Truthwitch Review

Truthwitch (Witchland Series #1)

By Susan Dennard

YA FANTASY

Goodreads Summary:
In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

Gabrielle's 5 star Review:
Imagine diving into a world and being torn to shreds... Only to find a lulling balm for your wounds... Then your heart is ripped out of your body but you can't resist reading more. That was how my reading experience was while reading Truthwitch by Susan Dennard.
Safi is a truthwitch. No one can find out because then emperors and empresses will want to posses her. Iseult is a weavewitch but she is also looked down on for her heritage. These two girls are best friends against all odds.
The book starts out with Safi and Iz starting trouble with a guild that hired a bloodwitch. The girls fight them and manage to run off but that doesn't mean they're safe. The bloodwitch hunts them using their blood's scent.
Safi meets Merik who is prince of Nubrevna but at first neither of them know who the other is... Not until they bump into each other at a ball type event. They dance together and something sparks between them but they can't tell if it's hatred or fondness. After Merik leaves, it is announced that Safi is betrothed to the emperor and she has to escape.
Different empires seek Safi as does the bloodwitch... It's full of action, love, adventure... It is everything I love in a YA Fantasy novel!
I read this whole book in less than a day. I couldn't stop reading. I loved Merik and Safi. Their chemistry exploded off the page... 
And against my better judgement, I loved the bloodwitch. He was an interesting character. He isn't quite a bad guy but not a good guy... He likes to play by his own rules. 
And Iz was an interesting character but out of the main people, she was probably my least favorite. Her and Safi did have an amazing friendship, though.
I wasn't sure who to root for during this epic ride. Anyone who loves YA Fantasy will enjoy this book! I highly recommend it!

Fading Into the Shadows COVER REVEAL!

Fading Into the Shadows

By Kelly Hashway

Synopsis: 

When sixteen-year-old Ella Andrews’s best friend, Avery, goes missing, she’ll do anything to get him back—starting with punching the no-brain cop who couldn’t care less about the disappearance.

Ella’s convinced Avery’s been kidnapped, and she tries everything to find him—even following a strange shadow to another world where the constellations are real-life figures in the sky. But three star groups have fallen and are destroying the world.

The fallen constellations are not the only enemy. Melanie, the princess of Stellaris, is forcing Ella, Avery, and an army of other kids kidnapped from their world to fight the rogue constellations, even as the land is draining away their life. The longer they stay, the more they fade into substanceless shadows—a fate worse than death.

Mastering Her Senses Cover Reveal

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

About MASTERING HER SENSES (Blasphemy #2, 2/21/17):

12 Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…

Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…

When an accident leaves Cassia Locke with a paralyzing fear of the dark, she’ll try anything to get help. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.

Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Hearts & Ink Coloring Book & Giveaway

Hearts & Inks Coloring Book

Based off Laura Kaye's books

A Note from Laura:

Friends! I am so excited to share that I’ve worked with the awesome Jessica Hildreth at Creative Book Concepts to design my first adult coloring book based on my bestselling books! HEARTS & INK features 30 original designs with quotes from the books, iconic images, and fun backgrounds that I hope will excite long-time fans and intrigue new-to-me readers! I drew the title from my two bestselling series: the HEARTS in Darkness Duet and the Hard INK books! But you’ll also find pages from my new Raven Riders and Blasphemy series, my older paranormal series (the Hearts of the Anemoi based on Greek mythology, my Vampire Warrior Kings series, and my stand-alone novel, Forever Freed). Plus an absolutely gorgeous page from my historical fiction, America’s First Daughter (written as Laura Kamoie). So there’s a lot here to explore and color!

COLOR/POST/WIN GIVEAWAY CONTEST! For your chance to win one of 5 $10 Amazon or B&N gift cards, simply COLOR a page from my coloring book, POST it to Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #HeartsandInk by November 30 at midnight EST, and look for my posts on December 1 to see if you won!

About the Hearts & Ink Adult Coloring Book:

New York Times Bestselling Author Laura Kaye invites you to immerse yourself within her fictional worlds with this adult coloring book inspired by her award-winning and bestselling novels. Thirty exciting and original designs will inspire, relax, and entertain fans old and new! Featuring book quotes and a variety of simple and intricate designs with lots of colorable space, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your pencils and crayons and get ready to read - and color - hard!

