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Alyssa Rose Ivy Secret Announcement!!!!!

Published June 11, 2015 by crysbookreviews

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Fans of Alyssa Rose Ivy’s, we have a SUPER exciting

                                                                          announcement!

FORGED IN STONE,

Book 1 in The Forged Chronicles

is here!!!

That’s right! Alyssa Rose Ivy has released this New Adult Fantasy

Romance TODAY! And that’s not all… You can find an exclusive Crescent Chronicles bonus

scene in the back of FORGED IN STONE! You are NOT going to want to miss this exciting, new series. Go

grab your copy today!

Forged in Stone - Cover

Amazon   Barnes & Noble  Kobo 

Google Play  iBooks

A Message from Alyssa:

Hey everyone! I’m excited to announce the surprise release

of Forged in Stone, the first book in a brand new NA Fantasy

Romance series. I’ve been waiting to write this story for ages, and I’m so excited to finally share it with

all of you. Although it’s fantasy, there are paranormal elements and it will eventually tie into the other

Chronicles series. Fans of Levi and Jared will definitely want to meet James.

When you are finished reading Forged in Stone, be sure to check out the bonus Crescent Chronicles short story in the

back. I hope you guys enjoy James and Ainsley’s story!

About FORGED IN STONE:

The son of darkness is all grown up…

James is a Guardian. He is tasked with protecting the most important person in his world. For eight years

he has done his job without complaint, but he has grown tired of living under the shadow of a father

who is responsible for the most unimaginable violence and destruction his world has ever known.

Ainsley is at a loss for what to do with her life. She hates her two dead end jobs and the family who

betrayed her. She has resigned herself to living one day at a time, but she longs for an escape from her

lonely life.

When Ainsley finds James in her bed, their two lives and worlds collide. They may have both found

exactly what they need, but the darkness James has been running from his whole life has just caught up.

And check out this amazing

Here!

Excerpt:

“I still don’t know enough about you.”

“You know I am the son of evil. I live in a fortressed city far from here, and I enjoy a good Pinot and fast

cars as much as you do. Is there anything else you need to know?”

She seemed pensive for a moment. “Do you have a girlfriend?”

“A girlfriend? No.”

“Then a wife, or anything else?”

“None of the above.” I shook my head. “And if it puts you at ease, it has been longer than I care to admit

since I have been with a woman.”

“It doesn’t put me at ease. It means you’re desperate.”

“Desperate? If I were desperate I would have slept with the girl hanging all over me at that dive bar the

other night.”

“You hang out at dive bars?”

“It’s the atmosphere that attracts me. I like to blend in. I go there because no one knows me, and no

one cares.”

“That sounds kind of sad.” She played with the hem of her pajama shirt.

“It’s no sadder than you turning into a recluse because of what happened to you. They are the ones that

should hide. Not you.” I took her chin in my hand. “You should never hide.”

Our eyes locked, and I didn’t think. I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers. She didn’t respond at

first, but then she started to move her lips against mine. I sped up the kiss, and she put a hand on my

shoulder, pulling me in. I pushed my way into her mouth, wrapping my arms around her waist as I

eagerly explored her mouth. I was out of control, I could not think straight. All I was aware of was her

sweet taste, and the way her fingers tangled in my hair. I wanted to devour her, experience everything

she had to offer, explore the places that no one had explored before. But I couldn’t. Not yet. I forced

myself to break the kiss. I stepped back.

She watched me, breathless, and with wide eyes. “You kissed me.”

“You kissed me back.” I smiled. I was as affected as her, but she was not doing a very good job at hiding

her reaction.

“I did. I kissed you back, and since we are all about being honest, I want to kiss you again.”

“You can.”

“Now?”

I laughed. “That eager?”

“You ended it too soon.”

Forged in Stone - Suprise  Release Teaser 1

ARIABOUT Alyssa Rose Ivy:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a

southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to

New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and

decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can

usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Twitter ** Author Goodreads ** Pinterest ** Website ** Facebook

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Little Things by Madison Street Release Day Blitz!!!

