Cover Reveal - Felicity Heaton: TEMPTED BY A ROGUE PRINCE

Dear Felicity Heaton fans! It's that time again when we have the honor of announcing a new cover of hers.

This time you'll get a sneak peek of a certain elf prince from the Eternal Mates series.
Are you guys ready? Of course you are! Give it up for the rogue prince, VAIL!

Are you tempted? Not yet? Read the book's description below and we'll promise you will be!

Tempted by a Rogue Prince (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 3)
Felicity Heaton

An elf prince on the verge of losing himself to the darkness, Vail is maddened by the forty-two centuries he was under the control of a witch and forced to war with his brother. Now, he roams Hell seeking an escape from his terrible past and the heads of all who bear magic. When demons of the Fifth Realm capture him, he sees a chance to end his existence, but when he wakes in a cell to a beautiful female, he finds not death but his only shot at salvation—his true fated mate.

Captured by the enemy of the Third Realm when the war ended, Rosalind has spent months in the cells of the Fifth Realm with her magic bound, forced to heal the new king’s demon warriors, and haunted by the lives she has taken. When she’s brought to heal an unconscious man, she discovers her only hope of escape has come in the form of her worst nightmare and the first part of a prediction that might spell her doom—a devastatingly handsome and dangerous dark elf prince.

Unwilling to fall under the control of anyone ever again, Vail must escape before the Fifth King can use him as a pawn in a deadly game of revenge, but he cannot leave without Rosalind, the woman who looks at him with dark desire in her stunning eyes and awakens a fierce hunger in his heart. A witch who drives him mad with need even as the darkness within whispers she will enslave him too.

Can Rosalind escape her fate as they embark on a journey fraught with danger and resist the temptation of her rogue elf prince? And can Vail overcome the memories that madden him in order to seize his chance for salvation and the heart of his fated female forever?

Pre-order links and a first chapter preview of Tempted by a Rogue Prince are available at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/tempted-by-a-rogue-prince-paranormal-romance-novel.php

Tempted by a Rogue Prince is due for release in ebook and paperback on August 9th 2014 and will be available from all major online book retailers.

Join Felicity’s mailing list to receive a notification when Tempted by a Rogue Prince is released, PLUS a sneak preview of the first 6 chapters of the book and chances to win a signed copy: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/newsletter.php

Add the book to your Goodreads shelf at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20940832-tempted-by-a-rogue-prince

Books in the Eternal Mates paranormal romance series:
Book 1: Kissed by a Dark Prince
Book 2: Claimed by a Demon King
Book 3: Tempted by a Rogue Prince
Book 4: Hunted by a Jaguar – coming in 2015

About Felicity Heaton:

Felicity Heaton is a USA Today best-selling author who writes passionate paranormal romance books as Felicity Heaton and F E Heaton. In her books she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons!

If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, Felicity Heaton’s best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series she writes as F E Heaton or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books she writes as Felicity Heaton. Or if you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try Felicity Heaton’s new Vampire Erotic Theatre series.

In 2011, five of her six paranormal romance books received Top Pick awards from Night Owl Reviews, Forbidden Blood was nominated as Best PNR Vampire Romance 2011 at The Romance Reviews, and many of her releases received five star reviews from numerous websites. In 2013, Heart of Darkness was a finalist in the paranormal romance category at the Epic Ebook Awards, and she became a USA Today best-selling author.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk
Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton
Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

Review - The Immortal Crown (Age of X #2) by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.

Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.

Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.

Title: The Immortal Crown
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Age of X #2
Length: 389 pages
Publisher: Penguin
Original Publication Date: May 26th 2014 

I'll be honest again. Although I am a big fan of Richelle Mead, the first book of this series was a great disappointment to me. I wasn't impressed at all, but one of the main characters, Mae, is such a good one I couldn't just let her go.

In Gameboard of the Gods we got to know the characters, the world and we got a short, action-packed plot, a little taste of what we can expect from the series. In The Immortal Crown things get further complicated. The Gods chosen their “players” and ready to face them off. The “chosen ones” not only have to suit their gods’s book, but are forced to fight against each other. Justin and Mae are thrown into this rough and bloody battleground and they, of course, still have to comply with their daily life.

The plot is still running on three different threads and, again, there are three POVs - Mae’s, Justin’s and Tessa’s.

For me, the most exciting part remains to be Mae. Most of the surprising, weird and exciting things happen to her. She has to face as well as accept things she has completely rejected in the past and does not even notice she’s in the center of the very game she tried her best to stay away from.

Justin - finally - is on the good path to my heart and I’m starting to like him. Of course he is still far away from being a favorite, but with Richelle stopping telling us - after every flippin’ 10th page - how INCREDIBLE he is, and rather lets HIM showing what he’s worth, lets US get to know him, I’m really starting to like this man. Keep this on, Richelle! He has some very good moments. I love the way he cares for Tessa, his constant arguing with his two ravens an how he’s torn between his desires and common sense.

