it anyway.   (★★★★★)" ~Ian Seta, Floating Leaves Book Review/IndieBookshelf.com 

"Red Tash delivers again with this tale of rockin', rollin' and full metal fantasy! I love this damn book." ~Axel Howerton, author of Hot Sinatra, and Living Dead at Zigfreidt & Roy

"You'll quickly become engrossed by Deb and Harlow's story. Once you start, it's hard to put Troll Or Derby down. At 262 pages in the paperback edition, it's the perfect length for an afternoon of summer reading. If you're down for roller derby, fantasy, action, and a cast of completely insane characters (in a good way), you should definitely read Troll Or Derby." ~Captain Painway, LikeItDerby.com

"This book has it all. Prophecies. Destinies. Royalty, trust, revenge. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll are doused in humor and lit ablaze with quirky snark. I blew through this book incredibly fast because I couldn't put it down. If you want a solid, fun read, then pick up Red Tash's Troll or Derby." ~Mercedes Yardley, Shock Totem

 Troll Or Derby is now on sale for $.99!  Grab it here: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo / Smashwords

Red Tash plans to release the second book, Troll Or Park around Christmas!!

About the Author

Red Tash is a journalist-turned-novelist of dark fantasy for readers of all ages. Monsters, SciFi, wizards, trolls, fairies, and roller derby lightly sautéed in a Southern/Midwestern sauce await you in her pantry of readerly delights. Y'all come, anytime.

Here are some links to learn more about Red Tash and her books

Goodreads   /  Facebook     /  Twitter   /    RedTash,com   /   You Tube

Better Off Dead by H. P. Mallory

Goodreads

Better Off Dead (Lilly Harper #1)

by H.P. Mallory

Publisher: HP Mallory

Pub. date: March 25, 2013

eBook

My Rating:  ♥♥♥♥

Summary ~from goodreads~

If there's such a good thing as luck, Lilly Harper definitely doesn't have it.

Killed in a car accident before it's her time to go, Lily learns that the hereafter isn't exactly what she hoped it might be.

First, there's AfterLife Enterprises, the company responsible for sorting out the recently dead and sending them on their way to the kingdom, (aka happily ever after,) or to the Underground city, (not so happily ever after.) Learning that Lily's death was indirectly their fault (her guardian angel Bill, was MIA during her accident and was one of their employees,) Afterlife Enterprises offers Lily the chance to live again.  But, as with most things involving the afterlife, beware the fine print.  Most notably, Lily will have to become a soul retriever, venturing into the bowels of the Underground City to retrieve souls that were mistakenly sent there by Afterlife Enterprises during a Y2K computer glitch.

Second, there's angel Bill. As if risking her second life the underground city wasn't enough, Lily's guide to the Underground is none other than her incompetent, alcoholic, womanizing guardian angel, Bill, the antithesis of anything wholesome.  With only Dante's Infernal and Bill to help her in her quest, Lily's future isn't looking bright.

Finally, there's the legendary blade smith, Tallis Black. As Scottish as his kilts and heavy brogue, Tallis Black is a centuries-old Celt who, for reasons only know to him, offers to train Lily and act as her escort into the depths of the Underground City.  Dark, brooding and definitely dangerous, Lily knows she shouldn't trust Tallis, but she also can't deny her attraction to him.

Between soul retrieving in hell, dealing with Bill and trying to figure out what's in it for Tallis, Lily wonders if maybe she would've just been better off dead.

My Review:

 A fun, entertaining, paranormal story with a unique combination of characters.   A very good first book to start a new series. Just like meeting a person for the first time, a readers feelings of a first book to a series, is based on first impressions. Meeting a new character, may be easy to get to know and some new characters take a little more time to grow on you. I will share with you my thoughts on the three main characters.

Lilly Harper is a character that is relate-able. She is an average young woman with a career, friends and family. She is a girl who works on staying positive with her life.  And like many of us, she is doing the best she can living her life. She has the misfortune of dying before her time, because her guardian angel Bill is not good at focusing on his job.  Because of this, she is given two choices, and she picks to live again. But like any choice a person makes, there are always consequences. It may be good, bad or a little of both, and Lily gets a little of both.

Bill, Lilly's guardian angel, cares for Lilly. But by first impression, you would never guess it. When he is not being Lilly's guardian, he does not act like how an angel should act. He is a drunk, a foul mouth womanizer, with an over the top sarcastic sense of humor. At first I did not know how to feel for Bill's character, I found myself feeling a little uneasy on some of his remarks, but with his comedic and sometimes gross remarks, I did grow to like him. Just like a person who unconditionally cares for an obnoxious relative.

