DNF Review: Shadow Breakers by Daniel Blythe

Synopsis:
Can she escape the shadows and face the truth before the darkness destroys her?

"If the enemy is a fire, the evil is its shadow, flickering upon the wall."

"That's very poetic, Miss Bellini. I just wish I knew what it meant."

Miranda's new home is a dull seaside town at the edge of the world, the sort of forgotten place where nothing ever happens. Until something does. Something strange and sinister. With her schoolteacher and her classmates, who might be more clued in than they let on, Miranda sets out to uncover the mystery. Her bravery borders on recklessness. She thinks she's chasing shadows, tortured spirits from centuries past, but could true darkness lie within? With a mixture of science and magic, Miranda's got to figure out how to break and banish the evil before it destroys her.

An electrifying paranormal thriller that will have readers guessing till the end!

My Thoughts:

This is only the third time in my blogging career that I have had to write a DNF (did not finish) review. I barely passed the 50 page mark. After that, I couldn’t take it anymore. I would rather bang my head against a brick wall repeatedly than finish this novel. The writing style was absolutely atrocious. I don’t think I have read anything this poorly written in years. The pacing of the novel was horribly slow. I felt like I was trying to walk through freshly poured concrete trying to get where I did in the novel. When something interesting finally did happen, it went back to being boring again in the next chapter. I didn’t feel any emotional attachment to any of the characters. They were all easily forgettable. Needless to say, I won’t be reading any of Daniel Blythe’s future novels. 

I give Shadow Breakers: 1/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.danielblythe.moonfruit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielblythewriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danblythewriter
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/363138.Daniel_Blythe

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

Synopsis:
Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical,  Uses for Boys  is a story of breaking down and growing up.

My Thoughts:

Uses for Boys was a great debut novel. I liked how gracefully the author dealt with tough topics, such as rape and abortion. I do have one problem with the book. Uses for Boys is classified as a young adult novel. Personally, I think the book should be classified as a new adult novel. The book touches on quite a few sensitive topics and has a lot of descriptive sex scenes in it. I liked how fashion inadvertently plays a big role in the book. Toy and Anna only met because they have the same sense of style. Em idolizes Anna because of her fashion taste. I didn’t really care for most of the characters. Anna and Sam were the only two that I enjoyed. Anna's other boyfriends were complete jerks. Anna's mom was an irresponsible parent. Something seemed off about Toy. I predicted what it was before the book revealed it. I really like Uses for Boys. I will definitely re-read it sometime in the near future. 

I give Uses for Boys: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.ericalorraine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Uses-for-Boys/234672533248624
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericalorraine
Tumblr: http://usesforboys.tumblr.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5018116.Erica_Lorraine_Scheidt

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade

Synopsis:
Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.

Marine biology student Emma Pierce lives in paradise—geographically speaking, anyway. Stranded on Sanibel Island, Florida, she works at a nursing home by day and spends her nights dodging the island's infamous bad boy, Jackson Taylor, at her favorite karaoke bar. Trying to heal from the loss of her sister and a failed relationship she rerouted her life for, she's ready to graduate and finally leave Florida behind.

When a run-in with Jackson and his rowdy crew goes sour at the bar one night, sparks fly and irreversible damage is done. It’s no secret that Jackson loves to get underneath her skin, but this time he's gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she's gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart.

My Thoughts:

Rachael Wade continues to be my favorite author. There’s just something about her writing that I adore. Once I start one of her books, I can’t put it down. Love and Relativity was no exception to that. I loved everything about the book; the plot, the characters, the setting. I was ecstatic that she had brought back some of the characters from the Preservation series for Love and Relativity. My favorite character from Preservation, Carter, was a main character in Love and Relativity, which made me fangirl squee. I’m hoping that Rachael writes a book from his point of view.(After writing this review, I found out that she is writing a book from his perspective.) I also like how the author talked about other books in Love and Relativity. That’s rare to find in books. It made me want to try reading Obsidian. I had heard a lot of great things about Obsidian. Reading about Obsidian in a book by my favorite author makes me want to read it even more. Besides Carter, my favorite character was Whitney. I loved her personality. She didn’t take crap from anyone. She ripped into Jackson when she was being a complete jerk to Emma. She was a supportive friend. She laughed and cried with her. She was also there anytime Emma needed someone to talk to. I love Love and Relativity. I am eagerly awaiting Rachel Wade’s next book. Based on her books thus far, her next book is bound to be a hit as well. 

