Counter Clockwise (Clockwise #5) by Elle Strauss - Ashley's Review

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Counter Clockwise (Clockwise #5)
Author: Elle Strauss
Publication Date: August 18, 2015

Synopsis: High school senior Casey Donovan is in trouble. Again. If only she had trusted in Nate’s loyalty when he traveled to Spain with his college basketball team – despite the accompaniment of the cheerleading squad and Fiona the Floozy who’d made it super clear she wanted Nate for herself. Then she wouldn’t have made that impulsive trip to Hollywood and let Aiden do that stupid thing that threatened her relationship with Nate, and triggered a trip into the past.

Only something is wildly wrong. She’s not in the 1860s like she should be. It’s 1929. And she didn’t come alone.

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Review: I really enjoyed the premise behind this book - a time-traveling girl who ends up in the wrong time? Yes please! I was a little bit concerned about reading this book, since it's book 5 in the series, but one of the first things after the title page is a note that you can start with this book and be alright, so I decided to just go for it.

I was a little confused for a while, since there's not really a lot of explanation about Casey and her abilities or her relationship with Nate, so I spent a lot of time trying to figure things out. I mean, it wasn't terrible, there was definitely enough information there to understand what was going on and why it was such a big deal that Casey ends up in 1929 instead of 1860, but I just feel like reading the rest of the series first would have made this book more enjoyable.

Other than not knowing all of the information though, I actually really did enjoy this story. Casey is very immature, and it was kind of annoying how little she trusts Nate, but she usually did have a pretty good reason, so I couldn't hold it against her that much. It was fun to see her adapt to a new time period and try to figure everything out. I was happy for her that she didn't have to go about learning everything by herself, because I could see how that might be terrifying and awful. 

This book is well written and I found myself not wanting to put it down! Luckily, it was relatively short, so I could read the whole thing in one setting. I was left wanting more, so I picked up the rest of the series as soon as I finished reading, and I can't wait to get a chance to read them! I'll definitely be looking for more from Elle Strauss, and would give this book a 3.5/5 (although I bet it will be higher once I read the other books and can pick up the subtle references!). 


--Ashley

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REBECCA ETHINGTON ~ Monsters are real... Through Glass

RASHELLE WORKMAN ~ Alice is half demon and totally kick ass! Blood and Snow 10.1 ~ The Dark Moth Society

CINDY M. HOGAN ~ Some secrets are better left dead and buried. Kate Unmasked

ELLE STRAUSS ~ Time traveling is wonky enough... and this time it's worse than ever. Counter Clockwise

CHRISTINE KERSEY ~ College is murder... Witness

JULI ALEXANDER ~ Solving mysteries is in her blood, but it might just get her killed. Paxton Private Investigations

AMBER ARGYLE ~ A storm is raging and not everyone will survive. Of Ice And Snow

WENDY KNIGHT ~ Her army of lost souls stand between us. The Soul's Agent

LILA FELIX ~ Fasta is an artist, not by choice, but by force. Sketchy Love

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ELANA JOHNSON ~ If a picture is worth a thousand words then Olivia's captured Trevor's whole story. Something About Love

LEIGH TALBERT MOORE ~ She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work. And she never expected to be a hero. Behind the Stars

RACHEL MORGAN ~ Stolen magical object? Check. Villainous faerie bad guys? Check. Complicated feelings for super hot, pain-in-the-ass assignment partner? Check. Not winding up dead? Working on that one. The Faerie Prince

KATRINA ABBOTT ~ Brooklyn's new celebutante boarding school is missing one thing: boys! Taking the Reins



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Kate Unmasked (Code of Silence #1) by Cindy M. Hogan - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as part of the Daring Hearts Boxed Set from the authors in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Kate Unmasked (Code of Silence #1)
Author: Cindy M. Hogan
Publication Date: August 18, 2015

Synopsis: The mysteries of her past consume her.

Seventeen-year-old Kate has never stopped searching for the secrets of her past - the secrets that began with her missing birth parents. After years of every lead drying up and every hope turning false, Kate finally lucks onto a promising lead.

Determined to find the truth once and for all, Kate travels to the gritty New Jersey shore. But what she finds is worse than she ever could have imagined. She can't hide from who she is, and now she must face the awful consequences of finding the very people she should have been hiding from.

