The Cat's Meow: Goddess Test Series

My first series read of the year! I decided to read the Goddess Test Series by Aimee Carter due to the fact that I had read book one then never once review it. So in a sense I read it twice but it still gave me mixed thoughts on the book which is fine, I thought maybe my brain was too over read to enjoy it.

What I like about the series overall was the deep influence of Greek gods and using that as the primary concept, I haven't read anything with Greek Goddess influence but I have watch Xena the Warrior Princess, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys as a kid,  plus the Disney version of Hercules, but all of it involves around Greek gods, Titans, People of the earth.

Primary the focus was all on Henry or Hades (the god of the underworld), when his first wife Persephone decide to choose mortality rather than immortality with a mortal, Henry allows her that way she could be happy. But he couldn't rule the underworld by himself, so the council needed to find another person suitable for immortality and must pass the tests. 11 fails until Kate comes along, who might have what it takes to pass the tests.

While Kate faces changes in her life, her mother dying of cancer and then Kate's friend Ava unmistakeably swim recklessly and dies, and Kate pleaded that someone could save her and come appear Henry. But because Kate was a skeptic she didn't believe what Henry's bargain was for her until Ava dies again.

Kate soon believes and get to spend more time with her mother as a bargain with Henry when she accept the challenge of going through the tests. But the question remains, why did all the other girls fail? When Kate get attack by one of their own, Calliope (Hera) she stabs Kate then dumps Kate in the river.

Calliope love obsession with Henry, drove her mad after 11 girls came and then when Kate came along, Calliope knew that Kate could pass the test but not if she died just like all the others. But Henry and his people realizes that it was Calliope who was responsible for all the death of the other girls, Henry rush to the Underworld to save Kate but in the end Kate's mother save her that way Kate could live.

Pass the Seven Deadly Sins . . .

No consequences goes unpunished and Kate could only decide Calliope's punishment, spent time with each girl that she took until they each forgive her.

Kate earns Immortality after being away 6 months from Eden Manor, Kate was left out a lot, Henry still feared the past of all the girls that died but Kate try to do everything and anything to prove that she wasn't going anywhere.   

But then its up to Kate to save Henry from Calliope who attacks again but she has a very powerful Titan named Cronus on her side and promise him freedom from the gates of hell. However Cronus knows that Kate, James and Ava are down in the underworld to save Henry but he was determine to kill them. But Kate shows compassion towards him and for him that was unusual and decides not to attack her but as the search continue on Kate must find the one person who know where Cronus's gate is  . . . Persephone.

Persephone, she been dead for several decades and living her afterlife happily with the mortal she choose over Henry. She wasn't prepare to get visitors or to see Henry again, but she still cared for Henry so she would help out Kate but then in return be able to return back to her afterlife.

But Persephone and Kate shares some common problem they both have with Henry, the whole "first time" was awkward for both of them and went bad on both ends. But Persephone can see Kate love Henry more than she ever did and realizes that Henry been living in a fantasy with herself from the beginning. She explains to Henry that their time was nice but Henry need to let go of the past and start living his life with Kate for she loved him more than she did. 

I guess Kate and Persephone are sisters in a way, wasn't really expecting that but Kate was more furious on the fact that Zeus or "Walter" was her father and never once stepped in when her mother was dying from cancer. He said that he has children from all over that needs him but Kate believes that he was selfish.

The Goddess Inheritance had a change in dynamic, Calliope was determine to get Henry at any cost and with the help of Cronus, she just may get it but there was something much worst than Calliope wanting Henry. Kate left Eden Manor to search for Rhea, convince her to help put Cronus back in his gate but instead it landed Kate in 9 month captivity. Yes nine months being pregnant with her and Henry's child and Calliope plan it to take Kate's child as her own. Kate and Henry fights for their child, for the future of their family and for mankind.

Both Kate and Henry finally have fallen in love with each other or I should say Henry did and now he can't possibly lose Kate or their son.

The battle begins and in the end Calliope and Cronus loses but Kate loses someone she thought have betrayed her.

Ava was a pawn by Walter/Zeus order but because of her love for Kate she would do anything to protect her and her son. Even when Kate see her as the traitor but in the end Ava dies saving Kate's life and you can never replace the love Ava has.

I was really sad that Ava had to be the one that died, I guess I was thinking Love never dies but maybe the mortal body does and not the Love. I really like Ava although I had mixed thoughts about her, but she was the imperfection friend you would want and provide a calming peace in the most tense situation.

For all of the books I rated 4 or 4.5 Cat's Tails Up, they were a decent book to me but they didn't really WOW me like other books have. I still have to read the Goddess legacy which I do not have but overall it was a round of cat playing with the Goddess Test series.

Book Review: The Goddess Inheritance

The Goddess Inheritance (The Goddess Test #3) By Aimee Carter

Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.
 

Paperback, 303 pages

Published February 26th 2013 by Harlequin Teen 

Review

Kate spent the last nine month in captivity and now the moment has come . . . the birth of her and Henry's child. It was Calliope finally fulfilling what she warn Kate she will do, but Kate didn't think that taking an defenseless child would matter to her.

Eager to protect her child, Kate unthinkably agrees to a deal with Cronus but figuring out how to save humanity and the gods. But whenever Kate willingly takes Cronus's offer, he will still destroy the world.
The council must try to put Cronus back to where he belong,before the world is destroy but they lack of a plan, and already too many people have died.

Will Kate and Henry be able to save the world? Or will it all end in turmoil?

This was a turn around from Henry being distance to wanting to be with Kate. The maternal instinct kicks in and not only Kate worry about her son, she's is willing to do whatever it takes to get him back. I give them 4 Cat's Tails Up, it was a good read and pace very well.


MEOW . . . MEOW. . . MEOW

So over all I like Goddess Inheritance, I like the fact that it pretty much take off after how Goddess Interrupted ended. 

So Kate has a baby, and it was apparent that was Calliope's plan all along. But it got me thinking, if she is the goddess of Marraige, Woman and Fertility.  Why didn't she do it sooner? I know she failed to kill Kate in the beginning but she did ploy Henry and Kate to sleep together. 

The whole thought behind having a weapon that can kill any god was very small. Calliope rarely used it although she wanted to the first chance she got. Then it wasn't until the very end where the weapon is finally used in it's proper manner. I just thought that the whole weapon idea was lacking emphasis. 

Kate learn how to go to places astrally I would call it, most of those was to her son's nursery, she can't touch him but she can see him and in some sense her son can see her or sense her presence. I like this part because Kate's son was taken away from her right at birth by Calliope but Kate won't give up on seeing her son and hold her son for the first time. another part of this was having Henry there but turns out that Cronus been disgusing himself as Henry. 

Henry still yet have to meet his son, because one he wasn't aware Kate was pregnant in the first place and when he did find out, she had already given birth and having their son be ripped away from his parent by Calliope. Henry and Kate now not only think about the world well being but they worry for their son, whether they were prepare to be parents they were ready to face the world ending to get their son.

Zeus or Walter, have been foolish throughout this whole thing, he would rather watch a few Billions people die while trying to figure out a plan and he used his own daughter AVA to be a betrayer to Kate, but Ava must defend herself while getting all the scrutiny and in the end, she dies saving Kate, she die proving the love for Kate and Henry's son. 

Kate was finally to hold her son, she and Henry along with the rest of the Council was able to send Cronus where he belong and Calliope was dead. The threat was gone and Kate and Henry could finally start their lives as parents and gods of the underworld.

Book Review: Goddess Interrupted

Goddess Interrupted (The Goddess Test #2) by Aimee Carter

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.


As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Paperback, 305 pages

Published March 27th 2012 by Harlequin Teen (first published January 1st 2012) 

Review 

Kate passed the test and gain immortality, now she return from her 6 months away from "home" but not everyone seem to be welcoming her with open arms.

Even Henry is being uninterested that Kate is back . . . is he still afraid of the past?

Calliope is back and she working on a master plan to win Henry at any costs and to kill Kate once again, but will she succeed?

