Betrayed by Ednah Walters Review

Synopsis:

Lil has come to terms with her life as a Guardian/demon hunter and the wielder of the Nephilim most powerful weapon. She trains everyday to master her growing powers, gets along with her Guardian trainee friends (most of the time) and cherishes her moments with her human friends.

Just when she feels she belongs, her nature-bender father contacts her and warns her about a betrayal by someone close to her. Then Bran, the guy she loves, starts to act strange and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability. While Lil struggles find a connection between these three things, she begins to realize that someone is manipulating her and Bran, and will stop at nothing (including hurting those she loves) to lure them to the dark side.

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My Review:

Have you ever dreaded reading a sequel because you liked the first book so much that you didn't want to be disappointed? Well, let me assure you that this is not a problem with this series!!!

I was so incredibly excited when my copy of Betrayed arrived in the mail. I started it immediately and I was not disappointed one bit.

Betrayed is a fantastic sequel. I tore through the 366 page book in less than twenty four hours, staying up until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. It felt amazing being back in the world Ednah created in the first book.

All of our beloved characters are back. Lil, the badass chosen one, Bran her evil-turned-good-winged boyfriend, Remy, Skyes, Kim, Izzy, all of the other guardians, including Lil's grandpa. And let's not forget Valafar!!! All of these characters are developed in this book, especially Lil and Bran. Lil becomes stronger phisically as well as mentally. She's one tough 16 year old! Bran is as dreamy and protective as ever. (#TeamBran!) It was agonizing when he started pulling away from Lil. I could feel her pain.

The book is action packed! Ednah writes some fantastic fight scenes! Heck, she writes fantastic scenes of any kind. The romantic parts are swoon worthy! I love the way the guardian trainees act around eachother. The character's dialog is great!

Here are some of my favorite lines: "One caught your fancy?" "So many to love," he whispered, his gaze following another girl, "and so little time." "Man-whore," Kim said. "A proud card carrying member," he said absentmindedly, his eyes on another girl. "And I don't apologize for it."

"The way his heated eyes caressed my face left no doubt in anyone'smind he loved me."

And let's not forget the fact that someone has Betrayed Lil. I tried my hardest to figure out who it was before I found out. I was unsuccessful. Ednah keeps you on your toes, makes you suspect everyone, until she unveils the culprit. I didn't even think about this person. Ednah is good!!!

Last but not least, cover love!!! :) It's such a beautiful book to add to my shelf! I am eagerly awaiting book three Hunted!!!

If you enjoyed Awakened, the first book in The Guardian Legacy series, then you will love Betrayed even more! Get your copy today!

5/5

Happy Reading!

*Kristina*



Her Guardian Angel by Felicity Heaton

Synopsis:

A simple mission becomes a fight for survival in this fantastic instalment in the Her Angel series.

A guardian angel dedicated to his duty, Marcus will do whatever Heaven asks of him, but even his loyalty has its limits. When his superior orders him to gain Amelia’s trust through seduction, Marcus starts to question his mission and his feelings for the beautiful woman he has watched over since her birth.

Amelia has gone from one bad relationship to another, so when a gorgeous guy moves in next door looking like Mr Right, she hopes he doesn’t turn out to be another black knight in disguise. But there’s more to Marcus than meets the eye, and when he rescues her from three demonic men, Amelia is thrust into his nightmarish world—a world where God and the Devil exist, and only one angel can save her from death—Marcus, the angel she’s falling in love with.

On the run from demonic angels and the Devil himself, aided by Marcus’s angel friends and their amazing women, fighting for survival against the odds, Marcus and Amelia discover a love that will last forever.

A love so strong it will shake Heaven and Hell.

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When I saw that Felicity was looking for people to review her latest angel story, I jumped at the chance and left her a comment saying that I was interested. Angels have been my favorites lately, so I was very excited when Felicity sent me a PDF copy of the story. I started it right away.

My Review:

Looking for a smokin' hot angel book? Look no further!

Her Guardian Angel is book four in the series, but the great thing about this series is that the books can be read as stand alone and in any order. This is the first book I have read of Felicity's and let me tell you, it will not be the last!

