Cover Reveal: Killer Queen by L.H. Cosway

We are pleased to share with you the cover for Killer Queen, the companion novel to Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway (WHICH I ADORED!!!), scheduled for release on October 20th. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue.

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.

The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.

Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

Cover Designed by: Letitia from Romantic Book Affairs











I was immediately happy to be left alone with my most recent object of attraction, and tried to think of a way to endear myself to her. She seemed a little defensive, and I didn’t like it. She was focused intently on stirring a pot of simmering bolognaise, not paying me any notice. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I walked across the room and stepped up right behind her, taking her by the hips and affectionately resting my head on her shoulder.

Sometimes, forcing physical closeness with women worked for me. Not that kind, I’m not completely depraved. Often though, women liked it when I took them into my arms for a hug or pulled them onto my lap to sit. Unfortunately, Fred’s entire body went ramrod straight the moment I touched her. I instantly regretted the move, but at the same time I didn’t. Her supple hips felt good beneath my palms.

“Smells delicious, Fred,” I told her, brazenly giving her a squeeze. It was ridiculously inappropriate, but I wanted a reaction out of her. Needed one. Still, she barely moved and instead gave me a one word reply, “Yep.”

I leaned closer, allowing my breath to whisper across the back of her neck. She shivered and I think I saw her breath hitch, which made me grow a little hard. “The wine cost twenty Euros, and I got it from the off-licence down the road.”

“Oh, very la di da, Viv. You must be a big spender.”

I grinned, liking how she was subtly taunting me by continuing to call me by a woman’s name. “You like calling me Viv, do you?”

“What can I say, feminine blokes really do it for me.”

Enjoying this interaction, I decided to up the ante a level…or twenty. I spoke low and quick into her ear. “I can do that, if it's what you're into. In fact, I can be whatever you want me to be. I don't think it is, though. I think you're the kind of woman who likes a man to take the lead.” Then I pulled her hips back into mine. The feel of her soft arse flush against my cock did wonderful things. Wonderful things. I was having visions of throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her into my apartment so that I could have my wicked way with her. Unfortunately, my forwardness was not taken in the manner I had intended. Pulling swiftly out of my hold, she lifted up her stirring spoon and pointed it at me, as though it were a weapon that would keep me at arm’s length.

“Okay. Listen here, back the hell up or I'll knee you in the balls.”

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

---

♥READ THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL!♥
Painted Faces

Amazon | Amazon UK | Goodreads

(It was simply AMAZING! I would've given it 300 stars, if possible!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Heart of Hannen by Fawn Bonning

I'm reposting this review because the book now has a new cover!!! (Much improved!). The plot is really good, so give this baby a try. :) (Remember what they say... don't judge it by its cover.)

The Heart of Hannen
by Fawn Bonning

Paperback, 484 pages

Published March 22nd 2011 by Old Line Publishing, LLC

Christine, a troubled teen with a dark past, is miserable in her small town. Shadowed in shame, she feels destined to live her lonely life as an outcast. She has no idea that her true destiny lies in a different town, in a different world; a most brutal world called Atriia. There she learns the true meaning of misery, the true meaning of loneliness, the true meaning of shame. But she also learns that her bravery is boundless as she battles against a formidable foe, a dark shadow that tries to smother the land. And in the arms of a most unlikely candidate, she also learns the true meaning of love. He is Hannen Fallier, the one they call the foul fraigen dropper, revered by men for his fearless feats, but looked upon by women with open disdain. With a face horribly mauled, he hides behind a mask of shame, deeming himself unworthy of love. That he would seek acceptance from Christine is irony in its purest form. That he would seek her love . . . the ultimate betrayal.

_____________________________

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book! I won it from my first Goodreads giveaway! *-*

I must admit I first judged it by its cover. I thought it might not be so well-written, but I was very mistaken. It was fantastic. I loved the story and the characters.

I really enjoyed seeing how the main character, Christine, grew up! She suddenly finds herself alone in this strange, unknown place called Atriia, where everything is different from Earth. She deals with rude, aggresive, male-chauvinists and strange social costumes, not to mention the weird food and language, but manages to adapt quickly, and very well. I'm not sure I would've been as strong as she was.