However, my NEW FAVORITE is LUCIAN! He is so hard to figure out. Is he doing what he’s doing because he really believes in it or does he just playing along with the political frays? Either way, he’s pretty persuasive and completely swept me off my feet, that’s for sure!

In my review of GotG I said that Tessa’s POV somehow sticks out of the book, like a 'must have' YA thread the author trying to push into the novel to endear the series to the younger readers who otherwise would consider this series “too adult-y”. I WAS WRONG! I admit it. I should have known Richelle does everything for a reason. I can see that reason now. Both Tessa and her story is much more interesting now, and I have some clue on why is it so important this little adopted girl to have her own plot.

And of course there are the Gods. We shouldn't forget about them. Although they are working in the background for the time being, but wow! Compared to them everyone else is significantly underpowered. Even Justin, the genius or the cold, professional Mae. I'm very, very curious to see what's in store for them in the upcoming books because what was shown in The Immortal Crown… HOLY COW! It got me so freaking excited (especially the last lines) and I want to know more! I have so, SO many questions about them, either give me the next books or let me chat with Richelle a bit, because I NEED answers! I understand they’re fighting each other from the very beginning of time, but why involve humans? What do they want?

The missing romance from the first book slowly begins to make an appearance. I'm starting to feel the chemistry between the two main characters and while I would be happy with a Lucian + Mae pairing, I can see something between Justin and Mae now, too. Of course, we just can’t get enough of the misconceptions and unspoken secrets - seriously, is there even a series where the protagonists are able to sit down and talk to each other?? Yeah, yeah, I get it, there wouldn't be any complication then -, we can see the same thing here. Only if they’d share the important stuff with each other from the beginning, they’d be much further ahead now…

Favorite character(s): Mae
Favorite scene(s): Everything with THE GODS! They're incredible!

Overall: The Immortal Crown compensated for the bumpy start of the series. Finally I can see a true Richelle Mead book I always love. It’s exciting, sometimes shocking and that ending! I can literally feel a lot of people falling in love with the series right at the end of TIC. Without giving away too much here’s a hint: there’s a new character introduced at the end whom many of us adore.

Reviewed by:

*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for honest review.

Felicity Heaton: Hunger Blog Barrage - Book Review

Hunger, the latest book in Felicity Heaton’s vampire romance series, Vampires Realm, is now available in ebook and paperback. To celebrate the release, she’s holding a Blog tour and a FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY at her website.

Betrayed by one of her own and turned into a vampire, hunter Eve is consumed by her hunger for vengeance and has spent five years surviving hell, driven to take the life of the man she once loved. But just as she is about to close in on the hunter-turned-vampire, an event is set in motion that threatens to see him slip beyond her grasp forever—the leader of her bloodline has sent an escort to bring her to the family’s mansion. To a nest of the very creatures she once hunted and loathes.

A vampire assassin hardened by centuries of service, Tor is a man of discipline and loyalty, never straying from his mission or the rules set out for him, and has purged all his weaknesses, including his emotions.

But the moment he meets the broken, fiery female he is to escort to Oslo, something dangerous awakens in him, something possessive and powerful, and when he is pulled into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the man who betrayed her, Tor discovers he will do anything to protect the woman slowly claiming his heart and give her the vengeance she desires—even break all the rules.

Can Eve embrace her new vampire nature in order to have her revenge and find a reason to live again in Tor? Can Tor and Eve stop the man who betrayed her and the deaths of thousands of innocents? Or will he succeed in creating a new army of hybrid vampires who will rise up against the purebloods?


Title: Hunger
Author: Felicity Heaton
Series: Vampires Realm Romance Series #8
Length: Paperback, 223 pages
Publication Date: May 13th 2014
ISBN: 9781909306547

Hunger can be read out of order with the rest of the series and is available from Amazon Kindle, Kobo Books, Barnes and Noble Nook, Apple iBooks stores and other retailers. Also available in paperback. Find the links to your preferred retailer at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/hunger-vampire-romance-novel.php

Finally! We've return to this series!! Now, I love all of Felicity's series, even if there are books in them that I don't really like. My two favorites, though are Her Angel and VR. Because both are a PERFECT blend of Paranormal Romance AND Urban Fantasy. Plenty of romance, action, mystery, tension, adventure and solid character and world developments.  

Although Hunger can be read out of order with the rest of the series, I suggest you to start with at least Masquarade (book #7). I think it gives more information about this world, than Hunger does. Sadly we didn't see much about the fantastic world building and its rules in this book. But seriously, just read all! Worth it!

So Eve was a badass hunter. She hated and hunted vampires, had a great partner, but her last mission was fatal. At least that is what she thinks.

