#BookReview: The Witch's Kiss by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

Receiving books free in exchange for reviews will never sway the outcome of my reviews. All my reviews are own my personal thoughts and opinions whether they for review or bought. While I may feel a certain way, others may feel differently. So sit back and relax and check out my thoughts on this book. Don't forget to share your thoughts (no spoilers) on the books or reviews on this blog in comments.

Title: The Witch's Kiss (The Witch's Kiss #1)

Format: Paperback

Pages: 424

Published: 30th June 2016

Publisher: Harpercollins

Source: Bought

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal

Shelfability: Borrow/Acquire

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Can true love’s kiss save the day…?

Electrifying dark magic debut by authors and sisters, Katharine and Elizabeth Corr.

Sixteeen-year-old Meredith is fed-up with her feuding family and feeling invisible at school – not to mention the witch magic that shoots out of her fingernails when she’s stressed. Then sweet, sensitive Jack comes into her life and she falls for him hard. The only problem is that he is periodically possessed by a destructive centuries-old curse.

Meredith has lost her heart, but will she also lose her life? Or in true fairytale tradition, can true love’s kiss save the day?

I grabbed this trilogy when The Works had them on offer for £6. I was intrigued by the covers because they are stunning. The thrones, the blood, the tag line? I was sucked in. I knew I needed them. I had real high hopes based solely on the first glance and maybe the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" came into play. The Witch's Kiss is a OK read. However, it just didn't grip me. It took me over a month to finish the book which is a long time even for me. I wanted to really love it but it was just missing the WOW factor.

I usually really love a good witch read but I actually found a lot of this slightly boring. Merry is a sixteen year old witch. She has been trying to not use her magic after an "incident" that we don't find out until a good bit into the story. She is a little selfish and irritating but I have to remember she is only 16. When it's revealed that there is a curse/destiny on her, she doesn't want anything to do with at first.  It was passed down through her witch ancestors.  Which I have to admit I don't think I would want that either. She is untrained and her magic is very powerful and dangerous. However, the bond she has with her brother Leo helps her through it. He is always there for her and ready help.

As I mentioned it was the cover and that tag line that had got my attention. "Some fairytales are darker than others...." This one line got me way too excited! I love dark story. The darker the story the more I will enjoy. This has so much potential to be a truly dark tale. And in a way it was. The story has flashbacks that explains the "curse" more. It was these flashbacks that had kept me reading. In the flashbacks we see Gwydion and how he can control Jack.  This is what I wanted more of. And I don't know if it's just my old cynical age but I actually connected with evil Gwydion than any other character. 

This is just a short review because I feel like if I talk about too much I will end up giving spoilers and quite simply I just really struggled to write this one at all. If you are looking for a witchy read then give it a try. There are so many amazing reviews on this title it was just sadly not as amazing as I hoped it would. Although, I will read the next one because I am curious to see what happens next. Hopefully it will get darker with each book.   

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#BookReview: Chasing Darkness by Julie Cassar

Receiving books free in exchange for reviews will never sway the outcome of my reviews. All my reviews are own my personal thoughts and opinions whether they for review or bought. While I may feel a certain way, others may feel differently. So sit back and relax and check out my thoughts on this book. Don't forget to share your thoughts (no spoilers) on the books or reviews on this blog in comments.

Title: Chasing Darkness (Stealing Light #2)

Format: e-Arc

Pages: 252

Published: 26th Sept 2017

Publisher: Self-Published

Source: Author for Review

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal

Shelfability:  COVET

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

As Cecelia Walker embraces her gift of stealing Light, she learns of the horror that lurks in every shadow. A hellacious evil force seeks to quench its insatiable hunger for power. Which souls will fall in the path of its destruction?

Angels, Anninox, and other-worldly warriors wreak havoc and join in the battle for souls, while CeeCee and Cash find themselves as pawns in the center of this deadly game. Chasing the Darkness, they discover that all choices come with a cost. Will her power be enough to save them, or will it be used against her as Dark forces invade every inch of her life and threaten to drive a wedge between these long-lost soulmates?

 **CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOK**

Chasing Darkness is the sequel to Stealing Light. I absolutely loved Stealing Light so there is always that nervous anticipation that the sequel won't live up to it's predecessor. Well....I didn't have to worry. Chasing Darkness was everything I imagined and then some.

