Coming Soon - Youngblood

Youngblood

by Sasha Laurens

What they say: Kat Finn and her mother can barely make ends meet living among humans. Like all vampires, they must drink Hema, an expensive synthetic blood substitute, to survive, as nearly all of humanity has been infected by a virus that’s fatal to vampires. Kat isn’t looking forward to an immortal life of barely scraping by, but when she learns she’s been accepted to the Harcote School, a prestigious prep school that’s secretly vampires-only, she knows her fortune is about to change.

Taylor Sanger has grown up in the wealthy vampire world, but she’s tired of its backward, conservative values—especially when it comes to sexuality, since she’s an out-and-proud lesbian. She only has to suffer through a two more years of Harcote before she’s free. But when she discovers her new roommate is Kat Finn, she’s horrified. Because she and Kat used to be best friends, a long time ago, and it didn’t end well.

When Taylor stumbles upon the dead body of a vampire, and Kat makes a shocking discovery in the school’s archives, the two realize that there are deep secrets at Harcote—secrets that link them to the most powerful figures in Vampirdom and to the synthetic blood they all rely on.

More info

Am Reading - Night World

Night World

by L.J. Smith 

What they say: The first book in L.J. Smith’s beloved Night World series is now available as a special collector’s edition!

The pain was something Poppy couldn’t ignore. The diagnosis was death. There was no hope—until James appeared in the darkened hospital room.

James, her best friend and secret love, the most handsome boy in El Camino High. But this was a James she didn’t know, menacing yet irresistible as he offered Poppy the gift of eternal life.

Only he could open the door to the Night World, and spirit her into its lonely, secret universe.

One dizzying kiss and she can see into his soul. She finds that he has always loved her. They’re soul mates—but can she follow him into death and beyond? It’s a desperate choice, and Poppy’s time is running out...

More info

Spotlight - Midnight Sun

I couldn't decide whether to read this one or not but eventually decided I'd give it *ahem* Edward a go and see if I can find the Twilight joy again...

Midnight Sun - The Twilight Saga

by Stephenie Meyer

What they say: When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

More info

Buy here!

Coming Soon - Midnight Sun

Edward's POV is coming!

Midnight Sun - Twilight #5

by Stephenie Meyer

What they say: When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting beautiful, mysterious Bella is both the most intriguing and unnerving event he has experienced in his long life as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he let himself fall in love with Bella when he knows that he is endangering her life?

In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and, drawing on the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.

More info

Coming 4th Aug

Review - Dark Reflections

Dark Reflections

by Kelsey Ketch

What they say: Being possessed by a vampire sucks!

Alana Jones’s world has been completely turned upside-down after being bitten by a vampire’s reflection in a cursed mirror. Now she’s forced to stay in an abandoned Victorian inn on an isolated island off the west coast of Florida, where Alana lives a double life: one as herself and one as a vicious murderer. Over the past year, she has spilt and drunk the blood of sixteen victims. The guilt of their deaths slowly eating away her sanity.

Sixteen dead . . .

However, things become even more complicated when Alana finds Cole, a surfer she felt a connection with the moment they met on the mainland, locked up in the island’s shed. Knowing his death is inevitable, she attempts to distant herself from him, continually reminding herself of the monster residing underneath her skin. Unfortunately, it’s a small island, and the more she interacts with Cole, the more her feelings grow for him.

Eventually, she has to make a decision. Either accept his fate or find a way to expel the vampire’s spirit from within herself before she murders him as well.

More info

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Alana is possessed by a vampire. Yep it was a new one for me too as most possession stories focus on spirits but I liked this take. The vampire, Charissa isn't exactly stable and is desperate to be free and doesn't care who she hurts *ahem* drinks and kills at night. Alana wakes up and is left to deal with the horrors and consequences of Charissa's actions.

Alana is feels a huge amount of guilt for Charissa's actions and struggles with what to do. When she wakes to find Charissa has 'befriend' ahem kidnapped Cole, a guy Alana had met and had an instant connection with, Alana is confused and furious as to why. I enjoyed seeing the connection between Alana and Cole grow, although I have to admit it took me a long time to warm to Alana because although I felt sorry for her situation I wanted her to be more proactive. As the story developed I began to like her more and really wanted her to find a way to break the curse and get rid of Charissa.