She's been betrayed, killed then came back to her personal hell. She became the very thing she hated. Only one thing keeps her going: revenge. Once she avanged herself, she's done with this world. Her sister and father (both vampires) are trying to make her see that being a vampire is not a bad thing, but all she sees in herself is a monster. Refuses to feed, to live with her clan. 

I love when the main characters think of themselves as bad/monster/anti-hero, especially when they were forced to become what they hated. If the character development is well done, it's always interesting to join them on a journey toward self-acceptance. Of course they can't do it alone, and usually a stranger can do what family and friends can't. Eve is not different. She's supposed to go live with her sister and her clan. There are only two problems with that. One, she wouldn't have a chance for revenge and two, living among vampires, especially as a royalty? That's just too much for her. So when her guard, Tor, sent by her sister agrees to give her what she wants, she's determined than ever. 

Tor is a vampire hunter vampire (I know, just let it sink in). He is cold, silent, lethal and takes his job very seriously. Meaning HOT! But he just can't resist Eve. He feels the need to protect her, mostly from herself and give her her revenge so she could move on. Their attraction was immediate, but their bonding was slow and steady. That's the thing about the relationships in the VR series. They're NEVER rushed. It takes time, game changing events for the characters to fall in love. And they earn each other's trust, it's never just a simple attraction. The characters don't change, they're staying true to themselves to the end, they're just learning. Same with Eve and Tor. Both learned how to trust and how to deal with their fears and learned to find a real reason to live.

Anyway, besides the personal issues and their love life, there is a serious subplot going on. Which I think could have got a bigger part. Wouldn't have mind if the book would have been longer, I wanted a little bit more focus on the issue. I mean they have to stop the weaklings (mixed bloodline) from gathering a hybrid army that could destroy the purebloods, and sometimes the book just completely ignores it. BUT it was a great conflict when it got a bit more focus. Besides this my only wish would have been to see Eve in more action. She fought great at the beginning, and a little in the middle, but that's it. She was a hunter, she should have been more active after she gained strength. But props for verbally beating the shit out of the egoist vampires! You go girl! Also great call to bring in some Law Keepers! I love to hate them, but I absolutely adored these guys! Half star just for them! I know there was one or two things that didn't really make sense to me at the time I was reading, but I can't really remember, so I guess nothing major there. 

My verdict is that Hunger is a great addition to the series, not the best book so far, but I enjoyed it, really liked the characters. It has interesting plots, fantastic character development and an inspiring romance. Quick and enjoyable read, so hell yeah I can recommend it! 

Find out how to enter the Hunger international giveaway (ends May 18th) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website, where you can also download a 6 chapter sample of the novel: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/hunger-vampire-romance-novel.php

Felicity is hosting a Facebook release party for Hunger on May 18th, so join her then for amazing giveaways, Q&A, teasers and more. All the details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/230938143763069/


Books in the Vampires Realm paranormal romance series:

Book 1: Prophecy: Child of Light
Book 2: Prophecy: Caelestis and Aurorea
Book 3: Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising
Book 3.1: Spellbound
Book 3.5: Reunion
Book 4: Seventh Circle
Book 5: Winter’s Kiss
Book 6: Hunter’s Moon
Book 7: Masquerade
Book 8: Hunger

About Felicity Heaton:

Felicity Heaton is a USA Today and international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons!

If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk

Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton

Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

Mailing List: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/newsletter.php

Review ~ Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

“I think a third shower might be necessary”

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

Title: Sweet Peril
Author: Wendy Higgins
Series: The Sweet Trilogy #2
Length: Paperback, 371 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: April 30th 2013
ISBN13: 9780062265944
Goodreads || Amazon || Book Depository

10 Reasons why you should read Sweet Peril, if you liked Sweet Evil: 

#1 Kaidan. The son of the demon Duke of Lust has indeed less 'screentime' than in Sweet Evil but he's sexier and sweeter than ever! Now careful diaries, you may worship him, but only from a great distance for he is already taken! (Of course taken by ME... Anna is the past.). 

Bloody Hell! He's so hot the pages were sizzling!

#2 Adventures! A lot more going on than in the previous book. For example, we see places to where one would never go willingly, except if one has a serious masochism issue. More than once Anna and her minions find themselves in life-threatening positions.

#3 Kaidan! 

#4 Backstory. Higgins finally began turning on a certain light bulb and we see some things more clearly now. There is everything like in a carnival (we have that too); stories of various tragic past, a hopeful prophecy (though we already knew about this at the end of the first book but hey, at least we got confirmation, and it wa a good opportunity to bring in a ghostly messenger from Anna's past.) and we get a couple of juicy information about some of the nephilim.

