Review: Cherie Colyer – Embrace (review and giveaway)

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Embrace

Cherie Colyer

Welcome to Incandescent Enchantment’s stop for ‘Embrace’.

Madison thinks she’s falling for Isaac. She doesn’t really understand why she’s attracted to him, or why she gets a spark of electric energy every time he touches her. There’s way too much else going on in her life caused by this new romance, but it’s about to get even more tricky.

The official blurb:

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve.

Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him.

Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own.

Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.

My review:

After my previous bad experience with not writing a positive review and being unable to really take part in a tour, I was so relieved to be able to write a really positive review of this book!

Amazing! I really enjoyed this book for what it was – an easy teenage read with a hint of fantasy. I wasn’t expecting too much, but I was given heaps in return.

I loved the concept of magic having a taste and smell and also that they were able to mask it. Every time there was a spark of static electricity though, I found myself thinking ‘Magic – the immediate birth control.’ It seems such a coincidence that they all share magic, but it’s not really a coincidence. I would imagine that people with it would gravitate to the area and to each other. As I wrote that, there just happened to be an explanation in the text about it!

I wish Australian schools had amazing fun things like Harvest Festivals. For that matter, I wish we had an awesome history like some parts of the USA have. Every time I read a nice American novel like this one, I wonder if Australia is ever going to have that sort of history and sense of belonging… but I digress.

I can’t impress on you enough how much I enjoyed this novel. I even ignored some of the other good things I had to read in favour of reading this one to it’s conclusion, because I really wanted to know what Madison was going to do about the huge mess she found herself in.

I find it a little strange that these teenagers can get into killing rages over nothing, and are actually willing to kill each other. I can’t say too much without giving away the suspense that fills this novel, but man, some of those kids are real nut jobs. Killing an old lady just for her powers! I really couldn’t understand the motivation behind it, or reconcile it with a teenager. How many people are actually born that evil?

The dialogue is effortless, the descriptions mainly not overwhelming, and the characters endearing. I loved them all! Well, all the ‘good guys’ anyway. It’s been a while since I connected with characters in such a way. The initial romance between Isaac and Madison, and Josh sweeping Kailey off her feet was rather transparent though, and I felt it was a little melodramatic. Another thing that wasn’t convincing were the hospital scenes and their way of getting in to see their friend.

Damn Madison, why oh why did she not see that coming? This novel is filled with irony for the reader. I knew exactly what was going on most of the time, I caught all the subtle hints that Colyer threw in, and Madison was oblivious!

I dreaded the novel coming to an end. Arg! Anticipation! I almost wish there was another book after this one, but the finale is quite satisfying and I can’t see another book in the future.

Although this novel initially masquerades as a romance, it builds into so much more. I wouldn’t say much for this having wider implications for society like some of the other novels I have read recently, but it was still a good read. I would recommend it for teenagers who enjoy romance and fantasy.

Find it on:

Barnes & Noble

Giveaway!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author pan

Cherie’s imagination extends far beyond her Illinois roots through her love of books and reading. The discipline of her career as a Network Technician provides an opposing mindset for her fictional stories. Cherie combines her fascination of all things mythical with her passion for writing to weave together middle grade and young adult stories.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, meeting new people, writing, reading, and loves a challenge. While she has had many great experiences, her most satisfying experience is seeing her children and stories grow into their own exciting and distinct entities.

