Crescendo -

Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick

About the book:

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. 

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something. 

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

5/5

Review:

I loved this book it is a great second book to the series. With Nora's character growing and learning all the time. I loved the story-line, it was well written and enticing to follow Nora and Patch through new and trying times. The twists and turns in this story-line make it the compelling read that it is, with action, adventure and romance this series is a must read for young adults that love the paranormal genre. The interaction between Nora and Patch is believable and endearing although trying at times they always seem to be drawn together no matter what is thrown their way, and i for one can not wait to read the next installment to see where their relationship is going to next. 

Blue Sky Days - Marie Landry

Blue Sky Days - Marie Landry

About the book:
A year after graduating from high school, nineteen-year-old Emma Ward feels lost. She has spent most of her life trying to please her frigid, miserable mother - studying hard, getting good grades, avoiding the whole teenage rebellion thing - and now she feels she has no identity beyond that. Because she spent so many years working hard and planning every moment of her life, she doesn't have any friends, has never had a boyfriend, and basically doesn't know who she is or what she really wants from life. Working two part-time jobs to save money for college hasn't helped her make decisions about her future, so she decides it's time for a change. She leaves home to live with her free-spirited, slightly eccentric Aunt Daisy in a small town that makes Emma feel like she's stepped back in time. 

When Emma meets Nicholas Shaw, everything changes - he's unlike anyone she's ever met before, the kind of man she didn't even know existed in the 21st century. Carefree and spirited like Daisy, Nicholas teaches Emma to appreciate life, the beauty around her, and to just let go and live. Between Daisy and Nicholas, Emma feels like she belongs somewhere for the first time in her life, and realizes that you don't always need a plan - sometimes life steers you where you're meant to be. 

Life is wonderful, an endless string of blue sky days, until Nicholas is diagnosed with cancer, and life changes once again for Emma in ways she never thought possible. Now it's time for her to help Nicholas the way he's helped her. Emma will have to use her new-found strength, and discover along the way if love really is enough to get you through.

5/5

I will admit i haven't read a lot of this genre recently, but this book is amazing. This book follows Emma through her voyage of self discovery after she realizes she is not happy with the way her life is now, so in order to try and discover what she needs to do, and who she really is she moves in with her aunt. When Emma moves away from home she can never plan for what she is about to discover about herself. Emma finds that her life of solitude back home was not worth the outcomes she gained. Living with her aunt she finds that she makes amazing friends, an amazing boyfriend and most of all that she is loved by a whole new family of people. After a great summer with family and friends Emma's whole world is turned upside down when the love of her life is diagnosed with cancer. Both Emma and Nicolas are in for a rough time, but will their love for one another be enough to get through everything and come out of the other-side stronger and more in love than ever.
From the very first page this book grabs you and draws you in, keeping you captivated with the characters as they go through the trials of love, life and self discovery. Emma is an amazing character so well written and so endearing that you can not help to be swept along and pulled in to her world, all the time feeling like you are there with her. The whole cast of characters are amazing in their own rights all bringing emotions, love and zest for life with them. The was the cancer story line is written i is thought provoking, emotional and captivating. I know the whole thing made me cry, laugh and feel good as i was going through the story. I cant say enough good things about this book so when it is released Jan next year go get a copy and read it im sure you will love it. One final word obviously is that all credit goes to the author for creating such a book that really makes you believe that love can get you through anything.

Depths of Darkness - Laurie Bowler

The Depths of Darkness - Laurie Bowler

About the book:

Patty is a low level worker for The Agency, an organisation of witches that controls the world of the supernatural. Patty grew up an orphan with normal human parents, but when her powers as a witch emerged she was drawn to, and joined, The Agency.
When her friend and mentor, the high witch Matace, is murdered, Patty is unsatisfied with the reports of his death and begins her own investigation. With the aid of Luke, her vampire friend, Patty delves deeper into the dangerous circumstances behind Matace’s death and finds more than she bargained for, the truth behind her own past.
As the dangers deepen and the truth behind Patty’s past are revealed, it becomes clear that the fate of the world is at stake and Patty may be the only one that can prevent the world’s destruction, but at what cost. 

5/5

Review:

I loved this book from start to finish. Patty is as amazing character, bringing the story-line to life as we follow her through the most testing time of her life. The characters depth of emotion and strength really come to the forefront. The story-line is well written drawing you into Patty's world and holding you there, making you follow along with her as she struggles to come to terms with everything that is happening around her. I loved the relationship between Patty sand Luke really buying into the reality that they face, having big decisions to make not only within their lives but in the changing world around them. This is a well written, and engaging book with the added paranormal world brought to life making the reader want more, and want to find out what is going to happen next, and how it is all going to end for everyone involved. I would recommend this book to lovers of paranormal with a twist of suspense and romance all thrown in for good measure. All credit goes to the author for a captivating and engaging read.

Madison Daniel Interview

Welcome Madison Daniel

Today i have the great pleasure of hosting the amazing author of Ember Madison Daniel.

Here's Madison's Bio just to keep y'all waiting that little bit longer:

Bio for Madison Daniel:

Music is LIFE and the written word is our SOUL. Music and writing have been my true ambition since I was a child. I have used music in every form possible; writing it, performing it, healing with it, etc. I call it my "life's soundtrack." I have always written in some form, from comic books to screenplays to short stories and now the new series "Ember." I have spent my writing life inspired by all the music of the universe, 80's movies and eye candy. When not writing I enjoy dreaming out loud, challenging the real world and inspiring the ones I love. I have found a true passion for my stories and characters and am eager to share them with the world. 

So lets get to the good part i know y'all can't wait for the interview so here it is:

Welcome Madison First i want to thank you on behalf of not only the amazing readers out there, but also on my behalf. So let's get down to what the readers really want to know.

Jenny: As most readers know you are re releasing Ember back out into the world again. How does it feel this time? Is it new and exciting?

MD: It feels amazing! Having my manuscript picked up by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing has lit a fire within the Ember universe. Smoking hot new cover, fresh edit and fantastic new merchandise! 2012 is going to be an inferno!

Jenny: From the Ember series which is your favorite character? and why?

MD: The main protagonist, Max Valentine. He has so many little nuances from my life that it has to be him! Though, my fav character to write is Asia Michaels..... she's just so darn moody!

Jenny: Is there a favorite genre of books that you love to read and write?

MD: Horror or suspense (Stephen King addict) but lately YA/Paranormal seems to have the most creative and future rockstars emerging.

Jenny: If you could send a letter of advice to your younger self what would it say? and why?

MD: Settle down, don't stress, enjoy the ride, trust your heart and dream out loud! Oh yeah....invest in Google.

Jenny: What is your inspiration/muse while you are writing?

MD: Music! Music! Music! I live it, breathe it and write it! Music is life. Period.

Jenny: What do you do in your down time?

MD: I. JUST. WANT. TO. DANCE.

Jenny: So Madison as the viewers want to know everything about you, here are some fun questions for you to answer.

Jenny: What is your favorite fruit? and why?

MD: Pineapple! Because of the spikes! It's the most deadly of fruit!

Jenny: If i looked in your fridge now what would i find?

MD: Left over Chinese food, Coke and a drawer full of fruit.

Jenny: What 3 things could you not live without?

MD: Music, eye drops and family. (Not necessarily in that order!)

Jenny: What songs do you sing to in the shower?

MD: Depends on my mood BUT usually some form of "hair metal" Just giving the peeps what they want :)

Jenny: Chocolate or Vanilla?

MD: Va! Nil! La!

Jenny: Cream or Ice-cream?                                                       

MD: Ice-cream....though, I have to be in the mood for it....

Jenny: What drink could you not live without?

MD: H2o.

Jenny: Why's a Raven like a writing desk?

MD: Ahhhh.....this question makes me Mad as a Hatter! 

I have one final question to throw in the mix, i mentioned to an author friend of mine (she knows who she is) that i was going to interview you, and her burning question was..........

When did you get sooooooooooooooooo Hawt?                                                

MD: I think it was a Wednesday... Ha!

I think that concludes my questions for today, many thanks for doing this interview.

MD: Thank you! I hope we can do it again soon. Read on! Rock on! M.

I would love to do this with you again soon i know there are many more followers wanting to get to know you. Even if it is in my very own Madcap way. 

So y'all we want to know all about this great book so here goes.

Blurb for "Ember" by Madison Daniel:
Love never dies...but it can kill.

Ember is the story of Max Valentine, a teenager with secret abilities and many inner demons. His life revolves around music and his love for it. When his father dies he seeks answers with his last living relative, his fathers brother Frank. Frank lives on the island of Maui and eagerly takes Max in as his own. Max soon learns that healing his past will be more difficult than he could have ever believed. 

Max's temper and indecision will send in motion events that will cost him dearly. He will test the limits of his powers and the new relationship with his protective uncle. He will gain a powerful love and lose another. Blood will be on his hands, forcing him to run away from what he wants the most...a new start.

"Ember" releases March 16th 2012 from Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing.  It will be available in ebook and print format from Amazon.  :)

And below you will find all the links to stalk (I mean follow) Nah who am i kidding go stalk him, he loves it :D 

BLOG: http://madisondaniel13.blogspot.com/

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/Madison.Daniel.Author

http://www.facebook.com/EmberSeries

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/MadisonDaniel13

GOODREADS:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5098993.Madison_Daniel

CRUSHING HEARTS AND BLACK BUTTERFLY PUBLISHING: http://www.crushingheartsandblackbutterfly.com/welcome.html

That's all i have for y'all so please go say your thanks to Madison, tell him i sent you and how much y'all love him. 

Gastien Pt 2

Gatien Pt 2 - Caddy Rowland 

Reviewed on behalf of Bookaholics Book club 

About the book: 

I am Gastien Beauchamp, artist and lover. Any Frenchman would tell you that a peasant could never own property in nineteenth century France. Yet here I am, in my very own studio. 
The personal cost was horrendous. I barely survived the choices I made, and my sanity was pushed to its limits.
Still, I finally now have security, peace, and freedom. For the rest of my life I can spend time “making love to the colour”, making love to beautiful women, and enjoying the wild nightlife of bohemian Montmartre. What more could a man need or want?
Then, one night, I see her. One look at Sophie, and my heart wants to betray me! I try to tell myself that I know better. Who needs love, anyway? I am already married-to my art! 
No woman would ever understand and accept my lifestyle; nor am I about to give that lifestyle up! Not when I paid so dearly for it. Besides, I am too badly damaged to ever open up my heart…

My Review: 
4/5 

This book definitely continues on from the first book in the series.
Gastien continues to grow into an adult, with many challenges being presented both personally and in his art work. I love that Gastien continues to grow making him such a loveable character that at time you empathize with him, but at others you detest him just as much. 
The author continues with the amazing story of Gastien being an artist in 19th century France, bringing to life the struggles that artist's faced when they started out. I found that I was even more captivated by Gastien and all the other characters in this book than I was in the first. I was so engrossed in everything going on that I read the whole book in a day, laughing, crying and feeling compassion for all of the characters especially Gastien himself. I must admit throughout this whole book I found that I experienced every emotion there was and I was emotionally drained by the end, but emotionally drained in a good way.
Again the author helpfully gave a glossary at the front of the book with all the French translations to both words used in the first book as well as new words and phrases used within this book. She managed to integrate both languages so well that most of the time you did not notice that both French and English were being used.
I would definitely love to continue on in this series and read book three, in order to find out how everything pans out for the rest of the characters. Although I can’t giveaway why, as I wouldn’t want to spoil the ending for those adults out there that want to discover Gastien and his travels through 18th Century France.

Gastien pt1

Gastien Pt 1 - Caddy Rowland

Reviewed on behalf of Bookaholics Book club

About the book:

Stunningly handsome Gastien has two dreams that burn relentlessly inside of him. First, he wants to become a great artist. Nineteenth century France is a hotbed of new ideas in art; unfortunately, naïve young men, hoping to achieve impossible dreams, die in the gutters of Paris every day. 
Gastien also wants to become a great lover. That will not be so difficult. So far, nineteenth century women can only dream of a man who cares if he actually satisfies them! 
He has no training, no money, and no connections. And, he is a virgin…so far. 
What does he have? Raw, natural talent, a willingness to learn, and a face and body no woman will be able to resist. He vows to stop at nothing to make his dreams come true. 
Gastien Beauchamp, Paris is yours for the taking. 
Sometimes, the "impossible" is possible. But the cost can be extremely high.

My Review:
4/5

First I will say this is definitely a book for adult readers, with lots to keep the adult reader entertained with explicit sex scenes, violence and adult topics.
The character of Gastien in this book is intriguing, and with him being very different from the rest of his family, causing many problems as he is growing up. Following Gastien through his life you find that as you learn more about his character you grow to love and live the life that he does. The life lessons learned as you follow Gastien though all of his troubles are well wrote and believable.
The background story in this book is amazing and really brings to life Gastien’s life as he grew up in France in the 19th century when everything is very different to living life today in France. I found that the use of French terms was an amazing asset and well thought out by the author, really bringing you into the story, as well as adding that little extra, and I found that this really did make the book more enjoyable. 
The author has helpfully put a full glossary at the front of the book with all the French terms and what they mean, as well as added the translation in the book at the first point it is used, so I would recommend reading this book even if the French within it would normally put you off it is definitely worth reading.
I found that I was absorbed into this book from the very first chapter, loving and feeling along with the characters. It is a testament to the author that the storyline flows so well, with well placed and in depth sex scenes that are not for the faint hearted. There are also many other adult topics that are covered within this book that are well wrote and really compelling to read. In all I really enjoyed the flow and story within this book following along with the life lessons learned. I will be heading over to the next instalment of this book very soon to find out what else life has in store for Gastien as he goes through his life.

The House of Sherbet - Simon Dale

The House of Sherbet - Simon Dale 

About the book:

Thirteen year old Jake spends Christmas with his parents at the Oakhouse, the once grand, now decrepit home to his grandfather. Jake quickly begins to realize that the Oakhouse and Granddad Sherbet are not all they seem. On Christmas Eve, Jake's parents disappear, only to reappear six inches tall and having been turned to wood. ??Granddad Sherbet, together with his octogenarian friends, prepares to steal Jake's youth and nascent magical powers.

3/5

This book is about 13 year old Jake, with his family the all go to stay and his granddad’s for Christmas. It just so happens that it is the worse weather ever to be travelling in. When Jake and his family get the old oak house, Jake quickly realizes everything is not as it seems to be. When Jake goes out sledging on Christmas eve, he returns to find his parents missing only to then discover that they have reappeared as 6” wooden carvings. Then Jakes granddad and his friends prepare to use Jake as a sacrifice to gain his magical powers. Jake is left to run for his life, with the help of friends both new and old. Will they manage to thwart their plans only time will tell…….

I did find this book hard to get into at the start, but as it went on it did get better. Following Jake through all the problems that he encounters became interesting. With the relationships both new and old forming and re forming as the story continued. The wood carvings were an especially good touch to the storyline that gave the story a little more depth and intrigue

I loved the whole idea of the storyline, although it did start a little slow for me. I loved the character of Jake as a whole and can see that he is going to grow and mature throughout the series.

Overall I gave this book a 3/5 mainly because although I loved the idea of the storyline it was a little slow for me. I feel that young adults that are looking for something new and different should definitely check out this book. I really think this series has got plenty of room to grow and mature as the characters within do the same.