Some secrets should stay dead and buried.

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Review: This story has a really interesting premise. An adopted girl is looking for her parents, and finds out more than she could ever have expected. Throw in some adventure, a little romance, a little danger, and I'm hooked! 

I have mixed feelings about Kate. I can't pretend to understand what she's going through with not knowing where she came from, but I feel like she goes about things all wrong. She's hiding her boyfriend from her parents, she's hiding her search for her birth parents from her boyfriend because he'll tell her parents, and her parents have secrets that they're hiding from her (although  I'm pretty sure her parents are justified in their decisions). Kate lies to basically everyone in her life and gets herself into trouble and then gets angry when they find out and reprimand her. She's very frustrating. 

Also, for someone who has only ever had one (secret) boyfriend and isn't interested in putting herself out there, she ends up with a lot of romantic interests. And she's kind of a jerk to all of them. The romances were all sweet while they lasted, but I'm not sure what's going to happen next with any of them. Especially after that ending. And one of them was kind of just written off, so I'm curious as to if something else will come of that.

The plot did have me hooked though, and things move pretty quickly once Kate gets to New Jersey. And then things take an unexpected turn that I definitely did not see coming, so I'll definitely be looking for the next installment! A lot of questions are answered and even more pop up, so I definitely need to know what happens next and more about what has happened in the past! 

Overall, I really did enjoy this story. Kate annoyed me, but I guess if your past is as sketchy as she finds out hers is, at least she's a little justified. She is reckless, and I hope she's learned her lesson, but I don't think the story would have been as exciting if Kate wasn't running into things head first. I'd recommend this story if you like contemporary thrillers, and would give it a 3/5!


--Ashley

Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5) by Amber Argyle - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5)
Author: Amber Argyle
Publication Date: August 18, 2015

My Reviews: Winter Queen (#1) | Of Fire and Ash (#1.5) | Summer Queen (#2)

Synopsis: Otec thought destiny forgot him…

The middle child of the clanchief, Otec is the overlooked son in an overflowing house. He dreams of escape and adventure, so when a mysterious stranger offers both, he doesn’t need persuading. But when his faraway village comes under attack, Otec will do anything to save the people he loves. Cut off from his nation, he must trust a foreign woman with a dubious past as they race to save his clan. But nothing is what it seems, and Otec may have to trust his enemy if he is to become the leader he was never meant to be.

Destiny is not always kind.

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Review: I'm a huge fan of Amber's Fairy Queen series - it's dark and gritty, but also full of beautiful world-building, memorable (and sometimes terrifying) characters, and even a few glimpses of hope and light through the horrors of war. I also really love novellas that reveal the background of more minor characters, so I knew I had to read this story as soon as I heard the Amber was writing it. 

In this novella, we're given a little bit more insight into Ilyenna's parents before the start of Winter Queen. We get to see how they meet, and how they deal with all kinds of awful circumstances that are out of their control. Otec is a middle child - he's not old enough to go with his brothers and father to meet the coming army, and he definitely will never be clanchief. Except destiny has a different plan for him, and his entire world is flipped upside down when the Shyle is attacked. But even in the midst of trying to save his family and his people, Otec manages to find love.

The romance is definitely a big part of the story, but Amber still somehow manages to weave an exciting story that has so many different facets that the romance doesn't overwhelm the rest of the plot. Matka is dangerous and cunning all on her own, and guards her heart just as much, if not more, as Otec guards his. I loved watching their friendship develop and transform into something more, through perceived betrayals, interfering fairies, and the loss of loved ones. 

If you haven't read the rest of the Fairy Queen series, this story will still stand on its own. You don't need to know much else before diving right into this book, and it might be a good place to start. If you have read the Fairy Queen books though, you definitely want to read this novella! There are so many references and connections to things in both Winter Queen and Summer Queen, and it was a lot of fun to be able to recognize those. It makes the entire series stronger and gives the world and the characters so much more depth. If you love fantasy, especially books like the Graceling series, you definitely want to read these books! 5/5.


