Genres:
Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Blurb:
A girl with an unknown destiny.

A boy from a hidden world.

When Celeste starts at a new school in a small, Kansas town, she hears whispering voices, has vivid nightmares, and swarms of blackbirds follow her every move. She is oddly drawn to aloof Rylan, the other new student who has his own secrets.

The exact moment she turns seventeen, she wakes to a bedroom full of strange creatures, purple light emanating from her hands, and Rylan breaking in through her bedroom window.
He knows what she is . . .

Intriguing and deeply romantic, RUA is page-turning YA novel with a supernatural twist.

My Thoughts:
RUA is the first book in the Rua series and I'm still waiting on what the connection is between Celeste and the meaning of the word!

We start of with Celeste having just moved to a new town, an occurrence that happens frequently enough that she is not bothered about not having close friends. On her first day, she is befriended by Tink -- her new gay best friend who has a healthy interest in Wicca. A good thing for Celeste because things are about to get strange.

I love reading Celtic-based fantasy but all too often it is Irish-based Celtic fantasy, which this was. Still, there is enough information here to tease the imagination whilst certainly not overwhelm the reader.

The story itself is nicely wrapped up for this instalment, whilst leaving the overall story arc open and definitely leaving you wanting more. I have a number of questions that simply need to be answered!

A good YA read that will hopefully lead onto bigger things.

Genres:
Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb:
Lily Mauve's parents move her 1700 miles across the country to the town of Salem and into the 400 year old family home. It's here Lily discovers the extensive magical history of the Mauve family, learns about her own powers and falls deeply in love with her new best friend's brother. She meets family she never knew she had, but she quickly grows to love them. She allies with vampires, creatures she thought were made up. Everything is tipped upside down when one of her new friends is hurt at the Homecoming dance because of who she is, and when the attempts on Lily's life start she realises fear is no longer an option. Her Uncle eventually lets slip the true meaning of her Grand-mamar's prophecy and Lily's world changes. She wants to go quietly, save the people she loves but her rare mental connection with Ava means Ava knows her every thought, and she won't let her go. But ultimately, she must fight for the safety of those closest to her, even when lightning strikes and her family's world is shattered. ​

My Thoughts:
​A MAGICAL HISTORY is the first book in The Mauve Legacy and I found this to be a great read. I found it completely refreshing that someone could move to a new school and fit in! Yep, and even be a cheerleader. The social outcast has been done to the hills and back and I loved that Lily knew what she wanted and went for it. 

The pacing is fairly fast but it works for this story. Lily is a brilliant character and spoke many a word of wisdom. She is ably supported by a cast of amazing supporting characters too. Jerome, I'm looking at you! 

It isn't all sweetness and light though. I knew something would happen but didn't know what. And when it did, it hurt! 

The ending will definitely leave you wanting more but it is a cliffhanger, so be warned. Absolutely recommended by me.

Genres:
Young Adult, Time Travel, Fantasy

Blurb:
Gemma Hart never knows when her father is going to whisk her back in time. Her toes start tingling and she has a few minutes to find a secret haven where she can disintegrate and appear in another time and place. While “across the line,” her training and skills are put to the test as she completes a mission that will change history for the lucky few her father has selected.

Gemma's parents are adamant that secrecy is paramount to her family’s safety. If people knew what they were capable of, they could be "used and abused", as her mother always says. Afraid she might accidentally utter the truth and break the ancient oath of her people, Gemma spends her school days as a loner. Only one thing can throw her sheltered life askew... Harrison Granger.

Harrison never expected to talk to the strange Hart girl, but after a brief encounter he can't stop thinking about her. He begins a campaign to chisel away her icy veneer and is met with unexpected consequences. As he slowly wins this girl over, he enters a surreal world that has him fighting to keep his newfound love and his life.

