Blog Tour ~ Unhidden by Dina M. Given

Title: Unhidden (The Gatekeeper Chronicles, Book #1)

Author: Dina M. Given

Release Date: December 29, 2014

Book Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance

review copy provided by author

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22753787-unhidden?from_search=true

Book Description:

It’s not always easy to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys, especially when a trained killer may be falling in love with her evil hunter…

Emma Hayes, a former military Special Forces Operative turned mercenary-for-hire, finds her tightly controlled world turned upside down when she becomes the target of attacks by powerful supernatural creatures.

Emma must use every skill in her arsenal to stay alive as she tries to solve the mystery of why she has been targeted. Her list of enemies keeps growing - from Zane Shayde, an evil Mage, to a secret branch of the US government - and she doesn't know if there is anyone left she can trust. 

To complicate matters further, Emma is inexplicably drawn to Zane in a way she does not quite understand, even knowing her life is forfeit if captured. Who is he and why does he have this affect on her? How can she fight someone who calls to her, body and soul?

Emma is left haunted by questions, doubts and fears as to why she has been targeted, when they will come for her next, and how she will possibly survive against an enemy she doesn't understand.

Purchase Links:

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1EBcW6n

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1tdS76w

B&N: http://bit.ly/1HaKBld

SMASHWORDS: http://bit.ly/1tdSjmd

ITUNES: http://bit.ly/1tdSxtt

KOBO: http://bit.ly/1ytAWCk

Review
Have you ever gone on a reading binge....where you only read certain types of books? Like for a  month only reading ROMCOM and then get into a book slump because they all blend together? This happens to me all of the time and the only way to get out of the book slump is to switch up what I'm reading. That brings me to Unhidden. I haven't read a PNR (Paranormal Romance) in a while and thought it sounded interesting. And it was. It starts out with a bang and really never stops. It checks all of the PNR boxes. Faries, shifters, vampires, and Mage's. Definitely something for everyone. Emma is bad ass and isn't afraid of the hard decisions and loves to dole out ass kickings! I loved her! That being said, the story did not blow me away. I enjoyed the world building and some of the characters really were a lot of fun....but I didn't feel much of a connection between Emma and anyone else. Maybe this was on purpose? There are underlying things going on in the story that might be revealed in the next book that could explain the disconnect...or it could just be me. Either way, if you enjoy PNR I would suggest you give this book a read.

3 Skulls

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About the Author

Dina Given lives in rural New Jersey – home of farms, horses and the largest hot air balloon festival in North America – with her husband, two crazy kids, and one rescue dog. She is an exercise enthusiast and avid lover of food and wine (hence the need to exercise). Dina also works full time for one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. She attributes her ability to juggle family, work and writing to her obsessive, hyper-focused, Type A personality.

Author Links

http://www.dinagiven.com

https://www.Facebook.com/DinaGivenAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8394925.Dina_Given

YA Wednesday! Review ~ Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.

 

Published June 5th 2012 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)        

GOODREADS AMAZON    

 

 

 

I kept hearing about this book. The good and the bad. It was everywhere. I needed to read it. I was totally engrossed from the first page. I loved Mal and Alina and the entire atmosphere of the book, including the writing. I've heard a lot of complaints about the use of a Russian theme. As someone who has spent years studying Russian history and the Russian language I can tell you that I was not bothered by it. It's a beautifully crafted YA fantasy read.

Before I forget can I just mentioned that I love this cover. It's sooo cool. I also loved the typeface and all the details on the pages as I read. For me little visuals like this are great embellishments to books.

Yes, this is a YA fantasy romance and YES, this is my favourite type of story. However, there are millions out there and I have read some that I didn't enjoy or finish. This takes my love of YA fantasy/romance  and combines it with a rich folklore and storytelling .

The story is about Alina and Mal who were orphaned as young children and end up growing up together at the estate of a kind duke. Both of them end up being tested by the Grisha, who are a powerful group of magicians, but neither of them show an aptitude as a Grisha. Alina ends up studying to be an army cartographer and Mal becomes a military tracker. Both Alina and Mal are accomplished in their studies and as both are serving the military it allows them to continue to be together.

Alina who is described as very bright but homely has to watch as her best friend Mal, who is of course dashingly handsome be adored by every single girl around.  However, over time they realize that they are best friends who also have romantic feelings for each other. It's a slow burning love that comes from friendship.

There are a lot of twists and turns in the book and during an attack it becomes known that Alina actually has powers she didn't know she had. This leads her to become a very important person in the kingdom and her life is in constant danger. She can save the kingdom but only if she is kept save from her enemies, which include those in the kingdom and those outside of it.

This is a great first book (and lucky you can catch up with the other two now). I really enjoyed this book. I was in the mood for fantasy and I love Russian elements to a story. All together it was a great combination for me and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.

5 Totally Addicting Skulls

 

 

 

It's so hard to say goodbye! Review~Opposition (A Lux Novel) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

AMAZON GOODREADS

 

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

 

 

I can't believe THE LUX series is over. I was so excited and so eagerly awaiting this final book and now it is over. OVER. Have you read these books???

