Awakened (The Cursed Magic Series, Book 2) by Casey Odell

After escaping from the elves and the General, Claire is on the run again with the last person she’d thought she’d end up with— Farron. Shadowy forces are nipping at their heels, and soon they are attacked. But they have bigger worries. An old friend of Farron’s shows up: a beautiful woman with a mark shockingly similar to her own. 

As it turns out, she is not alone. 

And the new woman isn’t exactly on their side. Claire is kidnapped and lands in the middle of Farron’s biggest secret of all. Once again she is a prisoner and the people that surround her want to use her and her powers, people that she doesn’t have the option of refusing. The wolves are circling, but to pick a side means giving up everything she holds dear. 

Book two of the Cursed Magic Series.

REVIEW

The transition from Cursed to Awakened is flawless. It picks up where book one leaves off and I did not have to waste any time reading ten chapters about book one before continuing. For that aspect alone, I am GRATEFUL! As you probably already know, this series is an epic fantasy that involves elves, magic, and romance. If you liked book one you are going to fall head over heels in love with book two. The twists are endless! The story-line seriously wreaks havoc on the emotions! Much of the plot will leave the female reader swooning and things rapidly heat up in the romance department, but without explicit details. No mommy porn here ;). It most definitely not necessary though and I loved every aspect of it.

 The mysteries and hidden agenda's of most of the characters in Awakened either left me seething or feeling dizzy. It seems to contain one conspiracy after another, so much to the point that I trust only 2 people in the entire book, Claire and Farron. My heart broke... a lot...but I am filled with much excitement and hope. If you're looking for a magical read that is also unique. You've found it!

On a side note,I recently visited Casey's blog and it states book 3 may release in a few months! I think a lot of fans are breaking out their happy dances about right now! 5 stars!

Grab book 2 for 3.99 on Amazon

Cursed (The Cursed Magic Series Book 1) by Casey Odell

The night Claire Tanith’s small village is attacked, her mother sends her alone into the cursed forest, the one she’d been forbidden to enter all her life with these mysterious words: ‘They will protect you.’ 

On the run from her attackers, she soon finds the forest is not as abandoned as she’d once thought. 

Beautiful and elegant, the elves seem to be everything the legends said they would be. But legends sometimes forget the true history of things and Claire’s eyes are soon opened to a world she never knew. One that has been kept from her for most of her life. All Claire wants to do is return home and start looking for her mother, the only family she ever had. But the elves have different plans. The mysterious mark that appeared on her arm isn’t a curse, at least not to them anyway, and before she knows it, she is whisked away on a mission she never agreed to, unless they help her in return. 

Now she is stuck on an adventure with the perverted elf, Aeron, and one with an attitude, Farron. But there is more to this adventure than she’d ever hoped for.

REVIEW

The Cursed Magic Series by Casey Odell has been one of my favorite fantasy series for a while now. It is filled with elves, magic, humor, romance, and adventure.  I love everything about it. There are times I want to strangle Claire,  the female protagonist,  for her choices, but her choices are great at representing her character and following the story-line. It is a more primitive fantasy setting with a heart melting, conflicted romance blooming.  I'm ecstatic it's not an "insta-love" cliche and was well developed. The witty bantering is actually witty and many of the scenes have a fun atmosphere.  I am absolutely, head over heels in love with Farron! As I've already read book 2, I'll just note that it is ten times better than the first and I'm crazy over this installment.  A well deserved 5 stars!

Grab book 1 for FREE!!!

The Wizard's Heir by Devri Walls

Tybolt’s a Deviant, a hated race immune to direct magic in a world where Wizards ensure survival. But when he loses his entire family to a spell-made storm he joins an elite group of Wizard hunters, organized beneath the new non-magic wielding king. 

Now eighteen, he spends his days capturing Wizards. But the nights are his, reserved to feed the starving villagers of Eriroc under cover of dark. There’s always more people in need than he can help, and one of these days he’s going to hang for theft from the royal kitchens. 

Although Tybolt and his fierce partner, Auriela, have imprisoned many Wizards, the one partially responsible for the storm that killed Tybolt’s family is still out there: Alistair. When an old informant claims to have information regarding their elusive prey, everything changes. 

In a cruel twist, Tybolt realizes he isn't who he thought he was at all. How can he save himself, the people, and those he loves while keeping his secrets safe? Can he hide his true nature and allow the corrupt king to remain on the throne? 

Or will he have to unveil himself and risk possible execution to save them all? 