Published June 2, 2014 by crysbookreviews

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Little Things (Second Chances #1)

Madison Street

Genre: New Adult/Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 2, 2014

Photography: Lindee Robinson Photography

 

Everything in Duke Grayson’s life was all he could ever ask for: A loving family, loyal friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and a scholarship to his top choice college. It’s his senior year of high school, and all he needs is to focus on his grades, lacrosse, and keeping his girlfriend happy. That is until Raya walks into his life.

From the moment they meet, Duke is drawn to her, not only for her natural beauty and her stunning crystal blue eyes, but because he’s aware there’s more to this girl than just his alluring pull to her. He senses secrecy and fear.

Throughout the year, their bond grows stronger, and his feelings for her become undeniable. Just when he is about to express his love, tragedy strikes and Raya disappears.

For six years, Duke is tortured by his struggles, as he’s unable to find her and blames himself for failing to protect her. Until the day, she’s found, and he’s given a second chance. Will Duke become her beacon of hope and make her see that it’s the little things that make life worthwhile? Can Raya overcome her fears and fight against the terrors that haunt her? Or will her dark and torturous past be too much for her to battle against?

*Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, strong language and sexual content. Suited for 18 years and over.*

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Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

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Add to Goodreads

 

Early Reviews

“This book is a standalone and the epilogue is just the sweetest thing ever and it had me crying for a good 30 minutes and I mean ugly cry.

So even though this book talked about loads of things I’m not into reading this is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m so glad I was given a chance to read it before it got out and discover this little gem.

Thank you Madison for such a beautiful heartwrenching story!” ~ Fictional BookHos

 

“I was impressed with Little Things simply because it doesn’t follow the usual mold. Madison Street breaks outside of the mold in the gripping story about love, friendship, and struggle.” ~ Mad in Wonderland Reviews

 

“Let me start by saying “Little Things” was flipping fantastic! I started reading thinking oh wow what a great love story….and then boom..pow..bang….I got my socks knocked off my feet!

What an emotional roller coaster ride! I was literally tapping my leg and biting my nails through the suspense!” ~ Tricia, ARC recipient

Teasers

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Playlist

Little Things

 

Excerpt

I hear a whisper come up from behind me, “So, how’s your first party?” I know that voice anywhere. I turn around to find Duke smiling at me.

“It’s great! I’m having so much fun!”

“I’m glad. You’ve danced with Taylor all night. Usually he doesn’t dance at parties, so that was surprising.”

I glance towards Taylor who’s across the room, talking to Adam. “Oh well. He’s a good dance partner.”

“Wanna bet?” Duke grabs my hand and leads me onto the dance floor just in time for a new song to start. The speakers start to play “Timber” by Pitbull and the crowd goes wild as people begin to flood the dance area. My heart literally stops beating and I swear I can’t even breathe, I’m so freaking nervous. I notice that my hand fits so perfectly in Duke’s hand.

The crowd is so packed together that Duke and I are forced to dance closely; maybe a little too close. As the song starts, he sings the lyrics and we begin to groove to the music. 

I laugh out loud and raise my hands above my head and sing along with him. The crowd is compact and everyone’s bodies continuously bump into one another. Duke looks at me and places his hand on my lower back. A shocking jolt of electricity flows through his touch and my eyes widen. He immediately removes his hand from my back and instead keeps his hand by his side. I can still feel the heat flow, where his hand was placed, and I miss it being there. We continue dancing as I give him a reassuring smile. He winks and continues to sing and twirls me around.

I bob my head to the beat and shake my body with every fiber I have. As we dance together, I no longer pay attention to what’s around me. It’s as if Duke and I are the only ones dancing and as I stare at him, I get lost in the wonder of what could be. Someone from behind me pushes me forward and I fall against Duke’s strong and broad chest as he catches me. We stare into each other’s eyes for a brief moment before he breaks the contact and helps me stand on my own.

