Polls Apart - Clare Stephen - Johnston

 Title - Polls Apart

Author - Clare Stephen - Johnston

Genre - Thriller

Date published -   September 1st 2011

Publisher -  Thames River Press

Format - Paperback

Pages - 200

Author's website - http://www.thamesriverpress.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

Is this book really a debut? *goes to get the book from the shelf. Checks the cover. Doesn't believe her eyes!*
OH-MY-GOD! this is really a debut! Clare Stephen-Johnston began writing fiction in 2008, and Polls Apart is her first novel - says the cover. But trust me, when you read it you gonna be as surprised as I am, because you will have the feeling this is the 10th book the author has written!

World of show business and politics... within these worlds there is no reality, only illusions.

Politics, affairs, sex scandals, intrigue... this book has it all! Anna Lloyd is a 37 year old actress married to Richard Williams, the leader of Social Democratic Party (SDP). Richard is running for a Prime Minister, but things gonna get really nasty as newspapers start revealing some very unpleasant news about his wife's life. Anna really had a tough childhood, growing up with a mother who was alcoholic and being left by her dad when she was only 8. As if this isn't already a tragedy, her stepfather is staring to sexually abuse her and her sister Libby. Life seems a real hell for Anna and her sister, abused everyday and no sign of their mother to help. What a B**** their mother! The girls are forced to defend themselves and one day they kill their stepfather. They spend 2 years in Juvenile Center, but this is actually first time in many years they finally feel free. Now, many years later, all of this is back to haunt her because of her husband's elections and the political enemies who are trying to make him resign and quit the elections.

Is power more important than love? Is politics gonna end up a happy marriage and destroy two people that love each other and share the same dream?

This is a fantastic political thriller, fast paced and absolutely intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think Clare Stephen-Johnston is amazingly talented author with a unique writing style. I never liked politics, and this book just prove to me what I already knew - There's nothing more important in life than love and family. What I admired the most is the fact the author puts so much life into her characters (especially in Anna's character). It's really easy to relate to her, to feel her pain, and I have to admit, while reading the parts about the abuse, I had tears in my eyes. It's just so so sad and frustrating to think there are many women out there who experience the hell she's going through. In the beginning, Anna seemed wild, rebellious, free , but as you get to know her history you will start seeing her in a completely new light. She's not a survivor you want to pity, she's a FIGHTER!

This book is a real page turner and without any doubt I recommend it to everyone! I really hope Clare will surprise us soon with another fantastic, gripping book.  I sure can't wait!

My rating

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Pyxis/Airel/Arson Blog Tour! Review + Giveaway!

Hey guys, today I have awesome news! My blog is a part of a HUGE Giveaway Blog Tour and today is my stop - and time to present 3 FABULOUS BOOKS, 4 AMAZING AUTHORS AND...AND... Awesome GIVEAWAY! YAY! What is there to win? A canvas Pyxis tote, signed Pyxis bookmark, and signed Pyxis magnet  (US ONLY).

But first let me introduce you to these great books and authors (also feel free to read my review of Pyxis by K.C. Neal). 

 PYXIS by K.C. Neal
 
Buy on AMAZON.COM | Buy on AMAZON.CO.UK

Corinne lives an average teenage life working at her dad’s cafe, hanging out with her best friend, and trying to forget a falling-out with her almost-boyfriend Mason. Things take a strange turn when she uses her late grandmother’s food dyes for a bake sale, and her customers suddenly find her irresistibly alluring. Then she discovers she and Mason are haunted by the same dreams of a dark force that consumes everything in its path. Pursued by shadowy figures and a crazy woman with secrets from the past, Corinne must find out who her grandmother really was. In her quest to unravel her family’s history, she learns she is destined to protect this world--and the dark world of her dreams. She races to find the answers she seeks before her nightmares break free.

 Read MY REVIEW of Pyxis

 ARSON by Estevan Vega
  
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Arson Gable feels like a freak. He can create fire. He never asked for it. He never wanted it. But he can't shut it off. Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. Using what he fears most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is his present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster.

 AIREL by Aaron Patterson & Chris White

Buy on AMAZON.COM | Buy on AMAZON.CO.UK

Airel is a story about an angel who falls so deeply in love with a woman that he chooses to fall from heaven to be with her. She gives birth to a daughter in Arabia, 1250BC. The girl is pursued ferociously, relentlessly by an enemy in the deepest darkness. In present day Boise, Idaho is just a girl: Airel. She's just your average high school student...who turns out to be anything but average. It's because of who she is, because of her ancestry, because of her lineage. Past and present crash in on each other in the final pages as what has been twisted comes dangerously unraveled.

GIVEAWAY OF A canvas Pyxis tote, signed Pyxis bookmark, and signed Pyxis magnet  (US ONLY).

Open to US residents
Ends - January 31st 2012

TO ENTER:
Leave your comment and your e-mail address in the comment section of this post. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam).


There will be ONE winner picked by Random.org, which will be contacted by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond. If not responding, new winner will be picked.

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE KINDLE GIVEAWAY ON K.C. NEAL'S BLOG !

Good luck all!:)

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Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis #1) - K. C. Neal

Title - Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis #1)

Author - K. C. Neal

Genre - Young Adult

Date published -   October 15th 2011

Publisher -  StoneHouse Ink

Format - ebook

Pages -

Author's website - http://kcneal.blogspot.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Seems EVERYONE has been talking about this book lately! SERIOUSLY! I really HAD to check it out and see WHY everyone seems to like it! Boy... all these bloggers that absolutely loved it ARE RIGHT! Pyxis is freakin' incredible book!

The story is very original and I found the characters pretty much realistic, normal, average teenagers any person could relate to. The story is centered around Corinne Finley, who discovers one day she has a strange family history. Under very strange circumstances she discovers her grandmother's little treasure, a wooden box with PYXIS engraved in old fashioned capital letters containing strange bottles of liquids. Are they food dyes? Because after all, her grandmother did like to bake. Now we come to the mystery part!
She starts having strange visions of her grandmother Doris telling her to use these liquids to cure her twin sister Dorothy, who had a stroke same day Doris died. Hmmm, are these weird stories about twins' connections real?
The story gets more complex as Corinne, Angeline and Mason (oh the cutest little thing ever) discover PYXIS is not just a wooden box!
Pyxis, Guardians and Shields...This story will blow your mind and make you read this book in one sitting!

I really loved this book! The story is very original, well written and the characters are well developed. The mystery/paranormal element just adds to the story and will keep you wanting to know what will happen at the end! Corinne is an amazing girl, a girl you would like to be your friend (or daughter), she's intelligent, brave and has a big heart. Her friend Ang is fantastic! She's her Guardian! As for Mason, he's simply adorable..very mature and uber cute! Now that I mention Guardians and Shields..what a fantastic symbolism!!! Our friends are really our Guardians and people we love (our partners) are really our Shields, protecting us form everyone and everything! ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC BOOK you won't be able to put down! I highly recommend this to everyone that enjoys young adult! I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment! 

My rating

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Too Much Trouble in Paradise - Michelle Betham

Title - Too Much Trouble in Paradise

Author - Michelle Betham

Genre -Chick lit

Date published -   June 14th 2011

Publisher -  

Format -Kindle edition

Pages -

Author's website - http://michellebethamwriter.blogspot.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Molly Parker used to be a DWAG (Darts wife and girlfriend). After finding out that her husband, famous pro dart player Paul “Bad Lad” Parker is also a naughty lad behind her back, she decides to divorce him. She needs a new life, somewhere far, far away from the painful memories and her unfaithful husband. So, she leaves England and moves to Tenerife with her best friend Fran.

For a while, things just couldn’t be more perfect! She’s at this beautiful, exotic place, starting a fabulous new life, finding a job she loves… oh, and not to forget she’s soon-to-be-married AGAIN, but this time to an absolutely hot and charming Spanish guy Antonio.

Well, few of her friends seem a bit surprised she’s getting married so soon after her divorce, but you just can’t stop love, right? She does love Antonio, does she? Or maybe deep down inside she’s just trying to get her “revenge”?

You might think Molly is one lucky lady and that finally she found her Paradise on Earth. I thought so too, but then trouble walks into Paradise, her ex-husband Paul shows up out of the blue, saying he still loves her and wants her back!

Decisions, decisions, decisions… Who will she choose to be with at the end?

Too much Trouble in Paradise is a lovely chick lit book and I had lots of fun reading it. Molly is sweet and loveable character, though at times absolutely torn and confused, but then again, who wouldn’t feel this way if they were in her shoes. I admire the fact she had the courage to start a new life and have her smile back so soon after the divorce. I loved her energy, optimism and big heart. As for the two men in this story… oh they will really get you crazy. I admit, I didn’t like Paul at the beginning. He seems to enjoy fame too much and is not bothered with how Molly feels about the female fans stalking him. However, you will see his softer side, later on. As for Antonio, I found him absolutely adorable!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, great chick lit that will relax you, make you smile and dream of sunny islands, cocktails…and darts!:)  

My rating

 

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Discovery at Rosehill - Kathryn Brown

Title - Discovery at Rosehill

Author - Kathryn Brown

Genre - Romance

Date published -   March 17th 2011

Publisher -  lulu.com

Format - Paperback

Pages -260

Author's website - http://crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Are you one of those that at least reconsiders that there might be more out there... "something" different, "something" not everyone can see with their eyes?

The story is centered around Camilla, a 44 year old woman. She’s a medium and she has experienced her first spirit encounter when she was 16. It is the spirit of her grandmother that brings her to Rosehill, a place that hides many dark secrets…secrets she has to reveal!
“You will find more civilization in this house than you could ever wish to find anywhere else. Believe me, you’re meant to live here. You have so much to learn about your life and it all starts here in ROSEHILL.”
Camilla is one strong lady, however she’s having difficulties in finding new friends, because being a medium is usually considered by many as "not normal".

Marcus is the local vicar and someone who’s willing to get to know Camilla better. Soon their friendship develops into a romantic relationship. However, their true and deep feelings don’t change the fact they have different beliefs.
“He communicates with God, she communicates with the dead”.
Is it possible for such a relationship to work out?
I really enjoyed "Discovery at Rosehill". Mrs Brown managed to create an original and very interesting story with romance/mystery/paranormal elements. I also loved how things were developing, the gradually built up tension and the twist at the end which took me completely by surprise! I think Mrs Brown created lovely characters to which readers can relate, though they might not believe in spirits and ghosts. As for the main character, Camilla, I am fascinated by her. She’s strong and independent, and well aware of her powers which she treats like a gift, not a curse. She knows what her purpose in life is and is completely devoted to it - helping others, friends or strangers, even angry spirits who can’t cross over.

Though it’s a fiction book, it really felt too real! But then again, it’s not really easy to say when reality ends and fiction begins, right?  

My rating

 

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Strings Attached - Mandy Baggot

Title - Strings Attached

Author - Mandy Baggot

Genre - Chick lit

Date published -  October 8th 2011

Publisher -  YouWriteOn

Format - Paperback

Pages -388

Author's website - http://www.mandybaggot.webs.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

I've said this lots of times, but I'm going to say it again. I just love chick lit books and stories about rockstars.
George Fraser has her own catering company Finger Foods, of which she's very proud of. Yes, George is a female, and that's short for Georgina.
She's a 34 year old woman, very mature and organized, but I guess life taught her to be that way. Everything in her life changes one day when she's offered to cater for Quinn Blake's after show party. Quinn is surely an outstanding specimen of masculine perfection! He's handsome, hot, super famous and of course, stalked by women constantly. Though George is really trying to stay professional, Quinn seems to have other plans. For how long will she be able to resist his charm? Is it possible that someone as hot and famous as Quinn could be after someone as George? She's gorgeous of course, but she's not a celebrity, so are there any chances for such a relationship to work out?
Well, things will get complicated and some parts of their personal history will be revealed. This is actually the part of the story that I couldn't predict. A twist you definitely won't see coming! Some say chick lit can be predictable to a certain extant. However, that's not the case with Strings Attached, believe me!
I've heard great things about this book, and I must admit I was expecting a fun and lighthearted read. But the story of Quinn and George is BEYOND everything I thought it would be! The passion, that intense chemistry between George and Quinn, is something that will grab you from the start. I really liked both main characters, but (of course, I am a woman;) I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Quinn. He is definitely a character you won't be able to forget.
The normal girl meets a super celebrity - sounds almost like a modern version of Cinderella. :)
As for Mrs Baggot's writing style, I'm really fascinated by it and I'm pretty amazed how she managed to keep things between her hero and heroine so intense and interesting. And most importantly, I really CAN'T wait to read more from her.

My rating

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Bull at the Gate - Tricia Jones

Title - Bull at the Gate

Author - Tricia Jones

Genre - Contemporary Romance

Date published -  October 13th 2011

Publisher -  The Wild Rose Press

Format - Paperback

Pages - 239

Author's website - http://www.tricia-jones.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Bull at the Gate is a warm contemporary read full of romance, passion and magic!
Alexander "Bull" McKinley is a corporate shark and ruthless when it comes to business. However, this young and attractive capitalist will have a hard time persuading the villagers of Bower Magna to give up their inheritance, The Fairy Gate. The Fairy Gate is the oldest part of the village and it's very significant for the locals. There is an interesting story behind it, according to which the Gate was built by Fairies and if destroyed, bad luck will befall the village and all its inhabitants. A myth? Superstition? Whatever it is, the locals are not giving up on it, and strongly protest the idea of destroying the Gate for the purpose of building some modern apartments.
Dee Ashman, a local girl is the toughest of them all. To her and her grandmother the Gate is a symbol, their identity and Dee is determined to stop Alex in his intentions.
And everything would be fine if she didn't start falling for this "calculating, ruthless, intolerant, judgmental" businessman. You know that Paula Abdul's song, "Opposites Attract"? Yes, the song is old but Paula couldn't be more right about this, at least when it comes to Dee and Alex. Will Dee and Alex change the history of the village or create their own history?

I really enjoyed this book! It's one of those books that will warm your heart and make you believe in magic! Dee and Alex are both strong, tough characters and it was such a fun reading their dialogues, and I really enjoyed all the passion (and tension) between them. Mrs Jones managed to create equally strong hero and heroine, something I rarely see in books. Despite the fact that at times Alex seemed ruthless, I really liked him. I especially loved the relationship between him and Charlotte, his 7 year old daughter. I also loved the story about the Gate and it's mysterious powers. Overall, I definitely recommend this book to all romance lovers, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Mrs Jones. 

My rating

 

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