Title : Wash Me Away

Author : Wendy Owens

Series : N/A

Rating : 5 Stars

Blurb : Monsters have a way of following you. Immersed in a new world at boarding school, Addy Buckley learns she’s not the only one with secrets. While trying to navigate the minefield of painful lies that seem to be rattling around her family’s past, she meets soft on the eyes and heavy on the heart, Napoleon Blake. When faced with the darkness, Addy must decide to cling to her new life and friends or let the monster carry her away. The choice is hers, sink or swim. *story includes mature life situations and language

Review : I just finished reading “Wash me away” by Wendy Owens – and I am still kid of speechless.

The author had my interest the moment the first quote came. I am not sure how intentional it was – but quoting “mommy dearest” sort of set my mood for the complete book. It was the perfect quote for a real great story. I cannot find anything to complain about in that book – wow – wait – did I just say that ? Nothing – really ? Let me check again – there must be something … #checking

Nope…

The way this story approaches some real heavy and serious issues is so sensitive that it really makes you feel with the characters.

Ok I admit in reality, when you think about it there is a quite some cliché and even a little too much coincidence inside the story – but for this book that is totally fine as it helps to bring across the basic point.

It simply is a great story. A solid writing and I would love to read more from this author for sure.

I can only encourage you to read it…

> > > I have received this book as an ARC from the publisher. < < < > > > In exchange, I promised an honest review. < < <

Cliffhanger : (KLICK to find out) !!!

HEA? : (KLICK to find out) !!!

Title : Mindhealer

Author : Lilith Saintcrow

Series : Watcher, #5

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : The attacks are brutal, leaving the victims unconscious and broken. Circle Lightfall doesn’t even know who-or what-to suspect, so Caro Robbins, a Mindhealer who might be able to piece together what’s happening to these crushed bodies and shattered minds, is called in. Unfortunately, a Mindhealer is also vulnerable to the Dark-and Caro refuses even the idea of having a Watcher.

She won’t have another man die in front of her, and that’s that. The witch Merrick rescues from the dogs of the Dark is obnoxiously stubborn, infuriating, and seemingly determined to put herself in every dangerous situation possible. It’s enough to drive a man insane, and definitely enough to make a Watcher frustrated.

How is he supposed to protect her, especially when she insists she doesn’t need a Watcher? But Caro is going to need all Merrick’s skill and strength sooner than anyone guesses. The attacks haven’t stopped, and the closer Caro gets to solving the mystery, the more danger she’s in. Because she’s the next victim-unless Merrick can save her. And Merrick just might die in the line of fire if Caro can’t find a way to keep her Watcher safe.

Review :The Mindhealer by Lilith Saintcrow is the fifth book of the watchers series and I have to admit that I do not know the other books – so this was a first for me. I really liked the world that the author created but I had serious issues with Caro. I totally could not connect to her as she felt more like a child. Merrick on the other side is a pure male – so it totally needs magic to make this work for the reader and somehow it did not fully work for me. The writing itself is good and the storyline is intriguing therefore I do not regret the time I spend with this book. I just could not fully enjoy it. But still I think I will pick up the other books at some point to get a better feeling for this author.

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Publisher < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Title : Cross My Heart

Author : K.D. Friedrich

Series : N/A

Rating : 5 Stars

Blurb : Pete Cross is struggling with the emotional and physical scars of war, the last thing he needs is to find himself attracted to the one woman he shouldn’t want … his best friend’s sister. K.D. Friedrich is pleased to present Book 1 of her new series, The Heart Falls Heroes. Cross My Heart takes you on a poignant journey of loyalty, love, and above all, the healing power of second chances. Struggling with the emotional and physical scars of war, Marine Pete Cross returns to his hometown, Heart Falls, New York, bitter and broken. The last person he wants to see is the stubborn tomboy from his past, Cara Sands. The guy code of ethics demands he keep his hands to himself where his best friend’s sister is concerned, but Cara never got that memo. Apparently, neither did Pete’s libido, because his desire for her is stronger than ever. Cara has no clue where the man she loves went, but she’ll do whatever it takes to bring him back. Pete tries to push Cara away with bitterness and anger, but she yanks him right back with understanding and patience. Her persistence drags them closer to an outcome that might destroy them both or show him, once and for all, the power of second chances.

Review : Cross My Heart by K.D. Friedrich was my first Novel by this Author and I am happy to suspect there will be more of this in a series to come. Which was one subject I really liked in that novel. You could feel the subtext and the next story coming up, but very subtle without any interference with the ongoing plot.

This is in some way a second chance novel, even if there never was a real first time. You get to know the characters past so well that it feels like a second chance. Personally, I could never understand this Brother code “Thing” – OK – well the basics I get and agree with but this “never with your best friend’s sister” seems somewhat strange.

I agree that it might be strange in case of a break up, but otherwise with whom would I like my sister to be with other than with my best friend, the guy I would trust my life with.

Anyway – if taking this as a given – I could fully connect with Cara and how she was described. I loved that she gave Pete Room and a Piece of her Mind – depending what was needed.