I tore through this over four hundred page book in about six hours, staying up until after midnight to finish it! I layed in bed all day, refusing to put it down unless it was absolutely necessary. I loved it!

I've been reading a lot of young adult books lately, and while I love them, they are often short of the hot and swoon worthy moments. I wanted a book that I would fall in love with. This book gave me exactly what I had been craving and more. Felicity has created a brilliant original story, that you can tell took time and research. The way she describes Heaven and Hell is incredible. I loved the main ones as well as the minor ones. Their emotions were palpabe and I felt that I could relate to some of them. Marcus, the tortured Guardian that doesn't like being away from Heaven and Amelia the strong, sassy human are the perfect match.

The book is filled with mystery, action, romance, and plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end of the novel. I love how the characters travel. I find it makes a book more interesting when they aren't in the same place the entire time. The dialog is great, the descriptions are fabulous, and the cover is sexy! What more could you want?

This is one book that I would gladly buy the paperback version of just so I could put it on my bookshelf. *adds to favorites*

 

5/5

 

Happy Reading!

*Kristina*

The Dragon's Saga: Legend of the Oceina Dragon by J.F. Jenkins

Synopsis:

Darien Oceina is the youngest son of the Great Dragon Lord of the Water. For years he's loved and cherished Tai Dawson from afar. Tai is a simple, ordinary girl who doesn't even know Darien exists. On his eighteenth birthday, he chooses her as his wife. But there’s one problem: She thinks his choice means she's going to be offered as a sacrifice to the Dragon Lord, but instead, she’s forced to move to his home, far away, to give up her life and be his bride.

When she first sees Darien after the ceremony, she doesn’t expect to feel anything but hatred toward him. The two are struggling with the complications of a new marriage when their nation is attacked by a rival dragon species. Together they learn to love one another while they struggle to stay one step ahead in a game where the prize is their survival.

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Two weeks ago my friend Brea Essex and I were having a conversation about jewelry. She planning to make a few people necklaces or earrings to promote her book Foreshadow.  She told me about a lady named Jill  she was making a pair of earrings for, and said she had a really good book that I should read. Luckily, Brea and I both had Nooks, so she was able to lend the book to me.  I was in the middle of The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa (totally reccomend them!) and forgot about the book momentarily. Once I finished The Iron Queen, I saw Legend of the Oceina Dragon sitting in my library and I realized that I only had a few more days to read it before it would disappear. I cracked it open and began reading.

My Review:

5/5

Wow! That's the only thing I could say after finishing the book.

Mrs. Jenkins has created a brilliantly original story that is full of romance, mystery, powerful emotions, great characters, and dragons! This is the second series I've read about dragons, Eragon being the first. While Eragon was interesting and action filled, Legend of the Oceina is full of the love and romance that those books were missing. If you are anywhere near the romance junkie I am, this book will definitely not disappoint! I loved all the characters and could relate to them. The emotions they felt were palpable. Every detail is layed out perfectly, the dialog is great, and the descriptions are fantastic! Incredible world building, too! And have I mentioned that I love the gorgeous covor? Unfortunately, my Nook only displays it in black and white and does not do it justice.

Another thing I love about the story is how the characters develop throughout the novel. Darien loves Tai before they ever meet, and his love for her only grows. *Swoon* Tai doesn't love Darien right off the bat. If anything, she hates him for taking her away from her old life and forcing her into their marriage.  I love that Tai is strong and hardheaded at times, not in a bad way.

I finished this book in a few hours, racing through it without bothering  to check the page numbers. The ending is sweet, satisfying, and leaves you wanting more. The story is a breath of fresh air. You get the paranormal romance you've come to love, but with something different and extraordinary-the dragons. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book and am going to get my own copy of the book to read whenever I want.

Brea, thank you so much for showing me this amazing book! :)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go read it again.

Happy reading!

*Kristina*

P.S. Keep an eye out for an interview with the author!

Getting to know Kristina + Giveaway winner!

Good evening, everyone! :) I know I said I would post all the questions and answers a while ago, but I wanted to give more people the chance to ask me questions. Plus, my left arm has been in a brace for a week and a half thanks to tendonitis. I am mostly better now, though!

