Review: King Hall by Scarlett Dawn♥

King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
Release Date: August 1, 2013
Format: eARC, 280 pages
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Series: Forever Evermore #1
Source: NetGalley

Description from Goodreads:
A fresh, meaty, sink-your-teeth-in-and-hold-on-tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall…

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing:  survival.  Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings.  Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the revolution.

You know how so many people are getting into New Adult but are sitting around wondering where the freak the good paranormal NA's are? Well, I JUST FOUND ONE!

Seriously, someone should slap me for waiting so long to read this book. It was so great, I cannot stop smiling about it. This is without a doubt one of my favorite NA books, and one of my favorite books so far this year.

Yeah, I loved it that much.

These characters give me all kinds of happy feelings inside. Lily and Dominic were such an adorable couple. And, wonder of wonders, I actually liked Lily! She was strong and could be independent when the need arose. And she was OPEN. She actually talked about things (for the most part) instead of letting it stew away inside her for us to read and punch walls about. Pearl rocked, and Jack was a sweetheart.

EZRA. Let me tell you about my boy Ezra. I have the biggest mother effing crush on this guy. There are so many book boys that I love, but Ezra I have a 100% serious crush on. I heart his face. I pretty much swooned every time he breathed. I highlighted every time he did anything remotely funny, protective, cute, or sweet. If I didn't like Lily so much, I'd still have read this book anyway just to see what's up with Ezra. He's my favorite character by far. I'm also considering adding him to my top 10 book boys of all time... I'm not SURE yet, but it's a thought, and that means something.

This book starts off on a funny note, which caught my attention and made me want to read more. From there, we're introduced to the world, which I thought was built fairly well. There are still questions, but those are things that I'm sure will be cleared up in the next book (or books? I don't know how long this series is going to be. Then again, if Ezra sticks around the whole time, I think I'd be cool with it never ending). Other than the world building, this book was paced super well--so much stuff happened, I swear I didn't get bored at all. Not one time while reading this book. I'd have to go eat dinner or reply to an email or something and I'd be whining to whoever was sitting next to me about that really great book I was reading that I wanted to read more of RIGHT NOW.

Goodness gracious, I LOVE THIS BOOK. I am making some serious grabby hands for book 2 right now. For real, I can't even.

Overall, King Hall is the most addictive book I've read in a while. Fun, sweet, and badass, I would certainly recommend this paranormal New Adult story to anyone who likes books that pull you in and hold you hostage.

Now, I'm off to write a love letter to Ezra. Oh, sweet baby goodness I heart that boy.

♥Jessica(:

Review: Time's Forbidden Flower by Diane Rinella♥

Time's Forbidden Flower by Diane Rinella
Release Date: August 19, 2013
Format: eARC
Publisher: Midnight to Six
Series: Forbidden Flower #2
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Description from Goodreads:
An eternity of passion cannot be quelled by society. 

Once upon a time Donovan assured Lily all of her dreams would come true. But how could he keep the promise of a fairy tale when her truest goals could not involve him, though her deepest desires did? Now, Lily has it all—love, passion, a family, and the career of her dreams—with Christopher. But something is lacking. She and Donovan have spent the last ten years living apart, and the soul mates are eager to reunite. Can Donovan keep his promise to give Lily all she desires, even with Christopher in the way?  

For Lily and Donovan, the past is a mirror to the future that cannot be shattered.  

Donovan is convinced Lily has been his love for all eternity. Determined to unravel the past, they embark on a journey to discover where it all began. For centuries Donovan has stolen Lily’s heart while forced to suffer for his love. How much can a soul endure before the breaking point is reached and a monster emerges? Can the demons of the past be combated to pave the way for happiness in the next life? Or has the abuse suffered in this life already turned Donovan hell bound? Time and again, one woman has destroyed their happiness. It’s time to silence her once and for all.

You know how sometimes you read a book and then you have NO IDEA how to explain how you feel about that book? You just know you love that book so hard and you want to say that and tell why, but you simply CANNOT find the words? I'm having one of those moments. So I'm going to try my best, but I just want you to know that I love this book so much. For real, I can't even.

OKAY, so. I also loved the first book, Love's Forbidden Flower, and I was happy to see there would be a sequel. I was excited to see what was next for the characters and I had so many questions about what life would be like for them after all the cluster-fudge of a situation they'd been through. Honestly, though, I wasn't expecting to LOVE this book. I thought I'd like it and have a good time reading it, but holy goodness, this thing caught me off guard by how fantastic it was.

