**#COYER & Jumble Your Genres Review ~ Six Moon Summer ~ SM Reine**

This month's Jumble Your Genres genre was Paranormal. I jumped on the chance to read a book that was not only a paranormal, but one that's been on my ereader for quite awhile. Score!

***

Six Moon Summer by SM Reine
Seasons of the Moon #1
Release Date: April 29, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Source: I purchased an ebook via B&N
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Rylie's been bitten.

She's changing.

And now she has three months to find a cure before becoming a werewolf...forever.

Rylie Gresham hates everything about summer camp: the food, the fresh air, the dumb activities, and the other girls in her cabin. But the worst part is probably being bitten by a werewolf. Being a teenager is hard enough, but now she's craving raw flesh and struggles with uncontrollable anger. If she doesn't figure out a way to stop the transformation, then at the end of summer, her life is worse than ever. She'll be a monster.

Six Moon Summer was a nice introduction to the Seasons of the Moon series. The plot was a little predictable, and it is written for the younger end of YA, but I liked the characters and the execution.

Rylie has been shipped off to summer camp. Her parents are in the middle of a contentious divorce and wanted her out of the line of fire. Rylie is feeling like her life couldn't get any worse. But it does - when she's attacked by a werewolf.

A bright spot in Rylie's life is Seth. Seth shows up at just the right time. He seems to know a lot about what Rylie is undergoing and what's coming. And he's with her every step of the way. But Seth's hiding something - and it's something that may be devastating effects for Rylie.

Rylie is a 15 year old and acts as such most of the time. However, she showed resilience and strength in the face of what she was experiencing. And she exuded a fair amount of maturity when things came to a head. 

Although we don't learn much about Seth, I liked him. He showed compassion to Rylie when she needed it. And even fought his instincts where she was concerned, despite the possible consequences.

Six Moon Summer, despite its predictability, was an enjoyable start to this series. I'm eager to see what the future holds for both Rylie and Seth.

**Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged ~ #33**

Bought, Borrowed, & Bagged is a weekly meme, hosted by TalkSupe, where I share with you the books I have bought, borrowed, or bagged (gifted or won) plus a recap of the previous week's reviews, upcoming reviews, and any other bookishness I want to share. :)

Here's what was added to my ereader and/or my physical library this week:

BOUGHT

As you can see, it was a KA kind of week for me. :) I'm looking forward to starting Hector's story. And since the first three books in KA's Unfinished Hero Series were only 99 cents each, I couldn't pass up on that deal...since I know I'll be reading the series eventually. :)

BAGGED

Nothing. Nada. :)

Last Week's Reviews

Follow by JA Huss
The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar by Kim Rendfeld
Sing, and Monica  by C.D. Reiss
Red & Wolfe: Part 4 by Ella James
Go With Me by Elyssa Patrick

Upcoming Reviews

Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson
White Collared: Mercy and Greed by Shelly Bell
Iris by S.J. Pierce
Mister Black by P.T. Michelle




I'm still working on getting Berk & Jax to write these reviews:
Berk reviews Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (although, I think she may end up reviewing Cinder)
Jax reviews Paperboy by Vince Vawter

**#COYER Review ~ Go With Me ~ Elyssa Patrick**

***

Go With Me by Elyssa Patrick

With Me Series #2

Release Date: June 19, 2014

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance

Source: I received an ecopy, via Xpresso Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 3.5 Bookworms

Synopsis

I, Daphne Fox, have a few things to confess:

1. I hate Nick Brady. Loathe. Abhor. Can't stand him 95% of the time.

2. That other 5%? I'm not talking about that at all.

3. People think I'm lucky for surviving the car crash. I disagree.

4. Nick is the only guy who makes my nightmares go away.

5. I won't love him, though. Love is not worth the pain.

I, Nick Brady, have a few confessions of my own:

1. I don't hate Daphne Fox. At all.

2. I find her scar sexy. Just like the rest of her.

3. I may be her older brother's best friend, but that's not going to stop me.

4. I love her.

5. And I'm going to do everything I can to have her.

While Go With Me was an endearing read, it didn't quite pack the emotional punch Stay With Me did. I was so excited that Daphne and Nick were getting their own story. I fell for both of them in Stay With Me. And I enjoyed getting to know them even better.