You can find her at:

Website http://www.embracenovels.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cherie-Colyer-author/250631921629169

Twitter https://twitter.com/CherieColyer

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12931061-embrace

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews at:
http://mymiscellaneousbookshelf.blogspot.fi/, http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com,http://littlelibrarymuse.blogspot.com, http://booksbonesbuffy.com, http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com, http://www.kainas.com,

http://www.readergirlsblog.com, http://www.booknerd.ca, http://bookwormsavenue.blogspot.com, http://thebookloversreport.blogspot.com, http://www.crossroadreviews.com, www.danasquare.blogspot.com and http://bookaworld.wordpress.com

Think you want to just look at a promo? Find those here:
http://www.captivatedreading.com, http://1morepageplease.wordpress.com, http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/, Booksterscafe.blogspot.com, http://thegeekgirlreview.blogspot.com/, http://youngadultbookaddict.blogspot.com.au, http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com, http://booksbycenteno.com, www.yanovelties.blogspot.com, http://www.fortheloveoffilmandnovels.com/ and www.thewitchesbrew.biz/blog

Review: Julianne Lee – Interloper at Glencoe

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Interloper at Glencoe

Julianne Lee

Where to start with reviewing this book… I picked it up (and requested it in part) because it looked a bit like Eirelan, which I enjoyed so much earlier in the year. I wasn’t feeling all too excited about my other reading options, so this was it.

The beginning is a little slow, but once things get started there’s lots of action. The characters are endearing, and I could really feel where things were going with Beth and feel Nick’s frustration and worry.

The ending was brilliant. Loved it. The only thing I would have liked to see more of would have been if I could see the life as an epilogue.

The Gaelic and lack of translations (which would have been nice at the end of the book) would have been good to have. I don’t know enough about it to comment on the accuracy.

Romance, fantasy, a bit of history – things I’m really enjoying at the moment and want more of and they’re all here in this nice book. Tick from me.

I’d say it was suitable for adults and teens alike. There are some references to sex, and some other adult themes (such as the deaths of the clan members), but I feel that those are quite minor points that don’t detract from the readability of the novel.

I’ve given this novel 4 stars, simply because despite being interested in the story, I did pick it up to read, and then put it back down again due to the slow beginning. Other than that, it’s really good and warms up to the task of entertaining. I would even consider purchasing a hard copy of it.

I received this free from Librarything in return for an honest review, but this has in no way influenced my review.

Find it on:

Review: Robert Jacoby – There are Reasons Noah Packed No Clothes

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Rose Herbert

There are Reasons Noah Packed No Clothes

Robert Jacoby

Richard has just tried to commit suicide. It’s not the first time, and who knows if it will be the last. He will be committed to a mental hospital, and he signs himself in before he knows what he’s doing. Richard is only 19.

The writing at the beginning of this novel got me worried .The stream of consciousness style doesn’t normally do it for me, as I find it really disconcerting. In this instance though, it worked the majority of the time. This was not a comfortable book to read. So if you were looking for comfort, don’t read it.

I think out of all the characters, I liked the schizophrenic the best. The depiction of depression here was quite accurate though (from my personal experience only), although I would have liked to know more clearly about the cause behind it.

The cover sort of appealed to me, and sort of didn’t. It fit in with Richard’s life, in that the colours of his life weren’t really clear, and tied in with the way he often saw strange things. The language, the strange metaphors I think they were pretty amazing and unbelievable.

I didn’t feel that the ending was satisfying. I didn’t understand about the shirt, or whether Richard was feeling better, or whether he was still hallucinating. For much of the novel it felt like nothing was happening, and then there wasn’t even much of a climax at the end.

What I would have liked was a preface telling me what time period this book was set in. The medication Richard was on seemed to make him hallucinate which is a rare side effect of depressive drugs. And isolation wards are not as common as they once were, or at least, they aren’t applied quite in that way. It’s a very jaded view of the mental health system.

Adults only on this one, unless you want to freak out a teenager. Frequent mentions of porn and sex. Three stars from me, simply because I wasn’t satisfied with the ending. A good example of this style of writing though.

Find it on:

Review: Terri Morgan – Playing the Genetic Lottery

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Playing the Genetic Lottery

Terri Morgan

Welcome to Incandescent Enchantment’s stop for ‘Playing the Genetic Lottery’.

Mental illness runs in Caitlin’s family. She’s paranoid she’s going to get it, and within this novel she talks about her earlier life that makes her think this way.