Hannen found his way into my heart from the very start. (and when you read it, you'll see exactly what I mean with 'from the very start'). Such a complicated, strong, sweet character. Very well thought of and developed.

I was a bit confused at first with the new 'language' the author introduces to us, but eventually I got the hang of it. (It was only afterwards that I noticed there was a glossary at the end of the book. Silly, slow little me. >.<)

It was a dark, dramatic and sad book, but also very touching. Needless to say, I cried. Hard.

Of course, I wish I could have changed the ending and maybe have seen a bit more of a couple of characters, but it was still great. The book is a bit long, but it's not tiring at all! This one is a keeper. :)

I'm SO glad I had the chance to review it, otherwise I might have never heard of it. Thank you, Fawn Bonning!!!

Now, you! Go ahead and get it, you'll love it too. It's an excellent pick for romance and fantasy lovers.

Quickie Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

  

 Fire by Kristin Cashore

   I enjoyed Graceling, but Fire... Fire was simply fantastic. She was the kind of character we were all supposed to hate. I mean, she's pure perfection, simply gorgeous, amazing hair, everybody wants her, the king and her super handsome best friend are crazy about her, blablahblah... but we just can't hate her. Because she's also beautiful on the inside. (YES, I know how corny it is, I can hear myself inside my head, thanks). The thing is, it's true. She too cool, too funny and too nice to be just another Mary Sue. Oh, and her love interest is a simple guy, plain in appearances, but with a huge heart. Have I mentioned he has a young daughter? So, YUP. So many non-cliche stuff in this book. I was enchanted by this world, very different from the graceling one, even if we have a terribly frightening little psycho with a red eye. (that little creep freaked me out, seriously).

    Oh, and there's a dog, a fiddle, evil fathers who can be good to their daughters, weird and fascinating monsters who know when Fire is menstruating and young people getting pregnant while others get sterile, and the royalty washing their dirty laundry twenty years after the scandals... it's so much amazeballs. And let's not forget: the cover is gorgeous, and actually has a connection to the story..

I could't put it down.

Review of Shattered by Kevin Hearne

Shattered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #7)

by Kevin Hearne

CAUTION. Several exclamation points ahead.

#fangirling #squealing I LOOOOOOVE Atticus and Oberon!!! Kevin Hearne is definitely my favorite author in the whole bookniverse! Everytime I check my Facebook I am FORCED to go look at whatever it is he's talking about at the moment. And it always makes me laugh! :D I mean, TACO CHURCH, you guys? Need I say it? Count me in.

And seven books later (I gulped them all up like a dehydrated dog in the middle of the summer. It took me less than a week to finish them all. I need a refill here, Mr, Hearne. But no pressure. Just a bit.), things just keep getting better! I was prepared to hate his archdruid, I truly was (turns out I just sort of dislike him now, alternating with moments when I kinda do like him. It's pure insanity inside my head, so go figure.). It gave me unexpected pleasure to see him struggling in the modern world. I kept laughing out loud, to which my mom and dog kept sending me "WTF" looks. They still have no idea what they were missing. Just saying.

I do like the changing POVs, I do. And more importantly, I see how they are needed now, buuuut I sort of miss just 'listening' to Atticus and Oberon. (and I mean 'listening' to them in my head, like a normal crazy reader, thank you very much, and not like an audiobook thing, 'cause I don't care for those). So. Yeah. I miss those days. Like I still miss the Morrigan. Huh. I was so excited at the beginning of this review, now I'm getting bitter. And waaay off track. Let me get back on the horse. (speaking of which, the new chapter title designs -wolfhound, bear and horse- were amazing!).

Granuaile (Yes, I know what you're thinking. And for your info, I DID have to check my spelling. I always feel like I'm missing a couple of consonants. :P) going out into the big bad world on her own was very interesting to see. I felt super sorry for her, what with her dad and all, 'cause I like her as well (I HATE THIS BITCH, STAY AWAY FROM MY ATTICUS OR I'LL STAB YOU WITH YOUR OWN SWORD, AND I AIN'T KIDDING!) and her new irish wolfhound is so seriously adorbs as well (I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO MY DOG LIKE THAT!!!!!!). BTW, if you're not a dog lover already, after these books, you WILL BE.

