Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway: Between the Bleeding Willows by D.A. Roach

Title: Between The Bleeding Willows

Series: The Demon Hunter Series Book 1

Author: D.A. Roach

Genre: YA Paranormal

Published: March 8, 2016

At eighteen years old, Cassidy has suffered more loss than most… 

At the end of her senior year, her boyfriend, Jace Peters, was killed in a car accident, and her grandmother died only weeks later of a heart attack. Emotionally lost, Cassidy desperately searches for an heirloom her boyfriend was wearing in the crash—her mother’s gold ring. But during her search, Cassidy discovers more than her ring. 

She finds a gate to the Demon Realm….

A battle is brewing, and Killian—head of the Demon hunters—preps his Clan for the approaching conflict. They’ve been working to secure the gate between his realm and the mortal world. But it’s been nearly impossible since Rya—a voracious demon on a quest to expand her power—devoured the soul of his Clan’s necromancer. Now Rya is possessed with the necromancer’s powers and she may break through the gate at any moment with her demon army.

Apparently Rya isn’t the only one Killian has to worry about…

When Cassidy accidentally crosses into the Demon Realm, Killian can’t understand how a human girl survived the transition. Now he has to find a way to return her to her own world, or risk her being caught in the crossfire, which is a complication he definitely doesn’t need.

Once back in the Human Realm, Cassidy readies herself for battle. She signs up for Krav Maga classes, where she meets Tyler Romaitis—a handsome, tenacious, humble guy. He seems almost perfect, but nothing is ever that easy.

And as the balance between good and evil shifts, Cassidy finds herself—and her ring—at the heart of the conflict for the survival of mankind.

"... I seriously loved ever minute and I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series." ~Hashtag Minxes Love Books

"The plot is fast-paced and packed with tons of action and emotion.  I would recommend it for anyone who reads paranormal/action novels, or anyone who simply loves to read books from a very talented author."  ~Brooke's Review

"Omgosh this book was so great!  I couldn't put it down.  It has such a great story line that just grips you from the beginning."  ~Liz's Review

 

MY REVIEW

4 Stars

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put it down after reaching a point where the action picked up. When I reached 75%, I was afraid to read it on my lunch break as I had been doing because I was afraid I would get to a point that I just couldn’t stop reading.

The book started out a little slow for me and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to give the book a good review. But then we’re introduced to the demon/demon hunter world and it got real interesting. I haven’t read many demon hunter books and was confused about some of the terminology used in the story and had to google it. Surprisingly enough there appears to be a lot of information in the world wide web about hunting demons.

The main female character Cassidy really seemed to grow throughout the book. At the start of the book I had the impression that she was a meek and shy girl. But as the book goes on she seemed capable of kicking some ass! I'm really looking forward to seeing what she learns to do with her newfound abilities and connection to the demon hunter world.

I enjoyed the struggling relationship between Cassidy and Killian, but was a bit disappointed we didn’t get to see them connect more. But I guess maybe there was more of a focus on the demon hunting. I was disappointed to see the bond between the two removed and actually a bit surprised to see that it could be done. I hope the bond is introduced again. I’d like to see how it could affect the two characters.

I was disappointed that the book ended without resolutions to several things and without a happy period ending. I know things need to be unresolved to continue the series into multiple books. I just wish there could have been a way to end the book on a break between bad things of sorts where people are happy and things are looking up.

I hope I don’t have to wait too long to read book 2!

D.A. Roach has been telling stories since she was a young girl in the suburbs of Chicago. In college she met the man of her dreams, her happily ever after, and married him 2 weeks after graduating. They have 3 kids together and a pet cockatiel named Gimli. D.A. did not find a love for books until after college. Her parents were immigrants from Lithuania and found tv and radio easier ways to hear stories so they did not do much reading or encourage it. But once she finished college and D.A. had free time, she discovered how amazing it was to get lost in a story. D.A. is a full time mom and wife. When she is not doing domestic things (laundry, bills, etc) she is writing, reading, creating mixed media art, and helping beautify her kids' school landscape. Oh, and she is ALWAYS listening to music. Her favorite authors include Rebecca Donovan, Richelle Mead, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Meyer, E.L. James, and Sylvia Day. Reading great works from authors like these has motivated D.A. to write her own stories. She hopes to make positive changes in the world with her art and writing.

