A Vacation: Family Weddings Can Be Interesting

To all the readers of Place of Reads, we will be on a vacation for the month of October 1st through January 1st.  My sister is getting married, my mom is finally moving out of my house, and I am having a job change all in the month of October.  Then there are the holidays.  

We will be returning in in the first full week of January!  We look forward to talking about books through the year, come January!  Until that time, keep reading, keep finding new books, and have fun doing it.  

Happy Reading!

Cana

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Description:

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

Review:

Die for Me by Amy Plum

5 out 5

Now, let's take a moment before I review this book to talk about the cover.  I mean, LOOK AT IT!  It is gorgeous.  Like a frameable piece of art.  And I love that!  And it actually appears to be relevant to the actual story!  Way to go Publishing company!  

So, the prologue had me scared!  I hate angel books!  Especially YA angel books... They are so bleh for me.  So when I read the book, and discovered that they are revenants (which just means one who comes back, but they aren't exactly angels or zombies... Definitely not vampires), I breathed a sigh of relief.  So glad it wasn't another angel book!

Wow!  we see grief in a lot of books all the time.  But this time I think this is one of the first books where the character's grief reminds me of my own grief when I lost someone.  And that was hard to read at first.  But it did help me understand the character better, as well, in a way, heal myself from my own grief.  And that was a nice surprise.  And kudos to the author for showing us a healthy grieving process.  Because, Kate's grieving process didn't put herself at risk or other people around her at risk.  

Oh the suspense of who/what Vincent is.  While Kate tries to figure it out, you are too.  Too many clues without any conclusive answer until Kate finds Vincent.  And when you finally find out what he is, you kinda feel like you would have never thought about that.  I found that very refreshing.  

So, the ONE thing I didn't like was how Kate kept calling the revenants monsters.  They weren't monsters to me.  And they really shouldn't have been called that.  I preferred to call them immortals if I wasn't going to call them revenants.  

Georgia seems to be a neat character.  The big sister who does all those cool things, but still makes time for her little sister.  But she makes poor decisions and gets herself into dangerous situations unknowingly.  Not the best role model and that was a bit disappointing.  

So, I did like that the revenants did have a few "gifts".  The calming touch, being able to be volant, and the ability to possess a body is kinda cool tricks.  I think it was also cool that as a volant, they would/could nave premonitions to save people.  That seemed like a great thing to save people. 

I absolutely LOVED Charlotte!  The perfect mix of girlie and tomboy.  Plus, since she is the only girl in the immediate revenant club at the house, it definitely helps us get a different perspective about being a revenant.  Plus, I think that it helps Kate; I think she really needs a girl friend, a spunky sidekick, and someone other than her sister to count on.  

So, it did make me wonder about Papy.  What does he know about the Numa and the Revenants?  And what might he be hiding?  I think I'm only curious because he did really seem to perk up at the word "numa".  

I love Jules a lot.  The artist-warrior who is a flirt was just a plain great character.  I definitely would have enjoyed more time with him.  Can't wait to see him in the next book. 

Oh, the stupidity of youth.  Kate was happy and then caused strife because of her fears.  And poor Vincent.  Through it all, he tried to respect her even though it hurt him.  Thank goodness that stupidity didn't last long at all.  

Lucien is pretty much the mortal (or is it the immortal) enemy of Vincent and the other revenants.  He isn't seen much, let alone heard of until halfway through the book.  yet even then we don't know that he is the villain of the book until almost the end of the book.  For me, that part of the story was really unnecessary.  I think that since he wasn't really necessary for the first part of the story, then he wasn't really necessary at all.  

I loved what Vincent said to Kate when they finally made up, how he didn't want to rush, how as much as he wanted to get to the "main event", he wanted to take his time getting to know Kate.  No rushing.  That made me feel warm and fuzzy!

Poor Charles!  The burden he carries as a revenant is harder for him than most.  I hate that he felt that the numa were his only option to end it.  I'm glad that he made it, though we might not see him much for a while.  

Wow!  What a battle!  Lucien, Volant Vincent and Kate battling for survival .  The whole thing kept me on the edge of my seat.  I didn't know how it would end, but I couldn't wait to see victor.  

The birthday celebration for Kate's 17th birthday was amazing, beautiful, and completely unbelievable.  But I think that is what happens when you date a man from WWII.  Still, the whole thing was beautiful, and I love it.  

Overall, this was a beautiful novel.  I highly recommend it.

Happy Reading!

Cana

Throw Back Thursday and an Upcoming Book!

BOUND TO BE UP ALL NIGHT WITH

THROW BACK THURSDAY’S BOUND BY NIGHT!

Book I of The MoonBound Clan Vampire series

“Bound by Night was a fantastic start to this very promising new series…

a very tasty treat from a must be read author.  Happy reading everybody…you’re bound to love it.”

—Night Owl Reviews for Bound by Night

“The exceptionally entertaining Ione kicks off a sexy new vampire series…

Ione does what she does best: deliver paranormal romance with a sexy and dangerous bite!”

—RT Book Reviews ****HOT Review for Bound by Night

PREORDER CHAINED BY NIGHT

AND SAVOR YOUR TASTY TREAT ON 9/30!

Book II of The MoonBound Clan Vampires series

“Ione’s second MoonBound Vampires paranormal deftly uses a mixture of complex rivalries, primal violence, and sex to portray a society in which frequent vampire enslavement provokes a civil-rights dispute…Ione’s characters are relatable and sympathetic both because of and despite their id-drenched setting, and Ione’s flavor of vampirism produces a fascinating mixture of authoritarianism, atavism, and compassionate humanity that works on multiple levels.”

—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW August 25^th

“Ione has created a fascinating vampire world steeped in Native American traditions and lore and developed a path to happiness for Hunter and Aylin that is fraught with potent and poignant internal and external conflicts. The action-packed plot and creative worldbuilding keep us enthralled; the romance and sexual tension keep us emotionally invested.”

—Kirkus Reviews August 28^th online, Sept. 15^th print

“Major talent Ione is back with the second installment in her gritty new MoonBound Clan Vampire series, where vampires live under the threat of enslavement and torture by humans.  Ione’s vampire world is made up of sometimes warring clans who fight against each other as well as humans.  Uniting the clans may be the vampires’ best hope for survival in the upcoming war with humans.  With so much at stake, these excellent character relationships are fraught with intense and conflicting emotions.  Hang on tight, as this is one exciting and dangerous world!”

—Romantic Times ****1/2 HOT

Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

Description:

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price. 

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

Review:

The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

This book starts out so dark.  The trauma that Kane has experienced was horrible.  The fact that he keeps having flashbacks makes it so much worse.  PTSD is such a bitch, especially when you've finally met the person you want to be with.  

I think meeting the fae was very interesting.  Their love of the Lords of the Underworld almost rivals my friends and my love for them!  LOL!  Only Ms. Showalter would give her fans a competition with other fictional characters for their love of her main fictional characters!  But beyond that, the rules, the statuses, the blood slaves, and the royalty of the fae are a far cry from what we would call normal.  The conniving backstabbing, the blatant flirting, and the rules of conduct will keep you guessing who to trust.  

OMGoodness!  Lazarus... The pairing rod... Cameo... Speechlessness!  But I do hope that a lot of good stuff will come from and with these shockers!

Leopold is such an ass.  But I do wonder why?  And when it is revealed why the king doesn't like him and why he feels so obsessed with Josephina explains a lot of his behavior.  And it makes me feel sorry for him.  

What the heck is Disaster's problem?  Argh!  I mean, all the other demons generally deal with the other women, why can't he?  Stupid demon!

Poor Torin!  Torturing himself with an hour a day for 24 days with this unnamed girl is beyond necessary.  I don't think he is being fair to himself, and then the worst can happen, and he freaks out.  I really can't wait to see what happens with his book, because I hope all of it works out.  

Josephina (aka Tink, which is what I prefer to call her) is kinda a cool character.  She has a Cinderella story, if Cinderella were spunky and half fae.  I did love the transformation of her character, it was absolutely beautiful.  

I will say the whole Queen thing was a shock.... Plus, what happens to White & the Rainbow Rejects was a shock too.  Kind of scary really, and it definitely added a twist to the story.  

Poor Gilly.  Her determination to be like the Lords and their ladies, her love for William, and her craving to be loved back is going to get her hurt.  But whether that will benefit her or not is yet to be seen.  I do hope it all works out.  

Poor, poor Kane.  I know I keep saying that, but it's true.  His desire to kill Disaster no matter the cost to himself is heartbreaking.  I did love how he would do anything for Tink.  And how he showed her how wonderful and beautiful she is, that made me smile.  

My only problem with this book was how quick after Hell that Kane got over his PTSD issues.  That didn't feel right.  

Awesome twist in the end.  So didn't see that coming.  Loved it!  

Overall, this is such an amazing & perfect read!  I highly recommend this book and this series!
Happy Reading!

Cana

The One by Kiera Cass

Description:

THE SELECTION changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon’s heart…

For the four girls who remain at the palace, the friendships they’ve formed, rivalries they’ve struggled with and dangers they’ve faced have bound them to each other for the rest of their lives.

Now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

The breathtaking finale to THE SELECTION trilogy will make you swoon!

Review:

The One by Kiera Cass

5 out of 5

So, I know I'm a little late getting to this book, but I'm so glad I got to it!  

What an opening!  Between rebels & the attempted seduction, you are going to keep guessing about this book and what is going to happen next!

A lot of interesting revelations in this book.  August and Georgia were very informative and revealing about the Northern rebels.  I wondered what else they will reveal, that could potentially be used in a spin off series?  Hmmm.

Gosh, I really despised the King.  His plotting and his controlling ways are suffocating.  And I can't stand it.  I didn't like what happens to him in the end, but I think it was needed to ensure what happens.  

I hadn't liked Celeste through out the series, but I will say that now that I understand why she did what she did mad her more likable.  Plus, she became so much cooler after that, especially with America.  

The Convicting is a horrible tradition.  A way to silence dissenters and give the appearance of justice.  I really loved the risk and sacrifice that America gave to give mercy instead of cold and unjust justice.  

It broke my heart about America's dad.  He was such a wonderful man.  And even with the loss, America showed her strength.  The way she put Kota in his place was fantastic.  And the letter her dad wrote to her was fantastic.  It really revealed a lot.  

OMGoodness!  Shalom is... was... a rebel... A Northern rebel.  I can't imagine what he has shared, what he has done, and what secrets he has kept.  

Oh dear... There was that moment when Kota called America out about Asen that I wasn't sure what to expect.  But when Maxon actually found out, and how he found out, that broke my heart.  

The amount of changes in the last few chapters will keep your your head spinning.  You really don't know what will happen until the very end, and I loved that!

I knew it!  You can verify it in my review of The Guard, I knew that Aspen should go after Lucy!  And Lucy truly deserved Aspen, her own knight in shining armour.  

I think the best line in the whole series was this: "This isn't happily ever after.  It's so much more than that."  I think it is perfect.

I feel so bad for all the losses after the Southern rebel invasion.  And the waiting period to find out who was lost was agonizing.  

Overall, this was an amazing, awesome, perfect book.  I loved how it ended the trilogy, but I'm so sorry to see it end.  If you haven't read this series, you really need to!

Happy Reading!

Cana