The official blurb:

Lots of kids think their parents are crazy at one point or another. Caitlin’s really are. Both her mother and father have schizophrenia, and Caitlin and her older brother grow up trying to navigate the chaos of living with two mentally ill parents. Now a young mother herself, Caitlin reflects back on her childhood, her efforts to create a peaceful and serene life for herself, her family, and the emotional scars and fears she still can’t shake.

My review:

I almost want to call this book a memoir, but it isn’t – this is fiction and comes with an appropriate selection of questions for if this novel was read by a book club. It’s in the genre I’ve been reading lately, and it was super enjoyable, if somewhat thought provoking and painful at times.

I read this novel in one sitting, and although I couldn’t say it was gripping in the same way as an action packed fantasy novel, I could really feel the characters and their interactions and kept reading for that reason.

This is another handy novel in the mental health interest group. This one covers schizophrenia, depression and post-natal depression. Of those, the schizophrenia is the worst, and Caitlin and Jon spend all their time in fear that they might get that horrific disorder next.

Something I found super interesting was the research that the author has done (or perhaps has personal experience with) into the way schizophrenia treatment has changed over the years. The concept of half-way houses is also an interesting one. The point that could have made it even more relevant for me would have been if it was set in Australia, but that’s a far hope.

Four stars from me. Sorry for my horrifically short review – I will try update it when I actually have some energy within the next couple of days, but no promises.

Find it on:

About the Author

Terri Morgan is an avid reader, dog lover and ocean fanatic from California’s Central Coast. She started writing to support her surfing habit, and is the author of numerous sports biographies for young adults. She has also co-authored two books about photography, including one for young readers. Playing the Genetic Lottery is her first novel.

You can find her at:

Website: www.terrimorgan.net

Twitter: www.twitter.com/soquelterri

Facebook: www.facebook.com/playingthegeneticlottery

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/397836.Terri_Morgan

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other things at:

December 3

http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com – Excerpt Reveal >

December 4

http://everythingforbooks.blogspot.com/ – Promo Post

http://www.whatsbeyondforks.com/ – Guest Post

http://chocolatelotusflower.wordpress.com/ – Guest Post

December 5

http://ambergarr.blogspot.com – Promo Post

December 6

http://drugscalledbooks.blogspot.co.il/ – Excerpt Reveal

December 7

http://incandescentenchantments.blogspot.com – Promo Post

December 8

www.thecosydragon.com – Review

http://read-a-holicz.blogspot.com – Excerpt Reveal

Review: Molly Hall – Reckoning

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Molly Hall

Reckoning

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Reckoning’.

Kat can see the dead, but she doesn’t know they are dead. Nor does she admit to herself or anyone else that she sees things that aren’t there. This summer though, she must accept what she is, or else she’ll lose someone she loves very much.

The official blurb:

“They say the truth can set you free. I found out it can kill you.”

Seventeen-year-old Kat Matheson has never revealed the dark secret that sets her apart from everyone else: She can see and hear the dead. Until now, she has been able to ignore the strange apparitions and whispering voices. But it may not be that simple anymore. Haunted by eerie visions and increasingly frightening nightmares, Kat begins to fear she may be the target of a dark and ominous force from beyond the grave. Complicating matters is the arrival of her new neighbor, a young man she instinctively distrusts but is inexplicably drawn to. Gorgeous and mysterious, he seems to hold a disturbing knowledge of her long-held secrets.

As she desperately tries to maintain control, events take an unexpected and violent turn. Discovering that nothing is what it seems and that her psychic abilities may involve far more than just communing with the dead, Kat may be forced to confront her worst fears and the powerful curse that controls her destiny.

My review:

There was action and romance right from the word go in this novel. I loved it. The climax at the end was really great too. Yay! The only point against it, which wasn’t really a bad point, was that I didn’t realise it was part of a series, and I was wanting some sort of conclusion that wasn’t coming!

