Review: Eternity (Fallen Angel #2) by Heather Terrell

Eternity by Heather Terrell

The end . . . or a new beginning? As Ellie comes to grips with her destiny as the Elect One, her relationship with Michael grows tense. When she meets a mys­terious boy named Rafe, things get even more complicated. Yet the time has come for the Elect One to stand against the group of evil fallen angels who are bent on destroying the world. In order to face the immeasurable malevolence heading her way, Ellie tries to put her personal life aside. But she soon learns that whoever holds her heart also holds the key to mankind’s salvation—or destruction. As the end days approach, Ellie is faced with an epic decision. Who does her heart really belong to? And is her love strong enough to save the world?

Published in US: June 28th 2011
Source: Won from The Non Reluctant Reader

My Review:
  In some ways I liked Eternity better and worse than Fallen Angel, the first book in the series.
  There was plenty of action, and things that kept me turning the pages, I wasn't sure of who to trust and anxious to see how things would turn out. I still really liked Ellie, and I think that her struggle of maintaining a daily life, and keeping her secret is balanced perfectly. It would be too fake if she didn't have doubts and she didn't have problems.
  Michael was a eh point of this book to me. I understand how persuasive the fallen can be, but I feel like some of the points I thought were out of the way from the first book were reiterated, and I really just wanted him to step up more, and see him and Ellie's relationship strengthened.
   A very positive point in this story was the addition of the character Rafe. I can't tell too much about him without spoiling, so just suffice it to say that he saved the story for me. He is just what I want in the type of character role he played.
   The ending is kind of a question to me. I think that things were wrapped up beautifully even though I do feel like a few of the plot lines were a little rushed in the middle and towards the end. I am not really sure if there is going to be a third book, or where it might pick up if there is.
   If you enjoyed Fallen Angels, then I def recommend to pick this book up!
I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review.

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Entanglements by P.R. Mason

 Entanglements by P.R. Mason

Accidentally opening a vortex sucks! Fifteen-year-old KIZZY TAYLOR is just hoping for an evening of fun when she joins her friends in a spelunking expedition through an under-city tunnel. But fun turns bizarre when Kizzy accidentally opens a vortex and her stepsister is swept through to an evil alternate dimension. The only way to rescue her stepsister is to reopen the vortex and go in after her. But will Kizzy be able to return home?

About P.R.: Pat writes steamy contemporary and paranormal romance under the name Patricia Mason and Young Adult paranormal romance and Urban Fantasy as P.R. Mason. She escaped from the snowy Midwest winters of her youth by moving in 2001 to a beautiful, historic city in Georgia to pursue her dream of being a novelist. Before being published, Pat won first place in the Sandhills writer's conference novel category and third place in the Georgia Romance Writer's contest known as the Maggies.

Interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

 Opening a vortex sucks! In ENTANGLEMENTS, Kizzy Taylor must enter an evil alt. dimension to save her stepsister, but will she ever get home?

--How did you get the idea for the story?

The idea for the plot came largely from the quantum mechanics theory of entanglements. Scientists have found that a particle may be tweaked and second particle will react even though it may be miles away from the first and even though there is no discernable connection between the two. It's theorized that the connection exists in an alternate dimension of which it is believed there are at least seven. I began to wonder whether people could also be connected through alternate dimensions.

I live in Savannah, Georgia, which is known for being the most haunted city in America. However, it is not as widely known that there are many alleged vortexes in Savannah. When I combined this with the quantum mechanics theory, the plot was born.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with? I would definitely like to have dinner with the villain, Prince Leopold. Being the son of Britain's Queen Victoria, in an alternate universe of course, he has many a story to tell.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I love to read. Right now I'm exploring the Steampunk genre.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates? 

My work in progress is a sequel to Entanglements, which I plan to release in January of 2012, entitled RESISTANCE. It tells the story of a young female resistance fighter who, along with her warlock/vampire love, must defeat an army of soul sucking golems.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

I'm going to resist the impulse to live in the world of Pride & Prejudice because that is too cliché....Nope can't resist. I'd spend the 24 hours with Mr. Darcy.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)?

My daily writing routine usually begins in a local coffee shop. If I can get out of the house and away from the temptation to sit and read (or do household chores...although that's more like a nagging impulse rather than a temptation), I find it much easier to concentrate on the story I'm writing.

Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

Right now, I'm very inspired by the Florence + the Machine album, Lungs. I particularly love Cosmic Love and Heavy In Your Arms.  When I was writing Entanglements, I was listening to Muse (Map of the Problematic and Uprising are particular favorites). Also, pretty much anything by Vast is wonderful. 

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Invisibility. I think it would be fantastic to be invisible and thus be able to gain access to any place I wished and observe anyone I wished.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love to spend time chatting with friends in a coffee shop or reading as I sit on the sofa with my two cats cuddled around me.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I love to hear from readers. They can email me at contact@prmason.net or follow me on @prmason on Twitter.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?                          Chocolate

Edward or Jacob?                               Neither. But if I have to choose I'll take Jacob

Hockey or soccer?                               Soccer

Ebook or paper?                                  ebook

Salty or sweet?                                    Salty

Beach or mountains?                           Beach

Phone call or email?                            Phone call

Early bird or night owl?                      Early Bird

Dog or cat?                                         Cats

Messy or neat?                                    Messy

Ninjas or pirates?                                Pirates

And now for the GIVEAWAY:

Free Book and Author Interview: Polly's Story: Swallowcliffe Hall by Jennie Walters

Polly's Story: Swallowcliffe Hall by Jennie Walters

Polly Perkins can hardly believe her luck when she's taken on as a housemaid at Swallowcliffe Hall. At first, it's all she can do to keep up with endless fires to be laid, carpets to be swept, and beds to be made—never mind when guests arrive from London for a country house party. Will she ever feel at home in this grand old place, so full of ghosts from the past? But friendship and comfort are found in unexpected places, and Polly slowly begins to find her feet—until a tragic secret leads her to question everything she's ever believed. Could the elegant life of Swallowcliffe Hall be nothing more than a glittering façade?

