Destiny (Destiny 1) by Deborah Ann

Title: Destiny (Destiny 1)
Author: Deborah Ann
Published: November 2012, by Destiny Publishing-Hester
Number of Pages: 505

Blurb from Goodreads:Danielle Kennedy is not one to believe in fairy tale love or destiny holding a plan for the future, nor does she believe in mythical legends, vampires, or spirits... 

At sixteen, athletic, honor student Danielle has her life planned out: study hard, play soccer even harder, and slide through high school under the radar. It was a good plan, a solid plan, one that’s worked so far; until Cayden Bridwell—the longtime shy and brainy classmate she has ignored—rides in on his motorcycle and obliterates her plans. Now, life as Danielle knows it, will never be the same. 

Wealthy Cayden—only recently coming into his own and learning the shocking truth, that as the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, he is the chosen one, gifted with powers—has shyly stood back and watched unassuming and unsuspecting Danielle, grow into the beautiful girl she is, knowing all along of their destiny to be together, and waiting for the time to be right. After his rapid growth spurt and realizing his full powers and strength, that time is now! Cayden is intent on winning her heart. 

But the euphoria of their intoxicating attraction is soon shadowed by despair; neither are prepared for the danger that will ensue, the lives that will be at risk, or the secrets they will be forced to keep, when they discover that destiny’s gifts come with a curse, opening their world to nightmares that become reality and mythical legends that become real, with immortal beings seeking to sway Cayden to the dark side to steal his eternal soul and powers—including Danielle, as his destined soul mate… 

Review: I have a love hate relationship with this.  There are so many things I loved  that were just great about this novel and then other things infuriated me to no end.

   I'll  start with the things I loved. The concept and premise. This was so different from any other paranormal romance there that going into it I really didn't know where the author was going to take that. The whole seventh son of the seventh son concept is great and you really don't see it to much out there.

   I liked our main characters. Dani and Cayden were smart and knew what they wanted and they were in general likable characters. Cayden was sweet. He had the boy next door vibe and that really worked for him. Dani was determined and even though she wasn't one hundred percent rational at times she was likable despite being stubborn.

    Okay so now here's what drove me insane. The romance. I can't believe I'm saying this. I am like the biggest romance, true-love, soul mate geek out there but the romance was both the best part of the novel and the most infuriating. It was amazing because they really do care for each other so much and their love is pure and all that but it annoyed me because they were so codependent. It's okay to love someone so much that you feel like maybe you're missing something when they're not there  but this is taking it to the extreme. They go on talking about how they miss each other while they were separated for at most five minutes. It was an extremely codependent relationship with Dani always going on about how she needs him and she basically ignored everyone when she was with him. It was cute at first but towards the end of the novel it kind of had me rolling my eyes.

    So this book leaves me puzzled. The concept was great but there wasn't all that much plot development in the novel and the romance was cute but it really pushed some buttons.

   So I give this novel 

Second Stone ( Souls of the Stones 2) by Kelly Walker

Title: Second Stone ( Souls of the Stone 2)
Author: Kelly Walker
Published: February 15, 2013 by Kelly Walker
Number of Pages: 337

Blurb from Goodreads:With her prince by her side, Emariya Warren begins the journey to Sheas to confront her uncle and bring her father home. 

Only days after leaving the castle, the devastating news of her brother's continued treachery threatens to tear Torian and Emariya apart. But before Emariya can try to repair the rift between her and her prince, she must first answer one important question. Why can't she wake up?

Review: Before I start my review I would just like to thank Kelly Walker the author of this amazing novel for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

     Okay, so after how the last book ended I just had to get my hands on this and lucky for me I didn't have to wait long at all.

      In this book the action is more intense and the stakes are so much higher. I felt so bad for Emariya in this book. Not only is she still hurt by her brothers betrayal but a new betrayal from someone she always loved and held in high regard  threatens to destroy Emariya and everything she was working towards. Can I just say when this little tidbit was revealed my jaw dropped. I felt so bad for Riya, I just wanted to give her hug. 

    Speaking of Riya, she really matures in this novel. She is still the same sweet girl, but she has lost some of her naivete and is more aware of how evil some people are.  She realizes who she is and who she must be to bring  her people together and that transformation was really great to see.

    Torian [insert dreamy sigh here] Words cannot describe him. He is always there for Riya and it's so obvious how much he loves her. He also grew to be a calculated and intelligent general and it was good to see his people looking up to him and realizing what a great leader he could be. I could go on and on about Torian but I'm summing it up to this. Torian is god, he is like hotness, sweetness, intelligence and awesomeness compacted into one very attractive package.

