My Favorite Books, Authors, Ect

Summarys, book release dates, Authors's Websites

11 Jul

Dreaming Dangerously by Kathleen Harsch (Children of the Psi Book 1)

Dreaming Dangerously: Young Adult Science Fiction Thriller (Children of the Psi, #1)Dreaming Dangerously: Young Adult Science Fiction Thriller by Kathleen Harsch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Originally Posted at my Book Blog Concise Book Reviews By Michelle

My Review:

I really, really enjoyed this book, I was pleasantly surprised, but should not have been, but I actually just started reading, really, without reading the summary’s or any reviews. I knew it was a type of book I would like when I first checked it out at Goodreads, and then when I got it, to read, I didn’t refresh my memory, just read.
I was mesmerized right from the start and hooked. Cassie is a great character, and I really love Will. He is a great guy, and has his own ability that Cassie will find out about.

I do not want to give too much away, but to say, it’s a fun, interesting, paranormal/sci-fi romance. I am now reading the 2nd one called Darkness Descends: Young Adult Science Fiction Thriller.

Here is a nice quote, in the beginning when Will is trying to get to know Cassie, before either know about the others abilities, she knows there is something different, as he seems to be able to push his thoughts into her head, when she is keeping her mind closed. He is not aware he is doing it.

Kindle location 490

He leans in close to me. His warm breath tickles my ear. “I wonder if you could help me with something.”

“That depends on what that something is,” I mutter. I spoon a peach into my mouth, hoping that he doesn’t notice my hand is trembling. I finally meet his eyes again. They are dark green with flecks of dark brown and gold in them.

“I need a sketch for an art assignment, and I was wondering if I could sketch you,” Will says. The dimple in his chin distracts me.

Something about her is different. Unique. It’s like I’m pulled toward her. A gravitational pull into her orbit.

My tongue is paralyzed. I look at Annie, hoping for some help, but she’s still all goey-eyes with Paul.


The italics parts are her reading his thoughts. It’s nice how its written like this in the whole book, so very easy to tell when something is thoughts being picked up. Its very interesting, and I am really impressed with the writing. I don’t even think I seen one typo or anything either.

Overall, great book, interesting, kept my interest, and I would recommend to anyone who likes some light sci-fi/paranormal romances.

Summary From Goodreads Below:

What if you could HEAR thoughts?

Thanks to her ability to mind-drop, Cassie can hear the thoughts of everyone around her. But sometimes her telepathy is more of a curse than a psychic gift, especially when it comes to Will Rossi.

Reason #1: He pushes his thoughts at her, whether she wants to hear them or not.

Reason #2: His sexy, vindictive ex-girlfriend.

Reason #3: His dimples are absolutely, 100% distracting.

To her surprise, Cassie feels drawn to Will’s electromagnetic vibes. Yet, as she falls for him, she discovers their relationship has some serious side effects. She begins to have dreams about the future - dreams that come true in horrifying ways.

Cassie needs to learn to trust Will, or she won’t be able to prevent the tragedy she sees coming.



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09 Jul

Defiance (Significance Book 3) By Shelly Crane Book Review

Defiance (Significance, #3)Defiance by Shelly Crane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying this cover is amazing, love how we can see Maggies  ‘Visionary’ tattoo. Anyway, this book is just as amazing as the other two. I really am impressed with Shelly Crane’s writing style and how she brings it all to life for us. I know there is some grammar errors and typos, but I look past that, as sometimes things slide by, and I know I have a eye for mistakes, I should be an editor, as nothing slides by my eyes, lol, but I am not. So I judge on the story and the way it’s written, and I will say, it was beautifully written. It really was. I care so much at what happens to Maggie, Caleb, Jen, Peter, Rachel, Kyle, Bish,  her dad Jim.

This book starts up right where the last left off, its like a continuation, and I like that, especially when I have the next book ready to read, unfortunately I have to wait for the 4th bummer.

Well, in this book Maggie has the reunification and has to be there and finds not only does she have the old enemies (well, the Watson family anyway) she also has new enemies, the council, (or more like the Watson on the council) This goes much further than it has before. They are quire horrible, they are pulling Maggie and Caleb apart, not caring about the fact he is her Significant, and they will both be in major pain, the demand they be apart. Then while Caleb is locked in a gross horrible cell, Maggie is forced to meet the demands of her new government.
The council wants her to stay at the palace all the time. The worst part, is that she would be alone, untrusted and kept in the dark and Maggie really doesn’t have a choice. That is, unless she is ready to defy- and recreate this world that is now her own. She knows she must do this, it’s what her big vision showed her, but how exactly to do that, she is unsure.

I was floored at times at some of the revelations in this book, we find out some pretty major things, so many twist and turns, and some things that come along that just made me “WHAT??” and freak out, lol. But I loved every minute of it. This whole series is amazing, and you need to read them all to really enjoy this book, it’s like one continues book, split up into parts, but I love that. I am so happy that Kyle found someone, and that develops well in this book, Kyle is back to his carefree, happy clown around self, that Maggie loves, as her friend, like it should be. I won’t go into much details that will spoil the story for you, just some highlights is all.

I was so heartbroken at a loss that they have toward the end, but I won’t say who, but it just made me get tears in my eyes.

I was surprised in a good way too at some of the events that unfold in this book. The twist and turns sure have you on the edge of your seat too.
I love how strong Maggie becomes, especially after she decides to defy the council, (like the name of the book, a hint there, lol) She gets some help from an unexpected source that had me intrigued too.

