Shadow Falls: Awake at Dawn Review

Shadow Falls Series: Awake at Dawn (Book #2)

YA Paranormal Romance

By C.C Hunter

Goodreads Summary: Step into the world of Shadow Falls, a camp that helps teens tap into their special... talents. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it—and you’ll never, ever be the same.

From the moment Kylie Galen arrived at Shadow Falls Camp, she’s had one burning question: What am I? Surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies and witches, Kylie longs to figure out her own supernatural identity…and what her burgeoning powers mean. And now she’ll need them more than ever, because she’s being haunted by a new spirit who insists that someone Kylie knows—and loves—will die before the end of the summer. If only she only knew who she was supposed to save. And how...

But giving Kylie the most trouble is her aching heart. Gorgeous werewolf Lucas left camp with another girl, but he’s still visiting Kylie in her dreams. And Derek, a sexy half Fae who’s always been there for her when she needed him, is pushing to get more serious—and growing impatient, especially when Lucas returns. Kylie knows she needs to decide between the boys, and it’s tearing her up inside.

Yet romance will have to wait, because something from the dark side of the supernatural world is hiding in Shadow Falls. It’s about to threaten everything she holds dear... and bring her closer to her destiny.

Gabrielle's Review:

This is the second book in Shadow Falls Series. Now that Kylie fully believes in the paranormal world, she is still on her path of self discovery. Weird things begin to happen that she can't explain. Like, she drinks blood and realizes that she actually liked it.  She knocked a solid oak door down when she thought Derek was in trouble (but he was only showering). She learns how to deal with the ghosts who keep needing her help (which honestly freaks everyone at the camp out.) 

The series keeps getting better and better. The romance is heart stopping, the action is exhilarating, and discovering Kylie's new abilities is exciting. C.C Hunter knows how to pull a little of everything and make it a grand story. I couldn't put the book down. I read it almost in one sitting. I have even re-read it about five times. This is one of the best series I have ever read. I can't wait for more from C.C Hunter! The last book of Shadow Falls: After Dark comes out toward the end of this year. (It's Della's story.)

Shadow Falls: Born at Midnight

Shadow Falls Series: Born at Midnight (Book 1)

YA Paranormal Romance

By C.C Hunter

Goodreads Summary:

Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs.

Gabrielle's Review: 5 Star Review *****

This is the first book in a five book series. The main character, Kylie Galen gets sent to an overnight summer camp for "troubled teens" but what her parents don't know is that it's really a camp for supernatural teens who need help adjusting. Some, like the werewolves, grew up knowing who and what they were but then there are people like Kylie... Her mom isn't supernatural but her dad is so Kylie thinks everyone is pulling her leg when she is told about supernaturals.

Kylie immediately meets Derek, a half fae, who is the sweetest guy. But when she arrives at the camp, she notices Lucas, a werewolf. Her initial feeling toward him is fear because she remembered him from when she was a child and she believes he killed her cat but as the book progresses they become closer and Kylie isn't sure who she wants to be with. It is a typical love triangle but it keeps the romance interesting and keeps you guessing who she will end up with until the last book.
Warning: this series is addicting! It pulls you in right from the beginning when her life is turned upside down because her parents were acting like children.

I love each of the characters. Everyone is different and none of them blend together. Kylie becomes best friends with her two cabin mates: Della and Miranda. Della is a sassy vampire who doesn't let her emotions show. Miranda is a sensitive witch. Kylie is quiet and kind to everyone. 

The moment I finished the first book I went out and bought the next two because I discovered the series after the 3rd book was released and I couldn't put the books down. Then after that, I pre-ordered each book so I could begin reading it right away. I love C.C Hunter's creative mind and her gripping plots. Her Shadow Falls Series will NOT disappoint.  The only time I was disappointed was when I finished the last book and there was none left to read BUT don't worry! She came out with Shadow Falls: After Dark Series! (Which I also posted reviews for!) Della's story is just as good if not better!

Soon, C.C Hunter will be releasing her novella for Miranda and I can't wait! I'm dying to see how much Miranda grew and how she turns into the witch she's supposed to be.

Good job, C.C Hunter! Keep writing so I can devour the more of your books!

C.C Hunter's Book Tour

 

C.C Hunter's 2015 Book Tour Dates and Locations:

January 23, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, She'll be at Mostly Books in Tucson, Arizona.

March 27-29, She'll be teaching workshops and attending the California Dreamin' Conference near Los Angeles.

