Book Review: Into A Million Pieces by Angela Cook

Hi everyone!

I've gone missing for a couple of days, but I'm here now! I've been very busy with graduation, my birthday event as well as my move to Singapore. Yep, you read that right. I moved to Singapore, so I wasn't able to blog. It took quite some time to pack as well as settle in considering the other things I had going on, like I said, graduation. As I'm writing this, I am already exhausted. I'm very sleepy, but I had a little time so I thought I'd make this now. I've finished the book 2-3 weeks ago and I've read it a second time this week, I just couldn't write about it sooner. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Into a Million Pieces by Angela V. Cook. 

Genre: Paranormal
Goodreads

Synopsis:

"Allison McKready is a succubus. So is her twin sister. But while Allison spends her summer break hiding in the library behind her Goth makeup, Jade fools around as often as she can. Allison can’t believe Jade would ignore their mother’s fatal example so recklessly, but concealing a cursed bloodline and its dangerous effects is far from Allison’s only problem. Mean girl Julie’s snob mob is determined to ruin her summer, and Aunt Sarah’s Bible thumping is getting louder. Only her new friend, Ren Fisher, offers safe haven from the chaos of her life.

When one of Jade’s risky dates leads to humiliation and sudden tragedy, Allison reels, and Ren catches her. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her fear that she’ll hurt him—or worse—in an unguarded moment. The choice is coming—love him or save him—but Allison might not live to make it. One way or another, the curse will have its due."

My Review: 
I have to commend the author because I was honestly very entertained by the book. I wasn't sure about it during the first chapter though. I wasn't sure if I would like the book. I was interested when I read the synopsis, but I just wasn't hooked yet. Come in a few chapters and I already got hooked. I like that there was humor, the kind that makes me laugh out loud or chuckle. I also liked that it involved heart-wrenching moments.  

The characters and the plot was unique. This is the first time I ever read about a story about a succubus, especially a love story involving one. Surprisingly, I loved it. It was something different from stories I usually read. It's not exactly something that is very different in terms of genre, but character-and-plot-wise, it is.

I also really liked the characters. I liked Jade and Allison and their personalities. They are very different even though they are twins. I do believe that sometimes twins really do contrast one another. Once you read further down the story though, you'll see they are more alike than they think, than you think. I also really like Ren because of how he easily makes me believe that he's this really nice guy who tries to look at a person for who he/she really is.

This book is unpredictable. When I got to around the middle of the story, I thought I knew what will happen. I was already expecting a certain outcome. I thought I had it, but apparently, I did not. Regarding Jade's actions, I didn't think it will lead to that. I was so confident about what I thought will happen next, I didn't think about what actually happened.

Overall, this is a very good read. Surprisingly, I found it better the second time I read it. I was also able to better appreciate the first few chapters. If you are looking for a unique, but good book to read, this is it! I really did enjoy reading it and I think that most people will. This books makes you feel happiness, sadness, pain, anger and love. It makes you feel so many things for not only the main characters, but also the secondary characters.

Note: I'm not sure if the story has a sequel, but I'm hoping it does. I will be waiting for it to come out. Angela?

Straight up 4.5 Stars!

Buy Links:

Amazon

Kobo

About the Author

Angela V. Cook lives a very unexciting, but never boring, life with her husband and two children just outside of Detroit. Like most writers, she's been making up stories for as long as she can remember and can't imagine a life that doesn't involve creating worlds.

Angela loves to write novels for teens because it's the best outlet for her sarcastic personality, immature sense of humor, and love of romantic firsts. Her idea of the perfect day involves a quiet house, a good book, and a piece of cheesecake. Or two.

For more information, visit www.angelavcook.com

Thanks for reading! 

Hugs,

-J

Publisher: Unknown - 7:05 AM

Book Review: Ravished by Ayden Morgen

Hello!

Like I promised, here is the book review for Ravished by Ayden Morgen. I finished the book faster than I thought, so here it is now. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I received the ARC in part of a book tour, which is my last post, as you can see here: Book Tour: Ravished by Ayden Morgen Excerpt + Giveaway. If you haven't seen it, make sure to check it out first.

As part of the tour - 50% of all sales will be donated to the Love146 charity to end child trafficking and exploitation the first week of the tour. Then 10% to Love146 and 5% to a Woman's Shelter in the US from then on.

