Between Review & Kimber Spotlight

Between
Heven & Hell Series, #1.5
by Cambria Hebert
Published April 20, 2012
Format Reviewed: eBook (purchased)

Synopsis:
I grew up in a comfortable house with two parents and a white-picket fence. My brother, Sam, and I used to play with sticks in the backyard and pretend they were swords. There were always cookies on the table and milk in the fridge. Then, one day, things changed.

Sam changed.

Life was never the same again. Sam left. My parents abandoned him when he needed them most, and I was left to survive in a house that was merely a shell of what it used to be. Mom cried all the time and Dad expected me to fill the void my brother left behind. But mostly, all we did was pretend. We pretended that things weren’t messed up. We pretended that Sam never existed.

Until I changed, too.

Now, everything’s a mess and I’m so confused. It’s like there are two different people trapped inside one body—my body—and one of them wants out. I do things. Bad things and I don’t know how to stop. I’m not sure I want to. The only way I can be normal again is if I find Sam. He’ll know what to do.

He has too.

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My Thoughts:

Sam's father kicked him out of the house when he found out that his son was different. Ever since, Logan has lived in a house where everything is all pretend. His parents pretend Sam never existed. His mother pretends not to see the bruises that Logan comes home with from the constant bullying. His father pretends that Logan is better than he is; better than Sam would have been. But when Logan starts changing, his parents have to wake up and stop pretending and see the reality that is in front of them; Logan is just like Sam. So Logan leaves to find Sam in hopes of having someone help him learn what it means to be different and how to handle everything. 

Between is a fantastic read that I loved and hated at the same time. I didn't think that I could feel such strong emotions from such a short novella. I could not believe the way Logan's parent behaved. His mother, the person who is supposed to nurture and love him, was a shell. She broke after Sam left and could not find the strength or the courage to care for her other son. She made me sick. As for his father, well he was just what you would expect from a man who kicked out his other son for something that was actually his fault. Neither of Logan's parents took any responsibilty for anything and even if Logan hadn't changed, I don't think he would have lasted long in that house anyway. 

I can't wait to see what will actually happen with Logan and Sam. Will he really listen to China and try to get between Heven and Sam or will he be smart and see for himself what is going on? Will Sam allow Logan to even try? And who or what is whispering to him? Why can they control his body and mind? Cambria has done it again in teasing us to the point of complete frustration and left me with more questions than before. She creates characters that are so vivid and that make you feel as if everything that happens to them happens to you. Between is the epitome of an inbetween novella; it answers a few questions, but leaves so much open-ended to be answered in the next full novel. All I have to say is that Charade better answer some questions!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Book Trailer:

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Character Spotlight:

Kimber

I love Kimber! She is a great friend and reminds me so much of me when I was in high school. She is in-your-face real; she gets jealous, can be fiercely loyal, and is a whirlwind of emotions. But don't piss her off or else... Plus, she is a redhead and us gingers have to stick together J We get to find out more about her in the newest novella Bewitched (more on Friday) and she is my favorite character. There are a few instances where I latch on to someone other than the main character and this is definitely one of those cases. 

Kimber: 

Kimber is 16 and spoiled rotten. Mommy and Daddy don’t have time for her so they give her the best that money can buy. She drives the cutest car and has the best clothes. Her curly red hair is proof of her fiery attitude and she likes a good party (which she frequently throws at her awesome house on the lake). She’s the only girl in school who still treats Heven like she exists. But watch out because if Kimber isn’t happy then no one will be.

