Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly
Unearthly #1
Author: Cynthia Hand
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal/Angels
Released: January 4th 2011
Review Source: HarperTeen
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Wow!! This book was amazing!! I really didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters, the plot was amazing, and it made me want to visit Wyoming to see the beautiful scenery. You can just picture the beauty of the vast mountains. Oh, and let’s not forget the love story!! Cynthia Hand is now one of my new favorite authors.

The story starts in California with Clara Gardener having her very first vision of a raging fire. Clara is part angel and her visions are a way of giving clues as to what her purpose is. Like life isn’t hard enough!! Humans ponder their whole lives without knowing their purpose, having clues would be a nice thing, right?? Clara’s visions come to her at the most inconvenient times. Usually her visions are just pieces and she really doesn’t make out much to go forward with what it is that she is destined to do. One day she finally makes out a major clue that leads her mother to uproot herself, Clary and her brother Jeffrey to Wyoming in hopes Clary can fulfill her purpose. That means a new high school and new friends. Upon getting to Wyoming Clara’s visions get stronger and clearer. It takes a while to for Clara to feel at home and fit in. Being part angel, Clara does things a little bit better than the average human. She learns very fast and her athletic abilities are better just to name a few. A couple of people pick up on this and it may put her in danger. Clara does end up making some good friends and falls in love with one of her best friend’s brother. But will this love work out with her purpose?

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am anticipating reading the next in the series. I would definitely suggest this to anyone that likes angles and if not then I would suggest it for the love story. It’s one of those that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy at the end.

Cover Reveals: The Trap, The Fiery Heart, Key of Pearl, Isla and the Happily Ever After

Time to share some new covers that have been revealed lately in the bookish world!

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The Trap

The Hunt #3

Author: Andrew Fukuda

Release Date: November 5th 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

No summary released yet. This is what Andrew Fukuda said about the new cover "I really like this title - it fits the novel perfectly, shows a thematic continuity with HUNT-PREY, and just altogether sounds actiony and suspenseful."

The whole series got a cover make over:

The Fiery Heart

Bloodlines #4

Author: Richelle Mead

Release Date: November 19th 2013

Publisher: Razorbill

Summary: (from goodreads) In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .
But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

Key of Pearl

Timeless #4.5

Author: Laura Kreitzer

Released: March 2013

Publisher: Revolution Publishing Inc.

Summary: (from goodreads) With the dimensions ripping and expanding across Earth, time has become an enemy. Now Andrew must help his kindred soul as she suffers through nightmare-like visions that’ll lead them to the Key of Pearl, the quintessential master key to the universe.
They’re willing to fight their way through a savage world full of predators to claim the prize. With the key, they’ll be able to seal the dimensional tear and, eventually, open the pearly gates to Celeste where the cruel Gods reside.

Really, what could go wrong?

Isla and the Happily Ever After

(companion novel #3)

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: September 17th 2013

Publisher: Dutton

Summary: (from goodreads) From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.
Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

These series also just got a whole new cover makeover:

Book Review: Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Breathe
Breathe #1
Author: Sarah Crossan
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Dystopian
Released: October 2nd 2012
Review Source: Harper Teen
Available: Amazon
OUaT Reviews: Yara's

Summary: (from goodreads) Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe . . .The world is dead. The survivors live under the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air.

Alinahas been stealing for a long time. She's a little jittery, but not terrified. All she knows is that she's never been caught before. If she's careful, it'll be easy. If she's careful.

Quinnshould be worried about Alina and a bit afraid for himself, too, but even though this is dangerous, it's also the most interesting thing to happen to him in ages. It isn't every day that the girl of your dreams asks you to rescue her.

Beawants to tell him that none of this is fair; they'd planned a trip together, the two of them, and she'd hoped he'd discover her out here, not another girl.

And as they walk into the Outlands with two days' worth of oxygen in their tanks, everything they believe will be shattered. Will they be able to make it back? Will they want to?

Breathe is a captivating, enriching novel that you’ll stay up all night reading. Sarah Crossan has made an amazing dystopian world which- like many novels- has the plot of a controlling government and rebels trying to break free from it. Although the plot is similar to other books, surviving under a dome with limited oxygen is a new and exciting twist in the dystopian world.

