Book Review: You Are Mine by Janeal Falor

I'd like to welcome Lauren, a new reviewer to Once Upon a YA Book & Kimber Leigh Writes, with her review of You Are Mine!

You Are Mine

Janeal Falor

YA Fantasy Romance
May 6, 2013

Amazon



Goodreads Summary:

Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.



Lauren's Review: This book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review

4 Stars

When I first began this book I was a little wary about the premise of the story, mainly because the society in which the main character Serena grows up in is so backwards in their ways of thinking. Serena is a girl living under the complete control of her father who is a powerful warlock. All women as far as Serena knows are treated similarly and have to endure daily torture such as beatings and hexes. Essentially the only thing women are good for in this society is the amount of magic in their blood, which can lead to increasingly powerful warlock children being born.

However, after I got through the first few chapters, I was hooked! Janael does an excellent job of setting up the circumstances and things that not only Serena but all of the women have to endure in Chardonia and then bringing the heroine forth. It is extremely well written and throughout the novel Janael doesn’t give too much away and continually keeps you reading for more.

I fell in love with all of the main characters in this novel and I can’t wait to not only read the second book in this series, but also see what else she comes out with. This was a new refreshing take on both the paranormal romance and dystopian society genre. Enjoy!

Follow Lauren on:

Instagram: laurendanie11e

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/laurendanie11e

Blog Tour: Shadow's Awakening by Molle McGregor - Review & Giveaway

Shadow's Awakening

by Molle McGregor

Publication Date: August 21, 2014

Genres: Paranormal, Romance

Synopsis

Hannah Green wants her life back. In the past three years she’s gone from promising graduate student to patient in a mental hospital. Now, she’s being held prisoner by a terrifying group of men who believe she has a mysterious power. She wants to think they’re wrong, but something inside her has changed. If only she could use her power to set herself free.

Conner’s entire life, he’s played by the rules. He’s a soldier. A leader. He knows better than anyone that contact with the Shadows is forbidden. So when a midnight phone call demands he rescue one from a nest of demons, he has no intention of following through. Until he sets eyes on Hannah. Brave, beautiful and determined to survive. Conner can’t walk away.

When you’ve worked so hard to make the right choices, temptation can be a kind of torture. Conner knows he should turn Hannah over to the Shadows. Hannah wants to be grateful for her rescue and let Conner go. But when love and desire bind two strangers together, they have to choose between what they think is right and what they know they need.

My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Shadow's Awakening is a fast-paced, paranormal, romantic rush. From page one I was completely behind heroine Hannah, really there was no way not to be. This is one of those books where I couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough to satisfy my curiosity. It causes me to read faster and faster until I have to go back because I'm skimming too fast.
During the first quarter of the book, I was so engrossed, I doubt I would have heard my phone ring or someone call my name. Fortunately that didn't happen. I think. Connor and Hannah are both strong characters, easy to root for, easy to love. Hannah's that sweet, yet fiesty woman, unaware of her powers and her appeal to the baddies. Connor is that caring alpha-male you just want to protect you... even if you don't need the protection.
The plot was interesting with the two rival factions battling demons. And then you have poor, clueless Hannah caught in the middle. The sexual tension between the main characters was so high, I thought they might snap before they finally gave in to desire. The pacing at the beginning and end was tight and exciting, though the middle slowed down a touch. A lot of that came from the immense amount of world building needed to explain everything,
If you're looking for a fast-paced, high-energy paranormal romance (that's heavy on the romance), be sure to add Shadow's Awakening to your TBR list.

About Molle McGregor

Molle’s writing career started when she was seven and suffered terrible insomnia. Night after night she couldn’t sleep until long after mid-night, only to wake a few hours later. Frustrated with her inability to just go to bed, (and her penchant for sneaking a book and a flashlight under the covers) her grandmother said, “You like to read so much, why don’t you tell yourself a story until you fall asleep.” With this brilliant advice, Molle’s overactive brain was off and running. Now, years later, she’s finally taught herself to sleep, but she’s never stopped telling stories.

When she’s not reading, writing, or staring into space making things up, Molle is getting into trouble with her husband, two sons, two dogs and vicious attack cat in the mountains of North Carolina. She likes to hike, cook, listen to music way too loud, and hang out with her boys. She does not like dusting or emptying the dishwasher.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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Blog Tour: Eyes of the Enemy by Kelly Hess - Excerpt & Giveaway

Eyes of the Enemy

BlackMyst Trilogy

By: Kelly Hess

Genre: YA/MG Fantasy

Publication Date: August 26, 2014

Published By: Booktrope Publishing

When a rogue band of the dreaded Sorak attacks his village, twelve-year-old Beynn Firehand escapes into the darkness of BlackMyst Forest to find help. During his quest, Beynn discovers his own powerful magic abilities.

The price of his newfound powers, however, may be higher than he ever imagined.