Again, Diane Rinella has written a beautifully compelling story, and yet again she has gotten my feels twisted all up in a bunch. Lily and Donovan's situation is still something I'm not too sure about, but it is also still something that is a part of the reason this story is so beautiful and wonderful. There's just SOMETHING about those two...I can't exactly put my finger on it, but I never want it to stop.

These characters...I care so much for them. I feel the same as I did before for Lily, but I also feel like I understand her a bit more now. So I'm okay with her, but she's not my favoritest ever. Donovan... I've always felt for him, but I think I kind of love him now. I think that's because I understand HIM better now, too. And I enjoy time spent with him. He's sweet and loving and I can't just overlook that.

CHRISTOPHER. Oh, my boy. My boy my boy my boy. I still love this guy more than I can even explain. There were parts where I was like "OHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOO" regarding him and other things, but when it all comes down to it, I love him no matter what. He's just the biggest sweetheart! And his accent does make me giggle.

Anna. I hate that chick so freaking hard. Like, if she were to be in front of me right now, I'd punch her in her stupid face. And I'm usually not this mean to characters, even if I don't like them! (Well, except for Blake from the Lux series. I don't care how sorry his arse is, I would punch him.) I should probably feel bad for her or something, but I can't do it. Nope. She frustrated me so much and I can't even explain why because that would be spoilery...

CHRISTOPHER. WHHHHHHHHHY. << That should make no sense to you whatsoever until you read the book. Sorry.

Actually, I'm not sorry. It felt good to let that out. *cries*

The ending of this book made me so happy. And I seriously wish there was more! I know Lily and Donovan's story is over, but still. I WANT MORE. Wah.

We got a lot of answers in this book, and things made so much more sense. And that's probably why I'm more okay with Lily and Donovan's situation now, because I understand that better, too. Whoa. I have so much understanding now.

Overall, this book made just as much of an impact (possibly even more of one) on my heart as Love's Forbidden Flower did. I love this book, and I love these characters, and I love this beautiful, beautiful story. If you've read Love's Forbidden Flower, I think you should definitely read Time's Forbidden Flower because it is so worth reading. There are so many answers, and it is worth the jumble your emotions will become. Especially the ending. Oh, yeah, that ending was so worth it. LOVELOVELOVE, I can't express that enough!

Also, I'm keeping Christopher. <3

♥Jessica(:

Character Interview: Christopher♥ from Love's Forbidden Flower by Diane Rinella!

Hey, y'all! So back in April I reviewed a book called Love's Forbidden Flower. You can check out my review HERE. But long story short, I loved it. And the sequel, Time's Forbidden Flower, is coming out...well, today! I'm going to be reviewing the sequel tomorrow, but today I get to hang out with my very favorite character from these books:

Christopher!

 

But before we get to that, I'm going to give you the book info for Love's Forbidden Flower, so you know what's up.

 

Love's Forbidden Flower by Diane Rinella
Release Date: November 28, 2012
Format: ebook, 309 pages
Publisher: Midnight to Six
Series: Forbidden Flower #1
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Buy It: Amazon | B&N

Description from Goodreads:
The heart cares not what society forbids.

Lily nurtures a secret love for a flawless man—the one who is her soul mate. Donovan is gorgeous, charismatic, and delights in all of Lily’s talents and quirks. Their innate knowledge of each other is almost telepathic. Together they interlock like fine threads creating luxurious silk.

But society dictates this picture-perfect adoration is the ghastliest of all possibilities.

As Lily embarks on a quest for the romance the heavens intended, her suitor turns reluctant. Desperate to uncover why Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hiding decayed from a tender-hearted gentleman into a ferociously self-serving, cocky bastard, Lily is prepared for battle when it comes to the salvation of her soul mate. However, Donovan traps Lily in a mental game of chess, leaving her to question his sanity. When Lily’s revelations about Donovan’s destructive alter ego lead to an inconceivable truth, can she help Donovan survive fate’s cruel joke?

Impassioned, witty, and deeply moving, Love’s Forbidden Flower is filled with stunning controversies that will forever haunt your heart.

Okay, now. For the interview! Which I love big time.