So without further ado, here are all the questions and answers! (And at the end I'll announce The Mulligan Man PDF winner!)

Q: What is your favorite genre to read, and who is your favorite author?

A: I love anything with romance. Especially paranormal romance. I have a lot of favorite authors including: Richelle Mead, Meg Cabot, Rachel Caine, Deena Remiel, Monique O'Connor James, Ednah Walters, Gracen Miller, Kristine Cheney, Jennifer Laurens, Colleen Houck, Suzanne Collins, Ellen Hopkins, Jeanine Frost, Karen Kincy, and so many more. :)

Q: What is your favorite line from any book?

A: Again, I don't have a 'favorite' line from a book. I like anything romantic or funny. Jeanine Frost's Night Huntress Series has a lot of really funny lines. 

Q: Are there any type of paranormal creatures or settings you'd like to see in a book?

A: I love Vampires, Angels, Werewolves...All that jazz. As for setting, I really like books that are set outside of the US because I love to travel.

Q: What is your day job?

A: I work at a Catholic school and am a full time college student!

Q: What is the first book you can remember reading! What is your all time favorite book?

A: That's a tough question! There was this one Clifford the Big Red dog book when I was little. I remembered it because it was one of the books in my classroom.

Again with the favorites!!! Once again, I have a lot of favorites. I can tell you the series I've read the most throughout my life is the 1-800-Where-R-you series by Meg Cabot. LOVE those books. I also really like Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead. (Book three in the Vampire Academy series)

Q: What made you want to start a blog - and why a book reviewing blog?

 A: I decided to start a book blog when Monique O'Connor James asked me if I wanted to do a character interview with Jess and Justin from her book The Keepers. I'd seen other do character interviews and thought it would be a lot of fun. The only problem was that the blog I was currently posting from was created to be an online diary of sorts, and no one visited. So, Kristina's Books and More was born. :)

Q: What genres are you willing to review? Any certain ones you'd love to read?

A: I'd be willing to review anything. I love anything with romance, adventure, humor, paranormal, ect!

Q: What is your favourite colour, and why?

A: I've always really liked the color blue because it was the color of the sky, and of water sometimes. Plus, my eyes are blue. My mom's favorite color is blue, too. Maybe I got it from her.

Q: What question hasn't been asked that should have been?

A: I'm suprised that someone didn't ask what I have recently read, am currently reading, or how many books are on my to be read pile. I'll answer those!

Recently read: The Night Huntress and Night Huntress World series by Jeanine Frost, The Keepers by Monique O'Connor James, Trinity by Deena Remiel, Tiger's Curse and Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck, Fairy Casanova by Gracen Miller, and Spartan Heart Parts 1&2 by Kristine Cheney! (I reccomend all of these fabulous books!)

Currently reading: Happily Never After (a short) by Jeanine Frost and Power of the Moon by Tina  Carreiro

I have around a hundred books in my TBR pile. It seems like everytime I finish a book, I add two more in it's place! So many good books, not nearly enough time to read them!

Q: Favorite band?
A: Green Day

Q: Favorite Movie(s)?
A: All three Lord of the Rings movies. (I have all three books, but haven't read them yet.)

Want to know more? Here's the link to the interview I did with Monique O'Connor James. That's right! She interviewed me! :D http://moniquejames.wordpress.com/2011/07/03/fan-tastic-fan-interview-with-kristina-haecker/

And now for the winner of The Mulligan Man PDF:

Katrina W!!!!

I'll send you the PDF as soon as Monique sends it to me! :)

Question: So how many of you saw the last Harry Potter movie last weekend? I saw it at midnight and I cried like a baby! Excellent movie!

Happy reading!

*Kristina*

Interview and giveaway with author Monique O'Connor James

Hello, everyone! Help me welcome the lovely author Monique O'Connor James to my blog! Monique is the author of the fabulous book The Keepers. Everyone should get a copy It's wonderful! Here's my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/175427004  And now, the interview!!!!

Tell me a little bit more about yourself?