But there is a much greater threat than Calliope, that the council spent eons to protect the world from this particular Titan, its apparent that Cronus can never be release into the world.

But then its up to Kate to save Henry but she has to get help from Henry's first wife, Persephone will she be willing to help?

Goddess Interrupted brought tons of actions and creating Kate as new person since becoming immortal, however kate feels like she is nothing unless she prove herself that she is worthy of being immoral. She'll have to face the underworld to save Henry and prove to him that it won't be like the past.

I give this 4.5 Cat's Tails Up, I like the actions that was in this book and I love how Kate was ready to prove herself worthy.

MEOW . . .  MEOW . . . MEOW

Finally some action! While I like Goddess Test it was lacking action for me, Kate's return wasn't welcoming during her cornantion of becoming queen Calliope attacks. Henry and part of the council takes off to stop Calliope and soon realizes that it was Calliope's plan all along. Only Henry can release a very mad and powerful Titan.

Now Kate must travel to the underworld to get help from Henry's first wife Persephone who living happily in the afterlife.  But will Persephone be willing to help?

Kate, Ava and James face the underworld while trying to find Henry but the powerful Titan Cronus is already on their tail and just when all hope is lost when Cronus finds them, Kate shows compassion towards him. Cronus decide not to kill them because he is taken by Kate's generousity but that not going to stop him from rising from the underworld and destroying mankind.

Since Kate's return, Henry been more distance than ever and Kate feels unwanted, unsure of what to do she try to talk to Henry about it but that fails and when Kate, James, Ava and Persephone help save him. Henry is all eye for Persephone.

Henry can't see pass Persephone when she around at the Eden Manor which left Kate feeling left out and due to her ability she can be in another place and Henry has a private meeting with Persephone but it wasn't all a meeting, more like kissing.  Heartbroken and hurt Kate didn't know what to do except try to figure out about Calliope and Cronus since now the gate is partly unseal.

Calliope hints a warning to Kate and immediately Henry jumps in to her rescue, and then later Kate and Henry have a talk. She is planning on leaving to search for a god that already establish she would not take part in the war but the council need everyone and anyone who can help close the Gates before Cronus breaks free.

Both Kate and Henry express their love for each other finally, they spend the last few days together before Kate leave. But what they both didn't know was what was going to happen when Kate leaves.

Ava desperation beg Kate to turn back to Eden manor but Kate march forward only to come face to face with Calliope. Calliope is ready to kill her but Ava pleaded to not do anything rash because Kate is pregnant and Kate's world will be turn upside down.

Book Review: White Hot Kiss

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) By Jennifer L Armentrout

One kiss could be the last

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Paperback, 382 pages

Expected publication: March 2014 by Harlequin Teen (first published February 25th 2014) 

I've won an ARC of WHK through one of Jennifer's contest and I was so amp to read an email saying you won an ARC! So duly noted that this was my first ARC, no I'm not considering books of ARCs that I've won from blogger contests. The WHK contest was specifically for a chance to read an ARC of WHK, on the plus side it is signed! Can I also mention that this is the first contest I've won from Jennifer? She got such a large followers that I thought it would be a one in a million type situation. 

Review

Half demon and half gargoyle, Layla has wished that her life was normal because the one big thing that she can't do . . . Kiss someone or anyone. She will take their soul on instinct and she must keep her virtue intact.

Layla is soon face with demons attacking her, but the one mysteriously demon named Roth helps her telling her that she's on the wrong side. . . but how can you be on the wrong side when you're half of something?

There's no explanation to why Demons or anything else of the supernatural is after her until Roth shares some dark secrets about who she is.

The Wardens has always been her home including the people she has always trusted, but when it's the one closest to you lying, who or where do you turned?

Layla will find out things she never knew and learning of an apocalypse that will uprise of a very powerful demon that will destroy humanity and supernatural alike.

It's PUURRFECT! 

I freaking love this book! Gargoyles? HELL YES! I'm so glad that Gargoyles are making a new addition to the Young Adult/Supernatural Genre. I love everything about this book, it's goes as far between two hot guys that are drool worthy and one very torn Layla who trying to figure out what side should she really be on.

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

You know sometimes you wish that there was something fresh and new? But having no clue what that could be? Well Jennifer Armentrout has done it! She brought the Luxs into Young Adult that put her on top as # 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author and now White Hot Kiss bring new favor and is all about Gargoyles.

Yes Gargoyles, surely you remember that American cartoon series produced by Disney Television Animation and Buena Vista Television, No? How about this to jog your memory

Okay now we establish that, I must say I was driven to read White Hot Kiss however at the time that I wanted to read it. I was buried with school so I finally had the chance to read it over my break.

So Layla has what you would say a bad side and a good side, but she can't change who she is but her guardians haven't really been telling her the whole truth about who were her parents. Layla knows she can't ever take a soul, the wardens forbid her from doing it. So Layla have been painted Black and White.

Roth is a very intimidating demon but also being a hunk cover in tattoos is a plus, at first I thought well where does he fit? What can he possibly do to corrupt Layla? Well he does these things to her

• Rescues her 
• Drives her mad crazy with his sexy tattoos
• Tells her the truth straight up
• He Can KISS HER! Big Plus

Together Layla and Roth will figure out why Demons are after her, one way or another but Layla deals with betrayal from the family that protect because they haven't told her the truth about anything, about why she can't take souls or why she can't lose her virtue.  The thing that was the hardest  for her was Zayne, long time friend and someone she could always confide in.

Oh did I meant how much I love Roth's Tattoos? They all can come to life!

Zayne is a Warden . . . Gargoyle so to speak, you don't get to read much about how he looked like in his gargoyle form because he rather not have Layla see him in that way.  But he is a major role in Layla's life, he's the friend that you can go to, the one to shed tears with, Zayne is someone that Layla have trusted all her life. 

Both guys are equally hot, but Roth really has the advantage because he been there for Layla when she need Zayne but wasn't around to help her or protect her.

The ending was AH! I can't even tell you because that would be ruining it but really I love it, Jennifer created the perfect cliff opener for the second book.

Book Review: Bared (Club Sin #2)

Bared (Club Sin #2) by Stacey Kennedy

In a novel that’s perfect for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, Stacey Kennedy returns to Club Sin with another wicked and wild tale of submission, seduction, and love.

At Las Vegas’s exclusive Club Sin, Aidan Knight is the Master, unleashing the erotic yearnings of his submissive lovers. But his dominant façade conceals a devastating loss—something he instantly recognizes in his personally trained submissive Cora Adams. Sworn to unearth her secrets, Aidan uses his seductive skills to ignite her wildest desires until Cora yields to the pleasure she can find only with him.

Cora came to the BDSM club to act out her sub-and-dom fantasies without ever revealing the heartbreak that haunts her. But Aidan’s masterful touch is bringing her closer to the edge . . . and deeper into a world of control and surrender. He refuses to allow her to submit to any other man—nor does she want to. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing. For as they give in to passion, they must lay bare their souls for a love that could heal—and free—them both.

Bared is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: February 10th 2014 by Random House Loveswept

I've requested Stacey's second Club Sin Book from Netgallery again! I was so eager to read this and now without prolonging this. 

Review

Are you ready to meet the real Cora Adam?

Adapted to the role of submission, Cora Adam only had two Dom Masters while she doesn't mind BSMD inside she craves for something permanent. 

Aidan Knight seem to have found the perfect woman but Aidan struggles with a haunting past that he can't seems to let go. 

When Cora and Aidan are together, they have great passion and desires of each other, driven to take care of each other except one thing . . . they were both not entirely on the same page.

Aidan want to be on the same page as Cora but how can he when he's not willing to let go of the past? 

Will Aidan be able to move on from the past or will Cora lose to a ghost?

Stacey brought Club Sin back, and into the lives of two committed partners. Having Cora fight her place by a ghost . . . a lost lover? Aidan blinded his own heart? Talk about a blinded love story.

