Books: Eyes Ever To The Sky ~ Katie French

Title: Eyes Ever To The Sky
Author: Katie French
Series: The Sky Trilogy #1
Publishing date: 9th April 2014 
Publisher: Kate French Books
Number of pages: 194 p.
Age group: Young Adult
Language: English only
Other books in this series: Unknown at this point in time

I received a copy via Netgalley for an honest review. This in no way influences my honest opinion. 

About Eyes Ever to the Sky

When Hugh wakes up in a smoldering crater—no memory, no clothes—a single thought echoes in his head…trust no one. Frightened and alone, with no memory of who he is, he stumbles upon a grisly murder scene and is fatally shot.

He wakes, only to find he can heal himself. He has superpowers, and he’s going to need them. Desperate and bleeding, Hugh stumbles upon fifteen-year-old Cece, who’s got enough troubles of her own.

Between caring for her bipolar mother and trying not to get evicted from her run-down trailer, Cece may be the only person struggling as much as Hugh. Drawn to Hugh, Cece finds a love she’s never known. But when the real killer—a man-hunting beast—chooses another victim, Hugh and Cece realize they must unlock the clues to their past if they have any chance at a future.

Review

Where to start with this review? This book is really hard to put in words or to form an opinion about this book. This book is just really an Ok read, it's nothing extraordinary good nor bad. There isn't anything wrong with it, but it doesn't read like a five star read. All though I must say that in the beginning it was a little slow, for my taste.

However the main characters: Hugh and Cece, were so interesting that you just want to continue reading. This book does not only contain great main characters, but there is also a bucket full of super great side characters to keep you entertained.

Cece is one of the strongest main characters I have met, she has a stronger role in this book than Hugh. Hugh or butt-naked-guy-from-the-sky as I like to call him, doesn't come of as strong. I think it might be because of the memory loss, but he also makes some very silly choices. For example, if you are starving, because you haven't eaten in days, you run into food under the most disturbing circumstances, say a murder scene. I would have still gathered some food before I ran away. That is survival instinct!

Cece seems to be the complete opposite doing what she needs to do, just to survive another day. She is struggling to keep the pieces of her life together, while one piece after another seems to break away. My respect and pity for her grew throughout the book. She's at the bottom of bottoms of society, which you do not read often about nor an easy place to live. What I also liked was her mom always talking in Spanish, it's different, and I like Spanish so big plus there!

Rating

Original intriguing plot, fantastic characters, both main and side characters and an overal intriguing story.

Music

This just popped in to my mind, because of the video. Enjoy!

My favourite quotes:

Above, fire escapes clung to the sides of buildings. From this angle they looked like stairways to heaven. He started humming that tune under his breath an let his eyes slip back up to the stars. - Little Mack

Yet, deep down she knew she'd spend many moments like this one: hallow, heart-broken, and with her eyes ever to the sky. - Cece

Books: Runes ~ Runes #1 ~ Ednah Walters

Title: Runes
Author: Ednah Walters
Publishing date: 8th June 2013
Publisher: Firetrail Publishing
Series: Runes, book 1
Number of pages: 245 p.
Language: English only
Age category: Young Adult
Other books in the series:
Immortals, book #2
Grimnirs, book #2.5
Seeress book #3

