REVIEW: "Before You Go" - by Ella James

“BEFORE YOU GO”

by Ella James

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

Margo Ford just became an heiress. Not the Paris Hilton kind. Her billions came after her father died and her insanely wealthy, insanely absent mother officially claimed her. Unfortunately, some terrorists noticed, and they hatched a plot to kidnap her. After a news report goes awry, reporting that Margo *has* been kidnapped, and her mother offers the humiliating sum of $500,000 for her return, Margo doesn't want anything to do with her *#$!@ of an egg donor. Then she is sentenced to a summer of "protection" on her mother's private island. Not the Oprah Winfrey kind. This one has an astronomical observatory filled with scientists, including Logan Greer, a super hot, super infuriating planet-hunter. Hiding out from kidnappers has never been so boring... until suddenly it isn't anymore.

REVIEW

Well now, this book was a lovely little surprise. It was easy to read, it tugged at my heart and left me wanting more.

This is the first book I’ve read by author Ella James, and I was adequately impressed by the rhythm and flow of her writing. The story moves at a leisurely pace, and I finished it in no time. As I’m not much for romance in books – and this is a romance novel aimed at YA readers – I must admit that I quite enjoyed the emotional tug-of-war between the two main characters, Margo and Logan. He wants her, but can’t have her; she wants him, but he wants to follow his dream. And that is exactly what made it such a great story. It’s like the odds are just stacked against them, and until almost right up to the end, you’re still not sure whether or not they’ll be able to overcome these obstacles to be together. Unlike most romance novels, these two characters didn’t just fall into each other’s arms at the start of the book - which of course I thoroughly enjoyed that they didn’t.

Then there’s also super-rich, sophisticated, aloof Cindy, Margo’s mom. You’ll just love to hate her.

If your ears are delicate to profanity, then give this book a miss. If not, head on over to your favorite book dealer and get your hands on this charmer by a splendid author!

  

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“Before You Go” by Ella James has 17 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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QUICK REVIEW: "Shadows & Voices: A Holly Silverstone Adventure" by Jason Ellis

“SHADOWS & VOICES: A HOLLY SILVERSTONE ADVENTURE”

by Jason Ellis

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

Meet young Holly Silverstone, the girl who sees daisies turn to butterflies ... who dreams of places that she has never been to ... who is invited to study at the elusive and enchanting Highlands Academy of truth and excellence.

The voices will come, one-thousand and one, the voices will come. Fear is the key, fear to see. The voices will come, one-thousand and one, the voices will come.

As Holly took a sip of her tea and held the piece of paper between her fingers, veins of ink slowly crept across the paper. She wanted to drop it and scream … yet a more powerful part of her made the fingers on her hands grasp the letter even tighter and her eyes open wider.
The ink seeped and whirled around, forming words;

We have a question for you, Holly.
Do you want to know how the daisies turned to butterflies?

REVIEW

Amazing plot twists, fantastic character development, stellar writing and a superb storyline adds depth and richness to this fabulous book. As soon as you think you’ve got things figured out, something unpredictable happens. Although it’s aimed at younger readers, this book grabbed me from the first chapter and wouldn’t let go until I was done reading it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

 

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“Shadows & Voices: A Holly Silverstone Adventure” by Jason Ellis has 22 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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QUICK REVIEW: "The Drinking Game" - by Chris Redding

“THE DRINKING GAME”

by Chris Redding

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

A redheaded bundle of trouble steps out of her Porsche and into a disillusioned detective's already complicated life. The cop wants to retire, but can't until he proves his dead partner didn't kill himself. The heroine, a psychological profiler, would like her fiancé laid to rest with police honors, but she can't until she provides evidence he wasn't a killer. Since they both want to help the same person, the two reluctantly join forces. Will they catch the murderer before the heroine becomes the next victim?

REVIEW

This being the second book I’ve read by Chris Redding, “The Drinking Game” was an enormously enjoyable read! It is as exhilarating and captivating as “Blonde Demolition”, the first of her books I’ve ever read.

I loved the complexity and sincerity of the characters. They are the complete opposites of each other and it wasn’t love at first sight. Throughout the story the two main characters - ruggedly handsome, tough-as-nails Detective Sean Gaudette, and FBI Special Agent Jennifer O’ Grady, a sizzling hot redhead with an attitude to match – are at each other’s throats and both fighting their inescapable attraction to one another. The sexual tension between them is so palpable it’ll have you wishing you could lock them in a room and shout at them to get on with it!

Although I’ve enjoyed the story immensely, there were times I got a little confused between the two villains, and after finishing the book, I still had a few questions that were left unanswered. I found the ending to be somewhat predictable, but the action and drama had me flipping through the pages, and constantly taking a breather just to slow my heart rate down.