Chasing Darkness picks up right at the end of Stealing Light. The bad guy has been "defeated" but CeeCee has now has come to terms of losing Aaron, her Guardian Angel. All she wants is to grieve and be with Cash. However, soon there is a new big bad to deal with. Who will stop at nothing to get CeeCee's Light, threatening all those she cares for.

Cecelia (CeeCee) is one of those characters who I found very easy to connect with. She is strong and loves her friends and family. The connection she has with Cash is something magical. Even though she is grieving over losing someone she loves, Cash is there to help her through and make it seem a little easier. Cash is a Guardian Angel and CeeCee's soulmate. He loves her passionately and is so protective of her. Maybe a little too much that he struggles with trying to protect his soulmate and his charge who is meant to watch over.

With a new novel comes with new characters. Such as Merrick. Yeah I liked him. He was charming and funny. I can't wait to see how his story develops more. We also get to see some favourites from the first book. Ben (CeeCee's brother) and Elliot (her BFF). I loved Elliot from Stealing Light. She is so feisty so it was nice to see her again. Although I wish we got more interaction in this story. 

Every time Julie asks me to review one of her books I always get scared. As there is always a chance I may not like it. And the funky reading mood I have been in lately I was even more nervous. Thankfully yet again she smashed it. Chasing Darkness is more mature and darker storyline from her Ruby Blue series. Yet it still has the authors signature writing style and overall feel. It's truly wonderful. She has created a story that will grip the reader from the first page and take them on a thrilling, action packed ride.

So if you have read the first then go grab yourself a copy now. You will not be disappointed. It has everything you need for an amazing paranormal read. Angels, demons, love and some kick ass fighting between good and evil. What's not to love?!?!?!

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*Cover Reveal* Stealing Light by Julie Cassar

 

Stealing Light by Julie Cassar

"Tonight, everything could change. I wasn’t ready to let go of anyone just yet."

If you could change what you know is coming, would you? Cecelia Walker discovers an amazing ability deep within herself that gives her the power to change the future. When mysterious outsiders enter her life, she begins to question everything and everyone she once knew.

Years earlier, CeeCee’s life changed forever the day her parents were killed in a horrific car accident. Suddenly extraordinary people and bizarre events began to seep into her very small world. Surviving for years on her addiction to coffee and running, life suddenly deals her a game-changing wildcard and all bets are off. Her magnificent Gift of Light awakens a tremendous dark power wanting to steal what is hers.

Will Cecelia be able to change what she’s seen and set a new course? Has she met her otherworldly match against evil and found her true soul mate? Or, is nothing is as it seems as the power of darkness threatens to consume her and those she loves.

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*Book Review* On the Edge of Humanity (Vampires SEALS #1) by S.B Alexander

 

Title: On the Edge of Humanity (Vampire SEALS #1)

Format: Kindle Ebook

Pages: 325

Published: 28th Dec 2012

Publisher: Self Published

Source: Bought

Genre: YA Paranormal

Shelfability: Acquire

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository

**About The Book**

How far would you go to save a loved one?

Natural-born vampires are born not made. Some humans, who roam the earth, are not even aware they carry such DNA

Sixteen-year-old Jo Mason is lost in a world where traipsing from one foster home to another is normal. She hates her life, she hates school and on most days, she hates living.

Her normal world shifts when she discovers her twin brother Sam has gone missing between Anger Management class and History Class.

She’s called to the principal’s office to meet Lieutenant Webb London, a Navy SEAL who is part of a secret team of natural-born vampires. His mission is to protect the twins from an evil cartel, but he’s too late. With Jo now under his protection, his team searches for Sam.