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Review: Winters Heat by Cristin Harber

Winters Heat (Titan #1) by Cristin Harber

Release Date: September 25, 2013

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages:278

Source: E-Book

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

After putting her life on the line to protect classified intelligence, military psychologist Mia Kensington is on a cross-country road trip from hell with an intrusive save-the-day hero. Uninterested in his white knight act, she’d rather take her chances without the ruggedly handsome, cold-blooded operative who boasts an alpha complex and too many guns.

Colby Winters, an elite member of The Titan Group, has a single objective on his black ops mission: recover a document important to national security. It was supposed to be an easy in-and-out operation. But now, by any means necessary becomes a survival mantra when he faces off with a stunning woman he can’t leave behind.

When Titan’s safe houses are compromised, Colby stashes Mia at his home, exposing his secret—he’s the adoptive father of an orphaned baby girl. Too soon, danger arrives and Mia lands in the hands of a sadistic cartel king with a taste for torture. As hours bleed into fear-drenched days, Colby races across the globe and through a firestorm of bullets to save the woman he can’t live without.

Notes about the book:

This is the first book in a multi-book series. I haven't read any of the other books yet. So I'm not sure how well they work as standalones. But the other books in the series have minor characters from Winters Heat as the main characters. So I think they might be able to be read as standalones.

This books is not meant for anyone under 18 as it does contain hot & steamy sex scenes.

Book Quote:

“You’re going to wish you didn’t bring that out to play today. Never should have threatened the lady. Never should have gotten in my way. Never, ever should have fucked up my job.”

My Review

I enjoyed this book immensely. There was so much action that I actually commented in one of my Goodreads statuses that I couldn't believe I was only halfway through the book. The first half of the book went by quickly. Toward the end though the twists and turns just seemed a little too far fetched. I think the author should have stopped at least one action scene sooner.

The characters were very likable though. Who doesn't love a tough and sexy ex-military man? Mia grows on you as well. The books starts out from Colby Winters (who goes by just Winters) POV and he was the character that appealed to me more. Mia did surprise me with her sexuality. At first I took her to be a bit of a prude, but that was just her exterior shell.

I have to say that from the synopsis I had a different idea about Mia's role in the whole "op" than what her role actually was. I think I would have liked my idea better than I actually liked the book's storyline. But once I got past the start of the book and her reasoning for being there, the action took off and I was pulled in.

But as I said above after one too many action scenes, I kind of got tired of all the action and wished for the happy ending. To tell you the truth, the happy ending drug on a bit too much as well. I did enjoy the epilogue though.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book filled with lots of steamy sex scenes.

Review: Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

 

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes (Rose Gardner Mystery #1) by Denise Grover Swank

Release Date: December 19, 2013

Genres: Mystery, Romance

Pages:374

Source: E-Book

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

For Rose Gardner, working at the DMV on a Friday afternoon is bad even before she sees a vision of herself dead. She’s had plenty of visions, usually boring ones like someone’s toilet’s overflowed, but she’s never seen one of herself before. When her overbearing momma winds up murdered on her sofa instead, two things are certain: There isn't enough hydrogen peroxide in the state of Arkansas to get that stain out, and Rose is the prime suspect.

Rose realizes she’s wasted twenty-four years of living and makes a list on the back of a Wal-Mart receipt: twenty-eight things she wants to accomplish before her vision comes true. She’s well on her way with the help of her next door neighbor Joe, who has no trouble teaching Rose the rules of drinking, but won’t help with number fifteen-- do more with a man. Joe’s new to town, but it doesn’t take a vision for Rose to realize he’s got plenty secrets of his own.

Somebody thinks Rose has something they want and they’ll do anything to get it. Her house is broken into, someone else she knows is murdered, and suddenly, dying a virgin in the Fenton County jail isn’t her biggest worry after all.

Notes about the book:

This is the first book in a series of eight at the time of this posting. 

At the time that I prepared this post, this book was currently free on Amazon and Barnes & noble (links at the end of the review).

Book Quote:

“I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “Are you talking about Agnes Gardner?” I had a sneaking suspicion she was at the wrong visitation."

“Most of the time I paid it no mind. I kept to myself and everyone in my town of Henryetta liked it that way. While my grandma saw helpful information such as droughts and locust infestations, I was cursed with seeing useless and mundane things like Mrs. White’s toilet overflow or the ear infection in Jenny Baxter’s baby. None of that would be so bad if I kept what I saw to myself, but my visions didn't work that way. Without any volition of my own, whatever I saw just blurted right out of my mouth. Most of the people who knew me thought I was a snoop or a gossip, the only rational explanation to reason away my knowledge. But Momma had another opinion. She declared me demon-possessed.”