  

Cover Reveal: Return by Skye Malone - Giveaway

Title: Return

Series: Awakened Fate (Book Three)

Author: SkyeMalone

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Wildflower Isle

Publication Date: October 6th, 2014

Cover Designer: Karri Klawiter (www.artbykarri.com)

>>Add to Goodreads<<

For Chloe, the ocean was supposed to mean safety and for a time, it almost did. She overcame the Sylphaen’s drugs. She discovered an unforeseen attraction to Zeke, one that he shares for her. A life underwater seemed possible, until she learned that nothing was as it appeared.

After an unspeakable betrayal shattered everything she thought she knew about Zeke’s world, she and Zeke have fled the ocean for the one place Chloe never expected to want to go.

Home.

But the challenge of living as a mermaid over a thousand miles from the ocean isn’t the only problem facing her. Home has changed. Enemies are waiting, ones she never saw coming. Her little Kansas town is full of surprises.

Including Noah, the guy she left behind. 

Awaken by Skye Malone

Book #1 in The Awakened Fate Series

99¢ for a limited time!

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Descend by Skye Malone

Book #2 in The Awakened Fate Series

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About Skye Malone

Skye Malone is a fantasy and paranormal romance author, which means she spends most of her time not-quite-convinced that the things she imagines couldn't actually exist.

Born and raised in central Illinois, she hopes someday to travel the world – though in the meantime she’ll take any story that whisks her off to a place where the fantastic lives inside the everyday. She loves strong and passionate characters, complex villains, and satisfying endings that stay with you long after the book is done. An inveterate writer, she can’t go a day without getting her hands on a keyboard, and can usually be found typing away while she listens to all the adventures unfolding in her head.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr

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Series Spotlight: Strays & Hunted - Books 1 & 2 of The Werewolf Academy - Giveaway

Strays
Werewolf Academy Book One

Cheree Alsop

YA Urban Fantasy
August 13, 2014

Amazon * B&N * Smashwords




Werewolves are struggling to survive. Jaze and those who remain of his pack build an Academy to protect the children who endured the genocide. Alex and Cassie arrive as orphans after losing everyone they love. The twins find themselves in a new world where they have to survive the politics and dangers of being a werewolf in a world that wants them destroyed.
But outside forces have found them. Can Alex protect his sister and survive the attacks of a man who wants them dead and will stop at nothing to see it happen?

Hunted

Werewolf Academy Book Two

Cheree Alsop

YA Urban Fantasy

August 13. 2014

Buy Links Above

The threat towards Alex and Cassie has intensified. Alex may no longer be safe at the Academy. Drogan will stop at nothing to find him, and the deadly force the Extremist is prepared to use threatens anyone Alex is with. Can Alex find the reason for the attacks and stop Drogan before everyone the werewolf cares about is in danger? Alex has to find the source of the questions that have put both his heart and his life on the line, but the answers might be more than he is prepared to accept.

About the Author

Cheree Alsop is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques. Cheree is currently working as an independent author and mother. She enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle on warm nights, playing with her twins while planning her next book, and rocking out as the bass player in her husband’s band, Alien Landslide.

Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.chereealsop.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorchereealsop
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chereealsop

Giveaway

3 ecopies of Strays & Hunted via Smashwords gift code

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Cover Reveal: Fragile Reign by Stacey O' Neale - Giveaway

We're thrilled to help reveal the cover for FRAGILE REIGN (Mortal Enchantment #2) by Stacey O'Neale! Check out the cover below, and let us know what you think in the comments. Then be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon or B&N gift card!

Details about the cover, from author Stacey O'Neale:

In case you're curious about the cover, the model represents Marcus. The background represents the woodland court and the caves at the bottom are where the members of the royal family live. I chose caves because the woodland court protects the forests of the world. I didn't think they would choose to cut down trees to make a castle, so the massive caves worked out nicely. If you zoom in, you can see where the doors and windows are cut out. The inside is very lavish. If you read FRAGILE REIGN, you'll learn all about it.

FRAGILE REIGN (Mortal Enchantment #2) by Stacey O'Neale | November 18, 2014

It’s been a week since all hell broke loose… Rumors of King Taron’s weakened powers have left the air court vulnerable. Kalin is desperate to awaken her akasha powers, except she doesn’t know how. Tension within the court is at an all-time high. Pressure is mounting for her to ascend to the throne, but a halfling has never ruled over any court. To solidify her position, the council has advised her to marry Sebastian—a high ranking air elemental she’s never met and her betrothed. Will Kalin sacrifice her relationship with Rowan to strengthen her court? Rowan and Marcus return to a fire court in turmoil. Liana’s death has fueled the fire elementals’ distrust against the air and woodland courts. The unbalanced elements have set off natural disasters all over the mortal world. Rowan takes the throne to restore balance, promising to unite the fire court. But not all elementals are happy with his leadership. Many are secretly loyal to Valac, which means Rowan needs to find allies for his cause. Can Rowan unify the court of fire before the elements destroy the world?