It always suprises (and amuses) me to see what all the other gods are up to (usually nothing good, as it appears) in Atticus' world . Poor thing. Thankfully you weren't alone this time, huh?

Aaaand watch me digressing yet again.

Did you read all that? I know you didn't, so here's what it's all about:

KEVIN HEARNE IS A GOD , GO BUY ALL HIS BOOKS, YOU WON'T REGRET IT. Just make sure you start reading them very early in the morning, during a lazy weekend or your vacations, 'cause that's all you'll do all day. Promise.

Now, shoo. I have to go get me some Imortali-tea. Oh, and I have to scrape up enough money$$ to buy these pretties:

Atticus's Necklace

&

Granuaile's Iron Necklace

(So, if you're feeling generous... :P)

Audio Clip: Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Hey, everyone! Surely you remember my raving review of Monstrous Beauty, right?

Well, today I get to share with you an audio clip from the audiobook for Monstrous Beauty, from Macmillan Audio! It was released yesterday, September 4th, right along with the hardcover and ebook editions.

Monstrous Beauty
by Elizabeth Fama

Published: September 4th 2012 by Macmillan Audio

Fierce, seductive mermaid Syrenka falls in love with Ezra, a young naturalist. When she abandons her life underwater for a chance at happiness on land, she is unaware that this decision comes with horrific and deadly consequences. Almost one hundred forty years later, seventeen-year-old Hester meets a mysterious stranger named Ezra and feels overwhelmingly, inexplicably drawn to him. For generations, love has resulted in death for the women in her family. Is it an undiagnosed genetic defect . . . or a curse? With Ezra’s help, Hester investigates her family’s strange, sad history. The answers she seeks are waiting in the graveyard, the crypt, and at the bottom of the ocean—but powerful forces will do anything to keep her from uncovering her connection to Syrenka and to the tragedy of so long ago.

You can hear a clip from the audiobook right here:

You can also read the prologue and first chapter of this gem right here.

I hope you will all love this book as much as I did. :)

Please let me know what you think about the clip! 

Weekly Manga Recommendation #5 - Skip Beat! 1 by Yoshiki Nakamura

Skip Beat! 1

by Yoshiki Nakamura

Paperback, 184 pages

Published July 5th 2006 by VIZ Media LLC

Kyoko always thought that Sho, whose family took her in when she was small, was her prince charming. However, when Sho heads for Tokyo to make it big as a musician, Kyoko goes with him and has to quit high school to support his dream. But soon, being in the big city makes Kyoko realize that she has show business ambitions of her own!

__________________

This manga was really one of the best finds for me. The drawings are so amazing! The mangaka can make you explode with laughter with just the characters' expressions! :D

But unlike most manga, the art here is not the most important thing (though it is pretty good). The plot is. The storyline is very well thought of (you find yourself really WANTING to know what happens next, really caring about the characters), the characters are all greatly written, they're complex, full of feelings and they touch your heart. I've never felt this way about fictional people before. O.o  I just want them to be happy in life and together. LOL

Kyoko is my favorite heroine of all. She's dark, she's funny, she becomes unbelievably strong, and yet, you feel sorry for her and want to help her. Or kick her. Well, both. LOL.

Ren, the hero, has a special place in my heart. He's gorgeous, talented and kind-hearted. And had a very rough past we're only now starting to learn about. I love him.

Like I said, all the characters are very rich and interesting, but the main ones always stuck you more. :) You'll love them, I can bet my right arm on it. LOL

 Here are some unbelievably funny screens:

Don't you just love those crazy faces? And the little voices inside her head? And how she crushes them? LMAO! You can see how she grows a backbone and stands up to the bully.

And here you can see how cute and 'flexible' she can be when she wants something. :D

The anime version is very good, too. But I still prefer the manga.