About Runes

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

My review

] This book in one word (capital letters this one deserves): INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE IS JUST NO WAY I CAN EXPRESS HOW GREAT THIS BOOK IS, YOU SHOULD JUST GO GET IT AND READ IT!!!!
Sorry for all the capital letters but I just had to express in some way how strongly I feel about this book. This book certainly ranks between the bests of the best, like Richelle Mead, L.J. Smith, Stephenie Meyer and of course some other writer who has done his research well: RICK RIORDAN! Anybody having read and fell in love with these authors will understand how much I must have loved this book. Oh how I should have read this back in August when I got it first, such a waste to have waited this long to read it. It's one of those books I will reread and remember.
This book wil take you on a journey through one of my favourite mythologies: German mythology! Meaning german gods like Odin, and Thor who, thanks to Marvel know has claimed some right to exist on this earth. Putting that aside, this book highlighted some aspects of german mythology that I didn't even know about for example the Norns (look it up on wiki it's interesting!). Maybe I should find my german mythology book to find out some more about them (yes I own several).
The interesting part about this book is that even if you know some of the mythology it still keeps you guessing the whole way through, until the bitter end! And I can tell you, I didn't figure it out, I ran through all my knowledge of German mythology and still couldn't quiet put my finger on what Thorin was. Then there were also some other interesting turns, for example an interesting side character (Raine's mom) which turnout to be one of the biggest surprises of the whole book. (Sorry for the vague explanation here but I just don't want to leave a spoiler in this case).
The reason I love this book is that is wasn't standard, it didn't have many cliques. I does have a lot of surprises in the plot, it wasn't predictable like some books in the genre are. This makes you wonder, keeps you reading until you are finished.
Oh then there is THAT ending! OMG Ednah how could you do that to me!!! I was torn apart, devastated, heartbroken, angry and like: what?!?!? Is this really the last page? No there has got to be more! Damn my kindle won't turn the next page..... Wow turns out it is really hard to write a spoiler free review! But I think I managed quiet well.

My rating

This book will keep you spellbound until the very last page. It is a great adventure with a mythological touch. Incredible plot, relatable characters make this a 5 star read!

Characters

Raine:
well Raine is a wonderful main character, one I like, she fights for what is right, don't gets to freaked out about freaky events, stands up to people twice as powerful. All this has earned her some respect from me. 

She was very enjoyable to spend time with, and we could be great friend because we have similar personalities. However there was one major thing I didn't like about her: Eirik. She was a little  desperate when it came to him. She has had a huge crush on him, but never came out of the "friend role" until some major events. But then she was already having feelings for Thorin and I felt that she led Eirik on for far too long. I think it just wasn't fair and it annoyed the crap out of me.
Thorin:
well he is just, gorgeous, sexy, extremely funny, mysterious. Shall I go on? He is the big mystery the one I wanted to solve but couldn't find the answer on. Not until the very end of the book at least.  I think I found myself a new book boyfriend, LOL.

Cora:
for some reason Once Upon A Time Cora popped into my mind. Nope no comparison there. You know most books have a bubbly cheery, push-friend-to-do-something-out-of-the-ordinary best friend? Well that's exactly who Cora is.

Eirik:
I must say, I became to dislike Eirik more and more throughout the book. I can't put my finger on why exactly that is. It was sweet and all to throw Raine a surprise party, but he just wasn't a strong character. He was a bit of a wimp.

Favourite quotes

"What is the underlying reason, St. James.""Greed. G-R-E-E-D. Five letter word., Mr. Finney. Not Four" 

"Okay. I'm listening. Explain your reasoning.""Humans are by nature self-centered. It doesn't matter how civilized or primitive they are. If they want something, they'll find a way to get it or take it. The old empires used land, women, religion, pride in one's nationality, or preservation of their culture as an excuse to start a war." - Thorin

“Blue eyes was studying the damaged mailbox like an insurance adjuster. Why couldn't he go bother someone else? Or at least put on a shirt?”  - Raine about Thorin.

Books: Whistling Past The Graveyard ~ Susan Crandall

Title: Whistling Past The Graveyard
Author: Susan Crandall
Kind of story: Standalone
Publishing date: 2, Juli, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Language: English Only
Number of pages: 307 p.
Age category: Adult

About Whistling Past The Graveyard

The summer of 1963 begins like any other for nine-year-old Starla Claudelle. Born to teenage parents in Mississippi, Starla is being raised by a strict paternal grandmother, Mamie, whose worst fear is that Starla will turn out like her mother. Starla hasn’t seen her momma since she was three, but is convinced that her mother will keep her promise to take Starla and her daddy to Nashville, where her mother hopes to become a famous singer—and that one day her family will be whole and perfect.