I liked the insights into the victims but I did feel that, at times at least, there was a little too much victim backstory because I wanted to see more of the action. Nikola was interesting... I'm trying to avoid spoilers here! 

I'm going to be wary of buying any antique mirrors for a while...

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Hosted by YA Bound

Am Reading - Dark Reflections

Dark Reflections

by Kelsey Ketch

What they say: Being possessed by a vampire sucks!

Alana Jones’s world has been completely turned upside-down after being bitten by a vampire’s reflection in a cursed mirror. Now she’s forced to stay in an abandoned Victorian inn on an isolated island off the west coast of Florida, where Alana lives a double life: one as herself and one as a vicious murderer. Over the past year, she has spilt and drunk the blood of sixteen victims. The guilt of their deaths slowly eating away her sanity.

Sixteen dead...

However, things become even more complicated when Alana finds Cole, a surfer she felt a connection with the moment they met on the mainland, locked up in the island’s shed. Knowing his death is inevitable, she attempts to distant herself from him, continually reminding herself of the monster residing underneath her skin. Unfortunately, it’s a small island, and the more she interacts with Cole, the more her feelings grow for him.

Eventually, she has to make a decision. Either accept his fate or find a way to expel the vampire’s spirit from within herself before she murders him as well.

More info

Review - Fire and Bone

Fire and Bone - Otherborn #1

by Rachel A. Marks

What they say: “Gossip Girl meets Percy Jackson in the glitz and grit of L.A...."

In Hollywood’s underworld of demigods, druids, and ancient bonds, one girl has a dangerous future.

Sage is eighteen, down on her luck, and struggling to survive on the streets of Los Angeles. Everything changes the night she’s invited to a party — one that turns out to be a trap.

Thrust into a magical world hidden within the City of Angels, Sage discovers that she’s the daughter of a Celtic goddess, with powers that are only in their infancy. Now that she is of age, she’s asked to pledge her service to one of the five deities, all keen on winning her favor by any means possible. She has to admit that she’s tempted — especially when this new life comes with spells, Hollywood glam, and a bodyguard with secrets of his own. Not to mention a prince whose proposal could boost her rank in the Otherworld.

As loyalties shift, and as the two men vie for her attention, Sage tries to figure out who to trust in a realm she doesn’t understand. One thing's for sure: the trap she’s in has bigger claws than she thought. And it’s going to take a lot more than magic for this Celtic demigoddess to make it out alive.

Add to Goodreads

Buy:

UK * US 

I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Confession time: I've been meaning to write this review for ages *hangs head in shame* so before I'm sent to blogger jail I thought it was about time I posted this...

An unexpected invitation turns Sage from homeless teen to key player *ahem* pawn in a supernatural war. Sage went from the care system to finding herself living on the streets. It's a huge surprise to discover that supernatural beings are real and that she's the daughter of a Celtic Goddess.

As the daughter of a deity, Sage is expected to join a house. Think Hogwarts houses meets Divergent factions. The different houses scheme and manipulate to get their way. I loved all the backstabbing and drama. Sage has trouble trying to find her way without allowing herself to be manipulated by pretty much everyone. She discovers that it's really difficult to fight fate...

I loved the Celtic mythology Marks seamlessly incorporates into the story. It was a joy to read about the druid politics and supernatural hierarchy.

The romance: triangle warning!!! Keiran, the Raven King - oh the drama!

The action really picks up as the story progresses then builds to a crescendo with one heck of a cliffy ending.

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

FAMILY IS FOREVER - Tour & Release

FAMILY IS FOREVER, the conclusion to S.C. Stephens's Conversion series is out now!!

Julian Adams would give anything to rewind the last few months. His sister has been forever altered, a man he distrusts is now a permanent part of his family, and the woman of his dreams no longer remembers him. The only thing left for Julian to do is start over.

