Review: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Touch of Death

Author: Kelly Hashway
Pages:229
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: January 15th 2013
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Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Source: Sent by the Publisher

Jodi Marshall isn't sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she's in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she's being stalked by some guy no one seems to know. 

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he's not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she's part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendants of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins. 

Jodi's deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn't difficult enough, Jodi discovers she's the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can't figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

My Take:

When you touch someone you feel connected and close to that person, what if that feeling was taken away because your touch was deadly. Being home schooled for Jodi wasn't all bad, and high school is another world all together. But with one simple crash, everything changed not knowing your blood can bring back the dead can be a little difficult to explain. But with everything surrounding Jodi and the accidents, its hard not to come to the solution and having a stalker isn't nice either. Alex aka her stalker has been on her since that day of the deer accident and even though she has a boyfriend willing to scare him away she still feels something is all happy times. Put your self in her shoes, someone you don't know tells you not to kiss someone, you ignore right.Would you believe someone who said your not even human, I didn't think so. Finally after some time, Jodi realizes  what Alex is telling her, and must learn how to control her 'power'.

Ever get a creepy feeling when everyone is too nice, entering that mansion of a home, their she learns that maybe her being an Ophi is a good thing. Through in a girl who doesn't like her the moment she comes and wants at nothing to prove that Jodi isn't so special. Who knew being a descendent of Medusa would strive even the greediest of people to turn against her. With time running out and a god wanting them, Jodi must come up with a plan to help all Ophi before they cease to exist. 

I love greek mythology so with Jodi's story I felt everything she felt, betrayed and also hopeful for a good ending. Of course this is only the beginning. Hashway brings you in and doesn't ever let yew go, if I had a stalker like Alex I don't know if I would let him in, who am i kidding of course I would let him in. I don't know how Jodi was able to not break down and cry, she is strong and has an amazing heart. I would hate to be resurrected back into my decaying body and live a life of servitude with no thoughts. Jodi senses it and strives to change things, she has this leadership quality and Im so looking forward to book 2 Stalked by Death coming out in July, the waiting begins. 

5/5 stars  

Review: Losing It by Cora Carmack

Losing It

Author: Cora Carmack
Pages:204
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Release Date: October 15th 2012
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Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Source: Bought

Virginity.

Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

My Take:

When in college there is so much expected of you, especially for Bliss Edwards even when your major is acting its hard to pretend you've done the deed. Of course when you meet a hot guy and he seems interested a girl can do only one thing right, invite him in. But for Bliss she invited him in and sent him packing, thinking she at least will never have to see the hot british guy. Wrong!!! It turns out that Garrick is her Professor and of course the chemistry between the two is easy enough to follow. Things shouldn't get any worse right…..

The acting comes in handy, and every which way Bliss is trying to be the good student and not start anything, except of course when Garrick has to step in because one of her classmates decides to do more than what he is expected of. Who knew a jealous Garrick would lead to a romance that is not right. Time of course is speeding up and the end of her college career is coming to an end will Garreck wait for her or will he leave her wanting what she should've had all that time before.

Losing it felt so right for me, loved the fact that even though she sent home a lovely guy, she did it for herself. The lies of course got tough because the cat didn't exist. Garreck of course was perfect, someone anyone would fall all over, Bliss even did, and not allowing oneself the hot british guy feels lonely. I also loved the fact that even though this is New Adult it felt good to read and I had a blast knowing the both of them. 

5/5 Stars

Review: V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram

V is for Virgin

Author: Kelly Oram
Pages:360
Publisher: Bluefields
Release Date: December 11th 2012
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Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Source: ARR

When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation. 

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy. 

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?

My Take:

Ever feel pressured to do what is 'in' at that moment, even when you know you don't want too. Breaking up is hard, for Val its harder because she made a promise to herself and she wants to keep it.  Being a virgin in this day in age stinks, Val knows what she wants and so she sets forth to making sure her stance is heard all over the place. Out of the blue Val goes viral and her stance becomes news worthy, next thing she is being asked out by the hottest musician, Kyle Hamilton, and also given a once in a lifetime opportunity to be the face of Not Everyone Is Not Doing It. But with stardom comes draws and the attention from angry fans Tralse and of course hate from fans on the chat forums set for those who want to talk anonymously. Life hasn't been easy for Val and things are just starting for her, who knew an idea can spark into a national news. 