Daphne Fox is smart, opinionated, and foul-mouthed. She's also bearing some emotional scars to go along with the physical ones she obtained in a car accident that claimed the lives of her best friends. She puts on a good show but her smart-assed wit serves to deflect attention from those things she doesn't want to relive or share.

Nick Brady is a hunky, loyal, and very observant guy. He's best friends with Caleb, Daphne's older brother, and has maintained an antagonistic relationship with Daphne. Nick has been hiding a pretty big secret though. And he sees so much more than Daphne would like him to.

I really enjoyed the antagonism between Daphne and Nick. They make a nice couple and some people have always seen that. But not Caleb, and a part of the tension in the story revolves around Daphne not wanting to tell Caleb about her and Nick. Mostly though, this story is about Daphne dealing with her baggage in order to fully commit to Nick. While I really wanted them together, I never quite felt the emotions about Daphne's trust issues. Yes, I understood her fear of trusting because she might lose that person, but I felt Ms. Patrick told me rather than showed me. This prevented me having a deeper emotional connection with Daphne. Also, since the story is told in first person, present tense, we get a lot of Daphne's inner monologue. And it irritated me at times - I felt it made Daphne out as immature. However, she is only 18..."almost 19."

One thing I like about this series is its great cast of characters. The full cast is present in Go With Me and I was delighted to get better acquainted with Jamie and Griff, but Jamie in particular. We got a glimpse into this 'fun' guy's more serious side and I'm eager to get his story, which is next.

Overall, I did like Go With Me. Despite feeling like my connection with Daphne could have been stronger, she did do some maturing over the course of the story, particularly emotionally, and that was a pleasure to watch. And I truly enjoyed the burgeoning relationship between she and Nick.

**#COYER Mini Reviews ~ Sing & Monica ~ CD Reiss**

These reviews are the last two for this serial and wrap up my journey through the Songs of Submission. :)

***

Sing by CD Reiss
Songs of Submission #7
Release Date: October 7, 2013
Genre: Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased ebook
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
This is the last book in the series.

Take my hand, my love.
On sinews of air we tread
Aught but distance our guide
With no temp to our gain
No endpoint drawn
Neither plot nor plan
By the thorns or a compass rose
We bound toward the horizon

Omigosh - the emotion Reiss can wring from me...I was tense, teary - had a lump in my throat and burning eyes. I'm obsessed, addicted, riveted. I felt all of Monica's heartache, despair, rage and love...all of Jonathan's despondency. I wanted to grab them both and hug them tight. Reiss makes these characters so real I feel like I know them and have experienced their pain and joy right along with them.

I'm wrung out - emotionally spent. Monica and Jonathan's story is one that will stay with me for a very long time. I don't know what it is that makes their story resonate so with me except for Reiss' writing style. Her descriptive prose is so beautiful and lyrical and it conveys everything in such a visceral way.

Sing has Monica and Jonathan facing their most difficult obstacle yet. It was a departure from what Reiss has had them face previously - and it's something neither can fix by simply being honest. The tension caused by this obstacle and the seriousness of it changed the tone in this last installment. Monica is tested in a way that has her questioning what she's willing to sacrifice for Jonathan. And the answers she finds are telling. Jonathan also learns the lengths he'll go to in order to protect Monica.

Sing was tense and lovely. A brilliant ending for this Drazen.

***

Monica
Songs of Submission #7.5
Release Date: November 15, 2013
Genre: Erotic Romance
Source: Purchased ebook
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Short. Free.

To be read after Sing.

This little short will be sent to the mailing list on 11.15/2013 in gratitude of all my fans have done for me. It will be part of the Coda, which is an epilogue of Jonathan and Monica's story.

I will release it on Amazon for 99 cents for the sake of convenience. You can wait for Code, or another mailing, or get the story from your friend. Your call.

I have no release date for Code.

Monica shows us the scenes where Jonathan returns to being his dominant self. Following the major event in Sing, Jonathan is not himself. Monica loves him and accepts him as he is now but that one element in their relationship that makes Monica feel most safe has been missing. Once it returns - and it does so magnificently - Monica and Jonathan are both complete, fulfilled, ecstatic. And so was I. 

**#COYER Review ~ Red & Wolfe: Part 4 ~ Ella James**

This was a shocking yet excellent ending for this fairy tale retelling.

***

Red & Wolfe: Part Four
Release Date: July 24, 2014
Genre: Erotic Fairy Tale Retelling
Source: I purchased an ecopy from Amazon
Rating: 5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Return to Rabbit Island for the heart-pounding conclusion to Red and Wolfe's story. Don't forget your extra panties - but this time, you might also want to bring your gun.