The author has a certain magic with words and by making use of some magnificent wordplay that tickles the mind, engages the reader right from the start; begging for it not to be put down until the very last page. With a writing style similar to that of James Patterson, easy-to-relate-to characters, and a storyline flowing at a leisurely pace, this is an intriguing read that will take you to a place where the grey area is the fine line between right and wrong.

This was not my usual YA read, but a book I’m highly recommending for more mature readers, due to the explicit - but tastefully-written - adult content. A definite must-read!!

 

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QUICK REVIEW: "Pure Blood" (Time Spirit trilogy, book 3) - by Melissa Pearl

“PURE BLOOD”

(Time Spirit trilogy, book 3)

by Melissa Pearl

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz

OVERVIEW

It is only a matter of time before Gemma's parents find out she traveled through time to bring Harrison back into existence. The fear of being found out is a heavy weight on her shoulders, but she refuses to give up on everything she's fought for. Harrison is worth the risk.

The couple draws closer together as they battle opposing forces from all sides. They stay strong until Gemma's parents welcome an exchange student into their home. Simeon, a gorgeous Californian, is as smooth as coffee and, supposedly, a fellow time spirit. Gemma's parents expect her to take him everywhere and, of course, fall in love with him. After all, he is the boy they have chosen for her. 

No longer able to sneak off alone, Gemma must watch every step as she waits for the inevitable nightmare to catch up to her. Her parents ultimate goal is to get that last necklace and open the box hidden in their safe. If they do, Gemma knows her entire world will unravel.
As the danger mounts, Gemma must decide if she has the courage to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the ones she loves and stop to her parents' destructive plans.

REVIEW

Gemma and Harrison enter their final school year with the ever increasing possibility that Gemma's parents will discover that Harrison does not only still exist but is also still having a very serious relationship with Gemma.  Gemma and Harrison must also find out why Harrison's mother has suddenly turned on Gemma and when they do, Gemma must find a way to turn the situation around.  When the exchange student, Simeon, arrives to lodge with Gemma and her family, things are bound to get extremely difficult for her and Harrison.

I was touched by the gentleness and purity of the romantic relationship between Harrison and Gemma, but, can such a lovely relationship outlast the antagonism of Gemma's so-called parents?  When multiple lives seem poised on the edge of ruin and an innocent dies, will Gemma be able to make the ultimate sacrifice? 

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the series, I simply could not put this one down.  Apart from the nonstop suspense, this book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride.  I went from shouting encouragement and sitting on the edge of my chair with anticipation, to grabbing handfuls of Kleenex.  Romance, suspense and truly tear-jerking moments; this book has it all.  The brilliantly portrayed characters and the regular dates, given to keep the reader on track, brings a unique realism to the story; something which is very handy in a time travel novel.  With never a dull moment in the story, the author kept me guessing right up to the end.

Once again I want to advise readers to get hold of “Golden Blood” and “Black Blood” - the first two books in this trilogy - before reading “Pure Blood”.  As this is the last book in the Time Spirit Trilogy, I was sad to say good bye to all these characters. “Pure Blood” is more than deserving of 5 stars and I sincerely hope that Melissa Pearl will soon have some more wonderful books for us book-hungry readers to look forward to.

 

  

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“Pure Blood” by Melissa Pearl has 18 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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QUICK REVIEW: "Oubliette" (Cloud Prophet Trilogy, book 2) - by Megg Jensen

“OUBLIETTE”

(Cloud Prophet Trilogy, book 2)

by Megg Jensen

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

Reychel thought she was finally free. She was wrong. Everyone saw her gift of prophecy as a blessing, but her gift is uncontrollable. No one alive can teach her to manipulate her unique gift and the answers she needs lie buried within a madman’s journals. She’s thrust in the midst of a brewing war and the only uniting factor for her people is their belief in the Prophet.

Will Reychel learn to control her gift or will she be forced to deliver a false prophecy that could lead her people into a violent war?

REVIEW

The second book in the Cloud Prophecy series, “Oubliette” was a good read. It picks up right where the first book left off, and the reader gets to meet a whole array of new and fascinating characters. A slow-moving, yet interesting storyline with unpredictable twists, keeps the reader riveted; and the open ending leaves as much as necessary to be continued in the third and final installment of the series.

My only complaints are that “Oubliette” didn’t have that same “oomph” as what the first book, “Anathema” had for me; and I couldn’t feel the chemistry or connection between the characters who are portrayed as being lovers.

On the whole, Megg Jensen’s unsophisticated writing style makes “Oubliette” an effortless and relaxing read. Recommended for readers aged twenty and under.

 

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“Oubliette” by Megg Jensen has 41 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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QUICK REVIEW: "Thicker than Blood" (Marchwood Vampires, book 2) - by Shalini Boland

“THICKER THAN BLOOD”

(Marchwood Vampires, book 2)

by Shalini Boland

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz

OVERVIEW

Aelia lives in 6th century Byzantium. She is sixteen years old and her life is about to change forever. She doesn't yet know it, but she holds the fate of thousands in her hands and her actions will echo across the centuries.

