Annaberry Reads: NA

Nate by J.B. Morgan

Title: Nate
Series: Texas Jacks Novel, #1
Author: J.B. Morgan
Publisher: J.B. Morgan Publication
Date Published: April 6, 2017

Nate
When Nathan Jackson's world shattered, and fell out from under him, his two best friends were there to help pick up the pieces. There’s nothing that Nate wouldn’t do for them.

It’s been a few years since then, and Nate’s life seems pretty content between his friends, work, and his love of dirt bike racing. When Nate’s out on the track, he can let it all go, be free, and finally feel at peace.

But when it comes to relationships, Nate's not looking for anything long-term. He swears that love isn't worth the risk—until she walks through the doors of Texas Jack's.

Charlie
Charlotte Davenport knows that something has to give, or life will pass her by. It's time to add a little excitement to her routine. Charlie isn't expecting much, but with her friends at her side, she feels ready to break out of her shell. But something’s missing.

When she, and her friends, head out to Texas Jack's for a night of fun, Charlie meets him — Nathan Jackson. He just might be the man to help Charlie overcome her shyness, and shake up her world.

But first, Nate must be willing to let his guard down and take a chance on Charlie. And if that happens, can Charlie open herself up enough to let him in?

My Thoughts:

Title: Faking It
Series: Losing It, #2
Author: Cora Carmack
Date Published: June 4, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Narrator: Emma Galvin

Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

Review: Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis

Title: Trivial Pursuits
Series: Chicago on Ice, #2
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soulmate Publishing
Date Published: April 20, 2016

Landon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from.
The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant. She had her heart shattered by a cheating athlete in college, and Livy vows she will never let her judgment lapse like that ever again.
Yet Livy knows she can’t spend the rest of her life focusing on building her jewelry line during the day and her evenings playing TriviaPlayOrPass! on her phone, either. Even though she does have fabulous conversations with a player named Scott, it’s time to get back in the game—in real life. While Livy tries to figure out her career path in jewelry design, she knows it’s time to take a chance on romance again, too.
But in a strange twist of fate, Livy finds

Title: Power Play
Series: Pilots Hockey, #2
Author: Sophia Henry
Publisher: Flirt
Date Published: February 16, 2016

In Sophia Henry’s blistering follow-up to Delayed Penalty, hailed as “sexy, fun, and full of angst” by L. P. Dover, a good girl and a hockey hunk face off against expectations—and this match is guaranteed to see plenty of action.

Beneath her innocent facade, Gabriella Bertucci has her reasons to be standoffish with guys. Especially guys like Landon Taylor, a star defenseman on the minor-league Detroit Pilots and the object of a serious crush since he first walked into her family’s market. But when Landon comes through for her in a moment of crisis, Gaby starts to wonder if there might be more to Landon than hard muscles and fast skates.

Landon isn’t afraid of telling Gaby that he’s got it for her bad. The problem is, she seems unwilling to believe it. And though Landon enjoys his reputation as a cool-headed athlete, he hates losing—both on the rink and off. It’s his competitiveness that makes him so damn good at what he does . . . but it also makes him just a little bit complicated.

One minute Gaby’s tempted to give in; the next, she’s getting cold feet. How can she trust a guy who’s destined for bigger and better things to stick around? Then again, when Landon pulls her close with those powerful arms, the only thing that matters is right now.

Title: A Different Blue
Series: Standalone
Author: Amy Harmon
Date Published: March 29, 2013

Blue Echohawk doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know her real name or when she was born. Abandoned at two and raised by a drifter, she didn't attend school until she was ten years old. At nineteen, when most kids her age are attending college or moving on with life, she is just a senior in high school. With no mother, no father, no faith, and no future, Blue Echohawk is a difficult student, to say the least. Tough, hard and overtly sexy, she is the complete opposite of the young British teacher who decides he is up for the challenge, and takes the troublemaker under his wing.

This is the story of a nobody who becomes somebody. It is the story of an unlikely friendship, where hope fosters healing and redemption becomes love. But falling in love can be hard when you don't know who you are. Falling in love with someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly why they can't love you back might be impossible.