#5 Kopano. This time He has more part, than in Sweet Evil, and turns out he's a lot more interesting than I first thought. The guy is the übersilent type but has a charisma that never lets us forget he is there even if he doesn't speak a word. He would be a worthy opponent to Kaidan in the battle for Anna's heart, if he had a real chance. Sweet, sexy, dangerous in his own way, and St. blender, Batman! He's a mix of the two best raw materials! I am convinced, so he's mine too!

#6 The Dukes. Yep, they are the ones we all love to hate. Well, they do not disappoint. Wherever they appear, there's bloodshed. Luckly our little rebels don't run into them at every step on the way, otherwise this would be a really short rebellion. However, we all can agree on one thing: They're a damn good conflict in the series. The readers - at least the heartless ones like myself - might even find themselves wishing for more scenes with the douche Dukes, nephilims be damned...

#7 Blake! Forgive me for bringing up another male character as a reason, but for this once it has nothing to do with my girlish enthusiasm. Namely, Blake is the joker on duty, causing some LOL moments in the midst of drama and tension. Thank you, Blake!

#8 New players! That's right, baby! Two new Nephilims are joining to Anna's little uprising. In addition, both are warrior types. Flynn and Zania, both very interesting characters, though Zania's hardness was broken by the end of the book but let's hope, she will recover. We'll light some candles for Flynn's soul.

#9 Anna. Her character has changed a lot since the last time we saw her and although she still has not reached the point where she joins my favorite female characters (still too much drama to that), but she's on the right path. She's ballsier and managed to grew a backbone. She can now kick some serious arse and could join a circus as a knife thrower. If only she would shave off a bit of her cooking obsession. Although at least I've got some good ideas for my weekend lunch.

#10 Stable bridge. No, It did not turn suddenly into an architectural tutorial book. I mean with Sweet Peril we can honestly say that we get a pretty fair transition between the first (set up) and third (showdown) volumes in the series.  It's not perfect, or extremely good, but easily beats the second books of most of the trilogies in this genre. It is a fast and easy read and slowly devoured me, Kaidan or not. Those who do not eagerly looking forward to the third book should be all named Pinocchio! 'Cuz they're obviously liars!