Pete on the other side, as confusing as this “Brother-honor” ideas were for me – I could relate to his feelings of not being enough for her after what happened to him and his “survivor guilt” feelings.

I loved their relationship and the funny and witty dialogues between them. This was really a book like it should be. The writing was flawless and fluent, the story was well balanced and the character development was great. I cannot wait for the next one… because I want to find out what happens to Stan and John.

> > > I have received this book as an ARC from the publisher. < < < > > > In exchange, I promised an honest review. < < <

Cliffhanger : (KLICK to find out) !!!

HEA? : (KLICK to find out) !!!

Title : Sorry I Wasn’t What You Needed

Author : James Bailey

Series : N/A

Rating : 2.5 Stars

Blurb :

Ten years ago, C.J. Neubauer fled his family, trading coasts to provide himself three time zones of buffer space. Random email and social media posts yield all the contact he needs. Until a late-night phone call from his wistful father. Unaccustomed to hearing his dad say “I love you,” C.J. freezes, vowing instead to reciprocate the next time they speak. But when the phone wakes him the following morning, it’s his older brother informing him their father has committed suicide.

Sporting a nagging conscience and a chip on his shoulder, C.J. books a flight home on his girlfriend’s credit card. All he wants is to bury his father and try to make sense of what led him to take his own life. All he has to go on is a note that reads, “Sorry I wasn’t what you needed.” Was it intended for C.J. and his siblings? The mother who walked out on them twenty-five years ago? Or someone else altogether?

Review :

When I asked for the ARC I had kind of an image in my head how this book is going to be. The blurb sounded good – including some touching elements intertwined in the story of a family whose life changed because of the suicide of the father. This is the story you got. Including the description of how the different characters cope together with the situation. This is something which can be the good basis for a good book. And it actually also is the case with this book. But I think the writing style made it difficult to connect with the story line.

Especially at the beginning it was difficult to get into the story. Not because the characters aren’t enough developed. More because it was in my opinion too much monologue. Actions which could freshen everything up. In the middle it got better. I rated this book with 3 Stars which is not bad at all. I just think that this book could have touched me even more if the writing style would help the reader to build up a connection in combination with more action.

Or perhaps it just wasn’t the right book I “needed” right now which is why I couldn’t connect with the story….. There are some really good passages in the book which really got me -some more of them and this book would have been even better(which is only my opinion).

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Publisher < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Cliffhanger : (KLICK to find out)!!!

Title : The Last True Vampire

Author : Kate Baxter

Series : True Vampire, #1

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : As Michael’s eyes lit on a female not twenty feet away, he knew without a doubt that it was her blood that called to him and her scent that had awakened him.This female had tethered his soul and returned it to him.

SOUL SURVIVOR

He is the last of his race. The one true king of the vampires. Michael Aristov roams the nightclubs of L.A. after dark, haunted by his past and driven by his hunger. The last of the Ancient Ones, he alone has survived the destruction of his race at the hands of the slayers. Now he is forced to hunt and feed like a common vampire, a creature of lust. Nothing in this world can fulfill his needs…until he meets a woman who’s everything he’s ever wanted. And more.

SWEET SALVATION Her name is Claire Thompson. Her blood is so sweet, so intoxicating–the smell alone draws Michael to her like a moth to the flame. Sly, sexy, and seductive, Claire seems to be the only mortal who can satisfy his craving and seal his fate…forever. Can she be trusted? From their very first kiss, the last true vampire sweeps Claire into a world in which darkness rules desire–and where falling in love is the greatest danger of all…in The Last True Vampire by Kate Baxter.

Review : This was a new author to me so I was intrigued how the subject of vampires will be approached in this novel. And I must say she did a descend job. It is not new by all means but it is an enjoyable read. I seriously liked the lead characters but I am not sure if the author will manage to bring a good series out of this. So I am not totally convinced of this new series. We will have to leave this judgment for another day and the next book, which I am seriously looking forward too

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Publisher < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Title : Give Up the Ghost

Author : Kelly Moran

Series : Phantoms, #2

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : Paranormal investigator Kerry Baker has seen it all. But nothing in her work with the Phantoms team prepares her for the most terrifying ghost of all―seeing her doppelganger. Rumored to be a foreshadowing of one’s death, the spectre shakes Kerry to the core…sending her into the arms of her best friend and fellow Phantom cast member, Paul Leake, for comfort. Until a kiss changes everything. Paul has been in love with Kerry for ages, unwilling to compromise their friendship. As their investigation in a ghost town grows more intense, however, so does the chemistry between Paul and Kerry. With her life in danger and their jobs on the line, giving into their attraction couldn’t be a worse idea―and yet they can’t bring themselves to stop it. Even if it kills her…

Review : “Give Up the Ghost” by Kelly Moran is the second book of the series – it can be read as a standalone but to maintain the full reading pleasure I would recommend to read “Ghost of a Promise” first. It was my first book of this author and I truly enjoyed it. The storyline is fully developed and the characters are amazing.

This was my first book by this author and I must say she has a talent of making the reader live through the emotions together with her characters. I can only recommend this book to fellow lovers of this genre.

I am looking forward to the next book ….