STATS:

Eye color: green

Favorite Drink: Latte’s with caramel

Favorite hobby: shopping

She loves: The spotlight

Favorite color: anything sparkly

Interesting facts about Kimber:

When people do her wrong she gets revenge
She WILL buy a paper off the internet 

Favorite quotes from Kimber:

I was done being friends with a girl who would treat me this way. I was done being in the shadows. It was time for a little payback. And as far as I knew, payback couldn’t be bought at Walmart (wouldn’t that be convenient?). ~ Kimber

Liar, liar pants on fire. I knew that gleam in her eye. It was the same look that a department sales woman gets when she thinks she can sell me last season’s Prada for this season’s price. When would people learn? Girl plus being really hot does NOT equal stupid. ~Kimber

Kimber's Playlist

(created by Breathe In BooKs)

1. Rush - Aly & A.J. 

2. Coin-Operated Boy - The Dresden Dolls 

3. Looking Glass - The Birthday Massacre 

4. Shattered Glass - Britney Spears 

5. My Favourite Game - The Cardigans 

6. Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper 

7. Fight Like A Girl - Emilie Autumn 

8. What You Want - Evanescence 

9. When I Grow Up - Garbage 

10. Killing Loneliness - HIM 

11. Violet - Hole 

12. Hot N Cold - Katy Perry 

13. Never Again - Kelly Clarkson 

14. In For The Kill - La Roux 

15. Fragile - Megan McCauley 

16. Can't Be Tamed - Miley Cyrus 

17. It's My Life - No Doubt 

18. Misery Business - Paramore 

19. Careless Whisper - Seether 

20. All the Thing She Said - T.A.T.U. 

21. Fearless - Taylor Swift 

22. The One - Tracy Bonham 

23. Strong - Velvet Chain 

24. Tear The World Down - We Are The Fallen 

25. Faster - Within Temptation      

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Tirade

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's book that I am eagerly anticipating is...

Tirade

Heven & Hell Series, #3

by Cambria Hebert
Expected publication: November 30, 2012

Betrayal burns. Death hurts and the clock ticks…

Minutes and hours stretch into days. How long can Sam survive being confined in Hell? I have a plan… a plan with a lot of holes. I need someone who can make up for my weaknesses, someone who possesses the power that I lack. Riley is supposed to be off limits. He’s dangerous, he’s mean and he’s not to be trusted. But I do.

Beelzebub is on a tirade, bent on revenge. I took what he wants and sent him into the flames. I will wear the scars of his punishments forever. But scars don’t scare me anymore.

On my way to free Sam I find my true path, a secret place and new allies. But in Hell nothing is easy… and everything is cruel. The only thing left to do is survive.

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Since this week is all about the Heven & Hell series, I thought it would be appropriate to make my WoW pick the newest book in the H&H series by Cambria Hebert. Tirade will be the third book in the series, but sixth story including the short novellas that bridge the books together. Riley, if you remember him, was Sam's roomate in Masquerade and left after things with China were finally resolved. Now he is back. 

I love this series, it is fun, suspensful, romantic, and just an overall great series. They are geared to the YA market, but they are readable for anyone YA and older. I love that the cover model was her husband and it just makes it that much more awesome knowing that her cover models are based on real people.

What are you waiting on this week? Have you read anything from the Heven & Hell Series? Will you be adding Tirade to your TBR pile?

Masquerade Review & Sam Spotlight

Masquerade
Heven & Hell Series, #1
by Cambria Hebert
Published December 16, 2011
First Published by Otherworld Publications
(now published by Cambria)
Format Reviewed: eBook (purchased)

Synopsis:

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.
***
Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

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My Thoughts:

After an incident that she can't remember, Heven is left emotionally battered and physically scarred. The only thing she remembers is leaving the library late...and then nothing. She awakens in the hospital and her life is forever changed. Everything she one loved, and the friends she had are all gone. All except for Kimber and Cole, who despite Heven's attempts at shutting herself away, have stayed by her side. Everyone else only sees her as a freak; the girl with the scars. Once a happy, fresh faced beauty, Heven now hides behind hoodies and is afraid of her own shadow. 

School is uneventful, save a few run-ins with resident mean girl Jenna who takes every chance she gets to remind Heven what a freak she is, until Sam arrives that is. Heven is immediately drawn to him and for some reason feels safe with him, but Kimber has her own agenda for Sam; to make Cole jealous and get back at him for his little indiscretion. But that doesn't last long because while Kimber is using Sam, Sam is using Kimber to get to Heven. He has always stayed in the shadows, but now is his chance to get to know her and protect her from what attacked her. You see, Sam knows exactly what happened to Heven and it is his fault. And he will do anything to make sure nothing like that ever happens again.

Heven is an ever changing character. I love that she continually learns to love herself and see the beauty she holds with or without her scars. She also finds her voice and uses it against those who try to push her around, namely her mother. I had a really hard time with Heven's mom. She is the epitome of the judgmental religious zealot that I can't stand to be around. I just can't believe that she thinks that Heven is evil and that her scars represent the evil within. I know she lost her husband, but this is her daughter! I loved Heven's grandmother though. She is loving and caring and actually listens to Heven and wants the best for her. She looks past outward appearances and sees within. Plus, she likes Sam and encourages the relationship because she can see how good he is for Heven.

Oh Sam, the beautiful yet dangerous boy who is in love with Heven. He is fiercely protective of her, but lets her be and make her own decisions and doesn't try to control her. Sam has some big secrets, secrets that could possibly be the end of him and Heven, but no matter what happens he will protect her with his life. Sam also is special; he isn't a normal human boy. He is something else and when you find out what, you will be blown away - I know I was. It is a completely different species than anything I have ever read. And because of what he is and what it means, his past is heartbreaking and shows you just how much he has been through to be the person he is now; to overcome what he could have been, to not take the easy road and let his anger and hurt destroy him. 

I love the way that Masquerade was written. The story is written from the first person point of view, but shifts from Heven and Sam. In addition, we get snippets from The Hate and The Hope and see that each action that Sam and Heven take has consequences, whether they are good or bad. I also really love the way the title not only is named after the dance in the book, but how each one of the characters hide something under a proverbial mask. The book is definitely intense and suspenseful and had me guessing throughout. There isn't anything about this book that I don't like. Finally, I have to say how much I love the cover. This is the most beautiful book cover I have ever seen; it is one of the reasons I bought the book in the first place. Total cover lust!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Book Trailer:

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Character Spotlight:

Sam

I pictured him so differently in my head. He was more Tyler-esque via. the Vampire Diaries in my mind. I love that he is into Bubble Tea; it is just another thing that makes him unique and not a typical guy. What do you love most about Sam? Is he your favorite male character? Or is he your favorite character overall?

Sam: 

18 -year- old Sam is new in town….or is he? He has golden good looks, a deep raspy voice and drives an old pick-up truck. He has an agenda that no one knows about; he knows things – see’s things that no one else has. He has to find a way to get close enough to Heven to keep her safe, yet stay far enough away because he has secrets….secrets that he doesn’t want anyone to know.

Sam’s STATS:

Eye color: Honey that sometimes streak with golden lightning

Favorite Drink: Bubble Tea – chocolate flavored

Favorite thing to read: Comic Books

Favorite Color: Blue

Job status: Employed with 2-3 jobs at any given time

Interesting Facts about Sam:

He is fire proof
He is water proof
He is emancipated from his parents

Some Favorite quotes by Sam:

“Hope you like dirt, you’re going to be eating a lot of it today.” ~ Sam

“If you cannot breathe, I will breathe for you.
If your heart will not beat, mine will beat harder.
If you do not live, neither will I.” ~ Sam

I kept my eyes on the water—how deceiving it could be. It appeared peaceful; it appeared beautiful. It was good at lying. ~ Sam

Have you heard of Bubble Tea? Want to learn how to make Sam's favorite drink? Well Cambria tried it out for us! Watch and see just what it takes to make this unique drink!

Before Review & Heven Spotlight

Before
Heven & Hell Series, #0.5
by Cambria Hebert
Published November 18, 2011
First published by Otherworld Publications
(now published by Cambria)
Format Reviewed: eBook (purchased)

Synopsis:
What if your life was charmed and everything in it was perfect…
Before.

This is the story of my past. Of what things were like for me when everything was normal. Of what every teenager’s life is like. Clothes. Parties. Boys and summer vacation. What’s so wrong with that? I liked it. I was happy.

