The Wolf's Cry

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

She is his weakness.
And she will ruin everything.

Kammy Helseth's idea of adventure never amounted to more than getting a boat across to the mainland and finally escaping to London. That was until she stumbled through the mouth of the forest into a world beneath our own, the world of the Semei.

Her only wish is to find her way home but when Jamie, her best friend, is taken into this new world of shapeshifters and Crystals she has no choice but to stand up to her fear and to remain beneath the surface. Hunted by Bagor, King of Alashdial, and those that are loyal to him, Kammy finds herself in the company of a group of outlaws led by Jad, a Prince with a bitter past and a similarly bitter demeanour.

They overcome age-old prejudice to find a way to work together. But Bagor knows a secret about the Crystals that threatens to change everything. Kammy and Jad must find a way to thwart the king and to save Jamie, but that is just the beginning. For Kammy is in possession of a Key and the fate of countless lives, both human and Semei, may rest in her hands.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters

Formats: Kindle

Number of pages: 359 pages

Publisher: Natalie Crown

Publishing Date: December 16, 2013

Language: English

ASIN:  B00HCI41HG

                                                         My Rating:

Ok, the actual rating I'm going with is more like 3.5 stars.  I did thoroughly enjoy the premise behind this novel.  When I originally signed up to review this book, i thought it was going to have "werewolves" in the sense that we think of werewolves..you know what I mean..Twilight, Underworld..you get what I mean??? 

So we meet Kammy Helseth, a young girl who's mother recently passed from disease. She's always been an outsider, never really quite fit in.  She has one friend, Jamie, who is an absolute DOLL! One fateful night, she goes for a run..in the middle of a storm no less..to her mum's old, favorite spot.  She sees the opening to a cave that she hadn't seen there before.  So, like any curiosity killed the cat tale, she meandered her way inside of the cave and into a whole new world of..*drum roll please!*  SHAPESHIFTERS!

She is thrown into a whirl wind of new experiences and new friends..or enemies..We meet Jad, a bitter, yet sweet bundle of, "I just want to punch you in the face because you are so overwhelmed with self pity", a guy....a bit much?? Along with Eric and Tayah.  These three friends, total opposites of each other, but stand by each other through thick and thin....

They have to find a way to restore Jad's name, defeat King Bagor and essentially save themselves and the city of Alashdial.

The the whole first half of the book, I have to say, was very slow to start.  I had a hard time really getting in to it.  It wasn't till about 60% of the way that I really started to have a feel for the characters, a feel for the setting and appreciate them both.  That was it's biggest downfall, to me.  Though, I will tell you, the last two chapters..WHAT?! So..as with most things, when I start the beginning of a series, I almost ALWAYS have to know what happens next.  Therefore I will be looking forward to book two in this trilogy: The Lion's Pride due to be out December of 2014.

Ok, for the characters, I just have to be honest...I did not like Kammy one bit in the beginning.  Yea, she was different, but she really had no...umph about her.  She was mild, meek and timid.  Yes, I get why this was done, it was something for her to overcome.  I can commend Natalie on this, but that was another reason for the slowness in the beginning.  

Jamie on the other hand, her best friend in the novel. I have to say he was my absolute FAVORITE character in this novel.  No he's not a main character, but he's hella good side kick and Kammy's rock! Just take a look

"'You don't own this beach, despite the fact that you spend most of your miserable existence here.'  Kammy's flush deepend."...."Always here for you, freak."

"Fii had only pointed it out as some sort of joke, not knowing, as Kammy did, how much Jamie loved a good joke.  He wore the rainbow striped piece with pride and Kammy loved him for it." 

Oh, I can't help it, Jamie was just so fun, loving and better yet fun-loving! He always had a cheerful gleam about him and it just made him the most loveable character there was..in my opinion. But my absolute favorite quote of his, 

"So you stamped your feet and had a tantrum, who cares?" 

There's more too it than that, but that's all I'm going to share, don't want to give anything away now do we?? 

The pictures painted of the different cities within this "otherworld" were absolutely beautiful.  I would love to see Alashdial and Emire.  I could really picture myself there, going through the motions with the characters. 

Once I got into the bulk of the story and the action, I couldn't stop flipping the pages.  I have the same problem with most first books in series, I almost never like them because there is so much back-story and things you need to know before the story can progress.  Getting to know the characters, understanding how they act, why they do the things they do, getting yourself emerged in the setting and becoming a part of the world that the author creates, it takes time.  That time that I'm always trying to rush through *One of my own self flaws that I really need to work on!* Give it a chance...Dive into the world of the unknown created by Ms. Crown and you'll find yourself emerged in a beautiful surrounding..You won't be disappointed!