*This is a serial novella of approximately 30,000 words.*

I love it when an author can keep me guessing. And I was not expecting Ella to take this story in this direction. Not only did the story take an unexpected direction but I was shocked at the ending! And I kinda pride myself on being able to figure things out. Nope - didn't see that coming. Of course, Ms. James may have clouded my vision with all those steamy scenes. ;)

In this final installment of Red & Wolfe, Red is put in danger, Wolfe reveals all his secrets, and their feelings for one another - the deep ones - are brought to light. The way things all went down was surprising and brilliant. Ms. James racheted up the tension with some intense action scenes interspersed with the intense, sexy scenes. I delighted in the reveal of informatoin and was still scratching my head about who was behind the threat to Red and Wolfe. I enjoyed the changes in Red and Wolfe, too - how they realized that the lives they'd been living were empty and that, despite the danger, they needed one another.

I so enjoyed this serial - and how it all come together. Ms. James is rocketing up my favorite authors list. I'm eager to dive into her next fairy tale retelling!

**Blog Tour Review ~ The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar ~ Kim Rendfeld**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Kim Rendfeld's The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar. My stop includes all the details for the book as well as my review. The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar is a companion to The Cross and the Dragon, which I reviewed last year. If you missed that review, you can read it here.

Check out all the stops on the tour here.

***

The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar
Release Date:
Publisher: Fireship Press
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating:

Synopsis
Can love triumph over war?

772 AD: Charlemagne’s battles in Saxony have left Leova with nothing but her two
children, Deorlaf and Sunwynn. Her beloved husband died in combat. Her faith lies shattered in the ashes of Irminsul, the Pillar of Heaven. The relatives obligated to defend her and her family sell them into slavery instead. 

In Francia, Leova is resolved to protect her son and daughter, even if it means sacrificing her own honor. Her determination only grows stronger as Sunwynn blossoms into a beautiful young woman attracting the lust of a cruel master, and Deorlaf becomes a headstrong man willing to brave starvation and demons to free his family. Yet Leova’s most difficult dilemma comes in the form of a Frankish friend, Hugh. He saves Deorlaf from a fanatical Saxon and is Sunwynn’s champion — but he is the warrior who slew Leova’s husband.

Set against a backdrop of historic events, including the destruction of the Irminsul, The Ashes of Heaven’s Pillar explores faith, friendship, and justice. This companion to Kim Rendfeld’s acclaimed The Cross and the Dragon tells the story of an ordinary
family in extraordinary circumstances.

The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar is a beautifully written, character-driven story. While the story revolves primarily around Leova and her two children, Rendfeld incorporated a rich cast, which combined with all the historical detail created a compelling and satisfying read.

The story begins with Leova having to flee her home, with her children, when the Franks attack. Once the smoke settles, Leova sees how much has been lost, including her husband. While Saxon tradition requires a blood oath for vengeance against the warrior who slew her husband, Leova, and her two children, will also thirst for vengeance again the remaining family who forsake them.

The story follows Leova and her children for seven years. The rich detail given to life as servants, albeit favored servants, enhanced the story every bit as much as the historical detail. The religious beliefs of the Saxons and the spread of Catholicism throughout Europe - how they clash - was fascinating. Witnessing how the Saxons' beliefs waned, changed and incorporated those of their conquerors was enlightening. And to see how religion was used to perpetrate war-mongering, even then, was interesting.

The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar was a story of family and how far family will go in order to protect and stay together. But it went deeper than that as well. It also is about letting go of the past, letting go of old prejudices and moving forward. This added an important element to the history being shared.

Once again, Rendfeld impressed me with her attention to detail. From the smells of rotting flesh on a battlefield or in a kitchen, the energy at market, or the sound of the pounding of soldiers boots as they march to war, I was completely immersed in the setting and the times. I was entranced by the fervor, love, and loyalty of Leova, Dearlaf, and Sunwynn had for one another. And I enjoyed watching their beliefs change as they saw and experienced more of the world. They went from ardently vowing the destruction of their enemies to living and loving among them.

Ms Rendfeld is very talented at bringing the past to life. The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar, with its gorgeous prose, vivid detail, and strong characters, is an excellent and satisfying read.