My Thoughts:
​GOLDEN BLOOD is the first book in the Time Spirit Trilogy and we are introduced to Gemma and her time travelling family. She is called a freak at school and keeps to herself, but it is only because she made a terrible mistake when she was only thirteen. It has made her very wary about letting anyone in. Even more so when you consider her secret life. Harrison has been the outsider and is determined it won't be the same at this school. Even if that means dodgy the bully brother of the girl who won't leave him alone. He is intrigued by Gemma and wants to know her better.

This was a great read with a suspension of reality. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the siblings, although I didn't like the parents at all (which was the idea!) There were a couple of points that stood out, that jarred me out of the story, but I was quickly able to move on and continue reading.

The relationship takes time to develop between Gemma and Harrison but, once they do, it's pretty much insta-love declarations, even if it's not to each other. There are some pretty big signs leading you to the next book, including the appearance of a new character within the last few pages. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing with the twists and turns that comprise Gemma's story!

Genres:
Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Blurb:
All she wanted was to disappear…

Claire Martin is an empath. She’s lived her entire life as a slave to a constant barrage of emotions that weren't hers. Off to college, she hopes simply to blend with the crowd where she can best hide her curse. Within her first few weeks at school Claire meets Stephen Andrews, a small, fragile looking boy who changes her life forever. 

Stephen, a boy with a secret of his own, instantly recognizes Claire for what she is. It is through Stephen's aid that Claire meets James, a vampire with a talent of his own. As soon as they touch, their abilities connect in a way that has not occurred in over three hundred years forming a bond that cannot be broken.

My Thoughts:
EMPATH is the first book in The Empath Trilogy and we are introduced to Claire, an empath who shies away from touch - any touch, even that of her family. She is cutting the apron strings though, and heading off to college, where she hopes her gift will be kept under control simply by the fact of not knowing anyone there.

This was the first in a series so I didn't expect to have all the answers by the time it finished. However, a few more would have been nice. Claire in thrust into the paranormal world with nary the blink of an eye. She finds out about different types of people, most having gifts of their own, and also meets someone she wants to call her own.

The relationship between Claire and James moved in fits and starts for me. It was very quick in places (post-nightclub) and then slow in others. I did like that she didn't automatically put herself in danger and wait for James to rescue her. I would have liked more of a relationship between her and other characters though - Henry, Stephen, Heidi, to name a few.

We end with a HFN and a lead into the next book. This was a long book that allowed me to become immersed in the story. I enjoyed it and look forward to continuing the trilogy.

​HK lives in the frozen hinterlands of the far North. The long, cold months provide ample opportunity to hunker down with her computer and create adventures far more enticing than scraping ice and getting frostbite.

Between books HK reads voraciously. Anything with a good plot and compelling characters are her broad parameters. One is as likely to catch her with a copy of Don Quixote as with the latest Kristen Ashley.

​When not writing or wowing the corporate world by day, HK practices martial arts, plays with her dogs and matches wits with her teen. Next winter she intends to brush up on her Spanish and escape the cold for somewhere more tropical.

​‼️ NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ‼️

A HERO. HONOURABLE THIEF. LOVABLE ROGUE. SCOUNDREL. BLACKGUARD.

Everyone’s heard of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men, with big, bad Sheriff of Nottingham and evil Prince John trying their best to thwart Robin at every turn. But what if things were different to what you’ve been told? What if Robin wasn’t as altruistic as history portrayed?

In the late spring of 1198, the hamlet of Girton is razed to the ground. Newly married eighteen-year-old Will Scathlock and sixteen-year-old Alana move to the larger village of Blidworth to start their lives anew. In his new job as a forester for the Royal Palace of Clipstone, known to the locals as King’s Houses, Will hears tales of a good thief, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. But in her role as Seamstress for the Manor House, Alana hears a different story.

Find out what it was like for the peasant folk Robin was supposed to be helping, before his well-known adventures in Nottingham. Meet Alana Dale and read her story of what it was really like, and how it all began.