Here is a rather funny part I quoted here, where Caleb snuck to Maggies room (which is charmed against abilities, including their need to touch, so they still have the withdrawals, and they need to go into the hall to get relief from them, this is the part where they are in the hall, but not dressed, underwear is all, lol)

Kindle Location 3355


“Let’s go get dressed.”

I looked down at him and saw that he was in his underwear still. I couldn’t help but smile, but then we heard a door open. Gran came out of her room, stopping dead in her tracks at seeing her grandson in his skivvies.

I waited for her to blush, or something, anything, but she just stood there. Caleb coughed uncomfortably and pulled me in front of him. It was the first time he’d ever put me in front of him. Usually it was the other way around. And then Gran’s cackle started. She laughed so hard and pointed, even doubling over as she did so.

“Gran, come on,” Caleb complained to her and then bent his head to look at me when I started laughing too.

“I’m sorry,” I said,”but its funny!” “Caleb,” Gran laughed and gasped for breath, “just tell me you didn’t walk all the way from your cell that way and I’ll be fine.”


(of course Maggie broke him out of his cell when they stuck him in it, she was not going stand for that!)


A few sentences later Caleb and Maggie get back in the room:
Kindle location 3375

Caleb jerked me into the room and quickly shut the door as he flipped on the lights. “Well, that was just great,” he said sarcastically.
“I’m sure she’s seen your cute behind before,” I told him as I went to my suitcase. “I’m sure she changed plenty of your diapers.” He grimaces. “I don’t want to think about it.” I just laughed at him more.


Got to love Caleb, such a sweet guy.
This quote is priceless, and will get your curiosity up, lol

Kindle location 3842 Maggie speaking to Caleb:


“You do realize that you completely threw Kyle under the bus,” I told him, “Like threw him under and then put it in reverse.”

One more cute quote, this is Jen’s daughter Maris (think she’s 8) She is talking with Bish, who just said she was good at tossing grapes in the air and catches with her mouth,


Kindle location: 5733

“Hey, Maria. You’re pretty good at that, kid,” He said
“I know,” she spouted. “This boy at school taught me. But then he pulled my ponytail on the playground the next day, so I’m not really friends with him anymore.” “Why did he pull your ponytail?” “Momma says boys are mean when they like you,” she whispered in a disgusted voice. “But I think Momma’s been misinformed.”


That was priceless. I love how we get more of Bish in a different way in this book, he isn’t present as much as the last, but when he is, it’s good, and important. And what goes down with Maggies father is great too.


I can’t really describe how much I loved this book, and the series as a whole. I also enjoyed the 3 chapters’ from Caleb’s POV the short book is called Reverence.  I know it’s a free download at Smashwords , not sure where else it can be picked up. It has a short part from the beginning of the next and final  book in the series called Independence.  (I can loan it out, if anyone wants to read it, just contact me at my blog or leave a comment, or send message in Goodreads)

Go read this series, you won’t be disappointed.

Reverence FREE on Smashwords | Add to Goodreads | Smashwords FREE
Significance (Book 1) My Review | add to Goodreads | Amazon
Accordance (Significance Book 2)My  REVIEW | Add to Goodreaads | Amazon
Defiance (Significance book 3) Amazon | Goodreads

Check out my book blog for more reviews, giveaways, ect.

http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com 

09 Jul

Accordance (Significance Book 2) By Shelly Crane Book Review

Accordance (Significance, #2)Accordance by Shelly Crane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW, the story just keeps getting better. I didn’t think it was possible that this story would grow and get even better. We start up right where Significance leaves off.  Maggie, Caleb, Kyle and Bish at the beach house in California. Things get interesting, now that Bish has come along, he is the only one who does not know of the Aces powers and all that go with it. He still does not like Caleb, and thinks he has Maggie brainwashed or something. It’s interesting with Maggies powers, that she can read everyone’s thoughts, so even though we are in the first person view with Maggie, it’s like being in everyone’s heads, and it makes the story that much more interesting.


We get a few unexpected surprises in this book, one is a return of Maggies mom, who holds a big surprise in her mind for Maggie, which I will not tell you what.
I love that Kyle finally finds someone, as his obsession over Maggie was pretty sad, and got downright annoying. Especially when Maggie can hear the stuff he thinks about her.
Caleb is as awesome as ever, and I am loving what a great person he is and Maggie, deep down she is just a really good hearted person.

I do not want to say too much, as not to spoil it, but want to say, this whole series is worth reading. Its not like anything else out there. It’s unique and has enough excitement and twist and turns to keep you up late at night to find out what happens next.
Here is a cute quote with Caleb and Maggie

Kindle location 3480


“I miss your bike.” I said in the Jeep. “The Jeep’s nice, but there is something about that bike.”
“I hear you. I miss her too.”
“Her?” I laughed. “Don’t tell me your bike has a name?”
“What?” he said incredulously. “As a matter of fact, I do have a name for her. I’m glad Lolita’s not here to hear you make fun of her.”

I really enjoyed that we get to learn so much more about Bish in this book. It’s so sad, as Maggie is able to look into his mind, and see how horrible his life was before her parents adopted him. He is truly a good guy. And what happens in this book makes your heart bleed for him. Let’s just say, he finds someone, but because of a vision from Maggie, he can’t be with her. And it’s so sad, very, very sad.