--Ashley

The Dark Moth Society: Alice (Blood & Snow #10.1) by RaShelle Workman - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Dark Moth Society: Alice (Blood & Snow #10.1)
Author: RaShelle Workman
Publication Date: August 18, 2015
Genre: NA Reimagining of Alice In Wonderland

My Reviews: Blood & Snow Vol. 1 | Vampire Lies | Vampire Secrets | A Beauty So Beastly | Asha's Kisses | Asha's Curse | Asha's Magic

Synopsis: This book will be released as part of the Daring Hearts Boxed Set COMING August 18th, 2015. 

From the Blood and Snow world comes a new series! Alice In Wonderland reimagined like never before. 

“There’s more to life than training. There’s love, Alice Blackburn. And you are in desperate need of it...” 

In the last millennia a deadly game has raged between demons and their half-human creations, called Moths. A century ago select Moths were born with distinctive marks on the backs of their hands. It was soon discovered that those with the marks possessed the same powers as their demon parent. Over the years an elite group of warriors formed The Dark Moth Society. 

Alice Blackburn is a Dark Moth trainee. Some of her classmates call her the Queen of Hearts, but only because she doesn’t share hers. There isn’t time. Not for fun and especially not for Kade Everett, the injured warrior she is required to help. In just a few days, her creator, the foul demon that killed her mom will come to kill her. That’s part of the game after all. And when he does, she will end him.

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Review: RaShelle Workman's Blood and Snow world is probably one of my favorite fairy tale reimaginings I've read. The whole world and all of the characters are so unique, and I love how all of the stories can either stand on their own or can be read all together. In previous volumes, we've met witches, dragons, vampires, and all kinds of of other creatures. Now, in this Alice in Wonderland reimagining, we get to meet Moths. 

The Moths are a really interesting creature. Sure, half demon/half human creatures have been done before. But I've never seen them like this! In The Dark Moth Society, the powerful Moths have been trained to fight their demon parents, who come for them on their 18th birthdays. It's a horrible game the demons play, and I can't imagine living my life knowing that a demon is coming to kill me. I also found it really interesting that only the demons of the seven deadly sins play this game - the Moths all have a certain vice depending on who their demon parent was.

Except for Alice. The moth on the back of her hand has never changed colors, so she doesn't even know which demon is coming for her. I have so many questions about Alice, her parentage, and her special abilities, and I can't wait for the next installment to find out more. I'm also really looking forward to seeing how the rest of the Blood & Snow world will play in to Alice's story! This was a really great introduction to this part of the extensive world that's already established.

If you're a fan of fairy tale reimaginings, especially Alice in Wonderland ones, you definitely need this book! Even if you haven't read any of the other books in the Blood and Snow series, this one stands exceptionally well on its own. If you've read any of the Blood and Snow  books, you'll also want to read this one and meet Alice and her fellow Moths! 4/5. 


--Ashley

DUAL COVER REVEAL: Of Ice and Snow (Fairy Queens #0.5) & Daring Hearts Boxed Set by Amber Argyle + GIVEAWAY!

Today Amber Argyle and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for OF ICE AND SNOW, a novella in the Faerie Queens series in August, 2015! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win an e-bundle of Amber’s Witch Song Books!

On to the reveal! 

Title: OF ICE AND SNOW

Author: Amber Argyle

Pub. Date: August, 2015

Find it: Goodreads

Otec thought destiny forgot him…

The middle child of the clanchief, Otec is the overlooked son in an overflowing house. He dreams of escape and adventure, so when a mysterious stranger offers both, he doesn’t need persuading. But when his faraway village comes under attack, Otec will do anything to save the people he loves. Cut off from his nation, he must trust a foreign woman with a dubious past as they race to save his clan. But nothing is what it seems, and Otec may have to trust his enemy if he is to become the leader he was never meant to be.

Destiny is not always kind.

Of Ice and Snow is being exclusively released in the Daring Hearts box set and the whole bundle is only 99 cents for 8 books! What an awesome deal!

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

Daring Hearts synopsis

Eight All New CLEAN Novels by Eight Bestselling Authors 

ONLY 0.99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME!


From gorgeous heroes that make us swoon to the super sleuths and feisty heroines that make us cheer, this exclusive collection has something for everyone. Eight clean, sassy and BRAND NEW novels--a delicious mixture of fun, addictively romantic, action-adventure stories -- each handpicked by an award-winning gathering of some of today's most popular YA/NA authors. 


