Protecting Truth by Michelle Warren

Protecting Truth by Michelle Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary:   Seraphina’s keeping a secret from her Wandering team: she’s perfecting her fighting skills. But telling Sam and Bishop the truth would only alert them to her plan: to go back in time, save her mom, and finish what she started. With the help of Turner, Bishop’s handsome twin, she progresses toward her goal but plummets deeper into dangerous territory where the lines of friendship and romance are blurred. One passionate kiss changes everything, leading Sera to unravel a shocking web of family secrets, heartbreaking ulterior motives, and sinister agendas. Love and lies collide in a haunting climax, where the truest souls may not survive.

Wait... What?... Turner?! Lots of secrets... LIES! Is anyone who they say they are? WOW!! My brain is trying to catch up with all that happened in this book! I will have to read it again just to make sure it is the same book I started with!

Michelle Warren sure didn't hold back when writing the second book in the Saraphina Parrish Series! From start to finish it was action-packed with so many reveals!! I couldn't believe this is only book 2. I almost thought this was the end of the series because so much was going on with the characters, truths coming out, answering so many questions Sera had... and THEN SOME! I was completely shocked! Usually I can see where things might be going, especially in a second book, predicting the established characters actions... BUT!!! This caught me completely off guard, which left me wanting MORE MORE MORE!

The complexity of time travel upped a notch this go round. Following who and what was done in the past or real time seemed to meld together, giving the reader a lot to think about. This brought a lot of "ah-ha!" moments to me.

Turner... without giving much away, he became my new favorite. Of course mysterious-dangerous-forbidden-dark-brooding-sexy-bad-boys usually wins my heart. What happens will make you want to laugh, scream and cry. I will be waiting (not very patiently) for the next book.

Thank you Michelle Warren for giving me this wonderful opportunity to read and share your beautiful work!

Sneak Peek!

PROTECTING TRUTH by Michelle Warren
After returning from Paris, Bishop and I ambled, hands entwined, to our dorm apartment. We stopped at the front door and faced each other. As soon as our eyes met, he closed the distance between us in one determined motion, melding our bodies together. He placed his full, warm lips over mine, kissing me with a sweet and controlled intensity. His cupped hands caressed my cheeks, and I wrapped my arms around his waist.
The intimate moment was short. I jumped, startled when someone nearby cleared his throat. Bishop and I turned to see a boy standing down the hall, leaning against a wall. The shadows of the hallway swallowed his body, hiding his features. A nearby flickering lamp only revealed the golden contours of his face and shoulder.
“Brother,” the boy said sternly and nodded at Bishop. He crossed his arms and took a confident step forward.
“Turner.” Bishop stiffened and nodded.
Animosity thickened the air. Immediately, though I’d never met Bishop’s fraternal twin, Turner, I wanted to escape and leave them to talk.
“Sera.” Bishop turned to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” He kissed me on the forehead and opened the apartment door. He guided me in, pressing his palm into my back, shuffling me away. I looked over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Turner. Our eyes met as he walked into the light. An inquisitive expression crossed his face, and then he grinned in such a way that forced my heart to skip a beat.
“Wait, um, okay. Night,” I said confused, looking between the two.
The door shut tight, severing me from their tension. Muffled noises of an intense conversation trickled through the door. What they discussed, I couldn’t make out. But soon the tones turned irate, voices raised. Someone was thrown against the door with a violent smash. They’d broken into a fight.
I rushed and swung the door open, but to my shock, the two were gone and the halls were empty.
“Bishop,” I called, leaning out. My voice echoed, but no one answered.
“Bishop?” I stepped from the apartment, scanning the hallways, worried.
“I’m here.” Bishop crept from the darkness, his face red. I detected a slight limp in his step and ran to him.
“What happened? Are you okay?” I eyed his leg and reached for it. “I heard you two arguing. You said you didn’t get along, but…”
“It’s nothing, truly. Just a normal brotherly scrap,” he interrupted, and wrapped his good arm around my back to guide me inside.

OOOOOOHHHHHH, this is so GOOD!!  Enjoy!!

To view Michelle Warren's website, go Here.
Other Social media:  

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MichelleWarrenAuthor

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4097828.Michelle_Warren

Twitter:   http://twitter.com/#!/MMichelleWarren

Here is my review of "Wander Dust", the first book in this series:  Here

 

Covet by Melissa Darnell

Covet by Melissa Darnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary:  Dangerous to be together. Painful to be apart. Savannah Colbert knows she broke up with Tristan Coleman for the right reasons. Most of all, to keep from killing him with her new vampire abilities. But try telling her heart. Now, lost in a sea of hostile Clann faces, Sav tries to come to terms with what she's becoming and what that means for her future. And that someone is doing their best to bully her into making a terrible mistake.