Fourteen hundred years later the lives of Madison and Alexandre are once again plunged into danger. To save Madison, Alexandre is forced back to a world he thought was dead and buried. But time is running out. The chase is on...

Chilling and fast-paced, Thicker Than Blood is the supernatural sequel to Hidden. It combines passion and drama with a historical twist.

REVIEW

If Madison and Alexandre thought their troubles were over, they were sadly mistaken.  In “Thicker than Blood” they, together with their families, are once again plunged into a world of adventure, danger and life threatening situations.  On the other hand we have Elia's story which is set in sixth century Byzantium.  Finally it looks as though we are going to get some answers to questions which arose in “Hidden”, the first book of the Marchwood Vampire series.  Answers that fill us in on how exactly the vampires came to Byzantium and what caused the strange sleeping disease that had disabled so many vampires for fourteen centuries.  Not having had much time to experience life as vampires when they were newly created in the nineteenth century, Alexandre and the other Marchwood vampires only knew that sunshine - and now ultra violet light - can kill them.  In this book they also discover other dangers to their existence, as well as the possibility of being put back to sleep if they are not careful.    

Once I started reading, I simply could not put this book down.  With action and adventure and fear for these beloved characters' lives and well-being from the very first few pages, combined with suspense that just never lets up until the final page, it is not surprising that the author - who is a genius with cliff-hanger chapter endings - switches back and forth between sixth century Byzantium and modern day Cappadocia and England, with ease; thus ensuring that the reader keeps turning the pages.

The characters truly come to life - Alexandre, still the nineteenth century French aristocrat, Freddy, the British aristocrat of the same time period and on the modern end of the scale, Madison and her brother Ben.  Add to this variety of characters a few sixth century individuals and the story is as colorful as it gets.  As all the characters are realistic - not all good or bad - the suspense becomes unbearable when a traitor seems to be working with the enemy.  

The author's comfortable story telling ability combined with her extremely neat writing, makes “Thicker than Blood” sheer pleasure to read.  For those who love a bit of romance, the love between Madison and Alexandre is beautifully and tastefully described and will definitely touch your heart. 

This thrilling and beautiful book deserves more than 5 stars, and will have the reader looking forward to many more from Shalini Boland. 

 

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“Thicker than Blood” by Shalini Boland has 12 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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QUICK REVIEW: "The Many Lives of Avery Snow" - by Christy Sloat

“THE MANY LIVES OF AVERY SNOW”

(Past Lives trilogy, book 1)

by Christy Sloat

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

Avery Snow led a boring, no thrills life. After her father left the family when she was young, Avery’s mother died when she was only twelve, leaving her all alone except for her Aunt Paulina. Now, at twenty-six, Avery is very used to being lonely.

She enjoys her job at Sunrise Estates, it’s the one place where she doesn’t feel left out. Her boss, Kerri, is her best friend and Lucy O’Shea, a resident at the home, is a good friend to her as well. The night Lucy dies in Avery’s arms she delivers a haunting message to Avery. She tells her that there is a man looking for her from a past life. And he will stop at nothing to have her.

Now Avery is unable sleep for more than a few hours, her dreams are keeping her awake. She is too terrified to sleep for the dreams are too vivid and too real. The only catch? She cannot remember what they are about. Until her Spirit Guide, Ianni, comes to help. Ianni shows Avery her past lives and tells her about the man who is stalking her soul. Now Avery remembers every life she has ever lived and she remembers the man she shared them with. He will not give up until she falls in love with him. The problem is Avery is in love with someone else. Ianni must help keep Avery from making the wrong choice. One her soul doesn’t want. She also must keep her safe from the Dark Guides who are after Avery.

REVIEW

I really love the awesome cover and the title of this book. I couldn’t wait to start reading it, and I finished it in less than a day.

Spirit guides with wings that change color, malevolent dark guides that steal souls, reincarnation, a fascinating take on Hollywood celebs, and a love that spans over lifetimes, are only a few of the elements that makes “The Many Lives of Avery Snow” an intriguing story with an easy to follow plotline. The few flashbacks Avery and Landon have of their past lives together added more color to the story, and all the loose points got tied up nicely at the end; but there is also enough of an open ending left to be continued in book two of the series. These, of course, were the highlights for me, but unfortunately there were also a few negatives along the way, which I feel necessitates the three-star rating.

Although this story has an interesting premise, my personal opinion is that it lacks depth. Some of the main characters were a little flat, but a few of the secondary characters were more likeable. At times I found the pace a bit slow, with too many repetitive details and way too much exposition that didn’t leave a great deal to the imagination.

Even though it ended up not being much to my taste, “The Many Lives of Avery Snow” held my interest straight to the end. Christy Sloat’s simplistic writing style makes for an engaging read suitable for the younger paranormal romance reader. 

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“The Many Lives of Avery Snow” by Christy Sloat has 34 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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