Kat was endearing to me as a character, I enjoyed hearing about things from her perspective. Sometimes she didn’t seem all too bright, and I didn’t follow what she was thinking, but the rest of the time it was fine. And surely some of that was from when she was in shock.

The romance sort of thing was really good. Kat wasn’t really sure who she was being attracted to the most, and why, and then the betrayal she feels is just great. Well, not great for her, but great for my reading experience.

I loved the cover. I’m pretty sure Kat never wore a dress like that, but she’d be going for one if she did. She does look pretty amazing, if a little old (presuming that is her on the front cover).

I finished this novel and was filled with great things to say about it, and then I promptly didn’t get time to write them all down for a couple of days, so this review is a bit skimpy by my usual standards. It was super enjoyable though, and I would recommend it for sure.

I’d recommend this novel to teenagers who are just moving into the paranormal and fantasy genres, as well as those who already enjoy it. Yay! Five stars from me, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other books in the series.

Find it on:

Barnes and Noble or Smashwords

About the Author

I’ve spent most of my life in Colorado and currently live just outside of Denver. I write my books on a laptop perched atop a rather creaky desk, surrounded by two crazy and loving cats. I love to travel and have visited 27 of the 50 states, as well as Canada, Ireland and England. And there are still a lot of places I want to go.

I spent entirely too many years in the gray dullness of the corporate world, imagining something more exciting as I punched numbers on a keyboard. During that time, I worked on a degree in English Literature, but never quite managed to complete it. Mostly because I was too busy reading and creating fantasy worlds in my head. It’s actually my love of reading and imagining that led me to take up writing full time. I thought I should finally give all the characters in my head a voice.

Music is a huge part of my life and plays a big role in the creation of my books. Although I listen to everything from Johann Sebastian Bach and Dv
orak, to Glen Miller and Bobby Darin, to Rihanna and Nox Arcana, as well as movie and video game soundtracks, there are two bands whose music is practically my lifeblood: Daughtry and Linkin Park. I will listen to or see them live anytime, anywhere.

I’m a fan of British television, Doctor Who (favorite doctor? David Tennant. Let the debate begin!), The Vampire Diaries, Japanese animé, Ghost Hunters, MI-5 and Eureka. And anything featuring James McAvoy. And I probably would never be able to unwind without That 70′s Show.

When I’m not reading and writing, you’ll probably find me listening to music, practicing yoga, working on my very inadequate French, playing piano, enjoying a lovely glass of red wine or champagne, or looking for inspiring landscapes to photograph.

You can find her at:

Website

Twitter – @mollymhallbooks

Facebook

Not sure if you like my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews, guest posts and promos at each of these tour stops:

November 11- My Reading Addiction – Review

November 13- Books Live Forever – Review

November 15- Mademoiselle Le Sphinx – Review

November 16- Book Nerd – Review

November 17- The Bookshelf – Guest Post/PROMO

November 20- Lizzy’s Dark Fiction – Review/Guest Post

November 21- Pink Fluffy Hearts – Review/Guest Post

November 23- Head Stuck in a Book – Review/Guest Post

November 24- A Dream Within a Dream – Review

November 26- Bookish Things and More – Guest Post/PROMO

November 28- My Daily Obsession – Review

December 1 – Bookishly Devoted – Review

December 1 – Reading Between the Lines – Review

December 2 – Jennifer’s Assylum – Review/Interview

December 2 – My Cozie Corner – Review

December 3 –Paranormal Goddess – Interview/PROMO

December 3 – The Solitary Bookworm – Review

December 4 – The Hollow Cupboards – Review/Guest Post

December 4 – Bilbliophilia, Please – Review/Guest Post

December 5 –Paulettes Papers – Guest Post/PROMO

December 5 – The Cozy Dragon – Review

December 6 – Gothic Angel Book Reviews – Review/Guest Post

December 6 – Lovely Reads – Review/Interview

December 7 – Sarah Elizabeth’s Bookshelf – Review/Interview

December 7 – Compelled By Words – Review/Guest Post

December 8 –Crossroads Reviews -Review

December 8 – Firestar Books – Review/Interview

Review: Lilliana Anderson – Confidante: The Brothel

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Confidante: The Brothel

Lilliana Anderson

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Confidante: The Brothel‘.