 

~~~

 

CHRISTOPHER!!!!!! Welcome to my blog, sir!

Thanks, luv. Why so formal?

So how are you today? I am so excited to have you here. Eeep!

Sweet as nuts, thank you! I’m rather well chuffed over it meself.

 

All right, so. Your name. You’re not a fan of shortening Christopher, eh? Why?

It was Mum’s idea. Back when she was pregnant she felt that I was special and wanted me to be distinguished from me brothers. Since people tend to shorten their names, she insisted I be called by my full one. It must be attention getting, since you asked about it. It seems barmy how something so small can make a difference.

 

I have read Love’s Forbidden Flower (duh), and adored it. To be completely honest, the story was very…messed up. In a way that I LOVED, but still. What was it like for you to actually be a PART of that?

Cracking! After all, you have to admit I came out of it rather well.

 

What would you say is the most baffling part of the whole jumbled situation?

Why Lilyanna doesn’t like me food! Really, fish, chips, and vinegar are all you need. That’s all the basic food groups except dairy and you shouldn’t eat too much of that anyway. I don’t understand the kerfuffle over me food!

 

May I say that I was Team Christopher since the moment we met you? Because, aha, I TOTALLY WAS.

Aw, thanks, luv. You know, I was to be a flash-in-the-pan boyfriend for about two or three chapters but Diane decided to keep me around. Then I was to leave for good, but she didn’t want to let me out of her lovely hands. We were having too much fun lying on her floor and talking music.

 

You know, I think your accent is magnificent.

Thank you. I get some strife about how I speak. I’m sometimes told no one speaks like me. They are right, too. What they don’t understand is that I’m me, and I’m bloody well proud of it. Why sound like someone else when I can sound like me?

 

Personally, I was very on the fence about what I thought about Lily (please don’t hold that against me!), but you are obviously a fan. What would you say is the #1 thing about Lily that makes you heart her so much?

Lilyanna truly cares about the people in her life and she will do anything to make them happy. No matter what happens, she never loses sight of who you really are. She’s also a little off her trolley, which brings me laughter and hope. Without those, I’m miserable.

 

Now, Donovan. He irked me somewhat. What is your opinion of him?

The interesting thing about Donovan and I is that we are a lot alike. The poor guy just got a bad deal. Both of us are free thinkers who believe people have the right to be whom they want to be. Were also very protective of those we love and would do anything to help them. When you look at who we are at the very core, we are freakishly similar.

 

Okay, so let’s say I give you a pet tiger (because I am awesome enough to do that, obviously). What would you name him and why? (Note: I said HIM. Because he is most definitely a boy. I say so.)

Beaver, because it is a ridiculous name for a tiger and that is a daft question.

 

What is your favorite food to snack on?

I love Hula Hoops! I could nosh on them for days. They are little potato rings that come in all sorts of flavors.  When I eat them I usually walk around with a little stack of them on me fingers. Messy little buggers. Lilyanna can’t stand them. **chuckles** She thinks they taste like cardboard.

 

Back to LFF…if you could change one thing about the big cluster of ahhhhh that went on in the story, what would it be and why?

But it’s the clusters of ahhhhh in life that make it interesting. However, it would have been nice not to have been uprooted time and again.

 

Have I told you that I heart you? Because I do.

Have I told you how darling you look in that outfit. Wherever did you find pajama bottoms with Union Jacks? Are you wearing those in my honor?

 

In my review of LFF, I said that you didn’t let me down at all in the book. YOU ARE JUST THAT AWESOME.

All this flattery is swelling my head so much it may float away. You’ll soon be calling out the fire brigade to pull me out of that huge tree outside your window.

 

What was it like to have to live an ocean away from Lily for a while? I love how you dealt with that situation, by the way.

Thank you, but dare I remind you that the truth comes out soon? I need to enjoy your adoration while I can. Just remember, I only do what Diane tells me. Look what she did to poor Donovan!

 

Let’s hold up for a minute. Can you rate this interview so far (because it’s not over or anything—pfffft!) on a scale from 1-10? And give me at least a teensy reason why?

10, because you are rattling me noggin’ and because I just noticed you are even wearing Union Jacks on your socks. Is that a tattoo with my name on it popping out from under your sleeve?

 

I am incredibly sleepy right now. I have no clue why, since I got a crapload of sleep last night…*le sigh*

**crosses arms and taps foot** Yes, but who were you dreaming of? It wasn’t that Dante chap, was it?

 

If you were to be stuck on an island and are only allowed to take three things with you (THINGS, not people. Unless you want to bring me, then we can bend the rules a tad) what three things would you bring and why?

You wouldn’t leave me desolate and alone, would you? I’m assuming you would bring an eReader of sorts, and food. Therefore I will bring a guitar, an ipod, and a solar battery to power said iPod and eReader. Now if you bring that Dante fellow, all bets are off. I already had enough competition with Donovan. Really, Jessica, with you and Lilyanna mixed in with Dante, Donovan, and that Damon chap you like, it’s all higgledy-piggledy.

 

Christopher, are you jealous?

Oh, bugger. Next subject, please!

 

You like music, yes? What would you say is your favorite song? I mean, if you HAD to choose one right this very moment?

If I HAD to choose, “Do I Wanna Know?” by The Arctic Monkeys. It’s rather seductive sounding.

 

A lot of the time, I have a song stuck in my head. Not my favorite song or anything, just one that won’t leave me alone. Is it ever like that for you? What song?

“Never Too Late” by thenewnumber2 has been making me a little mad in the head for days.

 

What would you say is your favorite thing about yourself?

I’m daft as a bush and a bit of a clot. I think it makes me rather endearing. **mocks straightening a necktie**

 

I am completely excited to read Time’s Forbidden Flower…I was totally going to follow that statement with a question, but then I got distracted and lost my train of thought. I blame you and your awesomeness.

Thank you. I’m distracted by that Yankees cap. It’s rather fetching.

 

What is your opinion of snow?

It’s lovely to watch from inside while snuggling. It’s also much better to make angels in than mud.

 

Oh, I got it! Time’s Forbidden Flower. Can you tell us (and by us I really mean ME because I’m the lucky duck who gets to talk to you) anything about what to expect?

I would love to, but Diane is a little bit of a trickster. What she’s already done to me in this book is bad enough. If I get on her bad side she might yank back all the copies and do something even worse. You saw what she did to Donovan last time, all because he called her short at dinner one night!

 

What about YOU. What can we expect about YOU in TFF?

The truth about my two years comes out. There are some pleasant surprises as well. Other than that, I’m very busy with my band, Fragile Cherry, working way too hard, and taking care of my family. Keeping up with it all proves to be a little much.

 

 I am so looking forward to seeing you in TFF. I do not joke when I say you are my favorite.

Aww, thanks, luv. You’re turning me red.

 

When is your birthday? I’m just curious. I like to know these things.

June 23. I’m a Cancer, so I hope you don’t eat crabs. Seriously, Cancers are very sensitive. We cry during sad movies and because cats look cute when they sneeze.

 

So…we’re getting sadly close to the end of this interview…this is my absolute least favorite paaaaaaaaart…

**pulls out guitar** Here, I’ll play you the song Diane sang when she decided not to write me out of the story as previously planned.

            “Well I tried and I tried, but I can’t say goodbye…”

 

Before we say our goodbyes, is there anything you want to say? It can be as completely random as you want! Randomness is so much fun.

Never play jacks on a hot sidewalk.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and talking with me!! You MUST drop by again sometime soon! Seriously. SOON. I like you.

And I adore YOU! Can I get a snog before I go?

 

