My TBR List Review ~ The Stars Never Rise ~ Rachel Vincent

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

The Stars Never Rise Rachel Vincent
The Stars Never Rise #1
Release Date:
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Source: Received as an ARC from the publisher at RT 2015
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016HW, #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove, #TakeControlTBR
Goodreads

Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a famiy. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears hoodies?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.

Y'all. This book. THIS. BOOK. It was sooo good. And once again, I'm speechless at the awesome I've had sitting on my shelf for almost a year. If y'all haven't read this yet, I highly encourage you to snap to it. GO! (okay, you can finish reading my review first :) )

This is gonna be a review where I gush a lot but don't say much. The premise is fantastic - original and fresh - at least, I've read nothing like it. There were several moments of gasps, "holy..."s, and "oh"s with events and plot twists I didn't see coming. There was even a line where I stopped and told my daughter, "This is why you're gonna love this book," and then read the line to her. The story is well plotted and well crafted, and the characters are fully realized. I felt I was right alongside them in all they experienced. And one thing I really appreciate about Rachel Vincent's YA...it's YA but feels so mature.

Nina - I adore her. There were a couple of characters who referred to her lack of intelligence. I never saw anything to make me think she lacked smarts but I would absolutely want her on my team. She is courageous in the face of danger and terror and fierce in her love, protection, and loyalty.

Nina's new friends, Finn, Devi, Reese, and Grayson are a fine group and are people I'd also want fighting on my side. I barely know they but feel like I've always known them. They, too, are brave and loyal, and embraced Nina, enfolding her into their lives. They all have each others' backs and I have a feeling that's going to be important when they face what's yet to come. Mellie, Nina's sister, is a character I hope to learn more about in the next book. I know she loves Nina and Nina loves her, but I didn't get a real good feel for her yet.

So, fast-paced, brilliantly written story and characters I'm already fully invested in. What's not to love? Nothing. I finished in a day and have already promised to loan our my copy to 4 people (my daughters included). Read it. You won't be disappointed.

#ShelfLove Review ~ Angelfall ~ Susan Ee

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Penryn and The End of Days #1
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation b a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Seriously. I'm kicking myself for hoarding this one. I've had Angelfall since it was first published - in paperback because it wasn't available electronically and it sounded so good I couldn't pass it up. So what the?!? Yeah, kicking myself...

Ee does an incredible job at depicting a post-apocalyptic world - the destruction, the fear of the survivors, the courage of those survivors. She conveyed the determination that human beings would have to take back their world and punish those who would dare try to take it. She painted scenes to provoke consideration of humans' perceptions of angelic beings, examining the politics within angelic ranks. And she beautifully portrayed the bravery of a young woman doing whatever she had to do to save not only her family but someone who she should consider her enemy.

Penryn  has overcome so much in her short life and she's more than proved her mettle. Raffe is a little more enigmatic but I hope to learn more about him. The only reason this isn't a 5 Bookworm read is that there was a point in the story that dragged a bit, for me. Otherwise, the pacing was perfect.

I'm anxious to know more about what the angels are doing, what the resistance has planned next, and how Penryn and Raffe will fit in the new world order.

Jax Reviews ~ A Dark Inheritance ~ Chris D'Lacey

A Dark Inheritance

Unicorne Files #1

Release Date: May 27 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy

Source: Purchased Hardcover

Rating: 3 Bookworms

Goodreads

Synopsis

When Michael Malone discovers his supernatural ability to alter reality, he is recruited by an organization dedicated to investigating strange and paranormal phenomena. He joins in hopes of finding his fater, who mysteriously vanished three years earlier. Michael's first task is to solve the mystery of a dog he rescued from a precarious clifftop -- a mystery that leads him to a strange and sickly classmate and a young girl who was killed in a devastating accident. Stakes are high as Michael learns to harness his newfound ability and uncover the deadly truth about his father's disapperance.

A bold and thrilling tale of alternate realities, paranormal mystery, and extraordinary adventure.

***Jax's Review***

Once upon a time, one of my favorite book series was Christopher D’Lacey’s The Last Dragon Chronicles. Thinking back on it, it was very scattered and, well, interestingly organized. However, I loved it in fourth grade, and when I found a new book he wrote, I thought I might as well read it. It is called A Dark Inheritance, where young Michael discovers he can alter reality exactly like flipping through the pages of a book, and wants to be recruited by a secret agency.

The warning lights of a cliché were coming on. There was the boy, Michael, considered to be a delinquent by everyone now. There was his obnoxious little sister, there was the mysterious goth girl who doesn’t have a place, the guiding force. The agency that recruits him, called U.N.I.C.O.R.N.E., is dedicated to investigating the paranormal. They assign Michael the task of finding out the story behind a dog that he rescued, and this leads him to the goth girl, Freya, who is being haunted from inside her own body, in an obscure form of possession.

All in all, D’Lacey did his usual off-the-beaten-path-fiction, with the incredibly strange plot, but cliché characters, leading for a mostly enjoyable book.

My TBR List Review ~ January ~ Half-Blood ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

My To-Be Read List is a monthly meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 

***

Half-Blood
Covenant #1
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads

SynopsisThe Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals -- well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

I adored Half-Blood - but I'm really torn...
I can't decide if I'm going to be Team Aiden or Team Seth!! ;)

Okay, seriously though, I'm so happy I finally dove into this series. I can't believe I waited so long. I know I'm one of the few who haven't read it - but better late than never. I don't want to repeat all you've said or read about Half-Blood, so I'm just going to tell you why I adored it.

• JLA did an excellent job of taking Greek mythology and making it her own. The concept of the Pures and the Halfs was unique. I really liked how she set up this world.
• I was riveted needing to know where all the clues about Alex were going to go.
• The sexual tension between Alex and Aiden was palpable. This is something JLA does well.
• The tension and snarky banter between Alex and Seth was fun and it was a nice break from the serious tone of the book.
• Alex is a great heroine - I liked her more and more as the story moved along. She didn't always make smart decisions, which amp'ed up the angst, but I understood her logic (?). She's very much "foolishly brave", as Aiden describes her. She's also very strong, emotionally. She's endured very difficult things in her short life and persevered. 
• I liked the friendship between Alex and Caleb, the antagonism between Alex and Lea, and the familial struggle between Alex and her step-father Lucien, as well as her uncle, Marcus.
• I felt JLA did an excellent job of realistically portraying a teenage girl facing many difficult events and decisions. 
• Aiden         Oh, you want more? I liked how supportive of Alex he is - both professionally and emotionally. He was there when Alex needed him. And I'm impressed with his selfless decision regarding her. I'm sure it won't stick, but it's the thought, right??
• Seth - yeah, he was kinda arrogant when he came on to the scene. Alex couldn't figure him out but she had some ideas once certain revelations were made and I tended to agree with her. And then, after certain other events, he shows a different side of himself and I see a lot of potential in him.
• JLA set up the rest of the series nicely with the ending. I can't wait to get on into the rest of the series.

I'll get back to y'all on Team Aiden or Team Seth. ;)

#COYER Review ~ Daimon ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daimon
Covenant Series #0.5
Release Date:
Genre:
Source:
Rating:

Synopsis
"Love in my world usually ended up with someone hearing 'I smite thee!' as she was cursed to be some lame flower for the rest of her life." For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals--pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty. According to her mother, that's a good thing. But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way tack to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return-the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death... because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill. The daimons have found her.

Daimon was a nice introduction to Alex and her life outside the Covenant. We find out she's living in the mortal world, how things have been for her and background information on the world she left. We also get the details of the events that lead her back to the Covenant in Half-Blood.