I will leave you with this...

"You are his weakness and you will ruin everything"

Dun..dun...dun...Ahh I have to know what happens next! December can't come soon enough!!!

*~*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review~*~

~*~Book Highlight & GIVEAWAY~*~

Legendary 

by: L.H. Nicole
Released: February 25, 2014
Omnific Publishing

Summary: (Goodreads)
Aliana Fagan spent her childhood traveling the world, dreaming of legendary heroes and mythical lands. But after the sudden death of her parents, she hides behind the safety of her camera and her art until a vivid recurring dream compels her to dig into her father's research about Avalon and Camelot. When she is hurled into a magical realm by forces she thought were only the stuff of fairy tales, she finds herself thrown into an adventure she could never have imagined. Nearly everything she thought she knew about Arthurian legend was wrong.

The independent eighteen-year-old is shocked to find that the people of Avalon think that she is the Destined One, the only person who can summon King Arthur back to life from his hidden chamber. Most surprising of all is that it's up to her to lead the Knights of the Round Table on an epic quest—an adventure that will transport them across the seven magic realms to reclaim all that has been lost so they can defeat the evil Mordrid for good. But first, she must bring the ancient warriors into her world and reunite them with their lost brothers. Chaperoning the legendary knights-with-a-chivalry-complex as they navigate the modern world is a constant challenge, and she certainly never thought she'd be caught between her intense feelings for the noble Sir Galahad and her growing friendship with the King. 

To fulfill the prophecy, Aliana will have to discover the meaning of friendship, bravery, loyalty, true love, and forgiveness. But can she do it all in time to save the realms from Mordrid's impending Armageddon?

Available at:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About the Author

L.H. Nicole is a seasoned pastry chef in our nation's capitol and a lifelong fairy tale (Disney and Grimm) lover.  She believes in love at first sight, is addicted to eighties and nineties cartoons, and anything that can capture her ADD-way-too-overactive imagination.  Joan Lowery Nixon and L.J. Smith were the first authors she became addicted to, and they inspired her to steal away whenever she could to read and write.  You can keep up with LH and all her news and adventures on:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/LHNicoleAuthor

Tumblr:  LHNicoleLegendary.tumblr.com

Blogger:  LHNicoleAuthor.blogspot.com

Legendary Saga Website:  LHNicoleauthor.com

Read the review for Legendary: Here

Author Interview:

Ariel: First off, Wow! Can you tell us a little bit about the Legendary Series and what kind of preparation it took for you to write it?

         

LH:  My Legendary Saga is about a girl who finds her whole life has been intertwined with the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. A legend her father spent his life looking for the truth of. She is the ‘Destined One’ and she alone is King Arthur’s key to destroying Mordrid once and for all. As far as the preparation for writing the series……where to start? Let’s start with the five months I spent researching, building my Legendary Universe and character profiles and creating the overall series plot arc. (Pinterest is a total life saver!) After that it was just a matter of sitting down and writing the story flying around my ADD/overactive imagination.

Ariel:  What was your inspiration in writing Legendary?

         

LH:  There are three stories that I have loved, and been slightly obsessed with all my life. King Arthur and his noble Knights has—and will always be—one of those. Here’s the thing, as much as I love it, there was always things I didn’t like. I would think well what would happen if I did this? Often times I would daydream in school or as I was falling asleep, imagining a different version. As to what really inspired/spurned me into write this decades old imagined story, simple: BBC’s Merlin. I loved the tv show, but what struck me the most was how the creators took the legends and did something so different! I’ve read/seen almost every incarnation of the story, but I have never found one that picks up where the legends leave off. And come on, imagining men from the 5^th century in the 21^st century…..so many possibilities, and all funnier than the next J

Ariel:  Give us some insight into Aliana, is she anything like you or someone you know??

         

LH:  Aliana is a tiny bit like me, but only in the way that I love photography and creating art. That is where the similarities between her and I end. Aliana, despite all the painful and horrible things she’s been through—and will be going through—is strong, but very vulnerable with only a few people in her life she truly trusts. Hopefully, in the end, she’ll have found a way to learn how to let people close to her again.

Ariel:  Legendary is book #1 in the Legendary Saga, what else can we expect in the books to come? Any insight?