This is, no doubt about it, one of the best mangas I ever had the pleasure to read (and I've read quite a lot...). I am proud to say I own the complete collection up to now (it's still ongoing, with already over 25 published volumes and more planned for next year).

If you have to read ONE manga your whole life, please let it be this one. ;)

*I'm not being paid in any way to gush over this title, I just really want you to read so you can see for yourself how outstanding it is. :P *

Follow Friday #1

Follow Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View.

Question: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

Well, I think it's a pretty much known fact how crazy I am about Acheron, from the Dark-Hunters series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. So, obviously, I want share with everyone how FANTASTIC his book is.

Acheron (Dark-Hunter #15)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The most anticipated story in the blockbuster Dark-Hunter series. The never-before-revealed story of the Dark-Hunter leader, Acheron.  He was made human in order to escape death, but in death he was reborn a god. . .

 Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.

Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.

Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.

War has never been more deadly... or more fun.

It's a huge book, with over 700 pages, but it's soooooo good! *-* It makes you cry, laugh and cry again. You want to kill the author for making him suffer so much, and, of course, you want to take him into your arms and kiss all his wounds and all his pain away.

What book would you recommend to everyone you know?

Friday Recommends #2

 Friday Recommends is a meme hosted by Pen To Paper.
This is where we can share a book we would highly recommend. 

The rules for Friday Recommends are:

• Follow Pen to Paper as host of the meme.
• Please consider adding the blog hop button to your blog somewhere, so others can find it easily and join in too! Help spread the word! The code will be at the bottom of the post under the linky.
• Pick a book that you've read, and have enjoyed enough to recommend to other readers. It can be a book you've read recently, or a book you read years ago - it's up to you - but make sure you tell us why you love the book (like a mini review). You make the post as long or as short as you like.
• Add your blog to the linky at the bottom of this post after posting your blog post.
• Put a link back to pen to paper (http://vogue-pentopaper.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post.
• Visit the other blogs and enjoy!

My choice this week is:

Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A tale of a gentleman and an officer

by Karen V. Wasylowski

Paperback, 464 pages

Published February 1st 2011 by Sourcebooks Landmark

A gentleman cannot survive without his best friend...

 

Fitzwilliam Darcy and colonel Fitzwilliam couldn't be more different. Darcy is quiet and reserved, and carries the weight of his responsibilities on his shoulders. His affable and vivacious cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam is a confirmed bachelor whose military feats have made him a hero, and whose devil-may-care personality hides the torments within. Cousins, best friends, and sparring partners, Darcy and Fitzwilliam have always been there for each other. Then life gets complicated, with unrequited love and unresolved deeds from the past raising their ugly heads, and family difficulties threatening even the most steadfast friendship. Will these two strong personalities find a way to align, or will the vicissitudes of life and love tear them in different directions and destroy the family they have always worked together to protect?

____________________________________

I won this title from a giveaway and I'm so glad for the opportunity to read it, because otherwise I may have never heard about it.

I've never been much of a Jane Austen fan, but I loved this 'sequel' to Pride and Prejudice. LOL

The cover is absolutely gorgeous, the writing is fluid and fun, the intimate / romantic scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth are so cute, and there are SO many great quotes!!!

The book is divided in 'two volumes', being the first about Dracy and Elizabeth and the second about Colonel Fitzwilliam and Amanda Penrod, a character of Wasylowski’s creation.

I happened to enjoy the first part better than the second, because I could relate more to Lizzy than I could to Amanda, but both of them had very well-written 'stories'. It IS a big book, but you're never tired or uninterested in any way. The author makes sure of it.

But among all, my favorite character had to be Lady Catherine. A very difficult woman, but super funny and with a great heart. ;)

Some of my favorite quotes:

“I myself find women to be unbelievably wonderful creations.”

“I suppose you will continue with this treacle even as I beg you to stop.”

“Well, think about it…” Darcy continued, looking up from his work.

Fitzwilliam groaned.

“They give back to you double and triple whatever little you hand them.”

“I think I’m going to be ill, Darcy. Please stop.”