Nika Adams is finally content with her life. She's forever bound to her soulmate, and helping him with a project that has given him purpose. But just when it seems peace is on the horizon, an unintended consequence of Hunter's work arises, and everyone must pull together to find a way to keep the family safe ... forever.

Add to Goodreads

Grab your copy of FAMILY IS FOREVER today!

Amazon * iBooks * B&N * Kobo

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
What I say: I always seem to start a book series midway through, but in a rare move I actually read the Conversion series in order. I recommend starting the series in reading order, but if not, to at least start by reading the last three in book order. You may get a little lost if not. The last three books focus on Julian and his sister Nika. The twins are  trying to balance high school life with their unique vampire family dynamic.  
The book picks up with Nika fully vamped out and with Julian facing the consequences of life without Arianna. Not only has Julian lost his girlfriend after her memory wipe with little hope of getting her back (thanks Grandma), but he has also lost the twin bond and mind link to Nika. Nika has her own problems; hiding from the sun whilst being in the throes of a sire bond with Hunter.
I'm a big fan of this series. I loved Teren and Emma but I think I like their children more. I can never decide how I feel about Halina but I like all the complicated wonder that is Hunter the hunter!

I had a horrible sense of doom for a lot of the book. I kept thinking something terrible was going to happen. Does it? Ha as if I'd tell you that! I will say that the story is full of twists and turns to keep us guessing.

Family is Forever is a good ending to the series but I can still imagine further spin offs...

4 Stars in my Sky!

Excerpt:

Arianna had relaxed quite a bit during our conversation. Her demeanor was casual as she played with the strap of her shoe. Her laugh came naturally. It was easy to pretend that we were still together as we sat there talking. Our arms were even touching. It sent a jolt of electricity down my spine to feel my skin against hers again. It felt like we were finally shifting, finally moving in the right direction. It was everything I’d hoped tonight would be.
After a brief pause in talking about our summer plans, Arianna pursed her lips and said, “Why have we never been friends before now? We’re in the same grade, and we must have had classes together before…but I don’t recall ever seeing you before a couple of months ago.”
I sighed, not sure how to answer that. “I don’t know… We must have just kept missing each other. But I’m so glad that’s not the case anymore. You…there’s just something about you. You’re kind, warm, accepting. You see past people’s faults, to the person they are underneath. You’re patient, forgiving, and open to things that are a little…different. But you don’t take crap from anyone either, and you stand up for what you believe in. You’re just…amazing.”
Her expression was blank. “You saw all that, sitting across the room from me?”
I peeked up at her with a small smile that I couldn’t hide. “I see you, Arianna. I see the real you.” Straightening, I met her eye and held her gaze. “And I really like what I see.”
Arianna held her breath as we stared at each other. Her heart rate spiked, and I momentarily felt bad that I could hear it. She’d probably be embarrassed if she knew I could. But then her eyes drifted to my lips, and I really didn’t care that I had a slight advantage. All I cared about was whether she wanted me to kiss her right now. Was she ready to see me as more?
I leaned in, tentative and unsure. Maybe I was misinterpreting this. Maybe, because I wanted it so badly, I was seeing something that wasn’t there. My heart was thumping in my chest so loudly, Nika probably thought I was doing something much more strenuous than just sitting on a bed, staring at Arianna, and waiting for our second first kiss to happen.



 

Don't miss the other books in the Conversion series!

Conversion * Bloodlines * 'Til Death * The Next Generation * The Beast Within * Family is Forever

Author Spotlight: 

S.C. Stephens is a bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.

Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer’s block reducing music, heading out the movies and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

Family is Forever - Releases This Week

Family is Forever - Conversion #6 by S.C. Stephens

I'm reading this one now and cannot wait to see how it ends...
Releases 22nd Feb.

What they say: Julian Adams would give anything to rewind the last few months. His sister has been forever altered, a man he distrusts is now a permanent part of his family, and the woman of his dreams no longer remembers him. The only thing left for Julian to do is start over.