“You alright?”

I laugh nervously, “Yea sorry. Just crowded, that’s all.”

The song ends and the crowd begins to clear leaving only a few stragglers. Duke looks at his watch. “It’s getting late. We should get going.”

“Ok. I have to use the restroom first.”

After I use the restroom, Duke finds Melanie among the crowd and we say our goodbyes. Taylor tells me he will call soon and he hugs me and kisses me on the cheek. As we pull up to my driveway, Melanie asks, “So, was it a night to remember?” I smile and catch Duke looking at me through the rearview mirror, “Yes, yes it was.”

 

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About Madison Street

Madison Street was born in New York City and was raised in the Bronx, where she resided until she was 17 years old. After 9/11, Madison joined the United States Navy to serve her country.

During the deployments, Madison constantly wrote short stories and she discovered her passion for writing. You will find Madison always on the computer, whether she’s on Facebook, designing websites, messing with Photoshop, or writing for her blog.

Besides writing, her second passion is music and dance. Even though she’s a terrible singer, she’ll still belt it out in the shower, especially if the song is her jam! She currently resides in Virginia with her husband of 8 years, 2 children, a dog, and a cat. She is so excited to start this amazing journey and is honored to be part of such a compassionate and loving community.

Contact Madison

Website Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Google +

 

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Friends and Lovers Trilogy by Bethany Lopez

Published May 15, 2013 by crysbookreviews

Friends & Lovers Tour button

F&L

Title: Friends & Lovers Trilogy: Make it Last, I Choose You, Trust in Me.

Author: Bethany Lopez

Release date: ?

Genre: Contemporary Romance – novella series

Age Group: New Adult

Event organized by:AToMR Tours

Book Description:

Make it Last:

In a small town, it’s hard to recover from being dumped by your high school sweetheart. That’s just what Briana has to do after Colin leaves her to follow his dreams. She focuses her energy into her friendships and the pursuit of her own goal of becoming a chef. Just when she finally feels like she’s on the right path, he comes back to town.

Colin knew breaking up with Briana before leaving for college was the right thing to do. He was determined to leave small-town life behind forever, and that included his high school girlfriend. But when a sports injury puts him on the sidelines, he’s forced to return home. Seeing Briana again brings back a lot of memories, and Colin wonders if he made the right decision. It doesn’t take long for him to realize he wants her back, and this time, he wants to make it last.

I Choose You:

Up until now, Nicole’s life has been mapped out for her. She’d go to college, marry Jake and become the upstanding minister’s wife. When she leaves that life to begin again in a small town in Texas, she finally has the freedom to live as she chooses. There, she meets Kent, a guy whose charm and passion make it hard to stick to her morals.

Dodging his father’s fists and protecting his twin sister made Kent into the man he is today. He learned by watching his mother stay by his father’s side that it’s better to keep relationships simple. Then he meets Nicole. Her sweet smile and genuine response to him land like punches to his resolve. After a lifetime of learning to protect his heart, can he finally let down his guard?

Trust in Me: Will send once it’s complete

Here is all of the information for Trust in Me, book 3 in the Friends & Lovers Trilogy:

 

Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-in-me-bethany-lopez/1114511772?ean=2940016196398

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFFDEKW

Now I read all 3 of these novellas in 1 day, and I loved every second of them. Each relationship was different and you never really knew what was going to happen from one book to the next. Each book you learned more about the friends that were in the last book.

In Make It Last, we got to read about Bree and Colin’s relationship. How even after 5 years of not being together, they still wanted each other just as much as they did in high school. We also meet Kara and Pete, Roni and Kent, Nicole and Rich. Kara and Bree have been friends since high school right after Colin graduated and work together. I loved how you could see that no matter what happened Colin wanted her back in his life.

Of course something happens that blows them out of the water but apparently the ex of Colin’s didn’t care about the issue and just wanted to get it fixed ASAP. Which was a little sad but I guess better for them in the long run. The book was short, hence it being a novella but worth the read.

