Review: A Promised Fate- Cat Mann

Title: A Promised Fate
Author: Cat Mann
Series: A Beautiful Fate #3
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Devotion, passion and promises are no longer enough. Everything Ari has built his universe around threatens to come to a tragic end. Ava's seven Kakos foes have been vanquished, but a new and even deadlier terror threatens the Alexander home. As Ari struggles with his role as a deity, he is forced to reveal to Ava his true lineage and what his identity means for their future together. The Zilotis, an occult group of surviving Kakos extremists, rise up to set themselves against the Fates...and no one is safe, no one can be trusted. Ari’s fears control him. Trust crumbles and promises lose all meaning as Ari comes to grips with his past and the vows made in the past in his name. Ari will do anything for Ava, even if his devotion means his own death. Secrets are rampant, lies and new nightmares emerge. Will Ari be the man he promised he would be?
Review: This is the third book by the talented Cat Mann that I have had the pleasure to read and review. I love this series and I can't wait to see where it will go next. One of my favourite parts of these novels are the covers, they fit in well with the story and I love how simple yet meaningful they are. My favourite part of the stories are the Greek mythology aspects. I love Greek mythology so any story pertaining to it is exciting in my books. But I also love the fact that this story contains mythology that may not be as popular as some other well known myths. 
I love the ride that these characters are on. I also enjoy that despite the characters not being your average humans, I like that their relationships are very human-like. They have that amazing connection and love but they also fight with each other. In other words, they aren't perfect but they are realistic. 
The ending wasn't a cliff hanger but it leads the reader in a direction that I for one don't like haha, only because it is going to stir shit up. It's a bittersweet ending but only half of the characters know that at this point. I look forward to reading the next book and find out what is going to happen. If you are a lover of mythology you should check out this series.

About this author

Cat Mann is an Illinois author who writes teen and adult romance. She is happily married to a genius of a man and together they are raising two beautiful daughters.
With her dog at her side, Cat obsessives over French music, witty films and lengthy novels.
Cat’s books have been listed on numerous Amazon bestseller lists, including the Amazon Top 100, Literature & Fiction Fantasy Based Novels, as well as being a top contender in Mythology & Fairy Tales.

To find out more about Cat’s projects and get dates on upcoming releases, find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcat.mann and follow her blog, http://authorcatmannblog.blogspot.com/.

ARC Copy Review: Sway by Kat Spears

Title: Sway
Author: Kat Spears
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: ARC copy
Synopsis: In Kat Spears’s hilarious and often poignant debut, high school senior Jesse Alderman, or "Sway," as he’s known, could sell hell to a bishop. He also specializes in getting things people want---term papers, a date with the prom queen, fake IDs. He has few close friends and he never EVERlets emotions get in the way. For Jesse, life is simply a series of business transactions.

But when Ken Foster, captain of the football team, leading candidate for homecoming king, and all-around jerk, hires Jesse to help him win the heart of the angelic Bridget Smalley, Jesse finds himself feeling all sorts of things. While following Bridget and learning the intimate details of her life, he falls helplessly in love for the very first time. He also finds himself in an accidental friendship with Bridget’s belligerent and self-pitying younger brother who has cerebral palsy. Suddenly, Jesse is visiting old folks at a nursing home in order to run into Bridget, and offering his time to help the less fortunate, all the while developing a bond with this young man who idolizes him. Could the tin man really have a heart after all?

A Cyrano de Bergerac story with a modern twist, Sway is told from Jesse’s point of view with unapologetic truth and biting humor, his observations about the world around him untempered by empathy or compassion---until Bridget’s presence in his life forces him to confront his quiet devastation over a life-changing event a year earlier and maybe, just maybe, feel something again.Pages: 308
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free at Book Expo America 2014. 

I am finally getting around the reading this novel after a very long reading slump that lasted almost 6 months. I was drawn to this cover even though my cover was not what was as used as the final cover. I read some other reviews and people said that the new cover suits the book better because the ARC cover is more for a love story. I feel like those people didn’t actually read this book. If you read the book right to the end you would realize that yes indeed, Sway, is a love story it is just portrayed in a messed up way. Not in a messed up way that I didn’t like the book but in a way that I feel teenagers can relate too. 

I don’t really have anything else to say lol. It was an okay read not the greatest but not the worst. It held my interest and I liked the flow of the story. I would recommend this novel to contemporary lovers. 

About this author

I am a novelist, bartender, mother of three freeloading kids, non-profit management guru, and, apparently, the only person on the planet who reads in the shower. I am not a role model. My debut YA novel, SWAY, will be released in September 2014 by St. Martin's Press. Follow playlists for all my characters and the soundtracks to my books on Spotify under katbooks. Some of my characters have better taste in music than others, but if you like the character, chances are you will like their playlist.

Blog Tour and Review: Imitation- Heather Hildenbrand

Title: Imitation
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Series: Clone Chronicles #1
Pages: 272
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.
Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. 
Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.
When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?

Review: I love the cover of this book so much!! It is what initially drew me in, which is what a cover should do. Then the synopsis sealed the deal, I love the idea of "imitations" stepping in when their "authentic" dies. Or in our case if the "authentic" has had threats on their life. The story had great pacing and kept me interested throughout. It wasn't as action packed as I would have liked but there was enough that I wasn't bored. I also enjoyed the bit of romance and I look forward to se where it goes. The only thing that I found odd was if the imitations were suppose to be trained incase anything happened to their authentics, why weren't they trained to act like them? They were just thrown in blind and expected to "be" their authentic. They should have had to watch videos of the authentics to learn their traits and whatnot.
My favourite character is the worst one lol, Titus. I love to hate him, he is a terrible human but that's what I like about him. He character out shined the rest of them, they really need to step up in the next book. This was a very enjoyable book and I look forward to continuing the series. I would recommend this to sci- fi lovers.

About this author

Author of Across the Galaxy, Whisper, and the Dirty Blood series. I write, read, and fuss at my kids. Oh, and I do laundry, lots of laundry. I'm pretty good at it, too. Sometimes I even read WHILE doing laundry - and fussing at my kids. I'm a multi-tasker.
For more information on my books, release dates, or just general stalker material, um, I mean FAN material, visit my website. www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com. I love hearing from readers!
Likes and dislikes? I love vintage tees, hate socks with sandals, and if my house was on fire the one thing I'd grab is my Amazon Fire TV! (oh yeah, I'm a fan of puns.)

Amazon Buy Link

ARC Review: Black Ice- Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Black Ice
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Pages: 392
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late. 
Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. 
In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 
But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? 
BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…
Review: I received this ARC at BEA this year and I was so excited to get a copy. I thought the Hush, Hush series was okay, not my favourite, so I was a bit nervous about Black Ice before I started it. Surprisingly I really enjoyed Black Ice and it got me out of a big reading slump. I like that it's a standalone and and that it has a totally different vibe than Fitzpatrick's other books. I loved the murder/ mystery theme and I feel like the first chapter set the tone of the book perfectly. I also loved that it was such a dark a twisted tale, although I didn't find the villain unveiling very shocking because I had guessed who it was early on.
The characters were okay. Britt was a smart girl and she did show some growth over the course of the novel, I also found her to be smart in some aspects. She was also cool, calm and collected in times when I would have been freaking out. Mason is a good character but his hot/ coldness drove me mad. Calvin is probably the most thought out character in the book but he is kid of a jerk to Britt, well a lot of a jerk.
In my opinion this is Fitzpatrick's best book to date. It has a very inventive story that had me racing to the end with my heart ponding. I loved that the end gives the reader closure and we aren't left wondering what will happen. I would recommend this novel to murder mystery fans.

About this author

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga. Her new book BLACK ICE arrives in bookstores everywhere October 7, 2014.

ARC Review: Deadly Pack- Ashley Stoyanoff

Title: Deadly Pack
Author: Ashley Stoyanoff
Series: Deadly Trilogy #3
Summary: Since becoming the alpha female of the Dog Mountain pack, Jade certainly has had her share of challenges. She’s had to prove herself to a bunch of werewolves that she spent years hating; forgive her mate who’d done nothing but lie to her, and face the grueling fact that her father leads a pack of werecougars, who are responsible for tormenting her werewolves for many years.
On the upside, the Dog Mountain pack is finally coming together—now that Jade and Aidan’s mate status is official. And now that they know where her father’s been hiding his nasty pack of beasts, Jade and Aidan can concentrate on stopping them once and for all.
But when Jade’s dad finds out that she’s become Aidan’s official mate, all hell breaks loose, and Jade and Aidan soon learn that his plans for their werewolves are bigger than anyone could have ever suspected.
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings on this book before I started on it because I loved book one Deadly Crush but I didn't care for book two Deadly Mates, so this made me a bit weary of this instalment. I would put Deadly Pack as my second favourite in the trilogy. I found the beginning of the story a bit slow (but mind you I have been in a bit of a reading funk lately), but it did pick up near the end about 60-70% in. Thats when the pace picked up and all the exciting stuff started happening. Although when I did get to the end I feel like it did lack a little bit of closure, and this is the last book so I am hoping for a novella or a companion. Mostly because it seems like Jade and Aiden have come out on top and that everything is wonderful, but what about Jason? Dun Dun DUHHHHHHH!!! 
Overall as a whole I did enjoy this trilogy. I would recommend it to fans of werewolves and shifters.