This is a sex novel styled memoir, so if you’re under the age of consent in your State, please don’t read any further.

The official blurb:

Ok, I’ll admit it – My mother in law used to be a sex worker. It’s something that she has confided in few people outside her immediate family until me. We are polar opposites in many ways but we get each other – as a result I have become the confidante in her life which is how this series has been born.

In 1989, Angelien was 32 when she made the decision to enter a brothel to help support herself and her two sons. She quickly became the most popular girl there with her Kathleen Turner looks and her excellent ‘acting’ skills.

Confidante: The Brothel is a collection of Angelien’s most memorable stories of her month working in the brothel.

This is a biography about friendship, discovery and of course sex.

My review:

I thought this book would be interesting and present a good view of things differently to the novel I reviewed yesterday. Indeed it did! Instead of being a classy escort, Angelien

I particularly liked the short bursts of information and various annecdotes. It makes it a novel you could pick up, read for a bit, and then put down without feeling frustrated. I don’t think it’s an edge-of-seat book, but it has a certain allure.

It’s interesting the way perceptions have and haven’t changed over the times about prostitution. Everything in this novel is about sex, even her early jobs, so I imagine that she was a very attractive woman, and couldn’t really help what she turned out doing. She’s als very practical, which I appreciated.

There are some tense changes and a couple of dialogue things that bugged me as I read, but it was quite well written. I was happy that it was a memoir type thing, and that made it easier for me to accept the different people as people (instead of characters that hadn’t been fleshed out). If they’re real people, it’s impossible to predict what their reactions on the personal side should be.

I’d actually be interested to read the other books in this trilogy. I’d probably give this one 4 stars for its genre, and not trying to be too high flaunting about it. If you’re looking for a romance, you won’t find it here, instead you’ll get a quite candid look at the life of a hooker.

Find it on:

About the Author

Australian author of Confidante: The Brothel – Lilliana is a wife, mother of 4 and friend to many.

She lives a relatively quiet life in suburban Melbourne and spends most of her spare time writing the Confidante series as well as a racey drama of love and loss with the working title ‘What Might Have Been’.

You can find her at:

Website

Goodreads

Twitter @Confidante_Lili

Facebook

Not sure if you lik
e my opinion? Good thing this is a tour! You can look at some other reviews, guest posts and promos at each of these tour stops:

December 2 – Reading Addiction Blog Tours – Meet and Greet

December 2 – Logikal Blog – Guest Post/PROMO

December 3 – Wonderland Reviews – Review/Interview Lilliana

December 4 – The Cozy Dragon – Review

December 5 – TE Garden of Books – Review/guest Post

December 6 – Books, Books, the Magical Fruit – Guest Post/PROMO

December 9 – The Steamy Side – Review

December 11 – Snifferwalker – Review/Interview Lilliana

December 12 – Chronicles of a Book Addict – Review/Guest Post

December 14 – Between the Bind – Guest Post/PROMO

December 15 – Sweet n Sassi – Review

December 17 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – PROMO

December 19 – Crazy For Books – Review

December 21 – Book Reviews and More – Guest Post/PROMO

December 22 – Up All Night Reviews – Guest Post/PROMO

December 24 – The eBook Reviewers – PROMO

December 26 – Bunny’s Reviews – Interview Angelien/PROMO

December 27 – Stressed Rach – Review

December 29 – Reading a Little Bit of Everything – Review/Interview Angelien

December 30 – Pink Fluffy Hearts – Review/Guest Post

December 31 – Intriguing Reads – Guest Post/PROMO

Review: Galia Ryan – Choices (review and giveaway)

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Choices

Galia Ryan

Welcome to Innovative Online Book Tours’ stop for ‘Choices’.