         

LH:  When you read Legendary you’ll see I’ve thrown in a nice slew of fantastical creatures, and there are still many more to come. I have so many ideas of them that I sometimes have to tell my self to pull back, save something for another time. One thing I will say, pay attention to the little details. I think many people will be surprised how the smallest thing can come back into play in a big way. There are definitely more epic battle scenes coming, as well as more swoon worthy scenes…including one scene that I absolutely love: a dance on the beach bathed in the moonlight! You’ll have to wait for book #2, Claiming Excalibur to come out for that one though! December 16 seems so far off some times.

Ariel:  I have to ask this question, in my review, I stated that I kept picturing Chris Hemsworth as Galahad, with light brown hair rather than blond. Who would you cast as Aliana, Galahad & King Arthur in a movie, if you had your pick and why?

         

LH:  Haha, I do love me some Chris H. But in all honesty, Liam Hemsworth is the one actor who has been my favorite to imagine as Galahad. Those blue eyes, wide shoulders, that smile….sigh. His role in Expendables 2 made him really stand out as my Galahad. Aliana, that’s the hardest one for me. I think I’d actually like an unknown actress to play Aliana. King Arthur—Torrance Coombs or Max Irons would be two of my top picks. Though both would need contacts to create Arthur’s golden brown eye color.

Ariel:  I absolutely LOVE your writing style, do you have an author that inspires you?

        

LH: I have four authors who have inspired me since I was eleven. L.J. Smith, Cate Tiernan, Meg Cabot and Tamora Pierce (who I just recently go to meet!)

Ariel:  What made you want to become a writer?

         

LH:  Honestly, I never though I could make a career of writing, I just liked to write fanfiction for some of my favorite TV shows in high school. And my best friend and I would write stories together all the time, but they never really went anywhere. I spent a lot of years focused on my career as a Pastry Chef. But it’s a very high stress environment and writing turned out to be a great outlet for that stress. It gave me something new to challenge me and to focus on.

Ariel:  What advice could you give to other aspiring authors?

         

LH:  Look for HONEST critique partners and a few good friends who will listen to you go on and on and support you. I have four of them, the Lady Knights of my Round Table, as I call them. Goodness knows how I tend to talk their ears off, especially when I’m trying to work out a plot point or scene. I would be lost without them!

Ok, just a couple random questions about you!

Ariel:  What's your favorite movie and why?

         

LH:  That’s a really hard one, because I am a huge movie lover! Labyrinth, starring David Bowie, would have to be my favorite that has lasted through the years. It’s just so fantastical and awesome, and as twisted as Jareth the Goblin King was, he had one line that always makes me weak in the knees: “Just fear me, love me. Do as I ask and I will be your slave!” To be honest, my Mordrid was based a little on that character personality.

Ariel:  What's your favorite series or stand alone book and why?

        

LH:  I have two fav’s actually: L.J. Smith’s The Forbidden Game trilogy and Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series. Both are addictive, wonderfully creative and so vivid in descriptions I can see what the author is showing us without even really trying. More than that, these two authors create complex, compelling and amazing characters. Even the bad guys! Not to mention the intricate plots they weave. They just suck me in and refuse to let me go! But I suffer happily J

A big shout out to Omnific Publishing for supplying one free ebook!

*~*~*~*~Giveaway~*~*~*~*

US&INTERNATIONAL

1 Free Ebook of Legendary (Legendary Saga #1)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 6~ Book Challenge

For today's challenge, I'm pretty sure I am going to disappoint.  The question for today is:

What Book Have You Read The Most Times?

In all honesty, I can't say I even remember reading a book twice.  Oh sure, I think of re-reading books all the time.  ESPECIALLY series when the newest one comes out.  However, I can't remember every actually doing it.  I think I get this from my mom, ok not that mom reads, but she does it with movies.  Once I know the ending and the story it's not an exciting surprise for me.  Plus, there are SOOO MANY books out there that I want to read that I can't see picking up an old favorite when there are so many new favorites to be discovered.

OH! I lied...I can remember a book that I read twice now! I re-read Divergent by Veronica Roth.  When Alligiant came out, I couldn't hardly remember what happened, plus the movie was coming out and I wanted my ladies at book club to read it so we could all go see it. So I guess that would be my answer, twice is the max times I have re-read a book.  I'm sure that's a big fail for most people in the blog world, but I can't help it! Too many new discoveries to be made in this amazing book world! 

So, tell me..am I the weirdo here?  Have people re-read books like upteen million times because that's just their favorite of all time and they never want to lose sight of any minute detail of their fave??  Tell me your thoughts..