I give this an 4.5 Cat's Tails Up, the story of Cora and Aidan was all about embracing the new and letting go of the old. 

MEOW . . . MEOW . . . MEOW

We meet the next Club Sin members! Cora (Presley's friend and the girl that introduce Presley to the BSMD lifestyle) and Aidan a Club Sin master with a past. 

From the start of the first page, it was clear that Aidan and Cora have intense chemistry and passion for each other, everything about them was like cookies and milk. But I could tell that Cora . . .  I don't want to say feel USED but she felt satisfied rather than complete.  

Aidan loves Cora although to him LOVE is a strong word to be using, before Cora Aidan thought his life was perfect but then tragic happens and he can't seem to forgive himself for what has happen because it was out of his hands. 

Cora wanted to ingore the fact that she was falling in love with Aidan but she would never ask for more from him until their one night at a campground where it was different between her and Aidan that it became too much for her and that the dynamic has changed for her. 

She tells Aidan the real problem between the two of them, she's willing to move on from her past but Aidan can't and until he can, Cora sees that it's too much to try and fix it and too heartbreaking for her. At this point I see Cora wants more of her relationship with Aidan but she refused to fight a ghost. 

Now Aidan, come on Man! You need to see what's in front of you rather than what's not. I'm glad that Kyler told him off and said that he needs to fix it. How does Aidain planned to do that? Well first he has to let go of the past in order to move forward.

I love the last couple chapters because it where things begins to mend back together and Aidan finally sees what in front of him, Cora his one and only. The kick is also at the end as well and I'm glad that the path Aidan chosen and Cora was already ready to accept it.

Book Releases

 

  

Evertrue (Everneath #3) by Brodi Ashton

Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published January 21st 2014 by Balzer + Bray 

The Queen's Choice (Heirs of Chrior #1) by Cayla Kluver

Magic was seeping out of me, black and agonizing. I could see it drifting away. The magic that would let me pass the Road to reach home again.

When sixteen-year-old Anya learns that her aunt, Queen of the Faerie Kingdom of Chrior, will soon die, her grief is equalled only by her despair for the future of the kingdom. Her young cousin, Illumina, is unfit to rule, and Anya is determined not to take up the queen's mantle herself.

Convinced that the only solution is to find Prince Zabriel, who long ago disappeared into the human realm of Warckum, and persuade him to take up his rightful crown, Anya journeys into the Warckum Territory to bring him home. But her journey is doomed to be more harrowing than she ever could have imagined.

Hardcover, 512 pages

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Harlequin Teen

Her Dark Curiosity (The Madman's Daughter #2) by Megan Shepherd

To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

Hardcover, 368 pages

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Balzer+Bray

Forever (Temptation #3) by Karen Ann Hopkins

All I want is my happily-ever-after.

That's all I've wanted since meeting Noah Miller.

From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I'm carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there's a storm on the horizon, and it's sure to cause serious devastation.

If we can get through this, we'll finally be Rose and Noah; a family, forever.

But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off.
 

Paperback, 336 pages

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Harlequin Teen

Bring Dirty Blood Back + Excerpt

Are you ready to Howl? Here's an excerpt from Cold  Blood where Cambria meets Miles in Cambria's POV.

Cambria let the door click shut behind her and wandered onto the path behind Lexington Hall. Tara was going to the library. Willingly. And of course, Logan was meeting her, fully encouraging Tara’s studiousness. Cambria wasn’t about to allow herself to be sucked into that nerd parade. It seemed she was destined to be the cool one out of the group. So be it.

She kept walking with no real direction or purpose in mind. She thought about going to the cave but it was too quiet there. Guy Remel had made a comment in her English class about wanting to hang out. But she was saving that as a last resort. The choice that came after mind-numbing boredom.  Guy was pretty to look at, but dumber than a box of rocks. 

She kicked a pine cone, sending it rolling through the brush, and kept walking. A second later, it rolled back.

She froze, paying special attention to her body as well as any sounds that would tell her what lay on the other side of the bushes. She felt nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing threatening. Or at least, not of the supernatural variety. 

Could be a bear. Or a man-eating gorilla.

She snorted at her own dramatics.

“Who’s there?” she called. Her voice came out even and strong. Good. At least her attacker wouldn’t know she was freaked.

Only an easy target. Out in the woods. All alone. Damn. That was karma. She should’ve gone to the library.

The leaves rustled and her heart seized. She resisted the urge to flee, screaming and flailing her arms, back to school. Instead, she planted her feet and clenched her jaw. Probably stupid. But brave people usually were.

In answer, a hand reached out and pulled the branches back. A second later, a guy stepped out from behind the leaves. He was tanned and dark-haired and a few years older than her; definitely not a student. A new teacher, maybe?

“Sorry if I startled you,” he said, his voice lilting slightly with a faded accent. And then he smiled.

Cambria blinked and the tension in her muscles eased as she considered him. He wasn’t the hottest thing she’d ever seen, but he wasn’t gross, either. If he did his hair differently—that slicked-back style was a little old school—and maybe lost the fake leather jacket …

“I’m Phillipe. I’m new to the security detail here. And you are?” He extended his arm in greeting.

She fumbled, distracted by the accent. It sort of made up for his lack of fashion sense. “Um, Cambria,” she said, taking his hand and shaking it. His grasp was firm and sure.

“Cambria,” he repeated as if testing the word on his lips.  

Something about the way her name slid off his tongue made her shudder. She told herself it was a good thing, and ignored the slight creep factor she felt at his touch. This guy was intriguing. And already more exciting than Guy Remel.

“Wanna walk with me?” she asked.

How about that? and now for a chance to win some cool stuff from Heather
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chapter Reveal by J. Lynn

We are thrilled to get to share with you the first 5 chapters from BE WITH ME! This is the next book in the With You Saga by Jennifer L. Armentrout, writing as J. Lynn, and is being published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins. These 5 chapters should get you ready because BE WITH ME releases on February 4th! Check out all of the information we have for you below, read the first 5 chapters, and then go pre-order your copy ASAP!

* Amazon * Barnes and Noble *

BE WITH ME Synopsis:

From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wait for You

Do Teresa and Jase have a real shot at getting together or will life get in the way?

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she's in love with her big brother's best friend, but he hasn't spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, life-changing kiss. Then she got out of a terrible relationship. Now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It's time for plan B: college. And maybe she'll have a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he's not telling anyone—especially not his best friend's incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn't have time for a relationship. But it doesn't help that all he can think about is kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they're thrown together more and more, Jase and Teresa can't keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they're willing to risk to be together and what they're willing to lose if they're not. . . .

Be With Me Excerpt

Jennifer L. Armentrout/J.Lynn:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

* Website * Twitter * Facebook * J.Lynn * Jennifer L. Armentrout * Goodreads *

Mouse Watch

Squeak . . . Squeak . . . Squeak, I hear a couple mouse prowling around. Keep you eyes out for them!

 

Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe) by Rosamund Hodge

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Balzer + Bray 

First off when I first heard about this book a couple months ago, I thought I need to find out what this book is about and when I read the description? Holy MEOW! I so want that book, but it's months away. It is a book that I know I'll love and I even already suggestion the book to a close friend of mine who loves Beauty and the Beast. This will be for sure a book I'll buy once it out! 

On another note, how about that cover? Astounding Beauty I can't wait to get my paws on the book. 

Uninvited (Uninvited #1) by Sophie Jordan

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.

Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by HarperTeen

How can I ingore this? I've heard so many book bloggers and authors say so much about it. Heck even one of my favorite author Rachel Vincent said that it good and that we should all read it. So yep I'm taking this book in high recommendations. I've always been interesting in science and genetics, for Sophie's book she created a genetic testing that would tell you if you have the "Killer" gene. I thought well that's interesting, so this book definitely draws my attention. 

Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

Hardcover, 400 pages

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by HarperCollins 

I yet still have to start this series but it is on my Series of books to read, so I can't wait when I reach to the point that I'm ready to read this series.