ARC Review: Undertow (Undertow #1)

Undertow (Undertow #1) by K.R. Conway

Publisher: Patchwork Press (Cooperative), 2014

398 pages, kindle edition

Source: Netgalley

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Eila Walker’s new home has defied the brutal Atlantic for over 160 years. Abandoned since her 4th great grandmother Elizabeth vanished, the town legend has always declared that she drowned . . . or was struck by lightning. Unbeknownst to the town and Eila, however, is that someone does know what really happened to Elizabeth, and he has returned, determined to protect the last surviving Walker from a history of violence.

But what starts out as a quest for redemption, evolves into something more and soon young guardian, Raef, is forced to reveal the truth to Eila. As hidden secrets about their warring families come to light, Eila begins to realize that she may be their best shot at survival, even if it means following in her grandmother’s fearless footsteps to save her killer bodyguard.

My Review:

I like paranormal books that have a good mixture of creatures, and Undertow certainly had that. There is a lot going on in this book. I loved the mix of mystery, action and romance, and KR Conway even managed to throw a good bit of humor into the story as well. Overall, it was really well done. I think a lot of that had to do with a great group chemistry going on between all of the main and secondary characters. Eila, Raef, Ana and MJ are such an interesting and surprisingly tight knit group considering how short of a time they had to get to know each other.

Eila starts the story off packing up and moving to a small new england town where she mysteriously inherited an old family house. I kind of wish she did a little more digging into the house and why she got it when she got there but she seemed to get swept up in the start of school and everything else that was happening that it just got pushed aside. But other than that, I really enjoyed Eila. She is tough and resilient. She has a lot thrown at her in a short period of time. She didn’t know anything about anything paranormal when she got to her new house and then it seemed to be popping up everywhere she turned. But still, she didn’t back down from anything new and scary. It helped that she had a great group of friends surrounding her. And her friends each had secrets of their own that I enjoyed finding out about. As soon as I first met MJ I knew that I would like him. He has such a great sense of humor and he was just fun to be around.
Raef was someone that I was unsure about at first. The book starts out with a flashback and so I had this idea in my head that Raef was the bad guy, but around Eila he didn’t seem to be. I wasn’t sure what to believe for a while, but eventually he won me over. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing in this book so I’m not going to say much more about that.

The romance in this book has a very natural feel to it. I loved the progression of it, and there were certainly more than one swoon-worthy scene. There is a ton of stuff that goes on in this book. And it all takes place very quickly. I would have liked to seen the timeline stretched out just a bit. I think that would have made it seem a little more realistic as far as the group of friends went. Eila is a new girl in town and she becomes so close with Raef, Ana and MJ so quickly, and they go to great lengths for her. If they knew her for just a little longer that would have made their bond even better for me. But that won’t be an issue at all in the next book. I’m excited to read the next book. There was no cliffhanger ending on this one, but there is still plenty to happen in the Undertow series. Undertow is a good start to a promising series.

My Rating:

ARC Review: The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack

Publisher: Evolved Publishing, 2014
290 pages, paperback

Source: Netgalley

Synopsis:

After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light-two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.

Children of the Republic, Helena and Jason were inseparable in their youth, until fate sent them down different paths. Grief and duty sidetracked Helena's plans, and Jason came to detest the hollowness of his ambitions.

These two damaged souls are reunited when a tiny boat from the Blessed Lands crashes onto the rocks near Helena's home after an impossible journey across the forbidden ocean. On board is a single passenger, a nine-year-old girl named Kailani, who calls herself The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky. A new and perilous purpose binds Jason and Helena together again, as they vow to protect the lost innocent from the wrath of the authorities, no matter the risk to their future and freedom.

But is the mysterious child simply a troubled little girl longing to return home? Or is she a powerful prophet sent to unravel the fabric of a godless Republic, as the outlaw leader of an illegal religious sect would have them believe? Whatever the answer, it will change them all forever... and perhaps their world as well.

My Review:

What I find interesting is that in David Litwack’s world of religious extremes (blind faith on one hand and clinging to reason on the other hand), one little girl finds a way to bring both together toward a common goal. Both sides clearly are committing atrocities and are scarily dystopian toward their citizens, so by the end of the book there’s still quite a long way to go but things are getting better. And that’s really the beauty of the world-building in this book: it mirrors our own society in a lot of ways, particularly with the current events going on in the Middle East. Finding common ground is a start, both in the real world and in fiction, and David Litwack portrays a slow transition both for society and the main characters in a realistic way.

The characters were quite interesting in their own ways. Helena is dealing with the death of her father alone because her mother ran away to bury her head in the woods at a farm for artists. Jason is struggling because he’s never been given the opportunities of Helena, having worked a job after school for so long to pay for university and get a decent job. Then everything changes when Helena and Jason help a girl whose boat crashed on the reefs and she claims to be the daughter of the sea and the sky who must be forgiven by the wind. The character of Kailani is interesting but I feel like it had a little more potential because of the way the book ended. Maybe a clue or something about whether or not she truly is a prophet.

David Litwack’s writing keeps improving with each book, but the narrative of this one seemed a bit off. His actual writing was nice; lots of descriptions, easy flow, etc. But the story itself felt like it was building up toward something that was changed in the climax, leaving readers a little disappointed. Maybe it’s something personal, but I kind of wanted more at the end of the book. More of an explanation for Kailani, more of the circumstances surrounding her journey explained, etc. I try not to be too thrown by surprise endings, but this one did affect my overall opinion of the rest of the book.

In short, if you’re looking for a good science fiction/fantasy mash-up book, look no further. The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky wasn’t necessarily the book I’m the best suited for but I still found a lot about it to love.

My Rating:

ARC Review: Moms Night Out

Moms' Night Out by Tricia Goyer

Publisher: B&H Books, 2014

291 pages, kindle edition

Source: Netgalley

Synopsis:

Moms' Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?

Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.

My Review:
I have a very sneaky suspicion that this book is going to read more like an autobiography than fiction for most mothers. From the opening lines it captures the crazy chaos we call motherhood to a tee. The character of Allyson embodies most of us as she struggles through the wash, rinse, repeat cycle of raising children.

At one point in the story Allyson reveals that her dream when she grew up was to be a wife and mother. Now that the dream has come true, reality has inched in to upset the fairy tale. It seems that no matter what direction she turns she is surrounded by her short comings. The house is a mess, the kids are a mess, and above all else she's a mess. She spends a lot of time wondering how "they" do it. You know who "they" are . . . those "other" mothers. The ones that have the perfect house, perfect kids, and the always put-together perfect look.

Through a divinely inspired and desperately needed moms' night out, Allyson's eyes are slowly opened to the fact that her life and all that it encompasses may be a mess but it is a truly beautiful mess.

I must admit that I'm a little hesitant to read a book after seeing the movie. I'm usually disappointed in one or the other. I'm pleased to say in this instance that isn't the case at all. I loved them both equally and came away from the reading with the same feeling of gratitude that I did from the movie. I'm humbled, honored and grateful that God chose me to mother.

If you are looking for a funny, uplifting, and inspiring story to read for yourself or to give to a friend, you can't go wrong with Moms' Night Out. I think you'll be pleased that you took the time to revel in the beautiful mess we call motherhood.

My Rating:

ARC Review: Tortured Souls (The Orion Circle #1)

The Tortured Souls (The Orion Circle #1) by Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Publisher: Sea Dragon Press, 2014

227 pages, kindle edition

Source: Netgalley & YA Bound Book Tours

Synopsis:

Sometimes Rest in Peace isn't an option

Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it's ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.

When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie's longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.

But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he's never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.

Kacie can't ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.

My Review:
Tortured Souls was amazing from page one clear through The End! Instantly, the reader is introduced to Kacie, a strong female lead who also happens to see ghosts, that in mind, the book was super creepy in places that made me scared to get off my couch. You know the writing is good when you believe ghosts could be waiting around the corner.

The romantic element in this novel was just right. In the very first pages, Kacie’s crush, Logan, saves her from a phantom they both can see and the action just begins there and never stops. I loved Logan. With him and Kacie combined, the romantic tension was written beautifully. I was captivated by The Orion Circle, reading about their mission, how they engage on the field, and how Kacie fit into it all.

Tortured Souls, book 1 in The Orion Circle, is a wonderful start to a new YA series that offers much to fans of supernatural, suspense, and things that go bump in the night. I will certainly be on the look out for book 2.

My Rating:

Review: Magic of Thieves (Legends of Dimmingwood #1)

Magic of Thieves (Legends of Dimmingwood #1) by C. Greenwood

Publisher: CreateSpace, 2012

191 pages, kindle edition

Source: Free through Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreds):

In a province where magic is forbidden and its possessors are murdered by the cruel Praetor, young Ilan, born with the powerful gift of her ancestors, has only one hope for survival. Concealment. In the shadow of Dimmingwood, she finds temporary protection with a band of forest brigands led by the infamous outlaw Rideon the Red Hand.

But as Ilan matures, learns the skills of survival, and struggles to master the inherent magic of her dying race, danger is always close behind. When old enemies reappear and new friendships lead to betrayal, will her discovery of an enchanted bow prove to be Ilan’s final salvation or her ultimate downfall?

When I was small, my mother taught me about the magickless—evil men who hunted our kind to destroy us. They came from across the water to steal the lands of our ancestors. Pretending to want peace, they enslaved us and sought to extinguish what they couldn’t possess, the one thing their harsh laws could never control. Our ancient powers. One day, my mother warned me, violence would shatter the safety of our home, and when that day came, we must fight. And we must win.

My Review:
The story begins with a small girl and her family being chased out of their homes by Praetor’s menas they attempt at cleansing the land of all magic. Having lost both her parents in one night, the child survives with the help of a neighbor who then sends her off to the another land to be with other magicians, who can help her wield her own power. But as fate would have it, she lands up among a band of thieves and is adopted by Brig – a soft hearted one. As she grows up among the band, she has to keep her magic a secret. She is soon joined by Terrac, a wannabe priest. Things get stirred up and soon Ilan is looking for revenge… Will she be able to avenge Brig’s death. What is in store for her next?

Ilan is a character that I had a love-hate connection with throughout. Though she is the only girl among the band of thieves, I think we should cut her some slack. But still, I could not understand her outbursts against Brig and Terrac and neither could I understand her fascination towards Rideon or the Red Hand. Terrac is a comparatively straightforward character that I liked. But I liked Brig the most. The plot read more like a prequel to the actual story. It reminded me of the prequel novellas to the Throne of glass series. I am guessing that the actual story of Ilan going up against or along with Praetor is the actual storyline that we are going to see in the coming instalments. The narration style of the author is however, simple and easy to get into.


My Rating:

Review: Innocent in Las Vegas (Tiffany Black Mystery #1)

Innocent in Las Vegas (Tiffany Black Mystery #1) by A.R. Winters

Publisher: CreateSpace, 2013

200 pages, kindle edition

Source: Free through Amazon

Synopsis (from Goodreds):

Cupcake-loving croupier Tiffany Black is determined to leave her job at the casino for good. She’s one small step away from acquiring her Private Investigator license, and has her eye on the prize.

Accepting her first real case – investigating the murder of casino-mogul Ethan Becker – should be exciting. Instead, things spiral out of control and Tiffany finds herself in over her head, as she confronts secretive suspects, corrupt casino henchmen and her mysterious, ex-Special Forces bodyguard.

Tiffany’s poker-hustling Nanna and pushy parents want her to find a nice man and settle down, but Tiffany just wants to track down the real murderer before he finds her first…

My Review:
This book was better than I expected it to be! Tiffany Black is a Private Investigator in training by day and a casino dealer by night. She gets her first big case- one that no one else wants- from an ex-stripper who the police believe killed her husband. She wants Tiffany to find the real murderer. Things get dangerous when Tiffany is threatened to stop the case and people are breaking into her apartment and trying to kill her. Luckily, her client also hires a mysterious and knowledgeable man named Stone to help her out.

I enjoyed the premise of Tiffany trying to break into the P.I. Business. I never actually thought of what it would take to be a P.I. I also loved the character of Tiffany. She was down-to-earth, funny, and real. She was the kind of person I would want to be friends with. However, I did think she seemed stupid when she started out her work with no self-defense classes and without a weapon. Her nana was a hilarious character I would love to keep reading about. Love those feisty old ladies! Stone was another great character. He didn't say much, but he cared about Tiffany and taught her (and the reader!) a lot.

The mystery was okay. Not the most clever, but it did all make sense in the end and it was certainly unpredictable. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and look forward to Winter's future novels.

My Rating:

Review: Anywhere With You (With You #1)

Anywhere With You (With You #1) by Kaylee Ryan

Publisher: Kaylee Ryan, 2013

228 pages, Kindle edition

Source: Purchased through Amazon

Synopsis (from Amazon):

Allison Hagan has not lived the life of a normal teenager. Her parents died in a car crash when she was ten, and she has been living with her elderly grandmother who happens to be her only living relative ever since. Allison became best friends with the boy next door, Aiden. Aiden’s family has taken her in as part of their own, which is why when her gran insists that she live in the dorms at college, Allison chooses to attend the same school as Aiden.

Liam MacCoy is a college senior and quarterback of his college football team. Liam is rumored to be first round draft pick for the NFL following graduation, as is his best friend, Aiden. Liam has one focus and that’s football, that is until his little sister introduces him to her roommate Allison. Since he met her, he hasn't been able to think of anything else.

Liam is not a relationship kind of guy, and Allison wants it all. She wants the romance and the family that she grew up without. Will Liam overcome his fear of relationships as well as the tangle of friendships to give Allison everything she wants?

My Review:

Allison Hagen does not have the best life. Her parents both die and she is sent to live with her only living relative her Gran. Lucky for her, Aiden-or as Allison calls him ACE- lives next door and he becomes her best friend and brother. Allison does not want to go off to college, but her Gran insists and besides, her best friend goes to school and plays football there. It was time for her to go off and live the college experience. In walks Hailey, her fun loving free spirited best friend and Liam. Liam is Hailey's brother and to say that is he hot is not quite enough. He is good looking, the star quarterback of the UNC football team, and not looking for a relationship. His life is football and his dream is the NFL. Girls are just something to take the itch off and would get in the way of his dreams.
What we find out is that it really is a small world. Ace(Aiden) and Liam are best friends and roommates and don't forget that Hailey and Allison are roommates. What we also find out is that Liam is not that close minded when it comes to a relationship with Allison, and Allison is desperate to find someone to give her the love that she is missing from her parents.

I really liked this book. Ok- I loved it. I don't know if it is because I have been in a book funk and I have not found anything that I could connect with in awhile. First off, as most people know, I am a sucker for a book that has sports in it. If the main character is an athlete I will read it. Second, I am a sucker for a good coming of age book, where the character finds out who they are and what they are about.
You are going to love Allison and Liam and seeing where this goes. I will say that Liam in the perfect guy, so that might be the one negative, or positive based on what you are looking for. If there are any real life Liam's out there, please call me. He is over the top sweet and generous and downright perfect.

My Rating: