Go Indie Now Book Box Review!

Subscription Box Review!

 

I have received two of these boxes and I absolutely loved them! The books I received sound great, have wonderful reviews on goodreads and I can't wait to dive into them. One Thing I absolutely adore about this subscription box is that it celebrates indie authors and I’m all about helping indie authors, so each month I would receive a wonderful book that I most likely hadn’t heard of in the book world. I love expanding my reading to new authors and books and this box caters just to that and it is perfect for people looking for new and fresh reads. Another thing I loved is the time and thought the owner puts into each box, its wrapped and packaged so beautifully, you can see the care that goes into each box in each item you receive  and I absolutely loved that. I highly recommend this book box. Thank you Go Indie Now for helping indie authors and books. 

-SandraTheBookWorm

Twice Upon A Time

Book Review

Title: Twice Upon A Time

Author: Hope Irving

Rating: ★★★★

Date Published: October 31st, 2015

Page Count: 365

Genre: Paranormal

Connect with Author: Website, FB, Twitter

Buy Me! Amazon, B&N, 

Add me on Goodreads

Synopsis:

Once upon a time, there was the wandering soul of Morgann, an 8th century Irish calligrapher-monk longing to be reunited with his soul mate. Deirdre was his forbidden love, a witch with whom he wrote a coveted book.

Under her spell, the souls of the star-crossed lovers travel from bodies to bodies until they find each other. Eventually.
That became his quest: unearth her new body and trigger her memory, for she is clueless about whom she once was. Unfortunately their story didn't get a chance to become a fairy tale yet it still turned out as a famous urban legend referred as The Black Angel Book. 


Twice upon a time, not so long ago, there was me, rational and devastated Rose. I needed to get a grip, said my French mum after my year of numbness due to a painful break-up that led me to cut my wrist daily, to feel something, anything.

So she sent me off to the free-spirited village of Provincetown, Massachusetts, to spend the summer with my American relatives. And just like that, I wasn’t myself any longer. Because someone pulled me out of the darkness and bewitched me, somehow.

I couldn’t wait to jump his bones… but why was he holding back?
He couldn’t wait to welcome me into his world… but was I ready to question my convictions and acknowledge that my self-inflicted cuts were now healing in record time?

How could I have imagined he was longing for his own unorthodox fairytale to come true? Frantically.

My Thoughts:

I was sent an Ecopy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Rose is staying in Provincetown, MA with her American family leaving France behind to try and get over a terrible breakup. A breakup that has led her to harming herself just to be sure that she can still feel even if that feeling is pain. While on P-Town Rose enlists in Calligraphy classes it is there where she falls for one of her teachers. Morgann's soul has been jumping from body to body since Deidre was killed and she cast a spell where their souls will travel until they find each other and Morgann thinks he has finally found Deidre; there is only one catch the spell Deidre left her clueless to who she really is and he must find a way to trigger her memory.

I really enjoyed this story! I felt myself clicking with all the quickly characters especially the man carrying Morgann's soul, as I read through the book I just wanted to read more and more of him. Rose goes through some great character development and I love to see how she went from being hurt to really enjoying her vacation. The novel did seem a little too slow in the beginning because the first half of the book is mostly getting to know both main characters, but once I got to the middle I couldn't put it down, I just kept wanting more and more! Hope hit me with several twist I was not expecting and I can’t wait to see where the story goes after some major decisions were made. Overall I was able to get past the slow start and really did enjoy this book and one other thing I need more of Virgil please, you'll know who he is when you read the book. 

-SandraTheBookWorm

Sevara: Dawn of Hope

Book Review

Title: Sevara: Dawn of Hope

Author: Damian Wampler

Rating: ★★★.5

Date Published: July 1st, 2015

Publisher: Createspace

Genre: YA Fantasy

Connect with the Author: Website, FB, 

Buy Me:Amazon

Add me on Goodreads

Synopsis:

When fifteen-year-old Sevara refuses to marry, she's kicked out of her orphanage and left on the streets of Plexus with nothing. She doesn't last long on the outside. Luckily, someone has been watching her.

A shapeshifting immortal gives Sevara a second chance at life, and a powerful set of gifts. But when Sevara begins a doomed love affair with the man she could have married, she must choose between protecting the city and saving the only man she's ever loved.

This is the beginning of a fantasy adventure that will span hundreds of lifetimes.

With a strong female lead, this coming of age adventure is a haunting and heart-pounding thrill-ride. 

My Thoughts:

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

Sevara is a young girl growing in a world where all girls get taken to an orphanage as soon as they're born and when they get to a certain age they get auctioned for marriage. If for some reason girls don't get married before they come of age they get thrown to the streets with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Sevara is one of the many girls who doesn't marry and has to leave the Orphanage; the first day she’s out on the streets she stumbles into an execution and she decides to save the man, her actions is all the rebels need to take a stand to try and change the world they're living in.

I really enjoyed this book, the action kept me turning the pages and the story was very unique and different. Sevara was such a kick ass character actually all the woman in this book took crap from no one. I also really liked the way Damian wrote the war scenes, they were very detailed and there were some scenes that involved some soldiers using kites that I found really different and very awesome! Also really got attached to Sevara and Lief, I really loved reading scenes with the two together. The reason I gave this book 3.5 stars was because at some points I found myself a little confused there were so many things going on and so many names dropped that I would forget who and what I was reading about. Other than that I really enjoyed the story and its uniqueness. If you're looking for a fantasy with a strong kick ass female lead, this is the book for you. 

-SandraTheBookWorm

Author Kerr-Ann Dempster

Author Spotlight!

In my very first author spotlight, I have the Awesome Kerr-Ann Dempster author of Beneath Scarlett Valley and hers most recent novel The Reluctant Sacrifice. Kerr-Ann was very kind and let me interview her so my followers and fellow book worms could get to know her a little better. Thank you so much Kerr-Ann for being so kind and taking the time to answer my questions, I had so much fun reading your answers. Also her current novel "The Reluctant Sacrifice" is on sale for .99 cents and Beneath Scarlett Valley is currently free. To read my review for The Reluctant Sacrafice click here! 

1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica where I got my start writing plays for a local church. After moving to the United States, I worked as a Flight Attendant and then in Marketing before deciding to pursue writing as a career and not just a hobby. I now live in Michigan where I am working on The Reluctant Huntress, a companion story to my YA novel, The Reluctant Sacrifice. When not writing, I spend my days reading, stalking my fellow authors on Instagram, and redecorating. I squeeze in an episode of The Big Bang Theory and The Vampire Diaries whenever I can. I am also a voracious book collector and have recently had my Amazon 1-click privilege revoked because I am prone to sleep-shopping.

I love chatting with readers and fellow authors. Find me on Instagram (author.kerr), Twitter (@annk3rr), and Facebook. 

2) When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I began writing as a child. I started with poems and then plays. After moving to the U.S., I began experimenting with longer stories. I wrote Beneath Scarlett Valley in 2011. Upon completion, I shoved it under my bed and wrote The Reluctant Sacrifice. I then shoved it under my bed too and pulled out Beneath Scarlett Valley again. I published it in 2014.

3) Is there any author or book that influenced you in anyway either growing up or as an adult?

1. J. K. Rowling. The woman is a genius. Her world building and attention to details are second to none.
2. C.S. Lewis. His creativity is beyond anything we’re seeing today. He had just the perfect mixture of light and darkness without being heavy-handed.
3. Nnedi Okorafor. Everything about her writing is fearless. I can’t get enough.
4. Stephen King. He’s an expert on all things dark, creepy, and bloody.
5. Ted Dekker. He gets it. He knows how to craft thought-provoking stories that stay in your head for years after reading them.

4) Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

No. When I want something, I make it happen. We live in an age where publishing on your own is possible. Please notice, I didn’t say easy. Sure, uploading to Amazon is a no-brainer, but an author who wants to do more than see their name in print has to invest in their craft. I invested, heavily, while publishing The Reluctant Sacrifice. I hired writing coaches and editors. Then, I hired book designers, and reached out to beta readers and reviewers. Will I still consider a traditional publisher? Yes. I have a secret project that I intend to pitch. However, if it winds up at the bottom of a slush pile, I’ll send it off to beta-readers and see if they think the story is worth publishing.

5) How did you come up with this title?

I chose The Reluctant Sacrifice as I ironed out the details of the novel and became familiar with the lead character, Aubrey Shaw. After the first draft, I began to have doubts and so decided on the title, The Hunted. All my beta-readers hated the new title, and encouraged me to stick with my gut. So, I went back to The Reluctant Sacrifice. I am happy I did.

6) Do you ever experience writers block?

Unfortunately, yes. I hate not writing, but I’ve found that it’s my body’s way of telling me to take a break. A day or two away from my story usually gets rid of it.

7) Do you have any advice to give aspiring authors?

Be fearless. It is easy to play it safe by copying others. Resist the urge to do so. Find your own voice and ideas, then work your butt off to hone your style. Readers will thank you for it. Plus, it’s more fun than putting a spin on someone else’s story.

8) Is there anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Thank you. Every review and letter is appreciated and treasured.

Purchase Links For The Reluctant Sacrifice

Amazon
Book Depository
B&N

Purchase Links For Beneath Scarlett Valley

Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
Nook
Smashwords

-SandraTheBookWorm

The 52nd

Book Review

Title: The 52nd

Author: Dela

Rating: ★★★★★

Date Published: October 27, 2015

Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing

Genre: YA Paranormal/ Fantasy

Page Count: 461

Connect with the Author: Website, FB, Twitter, Instagram

Buy Me: Amazon, B&N, Book Depository

Add me on Goodreads: The 52nd

Synopsis:

Not one of the sacrifices chosen over the long history had survived--until now.

On the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, the immortal Castillo family gathers in Tulum. Weary and haunted, they receive the names of fifty-two human sacrifices chosen once every fifty-two years for the Underworld, a tradition thought to have disappeared with the fall of the Aztec and Mayan empires.

Driving home one night, college freshman Zara Moss swerves to avoid hitting a ghastly figure in the road. Lucas Castillo witnesses the car crash, but when it comes time to supervise her abduction from the wreckage, he intervenes. Something is different about Zara: Lucas has been having dreams of her arrival for five hundred years.

As Lucas and Zara come together to put an end to the bloody sacrifices, they discover that the ancient tradition isn't so easily broken. The gods are angry, and they have until the Winter Solstice to drag Zara to the Underworld.

My Thoughts:

The author was kind enough to send me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

This novel blew me away, I can’t believe it's a debut novel it so well written and I loved every second of it. Lucas and his family have been chosen by higher gods to be the watchers that will make sure that the abductions of fifty-two sacrifices that are chosen every fifty-two years for the underworld god goes smoothly, but this year is different because Lucas has been waiting for this particular fifty-second sacrifice for five hundred years. So, when Zara is about to get abducted he decides to interfere and safe her. This interference makes the Gods angry and puts Lucas family and his life in danger, but the Castillo’s are ready to put an end to the bloody sacrifices and have finally found someone that can help them. 

This book was amazing! Dela hit it out of the park with this one. I loved every second of this novel; it's hard to believe it's a debut novel the writing just flows so easily and sucks you in to the point you don't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the Aztec and Mayan history throughout the book and I'm completely obsessed with it now. If you have been following me for a while then you know that I love mythology and Gods so, the fact this book had gods in it made it five hundred times better I also loved learning and reading about them. The romance in this book was very well written it wasn't insta-love it's something that grows between Lucas and Zara as the book progresses. I fell in love with all the characters in this book even the villains! Lucas has been added to my ever-growing list of book boyfriends that prince had me swooning all over the place especially when he would speak Spanish; he might come across as a little over protective, but it comes from a good place. Zara was such a strong character I don't think I would have handled being a sacrifice as well as she did, I loved that she didn't take any crap from anyone and when she wanted be heard she made people listen. I'm not sure if this book is a standalone, but I'm really hoping for a sequel because I couldn't get enough of all the characters and the world Dela created and I'm hoping to read more about them. If you're looking for a something different and fresh to read this is definitely it, it has everything you would look for in a book action, romance, paranormal, gods, royals and diversity. So, what are you waiting for?! You must buy this book!

-SandraTheBookWorm

The Reluctant Sacrifice

Book Review

Title: The Reluctant Sacrifice

Author: Kerr-Ann Dempster

Rating: ★★★★★

Date Published: August 7, 2015

Page Count: 327 

Genre:YA Paranormal/Fantasy

Connect with the Author: Website,FB, Twitter, Instagram

Buy Me! Amazon, B&N

Add me on Goodreads: The Reluctant Sacrifice

Synopsis:

Centuries ago, sibling rivalry tore Aramith apart. As punishment, the losers were stripped of their immortal birthright and banished to Earth. There, they wasted away from old age and diseases. However, there is hope… 

If a Shaw child, born on the 12th day of the 12th month offers her soul in a public sacrifice, then the exiles will be forgiven and welcomed home to Aramith. 

Aubrey Shaw is that child, but dying for the exiles is not on her to-do list. Using her gift as a Jumper, Aubrey leaps between bodies to escape relentless shape-shifting hunters. Only, shedding her skin is not enough. Not when Joshua, her best-friend-turned-hunter, is hell-bent on dragging her to the altar. 

Will Aubrey’s love for Joshua change his mind? 

Or, will she have to trust the scarred stranger who shows up out of the blue cloaked in lies and secrets? Doing so means giving up on Joshua. But betting on Joshua's love could do more than break her heart. 

It could kill her.

My Thoughts:

The author was kind enough to send my a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

This amazing book left me craving for a sequel, please tell me the story continues! I need more Aubrey and Coy in my life as well as Joshua and Tessa! Aubrey has been on the run from her father since she was named the sacrifice that is going to save her people and restore their immortality, but Aubrey is not ready to die. Aubrey is able to jump her soul through bodies and has been using that power to evade her father’s shape-shifting hunters, but her best-friend Joshua has become their leader and knows exactly how she thinks and they have finally found her.

I loved this novel the paranormal aspect was perfect and Kerr-Ann’s writing kept me up to the wee hours of the night, I just wanted to finish the book and know what happened; I could not get enough of her book, like I said above I'm really hoping for a sequel. The way the characters were writtem made them so likable and easy to connect with; I loved the way our heroin Aubrey could jump bodies, but when she did she lost a part of herself, it made her power seem all that more real; I really liked how brave Aubrey was she did doubt herself at times, but it just made her character that more relatable and made her seem more human. Aubrey's best-friend was so well written she was always there for her and you could tell she really cared for her and I freaking loved her sassiness. Now for the boys Joshua I really wanted to hate him at times, but I just couldn't; I knew he cared for Aubrey, but the love he had for Aubrey's sister and his hope that she would change for the better clouded his judgement and his power was to die for. Oh, Coy what can I say he's the guy that all the girls swoon for, I loved his protectiveness over Aubrey it didn't go over board and he always respected her and her feelings even though he was dying to have her in his arms, he was a true gentleman. This book was very enjoyable, I loved everything about it the characters, the paranormal aspects and the way Kerr-Ann describes the shape-shifting of the hunters and when Aubrey jumps bodies it was so well described I could see it happening right in front of me. If you have not picked this book up yet, you definitely should!

-SandraTheBookWorm

Interview With the Awesome Deanna Dee

Deanna Dee

Preorder Finish Him

Amazon

This year Deanna contacted me to review one of her books "One Fling to Rule Them All" and I'm so glad I did! It was so different from your normal romance and I absolutely love it! Now she is releasing the last companion novel to her series "Finish Him" and I couldn't be more thrilled. She was kind enough to let me Interview her! Thank you so much Deanna I had so much fun reading your responses! It's always so fun working with you.

1. In your own words, please describe the book.

Finish Him is the third book in my Games of Love series. It’s about two twenty-somethings (Sonya and Jaxon) who find love through gaming and some other stuff. It’s also about Sonya’s relationship with her older sister and her quest to find herself. And there’s some geek references thrown in there for good measure.

2. What genre/genres does your book fall under?

Excellent question. I’m still figuring that out myself. The age of the characters puts it at new adult, but the heat level is low for what new adult romance usually has. I enjoy calling it “geek romance,” but that’s not quite its own thing yet. So if anyone has any suggestions, let me know. J

3. What was your inspiration behind your book?

I read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and loved it. The geek references spoke to me. Combine that with never feeling like I’d found a romance written about “me” (the quirky sidekick), and I wanted to take the geek of RPO and combine it with the romance about the girls usually cast as the brainiac sister or spunky best friend. Ta-da, Finish Him and its siblings were born.

4. So far, what has been the greatest moment in your writing career?

Hitting “publish” on the first book in the series. I’ll never forget the feeling of knowing I’d seen the project through from start to finish and actually put it into the world for people to read.

5. How did you come up with the title of your book?

Finish Him focuses a lot on video games. The phrase” finish him” is one used in a lot of arena fighting games as the signal for one player to finish off another. “Completing” someone is a common thing in romance. “Complete” and “finish” are similar. Geek romance, complete, finish…Finish Him. Done.

6. How long does it take you to finish a novel?

I can write a rough draft in a month if I really motivate myself. The entire process (chapter 1 to publish) is usually between 3 and 6 months—draft, two or three rounds of edits, beta, edits, editor, final edits, format, upload.

7. If there was one thing you could tell your readers, what would it be?

I’d welcome them to my corner of insanity and thank them for stopping in.

8. How can readers connect with you?

I can be found at the following haunts.

 Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Join me at these various locations for book stuff, geek stuff, and romance stuff.

9. What advice do you have for aspiring young authors?

Two things. First, keep writing. You can’t edit a blank page. Second, get some kind of training, whether it’s a workshop or reading how-to books. Lots of people have natural talent, but natural talent only goes so far. Put the extra initiative into your career. It will pay off.

10. Can you tell us something about the writer behind the book?

She likes to talk in the third person. Also, she lives for good times with good people, 65 degree sunny days, and blue skies.

My Review For One Fling to Rule Them All

-SandraTheBookWorm

Uncovering Love

Book Review

Title: Uncovering Love

Author: Kacey Shea

Rating: ★★★★★

Date Published: June 30, 2015

Publisher: Kacey Shea Books LLC

Page Count: 244

Genre: Romance

Connect with the Author: Twitter, Instagram

Buy me! Amazon, B&N

Add me on Goodreads: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Evelyn Harper lived the perfect life.
Until she was fired from her job.

After a ridiculous idea devised among friends comes to existence, Evelyn finds herself part owner in a private investigation firm specializing in matters of the heart. Throughout wild antics with her best friends Jonathan and Kate, Evelyn conducts relationship background checks for a wide variety of clients.

Soon it becomes clear that one case has moved beyond professional and Evelyn finds herself fighting an attraction she cannot resist.

Will Evelyn admit her feelings when she uncovers love in the most unexpected of places? 

My Thoughts:

The Author was kind enough to provide me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book, where do I even start! I loved it so much I can’t find words to describe my love for all these amazing characters.  After losing her job Evelyn and her best-friend Jon who just came back from the Army decide to start their own private investigation firm with the help of their other best-friend Kate of course; what Evelyn doesn't realize is that being a private investigator is harder than she thought and its proven when she starts falling for one of the guys she is supposed to be investigating Tate.

This book was so fun to read! All the characters where so easy to connect with and you couldn't help loving them. I really enjoyed the P-I concept in this book, it made it really interesting and kept me up to the wee hours of the night. I loved the friendship between Kate, Evelyn and Jon you could tell they really cared for each-other and I really loved that even though Jon and Evelyn hadn't seen each other for years as soon as they were back in each other’s life's it was like he had never gone anywhere. Tate oh, the sweetness that is Tate, I immediately fell in love with him he was so sweet, caring and so freaking HOT! I'm honestly hoping for another book where I can read from Evelyn's and his perspective. As much as this book had me laughing between all the craziness going on between Kate, Jon and Evelyn towards the end I was a mess and had my crying face on. I really enjoyed this book and loved that even though it was short the love between Tate and Evelyn wasn't instant it was something that grew as they spent more time together and got to know each-other. I'm so excited to start Uncovering Desire and reading more about Kate!

-SandraTheBookWorm