Anna has too many debts to pay – ironic for someone who works to loan money to others in need. With no bonuses at her day job, she decides to pick up some extra shifts… of both kinds. Plenty of erotica here folks, don’t proceed if you’re under the minority age of your State.

The official blurb:

Anna is broke. Really broke. Credit cards maxed out. Store cards, too. She can’t make her repayments and there’s nowhere to turn.

Educated, intelligent, and—until recently—upwardly mobile, Anna is forced to make a choice. Sink or swim. And swimming means finding a part-time job to complement her full-time career. One that would pay enough to get her head above water. Except that part-time jobs don’t pay. Usually.

Drawn into the sordid world of private escorts, Anna discovers there is little she won’t do for money, lots and lots of money. She even starts to enjoy the sex. Until she meets an unusually seductive client who introduces her to the world of Dominance and submission. Then everything changes.

CHOICES is Book 1 of the Luxuria Trilogy.

My review:

I got this book late by my standards since the email gremlins ate my review copy! So I basically sat down right away and plowed my way through this as quickly as possible to get it done in time.

Anna is likeable enough, although I completely don’t agree with her life choices. I totally don’t agree with her decision at the end. Is she saying regular sex isn’t good enough for her? Her initial decision is fine with me though – it’s her body, so it’s good 🙂 She does need to learn how to live within her means though, and work harder to save a deposit! She won’t stay young forever.

That bracelet intrigued me. I was super surprised she was accepting gifts, and that she would keep them at all. Also, I think she should have been more understanding about Jake, and offered him more of a chance.

The perspective changes were pretty neat, and something that I thought could have added even more depth to the book. Some more perspective from her strange lover, even some from Jake’s POV.

This book does not practice safe sex. At all. Which put me off. And also, although I’m not a feminist, I like women with a bit of spine, and Anna certainly lacks it with Adam. Doormat! Although I guess that’s the point. I hate to think of how ill she could potentially get. This book is probably t

Something that frustrated me the most about this book was the cliffhanger ending. There was no closure to speak of. None! Which is fine I guess, if the other two book are out, but they aren’t until 2012.

This novel seems to be written off the back of the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy, and honestly I think it does a better job. There’s variety in the sex, and something other than S&M for those who don’t go in for that as much. The language is a lot harsher though, and some of the scenes were pretty uncomfortable. I would be interested to see where the language and storyline goes for the next one.

Find it on:

About the Author

Convent educated from the age of four, Galia Ryan was brought up not to question. Perhaps because of this, she has always been fascinated by all things esoteric and ‘outside the square.’ Originally from Sussex, England and now living in New Zealand with her soul-mate husband and grown-up family, Galia tries to find time between her passions for writing and reading for her other love—travel. There is always a growing list of must-see places. CHOICES is her first novel, and the first of a trilogy. SECRETS and LIES will be published by Fanny Press in 2013. You can find Galia on the Web at galiaryan.fannypress.com.

Link Me Up!

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Author’s blog

Smashwords Link

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Review: Julie Anne Peters – It’s Our Prom (So Deal With It)

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Rose Herbert

It’s Our Prom (So Deal With It)

Julie Anne Peters

I was so excited about this book coming out that I bought a hard copy. And then I got a hand signed book plate by Julie Anne Peters! Squee! There are few things I would get even vaguely fan-girl-y about, but this is one of them for sure.

Sadly, the book was a bit different to the others Peters has written, and I wasn’t as convinced by the characters as I usually am. This novel used the technique of splitting between Azure (a lesbian) and Luke (a bisexual) for perspective.

I liked Azure, and felt more in common with her. However, I didn’t get the same sense of her being super chatty from within her perspective as I did from Luke. Sometimes it seemed like she was a totally different person. Her relationship with her dad though was a very positive one, as was her pespective on not judging others (most of the time).