When Starla is grounded on the Fourth of July, she sneaks out to see the parade. After getting caught, Starla’s fear that Mamie will make good on her threats and send her to reform school cause her to panic and run away from home. Once out in the country, Starla is offered a ride by a black woman, Eula, who is traveling with a white baby.

As the two unlikely companions make their long and sometimes dangerous journey, Starla’s eyes are opened to the harsh realities of 1963 southern segregation. (Source: Goodreads)

My Review

This is one of those books you will always remember, one of those that opens your eyes, tells you a little bit of the history of America, tells you that racism has always existed even in the sixties which was the era of peace, hippies and equality in the Netherlands.

I never thought that there would have been such poor conditions for the coloured people, in the sixties. This book was told from the perspective of a 9 year old girl, at various point in this story I though a nine year old could not have that many bright thoughts or is not that perceptive, but the longer I think about it the more it fits. Children are more perceptive and keen then  people think.

I loved Starla, she is smart, loyal, and but with a temper. But she is also really sweet and caring, especially when it comes to Eula. She also grows with the story, seeing thing no white nine year old would ever see. She starts to realize that there are big differences between how the white and black people are threated in Mississippi.

Eula must have had the toughest live a black woman could have had, but the way she cares about Starla and baby James is astounding, even with the load see carries she managed to be a mom for Starla, show her what a mother is suppose to act like. The moments spend in the kitchen together baking those were great scene, of happiness.

My Rating:

This book, is very well written, a great surprising, intriguing, moving story. It tells you a piece of history from a unique point of view. The relationships that develop throughout the story are realistic, and the characters are relatable.  I couldn't  have given this book anything less than five stars.

Favorite Quotes

Same reason some white folks slam the door when the see I'm colored Some folks don't see nothin' but your skin. It ain't right, but it's the way people are. ~ Eula to Starla

No one could have done things you've done to protect Starla and James if she wasn't strong. You're strong, so strong. Something changed on Eula's face. "You think so?"

"My daddy says that when you do somethin' to distract you from your worstest fears, it's like whistlin' past the graveyard. You know, making a racket to keep the sacredness and the ghosts away. He says that's how we get by sometimes.

You fight for what's right. There's nothin' to be ashamed in that. You take care of James and me when we need it, even when it'd be easier to just leave us. I see that you a beautiful person inside - most beautiful I ever met.

Buy this book on Amazon

Books: Beneath The Surface ~ Reluctance Series #1 ~ M.A. Stacie

Title: Beneath The Surface
Author: M.A. Stacie
Series: Reluctance book #1
Publishing date: 28th, August, 2013
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing
Language: English only
Number of pages: 327 p.
Age category: Volwassenen
Other books in this series:
Behind The Scandal (Reluctance book #2)

Received an advance reading copy from: Netgalley, thanks to TWCS Publishing house, this in no way influences my honest opinion.

About Beneath The Surface

Kyran Reese is a man in control. Driven when it comes to work, focused when it comes to play. From his office to the chalk circle of the bare-knuckle boxing ring, his only thought is to win.

That thirst heightens when Dale Porter enters his life. His brother’s assistant should be off limits, but her witty comments and sarcastic comebacks have him desperate to get her between the sheets.

When Dale agrees to Kyran’s relationship stipulation of no labels she’s sucked into a whirlwind of lust, money, and underground boxing. Dale fights her growing affection, trying to hide it when the world around them spirals out of control. All too soon she realizes she can’t hide her true feelings any longer.

Has Kyran finally met his match? Could playing to win mean playing for keeps?

My review

I read this a little while ago and this story is sticking to me like glue. I find myself frequently think back to this story, especially the wickedly good ending. This is one of the best endings I have every read, it was simply perfect!

