Ashley Stoyanoff Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater.

★ASHLEY STOYANOFF'S REVIEW★

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater 

Title: Forever (Wolves of Mercy Falls, #3)

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Number of Pages: 400

Publication Info: Scholastic Paperbacks; Reprint edition (May 2012)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Werewolves

Shelf: Books I Bought

Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads: Here

Author Website: Here

Purchase: Here

Summary from Goodreads:

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater.
....
then.
When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually he found a way to become a boy, and their love transformed from curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.
.....
now.
That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be hunted in one final, spectacular kill.
....forever.
Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future will all collide in one pure moment - a moment of death or life, farewell or forever.

My Review:

Well, I’ve finished the trilogy, and a week after closing the last book, I’m still not sure how I feel about the overall series.  Each book was great.  I enjoyed every page, but the ending … well, it was just an ending.  Nothing overly spectacular, and completely left to the readers imagination, but I’ll get into that a little bit later.

Let’s start with the characters.  Sam and Grace morphed and grew throughout all three books. I love seeing solid character growth, and Stiefvater gives exactly that.  Just like real people, astheir circumstances changed, so did Sam and Grace.  But Sam and Grace were not the only characters that I fell in love with, and they certainly were not the only ones who showed wonderful growth.  Cole and Isabelle really held their own in this series, and they added aprefect mix to the sweet romance that Sam and Grace shared.

The plot was gripping, with lots of twists and turns.  Honestly, it was hard to put any of these books, especially Forever, down.  The POV changes added so much to the story.  I thoroughly enjoyed diving into each one of the characters heads, and seeing the different actions/reactions to the same situation.  It kept me invested.

But the best part about these books, was not the characters, nor was it the plot.  The best part was the writing.  Stiefvater is a master of the craft.  Without droning on and on about every little detail, she provides her readers with vivid and easily imaginable descriptions.

As for the ending, it really wasn’t all that fulfilling.  There were just too many details were left for me to figure out.  There was also one character that I really, really, really wanted to have an HEA, and I guess in a way that character got it, but even so, I wanted so much more.  Overall each character did receive some kind of closure/HEA, but still, after all the challenges they faced, the brief conclusion just wasn’t enough of me.

But even with my complaints on the ending of Forever, I still really enjoyed this book.  I would definitely recommend it to any werewolf and/or sweet romance fan.

Review: The Tribe's Bride by R.E. Butler

The Tribe's Bride

The Necklace Chronicles Book 1
By R.E. Butler 

Rating:♥♥♥♥

Goodreads: Here

Amazon: Here

Author Website: Here

Synopsis:

When a university job interview goes south, Carrie Wade isn’t certain that she’ll ever find work in her field of ancient Native American Culture. Knowing the only job waiting for her is waitressing at a coffee-house, Carrie indulges in a post-disappointment shopping trip. An old necklace in an antique store window catches her eye and she immediately feels as if she cannot walk away without owning it. The very last thing she needs to do is squander her savings by investing in a necklace that may have, at one time, belonged to one of the tribes she studied…but she can’t help herself.

When she tries on the precious necklace at home, she passes out and wakes up in the tent of the necklace’s original owners, three Native American tribesmen from the late 1600s. Will she be able to get back home to the future or will she find out that the one place she was always meant to be was back in time as the tribe’s bride?

This novella contains m/f/m/m interaction, three handsome brothers that will do anything for each other and their woman, and a magical necklace that brings them all together.
My Review:
R.E. Butler takes everyone's   Dreams & Fantasies  of Time Travel then turns them into one kick ass & Sexy as Hell Novel!

 

 The story follows the life of Carrie a young woman living in the modern day world, struggling to find work in Native American Culture she decides to indulge in some retail therapy by buying a Beautiful Native American Tribal Necklace, little does she know, with a little bit of magic & hope it will take her away from her mundane life & into the arms of three sweet &  hunky brothers. (the lucky girl!)

 

 R.E. never disappoints when it comes to drop dead delicious lead males but this time I think she has certainly out done her self!

 

 

 

"My Sweet Bride does not have to beg for my favors. I gladly worship your sweet flower." 

 The Sex as always was very very Hot yet sweet & romantic, the wonderful thing about r.e's writing is she always makes this new, fresh & entertaining...after so many dirty book I still blush reading her novels...lol 

 

The Characters were well developed for a Short Story, a bit unrealistic but considering the storyline realism isn't a priority. 

 All in all The Tribes Bride is a romantic & sexy read which I would defiantly recommend & I'm looking forward to more in the series

Bound in Death by Cynthia Eden.

Bound in Death By Cynthia Eden

Rating:♥♥♥♥
Buy on Amazon:Here
Goodreads: Here

Synopsis:

Cynthia Eden continues her USA Today best-selling "Bound" series with...BOUND IN DEATH.

She can't remember him...
He can never forget her.

For over two hundred years, alpha werewolf Alerac O'Neill has been searching for his mate, Keira McDonough, a woman who was taken from him and imprisoned by a dark vampire master. He's hunted for her, endlessly, using vampire blood to extend his life. He has become a vicious predator, feared by all the supernaturals. His hold on reality seems to slip more each day because he is consumed by her.

Only...the woman he discovers in a small Miami bar isn't the Keira that he remembers. In fact, this woman doesn't remember anything. She calls herself Jane Smith, and she has no memory at all of Alerac--or of her own past.

Now that she's been found, Alerac knows that his enemies are going to start closing in on her. Jane may try to act human, but she's not. She's a pureblood vampire princess, incredibly powerful and incredibly valuable. His enemies want to use her, her enemies want to destroy her, and Alerac--he just wants her.

If he can't make her remember him, then Alerac has to seduce Jane into loving him once again. Because now that he's found her, he'll fight hell--and every sadistic vampire that stalks the night--in order to keep her safe at his side.
Some bonds go deeper than the flesh. Some go beyond life. Beyond death.

Jane will soon learn that a werewolf's claiming...is forever.

My Review:

I was over the moon when I found out Cynthia Eden was releasing Bound in Death the 5th Installment in her darkly delicious "Bound" series. 

Like the rest of the series Bound in Death follows the forbidden romance between a Alpha werewolf  (Alreac) & a beautiful female vampire (Keria/Jane).  

I found myself rooting for the couple like mad, Alrec may have come of a bit of a ass but under-neath that wild  exterior there was man who just wanted to treat the woman he loves like a princess & I loved watching Keria/Jane grow from a scarred young woman into a ass kicking heroine.

"This Woman.....Determination burned in her eyes. Fury harden her muscles. 

She was the most Beautiful thing he'd ever seen."

The action & Sexual Tension was ramped up right from the start which kept me reading long into the Night!...Until I hit the midway mark & I was near pulling my hair out because the lack of sex & OTT politics. 

"I've seen you naked Before"

Her clothing rustled "you aren't seeing me Naked Now."

a challenge? His lips curved "I will be"

Cynthia had a wonderful way of keeping a basic thread going between novels without leaving me with the feeling I'd read it all before. 

So If your looking for a Romeo & Juliet Romantic Tale (minus the Shakespeare ending) with a paranormal twist look no further..  Romance, Action, Death, Sex & Blood. Bound In Death has it all! 

Ashley Stoynaoff Reviews: Thorns by Kate Avery Ellison

★ASHLEY STOYNAOFF'S REVIEW★

Thorns (The Frost Chronicles #2) 

By Kate Avery Ellison

Title: Thorns (The Frost Chronicles #2) 
Author: Kate Avery EllisonNumber of Pages: 166Publication Information: Kate Avery Ellison (Sept 2012)Genre: YA, FantasyShelf: Books I BoughtRating: ★★★★

Goodreads:Here

Authors Website: Here

Purchase: Here

Summary from Goodreads

~BOOK 2 IN THE FROST CHRONICLES~

Lia Weaver went against everything she’d ever known when she risked her life to help a Farther fugitive named Gabe escape from the Aeralian soldiers, and her life changed forever. And the Frost changed, too—the Farthers have taken over her village, a new group of vigilantes calling themselves the Blackcoats are making plans to overthrow the Farther occupiers, and the Thorns are seeking for her to join them.

Lia seeks to fight back against the evil and injustice that has swallowed up her home, but danger lurks at every turn. The monsters that dwell in the deepest regions of the Frost are growing bolder and more dangerous every day, a Farther noble takes up residence in the village on a mysterious mission, and Lia discovers even more secrets embedded in her past.

As the frozen world of the Frost grows even more perilous, can Lia survive?

My Review

Thorns, book #2 of The Frost Chronicles, completely exceeded my expectations.  The plot was captivating; the characters, intriguing, and the unexpected twists have me wanting the next book now.

Lia Weaver really stepped into her character in Thorns.  In the first book, I just couldn’t connect to her, but that all changed with this installment.  Her devotion to her siblings mixed her determined and sometimes, stubborn personality, pulled me in.

"Honestly, trying to get Adam to talk at length about anything was like dragging meat from the jaws of a starving dog. Especially if it had anything to do with the Thorns. But like any true-born Frost dweller, I was nothing if not stubbornly persistent." – Lia Weaver

I also need to add that I am a HUGE Adam fan.  *Sigh* He is adorable and strong and sweet and he plays his part perfectly.  

The most fascinating part of this story for me was the rapidly changing political structure.  The arrival of Korr really kept things moving along and has definitely peaked my curiosity.  For me, he was the most interesting character in the book and I’m dying to find out more about him.  *Fingers crossed* hopefully we will in the next book.

There are still so many questions to be answered, not that that is a bad thing.  I am really looking forward to see how the new developments will unfold.  

As always, Ellison’s writing is full of easy imaginable scenes that keep your attention until the last page.  I would definitely recommend this book and will absolutely be reading the next installment to this series.

Ashley Stoyanoff's Review: Charity Moon by DeAnna Kinney

★ Ashley Stoyanoff's Review ★

Charity Moon (Charity #1) by
DeAnna Kinney

Title: Charity Moon (Charity #1) 
Author: DeAnna Kinney
Number of Pages: 307
Publication Information: UR Publishing Inc. (April 2012) 
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Shelf: Review CopyRating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads

Charity Bell is eighteen, beautiful, and has an unyielding chip on her shoulder. The loss of her father and betrayal of her stepfather have left her angry and confident that no man will ever win her trust, or possess her heart. She wears that declaration proudly--on her countenance, as well as her sharp tongue.
That's all tested when the enchanting Levi Drake transfers from her rival school across town. In a town divided by intense rivalry this should mean trouble, and yet the school is quickly won over by his alluring charm. When a strange encounter with the mysterious young man leaves Charity bewildered, she's convinced he's hiding something and sets out on a dangerous plot to discover his secret. What she uncovers, however, will leave her both grasping for reality and hanging onto the tattered shreds of what's left of her declaration. As she faces the demons of her past, and present, she must decide if she can live, or die, with his.

My Review

“I huffed, knelt down, and was in the process of gathering them up when I stared, in disbelief, at the paper in my hand. I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but I was looking at my face drawn beautifully five different times with the emotions listed off under each one; anger, fear, depression, confusion, and awe.” – Charity from Charity Moon

Amazing, right?  That part had me grinning like crazy.  Let’s face it, it pretty much sums up how most high school kids feel when they fall in love for the first time.  A crazy mix of conflicting emotions.  But it also sums up this story perfectly.  Charity Moon invoked all these emotions in me and more.  

Charity Moon is a cute story of girl meets werewolf and falls in love. But, like all star-crossed lovers,Charity and her love interest, Levi, face some challenges that threaten to rip them apart.  Will they be able to overcome the obstacles and find true love?  You’ll have to read Charity Moon by DeAnna Kinney to find out.

I absolutely loved Charity.  I loved her passion, her loyalty to her beliefs, her spunk.  Her spiritual aspects were a bit intense at times and sometimes seemed out of place but this also completely worked for her character and made her a bit more interesting.

The concept of the heart connection was adorable, and I loved it.  I don’t want to give anything away,but I do need to say that Kinney did a wonderful job with it.  I really felt what the lovers were going through and enjoyed every second of it.

The setting and descriptions were awesome.  The wolf complex, where a good portion of the story took place, was described in vivid detail, and it was definitely unique and creative.  

My only drawback, which I would like to stress is a personal opinion only, was how many bad guys there were.  I would have loved to see this story broken into two books. Each “battle” felt rushed and made the story feel a bit unorganized. I guess, personally, I wanted more closure.  But as it is, I’m still wondering, what happened with Wesley?  I hope this will come up again in the second book.  I have to admit that at times I was rooting for him.  :)  He was an awesome bad guy and a complete contrast to the extremely nice love interest, Levi.

I really enjoyed this read.  It had the perfect amount of action, romance and cheesy giggling moments.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun and easy read.

Ashley's Website: Here

Goodreads: Here

Purchase: Here

Review: Bond of Brothers by R.E. Butler

A Bond of Brothers (Wiccan-Were-Bear Series Book #4)

By R.E. Butler.

*Adult Content Warning*

Rating:♥♥♥♥

Authors Website:Here

Purchuse on Amazon: Here

Goodreads: Here

"R.E butler certainly  proves that four not three is a charm in this hot yet refreshing mix of supernatural fantasy" - Lace.

synopsis:

Shaylee is gorgeous fairy who has been banished to the human world by her cruel & vindictive uncle, after months of  loneliness she chances upon a dying bear, in which she heals with her powers. After saving its life she soon realizes she's powerfully drawn to this were-bear,  & she can feel new love blossoming.

But will they live happy ever after, will there love be strong enough to last a claim from another were-bear or wil helll all break loose.

review:

R.E'S new novel in her bear series is  hot enough to melt the snow but sweet enough to melt your heart.

I love how she has the talent to weave such a romantic  story together but still make it irresistibly  yummy!

R.E. Butler....

Review: Disembodied Bones by C.L. Bevill

DISEMBODIED BONES
 (A LAKE PEOPLE NOVEL)

By C.L. Bevill.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Authors Website:Here

Purchase on Smashwords: Here

Goodreads: Here

Riddle-

Buried ever so deep, Piled over with heavy stones, Yet I will Effortlessly dig up the disembodied bones. What am I?

Synopsis: 

Leonine was once one of the elusive lake people,

as a thirteen year old she comes into her "psychic powers " & uses them to  rescued a young boy from a maniacal pedophile. 

But as no good deed goes unpunished Leonie is shunned by most of the Lake People for committing the highest of sins, potentially exposing their secrets to the outside world.

 As an adult  leoine is haunted by that faithful day until she is suddenly targeted by another madman, for a reason that has everything to do with that rescue.

Review:

Disembodied Bones was just the right amount of mystery, suspense, crime & a bit of romance with enough fearful moments to make you jump,  aleast a little bit & not totaly scream like a girl....

It not the type of story that rips you out of your seat holds you tightly to it's chest & doesn't let go until the last nail biting ending, it's the type of story that slowly nulls you into a feeling of warmth & comfort before ripping it away & making you judge everyone & everything before coming to the conclusion you were right in the first place.
Many of the plots & twists I saw coming from a mile away but I didn't really care because I was enjoying the ride, C.L. Bevill Had be seating in my little reader high chair while she  spoon fed me her tale of mystery & woe before sending me on my way. 

 & i gotta say i really enjoyed it, I'm not saying I didn't feel squeamish or get pissed off, it was about a guy who kidnapped children for Christ sake so of course I got emotional,  it was just minor emotional, which was what I wanted, or more what I need or seriously I would not be able to sleep after reading it. Ekkkkkkk.

I loved the little riddles at the start of every chapter & actually got em right(some of the time..lol). I'd recommend this too anyone who wants light some frills & chills. 

So all Up it's a pretty enjoyable novel.

 "I’m not sure if I want to get used to you reading my mind.” “It was as plain as the nose on your face,” he said sincerely. “And I wasn’t sure if you’d let me in if I had knocked." - Leonie. Disembodied Bones.

Riddle- Buried ever so deep, Piled over with heavy stones, Yet I will Effortlessly dig up the disembodied bones. What am I? 

Answer- I am memories.

Review: The Little Dragons.

				The Little Dragons. By Rowan Starsmith. ♥♥♥♥1/2 Authours Website: Here Free on Smashwords: Here "The roots of the mountains tremble Sun shimmering around us As we beat Air with our wings The new approaches Little Brother The old approaches Time from before Come, Dragonkind, and dance Change takes wing among us."

Book Overview:
Before the Kings came, the People of the Land had an agreement with the Dragons. It was negotiated by the Dragon Priestesses, who could communicate with those fearsome beasts through their familiars, the Little Dragons. The Kings, however, knew only the way of the sword. In their war against the Dragons, they killed their smaller cousins as well, along with the Priestesses who cared for them. The revenge of the Dragons was disastrous for both peoples, forcing everyone to live their lives at night, when the Dragons sleep in their caves in the mountains.

Mother Peg, a Senior Healer of the Earth People, is determined to track down the persistent rumours that some of the doomed Dragon Priestesses shared their knowledge with the Healers who sheltered them. King Anglewart of the Westlands, as determined as Mother Peg to find the Little Dragons, sends a search expedition to the mountains.

Others become caught up in the quest:
King Anglewart’s spirited wife, Queen Melisande, and their daughter, Liandra, apparently pregnant, although she denies ever lying with a man; Mother Peg’s servant, Maida, who dreams of becoming a Healer despite her origins as the daughter of a cheesemaker; Gleve, newly confirmed as a Healer and worried about what will happen to his beloved elderly teacher, Father Mallory, when he leaves; Keiran of Hanford, who survives the dangers of the King’s expedition to the Dragon caves, only to be beaten and left for dead by his own companions; Jessa and Ev, two lowly servants in the Women’s Retreat House, where young noblewomen commit themselves to craft and prayer, and widows retire to live out their days.

Danger surrounds each of these people—Dragons, of course, but also their antagonism towards one another. They cannot know that each bears a unique clue to the secret knowledge of the Dragon Priestesses.

Book Review:
Ok that me start with why I gave the little dragons 4 stars when I so wanted to give it 5,
Well there's 3 reasons these are:
1. The Ending!!!!!!!! It's not even a ending, the story just stops suddenly with so many unanswered questions! Who? What? When? Where? Why? *pulls out hair*
2. No HEA, ok so this ones a bit silly but I do love a bit of HEA while still being realistic.
3. The Chapters,  each chapter focuses on one character & how they see things which Is great but can stop the flow, I'm all about the Flow!!!

Reasons why I loved this book! & why you have to read it!
1. Well drawn,  interesting & realistic characters. (love them or hate them you still wanna know what happens to them)
2.The  Plot! (which makes so much sense it's crazy!)
3. No Hero Heroin or Villain, you get this great understanding towards all the character & their actions, so theres no good vs evil just people doing what they feel is right.
4. Sometimes  the story gets a little disturbing!  like drop your jaw, shocked & disturbed in a good way.
5. Romance!!!! I love a book with romance, so it's not huge on this bit but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. (but not detailed sex acts quality)
6.Once I got over the chapter thing, i delved whole heartedly into this mesmerizing world of Dragons, Dragon Priestesses, Little Dragons, Magical Earth Healers, Kings, Queens, Princesses, Princes & so much more!
7. Some people may find some of the lesbian/gay romance in the little dragons offensive (as the author pointed out in the start of the book) but I found it delightful. Love comes in all different shapes, sizes, race & religion & I love how the author protrayed that in such a beautifully simple way- after all love is love!

The Little Dragons comes in both written & audio, I choose written because I couldn't stand the audio but some may like it.
One more thing if you love lord of the rings YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!

Now I'm off on my own quest to find a damn ending to this book even if I have to write it myself!!!! Lol.

Ashley Stoyanoff's Review: Wake (Watersong #1)

★ Ashley Stoyanoff's Review ★

Wake (Watersong #1) by Amanda Hocking.

Title:  Wake (Watersong #1)

Author: Amanda Hocking

Number of Pages: 320

Publication Information: St. Martin’s Griffin (Aug 2012)

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal

Shelf: Books I Bought

Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs.  She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door.  He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back.  Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever.  She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove.  They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.
Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price.  And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

My Review

An awesome start to a series that I definitely want to read more of!

It’s no secret that I’m a huge Amanda Hocking fan.  One of the things that I love about her writing is her characters.  Hocking has a wonderfully creative mind and she never fails to dream up unique and memorable cast members.  Wake was no exception.  Gemma, Alex, Harper and Daniel were all magnificently developed and easy to love.  

Wake was not your typical Mermaid story.  "Sirens exist, Mermaids don't." – Penn.  When I read this one line I thought, wow, really?  I guess since the only Mermaid story I’ve ever really known was The Little Mermaid, I kind of expected beautiful and kind creatures from the sea.  I don’t want to give too much away, but I will tell you that Wake is surprisingly dark and really keeps you guessing.
This book touched very close to home for me.  The mothers accident, the dynamic between the sisters, although this was not the only reason that I was hooked, it did keep the story close to my heart.  Hocking managed to show the inner workings of a family after a horrible accident, and her depiction of how it inevitability changed the family was very accurate.

And of course, there’s the cover.  Gorgeous!  The blues are stunning, the font perfect.  Even if it hadn’t been Amanda who wrote the book, I would have bought it based on the cover alone.

So here’s the thing…the reason for the 4 stars is solely based on my own personal preference and does not by any means reflect upon the quality of the story or the writing.  My issue was that there was just not enough romance.  There were sparks, and I’m sure with the way it was left we’ll get some of that awesome fluttery stomach romance in the next book, but when I finished this one, I was honestly annoyed.  As a YA book I really expected romance.  

But, I will admit that the lack of romance also has me counting down the days for the next book.  I’m dying to see how those little sparks develop.

Amanda Hocking has exceeded expectation again with this wonderful book.  I would recommend Wake to anyone and everyone who enjoys YA.

Ashley's Website: Here

Author Website: Here 

Goodreads: Here

Purchase: Here