However, finding and rescuing Sam from the evil cartel may be the easy part. Jo learns she carries a dormant vampire gene that, if activated, could save him. As her normal world fades even more, pushing her closer to the edge of humanity, Jo must decide if her human life is more important than her twin brother

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*Book Review* In My Dreams by Cameo Renae

 

Title: In My Dreams
Format: Ebook
Pages: 248
Published: 15th March 2015 (2nd Edition)
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Ghosts

Shelfability: Covet
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository

**About the Book**
he dreams were happening again. It was something seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Hayes thought she’d outgrown. She didn’t want them anymore; detailed premonitions of how people would die. One night, Lizzy’s worst nightmare occurs. She dreams of her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers his car was found in a river, along with his lifeless body. Confusion settles deep within when Michael appears alive in her dreams. He warns her, attempting to keep her safe from the very person who murdered him. Awake, Lizzy must pull on her inner strength, not only to save herself, but also her friends whose lives are in danger. In My Dreams is a story of trust, friendship, courage, and true love that lives beyond the grave.

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*Book Review* Soulless (Death Warden #1) by Amber Garr

Reviewed By: Siobhán

Format:  eArc

Pages: 180

Published:  20th Aug 2014

Publisher: Hallowed Ink Press

Source: Netgalley

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Shelfability: Borrow

Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US

Description:

When it comes to death and love…only one is guaranteed.

Four decades ago Nora died. A tragic event for someone so young; however, four decades ago Nora was also given a second chance to walk among the living.

A Death Warden with a mysterious past, her job is to escort the newly expired towards the light, battling with the Soul Hunters who want the freshly dead to help with their own evil purposes buried in the dark.

When Nora’s charges suddenly become targets, she realises that the hunters are after far more than just souls. A shift in power between good and evil threatens to change everything, risking the lives of the only family Nora has ever known.

Devastated and angry, she’s forced to face the man she once loved - a man who chose darkness over her - in order to find the answers she needs to stop the horror from escalating. Yet, while a lost relationship still haunts her broken heart, a new Warden with secrets of his own will enter the mix and quickly alter everything Nora believed to be true.

Death is unavoidable…but sometimes, so is love. - Goodreads

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*Book Review* Sweet Unrest by Lisa Maxwell

Reviewed By: Siobhán

Format: eGalley

Pages: 336

Published: 8th Oct 2014

Publisher: Flux

Source: Netgalley

Genre: YA, Mystery, Paranormal

Shelfability: Acquire/Covet

Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository

Description:

Lucy Aimes has always been practical. But try as she might, she can’t come up with a logical explanation for the recurring dreams that have always haunted her. Dark dreams. Dreams of a long-ago place filled with people she shouldn’t know…but does.

When her family moves to a New Orleans plantation, Lucy’s dreams become more intense, and her search for answers draws her reluctantly into the old city’s world of Voodoo and mysticism. There, Lucy finds Alex, a mysterious boy who behaves as if they’ve known each other forever. Lucy knows Alex is hiding something, and her rational side doesn’t want to be drawn to him. But she is.

As she tries to uncover Alex’s secrets, a killer strikes close to home, and Lucy finds herself ensnared in a century-old vendetta. With the lives of everyone she loves in danger, Lucy will have to unravel the mystery of her dreams before it all comes to a deadly finish.

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Waiting on Wednesday #32

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted  by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Sweet Unrest

Series: N/A

Author: Lisa Maxwell

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Published: 8th Oct 2014

Publisher: Flux

Lucy Aimes has always been practical. But try as she might, she can’t come up with a logical explanation for the recurring dreams that have always haunted her. Dark dreams. Dreams of a long-ago place filled with people she shouldn’t know…but does.

When her family moves to a New Orleans plantation, Lucy’s dreams become more intense, and her search for answers draws her reluctantly into the old city’s world of Voodoo and mysticism. There, Lucy finds Alex, a mysterious boy who behaves as if they’ve known each other forever. Lucy knows Alex is hiding something, and her rational side doesn’t want to be drawn to him. But she is.

As she tries to uncover Alex’s secrets, a killer strikes close to home, and Lucy finds herself ensnared in a century-old vendetta. With the lives of everyone she loves in danger, Lucy will have to unravel the mystery of her dreams before it all comes to a deadly finish

What are you waiting on??

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Under The Dust Cover #13

Under The Dust Cover is our feature where we show case those pretty books we find that have a little bit extra under the dust cover. This isn't a regular feature, just when we stumble upon a book.