In I Choose You, you get to see the beginning of Nicole and Kent’s relationship. Which is very sweet except that Kent does not think he is good enough for her. Which was stupid, Kent was dating but not dating Bree in Make It Last and Nicole was the hostess at the same restaurant. Luckily Kent started to think better and realized he was a jerk to Nicole before they started dating.

This time around it was more about Kent realizing that he was an amazing man that did a ton of things for his sister growing up and continued to do so as an adult. Nicole just needed to let go so that they could be together. I thought their relationship was great because they grew together.

In Trust In Me, we finally get to find out what happened to Roni and why she treated Rich the way she does. After finding out what happened to her, I can completely understand why she did. I mean I probably would have done the same thing. Not even kidding. And Rich, he just never gave up. I loved that about him. You can’t dislike someone that knows what they want and works hard for it.

In this novella, we get to see everyone’s dreams come true, Bree’s cooking, Kent’s journalism, Rich’s place for kids to play sports, Roni’s dance studio. It was almost bittersweet at the end of this book. I was happy everyone got the happily ever after but I was sad to see them go.

I gave all 3 books 4 stars.

About the Author

Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult series. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her novels through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Author social media links:

IAN – http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/bethany-lopez.html

Webpage – www.bethanylopez.blogspot.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/BethanyLopez2

Facebook – http://on.fb.me/LypEaO

Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/bethanylopez2/

AToMR Tours

Guest Post by Samantha Durante, author of Stitch

Published October 20, 2012 by crysbookreviews

EPIC Plot Twists: A List of Favorites from Samantha Durante, author of Stitch

 

Thanks so much to Crystal for hosting the Stitch Blog Tour today!

 

Over the course of the tour, it’s been SO much fun for me to share my work with readers and hear reviewers’ reactions to the book.  And in all the reviews and comments I’ve read, there’s been one common theme running through them all: “I never saw that coming!”

 

Those five little words make my heart swell, because there’s nothing I love more than an EPIC plot twist!  For some reason I’ve been blessed (or perhaps cursed!) with an uncanny knack for guessing where a plot is going, and I’m often disappointed to find that I’ve inferred the direction of story before I even make it to the halfway point.  So whenever a twist really takes me by surprise, it makes an impression.  To celebrate the awesomeness of out-of-the-ballpark plot twists, here’s a quick recounting of some of my favorites:

 

****WARNING: MASSIVE SPOILERS AHEAD!!!****

 

The Sixth Sense

 

Whoa, whoa!  Bruce Willis has been DEAD this whole time??  And the kid knew???  Insane.  I did NOT see that coming!

 

Game of Thrones

 

Okay, George R. R. Martin has pretty much proven himself to be the master of the epic twist, and as much as I HATE him for continually killing off all my favorite characters (especially the wolves!  I love the wolves!), I have to give credit where credit is due: Game of Thrones keeps me on my toes.  And while there are oodles of amazing twists to choose from in this series, I have to select the Red Wedding as the one that stands out most in my find.  FINALLY things are starting to look up for the Starks, my heart is all melty since Robb is in love, the Freys are being uncharacteristically gracious about Robb’s faux pas – and then they all walk into a slaughter.  Just WRENCHING.  I still cringe just thinking of it.

 

Star Wars Episode III

 

Okay, okay, we all watched Episodes 4-6 first, so we knew Anakin Skywalker was going to turn evil, that’s no surprise.  But then I spent all of Episodes 1 and 2 falling in love with him despite his flaws (and Hayden Christensen’s acting…), and I knew he would be redeemed in the end, so I was willing to cut him a little slack.  After all, poor Anakin was dealt quite a hand in life, and his love for Padme was SO deep that he just went a little psycho when she died – that’s excusable, right?  Except then he went and SLAUGHTERED ALL THE YOUNGLINGS at the Jedi Temple!  WTF Anakin??  That is NOT okay.  This was brutal.  And, I’m sorry to say, unforgivable.  Luke should have let him die on the Death Star like he deserved.  Oh, Anakin, I feel so betrayed.