Luke was a character of contradictions for me. He seemed like he was very flamboyant, and that was why his brother hated him so much, but then it wasn’t all that clear because his brother did care in a strange way. And then there was his crush on Radhika, but then his play and everything at the same time. Not to mention it seemed like he never did homework!

Now to the storyline (a bit back to front I know). One word and one person: Prom, Radhika. Both Azure and Luke want to go to the prom with Radhika, but she doesn’t like either of them in that way (or does she), given that they have been friends for forever! I think I read somewhere that originally Radhika had a perspective as well, but that this was then removed from the book. A pity, I would have liked to hear a bit more from her.

The end of the novel was altogether too happy for my liking. Others who love that kind of ending will probably be satisfied though. The same goes for the school settings they find themselves in – it is amazing that everyone is so diverse and accepting. It’s not something that has happened in Australia yet as far as I can tell, but I’d love to see a real high school in the US that has it.

I could have given this book three stars, but then reconsidered up to four. I didn’t hate it, and it’s probably not a desperate reread for me in the same way that Keeping You a Secret is, but it was reassuring to read it.

Find it on:

Review: Victoria Simcox – The Magic Warble (review and giveaway)

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Rose Herbert

The Magic Warble

Victoria Simcox

I’ll start by saying this novel is a little out of my usual reading tastes. For me, this was a children’s book – listed as a ‘middle-grade’ read, ages 9-13. If the chapters were short and more episodic, it could have been suitable for those 3-9 year olds that have a good attention span for listening to things being read aloud.

It reminded me of Enid Blyton’s ‘The Faraway Tree’ which I have been reading recently. It had a good storyline, and its very child friendly (with the exception perhaps of the Queen and the blood). There are 1-2 pictures per chapter, which add a nice counter-note to the text. I enjoyed them, even though they were simple.

For me, the plot points and turning and excitement were completely transparent but for younger readers this would not be the case. Basically, any time that something went smoothly, there was a spanner in the works!

I made the mistake of forgetting to write the review for this for a little while, and then wondering what there was that I liked about – when I knew I did like it, and thought it was appropriate for its intended age group.

Something I will say – the ending was not very happy. The rat! Oh the rat! And the various betrayals and not really knowing what was going to happen irritated me a little, but I guess that’s because I wanted more depth there and some concrete finishing parts. There is a second book in this series, so if your son or daughter (or you) enjoys this kind of thing, then go for it and get it at the same time, because they’ll want to read the second right afterwards.

I received a free copy of this book after I won it in a giveaway, and then offered to do a review and another giveaway for the author. This has in no way influenced the review I have given.

Find it on:

giveaway (international)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Kailin Gow – Saving You, Saving Me

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Rose Herbert

Saving You, Saving Me

Kailin Gow

Welcome to Reading Addiction Blog Tour’s stop for ‘Saving You, Saving Me’.

Sam wants to become a psychologist, but does she have too many problems of her own to work it out? While she tries to get a scholarship to go to college she is signed up for helping run a teen counselling line – but is the man she is trying to help working towards the same goal?

The official blurb:

Aspiring psychiatrist and high school Valedictorian Samantha (Sam) Sullivan falls for a deeply troubled young man named Daggers during a crisis call at her watch, which leads to the unraveling of her perfect world.

A contemporary ya-mature/new adult romance with some edge.

My review:

Samantha is an endearing character, even if she’s a bit irritating at times. She has so many buried problems that we gradually get to see, and it’s a real revelation. I would have loved to see a little more of the real her, with less breakdowns involved though. It seems like she has some super big issues there.

I couldn’t believe how clueless she was though! Sawyer House, Daggers, they’re all one and the same! Arg! How can she miss something so major? The reader will be bonking their heads against the wall for how clueless she is.

Derek and Sam’s relationship is very strange. it’s part of the allure that had me unable to put the novel down, and dreading the end of the book. The romance here was good. Sam is such a sexy character, yet she’s unaware of it or unwilling to acknowledged it.