FYI, I'm writing this review after having finished Half-Blood. While I enjoyed the extra details Daimon added to Alex's story, it isn't absolutely necessary to read it. However, it will really whet your appetite for the story - as it did for me. And it was nice to know a little more about things - the finer details - when reading Half-Blood. I immediately dove into Half-Blood upon finishing Daimon.

**New Release Review ~ Lost in Starlight ~ Sherry Soule**

I was quite excited to get a review copy of Lost in Starlight, and I'm happy to report my excitement was warranted. :) Here are the details on the book, in case you've missed them previously. And enjoy my review.

***

Lost in Starlight

Starlight Saga #1

Release Date: June 26, 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms

Synopsis

High school reporter Sloane Masterson knows she has one helluva story when she witnesses hottie Hayden Lancaster bending forks with his mind.

Like any good journalist, Sloane sets out to uncover the truth, even if it includes a little stalking. When the superhuman feats start to pile up and the undeniable heat rises between them, Hayden has no choice but to reveal his secret: he’s an alien hybrid.

They’re as different as night and day—she’s a curvy, purple-haired, horror junkie and he’s a smoking hot, antisocial, brainiac—yet the intense fascination between them refuses to go away. Even at Hayden’s insistence that dating each other is “off limits” and crazy dangerous, their fiery attraction threatens to go supernova. 

Now Sloane’s dealing with creepy government agents, über snobby

extraterrestrials, and a psycho alien ex-girlfriend out for revenge. After a crash course on the rules of interstellar dating, Sloane must decide if their star-crossed romance is worth risking her own life....

Oh, what a fun read! With a kickass, snarky heroine, a swoon-worthy hero, intrigue and snappy writing, Lost in Starlight was, as Sloane would say, awesomesauce!

Sloane Masterson is an exceptional heroine. This purple-haired, full-figured, horror-film loving girl is smart, snarky, and not afraid to stand up for herself. As a reporter for her school's newspaper, she's investigating one sexy Hayden Lancaster, whom she's been crushing on since his arrival in town. Her investigations bring to light some interesting things and put her on Hayden's radar.

Hayden Lancaster is one intelligent HOTTIE. And he does his best to keep his head down and avoid attention. Which is probably why he noticed Sloane - and her stalking. Hayden has some pretty big secrets - secrets that those close to him are willing to go to drastic measures in order to protect.

As Sloane and Hayden get closer, they face discrimination, danger, and uncertainty - not only from those wanting Hayden and his secrets protected, but from someone in Sloane's camp as well. These two young lovers must decide if what they've found in each other is worth the risk.

I delighted in Ms. Sloane's writing - her use of pop cultures references and the use of Sloane's Friday Night Babble articles in between chapters. It was exciting trying to figure out what was going to happen next and trying to unravel the mysteries. Plus, Sloane and Hayden are definitely a couple to root for. The similarities in their story and Romeo and Juliet made for entertaining reading. I liked Hayden's comment:

"I just finished reading Romeo and Juliet, and do you know what the first thing I thought was? It's called a tragedy for a reason. They were this young couple, and they died because their families wouldn't let them be together. There isn't anything romantic about that. It's just stupid and sad."

Lost in Starlight was enchanting. I'm very anxious for the next installment in the series. I'm eager to see where things go between Sloane and Hayden AND to see what comes of the revelation at the end. Whoa!

Award-winning author, Sherry Soule writes thrilling tales of romance and suspense, often mingled with a dash of the mystical and a splash of trendy fashion. Her published novels do not include any graphic sex, explicit violence, or excessive profanity, so that all of her novels can be read and enjoyed by both teens and adults. Sherry currently lives with her family and one very spoiled black cat in California's San Francisco Bay Area.

Sherry's debut novel, Beautifully Broken, was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance in the 2011 Wizard and Witch/Sorcery category by The Romance Reviews (TRR). Her adult PNR novel, Immortal Eclipse, is a *TOP PICK* by Night Owl Romance Reviews.