Of course the all the craziness is not over with the other Ace family, Sikes is still after Maggie, and there is some twist to that, that had me wanting to yell at the very end. I can’t wait to pick up book 3. But had to write this first, so I do not accidently mention stuff here,  that happens in book 3. They all read like a continuation, not big wrap up at the end or anything.  But this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Here is one more very sweet quote from Caleb, speaking to Maggie’s Dad.


Kindle Location 10,117


“Jim, I know I’ve said this before, but Maggie is in good hands. I won’t let anything happen to her and its not just because I wouldn’t anyway, but because my body won’t let me. Your daughter’s heartbeat is in my chest,” Caleb said firmly, “and it’s the most precious thing I have.”

Gotta love Caleb. Go read these books, you won’t be sorry.
Make sure you read Significance First Check out book 3 too, Defiance.

Significance (Book 1) My Review | Add to Goodreads | Amazon
Accordance (Significance Book 2) Add to Goodreads | Amazon
Reverence (Significance 3.5) FREE Here at Smashwords | Add to Goodreads
Defiance (Significance book 3) My Review | Add to Goodreads | Amazon

Be sure to check out my book blog, I have lots of book related stuff there, and a giveaway right now, with this series of books as one of the prize choices.

http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com

06 Jul

Significance (Significance Series Book 1) By Shelly Crane Book Review

Significance (Significance, #1)Significance by Shelly Crane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



WOW! This is an AMAZING story. I got so caught up in it, I kept hiding from my responsibilities to read more! I could not get enough of Caleb and Maggie. I think this series so far is a tie with some other favorites of mine. I am totally hooked. You have to give this book a chance, you will get hooked, and want to read the rest in the series too. This is the first one too. I sure with Ace’s were real (its what Caleb is, and when he imprints with Maggie, she becomes one too, it’s a good things) Ace’s are human’s sortof, with special abilities, and when they find their Significant (soul mate) they ascend and come into their full abilities. Each person has different abilities, and no way to know what you end up with. This story is mesmerizing in a way that is hard to describe. The way they feel for each other is epic, and makes you want to crawl into the book and be Maggie! Lol I can’t praise enough on how much this story has moved me. It really, really gets to you.

It starts with Maggie saving Caleb’s life, she pulls him back from stepping out in front of a fast moving truck, and saves him, they do not imprint until they touch (skin contact) and it don’t happen right away, it’s about 15 minutes later that it happens. Here is a very sweet quote, a look inside Caleb’s head, he can show her his memories, and they can read each other’s minds, and communicate silently too. Anyway, she was feeling like he only wanted to be with her because of the imprint, so he is showing her what he thought of her before they imprinted, when she saved him. It’s very sweet.

Here is where he shows her, this is after he read her thoughts of her insecurities.
Kindle location 2711 of 13135



Kindle location 2711 of 13135
“That is absolutely not true.” He insisted, reading my feelings, before laying his forehead against mine.
I felt the push and tingle of our skin, his heartbeat steady beside mine, and then I was seeing him, a vision of him. He was standing at a stoplight, listening to Cage The Elephant on his mp3 player and thinking about Kyle coming to join him at Tennessee the next semester. He looked back and did a double take as a beautiful young girl made her way to the cross walk stop.

I couldn’t believe that was what I looked like to him. I didn’t look like some silly high school girl. I looked pretty and confidant, distant and a little sad.

The girl looked around and even in the dim light he could see her freckles. He liked them. She checked her phone and stopped behind him to wait. He wanted to turn and get a better look, but didn’t want to seem like he was checking her out so he peeked back and smiled and nodded when she caught him instantly. He turned back and wished he could talk to her, but there was no point. It would make it worse.
He waited impatiently for the light to turn so he could leave and get the girl out of his mind. He had no idea why he was so struck by her anyway. The light turned and he peeked back once more and started to cross but she wasn’t looking, she was checking her phone again. He didn’t look both ways before crossing because he was looking back, to get one last peek before never seeing her again. Me.

When he turned back it was too late, then he felt a jerk on his back and tumbled backwards on top of something. When he rolled off and realized what had happened. The sad, anxious, beautiful girl had saved his life.

He didn’t know what to say or do. He asked if she was ok and when he finally heard her voice saying that she was, he thought it was the sweetest sound ever to hit his ears.
He could see a cut on her brow and reached his hand to push back her hair. It was soft and curly. He could smell her shampoo and it was doing marvelous things to his senses. Add that to the sweet green eyes looking up at him and that was it.

He started to question right then if he was imprinting with her, but no visions came, no jolts or tingles or fire as was described by his family. Just butterfies and a racing pulse.
And he was disappointed.

He never found anyone he really wanted before. There was no one he ever thought about breaking the no dating rule with, no one that made his heartbeat and trip, until now. And he was so very disappointed that he couldn’t have her, especially after she saves his life.


We stop there, move on to after he walks her to Kyles (his cousin, who she is friends with, she was supposed to meet up with) they talk and he really likes her. Then they do shake hands and the imprint happens, I won’t quote that part. But it’s cool how it happens.