Tallis Black is all man! He is described as a tall, strong, gorgeous man who is mysterious and dangerous with a dark past. He is Celt who has lived for hundreds of years. I did find his speech difficult to read but I eventually came accustomed to it. His way of speaking is a part of what makes Tallis Black a believable character who comes from a different time period.

I have always enjoyed all of H.P. Mallory's books. I loved meeting her new characters and seeing them come to life. I can't wait to read and learn more about Lilly, Tallis and Bill.

And congratulations to Sherita Landers, a fellow fan and book lover who won the contest to be a character in this book.  I loved reading Sherita being all tough! She will forever be imortalized in a book!  
I am so jealous!!  :P  LOL

Here are some links to learn more about H.P. Maloory and her other books:

https://www.facebook.com/hpmallory

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4108184.H_P_Mallory

http://hpmallory.com/

Book Tour & Review & Giveaway~ Root Bound by Tanya Karen Gough~

Check out the other stops and follow the rest of the tour for many chances to win a copy of  Root Bound!!
Root Bound Tour Schedule 

Goodreads

Root Bound (Emma and the Elementals #1)
by Tanya Karen Gough
Publisher: Baba Yaga Press
Pub. Date: June 3, 2012
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥






Summary: ~from goodreads~

"A lighthearted, whimsical confection that will delight both kids and their parents' inner child." - Kirkus Reviews

How far will you go to find your way home?

Emma and her father are always on the move, travelling from place to place as her father's work demands. Their new home, however, is different. There's frightening woman who lives down the hall: she bears an uncanny resemblance to a witch. A mysterious light comes from her apartments, and a small boy seems to be trapped inside.

School in this town is no happy place either, with and add principal and a gang of girls who make tormenting Emma their special project. And strangest of all is the fact that there seem to be brownies - basement brownies, in the air vent in her bedroom.

Haunted by visions of her mother, Emma travels through the brownie burrow to the valley of Hades to visit with the goddess Ceres, following a series of clues that lead her across the sea of memory to the center of the world.

There, on an inhospitable rock floating in a sea of streaming lava, Emma must find a way to release her mother from the sea of memory and restore magic to both the brownies and the human world above.


My Review:

This is a wonderful book! I am definitely going to share this book to my students at work. This is great story for the young and the young at heart. I feel that children in middle school will love and enjoy this book.

Tanya Karen Gough is a talented writer. As I read the book I easily visualized this world she created. An interesting journey that had adventure and some twists and turns. I absolutely enjoyed reading the adventures that Emma went on. Emma is a girl who has suffered a heart wrenching loss. I love how Emma is a character that you can relate to. She has moved a lot because of her father needing to find work. She is a strong girl who has a huge heart. She discovers a world she only read about and didn't know existed. She finds that she is connected to this other world.  I love how she used references from other books. I especially like how she used a mix of favorite children stories and intertwined, Greek and Roman mythology with her own original fantasy story. 

 AUTHOR BIO

Tanya Karen Gough was born in Montreal, Quebec and raised in New England, where she developed a healthy appetite for ghosts and things that go bump in the night. An avid reader from a young age, she quickly worked her way through Alice in Wonderland, the Magical Monarch of Mo, Andrew Lang's Fairy Books, all of the Tintin comic books, Nancy Drew, and most of the other books in the children's library.

Finally, at the tender age of 10, she produced this poetic masterpiece:

"Whene'er you get a wandering leg
And feel that you must roam
Remember this and don't forget
The best place is at home"

To date, she has moved more than 25 times. Along the way, she earned two degrees in English Literature, taught overseas, became the owner operator of the Poor Yorick Shakespeare Catalogue, and contributed to a number of Shakespeare-related publications. Root Bound is the first of four books in the Emma and the Elementals series.

 Author Links:

   -Website: http://emmaseries.blogspot.ca/

   -Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6430454.Tanya_Karen_Gough

   -Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmaseries

   -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaSeries

GIVEAWAYS!! 

Giveaway #1

This is for ONE ebook copy of Root Bound. Open Internationally.
All you have to do is follow my Josie's Haven facebook page and leave a comment under the Root Bound Giveaway Post! If you already follow my page just leave a comment.
This giveaway ends on March 4th. I will announce the winner on March 5th.

https://www.facebook.com/Josieshavenbookpage



Giveaway #2

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Super Sunday Book Reviews: "Deity" and "Elixir" by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I am a huge fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant Series.