~~~

 

I REALLY love that interview. Be sure to stop by tomorrow to see my review of the sequel!

 

♥Jessica(:

Stacking the Shelves #5 ♥ Dark Visions!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

 

Oh, look! Another terrible, ramble-y video in which I forgot to thank EVERYBODY. Thank you to all the people who sent me/gave me any of the books I got this week. I heart, y'all!

 

 

 

Books Mentioned:

Two Roads by L.M. Augustine

Take Me Now by Faith Sullivan

Every Shattered Thing by Elora Ramirez

Catching Liam by Sophia Bleu

The Darkest Part by Trisha Wolfe

Jordyn by Tiffany King

Jordyn and the Caverns of Gloom by Tiffany King

All of You by Christina Lee

Learning to Love by Lauren Howard

Undertow by Leigh T. Moore

Five by Christie L. Rich

Few Are Angels by Inger Iversen

The Liberator by Victoria Scott

Dark Visions by L.J. Smith

Tears of the Broken by A.M. Hudson

The Knight of the Rose by A.M. Hudson

Manicpixiedreamgirl by Tom Leveen

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

So Close to You by Rachel Carter

Timekeeper by Alexandra Monir

Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman

Amarok by Angela J. Townsend

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

 

Bloggers Mentioned:

Meredith @ Pandora's Books 

Evie @ Bookish 

 

What do you think? Link me up, tell me things, all that fun stuff! :)

 

♥Jessica(:

Review: The Ascended by Tiffany King

The Ascended by Tiffany King
Release Date: December 15, 2011
Format: ebook
Series: The Saving Angels #3
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Description from Goodreads:
The Ascended is the final installment of The Saving Angels Trilogy. With Krista's life in turmoil, she is now struggling with the responsibilities that have been passed down to her. With the help of Haniel and her friends, Krista risks everything, including her soul, to march into the den of the Dark Angel. Their only chance for survival is for Krista to find the courage to accept the new role that fate has bestowed upon her, even if it means losing her loved ones forever.

