Review: Significance by Shelly Crane

Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track, but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating - barely - and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has.
Then she saves the life of Caleb and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally.
They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive.
Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him.

Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

Mrs. Crane gave you a lot in this book. Romance, action, family, little bit of fighting over the girl and even a little family rivalry.... The way the family works together, the morals they carry and the love that they show is refreshing. The idea of the clan rivalry was cool and interesting to see how each family clan is so different from each other. I think this book had a lot of possible potential.

I wanted to love this book, I really did. However, the whole having to be with each other non-stop or you suffer really got to me. That and having to release each other in order to walk away. Even though it works both ways it just made me feel like smoothering. There's no real dependency in them. I know, I know... It makes part of the story what it is and I respect that. Bravo to the author for trying to add a twist to the whole soul mate idea. It just didn't work for ME. I'm not saying it's not worth reading because honestly, if the above that I mentioned doesn't bother you, then you might just love it. I'll probably read book two in order to see how things work out and maybe, just maybe it will help me understand the way the author potrays these characters. I hope to be back again in book two with a better review for you!

Buy on Amazon, HERE

Black Friday Extravaganza! Featuring Almost Matched by A.O. Peart, and Giveaway!!!

NEW ADULT/ADULT CROSSOVER ROMANTIC COMEDY NOVELLA 
**Warning: contains sexual situations (some quite vivid!), profanity, and a high dose of sarcasm. Oh, and there is a lot of appletini and beer drinking. 
May not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old. Not intended for prudes and killjoys with no sense of humor** 

Would you take another shot at love? Or just settle on a friend with benefits?

Their heartbreaking past will move you. Their passion will make you blush. Their antics will make you laugh out loud. 

Twenty-five-year-old Natalie Davenport lugs substantial baggage. One boyfriend after the next has been a total disaster, leaving Natalie distrustful toward the male population in general. So when Colin Hampton crosses her path, she’s cautious. Her heart (and some other body parts!) nudges her to go for it, while her head wants her to run for the hills. 

Colin is one of those gorgeous guys who attract women, no matter the age or marital status. With a successful career at a popular Seattle radio station, hard body, and charming personality, he is the complete package. But something dark lurks in the corners of his soul; some murky experience that has changed him—maybe for the better, but maybe for the worse. 

Will he steal her heart and stomp over it like other guys did? 

Will she let him into her heavily fortified world despite herself? 

Or will they settle somewhere in the middle—establishing the emotional boundaries to protect them from falling in love? 

**Almost Matched is the first installment in the Almost Bad Boys series. The books in this series should be read in order. They are not stand-alone books** 

Almost Matched contains a BONUS EXCERPT from Almost Broken Up, the second installment in the Almost Bad Boys series.

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Ascension by Stacey Rourke~ ARC REVIEW

From best selling and award winning author Stacey Rourke comes the heart-pounding continuation of the acclaimed Gryphon Series. 

The turning point of the Gryphon saga is at hand …

Battle looms. Three unstoppable forces prepare to clash in a colossal explosion that could wipe Gainesboro off the map. Fate and a sacred calling have landed nineteen year old Celeste Garrett in the middle with nowhere to run. 

Her trust wavers as she uncovers dark secrets of the Council, powerful enough to test her loyalty and turn her against those she swore to protect. Playing to the longing of her heart, a malevolent enemy uses her weakness against her to form an alliance. 

With the trumpets of war about to sound, which side will the Conduit choose, and who will be left standing?

My Review:

I was lucky enough to recieve an ARC copy of this book....yes, be jealous...oh sooooo jealous...LOL!

Well, just when you think it couldn't get any better than the previous books in this series it does! Talking about keeping things lively! A lot of series you see fade off as they get past the famous "trilogy" level. It's always a gamble after book three to continue! The Trilogy Curse maybe? However Stacey Rourke pulls off book four like the pro she is making Ascension my FAVORITE out of her series! I can't believe I said that!!! Yes! This one surpassed her others in my opinion! Sarcastic humor, sibling teases, character building, action packed, love story, allies and enemies oh my!!!!!  

At one point I wanted to contact her at four in the morning and scream "What was that?!?!?! Why! Why would you do that?!?!?!  I managed to refrain...at least until about Nine A.M. Then it was fair yelling time! Sigh.... I'm still shaking my head in shock! I can't tell you, don't ask! Just.....just..... well, read it! You won't regret it! I was ticked off every time I was interrupted by someone while I read! I mean, REALLY? I know I'm suppose to work but don't they know what it's like to be truly immersed in a book? So, ahem, as I was saying! When it's released in November be sure to grab it! You won't regret it!