Goodreads

Deity (Covenant, #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Pub. Date: October 31, 2012

Paperback

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary: ~from goodreads~

"History is on repeat,  and things didn't go so well the last time."

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner...and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed...and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

My Review:

WOW!! OMG!!  This series never slows down! Love the characters that Jennifer L. Armentrout has created. Her characters in the covenant series are relate able. Yes, some of them are gods, pures, half bloods, etc., but as Alex travels through many difficult times, her journey feels like you are right there with her. 

I am having a little difficult time deciding what to write. I do not want to give anything away. Throughout the book I became so frustrated with Seth, as Alex was too,  and for Aiden, I am in love with him! Aiden has really shown who he truly is. He is strong, faithful and you can trust him through and through. The gods start to make their presence in the story. This is good and bad. I am very happy with the direction the story is going. I am also, very nervous and excited to read the next book.

Goodreads

Elixir (Covenant, #3.5)

A Covenant Novella

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Pub, Date: November 23, 2012

ebook

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary ~from goodreads~

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex. Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for. Even if  it means making war against the gods.

My Review:

This is my favorite novella! A great segue to the next book, and what an ending!!  It was short, but it did not feel that way at all. A wonderful, suspenseful story which is written in a small package.  

Next book Apollyon coming in April!!!

http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Shadows of the Past by Carmen Stefanescu

Goodreads

Shadows of The Past
by Carmen Stefanescu
Historical Fiction / Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Wild Child Publishing
Pub. Date: December 4, 2012
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥




Summary ~from goodreads~

When Anne and Neil leave on a one-week holiday hoping to reconcile after a two-year separation, little do they know that destiny has other plans for them. Their discovery of human bones and a bejeweled cross in the hollow of a tree open the door to the supernatural realm and the anguished life of Genevieve, a nun from medieval England.

Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve her eternal rest?

The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.

My Review:

I would like to thank Carmen Stefanescu for giving me a copy of her wonderful book.

I like to read  historical fiction that is set in the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era. I also love to read Paranormal Romance. So when I read the summary I became intrigued and I definitely wanted to read this book.

Shadows of the Past started out strong and it continued at a wonderful pace through out the book. The main characters Anne in the present and Genevieve from the past were written well. Anne is a strong woman who has decided to reconcile with her boyfriend, During their trip she experiences dreams and visions of a lady from the past, which is Genevieve, whose story needs to be told to give her peace. Genevieve is from a time that being a woman is difficult and on top of that, faces many tragedies in her life. She struggles to survive with evil that keeps crossing her path. They both meet friends along their travels.

This is a story with suspense, mystery and romance. It made me cry and it put me on edge. Genevive's story became difficult to read at times. At the last chapter everything becomes full circle and seems to be heading towards a happy ending, then as I finished the last page, it left me with questions and eager to read the next book.

Check out her website:
http://shadowspastmystery.blogspot.ro/

Bohemia by Veronika Carnaby

Goodreads

Bohemia 
by Veronika Carnaby
Historical Fiction
Pub Date: September 13, 2012
My Rating: ♥♥♥






Summary ~ from goodreads~

In her debut novel, Veonika Carnaby picks up where the Beat Generation left off.  Set in 1960, Bohemia chronicles a group of twenty-somethings who defy the "ideals" of a mid-twentieth century society to seek creative fulfillment.  In the process, they spotlight the creative path that artists of all mediums tread, all the while depicting the challenges faced by youth in the decade that changed the world.

My Review:

I loved the summary of this book. I would like to first say I was on the fence on what rating to give. The first half was just okay and the second half I grew to like.

The story begins in England, January, 1960. Four friends Jimmy, Lester, Emm and Valarie, embark on their journey where they face many challenges. Free spirited and an eagerness to experience life, this story takes you through many different situations 20 year old's faced in the 60's.  At first I did have a difficult time getting into the story. The first half of the book, I felt like there was a rush to get to know the characters. I wish it was more of a gradual pace to get to know them so I would of had more time to absorb and experience their journey. I did eventually feel transported into the story and felt more of a connection, I  kept reading. I 'm glad I did.  This is a book for those who want to take a trip back to the 60's and see it through the eyes of  someone trying to find there way in life and achieving their dreams.