Nika Adams is finally content with her life. She's forever bound to her soulmate, and helping him with a project that has given him purpose. But just when it seems peace is on the horizon, an unintended consequence of Hunter's work arises, and everyone must pull together to find a way to keep the family safe ... forever. 

Add to Goodreads


SaveSave

The Beast Within - Tour & Review

THE BEAST WITHIN

by S.C. Stephens 

 

Nika Adams has had a challenging year. She gave her heart to Hunter Evans, only to have him break it. But Nika refuses to give up hope. Not when there's a chance she can save her true-love—even if she must save him from himself.

Julian Adams finally knows what he wants, and is truly happy. But when he gets mixed up in Nika's suicide mission to save her wayward boyfriend, he begins to wonder if his dream girl can handle the dangerous life that comes with being an Adams

Add to Goodreads

 

Get your copy of THE BEAST WITHIN now!

Amazon * iBooks * Kobo

 


I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I'm a sucker for the angst and drama in this series. I was excited to be instantly pulled back into Julian's and Nika's crazy family.
I'm going to presume you're up to date with the series. The Beast Within isn't a standalone, you do really need to have at least read the previous book, The Next Generation, although personally I'd start at the beginning with Conversion.
Nika and Jules have almost had a bit of a personality switch in this one. Jules is loved up in his romance with Arianna and Nika's moping over Hunter. While they both experience the usual teen romantic dramas they do have the added complication of their vampire family and evil trackers/hunters.
I have to admit I did find happy Julian a little confusing at first, but liked seeing another side of him. Plus I'm pretty sure there's lots more brooding on the way. I did like the twist with Raquel, whom I felt had only previously served to annoy Arianna. I wasn't expecting the way things went down with Arianna and still can't decide how I feel about her.
Once I managed to move past Nika's age, I've been very much pro her relationship with Hunter. I liked seeing her trying to get through to him and show him how great things could be.
I love it when the entire Adams clan band together to protect their life on the farm/ranch. I wasn't disappointed because there's lots of action in this book, oh and cows. 
The twintastic bond. I'm not sure I would personally want to be involved in all aspects of their bond, I do really enjoy all Nika's and Julian's sweet twin moments.
Oh the cliffy ending! I can always tell if I enjoyed a story depending on how annoyed I am about a cliffhanger ending. I knew I was coming to the end of The Beast Within but kept hoping for a few more pages. Role on Family is Forever!!

4 Stars in my Sky!

Excerpt:

Even still, the memory of Nika’s lips on mine burned me more than the acidic feeling of the sunlight as it had finally penetrated the window and seared my skin. Feeling her kiss again had lifted me in a way I’d never expected to be lifted. Our last goodbye kiss was soft, sweet, tender, but full of so much passion. But even it paled in comparison to the taste of her blood in my mouth. The memory wasn’t leaving me. That sensuous liquid had absorbed my every thought and desire. Her heartbeat raging in my ears had drowned out all reason. Clamping onto her neck had felt so natural to me, so right. I’d wanted nothing more than to tear through her skin and feel that burst of warmth course down my aching throat. Oddly enough, I had a feeling Nika would have let me bite her; I thought she’d even wanted me to. But I wouldn’t hurt her in that way, regardless of what the demon inside me wanted.

Once I was inside the lowest level, I breathed a sigh of relief. Shutting the soundproof doors meant shutting out Nika’s honey voice, a voice that plagued my dreams, made me ache in ways that reminded me that a man still lived inside this body of a monster. The way her dress had clung to her, the way my hands had felt running over her body, her warm breath washing over my face, the desire in her eyes, the fire in her kiss … I hadn’t expected her to undo me as quickly as she had. I was putty in her hands, and I’d nearly lost control. But I couldn’t afford to. I wouldn’t snap. Now, or ever. I would remain in full control of this lust. And that meant I had to stay away from Nika. She was too desirable to me. All I would bring her was pain. Or death. And I couldn’t handle either of those scenarios happening.

I would tell her. Tonight, I would tell her. We couldn’t be together, not like we were before. I needed her to stay away from me. I needed her to let me go. Please, Nika, let me go.

Don't miss the other books in the Conversion series!

Books in the Conversion series

Conversion * Bloodlines * 'Til Death * The Next Generation * The Beast Within * Family is Forever

Author Spotlight:

S.C. Stephens is a bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.

Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer’s block reducing music, heading out the movies and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

THE BEAST WITHIN - Is Live

S.C. Stephens’s THE BEAST WITHIN is available TODAY and paranormal lovers won’t want to miss this one! 

Be sure to pick up your copy today!

 

Nika Adams has had a challenging year. She gave her heart to Hunter Evans, only to have him break it. But Nika refuses to give up hope. Not when there's a chance she can save her true-love—even if she must save him from himself.

Julian Adams finally knows what he wants, and is truly happy. But when he gets mixed up in Nika's suicide mission to save her wayward boyfriend, he begins to wonder if his dream girl can handle the dangerous life that comes with being an Adams

Add to Goodreads

 

Get your copy of THE BEAST WITHIN now!

Amazon * iBooks * Kobo

 

Don't miss the other books in the Conversion series!

Books in the Conversion series

Conversion * Bloodlines * 'Til Death * The Next Generation * The Beast Within * Family is Forever

Author Spotlight:

S.C. Stephens is a bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.

Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer’s block reducing music, heading out the movies and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads

THE NEXT GENERATION - Tour & Review

S.C. Stephens's THE NEXT GENERATION is available TODAY and paranormal lovers won't want to miss this one! 

Read an excerpt below and pick up your copy today!

 

Fitting in can be hard for anyone. But for Julian and Nika Adams, it’s especially challenging. Born as partial vampires, a rare offshoot of pureblood vampires, the twins have had to deceive people their entire lives—distancing themselves from their peers.

Nika desperately wants a hero, a soulmate, someone she can trust with every fibre of her soul—someone as amazing as her father. The boys at her high school aren’t impressing, but luckily for Nika, Hunter Evans has moved into the neighborhood.

Julian desperately wishes he could sever the empathic bond he has with his sister. While it was fun to experience each other’s emotions when they were kids, now that Julian finds himself pining for a girl he can’t have, sharing his feelings is the last thing he wants to do.

Add THE NEXT GENERATION to your Goodreads shelf here!

Get your copy of THE NEXT GENERATION now!

Amazon * iBooks * Kobo

I received a copy of The Next Generation in exchange for an honest review!
What they say: I remember ages ago commenting on how I'm beyond over vampire stories, but that is of course, excluding a S.C. Stephens vampire story!
I've really enjoyed the Conversion series and was thrilled at the chance of reading about Teren's and Emma's kids. I loved the dual POVS of Julian and Nika, although I'm not sure as boy and girl twins they particularly liked always knowing how the other one is feeling.
Without giving much away: we see a time jump from the end of the previous book. The twins are now teenagers trying to fit in with normal high school life whilst hiding their vampire sides, and, of course feeling the first bite *ahem* sorry, touch of romance.
I really like how the vampires in the series are quite different to others in popular vampire books. Their mixed nature and unique family certainly makes for interesting family meals.
I loved Julian and Nika, although I REALLY wanted Julian to get a clue about a certain girl. I wasn't entirely sure about Hunter, but wowzers that ending!!!
I cannot wait until the next instalment is out...
4 Stars in my Sky!

Read an excerpt of THE NEXT GENERATION now:

A slice of anger ran up my spine—I shivered with the strength of it. As I closed my eyes, intense, rolling hatred seared my body, tightened my muscles. I wasn’t angry at Arianna’s comment; I actually found it rather amusing. No, the anger scorching my soul wasn’t coming from me, but from Julian. And it was strong. He was pissed.

My eyes snapped to where I could feel him in the gym. He was moving away from the massive room, hopefully coming out to join me. Curiosity and concern blossomed in my chest. I really wanted to know why Julian was so angry. Although, knowing him, I did have one guess…

“I’ll work on that…” I murmured to Arianna as I felt Julian leave the gym and enter the boy’s locker room. Frowning, I wondered what the heck he was doing. His anger had spiked as he’d left the gym, not diminished. My concern heightened. I should go see what’s wrong with him.