Pre-Order on Amazon

Be sure to add FRAGILE REIGN to your TBR on Goodreads, or pre-order on Amazon! The prequel novella, THE SHADOW PRINCE, is currently free on Amazon, and you can also read MORTAL ENCHANTMENT for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.

About the Author

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Stacey O’Neale lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she’s not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.

Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

Stacey loves hearing from readers. Follow her on Twitter @StaceyONeale, look for her on Facebook, Pinterest, and GoodReads. You can also visit her blog at http://staceyoneale.com/.

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Cover Reveal: Dead New World by Ryan Hill - Excerpt

I'm excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Dead New World by Ryan Hill, an Action Dystopian that releases October 13th by Curiosity Quills Press.

Description:

Zombies aren’t mindless anymore.

Before the world fell into chaos, the undead existed only in the imagination. Now, more of them walk the earth than living. Zombies move about freely, while humans entomb themselves inside concrete barricades to stay alive.

All that, while the leader of a powerful cult - known only as Reverend - becomes the next threat to the rebuilding United States. Believing zombies to be God’s latest creation, making humanity obsolete, he wants to give every man, woman, and child the chance to become one. With his combined army of humans and zombies, he may well get his wish.

Best friends Holt and Ambrose went up against the Reverend once. Holt lost a foot and a zombie bit Ambrose…though he survived the virus, only to become a human-zombie hybrid, reviled by the living and unwelcome among the dead. When the Reverend kidnaps the woman Holt loves, the race is on to save her from a fate worse than death.

Add on Goodreads 

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Excerpt:

I tried to get a good look at him, but the lack of light made it impossible. “They said most people don’t last a day after being bitten. You’ve made it four. I guess I should congratulate you.” Surviving this awful disease longer than most. What a terrible silver lining. I bet he wished the virus would get it over with and turn him.

“Yeah, lucky me.” Ambrose coughed into his bed sheets. “Maybe they’ll give me a prize, like some bacon or something.”

“What… what does it feel like?”

Ambrose shrugged. “Kind of like being sick. Had a fever at first, then some numbness over part of my body.”

“Is it getting any worse?”

“No.” Ambrose sniffed. “Some parts still feel like me, others… like these gray parts, nothing.” He pointed at his arm where the skin had turned a sickly gray. “They’re dead, I guess.”

Nancy loudly cleared her throat. “We need to get you back to your room. They patrol this place pretty regularly, especially when we have… guests.”

I nodded to her, then turned my attention back to Ambrose. “I have to go. I’m sorry. I wish it was me in there, instead of you.”

Ambrose stepped up to the window. The light from the hallway revealed his face. For the first time, I got a glimpse of what his loyalty to me cost him. I froze, unable to take a breath for a long beat. One of his eyes remained normal, but the other took on that awful redness. Patches of dead skin were all over his face. The guilt rising up seemed almost too much to bear. What kind of hell had I sent my friend to?

About the Author:
Growing up, Ryan Hill used to spend his time reading and writing instead of doing homework. This resulted in an obsession with becoming a writer, but also a gross incompetence in the fields of science and mathematics. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Ryan has been a film critic for over five years. He lives in Raleigh, NC, with his dog/shadow Maggie. Ryan also feels strange about referring to himself in the third person.

Find him at: www.ryanhillwrites.com | Facebook | Twitter @J_Ryan

Book Blitz: The Last One by Tawdra Kandle

Meghan Hawthorne is restless. The last year has been a roller coaster: her widowed mother just married a long-time family friend. Her younger brother unexpectedly became a father and a husband. Everyone's life is changing. . .except for hers. As she begins her final summer of college, Meghan's looking for excitement and maybe a little romance. Nothing serious; this girl just wants to have fun.

But the only man for Meghan turns out to be the last one she expects.

Sam Reynolds doesn't need excitement, and he doesn't want romance. Fun is out of the question. He's been the steady, responsible one since his parents were killed, and serious is his way of life.

When Sam rescues Meghan alongside a dark Georgia backroad, she falls hard for his deep brown eyes and slow drawl. But making him see her as more than just a party girl won't be easy. Sam's tempted by the fiery young artist, even as he realizes that giving into his feelings will mean radical change. . .maybe more than he can handle.

Nobody ever said love was simple.  

Pre-Order NOW at Amazon and Smashwords for only 99 cents!

Release Date: September 28th

Tawdra Kandle has been a writer since the invention of the pen. Her first published work appeared in Child's Life magazine when she was 13. After a brief, thirty-year hiatus, she published a young adult quartet, The King Series. More recently, she's released contemporary and paranormal romances in both the adult and New Adult genres. Tawdra lives in central Florida with her husband and children, of both skin and fur types. And yes, she has purple hair.

Follow Tawdra on Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram/Website/Newsletter