Here is after the imprint and the visions ect
Kindle location 2773




He knew it. He had just imprinted with the girl he wanted more than any other, the girl he thought he’d never have. She was his.
I was brought back to the present when Caleb pulled his head back a little, but kept his face close.
“Now, you see. Don’t doubt how I feel about you. This has nothing to do with an imprint and everything to do with you”
I was breathless and in awe of what Caleb had shown me, his memories. They were clear and vivid and had seemed all too real. It was strange to watch the same event through different eyes. What was stranger still was that Caleb had wanted me before the imprinting. Before. I couldn’t stop the smile that spread my cheeks.
I knew I needed to say something.
“You almost got hit by a truck because you were checking me out?” I joked and he laughed loudly.
“Yeah. It’s a good thing you saved me. It would have been all your fault if I didn’t make it,” he said through a grin.


See why I love Caleb, he is the best guy EVER!!
This book has lots going on, a rival Ace family, is jealous because they had imprinted, as none of the Ace people have imprinted in a long time. So now they are out to get Maggie, to try to keep her and Caleb from ascending and coming into their full powers. It’s got lots of action and suspense.

It’s fascinating how this all plays out. Its written brilliantly too.
Give it a shot. (I have this set of books as a prize for a giveaway check it out)
I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance.
Here is my book blog, I have a great giveaway going, button for the summer giveaway in at my blog on right side. July 6-11th  2 winners can pick between 9 different ebook packages, each one has 4-6 ebooks (some are a whole series) This Significance series is one of them.

I have a giveaway, that has this series as one of the prize packs. Come check it out. 




 View all my reviews

(Source: concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com)

02 Jul

White Witch (The Coven book 1) By Trish Milburn Book review

White WitchWhite Witch by Trish Milburn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Originally Posted at my blog Concise Book Reviews By Michelle

See my blog for more extras and reviews

No On Quits The Family And Lives To Tell About It. That’s the motto “Jax” Pherson’s family goes by. All she wants is to have a normal life, so Jax escapes to a small town in North Carolina where she meets some great friends and a guy that has some kind of pull on her. She has planned to leave ever since her father and the coven killed her mother for wanting to leave. They are evil, like a mob with superpowers. Not a good combination. She finds her family and coven has lied to the younger generations for a long time. She has to keep herself from using her power, so she does not attract the coven to her. It’s like sending up a bat signal for them to follow. (As Jax said in the book)

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. I am picking up the 2nd one Bane as soon as I write this review. I know I will be itching to get the 3rd Magick coming out September 9 2012. This book is fresh and fun with some danger and adventure mixed in with all that cool magic. What’s not to love? We have some magic, romance, and friendship, and an evil coven out to find them.

The writing is brilliant, Trish really did a great job weaving this story, we get to like the characters a lot, and care what happens with them.

I only would have one small complaint. That is that it felt too fast, like stuff happened to quick, like a span of a week total. I sort of get that she is making these two lead characters not be the traditional love connection, but more of a supernatural one, or fated one. Like soul mates maybe. They seemed to fall in love way too quickly, but like I said there could be more to that than we know, as this is a series, so it could be building up to something more, or more reasons behind the sudden love connection. I was a bit skeptical about the sudden feelings of “love” between Egan and Toni, but other than that, it was a great read.

Here is a quote from the meeting between Jax and Keller:
Kindle location 284

‘Awareness arcs between us like fingers of lightning. He has to feel it, too. That kind of power can’t just be one way. Right? The thought nearly stops me. Despite my previous dismissal of the idea, could he be more than a hunter? Have I been wrong in what I’ve always believed about how bloodstones work? Could Keller have some sort of supernatural power, too? My heart skips a beat, almost hoping he isn’t completely human. But that’s crazy. As a rule, supernatural hunters aren’t themselves supernatural.’

This new Coven series is a really good one. I suggest you give it a shot, really. I read many books, and would hate to see you pass this chance up because of a few reviews that are just hater’s, and people who never gave it a chance and didn’t even finish. I was sucked in from the first part of the book. And like I said, the whole love connection between Jax and Keller, I think there is more going on there, than we know.

I gave this a 5/5 but if I could have done 4 1/2 stars I would have to been fair. Only for the rushed feeling of some of it. Still, overall very good start to a good series. Review for Bane, the 2nd book will be up soon.

Note: I received this book from Netgalley to give my honest review. I did not get paid in any way.
View all my reviews

(Source: concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com)

01 Jul

Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Covenant Series Book 2) Book Review

Pure (Covenant, #2)Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

See my book blog for fun extras, for this series, like POV from Aiden, and more. http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com


There is need. And then there is Fate…

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn’t exactly awesome—especially when Alexandria’s “other half” is everywhere she goes. Seth’s in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom—so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do—and sacrifice—for her.
When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies—lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon… and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn’t blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude… or killing her.
When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.(summary from Goodreads)




I am assuming you all have read Half-Blood first, if not, stop, go read it first, as this will contain spoilers for that book, and have you lost, as you would not know I was talking about, Pures are descendants of the original demi-gods, and half-bloods are kids of a pure and human. Better yet, go read Daimon too, the prequel to Half-Blood, its amazing, and you can get it free from Publisher Daimon Free Download

I will start of saying WOW! This book had me on the edge of my seat, and up till the wee hours of the morning reading it. I just had to find out what happened next. I am so caught up in Alex , Aiden and Seth. It’s not your traditional love triangle at all. One is a forbidden love, the other is some strange connection created by the Gods, and confusing to what is real, or the connection. Seth and Alex have this weird connection which makes it to where they can feel each other’s emotions, which can be downright confusing, and embarrassing, for sure. There are some pretty funny parts, when a few times at night, that Alex felt like she was having hot flashes, and had no idea why, until she started to have these same hot flashes one day, and wandering into a secluded spot in the garden, to Seth doing something a little hot and heavy with a girl, it freaked her out, as she figured out all those times she had them, it was because Seth was getting hot and heavy with a girl, lol. Priceless.