Knowing Julian could feel me just as well as I could feel him, I tried to squelch the worry bubbling inside my stomach. I even tried sending calming feelings Julian’s way, but it wasn’t working. Whatever had him riled up wasn’t letting go; he was getting angrier and angrier.

Arianna laughed, then she started going into elaborate detail about all the dates she wanted to go on, and which boy she wanted to take on them—she had about five or six mapped out already. Tuning her out, I tried listening for my brother. I couldn’t hear him through the people and structures in the way though. My ears just weren’t enhanced enough. It irritated me sometimes that my family’s gifts were weaker in Julian and me—the two of us were much more human than vampire. But that allowed us to feel more normal than the others, and I did appreciate that fact. The limitations were just really inconvenient at times. While any of the other vampires in my family could have easily picked out the conversation Julian was having, all I was getting was low, husky murmuring. But his emotions were simmering, and that was all I needed to know.

Glancing at Arianna, I gathered all my stuff and zipped up my bag. She raised an eyebrow, but didn’t pause in telling me all about her imaginary date rock climbing with Jake McKinley. Giving her a soft smile, so she didn’t get too suspicious, I started to stand. “I’ll be right back, Arianna, I—” Dread locked up my muscles, and I halted mid-sentence and mid-stance. Fear. Julian was feeling fear now. His anger had been rising to a boiling point, but now it had shifted to stark terror, and I had no idea why. Dropping my bag to the ground, I hauled ass across the football field.

“Nika? Where are you going? What’s wrong?”

I ignored Arianna’s concern and kept running. I had to get to Julian. I could have blurred to him in a split-second, but hampering my abilities had been drilled into me since birth, and I wouldn’t go against that training unless the situation absolutely demanded it. And when Julian’s fear shifted to panic…I began to believe that the situation demanded it.

But knowing that Arianna was staring at me as I ran away curbed the desire to blur to Julian. I wouldn’t freak out my friend if I could help it. And aside from extreme panic and lingering fear, Julian was okay. Well, he wasn’t in pain at any rate.

Pulling open the doors to the gym, the metal singing in complaint at my force, I suddenly felt a rush of agony. Gasping, I paused in my step. The zing of hurt had exploded over me, almost like I’d felt it myself. I hadn’t, though; it was separate from my own feelings of fearful concern. The pain had come from Julian…and renewed anger came right behind it.

Once I was inside the gymnasium, my hearing finally picked him up. He was cursing, and there was a lot of scuffling. It sounded like he’d gotten himself into a fight. Odd. Julian wasn’t one to pick on people. But then again, if what had happened earlier in the gym to make him so happy was what I was afraid it was…then yeah, he might have started this fight.

Cursing under my breath as another bout of pain lashed Julian’s body, I glanced around the empty halls. Seeing it was clear, I sped off after Julian. In mere seconds, I was at the edge of a group of people in the boy’s locker room. They were all cheering on a couple of guys going at it in the center. Two bodies were sprawled on the tile floor of the open shower, wild punches being slung everywhere.

From the blood bond and our emotional connection, I knew Julian was amid the melee. Silence shocked me for a second as I stood on the periphery and watched my brother through the cracks in the teenagers surrounding him. He’d gained the upper hand and was straddling a senior: Russell Morrison. I watched in horror as Julian successfully landed a punch to Russell’s jaw. So many racing heartbeats thudded in the room…it was nearly deafening. What the hell?

Knowing that our supernatural strength was superior to every other kid at this school made fear cut through my startled state. Julian could seriously hurt Russell if he wasn’t careful, and with the amount of pain and anger Julian was feeling right now, he didn’t seem to be worried about being careful anymore. He was completely out of control.

“Julian!” I screeched, an edge of panic to my voice. He could not get in a fight with a pure human. He’d accidentally kill him.

 Author Spotlight:

S.C. Stephens is a bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.

Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer’s block reducing music, heading out the movies and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads