Review: The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

Goodreads

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. Alchemists protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she struggles to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do.

Then she finally tracks down the elusive, enigmatic Marcus Finch - a former Alchemist who the organization denies exists, and who lives in shadows, on the run. With Marcus's help, Sydney realizes that the group she's been loyal to her whole life has been hiding the truth from her. Is it possible that her golden lily tattoo might have more power over her than she thinks?

As she struggles to come to terms with what that might mean, Sydney is compelled to use her magical powers to track down an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. Using magic goes against everything she always thought she believed, but she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her special blood - or else she might be next.

Forging her own way is harder than Sydney ever dreamed. Maybe by turning off her brain - and following her heart - she'll be able to finally figure out where she belongs.

Review

5 of 5 stars

To say I am obsessed with this series is a bit of an understatement.  I feel like it is consuming my brain.  I can't get it out of my head!  And, well, I love it.  The end of The Golden Lily left me so upset with Sydney that she would treat Adrian like she didn't care about him after THAT kiss.  However, I still love her and sympathize with her plight since she has basically been brainwashed from birth.

The Indigo Spell picks up right where we left off in The Golden Lily.  Sydney has trust issues with the Alchemists since she thinks they are keeping things from her.  She also has decided to look for Marcus Finch and see what he can tell her.  To top it all off, she is going against everything she believes in and begins to practice magic.  Even she can admit it came in handy battling the Warriors of Light.

Adrian is still a huge character in TIS, and despite his feelings and disappointment in the way she treated him at the end of book 2, he still loves Sydney.  He is really the only person that knows Sydney and accepts her for who she is without pretense.  He forces her to deal with things and doesn't try to control her.  I have to say, I love Adrian.  I liked him in VA, but I adore him in this series.  

There is also a new threat to Sydney in the form of a crazy witch named Veronica that just so happens to be her teachers sister.  Despite her issues with magic, even Sydney can see that using it to save others is noble.  This story has lots of twists and turns, and lots of scenes that play out with Adrian and Sydney that make it fantastic.  Don't miss out on this series, I dare say I am loving it even more than Vampire Academy.  I can't wait to dig into The Fiery Heart!

Promo Post: Roots and Wings, by M. Mabie

Goodreads

Welcome to Wynne, population 3,401. 

No billionaires. No professional athletes. No celebrities. 

In this small town, current events are pondered in mirrors at the local salon or around crowded tables at the diner, and there’s a new couple to gossip about. A rough and tumble woman who works in her dad’s garage, not yet ready to spread her wings, shows the new guy in town what it’s like to finally have roots. 

It’s your run-of-the-mill, sexy, Astro van driving dentist meets smart-ass, bass fishing tomboy in a story of real-life romance. 

Low on drama. High on love. 

Pull up a chair and stay a while.

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Review: The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead

Goodreads

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. Alchemists protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California - tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formorly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and her sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi - the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that - special, magical, powerful - that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Braydon, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else - someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists - or her heart? 

Review:  

5 of 5 stars

The fact that I am writing this review right now is a miracle.  Why you ask? Simple, I would rather be reading the next book in the series, The Indigo Spell!  However, I have forced myself to review this one before I read the next one or it just won't happen.  

We return to Palm Springs and Amberwood in the second installment of Bloodlines.  And the more I read in the series, the more I love it.  I was so convinced that I would never enjoy Bloodlines like I enjoyed Vampire Academy, but I was so wrong!  

Sydney Sage is again the main character and POV we read in TGL.  I really love Sydney and enjoy her comments and thoughts.  However, to be so clever and smart, she can really be dumb too.  She has all the book knowledge in the world but the simplest things can throw her for a loop.  I suppose that is why she is so endearing.  It is obvious that Sydney is struggling with morals in this book.  As an alchemist she is supposed to despise Dhapmirs and Moroi, however, at times she notices they are more ethical and moral than some humans.  The dilemma only becomes worse the more time she spends with Eddie, Jill, Dimitri, Sonya, Angeline and Adrian.  

Speaking of Adrian, I am so proud of the strides he is making in this series.  Despite the fact that he has a history of being rebellious and insensitive, he wants to grow and become a better person.  We saw him "attempt" this in VA to try and win Rose, but Rose was always meant to be with Dimitri.  This time is different as he has a hard time even explaining it to himself.  

The other issues in the book surround Sydney and her issues with magic.  If you recall, her teacher is a witch and believes that Sydney could become a powerful one as well, if she would only embrace it.  After Sonya and Sydney are attacked the struggle to resist magic and claim it is evil is much more difficult.  Events in this book also lead Sydney to think about the ethics of an offshoot of the Alchemists and if they are hiding things from her as well.  Clearly, her struggle with right and wrong will continue in book 3.  

In conclusion, be prepared for a heck of an ending that we have all been waiting for a long time.  It was totally worth the wait!  And since the remainder of the series is already released, I don't have to wait any longer to dig into The Indigo Spell!

Cover Reveal: Tapping the Billionaire by Max Monroe

***COVER REVEAL***

Ho-ly hotness! There’s something about a man with a hand down his pants…err…laughing. There’s something about a man laughing!

Add to TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28675670-tapping-the-billionaire

Release Date: April 26, 2016

Title: Tapping the Billionaire

Series: Billionaire Bad Boys Book 1

Author: Max Monroe

Cover Designer: Perfect Pear Creative

Photo Credit: David Vance Photography

Blurb:

Blind dates? Online dating profiles? Been there, done that.

Georgia Cummings has zero luck with dating, and the era of the internet is not her friend.

No matter how fast she runs, how many corners she turns, she can’t find her way out of this weird, alternate universe where men think dick pics are a replacement for small talk and getting to know a girl. One more crotch selfie and she might write men off for good…

But why can’t she stop fantasizing about him?

Kline Brooks is the quintessential billionaire bad boy—dark, styled, short hair, muscles for days, and a panty-dropping smile.

Except—he isn’t.

As his employee, he won’t touch her with a ten foot pole.

But she won’t touch him either.

Too bad their hormones missed the memo.

Cover Reveal: Dear Heart, I Hate You by J. Sterling

PRE-ORDER ON IBOOKS:

https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/dear-heart-i-hate-you/id1092824775?mt=11&at=1l3vqNs

Synopsis:

JULES

I didn’t plan on him. ...

Or for him.

Or anything that had to do with Cal Donovan from Boston.

Meeting him had been a complete and utter surprise, taking me one hundred percent off guard. I met new people every single day in my line of work and none of them affected me. Wasn’t that the way of things though? You could meet a thousand people and they’d all mean nothing to you, but then you’d meet that one and they suddenly meant everything.  

I had always been focused on work. When did making yourself your number one priority become such a negative thing? I wasn’t entirely sure, but I learned fairly quickly after my last breakup that men didn’t like being second on the priority scale. And they seemed to be intimidated by a motivated woman, calling me things like “hard to handle,” “challenging,” and “difficult.”

Being single seemed to work best for me and I had no plans on changing my relationship status anytime soon.

And then I met Cal.

And he fucking ruined everything.

ABOUT J. STERLING:

I got fired from my last job.

It's true.

I know you're sitting there thinking, "Jenn, how could anyone in their right mind fire someone like you?" And I'd love to give you a good reason, but the truth is that sometimes being all sorts of awesome isn't fun for other people. They don't always tend to like it. lol  :)

So I picked my pride off the floor, bought a laptop and started writing my first book. And you know what I realized? Writing stories that meant something to me was a million times better than working my ass off for someone who didn't really care about anything other than the bottom line.

My soul has never felt more satisfied.

My heart has never been more full.

I've never worked so hard in my life, but I love every second of it. I truly do.

It is SO worth it.

All of it.

Every moment.

The journey it took to get to this point- I wouldn't change a thing.

So thank you for reading, loving and recommending the stories I write to other people. Your word of mouth is my very best friend.... that and your reviews.  :)

I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you.

FOLLOW HER ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.facebook.com/TheRealJSterling

Review: When I Was Yours, by Samantha Towle

Goodreads

Synopsis

“Marry me.” 
“What?” I stared back at him, unblinking. 
He moved closer, taking my face in his hands. “I love you, Evie. I look into the future, and the only thing I see clearly is you. Marry me.” 

What’s an eighteen-year-old girl who was madly in love with her nineteen-year-old boyfriend say? 

Of course, I said yes. 

Twenty-four hours later, I married Adam Gunner at a Vegas chapel to the sounds of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Not the best omen. I get that now. 

Then, exactly one week later, I left him. I walked out, leaving behind my wedding ring, annulment papers, and my heart, and he never knew why. 

I haven’t seen him since. Not in ten long years. 

Now, he’s here, standing before me. Looking at me with nothing but hurt and hatred in his eyes, he wants answers. 

Answers I can’t give.

Review

4.25 out of 5 stars

When I Was Yours has literally been at the top of my TBR list since it released in November.  Sadly it's taken me almost 4 months to dive in and now that I've finished I'm chastising myself for not making the time for it sooner!

This second-chance romance was sweet and heartfelt with the perfect amount of angst mixed into the story line.  Evie's the mysterious beautiful girl who like clockwork comes to draw on a rock in front of Adam's Malibu beach house.  Adam is the hot, womanizer bachelor and heir to a Hollywood fortune.  They meet one summer and the next year is the most magical one of their lives.  But they are young and life isn't ever fair.  Unforeseen circumstances force Evie into making the hardest decision of her life.  She may be the one who left Adam but in her heart shes always been his wife.  It's ten years later before Adam accidentally runs into Evie again.  Adam's got questions but will Evie tell him the truth and better yet will Adam risk opening his heart back up to her love?

Author Samantha Towle alternates between the past and present as she unfolds Adam and Evie's story. In addition she also alternates between both Adam and Evie's perspective showcasing pivotal moments in their relationship and how each defined the person they've become.  I think this narrative style is what aided in making this story interesting.  In allowing us to see how each one felt in the past and even more so how they are processing things emotionally in the present gave the story an added depth.  It allowed me to sympathize and love both characters equally because I understood from the core what was driving their actions. 

A special shout out to secondary character Max for providing comedic relief and being the voice of reason!  

I think for the most part readers will definitely be able to figure out Evie's big "secret."  Even so I still enjoyed the overall story.  It was a packed full of tender-hearted moments as well as plenty of steamy ones.  For me When I Was Yours was a very enjoyable read and one I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good second chance romance.  

Review: Bloodlines, by Richelle Mead

Goodreads

Synopsis

I wasn't free of my past, not yet.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiences in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Review
4.75 of 5 Stars

It is no secret that we love paranormal books around the blog.  A couple of years ago we read Vampire Academy and fell in love with the series.  I was so upset when they ended, but my husband was probably happy.  I literally had done nothing but read for a week straight.  I was ridiculous and didn’t cook, clean or do anything.  I was obsessed with those books!  I knew that Bloodlines was a spin off series but I have been so busy with life and other book commitments that I could not take the time to read them.  Until now! 

This year, we have decided to be very selective about the books we read and review.  We wish that we could read all the time, but the fact of the matter is that we both work 40+ hours a week and have kids.  We have worked so hard on our blog and want to keep doing it, but we don’t want the deadlines that come with so many blog tours.  So, this has opened the time for me to be able to read the Bloodlines series-FINALLY!

You will remember many characters in Bloodlines from VA; Sydney Sage the Alchemist, Adrian Ishkavov and Jill the Moroi, and Eddie Castille the Dhampir.  Of course we see glimpses of Rose, Dimitri and others as well, which is nice.

Bloodlines begins with Sydney going on assignment in Palm Springs to help protect Jill from a group of people trying to kill her to keep Lissa from the throne.  Eddie, Jill and Sydney are going undercover as siblings and students at a boarding school.  Adrian is staying nearby with another Moroi, Clarence and his son Lee is back and forth to LA for classes.  This is also where Jill has her feedings. 