Until things changed. I changed.

I didn’t know that lies and secrets were about to take over my existence. I didn’t know there was someone out there, someone meant just for me. I didn’t know that I was about to go on a journey, a journey that would lead me to the girl I am today.
This is the beginning of the worst year of my life. Would I go back and change things? Erase everything that has happened to go back into these moments?

Not a chance.

This is a story of before.

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My Thoughts:

Reading Before is like going to a really fancy French restaurant. You order an appetizer and it comes and it is super tiny. You think, "Is this really all there is?" But when you taste it, you realized that it is so rich that it was really all you needed. Before is a short story prequel to Masquerade, barely 40 pages total, but yet it grabbed me and made me want to read more. 

Heven is your All-American girl. Poised to become cheer captain; Heven is pretty, popular, has friends and a possible new boyfriend, and is happy. Sam however, lurks in the shadows...watching. He doesn't want to bring her any harm, but he has to see her again. But he isn't the only one watching Heven. The monster lays in wait; seething hate. Then one night after a late studying session at the library, Heven is alone and the monster makes its move. And then... a scream. 

Before is written beautifully from a shifting first person point of view. I like that we get to see into the head of not only Heven and Sam, but into the evil mind of the monster. The ending is a cliffhanger - it is only a prequel after all, but it gives readers a connection to the characters that are fully brought to life in Masquerade, which I purchased seconds after finishing Before.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Book Trailer:

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Character Spotlight: 

Heven

Heven is a great character. I love that she continues to learn to love herself despite her scars - both physical and emotional. She stands for what she believes and protects those she loves even if it comes at a price. I fell in love with her strength and conviction, especially throughout the times she had to deal with her mother. What are your thoughts on Heven? Is she your favorite character?

Heven:

16 -year- old Heven is blond, blue eyed and used to be the most beautiful girl in school. Then one night everything changed. A night she can’t remember but bears the marks of something awful. Ever since the accident that turned her into a freak, all Heven does is try to make it through the day. But as secrets come out Heven learns there’s a lot more to her than she ever imagined.

Heven’s STATS:

Favorite drink: Coffee (Bubble tea is a close second)

Food she dislikes most: Chicken

Favorite color: Gold

Hobby: Riding her horse Jasper

Favorite place: her Gran’s house

Interesting facts about Heven:

I can’t tell you the most interesting things…. It will give it away!

Some quotes by Heven:

“I loved this boy. More than myself. More than life. More than anything. Tears leaked from beneath my lids because my feelings were so intense that they had nowhere else to go, there just wasn’t room in a single body for how I felt for him.” ~ Heven

"I wasn’t afraid of the dark but I was afraid that when day arrived and the sun came out it would shine light into all the shadows from the night before, revealing all that the darkness had hidden." ~ Heven

“… all the way back to last year when I was injured (I didn’t think of it as disfigured anymore because I wasn’t disfigured. There had been nothing wrong with the way I looked. The problem had been with the way I felt.)”  ~ Heven

Welcome to Heven & Hell Week! ~Interview with Cambria Hebert

Welcome to Heven & Hell Week!

For an entire week, I will be writing about the Heven & Hell series by Cambria Hebert. I will be featuring reviews, character spotlights, sneak peaks, and exclusives from Cambria herself!

There will also be a huge giveaway - prizes to be announced tomorrow (Monday) along with the Rafflecopter entry form!!

To kick off the week, I have an interview with the totally awesome creator of this fantastic series. Thank you Cambria for letting me into your world!

**********Interview**********

First, a quickie: give us the genre of your Heven & Hell series and tagline in 30 words or less.
Heven had it before an accident left her disfigured – an accident she can’t remember. Sam comes to town and Heven finds out there being scarred is the least of her worries.

 
Okay, its 31 words. LOL. 

The tag line I tend to gravitate toward: What will happen when Heven and Hell collide?

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your books?
This book is a young adult book but I think anyone beyond the young adult age can enjoy it. In fact, my grandmother and her friends read the series. LOL!

Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to be aware of?
Actually there is. I think an underlying theme in Masquerade is that beauty and strength come from the inside. It doesn’t really matter what you look like on the outside. You have to find your inner confidence and your inner strength and let that guide you. Also, I think that another message is that people make mistakes, they aren’t perfect and that’s okay. I think just trying to do the right thing makes up for a lot. 

I know that’s not very eloquent – hopefully I say it better in the books.

Are experiences in the books based on people you know, or events in your own life or are they completely organic?

I think that all writers to some extent write what they know… my life in general influences me. Experiences that I have had have shaped my thinking, etc. But with that being said I haven’t based any of my characters off anyone that I know. It might seem a little odd… but I think basing characters off people I know would be more difficult that just writing organically. When you write someone who really already exists you have to really try to capture their essence – I think I would have to know them on a very deep level, especially if I was writing in first person (which I prefer) because then I would have to know how they would react and think. Plus, I think there is an added layer of pressure if I was to write someone I knew. What if I saw them differently than they saw themselves? Then they might be offended by the way I wrote them.

I prefer to let my characters tell me who they are. ;)

Although, I will say that I based the way Gemma looks off my daughter. ;) 

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series.
Well let’s see…. 

*The original draft of Masquerade did not have a Sam POV… I know GASP! Can you imagine the book without his POV?

*My husband is the cover model for Tirade and all my pictures of Riley.

*Some inside scoop: My daughter will be the model for Gemma and on the cover for the next novella released in the series titled Beneath.

*Before every release of one of my novels I read it and reread it and convince myself that it’s no good and no one will like it and I get panicked that I will disappoint my fans.

*I call my editor a Poop head during every edit. (Editor is Amy Eye of The Eyes for Editing) And she tells me my characters are bi-polar then makes me fix them. LOL.

*My book was once mentioned in a church bulletin and then the pastor talked about it in his sermon. (How there was a message of love in the book)

Here is a picture of the program where Masquerade was mentioned (in case you think I’m making up stories!):

If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why? 
You know, my novels aren’t perfect. I try my best to write a story that I think people will love but I know not everyone will. But to be honest, I wouldn’t change anything. I stand behind my books and my writing and I am proud of them.

Which character is your favorite? Will you miss them the most when the series ends?
Oh, I don’t know if I could choose a favorite character. I go through phases with them all. I obsess over them all at some point or another. LOL. At first it was Heven, then Sam… then Logan, Kimber and now I am in love with Riley. I gotta tell you… Riley snuck up on me. I think he’s my guy. ;)

You know I was thinking about wrapping up this series the other day and if I would miss the characters but you know what I realized? They won’t really be gone. They live inside my head so I can talk to them whenever I want. And if I really start to miss them, I can pick up one of my books.

How about your least favorite character?
LOL, my least favorite…. I think my least favorite is China. I won’t go into too much detail about her so I don’t give things away but I would say she would be my least. She’s just not a nice person – she has hidden agendas and there is nothing redeeming about her at all. She was probably the least fun to write too, even though she causes a lot of trouble (you think I would like to write all that!).

Some might expect me to choose a different character--- like the main villain in the books, and I don’t really like him but sometimes he’s fun to write because I get to do things that are creative and nasty. He he he he.

What will be the last book in the Heven & Hell series? 
The last novel in the series will be Renegade. It will be book number four. I do plan to do one more novella after Renegade comes out but that will be all. Also, I may eventually compile all the shorts in the series into one book and put them in print – as sort of a Heven and Hell anthology.

Can you tell us what you have in store for us next?
Hmmmmm…. I could…… I’ve got the last book in the series Renegade to publish sometime in 2013 (not dates on that yet sorry – I will announce after the holidays) and also two more novellas in the series to be released next year.

And…. I am cooking up something new…. But that’s all I say about it right now. J

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
Well yes! I am a terrific dancer! I have my own special dance called the “booty dance”. My kids think it’s so good that when I do it they cover their eyes and say “I can’t watch!” I know it’s because they are jealous I am so good.

