Book Blitz: Liquid & Ash by E.M. Abel

Title:

Liquid & Ash 

Author:

E.M. Abel 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Release Date: March 1, 2016 

Summary 
Love was my weakness. 
In the light of the truth, no one can hide.

Derek had ignited a spark inside of my heart, a hope for a love I never expected to find. However, our connection lacked the substance it needed to burn. Weakened with resentment, our relationship crumbled under deception, slowly dissolving into ash. 

I had sacrificed myself for him and paid the price. 

By the time Brandon entered into my life, the longing in my heart had turned cold. But fate was not done with me. His crystal blue eyes and fluid touch revived a wish that had been frozen in time. He gave me hope once again.

Hope is a dangerous thing, especially when you dare to dream. 


**WARNING: This book contains adult content and drug use.

Love Burns and Can Burn Everything it Touches to Ash

I have been a fan of E.M. Abel for a long time so of course I had to jump at the chance of reading Liquid & Ash. She does not disappoint from beginning to end get ready for an entertaining read that dissolves time. Her characters are real and they feel authentic. This is a stand alone with an HEA and the main characters are beautifully flawed. There is a lot of pain and heart ache but somewhere along the way their souls are mended and the blossoming result is wonderful. Though this is a standalone I could see some of the other characters getting their own novel. Abel delivers some deliciously steamy moments so get your fan ready because the heat gets turned up! I recommend this for anyone looking for an afternoon of escaping into a broken to mended world of romance and second chances.

The Story, Penelope always had her eye on her future. From childhood she was used to disappointment at the hands of men she promised she would never end up like her mother. Life has a way of throwing wrenches and what was so carefully planned becomes a distant unattainable dream. Meeting Derek was not part of Penelope’s plan but he worms his way into her life and refuses to let go. There were a few parts that I saw coming but it didn’t do anything to ruin the story. I would go so far as to say I enjoyed the hints and watching everything unfold. The beginning is pretty bleak and a little depressing I wanted Penelope to break away and achieve her dreams but she had to go through the steps in her own time. Throughout the read we are given glimpses of Penelope’s past that were key moments that brought her to the current moments of her life.

The Characters, Penelope is smart and beautiful but she has a longing of love that will shackle her dreams and everything she has worked so hard for gets thrown to the wayside. So much time has passed that she has lost who she was and looking in the mirror she no longer recognizes who she is. I didn’t really care for her because typically I like lead gals that are strong and kick but. Sadly Penelope is neither. There is good news though, she manages to get her crapolla together and there is a growth that takes place within her. Derek wanted to love her but given their circumstances these two were doomed from the start. Derek didn’t mean to be such a donkey but unfortunately he wasn’t enough and their love wasn’t enough. Penelope sacrificed too much and she had nothing. Brandon was a welcome escape someone who had his own demons but his genuine feelings for Penelope were exactly what she needed in order to find the girl she once was.

The End, there are a few shocking revelations and Penelope must face her life. No longer willing to sacrifice everything she learns to love and take care of herself too. The end provides us with alternating POV’s and it was nice being in Brandon’s head. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I like the way things ended…The reader doesn’t get the movie fadeout where everything is perfect but we get a glimpse of our main characters growth and development. Wonderful read for those that are into fun love and steamy scenes.

My Rating

4.0 Second Chance and Never Giving Up on Oneself Love Filled Stars!

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About the Author

E.M. Abel was born and raised a Marine Corps brat. She spent a large portion of her life moving and living in her mother's home country, Japan. As a result, she gained independence and a unique perspective on the world. The youngest of three girls, E.M. Abel spent a lot of time alone in her room writing or sketching in her journals and dreaming up stories. Growing up, she wrote poems, short stories and articles for her high school newspaper. She also fell in love with art and discovered her deep need for self-expression. 

Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in her life, she's always sure to do it her way.

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Book Review: Manbuns & Martinis (Drinking Book 1.5) by R.L. Griffin

Manbuns & Martinis

(Drinking Book 1.5) 

by 

R.L. Griffin 

Expected publication: February 19th 2016 

by LoveNBooks 

ARC for Review 

Summary
My name is Brad Ellis. You think you know me. You don't know shit. I've been a hustler my entire life. I work three jobs to get what I want, but I'm not there yet. I live with a roommate that has been my best friend for over a decade and we make it work, but life is hard. It's always been hard, until I met Megan Walker.

Sometimes people come into your life and you think it's just for fun and games. Then they turn into one of the most important people. Don't take anyone for granted, because as soon as you do they will be gone.
I'm a cover model.
I'm a dreamer.
Never stop hustling.