The other Alchemist, Keith Darnell, is posted in Palm Springs.  To say he and Sydney don’t like each other is an understatement.  He does not want Syd around and will do whatever it takes to keep reminding superiors of her actions in VA when she helped Rose. 

I love the way Richelle Mead can weave a complex storyline.  Things start happening at school and around Palm Springs that cause Sydney to become suspicious.  Will she risk being sent for re-training by the Alchemists by working with vampires and dhampirs again?  Be sure and one click Bloodlines today and fall in love with the paranormal world she creates all over again!

Release Day Launch: Everything to Me, by Teresa Hill

We're celebrating the release of Everything to Me: Book Six by Teresa Hill!
 Be sure to check out the book info, purchase links, and giveaway!

Title: Everything to Me, Book Six (Six Part Serial Series)

Author: Teresa Hill

Release Date: March 6, 2016

YA/NA Crossover Contemporary Romance

Purchase Everything to Me: Book Six

iBooks:  http://apple.co/1QpSMwe

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1L6zmjW

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Q7suoq

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1QpSDc9

DANA: I’ve always been the smart girl, the careful one.

Not anymore. I feel reckless, desperate. I love him, and it’s senior year, my last chance with him before I leave for college, so I’m going to take it.

What could go wrong? Oh, my God, I had no idea.

PETER: I’ve spent years trying to hide how I feel about her. It gets harder every day.

 For so long, she was my best friend, the first person who truly believed in me, sometimes the only one.

Do I love her? Of course, I do. Can I let her get even deeper into the hellacious mess my life is?

No way. You don’t do that to someone you love.

 

GIVEAWAY

3 winners will receive an ecopy of Everything to Me, Book Six

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Everything to Me, the Prequel is FREE!

Purchase Everything to Me: The Prequel

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Peter: I've always felt like I was saving myself for her.

Not that way. Not sexually. Saving my life. Trying to be smart about what I do. Actually giving a damn. Because I matter to her. It’s something I’ve never had -- anyone who cares like she does -- and it’s absolutely amazing.

She’s amazing, this very good girl I can not have. Her dad made that clear the night he caught us together, but that’s not enough to stop me from me from wanting her.

Still, it would be a completely selfish move on my part to draw her any deeper into my life. I just heard my mom’s getting out of prison early. Not for good behavior. Because of overcrowding. Life was always crazy with mom. If she comes back, if she wants me back, my life turns to crap. I know that, and at sixteen, I don’t think I can do anything about it, except maybe run as far and fast as I can. Even Dana, my very good girl, won’t be able to save me.

Everything to Me: Books One - Five

Purchase Everything to Me, Book One

iBooks:  http://apple.co/1MT3784

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1QVJiPD

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Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1km2ZSa

 

Purchase Everything to Me, Book Two

iBooks:  http://apple.co/1PvVHTE

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Purchase Everything to Me, Book Three

iBooks:  http://apple.co/1J6VZns

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/21GPEHN

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Kobo:  http://bit.ly/234ATg6

 

Purchase Everything to Me, Book Four

iBooks:  http://apple.co/1MIs4TP

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QVJv5k

Nook:  http://bit.ly/1P4rZuJ

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1RKNAZZ

Purchase Everything to Me, Book Five

iBooks:  http://apple.co/1O1IZKV

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1VSXuH9

Nook: http://bit.ly/20mG9r3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Tb299c

 

About Teresa Hill

Teresa Hill lives in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a patient, very understanding husband, one very loud cat and two beautiful, lazy dogs, usually at Teresa's side or under her feet.

Born in Central Kentucky, growing up in a town where the public library was housed in an old church, Teresa came to believe books were sacred things and that being a writer would be the best profession in the world.

Now a three-time Rita nominee and USA Today Bestselling Author, she has written forty books of romance and women's fiction, with more than 2 million copies in print, for NAL/Onyx, Silhouette, Harlequin and Steeple Hill.

Connect with Teresa

Website:  http://www.teresahill.net/

Email:  Teresa@teresahill.net

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/@teresahillbooks

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTeresaHill

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/teresahillbooks/