Title: Jewel of Darkness
Series: Gypsy Healers, #3
Author: Quinn Loftis
Date Published: December 29, 2015

Dalton Black never thought he'd find his true mate. His dark past convinced him that he could never be worthy of one, but the Great Luna did not agree. She saw fit to give him a gypsy healer, the purest of heart among their kind. And now that he's finally found her, she slips through his grasp and into the hands of Volcan, a corrupt high fae driven mad by his own need for power. Now Dalton, with help from his own powerful friends, must find Jewel and rescue her before Volcan can use her blood to create witches and once again throw off the balance of good and evil.
As their journey begins, Perizada will once again lead a group of wolves on a hunt to bring down evil, but little do they know that Volcan is just a drop of blood in the sea of supernatural beings about to darken their path.

Title: Breakout
Series: Dallas Demons, #3
Author: Aven Ellis
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Date Published: November 4, 2015

While Texas is known for loving football, Lexi Stewart has always been drawn to the ice. Hockey is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to pursue a career in video editing for the home network of the Dallas Demons hockey team.

Lexi has an editing job for a corporate account, but it’s not fulfilling. Nor is her dating life, despite having the so-called help of The One Online Dating Service. Lexi knows there has to be more for her—on both fronts. She’s ready to take the next step, but it doesn't seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon.

Until a flying puck changes everything.

Niko Xenakis is the new Dallas Demons TV producer, and he’s looking to make his mark in his new role and hopefully work his way back to his hometown of Baltimore. But once he meets Lexi, he might just change his mind on what he wants for his future . . .

But the road to love is never easy, complicated by the fact that they both carry emotional baggage from the past in their hearts. Can these two “breakout” of the past to find love in the present?

Title: Delayed Penalty
Series:(Pilots Hockey, #1)
Author: Sophia Henry
Publisher: Flirt
Date Published: September 1, 2015
Rating: 4.5 Stars.

She closed her heart long ago. He just wants to open her mind. For fans of Toni Aleo and Sawyer Bennett, the debut of Sophia Henry’s red-hot Detroit Pilots series introduces a hockey team full of complicated men who fight for love.

Auden Berezin is used to losing people: her father, her mother, her first love. Now, just when she believes those childhood wounds are finally healing, she loses something else

Title: You Were Mine
Author: Abbi Glines
Series: Rosemary Beach, #9
Publisher: Atria Books
Date Published: December 2, 2014

From #1 "New York Times" bestselling author Abbi Glines comes a brand-new Rosemary Beach novel about Tripp Newark and his hidden romantic past with

Title: Rule
Author: Jay Crownover
Series: Marked Men, #1
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Date Published: October 22, 2013
Rating: 4 Stars

Opposites in every way . . . except the one that matters

Title: Archer's Voice
Author: Mia Sheridan
Series: Sign of Love
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Date Published: January 25, 2014
Rating: 3 Stars

A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling book. Archer's Voice is a full-length, standalone romance.

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks.

Alex
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Series: Cold Fury Hockey, #1
Rating: 4 Stars
Publisher: Loveswept
Date Published: October 14, 2014

Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn't afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn't so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy . . . not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.
As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people--like Alex, who's been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team's effort to clean up his image. What she doesn't expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn't one to cross professional boundaries--and besides, Alex doesn't do relationships . . . or does he? The more she sees behind Alex's bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers."

My Thoughts:

Okay, so one of the first things you have to know about me is that I'm a big hockey fan. Like, a HUGE hockey fan. I love to watch the games, even if my team isn't playing (Go Blues!). Oddly, though, prior to reading Alex, I hadn't read many books featuring hockey players. The hockey books that I have read were part the Off series by...Sawyer Bennett.

So awhile back, one of my good friends told me about Sawyer's book, Alex, and said that I really needed to read it. I kind of dawdled for awhile and set it aside. I'm not sure why, to be honest. Maybe I was afraid of being disappointed? I shouldn't have had doubts though, because I really enjoyed her Off series. Now, I could kick myself for not reading this sooner.

Alex turned out to be a really nice book! I'll be honest- I kept waiting for more scenes when Alex and his team were on the ice, and I loved reading about how his games went. It was also cute reading about how Sutton learned about the game. I remember doing that too! :)

My heart also went out to Alex when he told of his struggles with the game and how it wasn't fun anymore. Alex was such a complex character, and although he was gruff and often had a bad attitude, I was surprised that he wasn't worse than he was when you considered all of the things he had been going through.