The sweet relationship with Aiden and Alex is a sad one, as we know its forbidden for a half-blood and a pure to be together. And even though us as the reader, knows that Aiden must love Alex deeply, he can’t let her know this, as he knows what will happen to her if he did. She is known to be reckless as it is, and he knows she would do anything to be with him, including risking her life, or life of servitude. So it’s a sad situation that Alex, Aiden, and Seth is in.

I find myself really liking Seth in this book, we get to learn more about him, and see he truly does care about Alex, and i love his snarky witty attitude. And his overall hotness, lol. I have the ebook version of this, and am so glad I do, as I get a whole scene of Seths Point of view. (the pool scene, you will know what I mean when you read the book)

Here is a quote from Seths POV:
Kindle location 688
‘Alex stood just inside the entrance of the ballroom, looking as frightened as a wood nymph having earned Apollo’s favor. Her anxiety hummed around her, but I wasn’t feeling it. Well, I was feeling something.
There always was this certain beauty to her-one that was rough at the edges, making her unique to those around her. But tonight, dressed in a red gown that should’ve been illegal on her body? I’d see Alex in workout clothes, in those little distracting pajama bottoms, and in regular clothes, but damn. That wild tangle of hair was twisted up… and those eyes…
Tonight she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.’
End quote.
Another part same scent for Seth POV
Kindle Location 6398
“Holy crap,” I murmured.
I felt Aiden stiffen beside me, and I wondered if he somehow knew that she was here, if there was some kind of bond that coursed between those two that was far more powerful than what Alex and I shared. Impossible…but I wondered.
Then he looked over his shoulder, and dear gods, I never seen a man more surprised by a girl in a dress than Aiden. Okay. Lie. I had been just as surprised, and if he was thinking half of what I was thinking, I sort of wanted to hit him more than I usually did.
(end quote)

As you can see, we get a nice glimpse inside Seth’s head. I already read the POV from Aiden on Jennifer’s website, so I have been torn at who is best for Alex. I feel there is more going on with Seth, afraid that he may be up to no good, maybe being controlled to a certain extent by her step-father Lucian. I do not trust him, I am with Alex on that. She doesn’t really trust his motivations and all of a sudden being so nice to her. I wonder at times if he has some control over Seth, but I believe Seth truly cares for Alex, so no matter what, I think he will always think of her first. I least I sure hope so.
Here is a cute quote (from Alex POV) Kindle Location 2358

“You’re too important, too special to throw everything away for a pure.” Seth sighed, dropping away his hands to mine. “Now, I brought us a movie to watch, the one that has sparkly vampires in it. I thought you’d be down for that.”

What a sweet guy! Willing to watch what most people would call a chick flick, lol.

This book was very touching, very sad at places, and so many fun, quirky parts too. I highly recommend this book to anyone just about, especially if you like the fun paranormal aspect of it. Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite authors now, these are the first books I have read by her, and I am very impressed. I am anxious to get my hands on the 3rd book now. I go on to read her Lux books.

Be sure to check out the tab for extras of favorite books, there is links to the POV from Aiden. and deleted scenes.

View all my reviews

01 Jul

Daimon (Prequel to Half-Blood .05) By Jennifer L. Armentrout Book review

Daimon (Covenant, #0.5)Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Visit my book blog for more reviews, and extras, and giveaways too.http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com

Summary from Goodreads: For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals—pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she’d been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she’s pretty much accepted that she’s a freak by mortal standards… and that she’ll never be prepared for that duty.

According to her mother, that’s a good thing.

But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return—the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death… because she’s being hunted by the very creatures she’d once trained to kill.

The daimons have found her.


This book is a great book that will get you excited to read Half-Blood. I have not read any of these yet, so I just started with this one. Glad I did, it was short, but full of action, and a good introduction into the world Alex lives in.

I like Alex, (Alexandria Andros) she is a strong willed young girl who is a half-blood (half human, half God), her mother is a Hematoi (pure-blood). This gives the back story to her life, and how her mother got murdered. We start Half-Blood with her mom already dead, and Alex fighting off Daimon’s that are after her. This book will leave off, right before Half-Blood starts. She is in the warehouse, getting ready to fight off the Daimons.

I really love how Alex kicks 2 bully boys butts on the beach, to the horror of her boyfriend, who I would think she just emasculated him by doing that. He was upset, and broke up with her, as he didn’t like violence. Well, she had lots of training, she was in training to be a Sentinal possibly, but her mother took her and ran from the Covenant 3 years before, the have been hiding from them since. She has to work at suppressing her natural strength and speed of the Gods. It’s hard to fit in the Mortal world, she can’t be herself. Daimons are what used to be Pure-Bloods, but turned from the gods, and they killed Pure-bloods for their aether life force. Half-Bloods like Alex are the only ones who can see them for what they really are, before their elemental magic disguises them to look like a normal pure-blood.
Here is a quote of Alex’s description of daimons

Kindle location 427 of 1056:

They couldn’t see what I saw. No Mortal could. Not even a pure-blood could. Only half-bloods could see through the elemental magic and witness the trued horror- skin so pale and so thin that every vein popped through the flesh like a baby black snake. His eyes were dark, empty sockets and his mouth, his teeth…
This is one of the things I’d been trained to fight at the Covenant. This was a thing that thrived and fed on aether-the essence of the gods, the very life force running through us-a pure-blood who had turned his back on the gods. This is one of the things I was obligated to kill on sight. A daimon-there was a daimon here.