After how much I loved the ending to Forgotten Souls, I jumped right into The Ascended. I really wanted to see Krista standing on her own without Mark--getting stronger, finally. At first, she didn't really do that and I was disappointed. But then the story went on and she DID. Krista turned into a character that I like! I can't even explain how happy that makes me.

I still want to be bestest friend with Shawn and the couples are still adorable. I didn't get as confused with who was coupled with whom this time. And I was right, there ARE two Pauls! And I even felt some of Krista's jealousy when being around the couples. And--goodness gracious--I missed Mark. I was happy to see Krista not depending on him anymore, but I still wished he could have been around for this to happen. But that kind of defeats the purpose, so... *sigh*

HANIEL. That guy still continued to grow on me and I like him so much now. I wasn't too impressed with his love story, though. Haniel is one of those characters that was great the way he was, and though it was nice to see him soften a bit throughout the books, there was a limit to that for me. But then again, I like Haniel and want him happy. I guess we can say that I feel conflicted over this.

When I started reading this one, I had a set idea for what I thought would happen this time. For the most part, what I thought would happen DID. But then there were a couple of BIG things that actually surprised me. Those things made me feel "WHOA" enough that they made up for what I had easily predicted. And the ending...the end of this one was okay. I didn't feel overly fond of it or anything. It did make sense and it was cool, I was just hoping for something more BOOM. To me, it felt anticlimactic.

Overall, I was happy with this third book and enjoyed reading it just as much as the two before. Also, I'm definitely wanting to pick up another Tiffany King book. Soon.

Oh, and I still heart Mark ;)

♥Jessica(:

Review: Forgotten Souls by Tiffany King

Forgotten Souls by Tiffany King
Release Date: August 4, 2011
Format: ebook
Series: The Saving Angels #2
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Description from Goodreads:
Any chance Krista Miller had at a normal teenage life is now gone. Less than a year ago she lived under the radar, avoiding any relationships that would send her emotional sensitivities out of control. Little did she know that her life was destined for something more. Something that will test her very soul.

After facing certain death at the hands of the man responsible for their mysterious past, Krista and her friends learn the truth behind their origins and the purpose for their newly discovered abilities. Now, they must band together to fulfill their inherited, sacred duty. As Guides and Protectors, they must save Mankind's Forgotten Souls before they are lost forever.

I liked the first book in this series and was glad to be able to start the second book soon after. One thing I'm really liking about this series is that the books fit super well together. The ending of the first book went well with the beginning of this one, and I didn't feel like I was being reminded boringly of everything I'd read in the book before.

I liked seeing what came next for the characters, and still really adore Mark. I am quite fond of Shawn now, as well. even though he does use the word "sis" a lot, he was funny and I like funny. Krista was still too sensitive for my liking for most of this book, but she is getting better. Oh, and Haniel. At first, I did not like him. He was boring and info-dumpy. But I'm not going to lie--the dude's growing on me.

There were a bunch of new characters in this one, which was cool, but also very hard to keep track of. I got confused more than once with this. Was there two Pauls? And who matched up with who? The couples were cute and sweet and I enjoyed them, I just would have liked for them to have been differentiated better so I could tell who was who easier.

This is NOT one of those filler book 2's, which I was happy to see. The plot went farther and made sense to me. And the ending? It was sad, but it was my favorite part. It made me FEEL more than any other part in the whole book, and it's where I felt Krista started to stand for herself a bit. It also left me very much looking forward to the third book in this series.

Overall, I enjoyed Forgotten Souls just as much as I did Meant to Be and look forward to moving on in the series. I love the sweetness and the good direction (most of) the characters are going in. Plus, I have quite a few questions that I'd like answered and quite a few worries to be eased. So...onto book 3 I go!

♥Jessica(:

Cover Reveal: TRUST IN ME by J. Lynn!

 

 

Description:

It’s Wait for You as you’ve never seen it. Trust in Me lets you in on Cam’s side of the #1 New York Times Bestselling story.
 
Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.
 
Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

I love this cover so hard. The picture goes with Wait for You so well and it's so cute! I'm so excited to read Cam's POV. More cookies and more giggles, I'm sure. :)

 

Now tell me, what do you think?

 

♥Jessica(: