Birthspell - Review

Birthspell

by Miriam Khan

Genre: NA Paranormal Romance

Release Date: March 2020

What they say: He’s bad news.

Full of himself, brutally honest and arrogant.

Under that gorgeous mask is something dark and twisted, and he’s claimed me as his victim.

When orphan Crystal visits a great aunt she's just met in Blacksville, West Virginia, she sets some rules for herself:

#1 - Don’t get too close to anyone.

#2 – Don’t expect too much.

#3 - Don’t fall for the town’s bad boy like everyone else.

While she finds the last one frustrating, Crystal has no intention of giving into any weaknesses. That is until she’s told there’s a curse that’s been running through her family for generations, and it seems the one she needs to avoid is the key to bringing it to an end.

Now all bets are off. Only a single line separates her from the side of magical beings, and she’s crossing it.

But she learns rules are in place for a reason. The hidden world in the seemingly small and innocent town goes far beyond the one she knows and understands.

It’s a world where humans once visited and have been warned not to return.

Ever.

◆◆◆◆◆

On the outskirts of town, creatures roam the night, waiting for the One. The birth of her child…

When orphan Crystal Valdez accepts an invitation to stay at Thorncrest Manor in the small town of Blacksville, her fate falls into the hand of a dark and sinister world of covens and witchcraft.

She is unlike anyone else in the small town, and is struggling to come to terms with her new found powers and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But within the desolate cornfields, old plantations, and decaying graveyards of the forgotten land, secrets can’t stay hidden forever.

A spell cast two centuries ago will bring her face to face with the one she can’t deny but also her biggest challenge.

He’s been bound to her since birth. Too many fates count on their every decision.

But what’s worse? The pact in place to avenge Crystal? Or giving her heart to the enemy?

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: The concept behind Birthspell is clever and there are lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the gothic suspense driven moments and would have loved more of them!

 

When we meet Crystal she's in a particularly vulnerable situation and is unsure of where her  life will take her. I enjoyed her spirit and enthusiasm although I was desperate for her to demand more answers or to leave.

I enjoyed the little tidbits we get into the history of the house and Crystal's mysterious new family.

I couldn't decide how I felt about Dru. I think people make a lot of allowances for her because of her age. I also had similar issues with Cray and Seb. I do like a broody lead but both are kept pretty mysterious and I would like to see them developed and explored more in the next instalment. Ugh Luke! 

The end took a turn I really wasn't expecting but it's always nice to be kept guessing! I'd love to explore the attics - no way could I resist!

3 Stars in my Sky!

Author Spotlight:

Miriam is from England and is from a family of six siblings. Birthspell is her debut novel and began as an idea she woke up with in 2008. After many years of trying to perfect the story, a shortened version was published in 2014 by a small press in the States, and was named, The Lebrus Stone.

The book went on to be adored by many and even reached the top ten hotlist for YA Paranormal Romances in the famously know WATTPAD within weeks of its partial upload, bringing together fans screaming and begging for more of Cray and Crystal.

Miriam has now decided to republish the book with a new title, cover and original (longer) manuscript, and is eager to see how it will be received.

 

Am Reading - Stranger

Stranger

by Heather C. Myers

What they say: When seventeen year old Sophie Harper gets to the Academy for Peculiars, she’s already killed a man. She learns her superhuman strength not only stigmatizes her as a peculiar – a human with abnormal DNA – but isolates her even further due to how rare her ability is. As she settles into her new home, she makes friends with her dorm mates, stresses out about catching up with schoolwork, and starts dating one of the most popular guys at the academy. 

However, as normal as Sophie wants to be, she can’t change the fact that she’s different, even among peculiars. She starts falling for her trainer, a rugged shifter named Will, who frustrates her to no end, and learns about the only other person who shares her ability, a man everyone refuses to talk about. She starts to realize that being what she is means more than just being strong and that just because her mysterious counterpart understands her doesn’t mean he isn’t a threat.

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YA goodness!!

The Return - Book Tour

Ooh more sci-fi!!!

The Return (Sanshlian #3)

by Dani Hoots

Genre: YA Sci-fi

Release Date: June 16th 2020

FoxTales Press

What they say: Everything is riding on the races.