COVER REVEAL: HUNGER by Felicity Heaton

Welcome, you all amazing people who joined us for the cover reveal for 

Felicity Heaton's NEW Vampires Realm Romance Series novel HUNGER

Hunger is due for release in ebook and paperback on May 10th major online book retailers. Read the first chapter of Hunger here!

~~~

Betrayed by one of her own and turned into a vampire, hunter Eve is consumed by her hunger for vengeance and has spent five years surviving hell, driven to take the life of the man she once loved. But just as she is about to close in on the hunter-turned-vampire, an event is set in motion that threatens to see him slip beyond her grasp forever—the leader of her bloodline has sent an escort to bring her to the family’s mansion. To a nest of the very creatures she once hunted and loathes.

A vampire assassin hardened by centuries of service, Tor is a man of discipline and loyalty, never straying from his mission or the rules set out for him, and has purged all his weaknesses, including his emotions. But the moment he meets the broken, fiery female he is to escort to Oslo, something dangerous awakens in him, something possessive and powerful, and when he is pulled into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the man who betrayed her, Tor discovers he will do anything to protect the woman slowly claiming his heart and give her the vengeance she desires—even break all the rules.

Can Eve embrace her new vampire nature in order to have her revenge and find a reason to live again in Tor? Can Tor and Eve stop the man who betrayed her and the deaths of thousands of innocents? Or will he succeed in creating a new army of hybrid vampires who will rise up against the purebloods?

Add the book to your Goodreads shelf

Pre-order your copy today from Apple iBooks / iTunes and Kobo Books:
Apple iTunes USA: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id853198285
Apple iTunes UK: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/id853198285
Apple iTunes Australia: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/id853198285
Apple iTunes Canada: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/id853198285
Apple iTunes New Zealand: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/id853198285

Kobo Books: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hunger-vampires-realm-romance-series-8

More retail links will soon be available on Felicity Heaton’s website!

Join Felicity’s mailing list to receive a notification when Hunger is released, plus a sneak preview of the first 6 chapters of the book and chances to win a signed copy:

Books in the Vampires Realm paranormal romance series:

Book 1: Prophecy: Child of Light
Book 2: Prophecy: Caelestis and Aurorea
Book 3: Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising
Book 3.1: Spellbound
Book 3.5: Reunion
Book 4: Seventh Circle
Book 5: Winter’s Kiss
Book 6: Hunter’s Moon
Book 7: Masquerade
Book 8: Hunger – Coming May 2014

About Felicity Heaton:

Felicity Heaton is a USA Today best-selling author who writes passionate paranormal romance books as Felicity Heaton and F E Heaton. In her books she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons!

If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, Felicity Heaton’s best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series she writes as F E Heaton or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books she writes as Felicity Heaton. Or if you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try Felicity Heaton’s new Vampire Erotic Theatre series.

In 2011, five of her six paranormal romance books received Top Pick awards from Night Owl Reviews, Forbidden Blood was nominated as Best PNR Vampire Romance 2011 at The Romance Reviews, and many of her releases received five star reviews from numerous websites. In 2013, Heart of Darkness was a finalist in the paranormal romance category at the Epic Ebook Awards, and she became a USA Today best-selling author.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk
Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton
Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

Review ~ Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

“I may be a loser, but hey, at least I'm a loser who can do magic, right?” 

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: Hex Hall #1
Length: Paperback, 323 pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Original Publication Date: February 1st 2010
ISBN13: 9781423121398
Goodreads || Amazon || Book Depository

Another YA book in my repertoire. I never really liked witch books, because the authors never like to put a twist on the usual, known-by everyone facts about witches. Same powers, same problems, same world building. Witch stories (at least the YA and/or Adult Fantasy novels) supposed to be fun in a basic level but I never really enjoyed reading about them. But that's where Hex hall really delivers.

It's not just about witches. There’s a secret school, hidden away from mundanes called Xavier’s School…
okay, not really, but there’s an unmistakable resemblance. However, this place is called the Hacate Hall. It’s kind of a boarding school for shifter, fairy, witch and occasionally vampire kids called “prodigium”. Hex Hall introduces us to an outcast, hilarious vampire girl, some ego-b*tch witches and fairies, just-a-bit-more-aggro-than-wanted puppies... I mean werewolves, and even Caspers. Thus 'Hex Hall' automatically transports us into Fun Realm. Add a few piece of humor bonbon, a gallon of mystery, a big chunk of evil and you got yourself a perfect witch book.

There's an ingredient that makes a witch story even more interesting: DEMONS. Yes, those evil to the core bastards have a pretty important role in the series. However, they're not the only extremely hostile entities. And this is where ‘Hex Hall’ started to remind me of Cremer's Nightshade series. The Prodigium has a Council and there are several groups in war with the supernatural and with each other, but there’s a particular not-so-secret organization hellbent on permanently wipe out every supernatural creature or “monster” as they like to call them, off Earth. They called L’Occhio di Dio. Eye of God. They are the most dangerous enemy. Reminded me a bit of Templars, actually. We don't really get more of them besides their basic history with the supernaturals, but something tells me there's more to their ongoing never ending war than we know. Talk about serious conspiracy theories.