Here are some links to find out more about Veronika Carnaby:

 http://veronikacarnaby.blogspot.com/


http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6524094.Veronika_Carnaby
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16000829-bohemia

The Soul's Mark: HUNTED by Ashley Stoyanoff

Goodreads

The Soul's Mark: HUNTED 
(The Soul's Mark #2)

by Ashley Stoyanoff

YA Paranormal Romance

Published by: Ashley Stoyanoff Books

Pub. Date: Nov. 22, 2012

eBook

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary ~ from goodreads~

When Amelia Caldwell learned that she was marked by a vampire's soul, she did what any smart, self-preserving person would have done: tried to run. But thanks to the soulmate bond that tethered her mentally and emotionally to her vampire soulmate,, Mitchell Lang, running was not an option and finding out she was a witch didn't make her life any easier.

Now, Amelia has made peace with her new supernatural life and accepted her destiny with Mitchell, one of the most powerful vampires in the world.  They are finally getting along but Amelia is sure he is hiding something - something big.

Little does she know that this is just the calm before the storm. When Mitchell's former flame resurfaces and Eric's dreams become distorted visions of his soulmate, hostility and tension threatens to tear their world apart.

Just when Amelia thinks life couldn't get any crazier, vampires and human start turning up dead. The killer--something more sinister and haunting than your run of the mill psychopath - is heading straight for their front door.

My Review:

Ashley Stoyanoff is a very talented writer. I love the world she has created. Willowberg is a town with vampires, soulmates, humans and witches.Even though the most of the characters are supernatural, they are relate able because of the emotional ties and relationships they have.  I'm glad that the story is not told in the first person. I can feel right along with all the characters. I developed a connection and understanding with the struggles they all faced.. I laughed, cried, felt the love and even anger. I love a story that takes my emotions for a ride.

The murders of humans and vampires shakes up Willowberg. The mystery, the suspense and the action did not just affect the main characters, it affected the entire town. This is a community that bans together when faced with danger. I enjoyed experiencing the loyalty the entire community has with each other. The trust and respect that the humans of Willowberg have, shows that Mitchell has earned it. Mitchell obviously has an emotional tie and wants to do the right thing for everyone.

Amelia and Mitchell's relationship  constantly faces struggles.  I know Mitchell can seem very mean but Amelia is very stubborn, They both have reasons to be acting the way they do ( they both have good intentions) and they both have the desire to make their relationship work. They are awesome when they learn to work together. I do not want to give any spoilers, but I do want to make one comment. In this story we see two relationships that should not be compared.

The last chapter pulled everything together and all seems to be ending well.......then bang!! Cliffhanger!!
I really did not see that coming! I feel like I am on the edge, desperately hanging on to read the continuation of this wonderful world.

If you have not read her first book here are a few links and a link to Ashley's website.

Goodreads,         Amazon      My Review

                                                                               

Haunted Week - Beware of Book Review ~ Day 8 ~ WARD 3 by Carole Wood

Happy Halloween!!!!! For the first time in many years, I live in a neighborhood that I will actually have children knocking on my door. I am so excited to pass out candy to the kiddos and see their costumes.
I will begin my last post for Haunted week with 'This is Halloween' from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"...press play and enjoy ;)



Day 8 of Haunted week, Beware of Book Review:

Goodreads - Amazon

WARD 3

by Carole Wood
Horror Novella
Published by: Carole Wood Books
Pub. Date July 8, 2012
eBook -Kindle
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥½





Summary:  ~ from goodreads~

After suffering a recent loss Matt Lindsey, a psychology student takes a placement in Fortraven Psychiatric Hospital.  Over the following nine weeks he discovers all is not as it seems.  He becomes concerned for the welfare of a patient named Abby after a string of violent, strange incidents occurs. Everyone in the hospital is in danger.  Can he help them before it's too late?

My Review:

I literally want to, SCREAM, YELL, SHOUT, AND SHAKE PEOPLE!!! READ CAROLE WOOD'S BOOKS!!!! She is an amazing Independent Author that is very talented.

I am having a hard time thinking how to write this review without spoilers. I normally do not read any books labeled horror, and I feel that anything I say may spoil the joy and ride you will have when you read WARD 3. 
I am instantly drawn into the first chapter and transported to a tragic beginning.  The main character Matt is later introduced.  Matt is a serious student and has set goal to achieve. A tragic event happens and he is forever changed. The path he is now on, leads him to meet Abby. Abby has her own tragic event that has affected her. She is trying to live a normal life and keep her sanity. Abby and Matt meet and together they learn to trust in others and themselves. This is a wonderful story! It is a supernatural,  horror, suspense, mystery, romance novella. It has it all. And if you read Aventurine Heart, Carole wood has a surprise for you in this book.