Available for pre-order - https://books2read.com/CabbagesKings

#YoungAdult
#ComingofAge
#HistoricalFiction
#RobinHoodOrigin

Genres:
Young Adult, Paranormal

Blurb:
After her mother and grandparents die in a raging house fire, eleven-year-old Sarah Redbird ends up in the custody of her aunt and uncle. Six years later, Sarah discovers the fire may not have been an accident at all, but a deliberate act of revenge.

Sarah's family has kept the truth of their Native American heritage secret her entire life, refusing to acknowledge where they came from. But when a family that has direct ties to their past moves to town, Sarah's true identity is revealed.

What Sarah soon learns is that some secrets are better left unspoken. ​

My Thoughts:
THE SPIRIT KEEPER is the first book in the series of the same name that talks about Native American legends and the ability to control the elements but, for the most part, it reads as a contemporary.

I found this to be quite formulaic but also thoroughly enjoyable. You have the sweet sixteen - nearly seventeen, thank you very much - high school student who is bullied by the Queen B. A new guy arrives in town, liked by the in-crowd but he is too cool for that, and falls for our MC instead. There is insta-love - in just a month, they are declaring their feelings. BUT there is a reason for that. After all, a deep bond can be forged when someone is trying to kill you.

I read this in one sitting, gripped by the story. I loved the dialogue between Sarah and Priscilla. Shyla was a wonderful surprise, the power transfer suspected. This book left me feeling satisfied and yet still wanting more, which is always a good thing! I would have like a bit more about the Native American side of things, but hopefully, that will happen in future books.

I'm really glad I read this and have no hesitation in recommending it.

GENRES:
Dystopian, Romance, Young Adult

BLURB:
​Block it out. Impossible for Talia Lyons. When you’re a Mind Manipulator, it’s hard enough to block the thoughts of others, let alone your own.

Block it out. The pounding, siren-ready world Talia inhabits as she trains with her fellow Hunters, the country's top-secret covert operatives. The physical demands. The emotional toll.

Block it out. The secrets that Talia’s boyfriend is hiding. Talia’s unbidden feelings of frustration and annoyance toward her teammate, the Casanova of the compound. The wondering why she cares what he thinks.

Block him out. Ian Crane. The man behind the bloodshed marring Talia’s memories of her murdered parents. The man she’s determined to kill.

Block it all out. Focus.

Talented is an emotionally raw Dystopian Romance, about the life of a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, and what happens when a heart is torn between love and rage.

MY THOUGHTS:
TALENTED is the first book in the Talented Saga and there is so much I am looking forward to with this book!

First of all, we meet Natalia. Her psychic powers were awakened when she saw her parents murdered in front of her. She was taken in and looked after by a powerful family who helped her see her potential. She is now in a school, training to be a Hunter, and wanting revenge on her parents' murderer.

Right then, so... this was a great story that I was hooked into from the beginning. Talia likes her food and we get lots of descriptions of the various foods she eats. Plus, the world-building is full of differences between our world and Talia's, which really helps set the scene of a dystopian society.​

There is a love triangle in this book, and I really don't like those! Donovan is Talia's first love, her best friend and family. Erik is on the same team of Hunters as Talia, and has a bit of a reputation. Even before anything went down, I knew who I wanted Talia to be with. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

As for Mac, I don't like him. AT ALL. Simple as!

There is so much that goes on in this story - it is action-packed. I will be continuing with the series because there are answers I need... plus I need to find out about Talia/Erik/Donovan.

A great dystopian read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Genres:
Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Blurb:
Addison Sanders thought her life was already as complicated as it could possibly get.

Akori - Ancient people with time shifting abilities living in secret among the humans.

Sanders Family - Humans sworn to protect and hide the Akori.

What could be worse than getting stuck with a destiny like that? Tanner Sutherland is about to show her.

When a death in the Sanders Family leaves their power and secrets up for grabs, centuries old rumors begin surfacing. Far more sinister reasons for her family's involvement with the Akori than Addy ever could've imagined come to light. She learns the hard way that placing her trust in anyone could lead to disaster.