It must be a lot of pressure to live up to such a fabulous mother.

HA HA HA HA.

Seriously, I do have some hobbies that I hate to admit I don’t have much time for lately. I used to have more time but it seems that work and life have taken over! When I do have time I like to paint (I’m not very good but its fun) and I also decorate cakes (only for family and friends).

Here is an example of the cakes I decorate:

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
Tell people!!! Word of mouth is a great sales tool and such a wonderful help to authors. The more people that know about my books the great chance I have at selling more copies! Lol.

Now that you are self-publishing, what is your advice to those who are looking into that pathway?

Do some homework. I know *GROANS* I hate that stuff too. If it isn’t fun research then no one wants to do it, but this is something you need to do. You need to know at least the basics of publishing: ISBN #’s, Copyrights, Formatting, editing, setting up accounts at various printing and publishing sites… it’s a never ending list and I was just talking with another writer friend who has been really helpful to me – Tish Thawer – she writes the Rose Trilogy- go read it!!! – that many of these sites take a lot of information… I feel like they want my blood, all my money and my first born child…. LOL.

That brings me to another piece of advice ( I know I am SO smart)- get a support system. Talk with other authors and learn what they do. Help each other. The process is easier when you know you aren’t alone. 

How can readers contact you or find out more about your books? 
They can visit my website! Http://www.cambriahebert.com. If you have a specific question you can email me via my contact form on my website or you can find me on facebook. I have a fan page under my name. ;)

 

 Thanks again to the lovely and supremely talented Cambria Hebert!

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:

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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.

Shadow Slayer Release Day Party

Shadow Slayer
(Shadow Series, #2)
by Laura A.H. Elliott
Purchase Link: Amazon 


Synopsis:
Shadows will do anything to become human. You see their influence everyday. You say things you don’t mean or do things that aren’t like you. You look, different. Friends you’ve known forever suddenly never call.
As a freshman, Roxie just wants to fit in which is impossible because she barely runs into her friends at her huge high school. Adrianne’s disappearance and Hayden’s attention rock Roxie’s world. But nothing rocks it like the most gorgeous guy at school, Drew. And nothing is more important to Roxie than astral projecting back to Planet Popular to solve the mystery of the map. But that changes when Drew invites Roxie to Homecoming. Hayden warns her that something’s wrong. Why would a guy like Drew like Roxie anyway? Drew must want something. Hayden’s right. Drew is...different. Planet Popular was just the beginning. Part of a bigger world, the Shadow World. There’s a war brewing between the world of humans and the world of shadows. When the shadow invasion begins at Roxie’s high school, she’ll not only fight for her life but the lives of her family and friends, when she discovers she’s the Shadow Slayer, the one human who can save Earth from the shadow onslaught. But, Roxie can’t even kill a spider. Oh yeah, there’s an evil English teacher, an enchanted play, a sword of Sandonian steel, a homecoming of horrors, and seven magic words too.

Haven't Read the First Book? 

Amazon has 13 on Halloween (Shadow Series #1) FREE!!

Laura A. H. Elliott BIO:
I love writing about enchanted road trips, shadow worlds, and alien romance while eating lots of popcorn. I live with my hubby and Oso, our aussie shepherd, in our tree house on the central California coast. After twenty-plus years as a freelance graphic designer/animator with clients including E! Entertainment Television and The Los Angeles Times, I crossed over into the world of publishing non-fiction and followed my heart to the world of fiction. Check out my other books at Laurasmagicday.wordpress.com or find me on Facebook or @Laurawriting!

**********Giveaway**********

Open to US & International Seperately

Check below for correct form.

[US only]

*Shadow Series goodie bag filled with candy & Shadow Series Swag! keychain, necklaces, rabbits' feet & more!

*1 set of signed paperbacks of the series --- 13 on Halloween & Shadow Slayer 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 [International]

*3 ebook copies

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to check out the Shadow Slayer Tour in December!