Eight Bestselling Authors 

Eight never-before-released novels spanning 1600+ pages 
Over 98% off retail for the individual books sold separately (a thirty dollar savings!) 
Only available until September (so get your copy today). 

THIS BOXED SET INCLUDES: 

REBECCA ETHINGTON ~ Monsters are real... Through Glass 
RASHELLE WORKMAN ~ Alice is a Dark Moth trainee in Wonderland, Arizona where the days are hot and the guys are hotter. The Dark Moth Society 

CINDY M. HOGAN ~ Some secrets are better left dead and buried. Kate Unmasked 

ELLE STRAUSS ~ Time traveling is wonky enough... and this time it's worse than ever. Counter Clockwise 

CHRISTINE KERSEY ~ College is murder... Witness 

JULI ALEXANDER ~ Solving mysteries is in her blood, but it might just get her killed. Paxton Private Investigations 

LILA FELIX ~ Fasta is an artist, not by choice, but by force. Sketchy Love 

AMBER ARGYLE ~ A storm is raging and not everyone will survive. Of Ice And Snow

About Amber

Amber Argyle is the number-one bestselling author of the Witch Song Series and the Fairy Queen Series. Her books have been nominated for and won awards in addition to being translated into French and Indonesian.

Amber graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in English and physical education, a husband, and a two-year old. Since then, she and her husband have added two more children, which they are actively trying to transform from crazy small people into less crazy larger people.

To learn more about Amber, visit her blog at amberargyle.blogspot.com

You can find Amber on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

The Giveaway!

3 winners will receive the eBook bundle of The Witch Song Series. International

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BOOK BLAST: Aberrant Trilogy Boxed Set by Ruth Silver

Awakening (The Geis #1) by Christy Dorrity - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from the author as part of the Girls on Fire box set in exchange for an honest review*

If you haven't seen the cover for the Girls on Fire Boxed Set yet, you can find it here! Definitely take a minute to check it out and learn about the other books in the set!

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Title: Awakening (The Geis #1)
Author: Christy Dorrity
Year Published: 2013

My Pre-Reading

Synopsis: Because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth . . .

A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery's family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a psychic for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn't think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has a best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital—and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way.

When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities. 

After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened. When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened deadly powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy.

A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.

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Review: I'm not really familiar with Celtic mythology, but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy reading books that have a basis in it. Luckily, this book had enough of a background and enough explanations that it didn't matter that I knew very little! 

I especially loved the way that Rourke's past ties in to the history of Ireland and Irish dancing. I'm not sure if some of the explanations were real stories in Celtic mythology or if Tir na nOg is an actual place in their stories or not, but it all felt like it could be, which I really thought was nice. We only learn a little bit of Tir na nOg in this book, so I'm looking forward to the rest of the series because I hope we learn more! Star Valley, WY is interesting enough, but I would have loved to have spent some more time in Tir na nOg. 

Since this book is in the Girls on Fire boxed set, I knew the heroine was going to be one spunky girl who wouldn't back down even when presented with situations that seemed (and were) out of this world. McKayla is willing to accept things that other people might be hesitant to accept because she knows that it's the best explanation. She does keep secrets when she needs to, but she's also always the first one to jump in when anyone needs help, especially her Aunt Avril. I'm really excited to see how she continues to grow in the next book and use her newly discovered powers to rescue her friends in need!

There's also quite a bit of romance in this book, and many types of relationships are explored. Most of them have their fair share of heartbreak and problems, but the characters are all willing to try and work things out, for the most part. The relationships all felt very real, even if there was a bit of magic interwoven with them, and it was really fun to watch them progress. Especially because the book often changes perspectives (it's mostly first person from McKayla's perspective, but we also see a little third person from Rourke and Leah), we get to see how some of the secondary characters feel about everything.

There were a few parts that just seemed really convenient and I wasn't entirely convinced that things would ever have worked out so nicely, but it helped the story progress at a decent pace so I was willing to overlook most of it. Overall though, it's still an excellent book with an awesome heroine, and I will definitely be doing whatever I can to get my hands on a copy of Displaced ASAP! This book was very well written, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone even vaguely interested in Celtic mythology or just mythologies in general. I also think fans of YA fantasy novels would really enjoy this one. I would give it a 4/5! 




--Ashley