I'm the mom to two beautiful kids. My son is 14, and my daughter 9. I married my high school sweetheart. We met when we were 12!! at a party, started dating at 16 and married at 21. I tend to attract the most wonderful people into my life. I always seem surrounded by loyal and supportive friends and family. I absolutely adore meeting wonderful, creative souls. I sell insurance by day full time! (ICK!!) And at night I'm momma, wife, and novelist :). I've been through my share of heartaches in life, and some of that comes out in my writing, but I aspire to touch people with my stories, both real and fiction, and hope they bring a bit of hope and inspirations to others.

Insurance! How fun! *sarcasm!* What age did you start writing?

I first started writing at about eight I guess. I've told the story before, but my mom bought me a journal and suggested I write. She said write anything...so I did and a love affair began. I saw my mother writing at different times in her life. However, I never knew until recently how much she wanted to publish her own book and it has been a dream come true to realize this for myself and her. My dad recently gave me some of her writings and ironically, we wrote about similar subjects and had similar voices. It was an amazing moment, because I'd never seen any of this stuff before. I think maybe she found away to tell me how proud she was from the other side...who knows :)

What a sweet story about your mom! I'm sure she's very proud of you! You wrote several years before publishing the keepers. How many books did you write in that time period and will we eventually see them all?

Yes! I wrote for roughly three years before trying to get published. I wrote seven novels before I really decided to get going. I have 8 total now (the last one is my WIP). Yes, you will see them all because each story deserves in it's own right to be told! The Keepers was the first. Then I wrote the Jamais Vu Series, which probably isn't complete. I also have several stand alone novels, or at least they stand alone now. I won't mention the names just yet, in case something changes, but they all have paranormal elements, and most are just creepy fun.

I realize The Keepers was highly emotional. I do carry some emotion with all of my writing, but I like to transfer that emotion to fear, suspense, anger, etc. So, I really hope that each story evokes a different response from my readers.

Out of your three stories The Keepers (out now), Jamias Vu (out in September) and The Mulligan Man (a short coming this month) which is your favorite and why?

OH I forgot about Mulligan Man! Yes, I have that short coming out too! This one is loads of Fun! I can't believe you want me to pick a favorite? Instead, I'm going to say they all have a bit of my heart for different reasons. The Keepers was the first thing I wrote - 9 years after the death of my mother. A lot of the raw emotion in this book came from a very real place. For that reason it will always be special to me.

Jamais Vu - Ah okay I'm sharing here and this is new information! When I was two, my mother accidentially shot herself while playing with a loaded gun. She told me her story many times over the years. When she passed away of breast cancer, I really wanted to use some of the details, but I was terrified of injuring my mom's memory. I wrote the first three chapters and sent them off to my dad. I sent a note saying...Dad, please tell me if this is okay. Do you think mom would approve? He wrote back two words. Keep Writing. Need I say more?

The Mulligan Man has been fun because I sat down with my son and planned the characters and the plot. He really engaged in the process and we had a great time doing it. I will never forget that!

Can't wait to read The Mulligan Man and Jamias Vu! Which of your characters are you most like?

Which of my characters? HA! Well I'll tell you this, for weeks after my dad first read The Keepers, he refused to call me anything but Jess. :)

Are your characters based on people you know?

I think that I take personality traits from people I know or have met to craft characters, but I don't all out say, this is so-and-so and he's going to be just like my friend such-and-such. For example, Rory (In The Keepers), The name came from a guy I went to high school with who is one of my customers now. I've just always adored the name.

When I was writing his character I knew exactly how I wanted him to be and there were two people in my life that fit the bill, my dad and my son. A lot of his personality traits come from aspects of their character, but he is not them. Get it? :)

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, do you have playlists for the books?

I do! I love alternative rock and some country. Usually you will hear Seether, Foo Fighters, Chili Peppers, Staind, Rise Against, something like that playing quietly while I write.

I haven't done any playlists, but it would be fun to put together a sound track for The Keepers and Jamais Vu - we should do that ;)

You have great taste when it comes to music! Count me it! :) Where do you like to write? Do you have a certain time you write, or whenever you have free time?

I usually write in my garage which I have dubbed The Dungeon. With working full time, and being wife and momma, I write whenever I have time! Mostly that means between 10 PM and 2AM!

Do you need anything special to write?

Eh, A Coke, my laptop and that's about it. Or Actually, I've started writing long hand lately, so I don't even need my laptop really.