Of course the benefits is being able to talk about being a virgin and also having a jewelry line for 'Virgin Val', the only thing is what if the cause is too big for one person to take on all at once. Val realizes this and even though she doesn't enjoy the counters with Kyle she can't help but smile once in awhile. But to always at the center of everything, and of course Kyle making every move possible to get a reaction out of her, who can get used to the cameras. At least friends do help and since she started the in crowd has acknowledged her into their group and being popular and in helps. Who would have thought a girl would stand up for what she believes in and show her true self to everyone and not lose focus of her values.

This was such a joy to read because of the pressure a lot of high school students have to face each day. This day and age sex is every where and not like it used to be, guys can be either nice or hateful towards your decision. I liked the fact that her friends and school supported her and Val was able to share her side on things. I wish I had the guts to stand on a table and say what I want to say, Val showed her true self and stayed true to that. Virgin Val will definitely be one of my tops because the way it handle the issue at hand. This was so worth the read and I had a blast getting to know Val and how she was able to stay true to herself. 

5/5 Stars- swoon worthy

Review: A Matter of Circumstance and Celludrones by Claire Robyns

A Matter of Circumstance and Celludrones (Dark Matters #1)

Author: Claire Robyns
Pages:208
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: September 24th 2012
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Available for Order: Amazon|Goodreads

Source: ARR

A Victorian Steampunk/Paranormal adventure with strong elements of romance...
Lady Lily d'Bulier is prim, proper, and prefers to think of herself as pragmatic rather than timid. And avoiding life-threatening situations at all costs is just plain practical. But everything changes when Lord Adair tracks her down in London; searching for answers he seems to think she has.

Greyston Adair is a blackguard and a smuggler, although British Customs will have to catch him red-handed to prove the latter. Fortunately, the dirigibles they float around in have never been able to get near his air dust.

Hell is rising, One Demon at a Time...

With Lady Ostrich hunting them, and the mystery of how their lives tie back to Cragloden Castle and the powerful McAllister clan, Lily has no option but to throw propriety to the wind and run off with Greyston to Scotland, away from the immediate danger and toward possible answers.

My Take:

Ever wonder what life was like for people living in the age that flight was being experimented on and to travel places you needed a carriage, no traffic at all. Lady Lily d'Bulier lives as such and waiting to be asked to marry. Of course life can be a bit strange when you own a Celludrone, a type of robot made to protect those they are given too. Greyston Adair comes along and needs to protect her as well because being attacked by a witch makes anyone want to leave right away. If only they can run from Lady Ostrich who is hell bent on getting her and of course him as well. With limited answers and even more limited places of hiding, time is running out and finding out your special can put any damper on your way. 

They both learn that the day they were supposed to die was the time that all children like them were there for one purpose help stop demons from destroying everything. Their story together has just begun and getting to Cragloden Castle will help them realize their fate is even bigger than what they thought it was. Sacrifices will need to be made when the fate of the earth is on the two of them to gain the strength to fight on. 

A Victorian style setting was lovely all around, Lily and Adair journey was magical and even though it was different than any of its nature, it had me smiling and even encouraging them to fight on. Adair is the type that knows he needs to protect Lily and his power to go back 30 minutes has come in handy plenty of times. I had a great time reading this Victorian age story and hopes it continues on.

5/5 Stars

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1)

Author: Marie Lu
Pages:305
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: November 29th 2011
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Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Source: Own

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

My Take:

Imagine life ahead of our time, a place what we do as a living isn't apparent. Where our government is split up and paints you as a criminal when all your doing is preventing supplies of guns to kill those around you. Day lives this life because he can't see any more chaos and he so he stops cargo being shipped and gives his family a little more time. Failing the trials at the age of ten usually means slavery or worst death, so even though he failed he was given a opportunity to do something. Of course when the Republic wants you they send in the best.

Following orders is in any hand book and given a chance to end a criminal like Day is a step up for June. At the age of ten June was the only on to have a perfect score and was named a prodigy, taught by the best she knew her training would give her a open window for Day. Of course opening your eyes to the truth is not something June thought Day can do. With time running out and the Republic wanting their own justice June has to go against the cause that which brought her up and follow her better judgement. Could a future be in the cards for both June and Day, or will the government prevent a future.

