Friday, August 24, 2012

Review: Crimson Groves by Ashley Robertson + Giveaway!!

Crimson Groves
(The Crimson series, #1)
by Ashley Robertson
Pubication Date: November 9, 2011
Formats: Paperback, eBook ~282 pages

Synopsis:
Abigail Tate was a normal human girl—until the day Bronx the vampire barges into her life and turns her against her will. Held captive while forced to deal with never-ending cravings for blood, Abby prays for a way to escape. Only when an opportunity arises, it’s with the aid of an innocent human named Tyler—except vampires are forbidden to interact with the unbitten. But Abby quickly learns this human has secrets of his own...secrets that can either help her or get her killed. Only Abby soon discovers that she is the one with the biggest secret of all. 
***June 2012 Extras added to the e-book version only (including the first chapter of the sequel Crimson Flames (book #2 of The Crimson Series)***

Crimson Groves

Cover: The cover is what caught my eye first. The girl on the front’s gaze pierces through you. I l also love the deep blues set against the oranges and deep crimson red. The cover was created by Phat Puppy Art and I have yet to see a cover from them that I don’t like.

My Thoughts:
Abigail Tate has been having a rough time seeing as her ex-boyfriend and her former BFF are canoodling, not to mention she was the one that caught them in the act. She is constantly walking around with a giant black cloud above her head. Things couldn’t get much worse for her, or so she thinks. After an encounter with the deceitful couple, Abby gets a crazed phone call from her father that left her when she was a child telling her that she is in danger. Baffled and a bit ticked off, she ignores his warnings. Enter Bronx, a smoldering hot guy that lures Abby back to his place where he then turns her into a vampire. Not only does he force immortality upon her, he is hell bent on holder her captive and making her love him.

Abby now is a prisoner and refuses Bronx’s advances. But when the chance comes up for her to leave, even if it is will him, she takes the chance to get some much needed air. They go to a bar called Pulse (nice name); a bar for vampires to drink blood from donors who get a rush in return. Here she meets Tyler and he helps her escape Bronx’s clutches and teaches her about abilities that she didn’t know she had. Abby is befriended by donor Lilly and bar owner, Stone; both of whom she may or may not be able to trust fully. But when both Tyler and Stone are falling for her and Bronx is still trying to find her Abby has to use all her wits and guile to keep herself safe. But betrayal is around every bend and Abby doesn’t know who she can trust, but can’t get by on her own.

This is Ashley Robertson’s first published book and a great introduction to her writing. I found her characters to be believable and likeable, well most of them, but I don’t’ want to give anything away… Abby is a realistic heroine, one that is unsure of herself, yes she whines a bit, but she learns and adapts along the way. I really like that there was no getting through to her by Bronx. I am kinda sick of the whole Stockholm Syndrome thing and Abby holds her ground. There is a love triangle between Abby, Tyler and Stone, but I am reserving judgment until the next book. Until then, I am just Team Abby. The one thing that I would have liked to see was just a bit more insight/backstory - whatever you want to call it. I also want to know more about the new world she has been thrust into, but I will have to wait until Crimson Rain.

Vampire lovers should definitely check out Crimson Groves. Ashley Robertson is great at giving readers imaginative stories, strong characters, and keeps you on your toes until the very end. What I like most about Ashley’s writing is that she gives characters real depth. I want to reach in and stake Bronx myself and not every writer can elicit such strong emotions. Bravo! Crimson Groves ended in a way to lead into a sequel, hopefully a series, where we can read more about Abby and her transformation. A captivating read which I could not put down!

Favorite Quote:
“My eyes were hot, dry, like Vegas heat in the summertime. The pressure got more intense. The heat grew thicker, hotter, suffocating. I couldn’t take it anymore. I screamed. I screamed again. Loud – so loud, my voice shrieked with raw fear.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ½

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.


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