Friday, May 30, 2014

Truth by Sherri Hayes

Truth (Finding Anna #3) by Sherri Hayes

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GR's Summary: For the last two months, Brianna has discovered something she never thought she would again. Hope. After the horror of being Ian’s slave for ten months, a fate she never imagined she’d escape, it feels as if she is living a dream. She has freedom she hadn’t expected to have again, and she wakes up every morning not fearing what the day will bring. There is also Stephan. The man who saved her from the daily torture she had to endure at the hands of Ian and his friends. The same man who makes her heart race with just the thought of him. Life is good.

Outside forces are determined to conspire against them, however. When Brianna’s father shows up on her doorstep, it sends her world spiraling out of control. He brings with him new information about how Brianna ended up in Ian’s clutches, but will it make a difference? Will Stephan be able to find a way to make Ian pay for all he made Brianna suffer? As Brianna and Stephan try to find out the truth, their relationship is tested. She is forced to face her past head on, and deal with the ugly reality of what happened to her. Will Stephan’s love be enough to see her through her newest challenge, or will the fragile trust they’ve built come crumbling down around them as the truth makes itself known.

 

4 Stars

The thing that make this series stand out among the genre is that the BDSM lifestyle is not readily accepted. Not only is Brianna not sure about the lifestyle and becoming Stephan’s submissive, but she actually is afraid of different aspects. Along with that, the people in Stephan’s life are not supportive of his lifestyle choices or with keeping Brianna. Basically, there is no "rose shaded glasses" that made everyone around easily accept the lifestyle. It gave the story a flavor of reality and truth.

Brianna is one amazing character. And if you’ve read my reviews of book one and two, you know that I’m beyond protective of her. Even to the point of being mad at Stephan, the hero, at points. Brianna has grown a lot since Slave. She still has a lot of moments where her past creeps up, but she bravely pushes forward. Brianna and Stephan’s relationships evolve even more during this book, along with their trust for each other. Even though she still has her reservations she always trusts Stephan. Of course, Lily, was as wonderful as ever with being a friend to Brianna. And being able to explain/coach Brianna through different aspects of life and how to deal with Stephan.

Stephan has had his DOM moments in the past books. But this book we got more of an inner glimpse into his desires. Still everything is pretty tame compared to other books in this genre. But it works for these characters. As mentioned before, he is one of the sweetest guys/doms that I’ve ever read. He is patient and gentle with Brianna. And I forgot how young he is – when it said something about him being in his early twenties. I was shocked cause he has so much age to his action and thoughts.

Truth was a great addition to the Finding Anna series. This series is always does a number on my emotions. One minute I’m chuckling along then sad then mad as hell. Hayes has a way of tapping into my heart and making me feel right along with the characters. Have some tissue ready for this one! Truth ends on another cliff hanger. However, the last in the series is already out!

 

*This copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

| Review of Slave (Book 1) | Review of Need ( Book 2) |

 

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Mine to Spell by Janeal Falor

 

 

Happy Release Day, Mine to Spell! Read on for more information, my review, an excerpt, and a chance to win your own copy of Mine to Spell!

Title: Mine to Spell (Mine #2)

Author: Janeal Falor

Publish Date: May 5, 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy

SUMMARY:
Cynthia has always hidden from her father’s hexes behind her older sister. When her family gains independence unheard of for women, she’s relieved that her days of harsh punishments are over. But as her seventeenth birthday approaches—the typical age to be sold to a new master—death threats endanger her sisters. She now faces two options: run or meet society’s expectations.

For once, Cynthia isn’t going to let her older sister shield her from the problem. She’s going to prove to herself, her sisters, and society that her family isn’t a threat to their traditions. She willingly chooses to be purchased by a new master. A bold step that takes her somewhere she never thought she would go and to a man she might possibly fall in love with. With his help, she may just find a way to save her sisters while discovering how to stand up for herself. If she lives long enough.

 
 
MY THOUGHTS:
 
Note: The novella in this series, Mine to Tarnish, should be free on amazon during the opening week. Double Check before clicking ---> Mine to Tarnish

Mine to Spell picks up quickly where You Are Mine leaves off. Only this time, we are seeing the story from the adventurous sister, Cynthia. A lot of the questions that left me confused or curious at the end of You Are Mine are explained during Mine to Spell.

WHAT I LOVED:
Sisters – There have been many, many books that focus on brothers (not that I’m complaining). I like that the Mine series instead focuses on a group of sisters. Especially in a society that only cares about men, it shows strength and the power of unity when these women pull together.

Cynthia – Getting inside her head and seeing that she wasn’t a ditzy guy-crazy girl was wonderful. She not only shows a lot of strength and wisdom, but we get to see the why behind a lot of her actions. She willing sells herself as a wife in order to protect her family. And again, shows a lot of selflessness, loyalty, and compassion when she tries to help other women in her community succeed and not suffer.