May 12-17, She'll be kicking up my heels at the RT Booklovers Convention. She will be teaching several teen workshops and participating in their Giant Book Fair on May 17th along with 800+ authors. If you live in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, you can't miss this one!

 

I met C.C Hunter when she came to Manchester, NH last year. She is the nicest, most generous author I have ever met. If you live nearby one of these locations, make sure you don't miss her!

 

C.C Hunter Books:

Shadow Falls Series: Born at Midnight, Awake at Dawn, Taken at Dusk, Whispers at Moonrise, and Chosen at Nightfall.

Shadow Falls: After Dark Series: Reborn, Eternal, and Unspoken.

Find C.C Hunter:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CCHunterFans

https://www.facebook.com/ShadowFallsSeries

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/CCHunterBooks

Website:

http://www.cchunterbooks.com/news.html

All Played Out Cover Reveal

ALL PLAYED OUT (Rusk University #3)

New Adult Romance

By Cora Carmack

 

First person in her family to go to college? CHECK.
Straight A’s? CHECK.
On track to graduate early? CHECK.
Social life? …..yeah, about that….

With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. (Okay... Scratch that. She knows she hasn't had the full college experience).

So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a "to do" list of normal college activities.

Item #1? Hook up with a jock.

Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it's impossible to get hurt... again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it.

Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she's never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he's willing to take the chance when it's more than just a game.

Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real. 

Reserve your copy today!

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-played-out-cora-carmack/1119471854?cm_mmc=affiliates-_-linkshare-_-mdxm68jzjz8-_-10%3a1&ean=9780062326249&isbn=9780062326249&r=1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/All-Lined-Up-University-Novel/dp/0062326201/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/all-played-out/id877731942?mt=11 

 

                                                 About Cora Carmack:

 

           Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

 

You can find Cora at:

https://www.facebook.com/CoraCarmackBooks

https://twitter.com/CoraCarmack

http://coracarmack.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

 



IGNITE



IGNITE (Defy #2) 

By Sara B. Larson

 



Goodreads Summary:

 

                Murder, abductions, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

               Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian’s side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?

 

  Gabrielle's Review:
                 I first discovered Sara B. Larson when her debut novel (Defy) released. I didn't realize at the time of purchase that it was her debut novel and as I read it, I still didn't realize it. Her writing style, although simple, is elegant. My only complaint I actually had of that book was that I didn't feel the plot had many layers. I didn't find out it was her debut novel until I liked her Facebook page. 
                 I recommend liking Sara's facebook.  ( https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraBLarson ) After liking her facebook, I realized that she isn't like a lot of authors. She is friendly, generous, and a great person overall.
                When I started reading Ignite, I did notice the plot, writing, and characters more came to life. Now that Prince Damian is King Damian, everyone thought things would be easier but what no one expected was certain countries wanting to wage war. Which countries? They aren't sure. They need to figure it out before a full blown war erupts. And the hardest part of all? Their new allies Blevon are being framed - or so they hope.
                I love Alexa's determination to be the best guard she can be. Even when King Damian tries to get her to admit her feelings for him, she refuses him and tells him to find a woman fit to be queen, not his "scarred guard." Honestly, without Alexa, all of Antion (her kingdom) would have been conquered easily.
                I couldn't put Ignite down. I read it even faster than I read Defy and I thought that was fast. It was a fast paced book with lovable characters. Sara's writing shined throughout the entire novel. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great Fantasy novel. Good job Sara!!

                 -Gabrielle

The Cop Who Stole Christmas

The Cop Who Stole Christmas

By Christie Craig

Goodreads Summary:

         Savanna Edwards is feeling downright Scrooge-like. Who can blame her? A truly unjolly Santa—suit, beard and all—just repossessed her car because of her ex’s shady business dealings. She’d like to murder the no-good lying cheat, but somebody already did that for her—and left him right in the middle of her kitchen, wrapped up with a bow.

 

Detective Mark Donaldson has a rule against getting involved with his neighbors. He can look—and he’s studied every sweet curve of Savanna from across the street—but he can’t touch. So when she lands on his doorstep in need of help, he finds himself torn between being naughty or nice, and fights every urge to unwrap her like a shiny new Christmas present. 



Trouble is, even Mark can’t resist a little holiday magic . . . and there’s definitely something magical happening between him and the girl next door.