Betrayed by old friends and leery of new ones--she's left to cut through the lies and deception to get to the truth.

Find out why sometimes its better not knowing, and how much misery really does love company in Dissever - Book One of the Unbinding Fate Series.
​

My Thoughts:
Dissever is the first book in the Unbinding Fate series and hold onto your hats because you're in for a bumpy ride.

Addy has been trained to be the next Overseer of the Akori by working in a library with her grandfather for years. What does the Overseer do? Well, apart from move a magical castle to various locations, I'm not entirely sure. But anyway, she's also female, which throws a spanner into the works as the Overseer has always been male... so, what to do? Nothing, because her grandfather has told her it will be okay. Gage is an old friend who suddenly stopped being a friend, but now wants to be again. Tanner is a new friend with lots in common with Addy... maybe/possibly. These three carry the story as changes occur and new people arrive on the scene that Addy has no clue about.

I did enjoy this story but I found it to be convoluted and full of twists and turns. I have no idea who the prologue involved, even by the time I finished the book. I know it is a series but surely some questions can be answered in the first book?

My favourite characters were Gage and Tanner because they said what they meant, and they stood by it. Addy changed her mind and opinions way too often for me. There were other characters that stood out, and others I wanted to crush, so if engaging with characters is your thing, you will probably enjoy this book!

​On the whole, I enjoyed it. I finished it, which is always a good thing, but whether or not I carry on with the series, I haven't yet decided. 

Genres:
Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Historical

Blurb:
For generations the Incenaga Witches have been forced to use their power to fulfill the wishes of others until they are drained of their magic and left to die. Desperate to protect his infant daughter - the last surviving witch - Emmeline's father escapes with her to the forests where he vows to keep her hidden from the world and from the truth.

Sixteen years later, Emmeline is discovered and finds herself in the grip of a traitor who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means abusing her power until she dies. She is taken to a distant country and told she must marry the Crown Prince or her own country will be overtaken, its people slaughtered. But what sort of prince would marry a witch? And why would she be the difference between war and peace?

As she fights to regain her freedom, she is faced with a choice between a prince who offers a lifetime of security and a common gamekeeper who has no idea of her power, but offers his heart.

But who do you trust when your power can be used against you?

My Thoughts:
THE LAST WITCH is the first book in the Incenaga series, and we start off in the dark just as much as Emmaline is. We stay by Emmaline's side throughout, learning as she does about who and what she is, what she can do,​ and the dangers involved.

The idea behind the Incenaga Witches was brilliant, and allows us to see Emmaline as she comes to understand the power and the danger. I loved how it was something that could be used against her, and yes, I know that sounds odd! Trust me though, if you read it, it will make sense. I promise!

The world building, descriptions, and character building are all brilliant, leading to a slightly predictable but oh so enjoyable story that sets up book two excellently. 

This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending.

Genres:
​Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Perdita Rivers has spent her entire sheltered life being told what to do. Lately, she’s felt ready for a change, and the universe seems to agree. Her new best friend’s brother is the boy of Perdita’s dreams. Literally.

Even though he plays hot and cold, she’s sure there’s more to it, but she’s kind of distracted by the sense she’s being followed - not to mention the rumours of wild animal sightings that seem to mean more to her new crush’s family than they should. Perdy’s on a mission to find the truth, but maybe the truth is the danger she should hide from, after all.​

My Thoughts:
​VERITY is the first book in the Cursed series and we start off with invisible Perdy, a sixteen-year-old on the fringes of her school, stuck in the middle of a strict father and a live-and-let-live grandmother. Perdita's life is about to change and she wants to know why.

I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this new series! The emotions - the extreme highs and lows of being a teenager - were perfectly written and explained... for the most part. I'm sure some of it was to tease you into the next book, which worked for me because that's what I've just gone and bought. In fact, I bought the box set just to make sure I didn't miss out.

If you are looking for a paranormal young adult book to sink your teeth into, then I can definitely recommend this one. With hormones, wolves, curses, it's got everything you could think of!