What do you do when you're not writing?

Well there isn't much time, but I love the beach and hanging out with my kids. I have the funniest kids ever. Our house is full of sarcasm and they can hold their own.

How much has your fanbase grown since you first published The Keepers? How does it feel seeing fans so actively advertising your book?

This just makes me smile. Gosh I can't even say how much my fan base has grown. It has multiplied 10 fold! The wonderful thing that has happened is that when people are fans they are rabid fans. I have the most devoted people behind me. Everytime I get on social media and see how many people are supporting me, I want to cry. It's truly a wonderful feeling to know that people get you, and connect with what you want to share.

Do you read all reviews about your books?

Yes, I do. I haven't gotten any terrible reviews yet. However, I tend to pick them all apart and read too much into them. If someone makes one remark about something needing to be improved, you can bet I've filed it in my brain for future use!

What's the weirdest thing you've ever been asked by a fan?
If I could introduce her to Justin. She was serious. I'll leave it at that :D

If Justin was real, I'd want to meet him too! ;) Hehe. Do you have time to read? Who's your favorite author?

I try to read!!! I put books on my Nook and everytime i get in the tub I read. It's hard though! I just recently read Becca Fitzpatric's Hush Hush Series, and I loved it. I grew up reading Anne Rice of course, and I like James Lee Burke. He is a Louisiana Author also, and my dad turned me on to him. I've just recently jumped on the YA band wagon so ask me this again next year :D Also, there are some indie authors that rock Crystal D. Ward is coming out with a book in August called Supernova. I got the priveledge of critiquing this novel for her, and I love it! It's a series also and I wait for new chapters with bated breath!

What are you currently working on?

I'm writing The Watchers - which is the follow up to The Keepers! It has taken me longer than any other novel, because i'm marketing and editing other projects :)

Tell us about how you got published?

A friend of mine told me about Astraea Press. I looked them up and it seemed like a good fit. It was only January of this year that i decided to put an effort into getting published. I sent The Keepers in and prayed! I was shocked when I was offered a contract, because The Keepers was literally three years in the making. It had been edited and rewritten until it hardly resembled what i first wrote!

Any advice for aspiring authors like myself?

Yes! Don't stop. Never say never. It's a roller coaster ride, even after you get published. It takes a ton of dedication and hard work, but if you are driven to write and this is your dream push forward until they can't ignore you anymore.

I'll definitely keep that in mind! Where can fans find you? (twitter, facebook, blog, ect.)

Twitter: mjames13

Wordpress: www.moniquejames.wordpress.com

Website: www.moniqueoconnorjames.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144

Buy Links: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578

Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you! I learned a lot and had a lot of fun! Anything else before I tie the interview up in a big red ribbon and post it to my blog?

Hmm let me think....nope guess not but um The Keepers is on sale today and tomorrow for $1.99 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Astraea Press and it will go back to $6.99! :D

Giveaway~

Monique is giving away a PDF copy of The Mulligan Man to one lucky person.

In order to win the PDF copy, you must:

1.) Follow my blog

2.) Go like Monique's author page and thank her for giving away the PDF! (I will check!)

3.) Leave a comment including your email address incase you win!

The contest will run through July 17th. The winner will be notified on the 18th, which is the day the short is released. I will pick the winner using random.org

Happy Reading,

Kristina

Getting to know you, while you get to know me.

Welcome to Kristina's Books & More!

Authors, reviewers, fans are all welcome here!

Since this is my first official blog, I wanted everyone to get to know me (and I wanted to get to know everyone a little better in return) before I crack the whip and get down to book business.

Please post a comment and tell me a little bit about yourself. You can do a mini bio or you can be completely random. It's up to you! I also ask that you ask me at least one question. It can be book related or not. You can ask me as many questions as you'd like. Tomorrow I'll answer all the questions, and throw in a few random facts in a new blog post!

I'm hoping to have my first book related stuff out Friday! The first featured book/author is:

The Keepers by Monique O'Connor James!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to check out my blog! There is some really awesome stuff in the works that I hope you'll stay around to check out! Please invite people to follow my blog. :)

Happy reading!
Kristina