The characters can be weakly played at times, but the story of the three youngsters is quite a tale. Quinn is a highly ranked government official’s son and is supposed to agree to the program of Breathe, the corporation that managed to supply oxygen to the people, but soon learns he doesn’t. There could be a better world and he knows that Breathe is keeping the dome’s citizens from experiencing the taste of independence. Bea, who is the money-deprived, appreciate-what-you-have kind of girl, is very generous person, but I found her to be a very predictable character. She is the goody-two shoes, but is willing to take risks for others, especially her ‘crush’, Quinn. Alina is the true rebel and focused on serving the rebellion no matter what. She is the firebrand of the group and can get a little heated and feisty at sometimes. Her attitude towards the Bea and Quinn is normally agitated, which is very laughable. The leaders of the rebellion could be more loathing towards Breathe and I thought the story was missing that throughout both sets of leaders. The leaders of Breathe acted as if they weren’t doing anything wrong and they really were locking people in a pod for the better of them. It could’ve used a bit more evil and the ending seemed a bit rushed.

Breathe is a gripping novel, excluding the weaker parts. It is a must read for dystopian fans since it gives a whole new meaning to being controlled. Crossan did a great job with Breathe and I will certainly be looking for a sequel.

(10 yr old tween reviewer)

We hope you welcome our newest reviewer to OUaT coven. Bridget!!! You can read all about Bridget in our coven page.

Cover Reveal: Out of Play by Jolene Perry & Nyrae Dawn

Today we are taking part in the cover reveal for Jolene Perry & Nyrae Dawn's new book called Out of Play. 

Expected Publication: August 6th 2013

Summary: Rock star drummer Bishop Riley doesn't have a problem. Celebrities—especially ones suffering from anxiety—deserve to party, right? Wrong. After taking a few too many pills, Bishop wakes up in the hospital facing an intervention. If he wants to stay in the band, he’ll have to detox while under house arrest in Seldon, Alaska.

Hockey player Penny Jones can't imagine a life outside of Seldon. Though she has tons of scholarship offers, the last thing she wants is to leave. Who'll take care of her absent-minded gramps? Not her mother, who can’t even be bothered with the new tenants next door.

Penny’s too hung up on another guy to deal with Bishop’s crappy attitude, and Bishop’s too busy
sneaking pills to care. Until he starts hanging out with Gramps. If Bishop wants a chance with the fiery girl next door, he’ll have to admit he has a problem and kick it. Too bad addiction is hard to kick…and Bishop’s about to run out of time.

Purchase via: BN.com • Amazon

Trailer Thursday: Ceaseless by Abbi Glines

Ceaseless

Existence #3

Summary(from goodreads): Can he make her fall in love with him… again?

When Pagan Moore proved worthy of Death’s devotion, he was given the gift of getting to keep her.

But Dank was never promised that Pagan would keep him.

When a soul is created, so is its mate. In every lifetime those souls find each other. They complete the other’s destiny. It’s time for Pagan’s soul to choose if she truly wants an eternity at Death’s side or if she wants the mate created just for her.

Dank didn’t think he had to worry about her choice. He knew where her heart belonged. Until he realized that every kiss, every touch, every moment of their time together would be washed from her memories. He would have to win her heart all over again and prove to her soul that he was where she belonged.

If only her soul’s mate wasn’t right there standing in his way.

Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell
Bloodlines #3
Author: Richelle Mead
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal
Released: February 12th 2013
Review Source: Purchased
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

I should let you know that the Vampire Academy series is by far one my favorite YA series. When I found out that Richelle Mead decided to do a spin-off series I was beyond thrilled! That was short lived though. I have to admit I wasn't entirely a fan of the Bloodlines series, but after reading The Indigo Spell I did a complete 360. I can't believe that the sacred girl we met in Russia in Blood Promise is the same Sydney we get to read in The Indigo Spell. The character development since then is truly amazing.

I, for one, love the fact the book starts off with a bang & does not slow down. We start off with Mrs. Terwilliger pushing to embrace her magic & use it to protect herself & those she cares about. Indigo really pushes Sydney to question everything she's ever known. That's where Marcus Flinch comes into play-- For all the hype that was surrounding him I was a bit let down. He wasn't what I expected him to be. All that aside I am beyond thrilled that we get so many Adrian & Sydney scenes (I am STILL in a Sydrian daze. Yes, you read right Sydrian. Sydney + Adrian = major swoon!)