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Publisher < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Title : Crave

Author : Jennifer Dawson

Series : Undone, #1

Rating : 4 Stars

Blurb : I vow. I crave. I give in. I used to be a nice, normal girl. I had dreams. Good, happy dreams of a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a fairytale love that lasts forever. Nobody ever warned me that sometimes, the prince dies three weeks before the wedding. Like any addict, I swear this time is the last….

Now, I go through my days, a shadow of my former self. I pretend I’m okay, and the people in my life pretend to believe me. But, sometimes, when I can no longer stand the craving, I roam an underground sex club looking for my next hit. It’s dirty and wrong, but I can’t stop, and my only line of defense between them and me, are the rules I’ve designed to keep me safe. Men always abide by my rules. Until I meet him.

And, like any addict, I’m wrong.

I don’t question the instincts that tell me to run. One look at him, standing there, power radiating off him in waves, tells me all I need to know. He will make me crave those happy dreams I’ve left behind. And that is not an option.

Review : This was a new author to me and therefore I am happy to state the following. There are books that captivate you with their way of writing from the first line and this author managed to do that. The dialogues were believable and the storyline was good. I really liked the developing relationship between the lead characters. So I would like to recommend this book warmly.

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Publisher < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Title : Never Never Part 2

Author : Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Series : Never Never, #2

Rating : 5 Stars

Blurb : “Never forget that I was your first real kiss. Never forget that you’ll be my last. And never stop loving me between all of them. Never stop, Charlie. Never forget.” Silas races against time as more truths unravel, while others twist tighter together. And now, the stakes are higher as Silas’ control slips and others begin to point fingers. Charlie is in trouble and he must be the one to bridge the chasm between their past and their present. Because somewhere between I love yous and Never Nevers and Never Agains, a truth they can’t imagine, beckons to be found. “Where are you, Charlie?”

Review : When Colleen Hoover is calling, I am more than ready! With Never Never Part 1, Colleen and Tarryn already published an awesome story of a kind which I have never read before. It’s special, surprising and different! I can say the same about the second book of this series with which the reader is able to dive deeper into the story while getting some answers for which I was desperately looking for.

Never Never Part 2 presents more of the inner feelings and thoughts of the two protagonists Charlie and Silas who are lost in a world which isn’t the same anymore, at least for them. I loved the way how both authors tell the story of Charlie and Silas in a way which feels like they are not separated. There is a connection between these characters which is very special and emotional-even if they don’t really understand why they feel like this or what they actually feel. I read some reviews on the internet after finishing this novella in one sitting. At this point I want to stress the word NOVELLA because this isn’t a full ength novel as the authors weren’t allowed to write a full length novel because of their contract with their publishers. So of course, they could have wrote one long novel, but believe me: it’s better to enjoy Colleen’s books in doses! I have never read a book written by Tarryn Fisher until now, but this books prove that she is also a very talented writer. While Colleen wrote the Silas part, Tarryn dealt with Charlie which is obvious but in an interesting way. It’s not like there is a huge cut every time you start a new chapter from a different point of view, but there are these little differences which make it interesting to see everything through the eyes of different characters. I can’t wait to read the third book of this series which will for sure even better!

Cliffhanger : (KLICK to find out)!!!

HEA? : Series still continues (KLICK to find out)!!!

Title : The Medium Path

Author : Elizabeth Davies

Series : N/A

Rating : 5 Stars

Blurb : Ruby died nearly one hundred years ago. She saw spirits of the dead when she was alive, and now she is dead she has become a guide who helps ghosts pass on. When ghosts start being taken by darkness instead of the light, Ruby is forced to seek help from a handsome and unwilling medium, who awakens emotions she never knew she had.

Review : Elizabeth Davies was so kind to give me an ARC of her book “The Medium Path”, which I just finished reading in one session. That alone presents already an idea of how my verdict on this book will be. Let’s keep it short and simple – it was great!!!

It’s just a short while ago that I read a book that was themed around a soul reaper, which I also totally enjoyed, so I felt that I was in the right frame of mind for a book about a spirit guide and I was right.

Ms. Davies created an interesting surrounding where “normal” humans live side by side with mediums, spirit guides and ghosts. Her Idea of the how and why ghosts stay or go is really well developed and sounds so logical that the reader is tempted to take it at face value. (Well at least if he believes in ghosts at all).

I liked that all involved side characters got enough background to be interesting and Ruby was a really well developed lead. My only complaint is that Michael was not as equally developed as Ruby. At some point I even felt that I almost knew more about Rachel than I knew about Michael, this felt out of balance for me and this is also my only tiny complaint.

The version I read was not fully corrected so I noticed some items that needed attention to them – but I believe the final version will be free of mistakes and even if not, they did not disturb my reading pleasure in any way.

Anyway I am thankful that I was one of the lucky persons to be able to already read this book and I will not hesitate to read another one of this author.

I can only recommend this book to all readers that like romances with paranormal background.

> > > I have received this Book as an ARC from the Author < < < > > > In Exchange I promised an honest Review < < <

Cliffhanger : (KLICK to find out) !!!

HEA? : (KLICK to find out) !!!