Bruxa: The Secret Within - Tour & Contest

Thank you for visiting my stop on the Bruxa Tour hosted by Bewitching Book Tours. Please check out my review as well as an excerpt from the novel. Also, a Thank You to A.F. Costa for providing the the code for the book to review. To celebrate the tour, Bruxa will be on sale for $1.99 on Smashwords with the code: XD36B. In addition, there is a contest for a custom made bracelet! See below for details on where to go to enter!

Bruxa: The Secret Within
by A.F. Costa
Published: April 25, 2012
Genre: Paranormal YA
Paperback: 400 pages
ISBN-10: 1463704275
ISBN-13: 978-1463704278

Format Reviewed: eBook (code provided by author)

Synopsis:

Gabriella is no ordinary seventeen-year-old girl. She is the last to carry her mother’s rare bloodline of Bruxa, an ancient secret order of witches.

Settling into her late father’s estate, she is welcomed by a phantom presence that resurrects within her, a secret curse her father took to his grave ten years ago. Gabriella finally finds a sense of belonging and gains the affections of high school’s most desired boy, Joey Davale. Her newly found life becomes derailed when she learns her whole existence has been a lie, and the boy she’s falling for, is designed to destroy the very thing growing inside of her.

Forced to conceal this truth, Gabriella embarks on a secret life that will drive her into the arms of Alvero, the embodiment of her darkest fear. Her newly found heritage traps her in a dangerous web of lies between two worlds and two loves. Her life will become more dangerous than she ever imagined. As the age-old battle between witches and vampires collide, will she fall prey to her heart or welcome the predator inside?

The Intense and stylized, A.F.Costa’s debut is an alluring live wire full of intrigue and forbidden love. Bruxa: the secret within, powerful vision of witches and vampires will challenge your understanding and leave you craving more.

Smashwords  Amazon

My Thoughts:

Gabriella is sent to live with her Godmother while her mother makes last arraignments with her latest sale. She finally gets to attend a normal school with both boys and girls. Previously she only attended an all girls Catholic boarding school and has had no social interaction with boys. Now she lives next to one of the hottest guys in school, yet he seems to be completely put off by her. Not to mention that she may have outed her secret to him. Oops! But things are not always as they appear and she learns that Joey isn't as normal as she had thought. And come to find out, she isn't who she thought she was either.

Bruxa is a very original story. The author A.F. Costa has woven witches, vampires, Christianity, and the Knight's Templar together into something completely different from anything I have ever read. There aren't many books where the witches believe in God, but in Bruxa God created the witches for a very specific purpose. I had a hard time making this idea stick because it is just not done, but what Ms. Costa has written is definitely interesting and I kept reading.

I felt for Gabby as she came to terms with what she is and the secrets that were kept from her. She is a very naive character, but that just makes reading about her that much more fun. Seeing her fall for a guy for the first time was cute and you can't help but root for her. I don't know if I love Joey, I think there is more than he is letting on... As for Alvero, well you will have to find out for yourself.

There are a few issues with copy editing and formatting, mostly grammar issues with incorrect word usage i.e. whose instead of who's. And where there should be a break, it only changes paragraphs. I had to go back a few times to make sure I didn't miss something. However, the issues were minor and did not take away from the story.

I am looking forward to seeing what will happen when Gabby turns 18! I really enjoyed this unique take on witches and the paranormal genre. I am hoping that in book two there will be more magic and more romance!

★ ★ ★ ★ ½

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

An Alvero Exclusive:
I should have never tempted fate, like a magnetic pull, I had this eternal desire to see her in the flesh. It had been year since I last seen this child, the thought of Matthias creating life saved me from my never-ending darkness.

I could always sense her as I quietly watched from a distance, with her mother’s protective magic gone, I leaped at the chance to see her. I knew she had grown-up, nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to catch sight of. In all my 600 years I have never desired anything more, the very thing I use to hunt and kill has possessed me fully.

I can destroy her at any giving moment, but she welcomes me, it’s as if she hold my soul. She has bewitched me. Her very essence quenches my thirst and I have no desire to feed, I feel alive and human again, when I am near her. It kills me to hide in the shadows as another gains her affections, I hate that I can’t bring myself to face her. I fear she will remember, the night I first saw her 10 years ago, the night that forever changed our worlds.