I give Love and Relativity: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.rachaelwade.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorRachaelWade
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachaelWade
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4831558.Rachael_Wade

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Synopsis:
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 descendents 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 Thoughts:

I thought Touch of Death was a fantastic novel. It was the first necromancer novel I had read. At first, when I read about the deer, I thought the book was weird. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stick with it. I’m glad I did. The book was interesting to begin with, but it gets a lot better when Jodi and Alex go to the Ophi school. The events leading up to them going to the school are mindblowing. When they get to the school, things only get more pivotal. I liked how the author put a completely new twist on the legend of Medusa. I liked most of the characters. I couldn’t stand Abby or Troy. I think they deserved what they got in the end. However, I doubt it’s the last that they will appear in the series. The ending left off on a somewhat cliff hanger. I want to read the next book in the series and find out what happens next. 

I give Touch of Death: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.kellyhashway.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kellyhashway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyhashway
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4528793.Kelly_Hashway

I received a copy of this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Reservation by Rachael Wade Kindle Fire giveaway tour

Synopsis:
A sequel to the Amazon bestselling romance, Preservation, told from Ryan’s point of view.

Old Habits Die Hard.

Ryan Campbell is not only leaving his title of Professor behind to move on to bigger and better things at Simon and Warden Publishing, he’s also become Seattle’s rising literary star. Sitting on the overwhelming cusp of newfound fame, he learns soon enough that being popular has its downside. 

Attracted to the buzz surrounding his new career, former lovers begin to creep back into his life, and potential ones emerge with enticing advances. While he works to juggle reserved, yet stressful, wedding plans with Kate and his new public image, he has enough to manage without worrying about Carter and Dean—Kate’s loveable albeit eccentric friends—and their latest shenanigans. 

Surrounded by a lifestyle that includes temptation at every turn, Ryan finds himself immersed in a world full of scandal and lies, where his oldest weaknesses thrive and his ghosts return to haunt him. Questioning whether his life with Kate is his best path, he must discover if he’s still capable of being the man he aspired to be when she first became his, or if happily ever after is only an illusion.
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On the blog today, we have a special contest. If Reservation hits the Amazon Top 100 between 3/6 (release day) and 3/13, a winner will be drawn for a brand new Kindle Fire. Contest is international and winner will have 3 days to claim prize via e-mail confirmation before another winner is drawn. The contest ends on 3/13.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you everyone for stopping by and participating in the giveaway. Also, a special thank you goes out to Rachael Wade for allowing me to participate in the giveaway tour.

Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum

Synopsis:
Twenty years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us.

Only a few escaped the robot revolution of 2071. Kevin, Nick, and Cass are lucky —they live with their parents in a secret human community in the woods. Then their village is detected and wiped out. Hopeful that other survivors have been captured by bots, the teens risk everything to save the only people they have left in the world—by infiltrating a city controlled by their greatest enemies.

Revolution 19 is a cinematic thriller unlike anything else. With a dynamic cast of characters, this surefire blockbuster has everything teen readers want—action, drama, mystery, and romance. Written by debut novelist Gregg Rosenblum, this gripping story shouldn’t be missed.

My Thoughts:

I’m not usually a big fan of science fiction novels. That being said, I loved Revolution 19. At times, it was scary accurate. With the technology we have, it’s not impossible to think that we might be overthrown by robots in the future. The plot had me captivated. It was interesting hearing about a city ruled by robots. The re-education center was especially fascinating. I loved the complexity of the center. The author did a wonderful job of creating it. I’m hoping that the re-education center comes back in the sequel. I liked most of the characters. I didn’t care for Amanda. I thought she was whiny and untrustworthy. I think she deserved her fate. My favorite character was Cass. When Nick, Kevin, and Cass arrived in the city, I think Cass handled it the best. She has a calm demeanor that I really liked and respected. The book left off on a cliffhanger. I’m assuming there is going to be a sequel. It’s at the top of my to read list when it is released. 