 

Sharon Shinn’s Samaria Series

 

 

I had no idea what I was getting into with this series.  Funny story – one of my roommates in college said she was recommended Archangel by a friend, but she got the impression from the cover that it was a religious book, and knowing I was Catholic, thought maybe I might like it and gave it to me instead.  Now, I ended up LOVING this book, but not for any reason having to do with my religion.  I loved this series because it initially presents itself as a romance between angels and humans on a carefully constructed world where the angels sing to God for sustenance and medicine and rain, but you find out in the second book that GOD IS A SPACESHIP and the angels are genetically engineered humans and all of these people are refugees from a long-ago ravaged Earth.  WHOA!  That was about the LAST thing I was expecting from this nice fluffy romance novel, and it totally knocked my socks off.  I loved the series even when I thought it was just an angel romance, but that sci-fi twist brought me to my knees in worship at the altar of Sharon Shinn.  Just amazing.

 

Portal

 

After finishing the game Half-Life 2, my husband decided he would play the puzzle game, Portal, which came bundled with it since I was sitting on the couch ignoring him while engrossed in some book.  Initially we were just expecting a simple problem-solving game, where you need to use physics and a neat portal-opening gun to get yourself from one side of each room to the other as your character wanders through some kind of run-down testing environment.

 

There was pretty much no background provided besides some prompts from a female computer voice that guided you through the stages.  The voice (GLaDOS) said some quirky things which were mildly entertaining (“Please place the Weighted Storage Cube on the Fifteen Hundred Megawatt Aperture Science Heavy Duty Super-Colliding Super Button.”  “Perfect. Please move quickly to the chamber lock, as the effects of prolonged exposure to the Button are not part of this test.”), but we didn’t think much of it.  I continued reading my book on the couch while he enjoyed his game and that was that.

 

Until I hear GLaDOS say, “”Please note that we have added a consequence for failure. Any contact with the chamber floor will result in an ‘unsatisfactory’ mark on your official testing record followed by death. Good luck!”  I looked up from my book and said to my husband, “Did she just say that?”  He shrugged an, “I guess so,” and continued on with his game.  And the comments continued to get weirder and weirder.  “Frankly, this chamber was a mistake. If we were you, we would quit now.  No one will blame you for giving up. In fact, quitting at this point is a perfectly reasonable response.  Quit now and cake will be served immediately.”

 

Cake?  Really?  At this point my interest was piqued and I put my book down.  And sure enough, as the game continued, GLaDOS’s character developed and we soon realized that there was much more to this little add-on puzzle game than we expected.  In addition to the fun and challenging puzzles (which often required the two of us working together to solve), there was an engaging storyline filled with memorable quips and even a boss battle against – you’ll never guess it – GLaDOS herself!  Yes, the seemingly helpful computer turns on you in a most vicious way, and you must seek her out and destroy her to save yourself, even as she tries to manipulate you into not doing so (“Well, you found me. Congratulations. Was it worth it?  Because despite your violent behavior, the only thing you’ve managed to break so far is my heart.”).

 

And the best part?  Once you finally reach the end, you are rewarded with an awesome song sung by GLaDOS herself.  This game was about the best lazy Sunday afternoon surprise I’ve ever had.

 

****END OF SPOILERS****

 

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

Published July 25, 2012 by crysbookreviews

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale. From Goodreads.

I read the synopsis of this book and I was like “Oh wow, this sounds really good. I can’t wait to read this.” I was definitely let down in the story. I really felt that the story lacked something, don’t get me wrong it was a cute story but I just couldn’t get into it as much as a lot of other books that I have read recently.