Day 5-Book Challenge

Yay! I didn't miss a day today! HA! That's what happens when I have the day off! So today's question:

What's your "comfort" book?

A comfort book seems to be the book that you compare everything too.  A book that no matter what you do, it's always there.  Yes, that sounds a bit corny, but we are talking comfort here.  This question is quite easy for me.  I'm always comparing books to my first series love.  This would just happen to be the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead.

I started reading this series about 5 years ago and just could not put it down.  I loved the storyline between the Moroi, Strigoi and Dhampirs.  Vampire mythology has always been something I adored and Richelle's take on this life was absolutely amazing!  The series is complete, which makes it even better as a "comfort" book; or series I guess I should say! So I guess you should hear a little about the series...

Vampire Academy follows the story of Rose Hathaway, a dhampir in Vampire Academy.  She's sworn to protect her friend, Lissa, the last of the Dragomir line.  Rose's witty, badassery attitude makes for the perfect protagonist in this series.  On her adventure with Lissa, she is brought back to St. Vlad's by another steamy dhampir, Dimitri.  Oh, and let me tell you..he's a total babe.  I don't want to give too much away, though I am sure most people have read this series, along with it's sister series, Bloodlines.  

Richelle is an amazing writer and has an amazing world built up in that head of hers.  Vampire Academy would definitely be a world that I would love to inhabit, but alas, it's just a movie in my head.  But thank you Richelle Mead for this amazing comfort and standards series!

Day 4-Book Challenge

And, I fail again!!!...I tell you this working night shift and having two kids makes for having a blog very difficult!  However, two more weeks I'll be on a "normal" people schedule and perhaps it won't be as difficult to post every day! Anyways, to the important question to answer:

 Book turned into a movie and completely desecrated

I really had to think hard on this one. I know what I've heard about the City of Bones movie, but I can't really talk about it as I didn't read that series or watch the movie..if that says anything.   I can think of a movie that I LOVED whereas I didn't really care that much for the book.. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.  I couldn't hardly stand the book, but I really thought the movie was funny! However, that's not my question, so..I digress....

The only one that I can come up with at this point in time is Beautiful Creatures.  I guess the thing about that movie was I was upset that they made two of the characters the same person in the movie.  That was frustrating.  As the series goes on, those characters have more of a role in the books, so how they are going to pull that off is just beyond me.  All in all the acting was mediocre at best.  I expected a little more, but I may have expected too much.  I don't expect they will be coming out with movie two any time soon.  

I wish I really had more to say on this topic.  I'm not really too passionate about books that are turned into movies. I tend to find good in both or have the glass is half full mentality! What about you?  Are you passionate about movies desecrating your favorite books?? Which ones and why???

Day 3-Blog Challenge

OH NO!! I missed a day already!! Here we go, the excuses are gonna fly.  Didn't get up till about a hour before I had to leave for work..so yea..I wasn't able to blog and I thought about it all night at work.  However, here I am now, no sleep after working all night coming up with the answer to the question:

Who is my favorite Male/Female character??

This one was really hard for me.  There are SOO many characters I absolutely LOVE and adore and get all fan-girlish over.  However, my absolute FAVORITE is Jennifer Armentrout's Daemon Black.  Yes, I can't help it.  Daemon Black is exhausting, arrogant, sweet, funny, egotistical, caring..I mean the words to describe him could go on.  Armentrout really made a point to made him flawed just like the rest of the human population even though...he..wasn't human?? The fights that he has with his counterpart, Katy, really show how much he cares and that even aliens who seem to be perfect in every way can make mistakes.  Here are some quotes that I LOVED from the Lux series..and keep in mind these are just a few!

Daemon took the seat behind me, and my stomach jumped clear into my throat.  I was going to vomit.  Right here, in class, in front-- He poked me in the back with his pen.  I froze.  Him and that ******* pen.  The poke came again, this time with a little force behind it.  I swung around, eyes narrowed.  "What?" Daemon smiled.

My Lips pressed into a hard line.  "You're such an ass.  Has..anyone ever told you that?"  He flashed a genuinely amused smile.  "Oh, Kitten, every single day of my blessed life."

"Why are you such an ass?"  The words came out before I could think twice.  "Everyone has to excel at something, right?" 

When you first meet Daemon, he's impossibly infuriating, but as the Lux series goes on you really get to see that egotistical side subside just a bit and you really get a glimpse of why he is the way that he is...Dreamy to all extremes!!  