Kim Rendfeld has a lifelong fascination with fairy tales and legends, which set her on her quest to write The Cross and the Dragon.

She grew up in New Jersey and attended Indiana University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and English, with a minor in French. If it weren't for feminism, she would be one of those junior high English teachers scaring the bejesus out of her students, correcting grammar to the point of obnoxiousness. Instead, her career has been in journalism, public relations, and now fiction.

Kim was a journalist for almost twenty years at Indiana newspapers, including the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, The
Muncie Star, and The News and Sun in Dunkirk, and she won several awards from the Hoosier State Press Association. Her career changed in 2007, when she joined the marketing and communications team at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. She gets paid to agonize over commas and hyphens, along with suggesting ways to improve writing, and thoroughly enjoys it. She is proud to have been part of projects that have received national recognition.


Kim lives in Indiana with her husband, Randy, and their spoiled cats. They have a daughter and three granddaughters.

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

**Release Day Blitz & Giveaway ~ Follow ~ JA Huss**

Happy Release Day, JA Huss!!
Follow is NOW LIVE!!
Y'all, you think you know what this series is gonna 
be like...but I promise you, you don't. 
Read it. You won't regret it.

Social Media will feature one book released every other Wednesday for twelve weeks.

Release dates are:

8-27 - Follow

9-10 - Like

9-24 - Block

10-8 - Status

10-22 - Profile

11-5 - Home

***

Follow (Social Media #1) 

By @JAHuss

Publication Date: August 27. 2014

Novella (150 pages)

Adult Contemporary Romance

Description 

#Women.

I fuck them. I use them. I pay them off. I find another. My demands are never denied. My contracts are always signed. They submit to me. Willingly. Completely. Temporarily. This is how it’s always been. 

Until I saw that filthy tweet. 

@VaughnAsher My bare pussy. Your tongue. #ThingsIThinkAboutToGetOff

“FilthyBlueBird” thinks she can tease me with hashtags and then hide behind a Twitter handle? She thinks I wouldn’t be more than happy to #RockHerFilthyWorld? She’s wrong. 

Her online fantasy is about to collide with her public reality, and it’s about to happen... now.

“You look lovely, Grace.” 

I smile back, but before I can say anything, he guides me over to the hallway where the restrooms are located. “Come with me, girl,” he says in his master voice, and I gulp down my apprehension.

He holds the door open to the men’s room. I pass through and then he closes it behind us and locks it.

“Take off your panties, Grace.”

Even though he’s calling me Grace, I know I have no chance of talking my way out of this. He gave in back at the bungalow and let me win. Now it’s his turn.

I lift up my flirty skirt that could blow up and expose my private parts with the slightest wind, and slip my panties down my legs, step out of them, bend over and pick them up. And then hand them over to his outstretched palm.

He brings them to his face and inhales. My eyebrows go up and he smiles. 

“Fuck, that’s intoxicating. Now listen, girl. I let you have your way but now it’s time to perform. You owe me a public orgasm, Grace. And I want it here in the restaurant.” He produces a small bullet vibrator from one suit pocket and a remote control from the other. “And I’ve got everything you need to be successful this time.”

“No.” It comes out so fast, we are both equally stunned. I take advantage of his pause, because this is the only chance I’ll get. “I’m not sure what you have in mind, but I’m not masturbating in a restaurant. I won’t do it.”

He scowls at me. “You will do it. You already promised me.”

“So? I didn’t know that what you wanted would get me arrested for being a public whore!”

“Would you just trust me, please? You haven’t even heard what I want yet.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Why can’t we just have lunch?”

“I’m adding that fuck to your list. And to answer your question, because I gave you an order and you didn’t want to follow through. This was the agreement. You do as I say and you get rewards. You disobey and you get punishments.”

“But why can’t you just say, Grace, you look lovely. Let’s eat some fucking food?” I smile at his scowl and have to cover my mouth with my hand to stop from laughing. He’s so easy to mess with.


“I don’t appreciate that, Grace. Now bend over so I can get you nice and wet first.”

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JA Huss is the USA Today best-selling author of the Rook and Ronin series, the epic science fiction I Am Just Junco series, and hundreds of kid-friendly science books in subjects such as biology, physics, anatomy and physiology, astronomy, and forensics. She has an undergraduate degree in equine science and a master's degree in forensic toxicology. She has never taken a creative writing class and she hopes she never will.

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