I like how the main character, Delilah, likes to read books, even if they are children’s fairy tale books. I like fairy tale books as much as the next person, I just felt that she was missing something, some anger toward her dad for leaving her and her mom and starting a family all the way on the other side of the planet. Anger for her mom thinking she was crazy, which honestly if I had a child and they were telling me that a character in a book was talking to them I might think the same thing but if I was Delilah I would have been furious that my mom didn’t believe me.

Oliver definitely sounded like the heart-breaker that he obviously was, since he broke the princess’s heart while he feel in love with Delilah. Of course, I really like how the author of Between the Lines (the book in the book, I know slightly confusing) imaged Oliver after her son Edgar. Oliver had his moments of complete bravery and it was nice to see.

I really liked the idea of a mom and daughter working together to create this story, and I think they did a good job with story. I just have that personal vendetta against the insta-love that this book had. I get that she was pretty and he was gorgeous, but that doesn’t mean that you are madly in love already. But all in all it was a cute read.

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Keegan’s Chronicles Trilogy Set by Julia Crane

Published May 22, 2012 by crysbookreviews

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Keegan’s Chronicles Trilogy Set by Julia Crane

Coexist: Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends–she’s an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.

In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan’s brother Thaddeus told her Rourk’s name because his visions warned him she’d need Rourk’s protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Conflicted: Keegan, is only alive now due to Black Magic, and her bond with her Chosen is broken. She cannot remember Rourk at all.

For the first time, she feels like a normal teenager. She is dating Donald, her long-time crush, and everything seems perfect. But Rourk still feels their bond, and despairs for the woman he was always meant to love.

Keegan’s best friend Anna is determined to find a way to use her powers to return Keegan’s bond, no matter what it takes. The question is does Keegan even want it?

Books 1-3

Consumed: Keegan has dealt with a lot over the last two years: Death, black magic and the loss of her bond to her chosen mate. But on her eighteenth birthday, the bond with Rourk returns.

Now, Keegan faces her hardest decision. Tradition requires elves marry at eighteen. If she accepts the path laid out for her, she will be spared a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. But will that life ever really be her own? From Goodreads.

I actually read this trilogy separately but I figured it was about time I wrote about the whole set at once because as far as I know the story is done. This was a story about overcoming everything and finding the love that they deserve. I absolutely loved Keegan, she reminded me of my little cousin, who loves to shop and talk about boys and date but not too seriously.

Throughout the books you can see Keegan growing up to be the woman that she is at the end of Consumed. She struggled with not being with Rourk and then she knew something was missing when her bond was gone and she dated Donald. All I know was that I really was hoping that in the end she got back with Rourk because he was absolutely devoted to her and remembered everything about her even when he was training in the Army.

I was relieved when Keegan was able to talk to her best friends Anna and Lauren about being an elf. It was even greater when she realized that they weren’t what she thought they were. Of course everything seemed to be getting back to normal after Keegan’s bond is broken with Rourk.

Rourk even tries to date her like regular humans but it was awkward because on his end, his bond with her is fine but she can’t feel him anymore. After an incident in the woods that Rourk sees with Keegan he decides to give her space and time and promises to come back on her 18th birthday. And boy when he shows up on that birthday does everything get turned around.

They end up back together with the bond working to full capacity but she ends up breaking Donald’s heart at the same time. Everything works out the way it is supposed to be. Thaddeus knows this because he has seen it happening and honestly just wants the best for his bigger sister and Rourk.

I almost wish there was one more book so you can see how they are handling being together; I don’t want to give too much away. I wanted to find out what happened with the other characters, Anna, Lauren, Tommy, Calvron, Sam, Sebastian and especially Donald. I know that probably won’t happen but it was a nice thought and I can’t help but hope for one maybe in the future.

I give this whole trilogy 4 out of 5 stars.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Published May 22, 2012 by crysbookreviews

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Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she’s never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He’s searching for someone too. He’s also wild – a savage – but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other’s best hope for finding answers. From Goodreads.

This is the first book and let me tell you it does not disappoint you at all. There is so much going on throughout the story that I couldn’t put down the book until it was done. I honestly can’t wait for the second book.