Tristan can't believe Sav won't even talk to him. If being apart is her decision, fine. Just don't expect him to honor it. But even as he prepares to fight for the girl he loves, forces beyond their control take them both in directions neither could have foreseen or prepared for.

A reckoning is coming…and not everyone will survive.

Covet took off right where Crave ended. That scored high for me, I don't feel like I have lost any part of the story, and it drives me nuts starting all over again, trying to figure out where I am.

Savannah grew up quickly. She took responsibility for her reckless behavior and tried to keep away from Tristan for his own safety. Tristan was obsessed with finding a way they could be together. They both fought through jealousies and anger that they couldn't change who they were and were forced to stay away.

I felt the first part of this book was a little slow, dragging out the whole "I can't have you's" and how it tortured both of them. But by the time the second half rolled in, it really picked up, secrets were revealed with action and fighting. I was lost and couldn't pull myself away and ended up staying up way late saying.. one more chapter.

More characters were introduced, nothing too confusing, and added that much more to the plot. The characters really developed in this book, growing more and more interest.

If you still like a good vampire book, this is for you.

View all my reviews

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

And the action-packed-swoon-worthy-frustratingly-sexy-suspense-thrilling-turn-taking fun just keeps on going in the 2nd book!

I don't know how Ms. Armentrout does it, but she did not miss a beat! Usually "middle" or 2nd books seem to drag or just give a "lull" to the rhythm and beat of a storyline. Sooooo not the case! I was sitting on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put this down! This is FAR better than the first book!! Her writing just brings her world to life on page, it drew me in and I fell in love with the characters, both main and secondary.

Getting to know Daemon a little differently this time was fun, but I still liked the full-blown-sexually-tensed arguments he and Katy got into. I enjoyed watching their relationship change, their personalities grow and the secrets unfold. Their crazy relationship got so frustrating at times, but I couldn't help but cheer for it to work out.

A new boy comes in.. Blake. Lets just say I had suspicions about him from day one, but most of all, he was just blah. How could he even compare to Daemon?? No contest! There were many times where I wanted to grab Katy and shake her and love her at the same time. I think Katy may be my new favorite heroine of all time. I love her attitude and strength, her stubbornness causes her grief and problems, but it is what makes her so great!

Now that Katy and Daemon are connected, things change in their relationship. Katy can't forget what a jerk Daemon has been in the past and can't see that their attraction and feelings for each other could be more than their strange alien bond. She fights against those feelings, not wanting what happened to Daemons brother, happen to Daemon. Things heat up, but Daemon decides to show her a new side. YES, I really said Daemon, A sweet and caring side... shocker!! How did he put it? "I'm turning into a pansy"? OH, I beg to differ Mr. Black! I would NEVER call you that!

The DOD comes snooping around, and tension falls on all of Katy, Daemon, Dee, and the rest of them. Knowing who to trust becomes more difficult than ever for Kat. while trying to figure out what happened to her after Daemon healed her, she changes in many ways.

As much as I loved this, I have to warn my readers that this isn't a book I would let anyone under 17 read. There are sexual situations, a little language and violence.

Just had to add one of my favorite parts of the book... a little "teaser".

“You are a terrible liar. You do want this. Just as badly as I do.”
My mouth opened, but no words came out.
“You want this as badly as you want to go to ALA this winter.”
Now my jaw was on the floor. “You don’t even know what ALA is!”
“American Library Association midwinter event,” he said, grinning proudly. “Saw you obsessing over it on your blog before you got sick. I’m pretty sure you said you’d give up your firstborn child to go.”
Yeah, I kind of did say that.
Daemon eyes flashed. “Anyway, back to the whole you wanting me part.”
I shook my head, dumbfounded.
“You do want me.”
Taking a deep breath, I struggled with my temper… and my amusement. “You are way too confident.”
“I’m confident enough to wager a bet.”
“You can’t be serious.”
He grinned. “I bet that by New Year’s Day, you will have admitted that you’re madly, deeply, and irrevocably—”
“Wow. Want to throw another adverb out there?” My cheeks were burning.
“How about irresistibly?”
I rolled my eyes and muttered, “I’m surprised you know what an adverb is.”
“Stop distracting me, Kitten. Back to my bet—by New Year’s Day, you’ll have admitted that you’re madly, deeply, irrevocably, and irresistibly in love with me.”
Stunned, I choked on my laugh.
“And that you dream about me.” He released my arm and folded his, cocking an eyebrow. “I bet you’ll even admit that. Probably even show me your notebook with my name circled in hearts—”
“Oh, for the love of …”
Daemon winked. “It’s on.”

View all my reviews

Review and About the Author - Michelle Warren

Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary:  Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish.

The Lady in Black… burns Sera’s memories.

Unexplainable Premonitions… catapult her to other cities.

The Grungy Gang… wants to kill her.

And a beautiful, mysterious boy… stalks her.

But when Sera moves to Chicago, and her aunt reveals their family connection to a centuries old, secret society, she is immediately thrust into an unbelievable fantasy world, leading her on a quest to unravel the mysteries that plague her. In the end, their meanings crash into an epic struggle of loyalty and betrayal, and she’ll be forced to choose between the boy who has stolen her heart and the thing she desires most.

Wander Dust is the breathtaking fantasy that will catapult you through a story of time, adventure, and love.

I had the honor of "wandering" onto Michelle Warren's website.. can't even remember how... and fell in love with her blog and the cover of this book. She was nice enough to let me read and review her book and I FELL IN LOVE!!!

Warren builds Sera's world from the very first paragraph, bringing in her relationships with her family, strange things happening, the Lady in Black... You are sucked in and taken to this place where you don't want to leave. A world built with words, details so descriptive that you feel like you are right there.

I have found in lot of Paranormal books, there are rules, laws and confusing details that are hard to keep track of. Those take up a lot of the book just "explaining" or giving history of their world, kind of giving a lull in the book. But not here! It was simple to understand but full of action from beginning to end!

The characters took form immediately. Of course there is a HOT GUY, and this one is a protector. I'm sorry but even though I enjoy the strong women characters who can kick butt, there is a huge part of me that swoons over a man who defends his girl, who is there to save her, to be her hero! Bishop is that guy. Even though I felt like there could have been a little more build up to the romance, even more flirting would have been nice but I was not too disappointed! That kissing scene was... superb!!

I added this as one of my all-time favorites and will be looking to the next book!

Here is the book trailer.... LOVE IT! 

About the Author

Michelle Warren

 Michelle Warren is the author of Wander Dust, the first book in The Seraphina Parrish Trilogy. She didn’t travel the road to writer immediately. First, she spent over a decade as professional illustrator and designer. Her artistic creativity combined with her love of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy led her to write her first YA novel. Michelle loves reading and traveling to places that inspire her to create. She resides in Maryland, in a historic Baltimore row-home, with her wonderful husband. 

Website:  http://wanderdusttrilogy.com/

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Warren-YA-Author-of-Wander-Dust/124362290972713

 Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11250674-wander-dust 

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MMichelleWarren

 

Protecting Truth
Book two in the Seraphina Parrish Trilogy 

To be released in October 2012  

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary:  No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I was expecting the typical story of bad boy meets good girl and they make their way in the world, but BOY was I wrong! They are far from the typical teens, working out how to live with what life has handed them.

Echo (I never adjusted to her name) was part of the in-crowd until one night, two years ago, things changed but now has no memory of what happened. She is determined to remember and figure out how she can get those memories back and then return to normal. Noah, who was orphaned and wronged by the foster program, has trust-issues. He is determined to get his brothers back no matter what it takes. Being thrown together, both Echo and Noah work together to try and get back "normal".

I really LOVED this book. It was heartbreaking at times, where I actually felt tears, but it always gave hope. I was pulled in by the mystery of what happened to Echo that night, keeping deep rooted into the plot. Characters both first and second, were so realistic and true to life, full of teen characteristics. I am also a huge fan of Point of View changes, so this just made it all the better!!  

The only thing that distracted me from completely falling in love with this story was the constant F-word, and the vulgar language. Sexual situations were to the point where I felt this would be more Adult content than Young Adult.

Quotes I loved!

No way.I stalked over to Echo, feeling like a tiger after its prey. She backed up against the wall, but I kept up my approach. I pressed against her, feeling each sensual curve. I wanted to touch every inch of her body. Her sweet smell intoxicated me. Her eyes kept their laughter, but her smile faded as she bit her lower lip. Damn, did she have any idea what she was doing? For a girl hell-bent on keeping me away, she sure did everything to turn me on.
"You were saying?" I lowered my head and inhaled the warm cinnamon scent at the nape of her neck, allowing my nose to skim along her inviting skin. (Kindle location 1371 of 3958)


I must have killed a lot of cows in a past life for Karma to hate me this much. Maybe I'd died two years ago and unknowingly entered hell. Doomed to spend the rest of eternity living with my father and stepmother and retaking the ACT over and over again. (Kindle location 1087 or 3958)

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review this book.





View all my reviews