       This book kept me on my toes the entire time and the bitter sweet ending left me wanting so much more. Can't wait for the next book.

   I give this novel 

Gifted Stone- A Souls of the Stone Short Story Collection by Kelly Walker

Title: Gifted Stone-A Souls of the Stone Short Story Collection ( Souls of the Stone 1.5)
Author: Kelly Walker
Published: December 1, 2012 by Kelly Walker
Number of Pages: 40

Blurb from Goodreads:A pair of short stories that complement the Souls of the Stones trilogy.

The Day Of The Three - 
Emariya misses her home and her Father on this very special holiday. Will Torian's gift cheer her up?

Keeping Secrets - Told through Rink's perspective and set during Cornerstone while he and Jessa are alone - Do you know Rink's secret?

Review: This was the perfect bridge between Cornerstone and Second Stone. If there was anything that could have made me love Torian more it was that first story. He is just amazing and I'm just so in love with Torian.

    The second story well I'm not telling you anything about it. But do you think you can guess Rink's secret? 

I give this short collection 

Touching Smoke ( Touch 1) by Airicka Phoenix

Title: Touching Smoke ( Touch, 1)
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Published: July  31st 2012 by Treasureline Publishing
Number of Pages: 320

Blurb from Goodreads:For sixteen-year-old FALLON BRAEDEN being on the run had been the easiest part of her life. Packing up and crossing whole cities on a split second decision had been tedious, having no friends and being alone had been painful, but being caught by the truth was something she learned too late was worse.

Fallon is a weapon. She was created to destroy. Keeping her alive, keeping her safe is all Isaiah knows. It’s all that matters, because Fallon is his. She belongs to him. She is a part of his body, his soul, his heart. He will do anything, kill anyone to keep her, even if it means sacrificing himself.

But can Fallon believe the stranger on the motorcycle claiming he was there to die for her? How do you trust when you have no one but the memories of a girl you’ve never met and a tall, dark, gorgeous boy that you feel pulsing deep in your soul? What do you do when you’ve been lied to your whole life? When you’re told you’re normal even though nothing about you is normal? Fallon must learn quickly just what she is before the evil chasing her finally gets what it wants… her blood.

The world depends on her not falling in love, not giving in. But what happens when the temptation becomes too great, when falling is her only option? Can she live knowing the world will burn because his touch is the only thing keeping her alive?

Touch Passion. Touch Power. Touch Smoke!

Review: Where to start with this book? It kept me up all night trying to finish it. I just had to know where this story went because honestly I have no clue. the author was throwing things at the reader the entire time and this book just rocked.

   Fallon. I have to admit I didn't think I was going to like her first, but she grew to be such an amazing, loyal and protective character that I couldn't help by really grow to like her. She faced a lot in her life and in my opinion she handled it very well and became a character that had some backbone and was willing to make sacrifices to achieve something.

Isaiah.... man oh man where can I get me one of him?!? I mean for real lemme have him. He was amazing, and sweet and protective and c'mon let's face he was so hot he was making the sun jealous.  I loved his relationship with Fallon even if it was insta-lovish.

   As for the relationship, yes it was insta-love in a way, but it was classy and the insta-love has a reason a very good reason so I approve.

    Also I dare you to guess what type of paranormal creatures we're dealing in this book, because you won't. It's not angels, or vampires, or werewolves, or shifters or whatever paranormal creature you can think up. This is so entirely new that when all is revealed it blew me away. 

   The bad guy... ugh he was bad. That's all I'm saying. 

      Either way pick up this book, if you're into paranormal you won't want to miss this.

  I give this swooning read 

Cornerstone( Souls of the Stone 1) by Kelly Walker

Title:Cornerstone (Souls of the Stone 1)
Author: Kelly Walker
Published:October 22, 2012 by Kelly Walker
Number of Pages: 344

Blurb from Goodreads:Emariya's life was nearly over before it started. Hidden under the floorboards while her mother died above her, she escaped a brutal death then—only to go racing toward it now, sixteen years later.

After learning her father has been captured, Emariya is desperate to save him, no matter who she has to turn to for help. Oblivious to her potential gifts and the secrets surrounding her dual heritage, Emariya makes a bargain with the prince of a rival land, Torian Ahlen. In exchange for her hand in marriage, he agrees to send his forces to rescue her father. With the arrangements made, Emariya embarks on a tumultuous journey through two kingdoms as different from each other as the families that rule them.