I often find myself disliking NA heroines more often than not, but I actually liked Sutton! I admired her disposition and the life that she made for herself, despite her obstacles. She was just what Alex needed. I did get a little irritated with her towards the end, because I didn't think she fully comprehended Alex's situation, and felt like she was a little rash. Other than that, I think I would've liked to read more about their relationship and their dialogue.

I am really looking forward to the next book in this series- Garrett! He was one of my favorite characters and really put a smile on my face. I cannot wait to learn about his story in book two!

Reviews : Just One Year and Just One Night by Gayle Forman

Just One Year
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Children's
Date Published: October 13, 2013
Kindle version

Just One Day. Just One Year. Just One Read.

Before you find out how their story ends, remember how it began....

When he opens his eyes, Willem doesn’t know where in the world he is—Prague or Dubrovnik or back in Amsterdam. All he knows is that he is once again alone, and that he needs to find a girl named Lulu. They shared one magical day in Paris, and something about that day—that girl—makes Willem wonder if they aren’t fated to be together. He travels all over the world, from Mexico to India, hoping to reconnect with her. But as months go by and Lulu remains elusive, Willem starts to question if the hand of fate is as strong as he’d thought. . . .

The romantic, emotional companion to Just One Day, this is a story of the choices we make and the accidents that happen—and the happiness we can find when the two intersect.

My Thoughts:

As I mentioned previously, I did not love Just One Day, however, there was so much build-up in it. And with that cliffhanger? Well, I had to find out what was going to happen next.

I was a little leery when I discovered that Just One Year was told from Willem's point of view. I'm not really a Willem fan, however, he really had some explaining to do, and I wanted to hear it. Plus, I wanted to know who this guy really was! On a side note: I really enjoyed Gayle Forman's book, Where She Went, which was told from a guy's point of view, and she has a real talent for that, so I thought I would keep going and read Willem's story.

While Gayle Forman still did a great job writing from a guys point of view, I still wasn't sure what to think about Willem. I did like him a little more once I found out what he had gone through. I don't know that it warranted being so secretive with Allyson, especially since he had felt such a deep connection with her. Deep enough that he still thought about her for months afterwards. A fair part of this book was about his, uh..."activities", and that didn't make me love him either. At the same time, I enjoyed reading about his adventures abroad, as well as learning a little bit about The Netherlands. I was also happy to see his personal growth.

I felt like this book seemed to stretch and I kept waiting until the part where book one left off. I just kept wanting to get to that part, and was getting really anxious. When we finally did, the book just...ended. It was shocking to be honest. I know some authors want part of the story to be left to the imagination of the reader, but in this case, I cannot understand why this author did that? To build all of this tension and suspense, and then just stop, without a resolution? It felt incomplete. If I did not know that there was a short story waiting to be read, I would have been so disappointed and pissed off!

I wasn't sure how to rate Just One Year, and debated it for awhile. While I liked hearing about Willem's growth and adventures, the ending just killed it for me. I am so grateful for Just One Night, but feel it should have already been a part of Just One Year, as and epilogue.

3-3.5 Stars

Just One Night
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Viking Children's Books
Date Published: May 29, 2014

(I decided not to add the synopsis here, because it was very spoilery, and I don't want to ruin anything, folks).

I just want to say, Thank You, Gayle Forman. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I really feel for the people who read this in 2013, and didn't have this little gem. I don't want to give anything away, but I just wanted to say that the author did a great job wrapping everything up, and it was all that I could hope for. Well, I did want to see Dee again, but hey. ;)

4 Stars

Review: I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

Title: I'll Meet You There
Series: Standalone
Author: Heather Demetrios
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Date Published: February 3, 2015

If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.

Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24517699-i-ll-meet-you-there

My Thoughts:

Wow! This book has just pushed its way into my heart. I was so touched, and so moved by everything. Not just by Josh's story, but by Skylar's, as well.

I know this is technically classified as a Young Adult novel, but I would dare also say that it is New Adult too. The characters experienced so much growth and change in this story. Sky and Josh were both on the verge of starting a new life and a beginning. They weren't sure which direction to go and/or what do. At times, it seemed like they were torn.