It starts out with a fire and a possible assault on Aria by one of the councilmen’s sons. Luckily enough Perry had gotten in and was able to save Aria. Of course that looked really bad on her since only her and her assaulter survived the fire. After that she was lied to and kicked out of her Pod. Yea I can see how she had a really bad week. She hadn’t heard from her mom in a week, her friend died in a fire and then she was kicked out.

Thinking she was going to die from the air and from the Aether storms going on around her she basically gives up only to actually meet Perry. Seeing as she was unconscious for the last time that they met. Of course he rips her medical suit off her by accident and takes care of her while she is passed out. When she comes too finally she isn’t exactly nice to him. Of course he isn’t nice to her either.

They become allies and work their way to Marron to help fix something of hers so that Perry can use it to get in contact with someone. Mainly because he needs something that they took from him. After awhile they kinda make friends. From there they end up liking each other but knowing that nothing could happen. They were completely opposites and Perry knows that his tribe won’t accept her since she is a Dweller. But boy was I rooting for them to stay together.

Eventually they meet up with Roar, Perry’s friend and Cinder a boy who has been following Roar around. At the same time they are being chased by a cannibal tribe. Not everyone wants to get eaten. After a while they make it to Marron’s tribe and are fixed up medically and given clothes and food.

He ends up fixing Aria’s item and Perry is able to get in touch with who he needs to talk too. There are still lies and secrets. Aria finds out a huge secret her mom hid from her and explained why she survived and was getting stronger outside of the Pod.

Honestly if you don’t read this book and like it, I can’t understand you. The love that grows from Aria and Perry is absolutely beautiful. It isn’t rushed or anything. The friendship between Aria, Perry and Roar is amazing. It is just an absolutely great book with an amazing cover, I don’t know how I will survive until the second book comes out.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Fated by Courtney Cole

Published May 21, 2012 by crysbookreviews

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Fated by Courtney Cole (Bloodstone Saga #2)

Seventeen-year old Macy Lockhart thought she had it all figured out.

As a Keeper in the ancient organization, the Order of the Moirae, she literally holds fate in her hands. She lives over and over in lives that end tragically; all to further the good of mankind as she does her part to control destiny.
But there’s one lesson that she hasn’t learned well enough. Nothing is ever what it seems.

Startling new revelations about her identity surface and Macy realizes that she’s more important than she ever imagined.

As she struggles to grasp her new reality, everyone she loves is threatened. Is she strong enough to save them all? From Goodreads.

Wow this second book was really good. There was more love and action throughout the whole book. And the ending…just wow. Once again Macy is dealing with something different. The Fates hurt her so that they can have a conversation on how she isn’t holding up to dealing with her charge.

There were so many new secrets that come out. Apparently no one is who they seem to be. Still throughout the story Gavin and Macy are steadily together. Their love is unbreakable, or is it? Macy finds out that she is a goddess, mind you a minor one but one nonetheless. Gavin has been her husband since the beginning of time basically and they have loved each other fiercely before losing each other dramatically. Not only that, but the decisions that she has pushed her charge to do have been hurtful to her and everyone else.

I don’t want to say too much about it because you really should read it. I have only started the series, I still have to get the other books to finish it off but if the other books are as good as the first two books, I can’t wait to read those. Courtney changed mythology enough that it makes it a lot different from everyone else that has written about something similar.

I give this book 4 out of 5 books.

Clockwise by Elle Strauss

Published May 21, 2012 by crysbookreviews

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Clockwise by Elle Strauss

Casey Donovan has issues: hair, height and uncontrollable trips to the 19th century! And now this—she’s accidentally taken Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time. Awkward.

Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just “brotherly” protectiveness?

When they return to the present, things go back to the way they were before: Casey parked on the bottom of the rung of the social ladder and Nate perched high on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her younger brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.

Which of course, she does. From Goodreads.