My Review

This was a delightful read. It had me laughing throughout the whole book. I downloaded this book when it was offered at no charge. It took me a while to get to it, but I’m glad I read it. I think this series is along the lines of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.

There’s plenty of mystery to keep you guessing with a little added romance. The story intrigued me from the start with it being set in Arkansas as I live in Arkansas. I didn’t really see anything glaringly wrong or anything that offended me (although I’m not a native Arkansan). I think if I had seen either of these things it would have made me stop reading.

I love the main character Rose Gardner. She is so innocent. It is fun to watch her break free from her shell of innocence. Plus she is funny to boot. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.

The other characters are fun too. Henryetta is a town full of stories waiting to be told.

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Review: The Way We Fall by Cassia Leo

The Way We Fall (The Story of Us #1) by Cassia Leo

Release Date: February 20, 2015

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Pages:302

Source: E-Book

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

Maybe we shouldn’t have fallen so fast and so willingly.

Maybe we shouldn’t have moved in together before we went on our first date.

Maybe we should have given our wounds time to heal before we tore each other to shreds.

Maybe we should have never been together.

Houston has kept a devastating secret from Rory since the day he took her into his home. But the tragic circumstances that brought them together left wounds too deep to heal.

Five years after the breakup, Houston and Rory are thrust together by forces beyond their control. And all the resentments and passion return with more intensity than ever.

Once again, Houston is left with a choice between the truth and the only girl he’s ever loved.

Notes about the book:

 As of the time I'm writing this point this book is free on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This book does contain sex scenes.

Book Quote:

“Lies are comforting. Soft blankets we wrap around our hearts. We roll around in them like fat, happy pigs. Gorging on their decadence. We prefer lies, though we claim otherwise. Trust me. If ignorance is bliss, believing lies is orgasmic."

"She was the drug that numbed the pain, but only temporarily. I just have to keep reminding myself of that so I don’t do anything stupid, like telling her the truth."

"This is the way we fall. First we lose our balance, teetering precariously on the edge of uncertainty, until, mercilessly, gravity takes over. You can’t outshine gravity."

"“Then, she let it go.” I don’t know if it was his intention, but these five simple words stir a newfound energy inside me. A sudden awareness that I don’t have to tell Liam anything about Houston. Liam can be my fresh start. All I have to do is let it go."

 

My Review

I fell in love with this book from the very first paragraph. I thought it was on track to being a 5 star review. However, the end of the book just fell short. It was almost like the author knew that what needed to happen was something most readers would not like. So she drug the story out into a second book.

There are bits of this book that are beautifully written. I've put several quotes above showing examples of this writing. The first quote is the first paragraph of the book. How can you not like a book when it starts off like this?

From the start of the book you can tell that Rory and Houston survived together through the death of someone. We learn later who it was and how this person died. I have to say that the author threw some surprises at me with the answers to how and why.

Rory has loved Houston since she was a young teenager. I have to say that I have a love/hate relationship with their relationship and with the characters themselves. Houston takes more of my hate than Rory does. Their relationship could be so good if it weren't for the circumstances that brought them together and ultimately tore them apart. Houston has the capability to be a sweet boyfriend but oftentimes ends up being a jerk.

I really thought that this book would have me crying by the end. However, we never really get an ending with how the author has chosen to end the book. I will probably continue the series because I want to find out what happens to these characters. The beautiful writing style will also bring me back.

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Review: Blake by Lindsay Paige and Mary Smith

Blake (The Ninth Inning #2) by Lindsay Paige and Mary Smith

Release Date: October 25, 2015

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Pages:212

Source: E-Book, ARC

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

The Ninth Inning series presents Memphis Angels’ catcher, Blake Foster.

Blake Foster has a love/hate relationship with the game he plays for a living. On good days, he smiles and enjoys baseball. During the rest of the time, he’s battling his demons and looking out for his mother. He has a hard time keeping ahold of the good things in life no matter how badly he wants them.

Sofia Gardner might come from a rich family, but she has worked for the opportunity for a position on the staff for the Memphis Angels. However, when she meets Blake, she realizes there’s more to him than his constant grumpy expressions. She feels he needs a friend and in her good-natured way, she reaches out to him, only to find the demons he’s battling are much worse than she thought.

When the bases are loaded and it all comes down to the catch at home plate, can they get their out or lose it all when it matters most?