Bruxa Playlist:

The Requiem- Linkin Park

Rusted Wheel- Silversun pickups

Secrets- OneRepublic

The Royal we- Silversun pickups

Dark side- Kelly Clarkson

Leave out all the rest- Linkin Park

Runaway – Linkin Park

Catch and Release - Silversun pickups

Valentine’s Day- Linkin Park

Contest!
Bruxa: The Secret Within Tour
Discover the Secret at www.af-costa.com for
Contest rules
Four lucky wins will receive one these custom-made Bracelets
Contest ends November 28 2012

Happy readings,
A.F.Costa

About the Author:

Website      Twitter      Facebook
A.F. Costa has been creating vivid, imaginary worlds before she could even pick up a book, so it was only natural for her to put a pen to paper the moment she learned to write. Growing up with rich Latin superstitions and strong spiritual beliefs sparked her interests for the paranormal world.

Captivating small audiences with her campfire stories resurrected her passion for writing, but seeing her same passions for reading and writing developing in her son has inspired her the most.

Toronto, Ontario-based stylist A.F.Costa has been showcasing her creative abilities for over sixteen years, working with some of the best in the industry. As it is with her visual creativity, A.F. Costa brings the same passion to her writing. In Bruxa: the Secret Within, you‘ll discover an innovative world of witches and vampires like no other, blending Latin, Portuguese and Hebrew folklore into a modern day love story with an unforgettable twist.

Of Blood and Bone Tour

Thank you for visiting my stop on the Of Blood and Bone Tour hosted by Kismet Book Touring. Please check out my review as well as an excerpt from the novel. Also, a Thank You to Courtney Cole for providing the eARC for review.

Of Blood and Bone
The Minaldi Legacy, #1
by Courtney Cole
Published: September 16, 2012
Published by Lakehouse Press
Format Reviewed: eBook (eARC from book tour)

Synopsis:
Luca Minaldi is powerful, rich and mesmerizing. But he is also a reclusive enigma. He lives in Malta, a fairytale-like place filled with sunshine and sea, beauty and secrets. And Luca’s darkest of secrets is the best kept of them all.

Eva Talbot is spending the summer in Malta to finish up her doctoral dissertation. When she meets Luca, a mysterious and handsome shipping magnate, there is an instant attraction. He has a disturbing and beautiful energy that she has never felt before. But she senses the darkness that lives within him.

Eva is hired to care for his mother, a woman who suffers from dementia, but it is Luca who Eva will eventually risk everything to save. She desperately wants to reach inside of him and fix what is broken, while at the same time, she knows that she is falling for him. Her life becomes a swirling chaos of darkness and romance, of secrets and mystery. And the question that emerges will become the most important answer of all.

Can she save Luca from the darkness that plagues him without losing herself?

The answer is a matter of life or death.

Amazon     Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts:

While spending the summer on the Island of Malta working to complete her dissertation in psychology, she meets Luca Minaldi. Actually, he happened upon her while she was screaming from an encounter with Malta's resident giant spiders (Ewww!). Her initial impression of Luca was that he is gorgeous, but that he was different - he radiates dark energy like an electrical storm. And one minute he is rational and then the next he is ruthless. She can't quite figure him out which is odd because that is what she does; she reads people based upon first impressions. But Luca is an enigma and Eva decides that she must get to know him. 

Eva spent some of her childhood years in Malta with her father and loves the people, the beauty of the island, and knows that this will be the perfect place to work on her doctoral work. Little did she know just how much she would learn. Luca's mother is a recluse and has been since her husband passed five years earlier. She has fits, hallucinations, and believes that her son is evil. Luca hires Eva to help his mother, even though she is not licenced to practice in Malta. However, once Eva starts working with Luca's mother, she finds out that there is more to Luca's wealthy family that meets the eye. They are cursed. But not all of them, just certain men, but Luca is, like his father and grandfather before him. Eva thinks that the idea is just the ranting of an old, paranoid woman. But after one night of rough sex that Luca can't remember Eva knows something isn't right. And more than that, Eva is falling for Luca and she wants to help. Most importantly she wants to find a rational, scientific reason for what is happening. 