Innocents, bah. It’s like a teenage, or young adult version of fifty shades. That’s exactly what it is. Except that now they both have issues. Another problem I had with this novel was that there are some odd time jumps, where I had no idea how much time had passed, or if I did, I didn’t know where it went.

After my disappointment with Bitter Frost, I was hoping for something awesome from this novel. I went in with an open mind (as far as that’s possible) and was happily surprised. Some of the problems were the same, such as the stilted dialogue in sections (don’t is just as good as ‘do not’) and over descriptions of things, but the rest was good. I’m automatically predisposed to liking this kind of novel, with its themes of self harm and abuse. It was just what I wanted to read too.

I’d recommend this novel for uncritical young adults and mature teenagers. I don’t think it has the level of complexity that would make it suitable for adults, and the sexual content (relatively mild, but still here) makes it unsuitable for younger teens in my opinion.

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About the Author

Kailin Gow has appeared on top national syndicated talk shows such as ABC Radio, Barbara Dooley show, Chat with Women on KKNW Seattle, Broadminded on Sirius Radio XM, and more as a leading authority on YA and women’s issues including self-esteem, body image, dating and sexual relationships, abuse, and bullying. Kailin has been a published author for over 10 years with over 100 titles published under her name and under pen names.

She is the founder of the community social site, The Saving You Saving Me Project,http://www.savingyousavingme.com which helps teens, young adults, and women deal with social issues like sexual abuse, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cutting, relationships, and more in a positive community environment. The Saving You Saving Me Project is an extention of her YA-mature fiction Saving You Saving Me.

Kailin Gow began writing books for tween girls to help them with self-confidence and self-esteem. Her book, Gifted Girls Activities Guide to 365 Days of the Week, became a reference book used in girls organizations across the U.S. As her tween fans grew to become teens and young adults, Kailin began writing engaging and entertaining young adult book series for them. The results are book series like the Frost Series, PULSE Series, Wicked Woods Series, Stoker Sisters, Phantom Diaries, The Fire Wars, FADE, DESIRE, and more
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All her books are inspired by personal experiences. Saving You Saving Me was inspired by her experience as a peer counselor for young women during college and from her psychology major college roommate’s experience being in a relationship similar to the one portrayed by Sam and Collins in the book. Loving Summer was inspired by Kailin’s experience growing up with a family consisting of a mother, two sons, and a daughter who went through a similar experience of tragedy in the book. Aunt Sookie is based on herself and some actor friends she knows. The Frost Series, Circus of Curiosities Series, and FADE Series came about through vivid dreams. Never Say Never was inspired by Kailin’s experience as a radio host and working with and interviewing bands, as well as having college friends who were in bands. Kailin also played the drums and keyboard for a band she once started. A classically-trained musician, she was once led her school orchestra, playing first chair violin. Her experience in the music world and her love of Phantom of the Opera, inspired the Phantom Diaries. PULSE was inspired when Kailin was in the hospital suffering from heavy blood loss post surgery and needed several bags of blood to survive (like a vampire). Beautiful Beings was inspired by her college encounter with a young demon exorcist. A pastor once told her she had the gift of sight and that she was destined to become a prolific author, many times over.

She began taking her writing seriously when her daughter was diagnosed as being on the spectrum and her mother was fighting three types of cancer. Four years later, her daughter was no longer on the spectrum, and her mother became cancer free. Kailin believes in hope and miracles, after having been through several struggles and experiences herself. This is why she writes.

When not busy inhaling chocolate and drinking coffee by the gallon, Kailin makes time for writing fantasy books, blogging as an expert blogger for Fast Company, volunteering as an Emergency Responder and volunteering for battered women’s shelters. For fun, she plays the electric violin, and puts together a music playlist for her radio and web shows.

Her Frost Series consisting of the Bitter Frost Series, The Wolf Fey Series, and the Fairy Rose Chronicles along with her other book series are being developed into worldwide MMORPG Games by SEE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, which is the world’s leading game developer known for developing the top blockbuster films into games.