Whenever I try to picture an actor to play Daemon, assuming they made a movie, I really can't picture one.  But let me tell you, whomever the model on the front of Onyx is...Oh vey! He is amazingly hot! I can't picture anyone else looking that amazing for the role! 

SO DREAMY!!!

Who is your favorite male/female character and why?? Leave me a comment!

Day 2-Book Challenge

So, it took me a lot of thinking to figure out whom I would pick as my FAVORITE side character.  I mean come on.  There are so many lovely side kicks that it's almost impossible to pick JUST ONE!  However, that being said.  There is one side character that I did love and he comes from the wonderful Vampire Academy Series and the Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead.....Eddie Castile.

So, if you haven't read either of these series you MUST! Eddie Castile is more of a main character in the bloodlines, so for this post we will focus on Vampire Academy.  So, Vampire academy follows Rose Hathaway through her time at St. Vlad's Academy.  Her meeting Dimitri, saving Dimitri ,him saving her.  Well there is a lot more meat there than I'm going to go into, especially because it has been forever since I've read this series! (That reminds me...I need to do a re-read and soon!)

So Eddie Castile, like his buddy Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir.  He is sworn to protect the moroi with his life no matter what.  Eddie is funny, protective, loyal and just an all around amazing character.  He is the character that you would want by your side through the toughest of times.  He is able to talk sense during times of frustration and times of need.  So, I don't know who is being cast to play Eddie in the movies..if any more movies become about.  While I LOVED Vampire Academy and thought they did really well with the movie...my voice doesn't count!  So, there have been a lot of people whom have done this whole #teameddie, who do you want to play him.  And while I don't think Josh Hutcherson would play a good Eddie due to him always being Peeta in my mind I did picture Eddie to look something like this:

I got that picture from deviantart.com...just did a google search for Eddie Castile and BAM this is what I pictured in my mind.  He's got the whole bad boy thing going for him, but it's so a facade! Here are some quotes of Eddies,

"Well, they can annoy you all you want, but they can't make you join something you don't want too"

Eddie appeared in the doorway, silver-stake in his hand.  Eddie charged right and simply went for...

"I want her to be happy.  It's worth sacrificing myself" 

Now, the last two quotes were in Bloodlines.  As I said, he's more of a main character in that series and a side kick in Vampire Academy.  I just love him!

Do any special side kicks come to mind when you think of your favorite side characters?  Who sticks out to you?  Post a comment and let me know!

Day 1- Challenge

Ok, so for today's challenge I have to answer the question...

 A Book Series You Wish Had Been Longer OR Would Just End Already

So, I can think of so many series that I wish would have gone on longer.  There are so many stories out there that you can just fall in love with.  You feel as though you get to know the characters, they become friends of yours.  Yes, I said it..I feel like I become friends with my fictional characters!  For instance, I wanna know more of what happens to Rose and Dimitri.  Sure Vampire Academy continued on in way of Bloodlines, but that story follows Adrian and Sydney.  Or what about Peeta and Katniss, the end of Mockingjay didn't give us hardly anything on that! However, the more I think about these things, the more I don't want "bad stuff" to continue to happen to these "friends" of mine.  Therefore, I believe the authors leave us with the best possible outcomes for those characters to finally take a rest from whatever it was they were meant to accomplish.

Even though I sort of answered the first question, the real question I'm going to answer is the series you wish would just end.  I would have to say, The House of Night Series by P.C. and Kristin Cast.  

And this isn't even all of them! Revealed came out recently and there was another novella.

The story follows Zoey Redbird as she is chosen by Nyx for the House of Night.  Her battles, her friends, her friends turned enemy, her enemy turned friend.  It's been awhile since I have picked this series back up, but I remember when I first started reading this book!

I was helping a friend of mine house sit, I was in nursing school, keep in mind, I graduated in Dec. 2009, if that tells you anything.......  I found Marked at meijers when we were trying to find something to read.  I just had got done reading the twilight saga and was all in to the whole vampire scene (which I still am).  And I LOVED IT!  The more I delved into Zoey and her friends story the more I liked it..until we got to about the 5/6 book, and then Hidden came and I was over it.  I just feel like the stories are dragged out now.  I want a happy ending, if there is one and I want there to be some sort of closure!  

I love the characters and the whole Twilight meets Harry Potter theme really is a good one, but END IT already! But, if you know me, you know I'll have to find out what happens, so ...I have revealed waiting for me on my kindle and as soon as the 12th and final (FINALLY!) book come out I will read it.  Though, I feel like to remember what in the world happened 11 books ago I'll need to re-read the series.  No..probably not, I'll probably pick right back up and hope I remember! It'll come back to me right??

~*What about you? What series do you wish would have went longer or wished would just end already?*~

Legendary

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

Aliana Fagan spent her childhood traveling the world, dreaming of legendary heroes and mythical lands. But after the sudden death of her parents, she hides behind the safety of her camera and her art until a vivid recurring dream compels her to dig into her father's research about Avalon and Camelot. When she is hurled into a magical realm by forces she thought were only the stuff of fairy tales, she finds herself thrown into an adventure she could never have imagined. Nearly everything she thought she knew about Arthurian legend was wrong.

The independent eighteen-year-old is shocked to find that the people of Avalon think that she is the Destined One, the only person who can summon King Arthur back to life from his hidden chamber. Most surprising of all is that it's up to her to lead the Knights of the Round Table on an epic quest—an adventure that will transport them across the seven magic realms to reclaim all that has been lost so they can defeat the evil Mordrid for good. But first, she must bring the ancient warriors into her world and reunite them with their lost brothers. Chaperoning the legendary knights-with-a-chivalry-complex as they navigate the modern world is a constant challenge, and she certainly never thought she'd be caught between her intense feelings for the noble Sir Galahad and her growing friendship with the King. 

To fulfill the prophecy, Aliana will have to discover the meaning of friendship, bravery, loyalty, true love, and forgiveness. But can she do it all in time to save the realms from Mordrid's impending Armageddon?

Genres: Young Adult, Mythology, Arthurian

Formats: Kindle, Ebook, Paperback

Number of pages: 278 pages

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Publishing Date: February 25, 2014

Language: English

ISBN:  9781623421038

                                                         My Rating:

First off, I have to say, Knights at the round table, King Arthur, Avalon.. what?! I am so excited I can't even stand myself!  Just reading the prologue...

       "So it begins." The queen departed for the mortal realm, a cunning smirk on her lips, satisfaction bright on her face."

I mean that alone, right there just really catches my fancy...

The story follows the story of Aliana an 18 year old girl, who learns about her destiny after she travels through to Avalon, a place she only used to see in her dreams.  Her path was laid before her by the lady of the lake, she has to free loyalty and magic, awaken King Arthur and reunite the Knights of the Round Table in order to defeat Mordrid and Morgana.  No pressure!! The journey leads her through the ruins where the Sidhe roam, meeting the "witch" to assure her passage, awakening the king and on to fulfill her destiny!!   

The writing in this story was beautifully written, very descriptive and detailed. For example:

"Her skin was as pale as snow, and her almond-shaped eyes were as blue as the depths of the ocean and surrounded by thick, coal black lashes.  Her dress was the palest of blue, draping off her shoulders and hips in perfect Grecian style.  Strips of silk laced with pearls formed sleeves, and she wore a long, beaded sash around her waist."

Another thing I absolutely loved was at the beginning of each chapter she would put some quote from a character about their thoughts.  Almost like a diary entry! It was interesting to get the inside scope of how they were feeling after something just happened, or something was going to happen! Of course, that's just my thing..diaries.  I like getting into people's minds and thoughts.  Luckily, I didn't have an older sibling to harass.  

Throughout the book I thought of Chris Hemsworth in Thor as Galahad.  This quote especially: 

"What kind of magic is this?" he asked Daggerhorne.

Aliana answered, "It's not magic.  It's technology.  You'll get used to it."

This made me laugh out loud, thinking about how weird it must be for Galahad and King Arthur to come to the modern world.  Almost as bad as us going back in to the days of Camelot!   

I have yet to find another book like this, not to say there isn't one out there, I just haven't found it!  I loved going to Medieval Times, you know the dinner show thing..The renaissance festival, heck I even played The Sims Medieval.  This should tell you how much I LOVE going back to those times, even if it is all make believe.  While the story isn't set in Camelot...I'm hoping one of these times it can be.....Or at least flash backs too the times in Camelot (That may be wishful thinking..) Of course, the best part about the fact that she brought the characters to the present rather than the past, is that I don't think it's been done?!

My favorite character would have to be Wade..or maybe it would Dagg.  Ok, so I'm torn between the two.  I love how LH wove Wade into her story.  The connection between Aliana and her stated "big brother" character was amazing.  The dance scene between the two at a masquerade showed just how comfortable Aliana was with him, how she always knew she could count on him for anything. As for Dagg, I loved the relationship between him and Aliana.  He was truthful and loyal to her no matter what.  Even if she did make some stupid decisions, he would chastise her and move on.  He could feel what she felt and was always there to calm her nerves and serve as her protector.  He was witty and kind hearted..to bad he was a dragon! But then, you see, there would be a square rather than triangle of love.  