I found I really liked 17 year old Alex, and love that she is tough as nails. I felt bad at what happens to her mother. Alex and her mother had such a nice relationship, so caring, and understanding. But funny too, as her mom was oblivious to mortal things, so some stuff said will be over her head. Here is a funny quote where she is telling her mother about the 2 boys she beat up:

Kindle location 339 of 1032

“They were total douchbags. I swear.”
“Lexie!”
“What?” I giggle at her expression. “They are. And douchebag isn’t a cuss word.”
She shook her head. “I don’t even want to know what it is, but it sounds revolting.”


I love that she is so close to her mom, which made it even more painful to read when she dies. I recommend this book to anyone who has read this series, or wants too, and to start with this one, is nice. I feel I know Alex well, I just started Half-Blood, and feel more in touch with her now that I read this one. It’s a free ebook, so go get it. It’s a download from Spencer Hill link here» Daimon Free Download
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01 Jul

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Review (Covenant Series Book 1)

Half-Blood (Covenant, #1)Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars




The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi—pure-bloods—have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals—well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:

Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem—staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.
(summary from book)

I was very pleased with this book, it is well written and very exciting with many quirky funny, parts. I love Alexandria (Alex for short), she is a very strong young girl. Aiden is swoon worthy, and after reading chapter one and two from his point of view on the author’s website, I like him even more.

I read the Prequel Daimon first, and was glad I did, as it just made this story flow well, and I already knew why she was where she was in the beginning. (she had already been on the run from the Daimons that killed her mom, we never read that whole scene, it’s not in this book, only in the prequel)

Alex is a half-blood (half descend of the Gods) and the Pures are Hematoi (Her mother was a pure) father a mortal human. Basically before the original demigods had died along with Hercules and Perseus, they’d all shacked up with each other in the way only the Greeks could. Those unions had produced the pure-bloods, the Hematoi, a very, very powerful race. They could wield control over the four elements: air, water, fire and earth, and manipulate that raw power into spells and compulsions.

Half-blood’s are gifted with the same strength and speed of the pures, but had an extra special gift that set them apart. They can see through the elemental magic the daimons used. The pures couldn’t. There are lots of half’s and they are used to protect the pures from daimons, since they can see them for what they are (they look all gross, and no eyes, thick ugly veins show, ugly, then the magic will kick in, then they look like a pure again)

Aiden, the one who comes to Alex’s rescue is a pure, a Sentinel. (daimon hunter) and he ends up training Alex to help her catch up so she can join the Covenant again to train to also be a Sentinel. She wants it more than anything, and she even was able to kill 2 daimon’s while fighting them off before Aiden showed up, well, one she killed after he got there. He was very impressed that she was able to do this, as she has been out of training for 3 years. He sees something special in her. And boy, is there something extra special in her all right. But I will leave that little mystery for you to find out on your own.

I love the connection Alex and Aiden have, even though it’s forbidden for a half and pure to be together, or anything of the sort, they have trouble fighting their attraction. But Aiden is a good guy, and thinks of what it will do to her future if he allows them to become close. He is a real gentleman, much to Alex’s dismay!
Here is a nice little quote, kindle location 3345 (note, this same scene, well whole chapter is at authors website from Aiden’s POV, chapter 16)

‘He moved, ever so slightly, and his lips brushed across mine once, and then twice. It was such a soft, beautiful kiss, but when the kiss deepened, it wasn’t a shy one. This was one of dangerously pent-up need, a desire that’d been denied far too long. The kiss felt fierce, demanding, and soul burning.’

We also meet Seth in this book, his interactions with Alex are quite funny at times, I won’t say who he is, or what he is there for, so not to spoil anything. But its big, and cool. Not really a love triangle or anything, it’s far more complicated than that. That will be all I say of that.

I found this story very refreshing, and the idea quite new, Jennifer is an amazing writer, up there with some of my favorites now. I look forward to reading the rest in this series, and will also go read her other Lux series too.

I highly recommend this book, it’s not a copy cat, or anything of the sort. I read tons of books, and will tell you now, this is a very well written series, and you would be missing out if you passed on it.
I have a link at my blog to get the Daimon prequel free, go get that, get yourself a taste of the story, with no expense, you will see, it’s a story worth reading.
Remember you can download a FREE copy of Daimon from the publisher, here is the link http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/Daimon.php

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01 Jul

Half-Blood and Pure Covenant Series EXTRA Aiden POV Chapter 16


Half-Blood Extra from Jennifer L. Armuntrout (click below to go to original source)

 Chapter 16 from Aiden’s POV (Original source click title)


“I’m not saying that.” Against common sense, I closed the distance between us and placed my hands on her shoulders. Her bare skin was warm, smooth, and so damn soft.