Note: Mature content below. If you are not comfortable looking at such content, kindly check my other posts instead! Thanks!

RAVISHED (The Teplo Trilogy)
By: Ayden K. Morgen
Publication Date: 04/05/15
Genre: Erotic Romance/Suspense
Pages: 432    

Buy it here!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Synopsis:
"When Tristan Riley drags Lillian Maddox onto the dance floor at Teplo, he intends only to protect his cover… at least that's what he tells himself. But the lovely Lillian would tempt a saint, and Tristan is far from a gentleman. Beneath the bright lights of the Vetrov family's dangerous club, the weary DEA agent finds himself captivated by the ballerina, coaxing them both into a reckless, erotic encounter.

But Tristan isn't prepared for the intense connection between him and Lillian, or for the fallout of their tryst. In a matter of days, their lives careen wildly off course, catapulting them both into a deadly game of hide and seek with the Vetrov family and one of Mexico's deadliest drug cartels.

Trying to keep his hands to himself while working alongside Lillian to stop Anton Vetrov's deadly new drug proves almost impossible for Tristan, but what choice does he have when being with her might get her killed? He should know: his entire family was murdered by people just like Anton.

When the stakes are raised and innocent lives are lost, will Tristan be able to let go of the guilt, or will he destroy his chance at happiness with Lillian before it ever truly begins?"

My Review:
First, the book is written in third person POV. It focused on Tristan and Lillian. I thought it was written beautifully, but it could have been better if it was written in 1st person POV. Don't get me wrong, I thought the story was detailed and strong. In my opinion though, it was written in such a way that a lot of times, you'd read a certain line where it would've been better off read from a character's mind [him/herself thinking out loud to read] than off of a 3rd person as the narrator.

Second, the characters were well written. I thought each character had a solid background that is consistent with all their actions throughout the story. I thought that they were likable and contained a certain personality that compliments one another. I thought Tristan's personality complimented Lillian's because of their similarities when it comes to determination, courage, as well as fear. They somehow also compliment each other because of the differences in background. One was a DEA agent, while one was a disabled ballerina. I thought one had this outward strength while one was strong inside.

Third, I thought the story was quite interesting. I've enjoyed the pace from the start till the middle of the story. I thought around 3/4 of the way it was a little stretched. The events in the story were almost halted because it focused on the two main characters. I keep waiting for the day something happens because they were so caught up in this certain problem in the story, but I keep getting disappointed after having to read another sexual scene after the other. I thought maybe the author wanted to focus on the relationship of the two main characters. It was fine to do so, but the story dragged on without much progress.

Overall, I think the book deserves more credit, because the story really did entertain me. I thought it was a good read, but I would have to wait for the next part of the story in the next book. The main problems in the story were left hanging for the next book to answer it. The author was able to capture my attention because of the story. I was excited for a lot of action to happen, which did not happen yet, though I have much hope for the next book. I am very excited to read about how they'll solve their current problem and how much trouble and worry they'll place in my heart because of Tristan and Lillian.

I would have to give the book 3.5 Stars!

Thanks for reading <3 nbsp="" p="">-J

Publisher: Unknown - 9:08 AM

Book Review: Mobster Series Anniversary Edition Book 1 to 3 by Amy Rachiele

Hello Everyone!

I've come back with yet another great book! I decided to do this book review for the whole series because you simply cannot read one book without the succeeding ones. It's the Mobster Series Anniversary Edition Book 1 - 3 by Amy Rachiele. This has been quite a read. It's just reaaallly good. Note: Make sure to read till the end for a treat.

This is what I have. Below is the Link and synopsis for each book.

Amazon: Mobster's Girl: Mobster Series Book 1 [FREE on Amazon]
Book 1 Synopsis:
"Mobster Romance Book (Free Mobster Book) 
Gripping my chest is the only way to hold myself together or what’s left of me will fall out. The past week has enlightened me on one thing-I don’t care. 
Megan, Mobster’s Girl 

I didn’t even hesitate. I took two strides and blasted him in the face with my fist. He was ready for it this time-unlike in church. He tried to hit me back but I ducked and smashed him again. 
Antonio, Mobster’s Girl 

You can’t help what family you’re born into or what lies they keep from you. You can’t help it if they mold and shape you just the way they wanted. Are monsters born or made? 