Gabrielle's Review:

             I first discovered Christie Craig by her YA novels (which are a must read even for adults!) and when I found out she wrote adult romances I knew I had to read them. I was NOT disappointed. The only thing that discouraged me was that The Cop Who Stole Christmas wasn't even 200 pages BUT the story was great, and you'll never be able to guess who killed her ex-husband. I hate when books are too predictable but Cristie Craig knows how to keep the suspense and romance alive until the very end!
            The book starts out by Savannah's car being towed. It was one of the only things she got out of her divorce. Savannah, desperate and looking like a "smurf", ran over to her neighbor's house who is a cop, Mark, but he tells her to get lost. And to only come back if she finds a "body" because that's his kind of job.
           Then she finds her ex husband's body in her kitchen and runs to his door. Mark agrees to help her even though he should stay out of it but what they don't realize right away is that their lives will never be the same since their first encounter. But neither one of them believed they were ready for a serious relationship. Will they find out who murdered Savannah's ex? Will they find a way to put their past in the past and find a future together? Well, find out in The Cop Who Stole Christmas!
          The Cop Who Stole Christmas will NOT disappoint. It's funny, cute, romantic, suspenseful, and will immediately steal your heart. Mark is a man who you will wish was real and you could keep all for yourself. And even though Savannah finds strength when she's with him, she also finds it on her own. She is a strong woman. Definitely someone I love to root for!

All Lined Up

*Attention: This is New Adult, not YA*

All Lined Up

By: Cora Carmack

                                                       Goodreads Summary:
        New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack follows up her trio of hits—Losing It, Faking It, and Finding It—with this thrilling first novel in an explosive series bursting with the Texas flavor, edge, and steamy romance of Friday Night Lights.

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

                                                                       Gabrielle's Review:

         All Lined Up starts off with Dallas starting her freshman year in college. She came from a town where her father was the football coach and her life wasn't hers to control. Guys continually tried to use her to get to her father so when she got to college her number 1 rule was: DON'T DATE A FOOTBALL PLAYER! *Cue Carson* While at a college party, at a frat house, she meets a guy who she ends up finding out is up to no good. So she screams at the  top of her lungs while standing on a balcony. Carson, oh so sweet, sexy, determined, Carson yells up to Dallas and she's startled to find someone so close. She ends up jumping off the balcony and into Carson's arms. Who am I kidding? He fell with her on top of him and he declares he broke his butt. They make out then she bolts and after he practically BEGGED for her number, he ignored her. After he realized he can't keep her out of his mind, Carson and Dallas agree to remain friends and nothing more because neither can afford more. She's too afraid and Carson has no time for a distraction. He needs to maintain good grades and  try to earn a scholarship. But as time goes on they realize they have more of a pull than either wanted to admit.            I'd like to start off by saying this was certainly a fantastic read. I only recently discovered Cora Carmack (I'll certainly be reading her other books so reviews will come for others). Her writing is refreshing, and precise. I like how when she writes her dialogue she doesn't overly use "she said, he said."
           I couldn't put the book down. I finished it within 24 hours and I NEED MORE. I loved how sweet, caring, and patient Carson was. A lot of New Adult contemporary is about a "bad boy" who finds a "good girl" and he cleans up his act but this wasn't. It was refreshing. Yes - Dallas IS a good girl but Carson wasn't a playboy. They made a great match.
           Excellent job Cora Carmack! I had absolutely no complaints about this book. It was an adorable read with lovable characters!

TIFFANY KING'S CONTRADICTIONS IS OUT TODAY

Contradictions

A Woodfalls Girls Novel

Tiffany King

"Without a doubt, the chemistry between the party-girl heroine and the geeky-

but-adorable hero is off the charts explosive."—RT Book Reviews

"Fun, fandom, romance and the perfectly sweet kind of opposites 

attracting."—NY Times Bestselling author, Jay Crownover 

RELEASES TODAY (Jan 6th, 2015)

Purchase Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1BFIYZd
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1BFJkPy
iBooks: https://itun.es/us/6rFzX.l
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1HFvoJ3

When everything starts spinning out of control . . .

Three years into college, Tressa Oliver’s life is a nonstop party. She’s skating by in 

her classes, and there’s no shortage of drinking, dancing, and general hell-raising. 

The only aspect that hasn’t been much fun: She can’t shake the toxic jerks that 

always seem to gravitate toward her.

It will take someone totally wrong . . .

Trent James is the classic anti–bad boy: smart, boring, and way too serious. To a 

wild girl like Tressa, there’s no way in hell they’re compatible—especially since 

Trent seems to see straight through her defenses.

To set her right.

When a college prank goes terribly wrong, Tressa starts to suspect that her 

partying ways are leading nowhere fast. Now she has to turn to the last person she 

ever thought she’d ask for help—and quickly discovers that there’s more to Trent 

than meets the eye . . .