Notes about the book:

This is the second book in a two-part series. The series is split into seasons. I would say that the books could be read as stand-alones. Although, reading them all helps you to get all the background information.

This books is not meant for anyone under 18 as it does contain mild sex scenes and violence.

Note: I was provided with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Quote:

“Even Snow White had a Grumpy in her life. I figure if it’s good enough for Snow White, it’s good enough for me.”

My Review

Strong Couple. Great HEA!

I enjoyed this couple. There was a heavy issue fighting against their success as a couple. However, they managed to work through it and succeed.

Sofia and Blake are both trying to escape their father’s legacy. Sofia has a little easier time making it on her own. She’s drawn in by Blake’s hazel eyes and quickly finds it difficult to get him off her mind. She senses his need for a friend, someone who will listen as he talks.

Unfortunately Blake will go through both emotional and physical pain before Sofia is able to bring him around to trusting her. Their love for each other helps find a happily ever after solution for all involved.

The story was slow to grab me and pull me into it. However, by the halfway point I was loving Blake and Sofia. I think I like them better than I liked Felix and Abby from the first book in The Ninth Inning series. Their story seemed to have more substance to it and therefore grabbed me more. Like Felix and Abby, Blake and Sofia have a playful nature to their conversations with each other complete with some sarcasm and sexual innuendo. 

By the end I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. You could tell that Blake and Sofia were good in their relationship. However there was still another 5-10% of the book left to read. I love a story where the woman is in danger and the man comes to her rescue!

Check out Lindsay's website at http://authorlindsaypaige.blogspot.com/ and you can connect with Mary at http://www.authormarysmith.blogspot.com/.

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Review: A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson

 

A Perfect Mess (A Perfect Secret #1) by Zoe Dawson

Release Date: August 5, 2013

Genres: New Adult, Romantic-Suspense

Pages: 367

Source: E-Book

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:

I know what you did last summer.

Aubree Walker, the perfect girl most likely to succeed, is sure there’s only one person who knows what she did.

Booker Outlaw, one of the three Outlaw brothers—all identical, all gorgeous, all from the wrong side of the tracks, and all pure bad boys. He was always the unpredictable one, the one who would be brash enough to make it big self-publishing horror novels on the internet. He promised never to tell, but everyone knows you can never trust an Outlaw.

Then a year later, in the middle of the night, she receives a phone call at Tulane. Her aunt, who took her in after her mother’s death, is in a coma under suspicious circumstances. Now she has to face that one person who knows all about what she did that summer—sexy Booker.

Returning to Hope Parish to be with her aunt, stirs up all those ugly memories. When Aubree starts getting threats, she can’t help but wonder if what she did last summer was tied to her aunt’s “accident.” Afraid, she turns to the only person who knows the truth and Booker doesn’t hesitate to offer his broad shoulder for her to lean on. But Booker has a secret of his own that could crush their fledgling relationship.

As the hot, sultry summer days move on, she finds that even a perfectly smart girl can lose her heart to a perfectly bad boy. What is she going to do when someone starts asking questions Aubree doesn’t want to answer? She’s knee deep into a terribly dangerous, wholly life changing, who-can-she-really-depend-on perfect mess.

Notes about the book:

I read and reviewed this book in January 2015.

This book is not meant for anyone under 18 as it does contain mild sex scenes.

At the time of posting this review, this book was free for Kindle and Nook.

Book Quote:

“Are you okay, Aubree?” 
I nodded. “But I went all girl on you. I’m sorry… how are you doing?” 
He gave me that teasing grin. “I think with some rest, medication, and counseling, I’ll be okay.” 
I laughed, my eyes blurring again. “Are you ever serious?” 
“If you hadn’t blubbered all over me and interrupted that liplock in the kitchen, you would have seen how very serious I can get."

My Review

The book started a little slowly, but I was quickly hooked. I was nearing the end and thought I’ll just read a little bit more and go to bed. I was up till 1am finishing the book. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite combinations.

This book is not for those readers who do not like to read vulgar language or sex scenes. I loved Aubree & Booker’s romance. It didn’t hurt that there were two more hot guys waiting on the sidelines! I will continue the series to see what happens to Booker’s brothers and Aubree’s girlfriends. At one time I thought the author was going to hook Boone up with Aubree’s college roommate. But it doesn’t look like that will happen.

I’m glad that Aubree decided to push through her fears and follow her dreams.

You can connect with the author at http://zoedawson.com/.or at her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoe-Dawson/437311359676596.

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