As planned, I have entered the races to get back the map to Sanshli. Everything is riding on this and I cannot lose. Torn between my brother, Nygard, and Jack, I didn’t know who to trust. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered if Nygard had it right—maybe we were more powerful and deserved to rule. Only time would tell, and the winner of the races would be able to find Sanshli and end this once and for all.

This is the conclusion of the Sanshlian Series

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Previous Books in the Series:

The Quest (Sanshlian #1) on Goodreads

The Journey (Sanshlian #2) on Goodreads

To celebrate the epicness of sci-fi I've come up with my tops five reasons why I love it:

1. Sci-fi is SO on trend and relevant, especially right now with Bob and Doug making it to the ISS. Go Nasa and Space X! Everyone is talking about space again!

2. Sci-fi allows us to wonder and dream, to think of new ideas and can help with real scientific progress (yes I know not always, hence the 'can').

3. YA Sci-fi books make for great coming of age stories. Sci-fi stories often involve a morality quest or issues. We see racism and LGBTQ issues being debated through the realm of sci-fi which often propels (sorry rocket pun) these issues into the mainstream, where they belong!

4. Think of the movies and TV shows. Hello baby Yoda!

5. Science and space are awesome! Nuff said!

Author Spotlight:

Dani Hoots is a science fiction, fantasy, romance, and young adult author who loves anything with a story. She has a B.S. in Anthropology, a Masters of Urban and Environmental Planning, a Certificate in Novel Writing from Arizona State University, and a BS in Herbal Science from Bastyr University.

Currently she is working on a YA urban fantasy series called Daughter of Hades, a YA urban fantasy series called The Wonderland Chronicles, a historic fantasy vampire series called A World of Vampires, and a YA sci-fi series called Sanshlian Series. She has also started up an indie publishing company called FoxTales Press. She also works with Anthill Studios in creating comics through Antik Comics.

Her hobbies include reading, watching anime, cooking, studying different languages, wire walking, hula hoop, and working with plants. She is also an herbalist and sells her concoctions on FoxCraft Apothecary. She lives in Phoenix with her husband and visits Seattle often.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram

Giveaway:

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Excerpt:

These guys were amateurs. 

I glanced back in my rearview mirror to see the next contestant barely making it around the corner a couple hundred meters behind me. I licked my lips and smiled. This was way too easy—I could get used to a life like this. 

The sad part for these guys, I had just learned to drive. I was new to this, and I was still beating them. No wonder the Emperor thought it would be a good idea for me to enter this contest—he had faith I would figure it out. 

Taking a deep breath, I tried not to think of what this was really about. I couldn't let my current victory cloud my judgment, as there was a lot at stake here. Although, if I still got second or third in this last race, I would still get first place overall, as my points were exceeding everyone else. But I knew if I let them get near me, someone would try to sabotage my car. I was too good for them, which caused them to resort to illegal tactics.

But that was Recar for you. Legal means accomplished nothing here. 

Which was where I came in. 

This was my first mission on my own that the Emperor had assigned me. After years of training, I was ready, although I felt I had been ready for a while now. The mission was to get close to the leader of Recar, Jack McHannon, and assassinate him, as he was causing some trouble for the Pandronan Empire. It was about time the Empire dealt with this planet, and I would be key in that victory. I couldn't wait. 

The reason I had to compete in this race, however, was because there was no good way to get close to Jack. He was heavily guarded. However, if I won this race I could become his personal driver. Then I could kill him.

Easy as that.

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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.

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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!

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Pretty Cover - A Scattering of Leaves

A Scattering of Leaves - Keeper of the Souls #2

by Patricia Reynolds

Genre: YA Historical Fantasy

Release Date: August 27th 2019

Following his Vision Quest in A Scattering of Crows,Hidden Spirit continues the journey after an unsettling vision of his sister, Chasing Rabbit, in danger. He races against the clock to find the boarding school where Preacher Jim continues to indoctrinate the Sioux children. He fears he will be too late and wonders about the fate of his beloved, Morning Star. 

Surviving insurmountable odds, Hidden Spirit rises to the harrowing challenge. Quelling his anger, his inner warrior and magical powers begin to surface and develop in ways he never thought possible. Along the way, he meets some unsuspecting friends and allies that help forge this epic journey.

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A Scattering of Crows (Keeper of the Souls #1) on Goodreads

Author Spotlight:

Patricia Reynolds lives in Washington State with her partner of many years, along with their adopted family of dogs and cats. She has a passion for nature and the environment, and a soft spot for animals of all kinds. Patricia's primary goal in writing this book was to lend a voice to the forgotten. Her young adult fantasy series: Keeper of the Souls, is based on actual events. 

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Wolf Clash - Blog Tour

Wolf Clash - New Dawn #4.5

by Rachel M. Raithby

Genre: YA/NA Fantasy Romance

Release Date: August 4th 2019

While war looms on the horizon, two powerful wolves fight a far more intimate war in this next installment of the New Dawn novels.

Logan’s childhood taught him love comes with the potential of pain. Long ago, he decided he’d never have a mate, but one explosive encounter with Mia—a woman as lethal as she is beautiful—has him questioning everything. There’s a problem. Her heart’s as closed off as his and winning her isn’t going to be easy.

River Run soldier Mia doesn’t allow men close, especially not those who hope to capture her heart. The last person she expects to find herself drawn to is a Dark Shadow wolf renowned for his playboy ways. Not only is he sexy, but he’s also charming—a dangerous combination. Getting close to Logan will end in heartbreak. But with Logan’s bold pursuit to win her difficult to ignore, there’s a clash coming.

Logan and Mia find themselves playing the most passionate of games and when everything comes to a head, they must decide if loves worth the risk. 

*Please note this is a Novella

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Winter Wolf (New Dawn #1) on Goodreads

Wolf Dancer (New Dawn #2) on Goodreads

Wolf Sight (New Dawn #3) on Goodreads

Lost Wolf (New Dawn #4) on Goodreads

Wolf Clash Purchase here!

New Dawn Series Purchase here!

Author Spotlight:

Rachel M. Raithby started her writing career in 2013 and hasn’t looked back. She draws her inspiration from the many places she has lived and traveled, as well as from her love of the paranormal and thriller movies. She can often be found hiding out with a good book or writing more fast-paced and thrilling stories where love always conquers all. A Brit who has lived in many places, she now resides in a small town in New Zealand, with her dog, three cats and four children.

Website * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

Giveaway:

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Blog Tour Organized By:

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The Moment We Fell - Tour

The Moment We Fell

by Kelli Warner

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 25^th 2019

Wave Runner Publishing

Nothing good happens when people keep secrets.

 Paige Bryant’s dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer died along with her mother. Drowning in grief and plagued by guilt, Paige is blindsided by a provision in her mother’s will that sends her to live with the father she never knew. Forced to start over in a new town and at a new school where she's now the principal's daughter, Paige is convinced that her life can’t possibly get more complicated—until fate throws her into the path of the only boy her guardian tells her is off-limits.

 Despite two years on the straight and narrow, Cade Matthews can’t escape his time as a juvenile delinquent. With his dad behind bars, Cade’s feelings of anger and betrayal are as relentless as the rumors he’s trying to outrun. The only person not listening to the gossip is the new girl with her own set of troubles, including a father who will never give Cade a fair shake.

 As Paige tries to adjust to her new life and an uncertain future, a set of unopened journals reveals a dark family secret. When tensions rise to a boiling point, can Paige and Cade make peace with the past before it destroys them?

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Kelli Warner writes humorous and relatable young adult and contemporary romance novels, the kind of stories that get your insides so wound up in an ooey gooey mess that you forget about the un-fun stuff in life. She's passionate for a good cup of coffee (even a bad one on a desperate day), enjoying time with friends and family, and spending lazy Saturday mornings watching the Food Network. Kelli and her husband live in Oregon with their two teenaged children and an outstanding border collie named Lucy.

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Excerpt:

Cade slides off the rock and moves to stand in front of me. The rain has stopped. “Tell me about your mom.” Everything in my body threatens to shut down, as if he just pulled the fire alarm on my soul. “What was she like?” Unable to look him in the eyes orgrasp a cohesive sentence that consists of more than three words, I stare at the dirt and mumble, “She was amazing.” Cade’s tenor is soft when he asks, “What made her amazing?” “How much time do you have?” Leaning in, he whispers, “As much time as it takes.” 

Giveaway: 

Will go live on Monday 17th HERE! (winner announced 30th June)

Giveaway prize package includes: 

$50 Amazon gift card/Wooden sign that reads: Coffee: because adulting is hard/Coffee mug/Decorative candle

Blog Tour Organized By:

YA Bound Book Tours