 

 

If not you need to get on it. Yes, this is a YA series and I know there are people who are wary of YA reads but YA is awesome. If you turn a book away just because it is YA you are missing out on some of the best reads. This series is full of action, fantasy, family, and romance. J.L.A (yes, I have a pet name for her) as a thank you for making the final book hit the NY Times Bestselling list did this OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, baby! Did you just faint or at least squeal. I squealed so loud my dogs ran from the room.

This final book in the series did not disappoint. It's also told in alternating POV's which I love. Getting inside Daemon's head gave me some feelings...mmmmmk. FEELINGS! Katy was as kick ass as ever. Daemon was as swoony as ever. There is a war going on and it's awesome to be able to step into Katy and Daemon's mind and experience what they are experiencing. What they will fight and die for. ACTION-PACKED FINALE. Choices are made. Lives are changed.  This book put me through the ringer. I love you J.L.A. FOREVER! YA FOREVER!





 

 



 

YA Wednesday!

YA Wednesday dedicated to showcasing great YA reads Old and New!

 

Opposition (A Lux Novel Book 5)

By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Released August 5th from Entangled Publishing

~Amazon ~ Goodreads ~

 

 

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

I have been waiting for this book! It's currently glued to my hands. Full review coming soon!!!

 

 

 

 

 If you haven't started this series, now is the time!

If you have read the series and want to gush about it. Hit me up! I can talk about Daemon Black All Day Long!

 

 

Blog Tour~ Six of Hearts by L.H. Cosway

“Come on upstairs, and I’ll get you some antiseptic for that,” I whisper, touching his hand for a second. I slip off my heels and leave them at the bottom of the stairs.

He follows silently behind me, and I wonder if he’s checking out my arse again like last time. I don’t have the courage to turn around and investigate, though.

When we reach the bathroom, I pull a bottle of antiseptic from the shelf and some cotton wool from the cupboard. Jay sits down on the edge of the bathtub, watching me.

“You really shouldn’t have attacked that man,” I say. “I’ve had worse things said to me over the years.”

His eyes darken. “Who’s said worse to you, Matilda?”

I shrug it off. “Almost every time my friend Michelle and I go out, we get crude stuff shouted at us. I think it’s all part and parcel of being around drunk men with no filters.” I pause and amend, “The women can be fairly nasty at times, too.”

“Well, that’s probably because they’re jealous. And the men do it because they misguidedly think it’ll get them laid.”

I laugh softly and pour some antiseptic onto the cotton wool before sitting down beside him and bringing it to his hand. “‘Misguided’ is definitely the right word.”

When the cotton wool meets his knuckles, he hisses and curses, “Motherfucker.”

“You know what? You Boston-Irish swear even more than us Irish-Irish,” I joke.

“Yeah,” says Jay. “I’ve got a dirty mouth, but it’s mostly used for good.”

I glance at him. The way he’s looking at me makes me feel all funny and hot, so I hand him the cotton wool.

“There. You can finish yourself off,” I say, standing up.

I have to resist the urge to face palm when I see the size of his smile. Sometimes I think my brain might just be a gaping hole containing nothing but unconscious innuendo.

“You know what I mean,” I mutter as I open the door to leave.

“Oh, I know exactly what you mean,” Jay calls after me.

“I’m going to bed.”

“Sleep tight.”

I can still hear him chuckling as I close my bedroom door.

Published: July 26, 2014 by CreateSpace

ARC Provided for Honest Review

Amazon  ~ Goodreads 

REVIEW

 



L.H. Cosway is the master when it comes to creative stories. MASTER! Every time I hear she is working on something new I get REALLY REALLY EXCITED. She never disappoints and she always surprises me with a story. She gets me excited about reading. She does more than just weave a perfect story full of unique and interesting characters and plots, she makes it an art form. Her brain is so imaginative and fantastic I want to spend a day lost in its mazes. No one can craft a story like her. Not only does she come up with the lovely and strange and mysterious and romantic she does it repeatedly. Book after book after book.  Six of Hearts is a spectacular story full of mysterious twists and turns and romantic moments. I read it in one sitting. Because L.H. Cosway books demand to be read in one sitting.   Our story is told by shy, sweet, innocent Matilda  who works for her attorney father by day and is a seamstress by night. Her life changes the minute Jay, a sexy as hell illusionist walks into the office looking for legal representation. Did you just swoon when you read illusionist? You should. Jay is as swoony as they come. You are in for a real treat. A friendship forms between the two but it is obvious that they both have feelings for each other. However, Jay has secrets, lots of secrets that he can't share...at least not yet.

 

 

As the secrets begin to unfold you fall more in love with the story and with Matilda and Jay. However, in true L.H. Cosway fashion she keeps us guessing how things are going to end. Which leads me to another thing I love about L.H. Cosway's writing. The fact that she finishes things, she WILL show you all her cards, you just have to wait for the big reveal. And let's face it, it's always worth the wait.

Another great read by Cosway! I know you all will enjoy this one too.