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

While the Duke Was Sleeping Review & Giveaway

Title: While the Duke Was Sleeping

Author: Sophie Jordan

Genre: Historical Romance

Goodreads Summary: 
Sometimes the man of your dreams . . .

        Shop girl Poppy Fairchurch knows it’s pointless fantasizing about the Duke of Autenberry. Still, dreams can’t hurt anyone . . . unlike the carriage Poppy spies bearing down upon the unsuspecting duke. After she pulls him to safety, the duke lapses into a coma and Poppy is mistaken for his fiancée. But one person isn’t fooled: his arrogant and much too handsome half-brother, Struan Mackenzie. Soon Poppy isn’t sure what she wants more . . . the fantasy of her duke or the reality of one smoldering Scot who challenges her at every turn.

. . . is not who you think.

        An illegitimate second son, Struan may have built an empire and established himself as one of the wealthiest men in Britain, but he knows he will always be an outsider among the ton. Just like he knows the infuriating Poppy is a liar. There’s no way the haughty Duke of Autenberry would deign to wed a working class girl. It doesn’t matter how charming she is. Or tempting. Or how much Struan wants her for himself.

Gabrielle's 5 ***** Review:
         In the beginning, I did something terribly wrong... I didn't judge the book by its cover BUT I did judge it by its name. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way. BUT I love all Sophie Jordan books so I knew I'd read it anyway... And I LOVED IT. Every single second of it.
It starts off with Poppy working in a flower shop, admiring the Duke of Autenberry. He never leads her on but he's kind to her even though she's just the flower shop worker and she creates this fantasy in her mind that leaves her infatuated with him.
        One day, while leaving the shop, she watches him walk down the street... But is then stopped by a stranger, a rough looking stranger... And they get into a fight. When Poppy saves the Duke's life, she is sent to the Duke's home to make sure he is cared for. But then there is a miscommunication and everyone in the family believes her to be the Duke's betrothed... Everyone except Struan, the duke's bastard brother.
        Struan is alone, completely alone... And when he went to find his father after his father turned him down as a boy, he found him to be dead. So, he tried to talk to the next duke so perhaps he could have a family again. But the Duke of Autenberry doesn't want to believe his father cheated on his mother and shuns him out of the family. (Even though the rest of the family welcomes him)
         While the duke was sleeping, Struan and Poppy immediately are drawn to each other. At first, it starts as a game. Their banter is amusing and entertaining. Struan wants to see if he can please her more than his brother but both Struan and Poppy start to feel something more for each other. Something stronger than the cat and mouse game they started with.
        While The Duke Was Sleeping is definitely my favorite historical romance by Sophie Jordan. Perhaps even my favorite by ANY author. I love how Poppy is a dreamer. How even though she got the bad end of the stick, she still believed in something more. She gave up her whole life to take care of her sister and to make sure she was safe and she never felt too jaded by that fact. Most people are too selfish to do that.
        Struan starts out wanting revenge on his family but slowly begins to find peace and a home filled with a welcoming family. And as both of them heal and evolve, they find love in each other... But when the duke wakes up, Struan leaves. Leaving a broken hearted Poppy behind. And then I hate Struan because a man should fight for what he wants.
        Overall, I loved, loved, loved this book. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't eat, sleep, or even go to the bathroom before I finished the book. I recommend this to anyone who loves a great historical romance or just a good romance in general. I'll always be a Sophie Jordan fan. She never disappoints me!

!!!!GIVEAWAY!!!!

On Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL8uFgtB5_i/?taken-by=gabriellewrites&hl=en

Midnight Hour Review

Midnight Hour

By C.C. Hunter

YA Paranormal Romance

Goodreads Summary:
After captivating millions across the globe, the Shadow Falls saga reaches its final—and most unforgettable—chapter yet! Prepare to fall in love all over again...

Being a dyslexic witch is a curse in itself, but Miranda Kane’s time at Shadow Falls has helped her harness her magical powers. Now, just as she’s finally mastered them and is preparing to graduate with her friends, a near-death experience threatens to ruin it all.

Miranda awakens in the hospital with a mysterious tattoo that no one can explain. As she struggles to make sense of it – and questions her feelings for a certain irresistible shape-shifter and a hot new guy – the strange markings begin to spread all over her body, leaving her desperate to find answers. But before she can solve that problem, a new one arises: her sister is missing.

Has her sister been kidnapped? Miranda will risk her life to find out. Will she live to share the day she’s worked so hard for with her friends? When the clock strikes midnight, will Miranda make it to her graduation at Shadow Falls?