"Careful Gryphon girl. Your feline side is showing" 

                        Stacey Rourke has once again left you wanting more! AGAIN!  

ADD IT TO YOUR TBR NOW!!!!

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About the Author

RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel

Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012.

Stacey Rourke is the author of the YA Fantasy Gryphon Series and the nonfiction autobiographical I'm Not Crazy, I'm on Lupron; a Journey Through Infertility. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of the Gryphon Series as well as other literary projects.

Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com

diaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacey-Rourke/

or on Twitter @Rourkewrites.

The Gryphon Series Phenomenally Re-Vamped! You gotta see it! Plus, Giveaway!

In November of this year the fourth Gryphon Series novel, Ascension, will launch but it won't be alone! The previous books in the series will be jam packed with exciting new goodies! Each will have illustrations to bring some of your favorite moments to life, the NEVER BEFORE IN PRINT Sidekick Chronicles will be included in Embrace and Sacrifice, AND they have brand new covers! Ladies and Gentlemen, without any further ado, I give you the new Gryphon Series Covers:

The Conduit

                 All 18-year-old Celeste Garrett wants is to head off to college and make those fun, yet ill-advised, choices college kids are known for. And maybe to spend some time with the hot cameraman she just met. Instead, because of a pact her ancestors made in the 17th century with a mythical creature, she has to save the world.

While normal kids are slamming energy drinks and cramming for exams, Celeste will get her adrenaline rush fighting a fire breathing dragon. She wants to meet friends in the quad to exchange lecture notes, but first she must exchange blows with a shapeshifting demon on the rooftop. Life isn’t always fair for a superhero, but at least she doesn’t have to do it alone. With her brother and sister as sidekicks, they alternate between saving lives and getting on each others’ nerves. Together the trio encounters unspeakable odds, mystical forces and comes face-to-face with an image that will haunt them forever—their grandmother in a leopard print bikini.

"Okay, little side note here. If a psychopathic killer asks if you want to see a trick, say no. That’s the smart thing to do. I, on the other hand, responded, 'Bring it'."

-excerpt from THE CONDUIT                              

Embrace

     RONE Award Winner Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012

Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms with being the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky, between intense training sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know at what cost it would come. That is, until a dear friend is harmed by the malicious forces hunting her. 

Now, she’d like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won’t allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust—if anyone.                                                         

Sacrifice

Celeste Garrett has finally found a happy balance in her life as the Chosen One, thanks in large part to a certain hunky Irishman. But if there’s any lesson she should heed since receiving her calling it’s that everything can change in the blink of an eye. Soon a terrible new threat, unlike anything she’s ever encountered, causes her to make a gut-wrenching choice that will strip her of someone she holds dear. 

As much as she’d like to have a pity party for one, there’s no time for that now because wedding bells are ringing in Gainesboro! In between dress fittings and rehearsal dinners Celeste will have to fend off attacking demons and leering pirates. As if the Dark Army wasn’t scary enough our heroine is faced with the horrifying trauma of attending a bachelorette party with her mom and watching Grams do Jello shots. Is a walk down the aisle even possible for a member of the Garrett family when the Dark Army is out to destroy them? More importantly, will the Dark Army Glee Club sing at the reception? 

Raise your glass to the happy couple, and get ready for a wedding…Conduit-style.

Ascension, releasing November 2013

From best selling and award winning author Stacey Rourke comes the heart-pounding continuation of the acclaimed Gryphon Series.

The turning point of the Gryphon saga is at hand …

Battle looms. Three unstoppable forces prepare to clash in a colossal explosion that could wipe Gainesboro off the map. Fate and sacred calling have landed nineteen year old Celeste Garrett in the middle with nowhere to run.

Her trust wavers as she uncovers dark secrets of the Council, powerful enough to test her loyalty and turn her against those she swore to protect. Playing to the longing of her heart, a malevolent enemy uses her weakness against her to form an alliance.

With the trumpets of war about to sound, which side will the Conduit choose, and who will be left standing? 

Check out all her books by visiting her Amazon page! You don't want to miss out on this fabulous LOL butt kicking girl power series! It even includes a couple of hotties! Did I mention a Pirate? Oh yeah, there's one of those!!! Uh-huh!!! Hubba hubba!
http://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Rourke/e/B0062KO148/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379963427&sr=8-1

Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012.

Stacey Rourke is the author of the YA Fantasy Gryphon Series and the nonfiction autobiographical I'm Not Crazy, I'm on Lupron; a Journey Through Infertility. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of the Gryphon Series as well as other literary projects.

Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com

diaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.com

Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacey-Rourke/

or on Twitter @Rourkewrites.

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Reckless by Skye Jordan ~ My Review

A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix's image means everything. Raised on the wrong side of the tracks, her years of polish and hard work are finally about to pay off. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker who makes her realize how much living she's sacrificed for her success, one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life.

Jax Chamberlin has been screwed over by gorgeous gold-diggers one too many times. Though he runs his own stunt company, all of America knows his Hollywood face even years after he's given up acting. Finding a woman who doesn't plan to use him as a stepping stone to success is virtually impossible, so when the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a chance at a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more. Lots more.

But Lexi's got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle. And if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he's afraid the fantasy woman he's falling for might just end up like all the rest. 

Warning: This novel contains uber-hot sexual encounters. For safety's sake, read along with pitcher of ice-water. Or...wine...

My Review: 
Holy heck....for the love of all DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT read this book while you are at work! **Fans self**  I made the mistake of reading this book while at work and I regretted it because....well.... I was wishing my husband was with me....Ooooo the things this book will do to you or...make you want to do.  O.o  . I was getting so mad at my job because I kept getting interrupted. (I mean, what? They really expected me to work? LOL)  

I really loved how these characters met. The chemistry Lexi and Jax shared was fantastic! I felt the chills and passion through the writing! Not something accomplished in books very often. The book is not all about sex though (although, it could of been and I don't think I would of noticed a missing story line! Jax is yummy!) there's a real story to it. Two people learning to trust, to live how they want to live, and to learn to not let their past issues break their future. Jax and Lexi start out with only chemistry yet end up developing into different people.  Did I mention this book was hot? **Fans self a little more**

I really look forward to the next installment in this series....please, please, tell me there IS going to be another book?!?!?!?!

Grab it on Amazon HERE for only $2.99

Visit to find out more at GODREADS

Jaded Touch (Vesper book 2) By Nola Sarina~ Review

Three is tormented by the branding scars on her back, broken memories of her fallen creator, and the looming consequences of her secret friendship with Sychar - a male of her kind - a high crime in her world of serpentine guardians. Then along comes Jack - the human train engineer she saves in an explosion. His touch weakens both her knees and her sense of duty. Now Three must choose between her immortal duties, her forbidden friendship, and her human lover. With every choice comes a cost, but not every cost is hers to pay.

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Gorgeous cover is done by;
Steph's Cover Designs


My Description
The Maid (what female Vespers are called..I know a bit sexist sounding right? LOL) Three (Yes, her name is Three) has had a rough life as a Vesper. Always being tormented by her "sisters" because she was created differently than they were. Even her human life was full of tourture. This is her life now though, right? Follow all orders, have no relationships with anyone....a slave in ways.. No way out....Right?

Jack, while human (a very yummy human, no pun intended lol), works for the Vespers as a train operator. He knows what the Vespers are. He also understands how dangerous his job is as well. There's something about Three though that he can't get enough of and when a strange event occurs and she saves his life he gets to spend more one on one time with her. He wants her, badly. Badly enough though that he wants to risk his life for? Even if it's worth it to him, can he get her to believe that it's worth risking her life for him as well? Because after all...what he wants means death for them both.

My Review
This is a Novella however it a good sized Novella! 
Jaded Touch is the second book in the Vesper series however is perfectly capable of being a stand alone book. There are a few parts you may understand a little more if you have read book one but nothing to major that you will be lost. 

I honestly think this book was better than her first one in the series. The writing was smoother, less errors (yeah, I know...My review has errors,too. But hey, I don't have an editor. LOL), and the conversations were realistic (well, as realistic as you can get in paranormal type books, LOL). I really do love the fact that Nola Sarina chose to think outside of your normal Vampire/Werewolf story-line and opt for something a little more unique. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this intriguing world of Vespers....Where your protectors are also...your hunters. 

Nola is a mother, wife, writer, and giggle-a-holic, living in Canada and raising a pack of kids. She is represented by Michelle Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency. In her spare time she can be found geocaching, guzzling coffee, or tending to her garden.

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Sorry....

Sorry that things have been so quiet on the blog lately! Between switching jobs which means I went from working 20 hours to working 40 plus hours a week and working days instead of night, the kids getting sick, myself getting sick and trying to get all back to school shopping, plus two kids birthdays I just have not been able to blog! Things will be getting back to normal soon and you will see so much you will be sick of seeing me! I have lots of books I have to review still so be ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of love to you all!