I give Revolution 19: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gregg-Rosenblum-author/503611676339567?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreggRosenblum
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5838087.Gregg_Rosenblum

I traded with another blogger for this ARC. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Awakening by Karice Bolton

Synopsis:
Alone in snowy, remote Whistler village, Ana tries to build a new life since losing her parents. With a cozy condo, a sweet-faced bulldog and an evening job to leave the days free for the slopes, life slips into a great routine. If only she could shake the guilt for not remembering anything about her parents and banish the night terrors that haunt her every dream.
On a whim, Ana goes out with Athen, a guy she's just met in the Grizzly Pub... The only problem is that she feels like she already knows him. 
Within 48 hours of meeting Athen and his family, Ana's world implodes. She falls for Athen quickly and before she knows it, a past life begins to resurface. As thrilling as the revelations appear at first, she fights against the chilling information that Athen is from the underworld. Soon she begins to struggle as her own supernatural gifts are slowly unveiled, and she realizes that the nightmares she's been having might be premonitions and not dreams at all.
It is up to Ana to decipher between fact and fiction before it is too late, and her new love, Athen, follows in her same fate - one that is lost between two worlds.

My Thoughts:

I loved Awakening. At first, I thought it was going to be a Twilight copycat. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was nothing like Twilight, which is a good thing. Awakening is about a woman named Ana. She works at Grizzly Pub as a waitress. One night, Athen and his family come into the pub. She is immediately attracted to them but can’t figure out why. The plot was great. It kept me turning pages until the very end. I was definitely surprised by what Athen and his family revealed to Ana. It was interesting to watch Ana’s journey to getting her memories back. I fell in love with Athen, Cyril, and Arie. By the end of the book, I wanted them to be my family. I really liked Arie. She was always very positive, no matter how bad the situation she was in. The ending shocked me. I was devastated. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and find out what happens to Anna and her newfound family. 

I give Awakening: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.karicebolton.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karice-Bolton/218230041566833
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karicebolton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5240334.Karice_Bolton

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber

Synopsis:
Summer break is over, and Raven is hardly eager to be returning to Dullsville High. Not only does school mean daily interaction with preppy pest Trevor Mitchell, but her sleep-filled days and romantic nights with her immortal boyfriend, Alexander, must come to an end. Plus the shock of morning classes isn't the only change in store.

An unexpected letter turns up at Alexander's mansion--announcing his parents will be coming to town. And once they arrive, just about everyone has had a sighting of the macabre couple except Raven. What could be delaying Alexander from introducing Raven to them? Could Alexander be hiding something about his parents' homecoming?

When Raven is finally invited to the most thrilling dinner party of her life, the next turn of events could transform her entire future with Alexander. The sixth book in Ellen Schreiber's bestselling Vampire Kisses series takes an unusual twist in the continuing romance of Raven and Alexander.

My Thoughts:

Royal Blood is my favorite installment in the Vampire Kisses series. I was excited that Raven (and the reader) finally got to meet Alexander’s parents. I really liked Cassandra, Alexander’s mom. She was sophisticated, yet she didn’t look down on Raven for not being a vampire. I didn’t really have any strong feelings about Constantine, Alexander’s dad. At first, I thought he was a jerk. The way he doubted Alexander’s dream of becoming an artist made me mad. However, he redeemed himself in the end. I didn’t like that the author kept hinting at a possible Raven and Trevor relationship in the future. I’m hoping that it doesn’t happen. Hopefully Raven is becoming closer to becoming a vampire. I also hope that Alexander’s parents will come back in the future. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and find out what happens. 

I give Royal Blood: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.ellenschreiber.com/home.htm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellen-Schreiber/112889228802218?created
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellenschreiber

I received this book from trading with another blogger. I was in no way compensated for this review.