C.C. Hunter brings The Shadow Falls saga to a spectacular conclusion in this thrilling finale: Midnight Hour!


Gabrielle's 5 ***** Review:
I started reading C.C Hunter's books back when Kylie first started at Shadow Falls and was a total misfit. But then she met her two best friends: Della and Miranda. They were a balanced trio, always keeping each other in line.

I was SO excited to finally get into Miranda's head. Her and her pinky swingy head. :D The book starts out with Miranda and Tabitha (sisters) going to a cabin to get their fortunes told because Tabitha wants to know if what she has with her boyfriend is real. But things go to hell before they can find anything out. The building explodes and they barely get out with their lives.

Tabitha's boyfriend keeps looking guiltier and guiltier as the book goes on but Tabitha insists he's innocent. Miranda tries to take her sister's side but when the evidence builds up more, Miranda is starting to think maybe Tabitha's blinded by love and that maybe Anthony is guilty.

Then, there's a point of view for Perry. He found his family and is trying to find evidence to bring their gang down but not everyone trusts him so they keep a close eye on him. 

In the middle of everything Miranda is trying to figure out if she wants to stay with Shawn (her new boyfriend) or go back with Perry (Does he deserve her after everything he put her through?) But I kinda started to dislike Shawn because he doesn't always seem to be too loyal.

Tabitha disappears and they can't figure out if she's kidnapped or if she left on her own free will. But the longer they take the more danger they could be putting her in... Especially when there are gangs out there willing to kill anyone in their path to have both the sisters.

I am sad Miranda only gets one book but C.C Hunter made this book worth it. I couldn't stop reading it. I needed to know where Tabitha was and why she was missing. Miranda really stepped up to the plate and gave her all to get her sister back which I think is awesome. It gives young girls someone to look up to because Miranda isn't normally the type to stand up and do whatever it takes. It shows anyone can do it and not just the tough ones like Della.

I'm sad Shadow Falls is over but this was a great conclusion! Definitely a 5 star read for me. I can't wait for more from C.C Hunter. (Even though it won't be more Shadow Falls!)

There are two series before this book (but you can read it as a standalone):
Shadow Falls series AND Shadow Falls: After Dark! Check those out if you haven't yet.

Midnight Hour Trailer: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdCkKyDDjVw&feature=youtu.be

Hard to Serve (Hard Ink Novella) Review

Hard to Serve (Hard Ink #4.7)

By Laura Kaye

Erotic Romance

In celebration of Laura Kaye's release of Bound to Submit, I read and reviewed Hard to Serve. It is the novella leading into the Blasphemy series.

Goodreads Summary:
To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction…

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

Then, as their relationship burns hotter, Kyler learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

Gabrielle's 4 **** Review:
         The book starts out with Detective Kyler Vance being investigated. He did do some sketchy things (in the other hard ink novels) but it was all for good. His godfather, Miguel, was murdered so he did want revenge but he ended up helping the men of hard ink because that was what Miguel was doing.
         Mia Breslin is an artist and nothing is really wrong with her life... Except for the fact that she's kind of lonely and can't find a man who likes to dominate in the bedroom. Most men who tried to, in order to please her, didn't do it up to her standards.
         So, finally, after months of researching the BDSM club, Blasphemy, she decides to go with a temporary membership. The Masters there are nice and welcoming and definitely interested in Mia...          But Kyler pretty much tell the others to get lost because for some reason, Mia has grabbed his attention. After months of not having any sex because of an injury, he is ready to dive back in, with Mia.
        The attraction between the two is instant and every time she visits, she only does "scenes" with Master Kyler. Then they run into Kyler's boss or more accurately Mia's father and suddenly everything they started to build up between the two of them, it all disappears. Kyler avoids Mia. He's already under investigation. He didn't want to add "dating the boss' daughter" to his already big stack of problems.
        I love how Mia steps out of her comfort zone and decides to go to Blasphemy. She makes friends with some of the other Masters. Kyler on the other hand, really made me angry every time I was inside his head. Yes, I understand you don't want a relationship... You don't gotta keep saying/thinking it. Then suddenly, he can't live without her? He was really unstable in my mind.
I did enjoy this ending to the Hard Ink Series, especially since Laura brought a few of them into the story. And it was an interesting lead into the Blasphemy series. I want to find out more about the other Masters.