The Wizard's Heir is one of my top 3 YA fantasy stories of 2015.

The environment is primitive, reminiscent of raw fantasy lores. I truly loved the setting and how flawlessly it fit the overall plot. It's heavily laced with characteristics of Robin Hood without being an actual fairy tale spin off. The ideas actually felt fresh and unique, but every detail that reminded me of the beloved classic would excite me that much more. It was inspiring and fun to read from start to finish.

I adore Tybolt's character. He harnesses a kindness and compassion all of those around him seem to have forgotten.  The twists surrounding his heritage are brilliant.  None like him have ever existed before, making him the prime candidate for bringing genuine peace and acceptance into a kingdom that is severely lacking. 

Aureila has led a life of traumatic circumstances which harden both her heart and her demeanor. Life continues to throw her curve balls, but with Tybolt in her life everything she knows is about to change. I loved her character. 

Walls did a wonderful job at capturing the source of prejudices and remolding perspectives to see beyond the gray areas.  There really is just so much to love in this story and the topics that she touches base with and the values represented makes it even more ideal for teenagers. My children aren't yet ready to read at this age level, but I will definitely have it ready for them ahead of time. I see myself reading it many times in the future myself and if I need a good book to pick me up after disappointments this has made my "go-to" list! I would give more than 5 Stars if it were allowed. 

A Faerie's Revenge (Creepy Hollow #5)~ Review Tour & Giveaway

Welcome to the blog tour for Rachel Morgan's A FAERIE'S REVENGE,

the fifth book in her Creepy Hollow series!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Faerie's Revenge

Author: Rachel Morgan

Series: Creepy Hollow (Book #5)

Published: October 27, 2015

Format: Ebook & Paperback

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Blurb: Still reeling from a shocking revelation, Calla Larkenwood finds the threads of her world unraveling further when she's accused of a horrifying crime she didn't commit. In a world where everyone keeps secrets and someone is intent on framing her, how will she figure out who to trust?

REVIEW

If you've made it this far then you might find yourselves filled with a lot of reader's angst after the epic plot twist in A Faerie's Secret.  I was extremely apprehensive  whilst waiting on this release and  wondering if it were even possible to follow up something so emotionally and mentally stunning with a story to do it justice.  It went above and beyond to surpass all expectations and hopes. I enjoyed it so much that I read it twice in a day!

In this spin off of the original Creepy Hollow series, everything we once took at face value is challanged. And while these inventive ideas push us to explore different territory of the fae realm, it does so without altering our already ingrained ideas of Creepy Hollow.  It instead expands into an entirely new adventure,  presenting new perspectives from characters in the background of the original series. The smooth flowing prose and dynamics of it are flawless!

Calla is probably the strongest heroine I've read about and it has little to do with a snarky attitude or physical strength. For Calla to always maintain control of her special ability and keep it a secret, she must be vigilant mentally and emotionally at all times. Not being able to control it can have deadly consequences and her traumatic past has proven it. She's not your every day, run of the mill guardian. She second guesses everything. She needs to know that before she takes action that it is deserved or necessary. Her empathy makes her the perfect mate for someone like Chase.

Chase will steal your heart and confuse everything you thought you knew about right and wrong. Your heart will break for him time and again.

I adore how realistically situations were handled between Chase and Calla. And how emotions weren't rushed to try to squeeze in a 'Happily Ever After'.

It is inventive, fast paced, and enthralling.  It never lacks action, and it never becomes confusing with overloaded scenes. It touches base with real world dilemmas we often face as a society and throws us into the hearts of the villians. I've seen this strategy before, but until now I had not seen it perfected!

A Faerie's Revenge is hands down the must read novel of 2015! The Creepy Hollow series has officially secured its spot as the most addictive books I've ever read. This is literally the best story I've read all year and one of the best Fantasy Romance stories of all time.

THE TRAILER

FIND IT HERE:

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | KOBO

ABOUT RACHEL

Rachel Morgan is a South African author who spent a large portion of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making. After completing a degree in genetics, she decided science wasn’t for her—after all, they didn’t approve of made-up facts. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults and those young at heart. She is the author of the bestselling Creepy Hollow series, and the lighthearted contemporary romance Trouble series. You can find her online at the following places:

Email | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | tsu | Goodreads | Google+ | Pinterest | YouTube | Linkedin

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THE TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday (October 26th)

I Dream of Books

Crazy Champion

Book Obsession 23
Kat Silver
Charlotte's Read Sleep & Repeat

Tuesday (October 27th)

Paranormal Romance Trance

Jen's Book Review
The Nerdy Girl's Book
Random Things in Action

Wednesday (October 28th)

Roxy Kade

Textual Love
The Book Hook Up
Cassandrareadsalot
Refracted Light

Thursday (October 29th)
Escape with a Story
The Fanvergent Fangirl
J Bronder Book Reviews
Amour's Books
J.R.'s Book Reviews

Friday (October 30th)
Falling for Books
Kez's Korner
Here's What I Think
The Secrets in Books
Book Hoarder Mom
221B Baker Street London

Moonsong : The Wolves of Cutter's Folly

From Bestselling Paranormal Romance Author Lisa Olsen

After werewolves attack her family, Amelia Singer escapes to Cutter's Folly in search of her long lost grandmother. There she finds the strangest revelation yet - not only is she descended from a long line of shapeshifters, Amelia's firstborn is destined to lead the pack to dominion over all others. Now power hungry shifters everywhere will stop at nothing to share in that prophecy. Choosing a mate is the only way to end the violence, but how can she be expected to choose a man she's known for less than a week? At the heart of this struggle, Amelia is torn between Chase, who makes her pulse race with a single sultry glance, and Cutter, a reclusive but tempting loner with secrets of his own. Can fiercely independent Amelia find happiness with the pack, or will she rebel under the pressure and take her chances on her own?

Editorial Review

Author Lisa Olsen explores the world of shapeshifters with this solid Paranormal Romance. Still reeling from the news that she's from a family of shapeshifters, Amelia learns she's the focus of an ancient prophecy and everybody wants a piece of her. Against that backdrop, we have a classic love triangle. On one side we have Chase, a young, brash werewolf (excuse me, shifter), who's chomping at the bit to become the pack's next Alpha. Does he have actual feelings for Amelia, or is he more interested in the prophecy? On the other side we have Cutter, a gruff but appealing outsider who spends as much time infuriating Amelia as he intrigues her. Caught in the middle is feisty Millie, who refuses to cave in to the pressure from all sides to choose a mate for the stupid prophecy.

The author gives us the best parts of a werewolf saga (dominant males posturing for power), tempering it with a strong female cast, especially Millie herself who doesn't put up with anyone else telling her what to do.

REVIEW:

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

Simply said, I need more. I feel devastated having to wait for the next release. I was entranced from start to finish. Moonsong has one of the best, well- executed prose I've read in a while. The characters are well-written and I've fallen in love with each of them. The plot twists are so well-structured that one second I was seething with hatred for a particular character, only to experience whiplash from the amount of respect owed to him within only a few short chapters. I was skeptical of another the entire time only to be shocked by her unswaying, innocent essence. The protagonist's are loveable, snarky, and with the just right amount of obstinacy added to their traits. The atmosphere evenly transitions from blissful swooning to raw intensity and anticipation, creating a whirlwind of addicting emotions.  Both the dialogue of the story and the structure are well rounded without an onslaught of typical and overused adjectives or references. I am just now discovering this author and after reading this story all of her books are going on my to - read list. Moonsong will easily be one of the most sought after novels of the year.

ON SALE FOR 99 CENTS!

Scarlett Moon: The Wolves of Cutter's Folly

From Bestselling Paranormal Romance Author Lisa Olsen
I'm not hiding who I am. Well, I'm hiding what I am, because you don't just say Hey, everybody, I'm Scarlett and I'm a shifter at the first mixer. All I want is the chance to go to college with normal people and lead a normal life for a change, maybe even meet a normal guy. I've just been too chicken to go after it until now.

I'm making friends, I even met a cute guy who seems into me. Everything's working out like I'd hoped. Except for this other guy, Kane, who thinks he has to protect me, just because we're both wolves. Every time I turn around he's there with his dark, piercing stares and his deep, sexy voice that somehow manages to get past my defenses. I left my pack back home for a new start. The last thing I want is to get caught up in any shifter drama, no matter how sexy the package it comes wrapped up in is.

Kane is exactly the kind of man I don't want. Bossy, infuriating, insisting he knows what's best without even asking me, and so freaking hot, his ego's the size of Texas. I especially hate it when he's right. It turns out there are scarier things out there than midterms, and they're after me.

* * *

The last thing Kane's looking for is a mate - but that's exactly what his Alpha has ordered him to bring home. A very specific mate. Adding Scarlett LaRoche to the pack will cement his ties to her pack and the prophecy, which puts him one step closer to the ultimate power. But can he seduce a girl that doesn't want to be seduced?

Challenge accepted.


*** Scarlett Moon is a shifter paranormal romance with steamy sex and violence, and should not be read by those under 18. It can be read as a stand alone book, or as part of The Wolves of Cutter's Folly, and has a HEA. ***


Review 


Two paragraphs into Scarlett Moon and I was already giddy with excitement! We learn early on that Kane, awesome name by the way, was in the army 
, rides a bike, and is a hot but honorable  la Are you swooning yet? You will be. 

Scarlett, on the other hand, is very much the introvert with an untapped fierceness on the edge of discovery, as she is figuring herself out during her first year of attending college away from Cutter's Folly.

  The cameo appearances of Cutter, Millie, and their daughter are exciting and make it feel like home, but the real page turner is knowing this story will be completely different from the first, but just as entertaining.  

Some elements of Scarlett Moon are a tad darker than Moonsong, but it makes for a very intense read.  When the atmosphere isn't oozing with sexual frustrations, it is light and entertaining. There is an abundance of witty bantering to keep you smiling throughout.  

The characters are endearing and instantly likeable.  Kane remains a mystery during most of the book, but when his secrets are unveiled you will only love him more for them. Personally,  I found every side of Scarlett enjoyable. I can very much relate to her introverted tendencies but I also fell for her tenacious spirit and vivacious attitude. 

Prepare yourselves for quite a few plot twists and surprises. 
Scarlett Moon is fast paced, exciting, and swoon-worthy! A 5 star must read!

Hood's Obsession (Kingdom Series #9)

Erualis' time is running out and now Rumpelstiltskin says there are only two who can save him... 

Lilith Wolf, the daughter of the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood has a problem, she's an unmated female in heat. She has to get away from the males of her village unless she wants to find herself involuntarily hand fasted to the first one to tame her wolf. So when Giles Damien comes to her calling due the pact she'd signed with Rumpelstiltskin years ago, she doesn't really think twice about the fact that she'll be journeying to Fyre Mountain. Even though that means she'll be crossing paths with an angry water dragon, a pub full of rowdy Merry Men, and rock dwarves with a taste for flesh... For an alpha female that's an adventure. No problem. Find the Chalice of Hope, come back home, and life will return back to normal again. 

But she hadn't counted on an honorable Giles Damien to intrigue not only her female sensibilities, but her wolf too. He's a warrior, but he's sweet, he's patient, and he's altogether different from the aggressive, rough males of her village. Problem is Giles is a demone, and everyone knows they don't mingle outside of their species. But now her sights are set on him and she's going to make it her mission to prove to the stubborn headed demone that sometimes love can come from the most unexpected of circumstances...


                                                                          

I loved it so much I read it twice!!! Marie Hall creates the perfect fairy tale adventures for adults. In Hood's Obsession, much to my delight, she introduced a novel that is perfectly balanced between a steamy shifter romance and a swoon worthy fairy tale spin off. I've seen a lot of recycled ideas in many novels, but Hall includes a special flare to each of her novels branding them unique. Her novels are always fun to read, highly entertaining, and I was thrilled to be introduced to new mystical creatures. 

Lillith, is the daughter of Red, aka the heartsong, and the Big Bad Wolf. She's an alpha female who has beared the burden of cruel ridicule having come from a family of mixed heritage. At a young age she made a deal with the evil broker, Rumpelstiltskin, to ensure a future free from this particular prejudice. 

Giles is a demone and Rumple's right hand man. He is sent on a mission impossible complete without Lillith. The palpable attraction between the two could have devastating consequences for them both, but death itself may not be enough reason to keep up a charade of disinterest.

One of the elements making this such a fantastic story is that the characters never sway from the essence created of them. It makes the read much more enjoyable and entertaining as the story progresses. Lillith is very much the wild and obstinate Alpha wolf throughout the entirety of the tale. She tends make brash decisions and is truly prideful. Giles is the wise, capable warrior with just enough patience to handle her antics and offer compassion to her. His mind and heart have never before strayed beyond his duties, but his time with Lillith, an equal, changes everything. I love how their dual nature's complement one another. One scene in particular, the night of her bloom, had me falling hard for Giles. 

I loved the magical adventure and fell in love with these endearing characters. Even among Marie Hall's other phenomenal fairy tales, Hood's Obsession is a gem. I'm quite picky when buying paperbacks, but this is a must have for my bookshelf. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the Kingdom Series! 5 Stars!