But of course it's a YA, so let's spice our perfection with a pinch of a totally expected-but-passionate romance with the bad boy on duty (named Archer. Had to put it out there, I love this name!) from every other YA book you've read before (a jerk, who's actually just pretending to be a jerk, and has a vulnerable heart and a full, perfect six pack...or something totally else - though the six pack IS requirement - underneath his shirt.). Okay, there's a GREAT mystery floating around him, in kind of a 'too good to be true' way and really, nothing is sure where he's concerned. Nothing special but a good character (and expected, but great twist) nonetheless. Oh and I see a love triangle. All the time. They're everywhere! And again.. I like the other guy, Cal the warlock (even better name than Archer!!) more.

Now that we discussed everything major in the book, let’s talk about the main character; Sophie. Honestly, I don’t know what to do with her character. She’s equally the con AND the pro of the book. Her sarcasm is greatly appreciated. Not many YA heroines has such witty humor like hers. However, on the other hand, she’s a contrary person. The good part is that she’s not a saint, and doesn't see rainbows and unicorns in every corner. Doesn’t see the good in everybody. The bad part is that she hates mean people, but still believes them instead of her friend, just because the poor thing is a vampire, a monster. Okay, I’ll say it. She’s a racist! You don’t trust easily? Awesome, you’re precautious that means you’re smart and probably will live a long life. But don’t turn into a b*tch witch all of a sudden for no reason! Besides this, she’s good, but not awesome. Neither is she annoying (most times), so I guess that makes her an overall pro.

Hex Hall has a similar structure to Vampire Academy. (I know, I really should stop with the comparisons!) It’s a set-up novel. kind of like a prequel before the big important staff. It sets up the world and its rules, the overall story line of the series and introduces half of the major characters and one side. And LOTS of high school drama. Obviously Ending with a big cliffhanger that makes sure to let us know that we haven’t seen ANYTHING yet.

To wrap this novel sized review up, we can say that ‘Hex Hall’ is the perfect blend of magic, refreshing humor, passion and great twists. Add a great amount of mystery, several fantasy creatures, a dangerous and lethal enemy and BANG. You got yourself the pattern of a perfect YA series. THAT is Hex Hall.

That’s what HE said Thursday-March 6, 2014

That’s What He Said Thursdays is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies of Chapter Break. For more information on how to participate click here.

Okay, so in my first post I'm going to go with a quote from my newest book boyfriend, even though the series gives me more headache than pleasure, this guy is so worth it!

Should I give you clues? Okay... he's dangerous, dark and unearthly sexy. Like literally, since he's not human. Actually he's the son of Satan. Yup, THE Satan. Can you guess now? No? Okay, I'll help...
Ladies...
Meet Reyes Alexander Farrow from the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones!

"I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin.” - Reyes

I love this, because it took quite some time for them to trust each other, and this declaration is the most romantic yet incredibly sexy thing Reyes ever said.

Best of the Bunch February 2014

Best of the Bunch
Hosted by: Always Lost in Stories
Description: Best of the Bunch is a monthly blog hop at the end of each month, where we can share which books we have read or reviewed in that month, decide on our personal favourite and give that book our Best of the Bunch award. To join in simply write your blog post telling us which books you have read or reviewed over the month, (and which book gets your Best of the Bunch award for that month), and then add your link to the Mr. Linky. Visit the other blogs in the links to get some awesome new book recommendations. Do you already write a monthly wrap-up post for your blog? Why not tie it up with Best of the Bunch and add your link in?

Books read in February:

Darynda Jones: First Grave on the Right 4✮

Jeaniene Frost: Up From the Grave 4,5✮

Jennifer L. Armentrout: Obsidian 4✮

Felicity Heaton: Claimed by a Demon King 4,5✮

Kresley Cole: Poison Princess 4,5✮

And the Best of the Bunch winner of February 2014 is...

Amazingly a YA book. Who would have thought, really? As much as it pains me not to say Up From the Grave, I have to admit, Cole's world building blew me away. Okay, the brilliant narrators of the audiobook definitely pumped it up too, but I love this world, the characters, the fight 'till the death scenario and the whole Tarot thing. I'm already started book two! Sorry, Bones!! You know I love you guys!

Book Beginning: Endless Knight

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Rose City Reader. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

This is what I truly am. . . .
Jackson stumbled back from me, making the sign of the cross. Just as I once predicted.

Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2) by Kresley Cole

Evie finally became badass -which is freaking exciting for me. For her "boyfriend"? Apparently not so much.  Although I don't really understand why is he so freaked out after everything they've seen... Okay, maybe a boy ripped in two behind Evie is a bit disturbing, but c'mon, she finally learned how to protect herself! That's what everyone wanted, right?

Felicity Heaton: Claimed by a Demon King Blog Barrage

Claimed by a Demon King, the second book in Felicity Heaton’s hot new paranormal romance series, Eternal Mates, is now available in ebook and paperback. To celebrate the release, she’s holding a FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY at her website.

Find out how to enter the Claimed by a Demon King international giveaway (ends March 2nd) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website, where you can also download a 6 chapter sample of the novel: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/cbadk

Claimed by a Demon King and the Eternal Mates series is set in the same world as the Vampire Erotic Theatre series, so if you’re a fan of that series, you will love Eternal Mates. Throughout this series, you’ll have a chance to catch up with the cast of the Vampire Erotic Theatre series and learn more about their world. In Claimed by a Demon King, you’ll get to visit the theatre, and some of the favourite characters in the Vampire Erotic Theatre series.

Here’s more about Claimed by a Demon King, including an excerpt from this paranormal romance novel and my review.

Claimed by a Demon King (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 2) by Felicity Heaton