The world Richelle Mead creates is truly like no other. Always unpredictable & leaves you wanting more. If you, like me, have been having mixed reactions about the Bloodlines series I can guarantee that after you've read The Indigo Spell all those mixed reactions will go out the door! The ending to Indigo was totally left field & I for one cannot wait to see what The Fiery Heart has instore.

Blog Tour: The Submissive by Tara Sue Me Interview

Today we feature Tara Sue Me, the author one of Penguin's newest hot titles: The Submissive! The Submissive is the 1st in a trilogy. The Submissive series contains The Submissive (book 1), The Dominant (book 2) and The Training (book 3). 

About the Author: Tara Sue Me wrote her first novel at the age of twelve. It would be twenty years before she picked up her pen to write the second.

After completing several clean romances, she decided to try her hand at something spicier and started The Submissive. What began as a writing exercise quickly took on a life of its own. An avid reader of all types of fiction, she soon discovered she enjoyed writing a variety as well.

Tara lives in the Southeastern United States with her family, two dogs, and a cat.

Follow Tara Sue Me via: Web • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter

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Once Upon a Twilight Interview with Tara Sue Me

OUaT: Welcome! We are thrilled to have you featured today. Can you start of by telling everyone a little bit about yourself?

Thanks for having me! I’m a quiet, small town Southern girl who works in the pharmaceutical industry during the day and writes romances at night. I’m married with two high-energy children, two higher energy dogs, and a cat who ignores us all.

OUaT: As an old fanfic reader and follower, did you ever expect this to happen to you or your story?

Absolutely not. THE SUBMISSIVE was a way for me to see if I could write erotic romance. Even when I posted it as fanfic, I only expected to have ten or so readers. Everyone’s response to it blew me away.

OUaT: I’m sure you don't mind that it’s becoming a hot trend now to publish stories that began as Twilight fan fiction stories. What would you say or recommend to others that have written their own stories to do or try?

Find yourself a good editor who can be completely objective about your work. Be teachable and willing to take criticism and negativity. Realize you’ll never make everyone happy and it’s not the end of the world if someone doesn’t like your writing. I mean, I think my mom’s nuts because she doesn’t like chocolate, but I love her anyway. Lastly, find yourself a good agent.

OUaT: How easy or hard was it to get the story/book ready so that you could be published?

It took some time to get it ready. I changed the characters ages, killed off a few people, and moved the location. In the fanfic, I had Edward essentially give Bella a truck. During the rewrites, I realized Nathaniel would never do that, so there were quite a few things I had to redo to make that work.

OUaT: Did you have to delete or edit any of your favorite scenes?

The poetry quoting in Chapter Eighteen was always one of my favorite scenes. When my editor suggested changing it, at first I thought, “YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE POETRY QUOTING!” But I rewrote it as a game, just to see how it flowed, and I found I liked it better. I’ll repeat myself here and say, “Find a good editor.”

OUaT: Did you add any new material to the published version?

Not in any huge way. I revised the conversation when Abby asked Nathaniel about his cousin. I also had Abby and Elaina initially bond over a conversation about losing their moms.

OUaT: What next for Tara Sue Me? Do you have any new ideas or material you’re working on?

I’ll be editing THE DOMINANT and THE TRAINING next. I also have a new series I’m working on. It’s another BDSM trilogy, but this one follows three couples, with each couple getting their own book.

OUaT: If The Submissive were to become a movie, who would be your Nathaniel West?

I honestly haven’t thought about actors a lot, but off the top of my head, Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

OUaT: Tell us what was the first thing you did when you got the call/email that your story was being picked up by NAL?

I was actually driving home from an appointment when the email came through on my phone. I pulled into the first parking lot I could find (it was a Burger King) so I could read it, then I called my husband and asked if he was sitting down.

Fill in the blanks:

The Submissive: is just one side of the story.

If Nathaniel West was: visiting me this afternoon, he’d be upset at how I’ve let my yoga practice slide.

Something you don't know about me: I can tie a knot in a cherry stem in under five seconds with my tongue.

Whips and Chains: Everything is better with love

The last thing you would ever expect me to like (even though I secretly do) is: old Disney cartoon movies

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The Submissive
The Submissive Trilogy #1
Author: Tara Sue Me
Reading Level: Adult
Release Date: June 4th 2013 (paperback edition)
Publisher: NAL Trade
Available: Amazon • Barnes & Noble

Summary: (from goodreads) One word and she'll never see him again.

The city of New York knows Nathaniel West as CEO of a powerful corporation, but Abby knows he’s more. Nathaniel lives by a set of exacting rules. From the boardroom to his bedroom, he must be obeyed—and any woman wanting to be part of his life must submit to his will. When Abby finally meets Nathaniel and agrees to wear his collar, she has everything she’s ever wanted—or so she thinks.

Nathaniel drives her to new heights of pleasure and introduces her to a glamorous world of power and privilege she knows only through the social pages. Heeding Nathaniel’s commands is never hard—but before long Abby wants more. Her master’s rules don’t allow for negotiation—but the heart never plays by the rules and love is the most extreme fantasy of all.

Cover Reveal: Wait For You by J. Lynn

What do early readers have to say about WAIT FOR YOU?

“J. Lynn creates a wonderful cast of characters that will make you laugh, swoon, and cry. Cam stole my heart.” – Cora Carmack, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of LOSING IT

“For the love of all that is Cameron without a shirt on! Wait for You will have you laughing out loud, fanning yourself and anxiously waiting to know what will happen next.” – Molly McAdams, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of FROM ASHES and TAKING CHANCES

“I don't think I have ever read a NA Contemporary novel with as much depth as this one. It really moved me and by the end I was just speechless over how inspirational and uplifting it was as well as being sexy and cute and funny and emotional.” - K Books

“Wait For You is uniquely different from anything else J. Lynn's written but it might possibly be her best work yet.” – Jenuine Cupcakes

“For all of you in love with Aiden and Daemon, PREPARE YOURSELVES! Your heart will have to expand a little more for Cam.” Total Bookaholic

“For the love of all things CAM, this book deserves more than 5 stars.” – Mundie Moms

“I cannot even begin to explain how much I adored this perfectly crafted contemporary.” – Shortie Says

Excited? Ready to see the cover for WAIT FOR YOU?

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

WAIT FOR YOU is available now: Amazon •  Barnes and Noble

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J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the adult romance Gamble Brothers’ series, the young adult Lux Series and award winning Covenant Series. She pretty much writes everything—contemporary, paranormal, and fantasy. All of her books have one thing in common no matter the name or genre: kissing… and stuff. When she’s not busy writing, which is never, she’s usually hanging out with dog Loki, watching reruns of The Walking Dead, or procrastinating on the Internet. You can find out more about 

Jennifer by visiting the following websites:

Twitter •Facebook •Website

Waiting On Wednesday: Siege and Storm by Leigh Barduso

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Siege and Storm

The Grisha #2

Author: Leigh Barduso

Release Date: June 4th, 2013

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.

Available: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IndieBound

Summary(from goodreads): Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Book Review: Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

Things I Can't Forget
Hundred Oaks #3
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 1st 2013
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker.

Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

Read an excerpt here.

Note: Mature themes, sexual situations, religious discussions.

Once again Miranda Kenneally gives us a companion novel to follow in the successful footsteps of Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker. You basically know going in to read that this will be another great book by Miranda. Miranda's writing just pulls you in like a moth to a flame. Its highly addicting and entertaining. 

Things I Can't Forget follows the story of Kate. This is Kate's last summer before college and she signed up to be a church camp counselor. This is the first book from Miranda that the main character is not into some kind of sport. Kate is just your good church girl that believes and follows her faith. So of course being considered such a good girl, you don't really get called into the popular cliques. So when Kate frowns upon at what other counselors do while working with her that summer, they begins to have rifts with her about her Christian ways. Kate wont even let her crush sleep inside the same cabin, she makes the poor guy sleep outside on the floor. Matt though has a way to get under her skin and little by little he breaks down Kate's walls somewhat. He respects her though, so its not like he will make her do something against her beliefs. Matt along with the others just feel she needs to loosen up some. So how will Kate's summer go as one of Cumberland Creek's summer camp counselors? What will she come to terms with regarding her old best friend and the secret she keeps locked up? Will Matt succeed in getting the girl? Only one way to find out all these questions and its reading the novel when it publishes. 

Miranda created a very sweet refreshing story to read. Its a bit heavy on the religion but you can get passed it and enjoy the romance that is blossoming. Miranda treats fans of Jordan and Parker, by bringing them back in this novel. One of my favorite parts is the friendship that just happens between Jordan and Kate. Oh and did I mention Matt, another great male lead that Miranda created. He is definitely on the swoon-worthy top 100 list. So if your looking for love, friendship and adventure pick up a copy.