Before long, Emariya comes face to face with her mother's killers, and learns of an ominous prophecy: her and Torian's bloodlines must never be combined. Armed with this frightening new knowledge, Emariya begins to fear the handsome prince may desire more than to steal her heart, and it will take all of her newfound skills to survive.

Review:  Okay, so I have to admit I started reading this book and saw it was third point and I went like Oh-Oh, because let's face few authors can pull of a third point of view. Well wasn't I surprised, when Kelly Walker totally rocked that point of view and furthemore she totally rocked this book.

    The story is set in what I'm thinking is like the 16oo's in a totally magical world. Emariya is our main heroine. Her family is noble and her mom and dad are basically legend.   To achieve the peace her mother wanted and to rescue her father Riya accepts the marriage proposal from Prince Torian. She now has to travel to a foreign land, avoid being killed, figure out Prince Torian's ulterior motive (if he has one) and settle where her allegiances lie. And most importantly she will have to discover who she is and what role she will play.

   I liked Riya. Sure she was stubborn at times but she was brave and selfless and loyal and calculated. She was a smart heroine who really thought things through instead of just jumping to conclusions. 

    Torian, he came a little late in the novel to my utter disappointment because there really wasn't enough of him. I love this guy. He  is such a gentleman, he was so sweet to Riya and ahhh he was just perfect. That's all I have to say, actually no this is all I have to say" MARRY ME TORIAN!!!!!"

   The plot was  good there were lot's of twists and turns that could keep you guessing but  I guessed the villain the second he was introduced. I never even doubted it. The fact that the unnamed character was evil made so much sense to me that I never bothered to change my opinion. But then I was on pins and needles while reading because I knew who it was and Riya didn't and she kept on guessing the wrong person. There was a moment where I had to go like" Girl, are you for real? Can you drop it with the he is evil talk? I mean come on he's as evil as a fuzzy bunny."That actually I happened I kid you not.

   Either way this was still a fun read and the writing is nothing  short of lyrical.

I give the ever scrumptious Torian.. Whaaaaaaat? this book

BIrthright ( A Nobleman Novel 1) by Ronda L. Caudill

Title: Birthright ( A Nobleman Novel 1)
Author: Ronda L. Caudill
Published: January 2012 by Ronda Caudill
Number of Pages: 227

Blurb from Goodreads:Nila Jones has been dreaming about a young nobleman from the past; little did she know that he would become a significant part of her present. In this story of young love and fantasy there are horrible details of a past life that Nila discovers. These details will determine whether Nila and her young nobleman will live happily ever after.
Review:  So...much...potential. This is going to be a hard review to write. This book had the premise to make it amazing but the carry out at times was faulty.  The characters were great and all but I couldn't connect with Nila or Blake. They were just characters to me and this is like the worst thing ever because I really didn't care what happened to them.
    Based on the plot alone it was great. Destined lovers must defeat an evil with to be together and fulfill a prophesy... great right? Well the amazing plot kind of got lost in the writing. I mean I'm not a big fan of third point of view omniscient narrations I mean sometimes authors can pull it off but I just don't think it worked here.
    Okay, the romance.  I love my romance. Bust out the sappy, cheesy overly crazy romance I love it all. Which is why I can't believe I'm saying this but the romance was overly sappy. I mean come on they talk to each other like they live in the 16th century. Like he calls her my peasant priestess. My peasant priestess?!? I mean don't you think you there was a better nickname? I mean they are teenagers in the 21st century and they had me rolling my eyes. 

    I give this novel

Soul Mates: Scent by Elizabeth A. Lance

Title: Soul Mates:Scent
Author: Elizabeth A. Lance
Published: July 8th 2012 by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing 
Number of Pages: 216

Blurb from Goodreads:When the girl of his dreams walks into his homeroom class one October morning, Max Fergus, a seventeen year old quarterback and star student, has his world turned upside down; everything he has ever thought about himself and his life is changed in that instant and nothing will ever be the same again, because once you know you aren’t human, there’s no going back, no pretending you are less than you are. 

Anna Lissa Felidae, a pure blooded shifter has been searching for her soul mate, the one guy that was meant for her, and just when she is sure she is about to run out of time, Diana, goddess of the hunt, appears to her and sends her in the right direction. With another shifter on her trail, one who is determined to have her no matter what the cost, Anna has just three short weeks to convince Max he is a pure blooded shifter, among other things, and teach him to fight so they can be together. With the help of a few Fae friends, a motley crew of shifters and Max’s best friend Tony, they are sure to win.