            Alex shivered, and I knew I should’ve pulled my hands back then, butinstead I allowed my fingers to curve over the delicate bones.  Focus—I needed to focus. I was only trying to comfort her. And she needed comfort right now, reassurance that everything was the same as it was the day before. The last thing she needed was me feeling her up. Not that I was doing that.
            “Do you remember what I said about fate?” When she shook her head, an odd expression crossed her face and I wondered what she was remembering. “Only you have control over your future, Alex. Only you have control over what you want.”
            “You really think so?”
            I nodded. Nothing could force Alex into something she didn’t want. She was so incredibly strong and I couldn’t fathom how she didn’t know that. “Yes.”
            Alex shook her head again, as if the simple gesture could fool me.  Her eyes flicked up, a warm whiskey brown, before darting over my shoulder. The pain and confusion in her gaze was a sucker-punch to the gut. I couldn’t stand it, knowing what she’d been through already.  My hands tightened on her shoulders. And a part of me— all of me—wanted to take her away, from all of this.
            Without really thinking, I pulled her against me and tried to come up with something to prove to her that she was going to be okay. But then she placed her head against my chest and I stopped breathing.
            Oh, gods, what in the hell was I doing?
            Being this close to her, holding her was wrong on so many levels. Alex’s entire future was in my hands right now. What I needed to do was pat her on the back, tell her everything would be fine, and send her on her way.
            “I don’t want to be this Apollyon thing.” Her eyes closed. “I don’t even like to be in the same country as Seth. I don’t want any of this.”


 But like a true SOB, instead of pushing her away, my hand smoothed down her back. The thin cotton of her dress was a pitiful barrier. 
            “I know,” I said, struggling to remember what was going on here. This wasn’t about me or my out of control desire for something I could never have. “It’s overwhelming and scary, but you’re not alone. We’ll figure this out. Everything is going to be okay.”
            And now I needed to gently push her away, but Alex pressed closer. Lightning jolted my body. And gods, everything changed in this instant. Intentions of comfort, no matter how true they were in the beginning were gone. Right out the window, along with my self-restraint and common sense.
            Alex felt right in my arms.
            I ran my hand through her silky hair, tilting her head back. Her eyes were so wide, mirroring a dangerous mixture of innocence and temptation. “You don’t have anything to worry about, Alex. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
            The moments those words left my mouth, I knew I’d crossed some invisible line that I could never, ever go back from. They weren’t just words. They were an oath that I’d keep true to the end of my days.
            Our eyes locked. Her chest rose unsteadily against mine as she sucked in a breath I wanted to share. An unfamiliar thing happened. My heart stuttered and then skipped a beat. The room seemed to shift, and I pulled her closer, because she wasn’t close enough. Could never be close enough.
            My hand drifted from her hair, across the curve of her cheekbone. Gods, she was so beautiful. Pure temptation. My thumb smoothed over her lower lip, and I felt her answering shudder under my skin.
            Too caught up, I leaned in, pressing my cheek against hers. “You should tell me to stop.”
            Alex said nothing.
            And I stopped thinking. With a growl more animal than civilized, I moved toward her mouth with only one thing in mind.  
            I kissed her. Savoring her mouth, soaking up her response, I was fueled by her desire for more. And though I needed morein the back of my mind, I already knew that more could never be enough. That if I didn’t stop, I’d never be satisfied. Like a daimon after its first taste of aether, I’d just keep coming back and back.
            As I fitted her body to mine, the kiss deepened, shocked me to the core. Gods, I wanted this, as bad as that was, I wanted this.
            Sliding my hands down her shoulders, I followed the curve of her stomach, the subtle flare of hips. Before I knew it, I was taking her to the bedroom. Never breaking contact with her mouth… her body. 
            And brave, beautiful Alex threw herself into this madness like she always did. Head first, questions and concerns later.  Reckless, but admirable. Dangerous, but so tempting. She slid her hands under my shirt and I jerked at the touch of her fingers.  Pulling back, I let her strip me of my shirt. I smiled at Alex’s sudden inhale.
Then I was on her, easing her down. And as I loomed over her, I don’t know what got to me more—that she wanted this so badly or how much she trusted me.
Trust? I stilled. Alex trusted me and I was seconds away—
            Alex’s hand glided down my chest, further south, and dammit, if I wasn’t lost. Found. Whatever. She was wearing too much clothes. I kissed her again, dragging her breath into me, sliding the top of her dress down and then off.  And I took my time finding her lips again, committing each dip and curve to memory. My lower body sank into hers, and little, surprisingly sharp nails dug into my arms.
            She kept whispering my name, over and over again as I explored her, relished in her. She was breathing in short gasps when I rolled her on top of me.
            “You’re so beautiful. So brave, so full of life.” I sounded—felt drunk as I guided her head down so I could kiss the scar on her neck.  “You have no idea, do you? You have so much life in you, so much.”
            Alex dipped her head and she grinned when I kissed the tip of her nose. “Really?”
            “Yes.” I brushed her hair back from her face. “Since the night I saw you in Georgia, you’ve been under my skin. You got inside me, became a part of me. I can’t shake it. It’s wrong.” I shifted us, rolling Alex across the bed until I towered over her. Damn, she was one hell of a fighter, would one day become something that would crush her enemies, but she felt so small under me. So perfect.
            “Agapi mou, I can’t…” There were no more words. I brought my lips to hers, leaning my full weight onto her. Everything took on a near frantic edge. Our kisses. The touching. The way our bodies moved against each other.
            I lifted my head, unable to wait any longer. “Do you trust me?”
            Alex ran her fingers over my cheeks, then my lips. “Yes.”
            There had been no hesitation. I brought her hand to my lips, kissing the tips of each of her fingers. Then I looked at her, taking in her flushed cheeks, fevered eyes. Time stopped. I wanted—needed this to be perfect for her, to be—
            Someone knocked on the door.