“You hand them disparate items of food, and they give you back a wonderful meal. You provide them with four walls and a floor, and they give you back a loving home. You give them your seed,” Darcy’s eyes misted, his voice choked with emotion. “You give them your seed, and they give you back the most precious thing of all—a child…” They sat in silence together.

“And God help you if you give them shit.” Fitzwilliam was calmly packing tobacco into his pipe, and his eyes met Darcy’s for a moment. Understanding flashed between them.

“Amen to that, Cousin.” Darcy crashed down to earth, quickly resuming his work”

- and -

“Did you just spit on your hand before you patted down my hair?” he asked indignantly.

“Oh, I did no such thing. Now be still. Of all the rude, impertinent accusations to make! Bend down lower. I will have you know that members of the aristocracy do not have ‘spit’ as you crudely refer to it, young man. We do not acknowledge saliva in any form. Straighten your collar. There, you look nearly presentable.” She grumbled in aggravation, “Do you even own a brush?” Grabbing his chin, she brusquely turned his face from side to side. “For heaven’s sake, Richard, what did you use to shave—a shovel?”

“Leave now, Catherine, and I may spare your life.” There was a moment of quiet from behind the door. “Go, woman! I intend to begin ravishing my wife shortly; however, I will not even consider it before I see that little dwarflike body of yours waddling down this corridor! Away with you! Shoo!”

There are many other great ones here.

If you like historical romances with drama, humor and strong female characters, this is definitely your read. ;)

Friday Reads - The Sterkarm Series by Susan Price

The Sterkarm Handshake

 

by Susan Price

"Beware of shaking hands with a Sterkarm!" goes the folk saying. Why the warning? The members of this wild 16th-century Scottish clan are left-handed, and while they smile and offer the right hand, the left wields a dagger.
When a 21st-century mega-corporation opens a Time Tube to the 16th century, the stiff-backed CEO finds his plans for exploiting the mineral and tourism possibilities of the ancient English-Scottish border frustrated by the Sterkarms--raiding parties of men he regards as primitive animals.

On the other side of the Time Tube, anthropologist Andrea Mitchell has been sent to live with the Sterkarms to be the corporation's informant and translator. There she is surprised to find herself admired for her generous curves and accepted warmly by the volatile and affectionate--but intermittently murderous--clansmen. When her lover, Per, is grievously wounded on a raid, she persuades Old Toorkild, the chief, to allow his handsome and adored son to be transported to the 21st century for healing. But when Per awakes in a world four centuries ahead of his own, his terror and suspicions of treachery bring down a wild collision between heartless technology and a ferocious people skilled in passionate defense of their life and lands.

Winner of the Guardian Fiction Prize in England, Susan Price's The Sterkarm Handshake--a richly textured love story, a vivid and sometimes humorous portrayal of confrontation between cultures, and a thumping good page-turner--should find enthusiastic fans among teen-fantasy and time-travel buffs. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell

 

A Sterkarm Kiss

by Susan Price
Andrea Mitchell returns to the past, only it's not exactly the past she visited in The Sterkarm Handshake (HarperCollins, 2000). Her nasty ex-boss at FUP asks once again for her translating services, and Andrea agrees to go back through the Time Tube to the 16th century–against her better judgment–hoping she will be reunited with her lover, Per.

Andrea departs and learns that she's been sent to a wholly different dimension, in which the people she lovingly remembers exist but do not recognize her. Instead of buying the loyalty of the Sterkarms, the company she works for initiates a violent overthrow by pitting them against their enemy clan, the Grannams. When an ill-fated wedding draws to its inevitable conclusion, the company's plans are set in motion, and Andrea must unravel them.

Though Price re-explains the setup from book one, familiarity with that novel gives this one greater emotional resonance. The plot moves quickly, and there's as much or more violence than in the previous book. The idea of a past that's actually a part of another dimension gets a bit confusing (16-A, 16-B), but it effectively comes together in a cliff-hanger ending.