Antonio and Megan have a timeless issue. They were told to stay away from each other. They try, they really do. But they are drawn to each other. 

Antonio is eighteen and the up and coming mob boss of Palmetto, New Jersey. Megan is a girl uprooted from the grassy plains of Ireland at the age of five. Now she’s seventeen and faced with horrors she never thought existed. 
Get caught up in an Italian Mafia Romance Novel! "

Amazon: Awakening the Mobster: Mobster Series Book 2
Book 2 Synopsis:
"A breathtakingly beautiful man is standing right next to me-holding me, reassuring me, protecting me. Antonio is my savior. Having him with me makes the ickiness that’s stuck in my stomach tolerable. ~Megan, Awakening the Mobster 

Loving Megan and caring for Erin like the sister I never had is dangerous. These feelings cause you to think. But I was raised, Don’t think, just do!
Antonio, Awakening the Mobster 

What draws and binds people together-circumstance, experience, blood? Can you change what you’re made of or is it predestined? If you fight it, will it just come back to you ten-fold? 
Antonio and Megan are running. Running away. Megan’s father told them to. Antonio and Megan fly to South Bend, Indiana. They are hiding out at Notre Dame until it’s safe to come home. But will it ever be safe with the line of work Antonio and Megan’s father do. There is no escaping the mob. It’s part of your existence! "

Amazon: Mobster's Vendetta: Mobster Series Book 3 
Book 3 Synopsis:
"My soul was drawn to him. It isn’t about the danger or his dark beauty, it’s the connection I feel – the feeling of home I have with him even though I am miles away from it. ~Megan, Mobster’s Vendetta 

The mob underworld never changes. It hides itself deep in the cities. The rules, people, and danger are identical no matter where you go. Sometimes I wish things were different, but they're not. ~Antonio, Mobster’s Vendetta 

Antonio and Megan have had to overcome severe challenges in the short time they have been together. Things just happen that way sometimes. Circumstance has kept them apart, but their biggest challenge is yet to come. 
Power, greed, and malice can crush a person from the inside out. 
Antonio and Megan are in Chicago. Antonio needs to take care of business. 
Business that includes taking down his Uncle - for good. "


I've got to be honest and say the cover of the book isn't stupendous. I didn't like it. Then I remember the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover". It was right. I didn't really like it when I first started reading book 1 [Note: It's been a while since I last read a book like this]. Frankly, I thought it wasn't that interesting. I thought it'll be just another book lost in the thousands of mob/mafia romance books. I think a lot of times, most of the good books are lost in the same ocean. I think sometimes we need to swim in that ocean and look for ourselves. Sometimes we come across a part of that ocean and we don't particularly like, but after immersing ourselves in it for a bit of time, we'll find a place for it in our memory. This book is the same. I've grown fond of it after a few chapters.

I have to say, I found several grammatical errors. I don't really mind it though. I write myself, and a lot of times, I don't notice the errors in my words. I apologize if you have. Finding a few grammatical errors in a book doesn't make it bad. It makes it imperfect, but what is perfection really? I have yet to find a "perfect" book. I'm not sure I ever will find a book without flaws. In my opinion, perfection is achieved when you are completely satisfied with something even with its flaws. This series gave a really good fight for it.

I want to point out that what I liked in the book is that it took my imagination to the setting the characters lived in. I was imagining each situation and I was thinking about what I would do if I was in the same position. I liked the characters. Megan was a tough little lady and Antonio was this rough sweetheart. I'm used to reading about tough and hard men who has a soft spot for their lady. I can't promise you it'll be different. Like other books I've read, they also made the female protagonist strong enough to be with her man. What made me like them though is the way they were written. I thought the author was able to write the book in such a way that they're different even when they were so alike with characters from other books. They are very similar, but very different in their own way.

Usually, if I like a book, I'll continue reading it till the end and want more. In this case, I keep putting it down. It isn't because I don't like it, it's because I want to prolong the experience. I don't want it to end, but I know it will soon if I keep reading it. Every time I put it down, I'll listen to a song then start to feel restless. I want to read it again. This has been going on since the day before. I feel so annoyed because the books aren't as long as I want them to be. I wanted to learn more about Megan and Antonio. I also wanted more conflicts, because if there were more, It'll mean it won't end soon. I'm also annoyed because it ended so soon. Will we have more of Megan and Antonio soon?