This brings us to Arthur vs Galahad.  Ok, we always have to have teams when it comes to these types of things, Edward vs Jacob, Dimitri vs Adrian, Maxon vs Aspen..Oh the list could go on.. There are things I like about both characters, but as of right now, if I HAD to pick a side, I'm all about Galahad.  I go for the more outgoing character.  Galahad just has that fierce, protector, spontaneity thing going for him.  Arthur, though the king, just seems to be more on the side-lines.  He's the one you could call "friend-zoned." That hurts me for him! He seems to really care for Aliana, but he keeps just watching from the side-lines instead of jumping right in.  Aliana is torn about how all of the knights feel about her.  She just feels like a key to their quest, so with that being said...she needs someone to smack her upside the head so she understands she's so much more! Who wouldn't love to have all these hot, protective warriors pawning over them!  

Another character I'm really excited to get to know is Mordrid.  Oh honey! LH could not have made a better villian! He has that mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome thing going for him! I've always had a soft spot for the "bad boy" though.  I'll be excited to see what's in store for Mordrid in the upcoming novels.  I want to know more! AHH!!!

So, 5 stars it is to this LEGENDARY book! I loved it and I can't wait to see what is in store for Aliana, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and yes even Mordrid and Morgana!  If you love the medieval times like I do or just love the idea of hot, brawny knights protecting you.  Definitely give this book a read! You won't regret it!

~*~I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.~*~

30 Day Book Challenge

Ok, So here I am trying to figure out what I can do to post on this blog more.  Let's face it..attempting to get a Master's degree, having a newborn and a 3 year old..Reading takes me three times as long as it did when I was a bit younger.  So, I did some searching and found this book challenge. I changed some of the topics, but CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!! I think... HA! Each day I will answer one of these questions, I should say I will attempt to answer one each day. There are many reasons why I would love to finish this challenge:

#1: Doing something for myself, hence the book blog! I don't get to do things for me much any more, unless it involves work or things that I HAVE to do, so this is something I WANT to do!

#2:  Just in general, be more active in the blog world.  I always wanted to write and this is my way of doing that!

#3: Prove to myself that I can do it! There's so many different things that I want to do with this blog, that I need to stay focused on one thing at a time.  So, while I gather my thoughts and ideas, I will challenge myself to stay active!

#4:  Give you all insight to the types of books that I love to read.  There aren't many that are excluded, but you'll get to know me a bit better!

I plan to do more challenges after this one is over, but for now, I gotta start somewhere!  

Day 1: A Book Series You Wish Had Been Longer OR Would Just End Already
Day 2: Favorite Side Character
Day 3: Favorite Male/Female Character
Day 4:  Book turned into a movie and completely desecrated
Day 5:  Your "comfort" book
Day 6: Book you've read the most number of times
Day 7: A guilty pleasure book
Day 8: Most underrated book
Day 9:  Most overrated book
Day 10:  A book you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Day 11:  Favorite classic book
Day 12:  A book you wanted to read for a long time but still haven't
Day 13:  A book that disappointed you
Day 14:  Book that made you cry
Day 15: A character who you can relate to the most
Day 16:  Most thought-provoking book
Day 17: Author I wish people would read more
Day 18:  A book you wish you could live in
Day 19:  A favorite author
Day 20:  Favorite childhood book
Day 21:  Book you tell people you've read, but haven't (or haven't actually finished)
Day 22:  Least favorite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise
Day 23:  Best book you've read in the last 12 months
Day 24:  Book you're most embarrassed to say you like/liked
Day 25:  The most surprising plot twist or ending
Day 26:  Book that makes you laugh out loud
Day 27:  Book that has been on your "to read" list the longest
Day 28:  Favorite quote from a book
Day 29:  A book you hated
Day 30:  Book you couldn't put down

Enjoy Reading!





Image Source: 30 day book challenge picture from

tabithasbookblog.com

Opposition Book Trailer

Ok, so I haven't written anything on the blog for a few days, but I wanted to share this book trailer for Opposition. I am so uberly excited for this book I just can't even contain myself. I'm over here like... I mean at the same time, I'm really bummed because well, this is the last book in this five book series by Jennifer Armentrout. So that means..it's over and well that makes me really...