Places you can visit author Sherry Soule:

Official Blog ~ Twitter  

The awesome book cover was designed by the talented, Kristen Thompson-Oh of KCT Designs at www.kctdesigns.com

Eager to read the first five chapters on your Kindle? FREE every Friday from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hdo6Oh

**Blog Tour Guest Post ~ Dangerous Reflections ~ Shay West**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Shay West's Dangerous Reflections. My stop includes all you need to know about the book, an interview with the author, and a guest post.

***

Dangerous Reflections

Alexis Davenport Series #1

Release Date: June 23, 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy, Time Travel

Synopsis
Alexis Davenport wants to go home. She hates her new school, her mother for moving her away from her friends, and her father for walking out.

To make matters worse, Alex is haunted by images of strange girls reflected in her mirror. It’s bad enough juggling homework, a relentless bully, boys, and a deadbeat dad; now, she must save the world from an evil presence hell-bent on changing the past – and our futures. Who knew her A+ in history was going to be this important?

***Guest Post ~ Time Travel***

I have always been fascinated with the idea of time travel. It would be so amazing to travel back in time and observe how people really lived. It’s one thing to use archaeological evidence to hypothesize about how people lived in the past, but to actually be able to observe them going about their daily lives, or to see what their homes looked like and what they ate would be so incredible.

Ah, to see Rome and watch the gladiators perform in the Coliseum, or walk through the streets of an ancient Egyptian city, or watch as druids built Stonehenge. How many mysteries would be solved if only we could travel back in time? Kind of makes me wish the Doctor would arrive with his TARDIS and whisk me off to see something no other modern human has ever seen.

Of course, there is always the danger of screwing up the time line. It could spell disaster if an innocent act by a time traveler inadvertently altered the course of history. The repercussions could be disastrous. This is what makes me thankful that no one has managed to invent a time travel device.

In my Adventures of Alexis Davenport series, fifteen-year-old Alex has the unsavory task of protecting the time line from someone trying to alter the past. Not only that, she also has to deal with all of the other things a teenager has to deal with. This poor girl has a lot on her plate! But she’s spunky with a side of sass thrown in for good measure and can handle anything that comes her way.

Shay West was born in Longmont, CO and earned a doctorate degree in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical. Dr. West currently lives in Grand Junction, CO with her two cats. When not writing novels, she plays with plushie microbes and teaches biology classes at Colorado Mesa University. She is the author of the Portals of Destiny series and the Adventures of Alexis Davenport series. She has also been published in several
anthologies: Battlespace (military scifi), Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior (fundraiser), and Ancient New (steampunk/fantasy).

You can find Dr. West and more of her work at Shay-West.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Google+ ~ Goodreads

**Spotlight, Character Quiz & Giveaway ~ Lost in Starlight ~ Sherry Soule**

Which Starlight Saga Character 

Would YOU Most Likely Be?

Today author, Sherry Soule has some exciting news to share with us! She will be publishing a brand new upper YA / Sci-Fi romance series: the “Starlight Saga” with scorching-hot character chemistry, exciting suspense, and epic romance on June 26, 2014.

To help promote this interstellar love story, Lost in Starlight, Sherry is doing this promo to share the news with fellow booklovers. 

This giveaway is open internationally! 

So let’s tell the blogging world!

Take this quiz to see which character in the Starlight Saga you’d most likely be similar to, and score a $10 Amazon gift card!

Answer this quiz, and then post your results in the comments. Be sure to check the bottom of the post for the details regarding this random giveaway.

1. We detest using labels, but what would others call you?

a) Amateur Fashionista
b) Jock/ Cheerleader
c) Goth or Emo inspired
d) Preppy/ Student Counsel

2. Which of the following best describes your personality?

a) Lighthearted, Diverse, Honest
b) Stuck-up, Conceited, Cocky
c) Independent, Witty, Strange
d) Quiet, Temperamental, Clever

3. Which genre do you read most often?

a) Paranormal Romance
b) Urban Fantasy
c) Horror / Darker YA
d) Science Fiction

4. You are at school and witness a student bullying someone. What do you do?

a) Run in the opposite direction before they pick on you
b) Laugh and join in on the fun
c) Go tell a teacher what’s going on
d) Stop and tell the bully to knock it off or else!

5. What type of pet would you like to have or do you own?

a) Snake
b) Dog
c) Cat
d) Hamster

6. How often do you shop or hit the mall?

a) Once or twice a month
b) Only on sale days
c) Every week—duh
d) Hardly ever

7. Where would you hang out on a free afternoon?

a) The library or bookstore
b) Hit the clothing stores with friends
c) Go to the movies
d) Play video games

If you answered...

Mostly a's: You and Viola are a lot alike! You both love to read, prefer to avoid confrontations, and you’re energetic and sassy.

Mostly b's: Popular girls, Emma and Kaitlyn could be your new besties! You each enjoy sports, hanging at the mall, and dogs.

Mostly c's: You are a lot like the heroine, Sloane. You both love to shop, hang at the movies, adore cats, and like the darker side of books and films.

Mostly d's: Sounds like you and Hayden have a lot in common. You each love to play video games, can’t stand bullies, and are into science fiction books, comics, or movies.

Random winner will be picked on June 27th, 2014. Please check back on that day to find out if you’re the lucky winner. Your gift card will be delivered via email. All prizes will be electronically delivered. Please review all terms & conditions before entering.

Mandatory giveaway details:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Please mark your calendars to buy your copy of Lost in Starlight on
June 26th!

Read the first five chapters for free on wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/story/14214838-lost-in-starlight-syfy-romance

That's it! Good luck!

***

VOLUME ONE: Starlight Saga

High school reporter Sloane Masterson knows she has one helluva story when she witnesses hottie Hayden Lancaster bending forks with his mind.

Like any good journalist, Sloane sets out to uncover the truth, even if it includes a little stalking. When the superhuman feats start to pile up and the undeniable heat rises between them, Hayden has no choice but to reveal his secret: he’s an alien hybrid. They’re as different as night and day—she’s a curvy, purple-haired, horror junkie and he’s a smoking hot, antisocial, brainiac—yet the intense fascination between them refuses to go away. Even at Hayden’s insistence that dating each other is “off limits” and crazy dangerous, their fiery attraction threatens to go supernova.

Now Sloane’s dealing with creepy government agents, über snobby extraterrestrials, and a psycho alien ex-girlfriend out for revenge. After a crash course on the rules of interstellar dating, Sloane must decide if their star-crossed romance is worth risking her own life....

Award-winning author, Sherry Soule writes thrilling tales of romance and suspense, often mingled with a dash of the mystical and a splash of trendy fashion. Her published novels do not include any graphic sex, explicit violence, or excessive profanity, so that all of her novels can be read and enjoyed by both teens and adults. Sherry currently lives with her family and one very spoiled black cat in California's San Francisco Bay Area.

Sherry's debut novel, Beautifully Broken, was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance in the 2011 Wizard and Witch/Sorcery category by The Romance Reviews (TRR). Her adult PNR novel, Immortal Eclipse, is a *TOP PICK* by Night Owl Romance Reviews.

Places you can visit author Sherry Soule:

Official Blog ~ Twitter  

The awesome book cover was designed by the talented, Kristen Thompson-Oh of KCT Designs at www.kctdesigns.com

Eager to read the first five chapters on your Kindle? FREE every Friday from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hdo6Oh

**Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Primordial Dust ~ Sarah Daltry**

I'm excited to reveal to y'all the cover of Sarah Daltry's Primordial Dust. It sounds like a fantastic story and I like the cover. The blue is brilliant, for sure. What do y'all think? Oh, don't forget to enter the giveaway. :)

***

Primordial Dust by Sarah Daltry
Genre: Fantasy (Romance/YA)
Release Date: June 30, 2014

A princess, trained to behave. An assassin, betrothed to her. A thief, whose eyes she dreams of at night. A kingdom at war, torn apart by the suppression of magic and truth, as well as family secrets that threaten to destroy decades of peace.

Questions of loyalty, of morality, and of free will culminate in a fantasy novel about forging one’s own path and choosing one’s own destiny.

You can pre-order Primordial Dust here:

Apple ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ All Romance

***Excerpt***

There are no woods in Demoria, so our hunt is along the back of the city, in a massive canyon. Demorians do not ride, as the area is not very large to traverse, but they do use the uneven terrain to their advantage. We settle in behind a mossy boulder and look out over the expanse. Wild dogs prowl through the trenches; rabbits scamper along elevated knolls.

“Demoria is not so bad when it’s behind me,” I say. The vast landscape is beautiful in the shifting pinks and purples of dawn. It felt the same way yesterday afternoon atop the lighthouse.

“That is how most things are in life,” Seamus concedes. He places his gun on the ground and unpacks his bag. He reveals a box of tarts in ten different flavors. Damn.

“Not fair,” I say, already stuffing my face with passion fruit tart.

“I did my research.”

We sit in pleasant, tart-filled silence for a while, fruit pastries winning over my taste buds. They are less recalcitrant than my stubborn heart.

Sanara is right; Seamus is kind of cute. He has a boyish charm, especially for someone who has probably seen things I could never even imagine.

“How many people have you killed?” I’m not known for my tact.

“Too many to count,” he answers quickly, not ashamed.

“Don't you ever think about who they were? Doesn't it bother you?”

“I know each of their names. I know who they were, and I know who was left behind when I did my job.”

He’s defiant. I don't really blame him. He is a Demorian; killing is what he does.

“Still, I mean, just because someone tells you to kill someone...”

“I was ready to get you this morning, with exactly the right kind of bow and arrows, and a box of tarts, because I did not sleep for more than a couple hours. As charming as you are, that was not because my heart was all a-flutter at seeing you. It was because a good night is four hours.”

“So why do it?”

“Because someone has to, and it was destined to be me.”

“I don't believe in fate. We make our own destinies,” I argue.

“It is easier to say that when you are not trained to be an assassin,” he counters.

Silence settles back over us. I think about what he says. Would I be who I am if I’d been raised differently? Does being born somewhere or being of a certain blood dictate the person each of us becomes? I can’t picture a different me somewhere, destined to marry and doing it because it was the assigned path I would take. Although maybe he’s right. None of my choices have involved considering the fate of another human being. If he admits that he had any control over his own life, he admits that he made the choice to murder someone else. That would be unbearable, and I empathize with his conviction that some part of our lives is set out for us before we start.

“I need to be back early. Tonight is a big deal.”

“Ah yes, our betrothal debut.” His tone is mocking, but it’s not an angry mockery.

“It doesn't bother you, does it? Marrying me?”

“I’m lucky to be engaged to you. I understand why you don't feel the same.” He packs up the rest of the tarts and stands. Bending over, he offers his hand to assist me in getting up. I am on my feet quickly, but I don’t let go of his hand right away.

“Seamus, it isn't you. Of the potential mates my parents have proposed, you are the best of them.” It’s the only thing I can provide him, but it’s true. Under different circumstances, he may have even been my own choice.

Dream Cast:

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn't as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up.

Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories.

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking the Internet for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window. She has written several books, most notably Bitter Fruits, an urban fantasy in the Eden’s Fall series, Backward Compatible: A Geek Love Story, and the six book New Adult Flowering series, including Forget Me Not, Lily of the Valley, Blue Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Orange Blossom, and Ambrosia.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Top Ten

Sarah’s Favorite Novels (as of this moment in time)

The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway
The Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger
Neverwhere – Neil Gaiman
Days of Blood and Starlight – Laini Taylor
Some Girls Are – Courtney Summers
Monsters of Men – Patrick Ness
Delirium – Lauren Oliver
The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – JK Rowling
Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes – Maureen Johnson

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

**Promotional Spotlight ~ Lost in Starlight ~ Sherry Soule**

I'm thrilled to share with you about Sherry Soule's Lost in Starlight, the first book in her Starlight Saga. I'm really looking forward to reading Lost in Starlight. :) Today, I have some of Sherry's favorite moments from the book.

***

Lost in Starlight

Starlight Saga #1

Release Date: June 26, 2014

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis

High school reporter Sloane Masterson knows she has one helluva story when she witnesses hottie Hayden Lancaster bending forks with his mind.

Like any good journalist, Sloane sets out to uncover the truth, even if it includes a little stalking. When the superhuman feats start to pile up and the undeniable heat rises between them, Hayden has no choice but to reveal his secret: he’s an alien hybrid.

They’re as different as night and day—she’s a curvy, purple-haired, horror junkie and he’s a smoking hot, antisocial, brainiac—yet the intense fascination between them refuses to go away. Even at Hayden’s insistence that dating each other is “off limits” and crazy dangerous, their fiery attraction threatens to go supernova. 

Now Sloane’s dealing with creepy government agents, über snobby

extraterrestrials, and a psycho alien ex-girlfriend out for revenge. After a crash course on the rules of interstellar dating, Sloane must decide if their star-crossed romance is worth risking her own life....

Sherry has compiled a few of her favorite moments from the first book in the Starlight Saga, “LOST IN STARLIGHT.” Enjoy the excerpts!

***Excerpt 1***

I’m suddenly aware that Hayden Lancaster’s blatantly staring at me. Hard to miss. His messenger bag is in one hand, and drumsticks stick out of his back pocket. I lift my hand in a hesitant little wave. He doesn’t return my gesture, just continues gazing at me through those thick lashes that frame his unique eyes. My head goes all woozy. Even my limbs feel jittery. Frustration and confusion are

warring inside me for having any feelings for someone like him.

And what’s with the stare? 

A wave of nervousness hits hard. Is there toilet paper hanging out of my jeans? Food stuck in my teeth? Or have Frankenstein bolts suddenly sprouted from my neck?

Being on Hayden’s radar is a little unsettling. I admit there’s something about Mr. Puppy Hero’s rare smiles, lopsided with an edge, that draw girls to him like insects buzzing a bug zapper. For better or worse, no one can resist Hayden Lancaster. Not even me....

***Excerpt 2***

“Do you believe in destiny, Hayden?” I ask.

“I do now...but before I met you, I didn’t think there was any such thing as love-at-first-sight, or one person for everyone, or a soulmate. But when I’m near you, I think...I might be wrong.” His expression softens, and he runs his thumb across my bottom lip, causing the blood to sear in my veins. “You know what I believe now? That the universe has no conscious will, only inevitabilities, and it was inevitable that we should be together. It was fated—written in the stars—that no matter what, I’ll never stop trying to make you happy or wanting to keep you safe. I am lost in you, with no desire to escape.”

My breath snags in my throat. Even my knees wobble. How is it that he can say the most romantic things?

Award-winning author, Sherry Soule writes thrilling tales of romance and suspense, often mingled with a dash of the mystical and a splash of trendy fashion. Her published novels do not include any graphic sex, explicit violence, or excessive profanity, so that all of her novels can be read and enjoyed by both teens and adults. Sherry currently lives with her family and one very spoiled black cat in California's San Francisco Bay Area.

Sherry's debut novel, Beautifully Broken, was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance in the 2011 Wizard and Witch/Sorcery category by The Romance Reviews (TRR). Her adult PNR novel, Immortal Eclipse, is a *TOP PICK* by Night Owl Romance Reviews.

Places you can visit author Sherry Soule:

Official Blog ~ Twitter  

The awesome book cover was designed by the talented, Kristen Thompson-Oh of KCT Designs at www.kctdesigns.com

Eager to read the first five chapters on your Kindle? FREE every Friday from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hdo6Oh