World Building & Magic – Falor does an excellent job building the world Serena and Cynthia live in. It is a harsh society that is hard to stomach from the tarnished and sacrifices to the cruel warlocks. But we also get to see a more light side of magic. There is huge colorful bubbles along with room expanding spells. The magic really comes alive, even more so, in this book. I’m glad that we got a better look and explanation about their magic and how it works in this book.

Lukas – I’m a huge Zade fan. It helped that he has his alpha male moments. But, Lukas's gentle ways, fierce heart, and small smiles quickly won me over. And even gave me those heartwarming butterfly moments. The romance is not a huge part of this book. The plot and danger, and Cynthia working to better her society is the main focal point. But Lukas was a great addition and ever scene that he was in had me grinning from ear-to-ear.

I’d recommend this book (and series) to all lovers of Fantasy YA. More so, this book carries a message of equality, independence, fighting for your beliefs, and standing up for what is right. In my opinion, it would also be a great book for younger girls because it carries such strong messages.
 
 
EXCERPT:
“Have you made any progress?”

After giving my necklace a tug, I randomly pick one of the three choices I’ve narrowed it down to. At this point, there’s nothing different about any of them. All are rich warlocks offering much for possession of me but say little else. Any warlock who said anything more always said something distasteful. “Contact this one. And make sure he pays for me before you sign anything.”

“You’re making the decision so soon?”

There’s no holding back my emotions any longer. This isn’t something I want any more than she does, but there’s a part I must play. I focus all my negativity into cheer. It comes out in a squeak of giddiness. “Naturally I did, Serena. I can’t wait until I’m with my new owner. Excuse me while I go embroider a handkerchief with his name on it.”

The stunned look on her face makes an apology want to tumble from my lips, but there’s no saying the words. I spring from the room like I’m the happiest woman in Chardonia, not the one returning to a world full of hexes and beatings and warlocks. A world I despise.

 

 

BUY LINKS:

 




MINE TO SPELL

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JY3ZZV8
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/430661
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mine-to-spell-janeal-falor/1119315837?ean=2940045843454



YOU ARE MINE
Amazon US - http://amzn.com/B00CLXC07A
Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CLXC07A

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-are-mine-janeal-falor/1115275866?ean=2940044507333
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/307844

 

MINE TO TARNISH
Amazon US - http://amzn.com/B00GOG9U14
Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GOG9U14

 

 

 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 
Amazon best-selling author Janeal Falor lives in Utah with her husband and three children. In her non-writing time she teaches her kids to make silly faces, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and attempts to cultivate a garden even when half the things she plants die. When it's time for a break she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family, fencing, or drinking hot chocolate.
 


Links:
Website: janealfalor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janeal-Falor-Author/536495353049569?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanealFalor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/janealfalor/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Janeal-Falor/e/B00CMKXXN2


GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Book Review: The Professional by Kresley Cole

 



This book comes down to personal taste. It is well wrote with terrific character voices. It has a lot of kinky steamy along with a fair amount of "aww" moments. If you like your heroes very alpha and possessive, then you should definitely give this book a try.

For me, it was 3 Stars.

Personal Taste --

I've read my share of BDSM books, but this one had some scences that A) didn't settle right with me, or B) or just wasn't my thing. Don't get me wrong, this book had a rather large amount of panty melting moments. A lot of which, I was very pro- Sevastyan and his sexy, alpha self. But the club scene just felt over-the-top and not exactly "in character" for Sevastyan. There was other moments that I felt Natalie should have walked away. Sevastyan came off scary and possessive, which I can usually handle, but it was almost to the point of being toxic. It just didn't add up or work for me.

But there was some really great moments.

THE GOOD--

Natalie's father was an awesome additional character. His trust and relationship with Sevastyan opened a deeper view of both characters. And I liked seeing Sevastyan's genuine loyalty. But seeing him interact and build a relationship with Natalie was hilarious and heartwarming.

Sevastyan's Warm Side. When he was being sweet to Natalie, I melted into a puddle on the floor. Knowing parts of his past and his profession, it warmed me to see him act so caring and compassionate.

 

Natalie being relatable. Being in my twenties, I found Natalie's: grad school life, friends, G.N.O, job crunch, curiosity about her father, and voice all believable. And loved her and her best friend's motto of : ABC -- Always Be Crazier. It had me cracking up.

The plot was adventurous and fast paced. The setting shifts a lot and the drama seemed to always be on simmer. Add in all the sexual tension, and this book was not lacking in keeping my attention.

Even though there was moments that weren't for me, it was still a fast-paced, steamy, laugh out loud funny, emotional and heartbreaking read. This story is anything but conventional, but raw and possessive.

 

*Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.



 

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