Eva is Light to Luca's Darkness. When she is around his darkness dissipates. I love that she is a stubborn, independent woman and isn't easily swayed by anything. She is able to see people for what they are, a talent she learned while studying people's minds, and uses her intelligence to her advantage and doesn't play it down. Luca is dark and brooding and knows that he isn't normal and that he has blood on his hands. But he doesn't know why, only that he is cursed, but he doesn't know why or how it works. Adrian, Luca's friend and employee, is one of the only people to know of the curse outside the family. His family has worked for the Minaldis for years helping each generation's cursed one. 

Of Blood and Bone is Courtney Cole's debut adult novel. I haven't read any of her young adult novels yet, but this is decidedly different from anything that would be considered YA. The language is more mature as are the dark and sensual sex scenes which makes this an adult novel. The plot flows beautifully and each character you are introduced to, no matter how inconsequential, you feel a connection. I really liked that there wasn't too many flowery descriptions. Everything is very blunt and when something is expanded upon, it is because of the dark psychological workings of the mind. There are many difficult issues discussed in this book and may be hard for some to read.

When I first agreed to review this book, I had thought that it was going to be a Paranormal Romance, but I was wrong. It is more Psychological Thriller mixed with a taste of Gothic Mystery. I loved everything about this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I never would have guessed the ending, even though I tried! I can't wait to read the next installment in the series. Courtney Cole has written a dark tale of suspense and mystery that is bizarre yet enthralling. The way she brings the feeling of an old Gothic style romance and horror together is extraordinary. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes creepy, suspenseful mysteries. Definitely a perfect book for October!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Favorite Passage:

"We find her perched like a bird on a window sill, staring out over the estate. Her white filmy dressing gown hangs over the ledge and I can see from here that there is a beautiful view of the sea and moon form where she is sitting. But she isn't enjoying it. Her face, which is normally lovely I am sure, is twisted at the moment into something unrecognizable as a human. I can't help but suck in my breath at the eeriness of this situation."

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

Excerpt:

“Evangeline,” he says softly, his dark eyes glued to mine. “I’m so sorry about the other night.  I wish I could remember.  I wish I could take it back.”
“I don’t,” I tell him honestly.  “I really don’t.”
He gazes out the window for a scant moment more, seemingly deep in thought, before he crosses the room to me.  He kneels in front of me and looks into my eyes.  In this moment, he is as vulnerable as I’ve ever seen him, as I’ve ever seen anyone. He’s completely open to me, hiding nothing.
I want so desperately to kiss him.
“I can’t,” I tell his dark eyes, praying that I don’t fall into them.  “I want to kiss you right now.  But I can’t. You’re my patient.  There are ethics…”
Luca shakes his head, his hands on my knees and his gaze upon mine.  “You aren’t my doctor, Evangeline.  You’re my friend.  I’m simply talking to a friend who wants to help me tonight.  You’re not licensed to practice medicine in Malta, remember?  So where does that leave your ethics?”
He smiles wolfishly and waits without moving.  He’s offering himself to me.  I know that.  And it is against his better judgment. He has told me that, as well.  Yet here he is, on his knees in front of me.
I suck in a breath and inhale the air that is so charged with everything that Luca is.
Whatever that is.
It is dangerous on many levels.  I know that.
I reach out unsure fingers and trace the top of his shoulders, moving over the contours.  They are so broad, yet so slender at once.  He’s perfectly built.  Strong, lithe and powerful.  I drop my head.  I know that I don’t want to resist him anymore.  For the first time in my life, I’m going to do something that my heart wants to do, not what my head tells me to do.
I grip him tighter with my fingers and pull him to me.  He folds in between my knees, pressing me to his chest.  I can hear his heart thumping rhythmically against mine as my fingers linger on his warm back.
He dips his head and presses his forehead to mine, staring into my eyes.  His are a smoldering and stormy black.
“I’m afraid to get close to you,” he tells me.  “I’m afraid for you.”
“I’m not,” I whisper.  “I’m not afraid of you.  Kiss me, Luca.”
Even I can hear the thick desire in my voice and Luca hears it too.
He groans and covers my mouth with his own, muffling the sound with my lips.  He is pressed so close that he seems to absorb me.  Every plane of his body is against every plane of mine.  I don’t know where he stops and where I start, but it doesn’t matter.  All that matters is him and me and this.

About the Author:

Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could.

She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. Every Last Kiss is her debut novel and she followed it with the rest of The Bloodstone Saga (Every Last Kiss, Fated, With My Last Breath and My Tattered Bonds).Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.

Courtney Cole's website | twitter | facebook | facebook fan page

October Pick & Review: Taste by Kate Evangelista

Taste
by Kate Evangelista
Publication Date: April 30, 2012
Published by Crescent Moon Press
Format Reviewed: eBook

Synopsis:
At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans. When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn't realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

Amazon      Barnes & Noble     The Book Depository     Kobo

My Thoughts:

Phoenix McKay attends a prestigious, super-elite boarding school in the mountains of Russia. To most of the students, this is academic paradise, but to Phoenix it is just a reminder of her mother's death and that ever since, her father has turned away from her. One night, Phoenix accidentally misses curfew and breaks the one and only rule - no students on campus after sunset - and faces expulsion. Not knowing how to get back to the dorms, she wanders the halls of Barinkoff trying to find someone who can help her. That was her first mistake. Phoenix stumbles onto the secret of Barinkoff; the Night Students. They are eerily beautiful and just as dangerous. She is saved by Demetri, a dark and sexy boy who helps her get back to safety. However, now that Phoenix knows there are secrets she makes it her mission to find out the rest of them. And boy does she... 

They are Zhamvy, or zombies, but not like the Hollywood type eating brains and decaying. They are more like the current vampire myth: strong, quick-healing, fast, and utterly breathtaking  They live in secret and no one, save few, know of their existence  They crave human flesh, but have turned to a synthetic to help them stave off the hunger. But what is keeping them from devouring humans just might be making them sick. Faced with the idea of helping a dying race, Phoenix knows that she must do it because she wished someone had done the same for her mother. 

I loved this book! The cover is stunning and makes me wish I had a physical copy. Phoenix is a great character and I love how she doesn't back down. No matter what is thrown her way, she stands up for herself and those she cares about. She is passionate and a character I cheered her on throughout the entire story. You can feel her pain and anguish over her mother's death and her exile from her father. Once inside the Zhamvy kingdom, Phoenix is forced to confront feelings that she wants to keep hidden, but instead of turning into a whiny girl, she faces everything head-on, never mind the consequences.

Now the boys...I know Demitri was her savior, but there is just something about Luka that I love. Demetri is loyal, stubborn and infuriating and while I found myself liking him, he was just too broody for me.  On the other hand is Luka, the flaxen-haired boy who has some skeletons in his closet. And those have made him the charming and fun boy I officially have a crush on. While Demitri is the one Phoenix first encounters, once I met Luka there was no coming back. Sigh. But, Demetri is good for Phoenix. He is grounded and she is not, but they both care for one another, but won't give into each other fully.

I also really liked the character of Yana, Luka's sister, the Gothic Lolita. She added depth to the story and a bit of humor. Taste is like nothing I have seen before. Zombies aren't your usual romantic leading men, so it was a complete and utter surprise to see something so different. This seems to be a burgeoning genre: Zombie Romance and I look forward for more adaptations of this theme. I know some have been put off by the idea of zombie love, but I don't see it as anything different than vampires. I am hooked and I want more! This book combines passion, duty, romance, history, and zombies. It is a must read for any fan of paranormal romance! I can't wait to read more from Ms. Evangelista. 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Book Trailer:

About the Author:

Website     Facebook      Twitter     Goodreads     YouTube

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing.

Coming in October...

October is my favorite month of the year! I love Autumn, the crisp weather, and most importantly: Halloween!! So, to celebrate, there are a few things that will be happening...

The Touching Smoke Scavenger Hunt
Information can be found here (or just find the page tab above)! Come join the fun and win some awesome prizes!

A Week of Heven & Hell
I will be spending a week with one of my favorite authors & friend, Cambria Hebert, the author of the Heven and Hell series. I will be reviewing each book, spotlighting characters, and having giveaway for some truly fantastical prizes! 

October Picks
These will be specifically labeled books, in addition to my regular reviews, that I love and are perfect for the spooky month! 

Something Wicked
On October 31st, I will be participating in the Something Wicked event! I will be reviewing The Diviners by Libba Bray and giving away a copy for one lucky winner!

I am so excited for all of you to come and join me in reveling in the magic of the season and the magic of a good book!