Oh wait, I just thought about this..if you don't know anything about the Lux series, you have GOT to check it out!? Like seriously, stop reading this blog and go get on Amazon and get Obsidian..Once you start you'll not stop until Origin and then come August 5th, you'll be sad faced just like me! So, why do I love this series so much? Gosh, I don't even know where to begin.. First off, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Daemon and Katy's relationship. I mean how can you not...They HATED each other in the beginning. And Katy, well, she's a woman after my own heart with her reading and blogging passion. But Daemon, oh, Daemon is just so swoon worthy. Yes, I have a crush on a fictional character along with a million other girls...his name is Daemon Black! Throughout the series we learn about Daemon and the Luxen, how they came to be, what they have to put up with. We learn about the Arum, the arch enemies of the Lux..A lovely battle of light vs dark! I mean come on, aliens made of light and aliens made of...well shadows..I mean..Aliens in general...how cool is that. I really loved Armentrouts' take on the aliens. No it's not all sci-fi channel aliens, or even like aliens you used to see on the x-files, they are HOT in both the literal meaning as well as their looks. You can't help but..
Ok, picking up my tongue from the floor now. Let me just give you a Daemon quote: Or this lovely here...
Oh, and I can't take credit for those picture quotes. I found them on another's bloggers site. If you wanna check it out..this is the link.  So yea, those are just some of the amazing Lux series quotes all on one blog... what?! Oh, I feel another fangirl moment coming on! Wait for it..

Anyways, so yea, Opposition by Jennifer Armentrout is out August 5th..you know what I'll be doing all weekend..That's right..Reading Opposition. Check out the trailer, oh and sorry about the water mark.                                         

Post a comment! Let me know what you think. And for heaven's sake...GO READ THE LUX SERIES by Jennifer Armentrout!

Much love!

The Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

In small-town Cadillac, Texas, Carlene Lovelle and her cousins' fancy panty business, Bless My Bloomers, is booming. But irony strikes when Carlene discovers another woman's silk bikini underwear in her husband's briefcase. Lenny Joe hasn't just crossed the line, he's left it in his dust, so Carlene's taking her revenge to the kitchen.

For ten years, Lenny Joe's team has dominated Cadillac's Red-Hot Chili Cook-Off. But with Carlene's Bless My Bloomers team now in the ring, it's anyone's game—and when there's pride and food involved, things are bound to get messy.

Genres: Romance, Adult Fiction

Formats: Kindle, Ebook, Paperback

Number of pages: 320 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Publishing Date: April 1, 2014

Language: English

ISBN: 1402287038 

My Rating:

Ok, to be fair..this is not a book that I would see and immediately think "I HAVE TO HAVE THIS!" In all actuality, I probably wouldn't look twice at this book.  However, I am in a book club and the reason for that is to expand my horizons.  Even if it makes me nervous! 

But I kind of enjoyed this book.  My family is from the south, not Texas, but far enough south that I TOTALLY understood the small town, every body knows every body, mentality.  That made this book quite funny.  There were many times that I laughed out loud and could put my own family's faces to each of the characters.  Yes, even the one's you didn't like...like Kitty Lovelle.

So the story takes place in the small town of Cadillac, Texas.  Carlene Lovelle has just found a bright red corset in her husband's briefcase that she custom made for a particular client whom said that her sugar daddy was taking her on vacation.  So what was it doing in her husband's briefcase?!   As you might well imagine, she gets fighting mad and causes up a stir at her husband, Lenny's, work.  The whole scene makes you just want to sit back with a bowl of popcorn like it was a movie! 

Carlene leaves Lenny, which begins the biggest gossip this town has seen in a long time.  Carlene doesn't want anything but her shop "Bless My Bloomers" and her Grandma Fannin's candlesticks.  Each character that we meet has a different opinion on what Carlene should do.  Reconcile her relationship, forget about him, take him out......

Lenny does something completely unforgivable, aside from the cheating fact and that makes Carlene and her family decide to take something from him that he adores.  The first ever female group to enter into the Red Hot Chili Cook Off.  She just know's she'll win this thing with the help of all of her friends and family and really stick it to him and his precious trophies.  

The book was funny, frustrating, cute and of course has it's "oh no he/she didn't!" moments that really kept the pages turning.  All of the characters were quirky, fun and very entertaining.  The bonds were deep between the characters making you root for the Red Hot Bloomers in the quest to win the trophy fair and square!

If you like quirky, southern ladies duking it out with the whole town, this book will surely keep you laughing! Happy Reading!