Ain't No Party Like a Meat Party Cause a Meat Party Don’t Stop 

There is only one thing that is certain when it comes to Griffin’s books…Expect the unexpected! Manbuns and Martini’s was such a fun read that I completely devoured it. I wish it were a bit longer but only because the characters felt so real to me I was thrown back to my bartending/ gym rat days..and Vegas boy oh boy VEGAS Baby! Lol seriously I cannot recommend this enough. If you are looking for a very fun and light escape, jump.on.this. Another thing you can always expect from Griffin is magic…regardless of the read or the lightness of it all there are always deep underlying themes that will make your heart smile.

When I first started this I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Meat. We will just say he starts on the less than favorable side of Ria. As we get to know him and his situation something begins to change and the reader begins to see things for the way they really are. Though he has come to terms with his past it doesn’t erase that Meat’s life has been full of pain. Losing his constants that have always tethered him is the most terrifying part of his life. Dreams can change but losing those dearest is completely unimaginable. Meat tends to push when he should pull, but the inevitable begins to unravel and its quite fun to see. The way this is composed was so fun and entertaining that I had a smile on my face or laughter bubbling up from beginning to end.

Thankfully my, super sexy, secretly sweet, lost boy has the epiphany everyone is waiting for. Until that point however, get ready for some blushing moments and serious laughs. Oh and there is some seriously legit advice in there. Like it’s good… girls, when you read this novella you should really heed it.  The guy advise is really on point too. LOL. I know books are not in shortage but excellent authors that deliver gem after gem are! R.L. Griffin is just one of those authors that can take words and transform them into actual feelings that are contagious, endearing and dare I say enlightening, regardless of the genre prepare to have your socks blown. Auto buy list for SURE!

My Rating

4.5 So fun, I remember it like it was yesterday, Vodka mmm, Phones, Texts, News, Abs, Instagrams, Swipe Right, Hash tags, Lolita is never far, I will say bye for Now…But I hope to see more Meat soon!!  

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About the Author

R.L. Griffin published her first book in 2004. After that she focused on practicing law. A few years ago she began writing the By A Thread series, which is out now. Her goal is to keep readers on their toes, whether it's the plot twist or the book itself, her books are outside any box. There is a little bit of grit in most of her books and a ton of cussing. Most books are enjoyed better with a glass of wine, or whiskey, whatever your poison may be. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, kid and dogs. She loves to travel and meet readers.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon link |

Book Review: Dark Devotion (Dark #3) by Lauren Dawes

Dark Devotion 

(Dark #3) 

by 

Lauren Dawes 

Expected publication: February 25th 2016 

by Momentum 

ARC for Review 

Summary
The time of Odin is over. The Aesir gods now live among the humans in their bustling modern cities. Their brutal dominion over the other gods and their eradication of the entire dark elf race may have ended, but their actions have not been forgotten.

Beneath Rhys's skin lies a legendary and feared beast. Rhys is tormented by his daily struggle to contain the ruthless, cold-blooded creature sharing his body. But when his best friend Galen disappears, Rhys's careful restraint and self-control are finally broken. Fueled with a desire to find Galen, Rhys strikes an unlikely alliance with the only god who knows the truth about his dark past.

Taer has found her revenge, yet she's still not happy. There's something missing from her life, but still she fights what her heart is telling her. It's only when the incredibly infuriating and dangerously sexy Aubrey goes missing that she can admit her true feelings for him. Taer's racing against time to rescue Aubrey, but when will she finally allow him into her heart?

Perfect for fans of Gina Showalter and Patricia Briggs.

Justice is Served 

This is always a bitter sweet moment for me…the closing of a trilogy that I have followed for years. I always develop a type of connection slash bond with these characters and though I want their happiness it’s always a bit sad to know this is the last I will read of them. I have been following this series since the beginning and have loved it! The idea of Norse mythology in a read is absolutely delightful. Dark Devotion does not disappoint and Mrs. Dawes makes this a gripping read. From the first scene to the last get ready to hang on the edge of your seat. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us in the future as it stands she is a wonderful paranormal author that I will be following closely.

The Story, the first scene in this installment is a glimpse into the past and it illustrates some of the horrors that Loki reveled in. Throughout this installment we are transported to the past and the why is not explained until the end but once its revealed it is very compelling. Loki is after Odin but to get to him he must go through Bryn and he will stop at nothing to see his brother dead. Odin is in a delicate situation because he has recently lost so much and yet is so alone however if he gives up Bryn will also perish and he cannot let that happen. After having received a glimpse of what could be Odin will pursue the one person who can finally destroy Loki. His only weakness will be exposed and the crimes committed in the past will be recompensed.

The Characters, everyone is back this installment. Dark Devotion follows Rhys, Mav, Taer & Aubrey and the way Loki and Odin have wreaked havoc on the Valkeries lives in the past. Along with them we revisit with Bryn and Korvain these two are my absolute favorite characters of the whole series and ultimately everything is centered around them. One of my wishes comes to fruition with Aubrey and Taer finding each other. I don’t want to give away key plot points so I won’t go into detail but know that these two go through heck and back for each other and the end result is beautiful! Bryn is an absolute star who does something she has wanted to do for a very long time. In the past she was lacking the courage but she finds the strength from the love of everyone around her.

The End, as I mentioned in the beginning this final installment is a brutal all debts paid in full read. From the so many wrongs of the past both Gods and humans will pay for their actions from good to bad. As the momentum built the reader is transfixed with the what will happen next. Towards the end there is an opening that could result in another book. Do I see it happening probably not because at the very end the reader receives full closure with all the story lines. This wasn’t a happy ending with pink bows because lives are lost and tons of blood is shed but it is a rest easy there is finally peace in our lives kind of an end. No lie I typically am a pink bow happy ending kinda gal but Dawes does an excellent job of expressing the beauty of peace through pain so I totally dig this ending. Bravo I’m looking forward to seeing what is in store for her fans and readers.

My Rating

4.5 Light Elf, Wolf, Tavern, Brothel, Blood, Restraints, Deaths, Thor, Blood Message, Grandson, Little Fighter, Clan Decision, Wedding Day, Servant, Valhalla, Sword, Betrayal, Drugs, Hand, Ripped, Slain, Fire, Lightning, Vanishing, A Simplified Yet Amplified Love Through Peace Full Stars!

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About The Author

Born in South Africa and raised in Sydney, Lauren Dawes is an urban fantasy/paranormal romance writer and the author of the Dark Series.

In 2009, she quit her full-time job teaching English as a Second Language to finally begin writing “that book”, letting her over-active imagination pour out onto the digital pages, much to everyone’s horror. The catch phrase “I didn’t know you had such a dark imagination” only fueled her to write more, where her love for Norse mythology and gods finally got the spotlight.

She currently lives with her husband and daughter in whatever city they happen to be posted to, and her cat, Oscar, who has inspired more than one character quirk or scene in her books.


To find out more, visit www.authorlaurendawes.com

Book Review: The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave 

(The 5th Wave #1) 

by 

Rick Yancey 

Published May 7th 2013 

by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers 

Purchased 

Summary
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother-or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

The Prodigal Teddy Bear Returned

So…To be quite honest I hadn’t heard of this book until I saw previews for the movie. Light bulb! I was like what what? So I ordered the book then I looked at it…for a pretty long time actually. I wasn’t sure about what to do? Do I watch the movie first? Books are always better than the Movie. After a pretty serious heated debate with myself I was like who am I kidding! OFC I’m going to read this NOW. I’m so glad I did! Yikes, Bikes…Talk about scary not in a horror kind of way just in an overcoming so many obstacles I’m not so sure these characters will make it much longer. I cannot wait to continue the series but the third isn’t out until May and if #2 ends in a cliffhanger, I may just not make it. Book Nerd Problems…

The Story, the others have come and they are very effectively destroying the world’s population. Cassie is not a remarkable girl but certain situations allow her to do very remarkable things. Humanity is dwindling but the fire of those remaining burns bright. Cassie’s life changes drastically just like everyone else’s on the planet. Promises are sacred and she will do what it takes to be reunited with her brother. She goes from a large community to a small community and ends up completely alone. Her road crosses with a very unlikely ally but with careful planning and recuperation Cassie is determined to see her mission through the end. She can worry about the rest once she gets there.

The Characters, so I’ve already touched a bit on Cassie but here is some more insight she is willful, determined, intelligent, and perseverant. She has lost everything she’s ever known in a very short time. These events are what will power her with everything to be reunited with her brother. Cassie walks us bit by bit of all of the devastation that has befallen the world. There is a journal and yes a teddy bear. I love the teddy bear because his meaning is so deep. I may be reading too much into it but I think that bear represents humanity’s will. This bear is an extension of Cassie and her determination. You don’t want to know what happens to the bear at the end. I will say I was like bawling my eyes out. EVAN! My boy!! Hello?! Baker/ Brawny guy oh and super dreamy…There is total mistrust in the beginning but soon these two will bond in a way that will surely change the world! LOL GROSS…Head out of the gutter yall! I meant in a connection of wills not bumps. GROSS EARMUFFS!!! Gah…Oh before I move on to the end I want to point out Raven…She is like totally gnarly in the most amazing way!!! I totally love her and I guess Parish is growing on me…but it took a long time let me tell ya this guy had a lot of digging out to do.

The End, this is the part where you have to have an open mind…like tick tock goes the clock and the mouse ran away with the spoon. Things aren’t neat or pretty, to be honest they are downright explosive. Keep in mind this is fiction…its okay if things are a bit convenient or perfect. Regardless HE WILL FIND YOU! That was like my favorite line. I am beyond curious to see what happens. This is more post apocalyptic and Sci-Fi than anything else but a part of me wants to throw dystopian in there as well. Here in lies the trouble. I think I’ve only liked the way 2 dystopian trilogies have ended…Not gonna lie folks I’m harboring scars from Mocking Jay…Yeah, I need to let it go but Katniss’ selfishness burns deep. Anyhow I don’t see how this could end in the green. I feel like everyone is set to doom so I look forward to being confirmed in suspicion or delighted in surprise. You know who I’m rooting for…I can’t wait to jump into the next…

Until Then Pretties…

My Rating

4.5 They always start so good let’s hope it keeps it traction otherwise I will be way sad because I have high hopes!! Remember he will find you love filled stars!

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About the Author

Rick is a native Floridian and a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago. He earned a B.A. in English which he put to use as a field officer for the Internal Revenue Service. Inspired and encouraged by his wife, he decided his degree might also be useful in writing books and in 2004 he began writing full-time.

Since then he has launched two critically acclaimed series: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, for young readers, and The Highly Effective Detective, for adults. Both books are set in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Rick lived for ten years before returning to Florida.

Book Review: Demon Princess (Demon Kingdom Fairy Tales #1) by Kassandra Lynn

Demon Princess 

Demon Kingdom Fairy Tales Book One 

(Demon Kingdom Fairy Tales #1) 

by 

Kassandra Lynn 

Published December 22nd 2015 

By Author Self Pub 

ARC for Review 

Summary
With her father gone and her brother missing, Demon Princess Adriana has to assume the throne, temporarily becoming the Demon King. The procession is underway, and the princess is nervous yet determined … until the unthinkable happens and she is summoned! Somehow, Aldric, a mage-in-training has summoned the princess into the human kingdom. Now trapped, Adriana must hide her identity and escape before she loses her life in the hands of her mortal enemies.

Hmm Not Sure Yet

Demon Princess was an interesting read that captured my attention throughout. It wasn’t my favorite and I’m a bit on the fence with regards to continuing this series. The author places our lead girl in a precarious situation. I didn’t really care for the “good” people…they all seemed pretty awful especially towards Adriana. There is no mention of a date but the landscape and wagons and shops made it seem pretty long ago. Also there is no technology but the dress style seemed pretty modern. Like I said things move along pretty steadily this read kept my attention but something about it I just didn’t particularly care for. Not to say it was bad but maybe not for me, everyone is different and this may be your next 5 star read it just wasn’t for me.

The Story, okay so Adriana is the Demon princess heading to the thrown with the absence of her father and brother she is the only one who can stand in their place until they return. I’m going to try and keep this review spoiler free as that is my customary way of reviewing. Do to reasons revealed mid way Adriana is summoned away from her kingdom. No one knows who or what she is and Adriana will do whatever it takes to make sure things stay this way. She is stuck by the side of an awful sniveling little troll ugh…I did not like that guy one bit. His cousin is the only person who shows Adriana any sort of kindness. So sad. Truly. There was a nice storyline about Savior Bloods, Warriors, Wisemans, and of course Demons. Everyone is at odds and always has been it seems that everyone has common ground when it comes to destroying demons. We get told about a few demon accounts that seemed truly horrifying, I did grow to care for Adriana even though all she wants to do is kill everyone.

The Characters, Adriana as I mentioned she wants to kill everyone and go home. I can’t blame her. She was torn away from everything she knows and the people who have always been her mortal enemies are absolutely vile. Adriana is a strong and determined character I really enjoyed the way she confronted her adversaries time and time again. One thing I really did not like is her situation. Her will is ripped away and the person in charge of it is a slimy worthless bug. There is one person who takes a liking to her and they will fall for each other even though Adriana knows they are doomed something about their connection is too strong to ignore. I don’t see how things will ever work out between them especially with the discovery Adriana makes at the end.

The End, there is no cliffhanger and our main girl achieves her goals. I felt like it was a good ending and something I can walk away from with closure. Though there are many, many unanswered questions I’m not sure if the curiosity is there to continue this series. I liked the characters okay but it seemed a bit too…oh I don’t know I can’t quite put my finger on it except to say why. Where are all the links and why were we not given more of a history. Although I’d like to know how it ends I don’t see myself rushing to the book store. If any of y’all know what happens tell me!!! LOL jk I’ll probably keep an eye out on all the installments and make my final decision later.

My Rating
3.0 Hall, Summon Beast, Cuts, Trash, Floor, Dragon, Shop, Starvation, Slavery, Dress, Wiseman, Wings, Quest, Spell, Staff, Prison, Truth, Escape, Desperation for Home filled stars!  

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About The Author

 Kassandra Lynn is the author of Book of Immortals series and Demon Kingdom Fairy Tales series. Her favorite genres are fantasy and romance. She especially enjoys reading and writing about unique concepts, unpredictable plots, and protagonists who aren't the typical protagonists.

Visit her at www.kassandralynn.com