I thought this book was so cute. I liked how Casey felt like a real girl, especially since she didn’t realize how pretty she really was. She was just awkward. Okay she is really awkward and time traveling probably doesn’t help her grace.

And of course Nate seemed like a nice guy at first. Of course when he tells the truth, he kind of broke my heart. I really felt bad for Casey. It didn’t help that when they were in 1860 he is so much nicer and seems to care about her but when they are back to their time, he completely ignores her. I know I would have been heartbroken.

She can’t explain to her mom or dad or brother what goes on when she travels. But she does eventually figure out why she time travels. Which I thought was amazing. There were so many moments in the book that were really great, her friendship with her only friend was nice.

Casey tries to time travel alone because she doesn’t want to upset anyone and definitely doesn’t want her secret out. She only traveled once with her friend but recently she is always traveling with Nate every time he touches her, its immediate and they are thrown back into 1860. Mainly because he stresses her out and increases her heart rate.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait for the second book to come out.

Every Last Kiss by Courtney Cole

Published May 21, 2012 by crysbookreviews

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Every Last Kiss by Courtney Cole (Bloodstone Saga #1)

Born a goddess. Controlled by the Fates. Can Macy’s love for her soul mate survive the bonds of time… and death?

17-year old Macy Lockhart is as far from normal as any one girl can be. The problem is, she doesn’t know it yet.

After a bloodstone pendant is mysteriously left on her door, Macy’s life begins to change in ways she’d never dreamed. And while she will eventually come to realize that nothing is ever what it seems, that her life is a tangled web of lies and the Fates themselves pull the strings, for now she is left with only the explanations that they offer her.

Macy is led to believe that if she doesn’t return to a previous doomed life, one in which she served as Queen Cleopatra ‘s handmaiden, the fate of the entire world will be threatened in a way that would destroy history as we know it. She learns that she has lived thousands of lives, each one ending tragically…but none as tragic as this one.

After returning to ancient Egypt, she is faced with heart-wrenching decisions. Unless she interferes with Fate’s plan, the very thing she was born to protect, her soul mate will die leading Marc Antony’s forces against Rome. Can she really stand aside and watch the love of her life die all over again?

In this fascinating novel-length prequel to The Bloodstone Saga, Courtney Cole sets the stage for an epic journey that will have readers holding their breath until the very last page of the very last book has been turned.

What would you do if you held Fate in your hands? From Goodreads.

Poor Macy or Charmian, in the now she is Macy but she is thrown back into a previous life of hers as Charmian, Cleopatra’s hand maiden and friend. She was just having one of those weeks, she found out her boyfriend cheated on her so she dumped him after 2 years worth of dating then she is sent back in time by a priest.

Meanwhile Macy is there and she is trying not to mess up the past but it is so hard for her since Annen, the priest, also brought a bad guy back from the dead to show her that the Fates can be changed. Still she was trying so hard to keep it the same. Eventually she has to tell Cleopatra, and then she tells Iras and Marc Antony because Iras was there and Antony saved her but had heard the conversation.

Throughout the story she is madly in love with Hasani, her soul mate. They spend time together and have been together since they were teenagers; they have not married only because of their duties. His to Antony and hers to Cleopatra but they are seen as married since they have been together for so long at that point. He is quite dreamy, warrior type that is gentle and oddly enough only has eyes for her in that time.

When she comes back, after setting everything right again, she is heartbroken because she lost Hasani, Cleopatra, and Antony. She was having a hard time going from one time to the other. When her best friends get her out of the house she runs into her ex, who seems to think that they are going to get back together. She of course tells him no, she knows out there that there is something better for her even if he isn’t around anymore. Or she thinks. Eventually she finds out that they will meet again. And they do! Gavin is new in town and she is just lucky enough to find him at a sandwich shop when she goes to get her mom lunch.

This book was amazing; there was mystery, love, comedy and drama. I was hooked throughout the whole story.

I give the first book 4 out of 5 stars.