Review:   I have to admit I totally picked this book because of the title. As soon as I saw soul mates I was like baby come to mama and I am so glad I found this book.

   It was an entertaining and exciting read with romance that made your toes curl. It was just Ahhhh totally  made me drool. Max was just the best hero and I loved that the book was told from his point of view.There are not enough guy's perspective books out there. I loved how fast he was able to mature and really be there for Anna. He became the perfect mate and he so made the list of my book boyfriends. He was fair and he really lived up to the expectations put on him while. 

   Anna was perfect and she totally brought out the best in Max. I loved how in this book she was the one looking fir her mate and not the other way around. I thought she was fair and she was a perfect match for Max. I loved how she handled situations and the sense of humor she had was subtle but great.

    The romance was so sweet. Granted it was insta-lovish but it was expertly done and I loved it.  They cared so much for each other and their love matured both of them so much. 

    Basically if you love a good romance don't miss this book.

   I give this novel 

Rocked Under( Rocked 1) by Cora Hawkes

Title: Rocked Under( Rocked 1)
Author: Cora Hawkes
Published: December 31, 2012 by Cora Hawkes
Number of Pages: 279

Blurb from Goodreads:Falling in love isn't always easy or pleasant. The intense and angst-filled story of Emma and Scott is a painful, gut-wrenching and exhausting portrayal of how hard it can be to let go...

Picking up the pieces and starting again in the US, Emma enrols in college with her cousin, Ashley. She is finally free to do what she wants and live how she chooses, and no man will ever rule her decisions or emotions again.

That is, until Scott Mason walks on stage...

Intense bad boy Scott is the lead singer of a popular local rock band. A ladies’ man and Ashley's long-time friend, Scott holds an instant fascination for Emma — she finds herself drawn to him, even though he represents everything she hates and needs to stay away from in a guy. He treats females like he does a cigarette — light it, use it, and lose it. 

For her cousin's sake, Emma makes an effort to get along with Scott, but she soon discovers that there is more to him than first appears, making him even more dangerous in her eyes. Behind the façade of friendship, jealousy, obsession, fear and insecurity fester — an internal battle rages as she fights her attraction and does everything she can to stop history from repeating itself.

One thing she knows for sure is that if she breaks her rule, it may destroy her.

Warning: Contains mature content — recommended age 17+.

Review: Ugh I don't know how I'm feeling about this book. I loved the ending like it was perfect but the book itself just pissed me off. It went something like:

      Emma: I want Scott so bad  but I can't wan him he's wrong for me. I'm going to go get with this other guy I have no feelings for. But noo I want Scott but I'm going to be bitchy and turn him down every time he starts  opening up to me.

    Scott: I want Emma so bad but no I'm going to get with every girl in this town and her entire family and I'm going to hook up with everything that has boobs just to make her feel bad. Then I'm going to go and tell her how much I want her and after she turns me down I'm first going to be a dick and then a really good friend.

   I mean don't get me wrong the concept was great and I love a good sexual tension I mean come on who doesn't but with this book it was too much Emma was downright cruel to Scott at certain points in the novel.

   She has serious daddy issues but that does not give her the excuse to send mixed signals to Scott while dating another guy who she has no feelings for whatsoever and describes him as "safe" safe" who wants safe when you're in love. Well I think you can guess how that relationship went. I wanted to literally scream and slap her at certain points in the novel.  

"Really? You can't stand to see me with Ad! It eats away at you that I prefer Ad to you and the fact that-" I looked him up and down with a sneer, "you're not good enough for me." Emma

 Could this girl be any more mean? I mean she says this meanwhile like five minutes ago she was mentally dry humping the guy. Also I hate how she dates one guy and strings the other along like really? Settle for one honey.

   And Scott isn't faultless either. Yes he is hot. Yes he is a bad boy. Yes I wanted him... What?! I didn't say that but he was a major dick for most of the novel. He did a fair share of toying with Emma's emotions and made some major mistakes. They were like the worlds most messed up couple. I don't even think I can say couple though because they got together at the last page of the book. It was like 278 pages of torture and verbal tennis and mixed feelings and one page of finally admitting what the reader knew from page one. 

Hallelujah!!!!!

I think I want to see where the book will go mainly because the ending left it pretty open and pretty positive. So I mean maybe Emma will go through a de-bitchiness  process in the next book.

I give this book