The moment the demon King Thorne of the Third Realm set eyes on the mortal huntress Sable, he knew she was his fated one. The fiery, dangerous female awakened hungers he had never experienced before, a dark craving and passion that has consumed him in their time apart. As the lunar cycle wanes, she enters his world again and nothing will stand in the way of him claiming his forever with her—not the relentless assault from the Fifth Realm or the dark elf male determined to seduce her out of his grasp.

Intent on achieving the coveted position of commander at Archangel, Sable leads her small team into the dark underworld and the Third Realm, to a war where her allies are the very creatures she normally hunts—vampires, werewolves, and demons. Her eagerness to lead the deadly mission has everything to do with winning her promotion, and nothing to do with the kingdom’s brash, lethally seductive demon king—a king who stirred fierce desire and wildfire heat in her with just a look and an innocent touch when they first met, and has been in her wicked dreams ever since.

As the gathering storm between rivals unleashes irresistible passion that flares white-hot and the heat of the battle brings life-shattering realisations, can Sable place her duty before her heart? Or will she surrender to her deepest desires and be claimed by a demon king?

Claimed by a Demon King is available from Amazon Kindle, Kobo Books, Barnes and Noble Nook, Apple iBooks stores and other retailers. Also available in paperback. Find the links to your preferred retailer at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/cbadk

REVIEW

Although it's recommended that you read Kissed by a Dark Prince (EM #1) before Claimed by a Demon King, I - however - had not (shame on me!). Yes, sometimes I felt confused/curious - which was completely my own fault - when the characters mentioned some early events happened in the previous book, but I didn't feel that my lack of reading 'Kissed by a Dark Prince' impacted my reading and enjoyment of 'Claimed by a Demon King' (other than I wanted to know more about Loren and Vail, so I'm going to read the first book ASAP).

Felicity's PNR books and me have a constant war, so to speak. Some of them really amazed me and became my favorites, some of them just didn't do it for Me. I always bitching about the lack of action, even though I know it's PNR not an UF (can't help it, sorry!!) and I kind of just jumped into the middle of this new series, not knowing exactly what to expect this time. I WAS IMMEDIATELY SUCKED IN! Truth to be told, It still has more lovemaking than fighting, but I really enjoyed it. 

I don't know what I loved most: the characters/their relationships or the world building. Granted, I rolled my eyes at the heroine, Sable sometimes (she was a bit whiny), but she was okay most of the time. In fight? She is Badass! 

Thorne, THE Demon King, on the other hand is soooooo freaking entertaining. He's possessive as hell - duh! -, but when he figures out he can't win the lady by acting as a caveman, his attempts to learn/understand human behavior, emotions and customs are sweet and usually really funny. He has more humanity than the other demons/creatures. 

But Thorne isn't the only one who wants our girlfriend. Nope, here comes a love triangle! Well, sort of. Add Legolas err. I mean Bleu - a HOT elf warrior to that pile of hot mess and you got yourself a crazy entertaining ménage à trois. Okay, not really, these men are too stubborn and possessive to share anything, and Sable wants only Thorne. Which always leads to bloodshed. But they're sweet when trying to outdo the other. 

Besides these three, we have a quite powerful line of side characters. Readers can meet Loren, Olivia and Vail again. An entire werewolf pack, and a vampire clan with a jackass, but fun leader, some human warriors, witches - good and evil -, even dragon shifters. Plus we meet some of the VET crew (Snow <3). I loved how all these different creatures got together to stop the big bad wolf -err Demon King. I loved their interactions, even their fights. We lose some of them along the way, and it hurts! So there is love, hate, friendship, alliance, betrayal, mystery and death. The world building is absolutely phenomenal!! The different realms, different races with their own unique features and abilities and hierarchy. Again I was mind-blown by Felicity's ability to describe so vividly and powerfully everything. Of course my favorite parts were the two fight scenes (including the childish fights between Thorne and Bleu :)), but I instantly felt the chemistry between the characters, so the romance was great, too. 

Overall I think, this must be one of Felicity's best PNR books to date. There are a bunch of cliches, but honestly? I don't give a rat's ass about cliches. I enjoyed it, even loved it and it definitely become my favorite. The next book is gonna be Vail's, Loren's brother and I'm pretty sure he's gonna get into trouble with a certain witch. It should be fun!

Claimed by a Demon King – Excerpt

“Is there a dress code for tonight?” Sable looked at the beautiful gown and then Loren’s fine clothing resting over the chair.

She hadn’t brought anything for this sort of situation and she doubted her team had either. All of her clothes were fit for battle and nothing else. Even if she had known in advance about the feast, it wouldn’t have helped. She didn’t own anything as fine as the dress Loren held. She didn’t own a dress period.

“I really don’t want to offend Thorne,” she ignored the teasing look Olivia slid her way, “but I know all of my team brought only battle clothes with them.”

“That will not be a problem.” Loren laid the dress down on top of his clothing and turned to her. “You represent your team so only you will be seated at the main table with the other commanding officers. Thorne will not mind if your subordinates are dressed plainly.”

In other words, he would mind if she was.

Sable refused to panic about this. “Maybe there’s a demon female I can borrow a dress from.”

“That won’t be possible,” Olivia said, snatching her focus. “There are no demon females.”

She gasped. “Who were those women then?”

“Witches… a vampire or two. I believe there was even a shifter amongst them,” Loren replied and Sable’s gaze darted back to him.

“Demons don’t have females?” How had she not known that?

“No,” Olivia said for him and why hadn’t her friend told her about this? “The Devil put some sort of curse on seven demon species when they seized these lands to make their own realms… I guess he was pissed because he wiped out all the women and made it so the men would have to seek out their fated one. Now, demons can only mate with their fated females. The kicker is that most of them are mortal… and demons stick out like sore thumbs in our world.”