 I froze.
No. No freaking way. We stared each other, possibly both of us praying for the same thing. That someone wasn’t at that door.
But the sound came again, along with Leon’s booming voice. “Aiden, open this door. Now.”
Son of a bitch.
Never in my life did I hate someone as much as I hated Leon at that very moment. And there was no ignoring him. He’d break down that damn door and Alex…
My gaze swept over her as I lifted myself off the bed and grabbed a pair of pants and the shirt she’d tossed clear across the room. The girl had an arm on her. She’d probably throw a dagger like a—
It struck me then. And I could barely breathe.
Spinning around, I left the room and shut the door behind me. Holy crap, I’d… I’d been so, so close to taking everything from her. Most importantly, her freedom…
“Shit,” I muttered, stalking toward the door. What the hell had I been thinking? She didn’t deserve this—because this was nothing. It couldn’t ever be anything.
Halfs and pures did not mix.
But she was in my bedroom, on my bed, glorious…
Leon’s impatient sigh penetrated wood. I briefly entertained the idea of grabbing a dagger and throwing it through the door.
I yanked the door open, running a hand through my hair. “What?”
He cocked his head to the side, but his gaze went over my shoulder, to my bedroom. My stomach dropped. Leon was a cool guy, but if he knew Alex was here—in there—he’d been required to report her.
Her. In the end, Alex would be the only one who’d suffer for this. The good ole’ boys would probably applaud me. Gods, I hated my own race sometimes.
Leon’s expression remained impressively blank. “I didn’t mean to wake you, but I figured you’d want to know this immediately. They’ve found Kain. He’s alive.”
I blinked, unsure I heard him right. But I had. Kain was alive. I rubbed my jaw. Crap. This could be good. Or this could be real, real bad for Alex.
Somehow I managed to convince Leon that I’d meet him over in the med center and went back to Alex.
She was waiting by the bed. Dressed. Part of me was relieved. Another part of me wanted to take the dress off. Again.
“I heard,” she said, eyes wide.
            I nodded. “I’ll let you know what he says.”
            She stepped forward. “I want to come. I have to hear what he says.”
            Oh, yeah, that’s not going to work. “Alex, it’s past your curfew, and how would you know to be in the infirmary?”
            Her eyes narrowed. “But I can sneak in there. The rooms are just separated with partition walls. I could stay behind them—”
            “Alex. You need to go back to your dorm. Now. I promise I’ll tell you everything he says, okay?”
            For a moment I thought she was going to argue, but she nodded. We waited a couple more minutes. At the front door, I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath.
            When she stepped out of this door… that was it—this could never happen again. We’d come within inches of being caught, within seconds of her losing everything and because of what?
             “What?” Alex said.
            Because I was lost in her.
            I faced her, and she suddenly looked a little scared. And she wasn’t the only one. What I was feeling at that moment disturbed the hell out of me. Without saying a word, I cupped her face and kissed her.
            I kissed her like I was never going to see her again, because in a way, I wasn’t. Not this way, and as much as that killed me, I knew the difference between what felt right.
            And what was actually right.
            “Don’t do anything stupid,” I warned her, voice hoarse. Then I left her, disappearing into the darkness. 

(Source: concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com)

01 Jul

The Lost Soul (Fallen Souls series Book 1) By Jessica Sorensen Book Review

The Lost Soul (Fallen Souls, #1)The Lost Soul by Jessica Sorensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Spin-off of the Fallen Star Series.

My name is Gemma Lucas and my life is good. Alex and I eliminated the star and Stephan and the Death Walkers. Finally I can relax and focus on freeing my father from the Room of Forbidden.

At least that’s what I thought. But things are never that easy.

Just when I’ve put the past behind, Lost Souls cross over into the Real World. Then Alex disappears without a trace. As I desperately search for him, I discover secrets I wish I could forget—secrets Alex has been keeping for me. And I’m not sure what to do. Or who I can trust.
(summary from Amazon)

Wow, this book has me emotions in a whirlwind. Like Jessica’s other books, it keeps you enthralled from the very beginning, all the way till the end. I felt everything as Gemma did too. And it’s so beautifully written, this book sucks you right into the story. It’s not a surprise, as I have learned Jessica is a phenomenal writer.

We are back with Gemma, Alex, Aislin, Laylen, and Nicholas, and a few others from the Fallen Star series. They have a lot to deal with. Gemma then, must find and save Alex, and she ends up having to trust Nicholas to do it, the half-fey Foreseer is a manipulative character, which always asks a price for any help. Then we find all is not what it seems, and she starts doing odd things, and then we find her mind is not all her own. Its an interesting twist, and really had me reading late into the night, to see what happens next. And of course there is a pretty big cliffhanger. I sure wonder how they will get themselves out of this mess.

I like the introduction of Evan, too bad he came so late into the story. I sure we will be seeing more of him. I was very satisfied with the action and adventures of this new spin-off series of The Fallen Star series. I love that we learn some more about Gemma’s past, her bloodlines so to speak, it’s unexpected too.

I do not want to add any spoilery, but will say, this book will have your heart aching. If I say much more, it will spoil it for you. But trust me, its worth reading, and I give it a 5/5 stars 100%!

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