This was a master piece, to see as a possible future it opened up my mind to endless possibilities and of course I couldn't help but smile knowing full well this would make an excellent movie. There were moments where I held my breath and hoped for the best. Day stands up for his family but also starts a rebellion not even realizing he can. At the same time June tries her hardest not believe in a conspiracy but in the end the truth adds up and had me the reader smile because she realized her home wasn't what she thought it was. They were both brilliant in that being able to keep moving forward, Lu mastered the grand scheme and had me believing the end was very much near. So looking forward to Prodigy and pick up where this left off.

5/5 Stars - Epic

Review: Demon Eyes by Scott Tracey

Demon Eyes (Witch Eyes #2)

Author: Scott Tracey
Pages:395
Publisher: Flux
Release Date: October 8th 2012
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Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Source: Library

Demons don't die without a fight...

After destroying the demon Lucien, Braden—son of Belle Dam’s most powerful warlock, Jason Thorpe—doesn’t need the power of his witch eyes to see that everything in his life is turning against him: friends, family, and even his visions. When disturbing nightmares of Lucien’s return haunt him, Braden discovers that the simmering feud between the city’s two witch dynasties is fast approaching its explosive boiling point.

While struggling to come to terms with his attraction to Trey, Catherine Lansing’s son who should be his mortal enemy, a diabolical plan starts to unveil before Braden’s eyes. Young women are disappearing from Belle Dam, and as he investigates, Braden is forced to explore the dangerous unknown power within himself. But when the truth about his family is revealed, Braden must pay a terrible price.

My Take:

Ever feel that yours eyes can be special or used for something, for Braden living with his eyes has never really been a walk in the park. He's been training to prevent his eyes from taking over but sometimes things get in the way, and getting headaches is the least of his worries. Witch Eyes gave us an intro to the town of Belle Dam and since Lucian's defeat Braden has been living it day by day. But with the tests his father orders, and the stress of not knowing what the eyes are doing, Braden has to realize that the town will find out who he is. All small towns do end up knowing all kinds of secrets, even those hidden very well and for Braden people finding out who he is will change everything.

Falling for Trey just happened and even though he has been repeatedly told to stay away from him, Braden can not help but find his way to him. Just when things to be looking kinda up Braden has others after his power and being haunted by the person you killed can put even more stress. Its up to those around Braden to help solve who the threat is and to trust those who are closer to the truth than they are. When you have others disappearing who else is there to investigate and try to picture the pieces together, with Trey's help Braden tries to find a peace of mind even when his world seems to be crashing down all around him.

For me following the mysteries of Belle Dam was awesome because the town through Braden was easy enough to follow and even though it scared me when he saw Lucian appear again, he knew it had to be related to his eyes. To have his eyes would be cool for a day but the repercussions of it all wouldn't be easy to handle. Scott had me at every corner of this and even had me gasping for breath when danger was happening, this was a wonderful story. So looking forward to Phantom Eyes out in 2013, so counting until i see Trey and Braden together.

5/5 Stars Mind Blowing and Epic

Review: Her Brother, Her Hero by Terry Towers

Her Brother, Her Hero

Author: Terry Towers
Pages:36
Publisher: Soft and Hard Erotic Publishing

Release Date: July 31st 2012
Author Website | Twitter 
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Source: ebook

Jessie and Jacob haven't liked each other from the day their parents married when they were both teenagers. So five years later when family hero, Marine Jacob Connors, comes home after completing a string of tours overseas, Jessie is less than enthusiastic. However, five years of separation has changed the them and instead of fighting one another, they now find themselves battling over their raging desires for each other.

My Take:

Having a insane crush on your step brother is one thing but with him gone its easier, but when the prodigal brother returns Jessie has to think of ways not to think of Jacob at all. But all it takes is one moment and Jessie is pudding when it comes to his charm and when he says sister it sounds too dirty to be repeated ever again. Jacob never knew Jessie felt the same way as he did and when he returns home she is there and its hard not to want to cross that line. Being with each other is forbidden because both of their parents are married but love hits those who are ready and for Jessie and Jacob they are long over due for being ready.

I liked this little short because even though I see step-sister/ step-brother relationships a taboo its something that is bound to happen. The passion is present and even though they don't see it and try to mask it those feelings only grow with time. I really liked this because it just shows love brings about two unlikely people together and suits them. Loved it.

5/5 Stars