Mortal.

Sable’s pulse kicked up a notch. “How do they know their female?”

“They dream of her after meeting her.” Loren’s smile turned wicked and she didn’t like the glint in his eyes.

Cold slithered through her even as her cheeks began to heat.

“You’re talking… naughty… dreams.” Could she sound any more innocent and nervous?

He nodded. “Very, very naughty.”

“Loren,” Olivia chided and crossed the room to him. Sable thanked her for backing her up until her friend turned to her, forming an allied front with Loren, her smile just as wicked as his was. “You’re not having naughty dreams of Thorne are you, Sable?”

“No.” Lie. A whopper of one. The dreams she’d had of him had been x-rated and hotter than all of her real-life encounters rolled into one. “Besides, I’m not a demon male. Why would I dream of him?”

Loren preened his jacket and casually said, “Because their female dreams of them too, and they both experience the same dream if they’re sleeping at the same time.”

Holy hell in a hand-basket. His triumphant smile said he had noticed the blush that had risen onto her cheeks before she had gotten the better of herself.

“Screw both of you. Stop messing with me.”

“In all seriousness, demons are aggressive and it often takes their female to tame them and teach them civility, so try to avoid the unmated ones.” Olivia touched Sable’s arm.

She nodded, even though she didn’t think they were particularly aggressive. Thorne seemed quite calm to her most of the time, and the demons she had encountered so far were not as she had pictured or how Olivia said they were.

Olivia squeezed her arm. “Why did you hurl yourself into that fight?”

Sable glared at her. Could she not have five minutes without Olivia or Loren insinuating that she fancied Thorne?

She sighed. “I honestly thought they were attacking him. What else was I to think? We were called here to help in a war and we appear in the middle of a huge fight!”

Loren smiled and she wanted to slug him. “Your clue was that the other demons in the area were merely watching events unfold and not stepping in to protect their king.”

Sable loosed a ripe curse in his direction and then added, “Shut up.”

“It’s just like you to see a fight and want in on it,” Olivia said and she was about to nod in agreement until her friend ruined it by tacking on, “Of course, if it hadn’t been Thorne in the middle of that battle—”

“You can shut up too.” Sable took her arm away from Olivia and scowled at both of them.

“Come, come. I believe we have teased her enough. She will use one of those crossbow bolts on us if we do not stop.” Loren held his hand out to Olivia and she slipped hers into it and went to him. He pulled his mate flush against him and smiled down into her eyes before turning his gaze back on Sable. “Do not worry about the feast. Bleu will have left a dress for you in your room.”

There was a knock at the door. Sable opened it and stared as a huge blond demon rolled a large wooden tub into the room and set it down by the fire. Others entered behind him, carrying pitchers of steaming water.

A bath.

Sable wanted one of those too. She needed to relax before she could even think about showing her face at the feast. She wanted to scrub away her shame and embarrassment, and unwind.

She leaned out into the hall and looked along it towards her room.

A big dark-haired male stood there with another tub and an impatient look on his rugged face.

“Got to dash.” She looked over her shoulder to Loren and Olivia, at the tub and then back at them. “Try to keep the volume turned down when you’re scrubbing her back, Big Guy.”

Loren blushed and he blushed hard.

Sable tossed him a victorious grin and shot from the room. The demon waiting with the tub scowled at her and then something flickered in his dark red eyes and he straightened and bowed his head. She grimaced when she recognised him as one of the demons from the courtyard. Just great. She got to have her tub delivered by someone who had witnessed the whole debacle with his king.

“Roll it in, Big Guy.” She pushed her door open and waved him on. He grunted something under his breath and heaved the tub forwards, picked it up with one hand on the rim, walked to the fireplace off to her left and set it down. She hadn’t meant to challenge his strength but he had clearly taken her pet term and words as just that. Maybe he wasn’t good with English.

He flicked her another glance, raking his gaze over her from head to toe this time, curled his lip and stalked off.

Not stalked. Limped.

Great. Not just a witness but one of the ones she had shot.

“Sorry,” she called after him but he didn’t stop.

He disappeared around the corner and the other demons filed in, depositing the hot water into the tub.

Water in Hell. Back at Archangel, she had wondered if they would have such things in this part of Hell. Loren’s kingdom had water but then they had portals that channelled a river through their lands. Where did this kingdom get its water?

Probably through portals. Demons could teleport too.

Sable closed the door after the last demon had left and turned to the bed.

A beautiful sky-blue dress lay on top of the furs. She crossed the room to it and gazed down at the gauzy layers of fabric and the elegant silver metalwork of the corset beside it. It took her breath away. She had never worn anything so beautiful or so feminine.

A vision of her walking into the great hall and Thorne going wild for her the moment he set eyes on her rose into her mind.

She shut it out. She couldn’t let things go that way. She was here on an important mission, one that would decide the fate of Thorne’s kingdom. She couldn’t let her desire get the better of her. She couldn’t become a distraction for Thorne.

She couldn’t give him the impression that she wanted him, even when she burned for him.

Books in the Eternal Mates romance series:

Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 1)

Claimed by a Demon King (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 2)

About Felicity Heaton:

Felicity Heaton is a USA Today and international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons!

If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk

Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton

Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

Mailing List: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/newsletter.php

Felicity is happy to offer an eBook copy of Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates book 1) to one reader. To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter below. Good luck!

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