Skylar. There were a few times while reading, when I was transported back to when I was a teenager, twenty-something years ago, and had just experienced what she did. Having my mom choose someone else over me. Taking care of my mom, who had seemed to revert back to her youth. Working full time to help make ends meet. I hurt for Skylar, and it brought me some relief to know that someone else had experienced what I did and knew my pain, even if it was simply a character from a story. It just felt so real. I often wondered what would have happened to me if I had made the same choices that Skylar did.

I loved Josh. I loved reading from his point of view, even if it did make me cry. Again. (You probably wouldn't have guessed this- but I am not normally a crier. But, man, I sobbed). I was so grateful to Heather Demetrios for allowing us inside of his head and into his thoughts. He went through so much, and had so many demons. After I read the last page of I'll Meet You There, I couldn't help but wonder what he decided to do with his life, and what became of him. I can only imagine the struggles he would always battle.

I also adored the side characters- Marge, Dylan, Chris, and even Blake. They all had their quirks, but they all brought so much to the story, and spoke to me in some special way.

I would definitely recommend I'll Meet You There to anyone, no matter what genre you read. I know I want to read everything that Heather Demetrios writes now.

5 Stars

edited: While writing this review, I was listening to Mumford & Sons' Sigh No More album, and this song (After the Storm) made me think of Josh.

Review: Tragic by J.A. Huss

Rook Walsh is TRAGIC

Because life so far – just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky…

Rook got a second chance.

And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s camera.

Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.

New Adult Contemporary Romance *Mature Content* Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language usage.

My Thoughts:

This was a great start to a new series!

I wasn't sure what to expect going in. I had been told that this was a New Adult book, but when I read the synopsis, I wondered if it would end up being borderline erotica. Although, I do read the occasional erotica book, I still want to know prior to reading any book, what I am getting myself into. Although, this book did have a few sexy times (and the main characters have a sexy job), I would still say it fits in the NA category.

First off, I really like Rook's character. This girl has been though so much, and she is still a sweet, yet strong, young woman with a good head on her shoulders. She did what she had to in order to survive. When she first met Ronin, I thought to myself, "oh no, is Rook going to turn into a different person now?" It's not that I didn't like Ronin, exactly, it's just that sometimes the heroines change (in a bad way) and/or become a different person, just because they meet a hot guy. I didn't want Rook to lose any of those good qualities.

I wasn't sure what to think about Ronin. He wasn't a perfect guy, and he did have his flaws. While he was sweet and tried to make sure his girls were okay, sometimes I felt like he was a bit too controlling, and this bothered me a bit. I found myself worrying for Rook, because of that. I have to say that a minor character- Spencer, totally stole the show for me! I really loved that guy and almost want to jump ahead in books, just so that I can get to his story next.

I am grateful and happy as to how Rook handled the events in the end, and stayed true to herself and her goals. She knew what she needed in life, and didn't sway from that. Hopefully, she will continue to grow and become even stronger as the series progresses. I know that I am really looking forward to the next book, Manic.

3.5-4 Stars

Review: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

During the end of last year, I binge read the Just One Day series by Gayle Forman. I really enjoyed her If I Stay series, so it was time that I gave her other series a try.

If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Date Published: January 8, 2013

From the New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay

Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life.

A book about love, heartbreak, travel, identity, and the “accidents” of fate, Just One Day shows us how sometimes in order to get found, you first have to get lost. . . and how often the people we are seeking are much closer than we know.

The first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

My Thoughts:

One of my dreams is to backpack through Europe someday, so I was thrilled when I discovered that Just One Day took place over there. I couldn't wait to read about Allyson's thoughts and adventures, as well as moments where she experienced the self growth that often comes with traveling abroad.

I have to say that while I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it like so many of my friends do. I just had a really hard time relating to the main characters- Allyson and Willem, especially in the first half of the book. As I said, I would absolutely love the opportunity to travel to Europe someday, so I couldn't understand why Allyson was so pissed off about going. She seemed to complain about a lot of things though. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Allyson did a couple of things that absolutely baffled me, and it wasn't just because she did something a teen might do. These were common sense things!

I also wasn't a big fan of Willem, and cannot put him on my list of book boyfriends. He just seemed so shady and revealed so little about himself, and it surprised me that Allyson was so willing to trust him and would travel in a foreign country with him. He also came up as kind of a jerk, if you ask me. I just didn't understand their connection or believe it, especially as a lot of it seemed based on looks. He didn't even ask for her real name?

Strangely, I preferred the second half of Just One Day, to the first half. It was nice to see Allyson in a different setting, and I admired her personal growth. I also loved her best friend, Dee! I loved that he gave it to her straight, and he was the friend that she needed.

3 Stars

Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Lyla Payne

Title: Mistletoe and Mr. Right
Author: Lyla Payne
Date Published: November 20, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…but lust refused to settle in for a long winter's nap.
She might be all nestled, snug in her bed, by why, oh why, do visions of the wrong guy dance in her head?

Jessica, (not Jessie), figures that nothing could be better than a trip to the Emerald Isle for Christmas break. So she takes a flying leap and follows her boyfriend home for the holidays, not only sure that he will finally agree they're destined for each other, but also that Ireland will provide the perfect backdrop to the beginning of their happily-ever-after.

But it turns out his family--and his gorgeous ex-girlfriend--don't feel the same way, and even the family goat seems to be conspiring against her well-laid plans. The only person making the trip worthwhile is the very last one she should be thinking about, but Grady, the local farmhand, has a way of showing up when Jessica needs him most...and least.

USA Today bestselling author Lyla Payne wraps up the perfect holiday novella, ties it with a ribbon of romance, and tops it with a light dusting of snow. Perfect to curl up with under the tree. Just add hot cocoa!

This is the first book that I've read by Lyla Payne, and I am now looking forward to reading more books written by her. Mistletoe and Mr. Right was a fun, quick read. I thought it was really interesting that this story took place in Ireland, as we got to experience an Irish Christmas, and I enjoyed learning about some of the customs.

To be honest, I could not relate to Jessie at first. She flew all the way to England to share Christmas with a guy who she had barely started dating. I thought that she was crazy at first! I was also baffled that, with the limited time she had, she barely seemed to spend any time with Brennan.

My favorite parts of the story was Jessie's banter with Grady. I really liked him, and appreciated that he didn't put up with much crap! It was super refreshing. I have to say, I wanted more at the end of this story. I would have liked to see how things played out in the future, as opposed to where it left off.

All in all, I definitely recommend Mistletoe and Mr. Right to anyone looking for a clean New Adult, Christmas story, filled with both humor and serious content.

Rating: 4 Stars

Short Review: The Shape of My Heart by Ann Aguirre

Title: The Shape of My Heart
Series: 2B Trilogy, #3
Author Ann Aguirre
Date Published: December 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin

Some people wait decades to meet their soul mate. Courtney Kaufman suspects she met hers in high school only to lose him at seventeen. Since then, Courtney's social life has been a series of meaningless encounters, though she's made a few close friends along the way. Especially her roommate, Max Cooper, who oozes damaged bad-boy vibes from every pore.
Max knows about feeling lost he's been on his own since he was sixteen. Now it's time to find out if he can ever go home again, and Courtney's the only one he trusts to go with him. But the trip to Providence could change everything….
It started out so simple. One misfit helping another. Now Max will do anything to show Courtney that for every heart that's ever been broken, there's another that can make it complete.

Quick Thoughts:

Unfortunately, I could not really get into The Shape of My Heart. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and was really looking forward to reading this. I loved Max and really wanted to know more about him. The pacing of this story seemed very slow, and I found myself losing interest in the plot. I really did not care for the main character, Courtney, and she really frustrated me more often than not. This was really sad because I adored Max in The Shape of My Heart, and really respected his character.

Rating: 2 Stars

HOLLY LANE (A Christmas Novella) by J.B. Morgan {Includes Excerpt}

Today, I'm excited to share a new Christmas novella written by upcoming author, J.B. Morgan. I love Christmas stories, and cannot wait to read this one!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22609818-holly-lane

Excerpt

About the Author:

J.B. Morgan resides in Oregon where she's a wife and a stay-at-home-mother of two. When she's not writing she can be found carting her kids everywhere, volunteering at their school, busy with her church calling, or reading. She loves the NY Yankees, traveling, her family and chocolate.

Author Pages: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Blog Tour for SOULS by Ednah Walters {Review}

SOULS
(Grimnirs, book 2)

Eighteen-year-old Cora Jemison knows what it’s like to date a soul reaper. There are no Friday night movies, no school dances, and no stolen kisses between classes. It totally sucks! What makes it even worse, souls pop up when she least expects it. The last one is not her fault, but it all adds up to zero quality time with her super hot, scythe-carrying boyfriend, Echo.

Since Cora was etched with special runes by an evil Immortal, she understands why souls are drawn to her. She makes the best of it by helping souls find closure while Echo escorts them to the realm of the dead. Perfect partners, until a dark soul visits Cora in the dead of the night and Echo decides her soul-helping days are over.

Cora can either listen to Echo or follow her instincts. To make matters worse, other reapers start stalking her, demanding she hand over the soul. Even her Valkyrie friends think she’s gone too far. But something sinister is coming their way, and the soul is the key to saving her town, her friends, and her relationship with Echo. Can she convince Echo to see things her way before it’s too late?

WARNING: This is CORA'S story: This book may be considered NA (new adult) because it contains some swearing, violence and sex scenes: Suitable for ages 17 and up. A Clean Version will also be available on Amazon.

Reading Order:

Runes (Runes, #1)

Immortals (Runes, #2)

Grimnirs (Runes, #2.5, Grimnirs, #1)

Seeress (Runes, #3)

Souls (Runes, #3.5, Grimnirs, #2)

Amazon (Clean Version) | Amazon (New Adult Version) |
B&N (New Adult Version) | B&N (Clean Version)

My Thoughts:

I was so excited when I found out I was to to be a part of the Souls blog tour! I'm a big fan of Ednah Walters' Runes and Grimnirs series, and I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen to my beloved characters next!

Ok, so first off- if you haven't read any of the other books in this series, I encourage you start with Runes. You'll get a lot of the background info, and be introduced to most of the characters. With that said, I really enjoyed Souls! I think it just might be my favorite book in either series.

I'll be honest when we were first introduced to Cora back in Runes, I didn't really like her that much. I didn't feel like I could relate to her. But then I read Grimnirs, which is told from Cora's point of view, and I quickly grew to adore that girl! I finally understood her, and figured out why things she said and did just did'nt click with me before. I have to say, I now prefer the stories told from Cora's point of view as opposed to Raine's! (But only by a narrow margin).

I just love the way that Cora connects and interacts with those around her. She's quirky, fun, doesn't take crap from anyone, yet she's kind and compassionate! We got to see more of her character grow and blossom in Souls. She's not one of those characters who is perfect though- she does make mistakes, but she learns from them. The girl really does have a good head on her shoulders!

Now. Let me just talk about Echo for a moment (who is also my new book boyfriend...shh). Where do I even start? *sigh* He's gorgeous with his dark hair and green-gold eyes. He's also fierce, loyal, loving, and mysterious. Echo doesn't see those things within himself though. He has carried around a lot of guilt, burdens, and sadness for a long time. Some of the things he said broke my heart. He has faults, yes, but he knows that, and is trying to be a better person.

I loved that we got to hear more of Echo's story in Souls, as well as meet a few new characters! I hope we see more of them in the future books. Dev cracked me up and brought so much to this story. I was never bored while reading, and I was eager to turn the page to see what would happen next. There were times when I laughed, but there were times when I had a few tears in my eyes.

My only complaint was that I wish that Souls was just a little bit longer. I would've liked more resolution at the end, and I really wanted to know more about what happened that night. ;)

I am definitely looking forward to the next book Witches! As much as I love Cora's point of view, I need to know how Raine is dealing with everything. I can't wait!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

AUTHOR BIO

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, was released March 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at www.ednahwalters.com.

Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series and there are currently three other books published in this series. SOULS (Grimnir book 2 a side story to the RUNES series) and WITCHES book 4 will release 2014. Read more about this series and the world she's created here www.runestheseries.com.

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published five more books in this series. She's presently working on book seven. You can visit her online at or www.ebwalters.com.

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