About this author

Ashley Stoyanoff is an author of paranormal romance books for young adults, including The Soul's Mark series and the Deadly Trilogy. She lives in Southern Ontario with her husband, Jordan, and two cats: Tanzy and Trinity.

In July 2012, Ashley published her first novel, The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, and shortly thereafter, she was honored with The Royal Dragonfly Book Award for both young adult and newbie fiction categories.

An avid reader, Ashley enjoys anything with a bit of romance and a paranormal twist. When she’s not writing or devouring her latest read, she can be found spending time with her family, watching cheesy chick flicks or buying far too many clothes.

Ashley loves hearing from her readers, so feel free to connect with her online.

Website: www.ashleystoyanoff.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyStoyanoffTheSo...
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ashley_stoyanoff
Email: ashley@ashleystoyanoff.com

Review: Exiled- Sophie Davis

Title: Exiled
Author: Sophie Davis
Series: A Talented Novel
Pages: 430
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: Kenly Baker is alone. TOXIC has been defeated. Her friends from the McDonough School for the Talented are scattered to the wind. Even Kenly’s only living family member cannot hide the scared teenager from those who wish to contain her. Because Kenly is one of the Created.
For her, it’s a future worse than death.
She travels across the Atlantic Ocean, to the slums of London. There, Kenly finds tentative acceptance among a group of outcasts. They have spent their enire lives dodging shadows, barely staying alive. Kenly thought she knew what horrors haunt the night, but her new companions reveal predators far more alarming than anything she’s ever faced. Suddenly, she is brutally aware of the dark side of humanity.
Kenly’s biggest concern was the UNITED trackers, who round up and capture the Created. But there are adversaries in this new world who are far more terrifying. And unfortunately for Kenly, now their sites are set on the Created.
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
To start off I just want to acknowledge how gorgeous this cover is, I'm in love! It took me awhile to get into this instalment because I couldn't remember what the heck had happened in the last book. I also found it harder to get into Kenly's head. This made the beginning a bit slower for me, but then it did pick up and I really enjoyed the story. The human trafficking issue really peaked my interest and I hope that it will be explored further in the next books. 
I really enjoyed these new characters and I am in love with James. He is the damaged bad boy and I love it. I hope he will get his revenge. My only criticism for the characters was sometimes it felt like their accents were dropped, then a random "love" was thrown in to cover it up. Otherwise I enjoyed the new and old characters. 
I would recommend this novel to those who have enjoyed the the series thus far.

Review: The Same Side- C.M. Doporto

Title: The Same Side
Author: C.M. Doporto
Series: University Park #2
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary: The engagement's off and with Collin behind her, Lexi has decided that the temptations of Raven Davenport are too strong to be ignored. It doesn't take long for Lexi and Raven to find themselves wrapped in each other's affection, but not without the challenges that life poses. But can she withstand the world he's created or will the forces that are against them rip them apart? Love, faith, betrayal and heartache ripple through their lives as they fight to be on the same side.
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
The part that I like best about this series is that it's NA but the author is one of the few who doesn't think that NA= erotica. Therefore we are left with an amazing story about two people in love, who are sexually attracted to each other and I don't need it to be painfully graphic to know that. I love that there is so much sexual tension between these characters and when the tension is finally cut it is done in a classy way.
Raven is so hot and I want him as a book boyfriend, but in this book he made me so mad. He was so wishy washy, plus he did stupid things that affected him and Lexi. Now we are starting to learn new information about Raven, some of it may or may not be true but I need answers. I still like Lexi, she is really coming into her own.
The University Park series are such engaging books that I will absolutely be continuing the series. I love all of these characters and I need to know if they will ever get their happy endings.

About this author

CM Doporto lives in the great state of Texas with her husband and son enjoying life with their extensive family along with their Chihuahua, Mexican Redhead Parrot, and several fish.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The University of Texas at Arlington. She briefly worked in the area of Public Relations and Advertising and then pursued a career in the field of Human Resources. CM considers herself a life-long learner and returned to school and earned her Master of Art’s Degree in Organizational Development from Dallas Baptist University.

She writes Young Adult and New Adult Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy stories about ordinary women who do extraordinary things, become a heroine, and find love along the way. Visit her heroine blog at:http://cmdoporto.com