About Jennie: London with my husband, two cats and a dog - and occasional visits from our two grown-up sons.

--The Twitter
version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

My
Swallowcliffe Hall trilogy is about three generations of girls who live, work
and fall in love in a grand English country house.




--How did you get the idea for the story?

Dates helped with the idea. I suddenly
realized that a young girl in late Victorian times might have a daughter
approaching adulthood in 1914, and a grand-daughter of the same age in 1939.
What fascinating periods of history, and how the world changed between 1890 and
1939! I’ve always been interested in servants, so decided to ‘root’ my stories
in a grand country house where servants and the gentry would live side by side
– perfect for passionate illicit encounters and overheard secrets!

--Which
character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

I’d most like to have dinner with Grace,
heroine of my second book, to ask her what it was like, living through the
First and the Second World Wars (as my own grandmother did). I’d least like to
have dinner with Lord Edward Vye, for reasons which become clear in ‘Grace’s
Story’.

--What are some
of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I find I’m less likely to read when I’m
trying to write, as it’s confusing to have someone else’s voice in my head. I
love all of Anne Tyler’s books and have recently discovered a wonderful British
writer called Jane Harris. At the moment I’m reading ‘The Whereabouts of Eneas
MacNulty’ by Sebastian Barry, and loving it!

--Do you have
any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I’m re-writing a story about a girl who
wakes up one night to find a young man from the 1920s in her room. He seems
more real than a ghost but somehow she must work out whether or how he died,
and find a way of preventing it (which of course means that she’ll never see
him again). I hope to get it right by the end of the year – watch this space!
The book is called ‘See You in My Dreams’.



--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be
like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Hard to decide between ‘Swiss Family
Robinson’ and ‘Anne of Green Gables’. I think it would have to be the former,
so I could ride on an ostrich and sleep in a tree house!

--Do you need
anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing
while you wrote?

I have to write in silence, with lots of
coffee breaks! But a song that inspired a lot of my early thinking behind my
current story was ‘I know we’ll never have that night’ by Rose Elinor Dougall
(think you can find it on Youtube). It’s just lovely.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

The ability to fly. It would save so much time in the London
rush hour, as well as being fun.

--Besides
writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Lots of walking – we have a big dog! I
also like cooking. Not very exciting hobbies but very good for coming up with
plot ideas.

--Is there
anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Only that I hope they’ll find my stories
entertaining, and that if they’re interested in the historical background
behind them, they might like to look at my website, http://www.jenniewalters.com,
for lots of information, original photographs, and much more.

Lightning
round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Edward (Robert Pattinson went to the same
London school as my nieces)

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Hmm, tricky. Can I have both?

Salty or sweet? Salty

Beach or mountains? Beach – I can’t ski!

Phone call or email? Email, every time

Early bird or night owl? Early bird

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? Messy, unfortunately

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

Giveaway:

Expired!

Go visit her site, friend her on goodreads, follow her on twitter and most importantly, review her book when you're done to show your thanks!!! Also, the share by tweet, or facebook button is right below the post, we'd love it if you spread the word!

Review: If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Review: If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a onenight stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever? 

Publishes in US: Oct 1 2011
Source: Early Reviewers

My Review:

   If I Tell is a mesmerizing read with character that make you care and be involved with them. Even though I've never been in a situation like Jaz's I felt for her, and agonized over the right choice to make, and the implications of telling or keeping a secret.
   There was so much more to this book than I expected, issues of friendship, bullying, biracial identity, sexual identification, and different family dynamics.
    Ms. Gurtler fleshed out wonderfully Jaz's fears and emotions--dealing with her mom's pregnancy, her mom's boyfriend's (who she'd previously had a good relationship with) betrayal, and a changing friendship. But I also loved how everything ended up working out. Not in some fairy tale manner, but in something that could be real. There are beautiful moments of overcoming and of healing.
   The romance was kind of surprising and fun to read all at the same time. Jackson was truly mysterious, but I loved how he opened up Jaz.
I'd love to hear what you think of this book and/or my review.


  

Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel

After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel 

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.
Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

Published in US: Sept 13 2011

Source: won from Princess Bookie

My Review:

   After Obsession is a really interesting paranormal project, and it is fun to see two different perspectives from two different authors. I didn't really know or pay attention to that when I went into the book, but found out after, and that made it even more attractive to me. 

   I liked the two main characters, Aimee was a great mix of strong and brave, rightfully fearful, and a hint of vulnerability. Her family was also a hoot--I really enjoyed Gramps and Benji's camaraderie, grumpiness and their affection for Aimee. 

   It was fun to be in Alan's head too. There is an undeniable sense of maleness and that's something that I don't see contrasted to the feminine that often. I also really appreciate the different ethnicity and the fact that he didn't try to hide it. I do have an issue with his mom though. I think that the protectiveness and love that I know is there from some of her comments is sharply contrasted by her disdain of the Navajo culture he tries to embrace. I also wish that the ending could have been more fleshed out because it seemed almost anticlimatic.

   Overall though, I enjoyed this one and would read a follow up novel if it were released. 

I'd love to hear what you think of the book and/or my review.