However, I want you to take part send me pictures of books that you think should be featured send to totallybookalicious(at)hotmail(dot)co (dot)uk

Today's UTDC is: HEXED by Michelle Krys

Front Cover

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*Book Review* Crane (Legend Saga #1) by Stacey Rourke

Reviewed By: Siobhán
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages: 299
Published: 24th May 2014
Publisher:  Anchor Group Publishing
Source: Bought
Genre: Paranormal, Retelling
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US

Description:
The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?

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*Book Review* Forever Kansas by Julie Cassar

Reviewed By: Siobhán
Format:  eARC
Pages:  N/A
Published: June 2014
Publisher: Self Published
Source: Author for Review
Genre:  YA, Paranormal
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository

Description:
“She will be the death of me one day. I swear, she will.”

In this companion novel to the best selling Ruby Blue Series, Brennan Kaelin, Fairy Prince and Heir to the throne of the Earthen Royal Court in Fey, reveals his inner most desires and struggles. In a world where the four Royal Courts and three Realms collide, an even deeper connection is unearthed as more secrets of Fey are exposed. Relive Ruby’s adventures through Brennan’s eyes as he searches to discover the mysteries shrouding the prophesy of the One with The Elements.

*Author’s note: This novel is meant to be read after “Forever Blue” (Book 4 of the Ruby Blue Series). It discloses additional information to Ruby and Brennan’s story, however, some key plot points of Ruby Blue are intentionally left out.

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*Beta Read Review* Forever Kansas by Julie Cassar

Reviewed By: Siobhán
Format: Ebook/Beta Read
Pages: N/A
Published: N/A
Publisher: Self- Published
Source: Author for Review
Genre:  YA, Fantasy, Paranormal

Description:
N/A - As soon as there is a blurb I will add it. I promise

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*Cover Reveal* Dead Girl Walking by Ruth Silver

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**Book Trailer** Heart of the Oak by Rory Ni Coileain

Title: Heart of the Oak
Series: Boys will Be Boys #3
Author: Rory Ni Coileain
Published: 11th Dec 2013
Publisher: Ellora's Cove
Genre: M/M Romance, Paranormal
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US /

Blurb:
Magick is reawakening after a sleep of thousands of years—and passion is not far behind. Darach is the first-reborn of his race, a tree spirit living within an ancient oak on the shore of a remote loch.
Trevor knows nothing of magick or passion. He’s escaping an oppressive family and a lonely life. One breath of freedom, he thinks, before his stark, loveless reality swallows him up. The last thing he expects from his vacation to the Isle of Skye is to spend his first night being thoroughly ravished against a tree by a naked man who speaks in the sounds of leaves and wind.
Darach never believed he’d have his heart stolen by any man, let alone one so different from any human he remembers. Freedom is intoxicating and the potential for sensual play limitless. But what can be built in a night of scorching desire can be torn down all too easily by fear.

BOOK TRAILER

Author Bio: Rory Ni Coileain majored in creative writing, back when Respectable Colleges didn’t offer such a major, so she designed it herself – being careful to ensure that she never had to take a class before nine in the morning or take a Hemingway survey course. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa at the age of nineteen, sent off her first short story to an anthology being assembled by an author she idolized, got shot down in flames, and found other things to do, such as nightclub singing, for the next thirty years or so, until her stories started whispering to her. Now she’s a lawyer, a legal editor, an Irish dance teacher, the mother of a teenaged son, and amanuensis to a host of fantastic creatures who are all anxious to tell their stories.

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**COVER REVEAL** Losing Logan by Sherry D. Ficklin

What if the one thing you never meant to hold on to, is the one thing you can’t let go of?

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**Book Review** Forever Blue (Ruby Blue #4) by Julie Cassar

*May Contain Spoilers from Previous Books*

Reviewed By: Siobhán

Format: E-Arc

Pages: 222

Published: 9th Oct 2013

Publisher:  Self- Published

Source:  Author for Review

Genre:  YA, Paranormal, Fantasy

Buy:  Amazon UK / Amazon US /

Description: New love, new magical powers and new threats emerge as Ruby discovers more about who she is to become and why the powers at be want her out of the picture. When the flames of the Fire Court threaten to burn those she loves, Ruby must leap into a fiery battle which could change the lives of all those in Fey and alter the fate of the Royal Courts forever. Secrets revealed and lives hang in the balance in this explosive finale to the Ruby Blue Series

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