Another well done thing about this book is the cover, it is simple but fits the characters of the books perfectly, the sleeves are almost like I imagine them to be and my god who doesn't want to see a hot male body on the cover?  Also I love the jeans he is wearing, anyone know where I can get a man wearing those jeans?  The colouring and letters are also very pretty, it was the cover that sparked my interest in this book. I am so glad that I have read this because it was fabulous!

I have starting reading more romance, which left me to conclude that they always seem so alike. This also being romance surprised me pleasantly. Does it have insta-love? Yes. Enough sex? Yes. Is it only about sex and romance? Definitely NO!

I was a bit afraid that this would turn out a standard assistant-falls-for-hot-CEO story, which is was, but this had depth, great side characters that stirred up the story. Especially Kyran's brother Taylor, the mess-up, who turns out to have an addiction. How things work and are solved in the Reese family was an interesting take on. The business like attitude, and the inside view on the company is something I would have like to read more about.

My Rating

This was funny, witty, emotional, dynamic read. A great plot, relatable characters, a bit of sports attitude made this completely awesome! Therefore of course I can only give it 5 skaters!

Music

I found a song for the three main characters of this book, Kyran, his brother Taylor and Dale. They are not specifically for the whole book but they fit the characters in certain stages of the book.

Mika ~ Blame it on the girls

Taylor's song, as if it was written especially for him.

Mika ~ Pick up of the floor

Dale song (maybe a little of Kyran too)

Prodigy ~ Firestarter

Kyran's fighting music :)

Buy on Amazon

Books: Bitter Fruits ~ Sarah Daltry

Title: Bitter Fruits
Author: Sarah Daltry
Series: Bitter Fruits #1
Publisher: SDE Press
Publishing date: 25th, June, 2013
Number of pages: 185 p.
Age category: New Adult
Language: English only
Other books in this series:
Immortal Star (Bitter Fruits #2)

I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley, many thanks to the publisher. This however in no way influences my honest opinion.

About Bitter Fruits

Attending a vampire-themed masquerade party seems like a strange way to spend a night, but Nora is sick of frat parties and bars. Meeting Alec was just a bonus. Despite their immediate attraction, however, Alec is wary of involving himself with Nora, and when she pushes it, she discovers that Alec has secrets that could destroy them both. Is she willing to risk everything for a man she hardly knows? How far into darkness will he take her?

My review

So I read this a while back, but even though the names are a bit fussy, the story stays clear in my head. I loved the fact that Sarah used a story from the bible and turned it in a very original paranormal romance story, even an original love triangle! Yes, really it was quiet different from all love triangles I have seen.  And I loveeeeeeeeeeeed how it worked out, that would be every woman's dream! Uh, well if we can handle it, that is :).

The story, Sarah took from the bible is one we all, one about two brothers. Even though I figured out pretty soon who they were (which is just because of my knowledge of the bible that I figured this out), it still had some really surprising factors. 

Another fun character was Lilith, Adams first wife who did not make it into many bibles, but if you google it you'll find some cool information about her. Really google it, or hear about it her on my blog, I will talk about her some more since I am starting a bit of a Lillith obsession. So I am probably going to research her some more. 

All in all this was a great read! I read this in one (very long) night, I ended up going to bed at six o'clock in the morning! That is how great this was, you just want to keep reading on until you are finished!

Rating

So for my rating, 5 skaters  for originality, 5 skaters for the surprise factors, overall rating a surprisingly (uhum) 5 skaters.

Books: Follow The White Rabbit ~ Kellie Sheridan

Title: Follow The White Rabbit
Author: Kellie Sheridan
Series: Beautiful Madness, book #1
Published in: 21, Mei, 2013
Publisher: Patch Work Press
Number of pages: 68 p.
Language: English only
Other books in this series:
Awake and Dreaming #2
Tea for Twenty-Three #3
Painting the Rose Red #4
The Looking Glass Girls #5

About Follow The White Rabbit

For Gwen, Marc, Rose, Daliah and Lucky, Wonderland is home, and yet they know little of its former glory. When the Alice prophecy resurfaces, they’ll have one chance to use Wonderland’s own legends to bring a little mayhem back into their reality. For she who controls Alice controls the fate of Wonderland.

My opinion

In this "book" this is considered a novella, anyway in this novella, we meet the inhabitants of Wonderland. The White queen Rose, the Red Queen Daliah, Marc and Gwen and Lucky. Lucky and Marc are my favourites! Marc lives together with his partner Gwen, who researches the Alice prophecy. Lucky lives in the Woods, she crosses paths with a white rabbits, who gives her the power to travel the dimensions. She meet Marc when he is wondering around in the Woods.

Anyways, I am sorry, I didn't  mean to get into it all that would spoil the fun. Ok, this is not the story of Alice (although we do get a glimpse of her). This is the story told by the inhabitants of Wonderland, who live in absence of Alice.

The story is told from Rose's, Gwen's, Daliah,s and Lucky's point of view. This is a great way to introduce all the main characters of this series. The only thing that bothered me was that when the point of view changed, it would take me, a view sentences and sometimes half a page before I figured out who's POV it was.

Rating

That was the only negative in this novella, great introduction to the series, great characters and a round story makes this novella a 3,5 Star read!!!

Music ~ Panic! At The Disco ~ Nine In The Afternoon

I had to think awhile for the right song came by for this book, and I think I know what is fitting here! Panic! At The Disco!! ~Nine In The Afternoon!!! Why? because of the crazy video, that reminds me of Wonderland with all the clocks!

Books: Prelude ~ KaSonndra Leigh

Title: The Prelude
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Publisher: KaSonndra Leigh Books
Published: 5th April 2013
Number Pages: 222 p.
Series:A Musical Interlude #1
Age category: Adult
Genre Contemporary romance
Other books in the series:
An Aria In Venice, book # 1.5
Cresendo, book #2
Dark Duet, book #3

About The Prelude

After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.

Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He’s successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms…or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.

Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.

Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

This novel contains sexual situations and mature language. It is intended for an audience at 17+ years of age.
(source: Goodreads)

My Opinion

From the moment I started reading I was pulled in, the prologue the day Erin's life changed forever, had me in tears in no time. The story continues in Milan five years later at the fashion company she works for, and were she is about to meet her maestro. 

From there the struggles, embarrassing moments, hauntings of the past but also the passion starts. And oh man, that passion is the sexiest thing ever! Those scenes are to make you melt in a puddle on the couch.
I love the complexity of the characters, the secrets and pasts that slowly unravel throughout the story. Some of these events, I didn't see coming! The past of Alek is very interesting, turns out his father is not really an honest man.

The other thing that will keep you wondering is what happened after Erin lost her dad and sisters. What happened between her and her mother? I couldn't figure it out and was very surprised when I did. This book is not your average romance there is a lot of emotional scenes, and I cried several times (especially at the end).

Another lovely thing about this book are all the musical references, the usage of one of my old time favourite songs: The Rose - Bette Midler, and the internal monologue of Erin which had me laughing, crying and feeling all kinds of other emotions throughout the book.

Conclusions

This is a MUST READ and I HIGHLY RECCOMEND IT! Beautifully written, funny, emotional and sexy as hell! 5 stars!!!

Quotes:

Erin: Well, it seems to me that the issue of dinner has already been handled. I mean, you're sitting right over here. Not too far away from me. That kinda takes care of issue number one. Don't you agree?

Erin: When inside I'm jumping like a bunny who found a big ass carrot garden.

Erin: Once you find the courage to open yourself up to something you've always  believed to be forbidden, then you never want to let it go. I always told myself that I would never give anyone this power over me again.

Music

Requim For A Dream Alex's music. 

Bette Midler ~ The Rose

The song Erin sing in the show.