The impersonal, inhuman violence of the 21st-siders is subtly, effectively juxtaposed with the brutality and anger of the 16th-siders. Andrea again faces an impossible but emotionally engaging situation: choosing between her murderous 16th-century lover and her destructive 21st-side counterparts.

__________________

Since it's Black Friday today, I've prepared a double book recommendation. ;)

I highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys time travel, science fiction, fantasy, Scotland and romance! These are real page-turners, but unfortunately they're not very popular. Probably because they were not mainstream. Such a pity. The only way to find them is in used books' stores, but they're completely worth it. My copies are old library ones, and I treasure them immensely. *-*.

I'd give them 5674323 stars if I could. 5 are just not enough.

The alternate-universe 16th century, the Sterkarms (all such rich, complex and well-written characters!), the interesting 'time tube', the references to the old cultures and languages, the issue of greedy 21st century people wanting to exploit the land of the 'less developed' and naïve medieval Sterkarms, the 'forbidden romance', all of it joins in to make a GREAT book! I mean, no wonder the first volume won the 1999 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize!

These books are labeled as YA by some, but I really don't see why. To me they are adult reads, with real issues mixed in with fantasy.

I absolutely fell in love with Andrea and Per, and they also broke my heart.

As soon as I was done with The Sterkarm Handshake, I ran and got myself a copy of A Sterkarm Kiss. And, seriously, so should you. These are gems, master pieces. No, Susan Price didn't pay me anything to say this, I'm just being honest. LOL

Too bad she never came around to writing the third part... :((

Aaaand....

Sixpence Bride (Timeswept) by Virginia Farmer - Review

Sixpence Bride (Timeswept) by Virginia Farmer

Jilted by her fiance, Tanner had to struggle not to believe that her own value had been somehow diminished. Still she knew better than to let that fear ruin her tour of England. But no one had explained to her that there would be a mock bride auction—or that she would be sucked back in time to the close of the eighteenth century.

Suddenly Jocelyn found herself in another time, another body, and in a real auction—being claimed by a real hunk of a man. Still, her bride price hardly seemed flattering. And the handsome Garren had not yet shown her the attention for which she yearned. But as she began to make this new body her own, she saw interest flare behind the lord's reserved facade. She'd soon show him—and herself-in pounds or pennies, no one was worth more than his...

_________________________________________________

My Review:

It was such a quick read, super funny and cute. Loved the heroine Tanner/Jocelyn and the story, but I really would have enjoyed it more if it had a further development.

I would've liked to see how Nelwina fared in the 21st century, what they would feel if they returned to their original time and then traded bodies again, a little more romance between the main characters, a clearer ending for the villain... it felt quite rushed and short, as if the author had to cut a lot of the story out.

Too bad, it could have been a 5 star! :) I will read it again, though.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready - Review

Shade
(Shade #1)

by Jeri Smith-Ready

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.



________________________________________

My Review:

I loved, loved, LOVED it! Such a great, believable story, with so many strong, lovable characters and heart-clenching moments. A fantastic read. I read it in one sitting!


Aura was born post-Shift (the first one to be born post-Shift, actually), which means she can see and hear ghosts. She's not really happy about it, but she deals with it. LOL. Problem starts when her beloved boyfriend, Logan, overdoses on his birthday, dies and becomes a ghost. She can still see and talk to him, but they can never really be together again, try as they may. There's a very interesting take on sexual frustration in this book. Very realistic and believable.


Then comes the new guy at school, the Scot hottie Zachary (who also happens to be the last pre-shifter, born only a minute before Aura). Zach is 'the good guy' with the sexy brogue and beautiful eyes that tries his best to comfort Aura. The couple joins forces to discover more about the Shift and how it came to be. The action scenes were really good.


Logan's trial scene was very touching. The author has such a great way with words and descriptions, she just continuously makes your heart twist and clench.


This book was such a great mix of wonderful things! Romance, drama, music, boys... if you like emotional roller-coasters, great writing and strong characters, go for it!

In case you're wondering, I'm Team Shade Boys, because I really just can't pick one.

The sequel, Shift is out, too. And I already got mine. (I'm actually saving it. I want to savor it. LOL)