Overall, I thought this was a good series to read. If I were you though, I would get all three books in one purchase. If you aren't a fan of cliffhangers, go get them all at once. I had to read the next book as soon as I finished reading the one before it. Also, I want to point out I really liked the slang words the author included in each chapter. This thrilled me a lot! and I can't wait to read more books from Amy Rachiele. If she ever does a book tour, sign me up! She already has Book 4 released, which is about two other characters from the story.

BTW, a Booktalk/Spoiler post is on its way for this series, so stay tuned.

I'll give the series 4 Stars !

Note: Amy is giving away free ebooks in her site. I got this from there, so check it out!

Amy Rachiele - Free Ebooks

*hehe did you read till the end?

Hope you enjoyed reading my review!
Hugs~ Publisher: Unknown - 1:03 AM

Book Review: Grave Tender by Eliza Maxwell

Hi Everyone!

I've got another great book for you guys. I just loved this one. The book is called Grave Tender by Eliza Maxwell. I was really captivated by the book. I just couldn't put it down.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis
"At ten years old, Hadley Dixon's life changed forever. Since those few tragic weeks, she's tried to keep the past buried, but old bones have a way of rising up. Grown now, Hadley can't hide any longer.

Haunted by a boy who never made it home, a woman who sings in moonlight and dances in flames, and the strange, scarred recluse who watches it all from the shadow of the pines, the time has come for Hadley to pay for her sins.

 They say the truth will set you free, but sometimes it extracts a terrible price along the way. Is it a price Hadley's willing to pay?

A darkly moving mystery, with a southern Gothic feel, The Grave Tender is the story of a family where no one is what they seem, the women at the heart of that family, and the extraordinary lengths they're willing to go to protect the ones they love."


My Review

All the characters in this book contain this big flaw or flaws in them. The author showed me their differences and what makes them tick. She was able to clearly give each character a certain personality. I thought the characters were all interesting and I wanted to know more about each one.

A lot of interesting things happened in the story. Some of them were heart breaking. A lot of them are really sad. It was a pretty sad story to be honest. It is one of those heavy weighted books when it comes to emotions. It sort of brings you down to their level of sadness and/or pain. It is an emotional book that some people could relate to and make others feel lucky about their life. A lot of the things that happened in the book are very real. I believe they do happen in our society, but it isn't talked about often.

I enjoyed reading the different ways the characters dealt with their troubles. Sometimes it made me annoyed by their actions, because it could have been dealt with better. After a while though, it makes me understand  why they acted a certain way.

Overall, I thought it was astounding! I would not change a thing in the book. I'd say it's a 5 star read. I loved the way the author told the story. I kept turning the page, wanting more. I felt so much sadness while reading. I even cried [I know I cry easy, but wow, this was painful]. I loved it tons! I want more! 

5 stars!

Publisher: Unknown - 7:31 AM

Book Review: Polarity in Motion by Brenda Vicars

Hi Everyone! I've got a really good book I wanted to share with you today. This is one of the best stories I've read for a while. 

Polarity in Motion

by Brenda Vicars

Genre: Young Adult

Release Date: December 2, 2014

Fifteen-year-old Polarity Weeks just wants to live a normal life, but with a mother diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, that’s rarely easy. Her life gets exponentially more disastrous when her sixth-period history classmates start ogling a nude picture of her on the Internet. Polarity would never have struck such a shameless pose, but the photo is definitely of her, and she’s at a complete loss to explain its existence.

Child Protective Services yanks her from her home, suspecting her parents. The kids at school mock her, assuming she took it herself. And Ethan, the boy she was really starting to like, backpedals and joins the taunting chorus. Surrounded by disbelief and derision on all sides, Polarity desperately seeks the truth among her friends. Only then does she learn that everyone has dark secrets, and no one’s life is anywhere near normal.

Read the first chapter on the Publisher's website ==> Click Here

First I'd like to talk about how different this story is. It stood out from most books for me because of the situation Polarity was in. At several points of the story, I felt like I can't handle anymore for Polarity. I felt embarrassed, sad, angry and all the other emotions she had to go through in the story. I thought the author was able to easily portray each scene, each situation for the readers to be immersed in the story. I thought she did a great job in creating the setting and making the reader believe each situation. I went through a lot of tears while reading this book. I don't know, I felt really bad for Polarity. I think it may be because I've also felt the same way before, about people not believing what you say. 

I'd like to talk about how I enjoyed reading about each character in the story. Each one was unique in their own special way. I loved reading the information about each one. I felt like each character was created really well that you will believe their stories. I thought that the author did really well in creating this image and portraying their emotions through words. I was pained by the tragic stories of some of them. It was almost as if they were real people I feel sorry for. 

Mr. and Mrs. Weeks aren't perfect individuals, but they are perfect for each other. I just loved reading about the way they supported, cared and loved one another. It was as if they were each one another's other halves. They weren't the only couple I absolutely adored. I also loved Polarity's grandparents. They may have been separated by death for a long time, but their story could persuade you to believe in forever. 

I'm trying really hard not to spoil anything for you because it will be so much better for you to read yourself. I think this is the type of story you'd like not knowing what to expect. Go into it without looking for spoilers and you will finish the story completely satisfied. The writing was simple which made it easy to understand. Although it touches on real life subjects that makes you think if they are right or not. It reminds you of social problems often talked about, but often not acted upon. 

I wish I could get more stories like this. Stories that are so raw and pure that it makes you question the things you do in your real life as well. It allows you to connect the story with real life issues that should be addressed. I think this is a book that everyone should read. This captured my attention and I plan on recommending it to my friends and family. If I were you, I'd try and get a copy of it ASAP. 

I would like to give it 4.5 Stars!! 

I'd like to thank Book Partners in Crime as well as Brenda Vicar for the ARC. 

Brenda Vicars has worked in Texas public education for many years. Her jobs have included teaching, serving as a principal, and directing student support programs. For three years, she also taught college English to prison inmates.

She entered education because she felt called to teach, but her students taught her the biggest lesson: the playing field is not even for all kids. Through her work, she became increasingly compelled to bring their unheard voices to the page. The heartbeat of her fiction emanates from the courage and resiliency of her students.

Brenda’s hobbies include reading, making things out of re-purposed wood, pulling weeds in the garden, and going to Zumba classes.

Publisher: Unknown - 8:00 AM

Book Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Hello everyone. I've recently read a book that easily gets 5 stars from me. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover is absolutely amazing. I was blown away by the two main characters. I just had to share this one with everyone. Perhaps its because I keep on looking for amazing books but this is a second five-star read for this week. I just have to say that after I read the synopsis, I just had to get my hands on it. I have always enjoyed reading books that are filled with angst. I like how books are able to make my heart ache with the characters, as well as make my heart skip a beat when they are all filled with joy. This book screams angst!

From Goodreads

Synopsis from Amazon:

"When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn't think it's love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past. 

Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated. 

Promises get broken. 

Rules get shattered.

Love gets ugly."

I was so enthralled in the book. Don't look for spoilers! Just read it yourself. I just had to get a breather in the middle of the book. It was so painful to see what happened to Tate. It may not be as 'angsty' as I expected, but it did give quite a heartache for both the characters. I enjoy looking for or thinking of how the characters look. The ones below are the ones in my mind when I read the book. I have Chris as Miles because I believe he had this look that sort of shows authority. Julia as Tate, because she has this soft elegant look that would be perfect for the role. 

Chris Hemsworth as Miles and Julia Kuzmenko as Tate
Link where I found the photos on their names

I LOVE the book. I was completely engrossed in the book. I had to stop reading it for a while though because I was so mad at one of the characters. Don't get me wrong, the book was amazingly beautiful as well. It shows both the ugly and beautiful aspects of love, which I really like. It was able to share crucial moments of happiness and sadness for you to understand what the characters are going through. I want to share spoilers and my thoughts on some of my favorite parts, but it WILL ruin the book for you. Do go and get it. I doubt you'd regret it.

"Love isn't always pretty, Tate. Sometimes you spend all your time hoping it'll eventually be something different. Something better."

I just had to share that line! *squee

I already said it. Easy 5 Stars read!

Amazon Link

Publisher: Unknown - 5:09 AM

Book Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Hi y'all!

From Amazon

It's been a while since I've last written a book review, I know. No worries, I'm here now. I've picked up my reading habits after reading this book. I've had it in my TBR list for a while. I didn't really have time to read books because of school. I had too many things going on to stop, relax and read a nice book. Midterms week just ended when I decided to pick this one up. I started reading it and I just couldn't stop. This is basically my favorite John Green book.

Synopsis from Amazon:
"When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q."

Logan Lerman as Quentin

Zoey Deutch as Margo

The book was well written. I love how John Green writes. I am very impressed with the characters. Margo is a very intelligent young lady. Her plans are well made and clever. Quentin was also quite clever. He stepped up his game and was able to look for clues and look at the situation in Margo's angle.


The book took me back to high school. I have relived my high school years! I have to say how much I enjoyed imagining the story from Quentin's perspective. Actually, I enjoyed reading the whole book. It was cleverly written and had me scratching my head. I was so scared for Quentin. I was so curious about what happened to Margo. I had hope, I lost hope, I experienced emotional pain with Quentin and I was okay again. Talk about a roller coaster ride.

I was deeply moved by the story. I think at one point of our lives, we all become little paper dolls living in our little paper towns. It made me remember the importance of being me. I did not use "realize" because I already know the importance of being yourself. I guess I just forget it sometimes. We live in a world that is superficial. Money and Power become the main thing that drives a lot of people. These two things sometimes become the focus of our lives. We study to get a good job, we get a good job, so we can get good money, we get good money to buy everything we want and we buy everything to make us happy. I think the question here is if this same old routine is the secret to happiness.

As a teen, I am sometimes guilty of being in a hurry to grow up. I want to finish college soon and start working. I sometimes forget to live my "now". You only live once right? Well, my professor said it will be better if it is "You Only Live Today". After reading the story, I can say that we really only live today.

I have really enjoyed the book and I recommend it to everyone who would like a nice inspirational book. It had me looking at society in a different way. It's a breathe of fresh air compared to what I usually read, which are mostly Contemporary Romance books. The feels the book gave me was simply amazing! I have so many things I'd like to share, but now that I am actually writing, I am having a hard time telling you about it one by one. In short, the book is amazing, brilliant and entertaining. You need to go buy it and read it now, if you haven't already.

John Green is a very smart man who as usual, makes the readers see the whole picture and not focus on the main story itself. The book allowed me to relive memories, remember the importance of life and
focus on the present.

This definitely gets 5 Stars !

Amazon Link

Barnes and Noble Link

Publisher: Unknown - 5:18 AM

Book Review: The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David Meredith

The Reflections of Queen Snow White Amazon link

Synopsis from Amazon:
What happens when "happily ever after" has come and gone? 

On the eve of her only daughter, Princess Raven's wedding, an aging Snow White finds it impossible to share in the joyous spirit of the occasion. The ceremony itself promises to be the most glamorous social event of the decade. Snow White’s castle has been meticulously scrubbed, polished and opulently decorated for the celebration. It is already nearly bursting with jubilant guests and merry well-wishers. Prince Edel, Raven's fiancé, is a fine man from a neighboring kingdom and Snow White's own domain is prosperous and at peace. Things could not be better, in fact, except for one thing: 

The king is dead. 

The queen has been in a moribund state of hopeless depression for over a year with no end in sight. It is only when, in a fit of bitter despair, she seeks solitude in the vastness of her own sprawling castle and climbs a long disused and forgotten tower stair that she comes face to face with herself in the very same magic mirror used by her stepmother of old. 

It promises her respite in its shimmering depths, but can Snow White trust a device that was so precious to a woman who sought to cause her such irreparable harm? Can she confront the demons of her own difficult past to discover a better future for herself and her family? And finally, can she release her soul-crushing grief and suffocating loneliness to once again discover what "happily ever after" really means? 

Only time will tell as she wrestles with her past and is forced to confront The Reflections of Queen Snow White. 

I like David Meredith's writing style. I thought that the book was beautifully written. He wrote vivid descriptions. This is the first 3rd person point of view that I've enjoyed for a long time. I usually read first person POVs because they allow me to better imagine situations and understand feelings, but I believe David was able to bring back my interest in reading 3rd person POVs.

The story gives you snippets of her life. The book shows you her life as a child until she becomes a grandmother. It was interesting to me because it was like a "behind the scenes" book. This is not the fairy tale we knew as a child. The book gives you a peek at what happens after the generic "happily ever after" of every childhood book. Snow white was different in this story. She was lonely, depressed and broken. I thought it was interesting and keeps you guessing what will happen next. It tackles several things/lessons:

1. Love is undying and unconditional

2. Moving on

3. Death doesn't mean the end of one's love; love doesn't die

4. A parent's love is unconditional

5. Time goes by so fast

6. Finding Happiness

7. Face your Fears

I would like to point out that the book contains violence and graphic content. This is a book that is made for young adults to adults. Let's just say 18 and above.

In conclusion: I liked the book. I liked how David was able to piece together snippets without it being confusing. It's an interesting read and it makes me wonder what happened to the other fairy tales.

I received an e-copy for a fair and honest review.

I'd give it 4 Stars ! ★★★★

Thank you David

Publisher: Unknown - 6:17 PM

Book Review: Swan and The Jackal

 The Swan the Jackal (In the Company of Killers Series Book 3) is superb!

I have enjoyed reading the whole book, even though my emotions went through a roller coaster ride. I can't stress enough how much I love the "In the Company of Killers" series by J.A. Redmerski. I have experienced heartbreak, anger, happiness and shock. I was basically an emotional wreck. If you loved Killing Sarai (my review) and Reviving Izabel (my review), then you better prepare yourselves with this one. I can't believe how time after time the author keeps on creating something unique and amazing.

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Synopsis from Amazon:

"Fredrik Gustavsson never considered the possibility of love, or that anyone could ever understand or accept his dark and bloody lifestyle--until he met Seraphina, a woman as vicious and blood-thirsty as Fredrik himself. They spent two short but unforgettable years together, full of lust and killing and the darkest kind of love that two people can share.

And then Seraphina was gone.

It's been six years since Fredrik's lover and sadistic partner in crime turned his world upside-down. Seraphina went into hiding and has eluded him ever since. Now, he's getting closer to finding her, and an innocent woman named Cassia is the key to drawing Seraphina from the shadows. But Cassia--after sustaining injuries from a fire that Seraphina ignited--suffers from amnesia and can't give Fredrik the information he desperately seeks. Having no other choice, Fredrik has been keeping Cassia locked in his basement as he not only tries to get her to recall her past--because she and Seraphina share it--but also to protect her from Seraphina, who clearly wants her dead.

But Cassia is a light in the darkness that Fredrik never believed existed. After a year subjected to her kindness and compassion, he finds himself struggling with his love for Seraphina, and his growing feelings for Cassia--because he knows that to love one, the other must die.

Will light win out over darkness, or will something more powerful than either further destroy an already tortured soul?"

Fredrik is currently my favorite character from the series. He was like the perfect gentleman in some weird twisted way. Actually, I take that back. He's not the perfect gentleman, but he does have what it takes to be one. I guess you could say he's a gentleman to some women, particularly friends and lovers of his. When I think of Fredrik, I think of Matt Bomer. He has that appeal that draws your attention.

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Cassie is this sweet innocent girl who has an amazing voice. I liked Cassie because of how innocent she is without acting too dependent or weak. Fredrik kidnapped her, but she still falls in love with him. Stockholm Syndrome anyone? Like what Fredrik thinks, Cassia is the light. I believe she is. 

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I wanted to edit a photo of Seraphina and Fredrik. I felt as if the photo clearly shows their relationship. She is dangerous to him, but he loves her nonetheless and vice versa. I am in love with his love. He is willing to do everything to get Seraphina back, but he is also showing a different kind of love to Cassia. He gets so torn up between the two it breaks my heart.

That is what it is... Heart Breaking. I am torn between Cassia and Seraphina. I want to vote for Cassia, but Seraphina also loves Fredrik very much. It definitely is light vs. dark. The book was simply amazing. I love J.A. Redmerski. I love her because she caught me off guard. I did NOT see the twist at all. I have read and reread the book. I still feel the emotions it gives off every time. Hands down my favorite book of the year. I don't want to give out any spoilers. It was a hell of a book. I'd rather you read and find out for yourself. And the ending? Gosh the ending made me cry.

I want to share this line from the book. "Break my body! Break my will, Fredrik! But don’t break my goddamn heart!" Broke my heart...

As a conclusion, Buy the Book, Go Read it and see what I mean. This is my cup of tea. I love it and I want to read more. There is a book that will come out though called "Seeds of Iniquity" it contains the back story of Fredrik and according to the author, possibly some of the other characters as well. No release day yet, but I'm excited.

5 Stars!

Publisher: Unknown - 6:16 PM