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New England Crush by Pia Fenton

Northbrooke High #2

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: 27th October 2014.

SYNOPSIS

Crushing on the wrong boy � why does it feel so right?

Raven Mackenzie has finally settled into her posh British boarding school when her parents decide she has to attend an American high school for a year just because her older sister enjoyed it � so unfair!

Being a newcomer is never easy, but to her surprise she’s befriended by a group of Goths. She’s teased about her accent and English ways by others, but with the support of friends it’s easy to cope. In fact, everything would be perfect if she wasn’t crushing on the one boy she can’t have � a jock whose current girlfriend will fight for him by fair means or foul (well, mostly foul!)

Liam Donnelly is easy-going and has never given much thought to his friends� cliquey behaviour. But when new girl Raven quite literally falls into his arms, and his friends do everything they can to keep them apart, he starts to wonder � what’s up with that?

Book Review ~ ‘New England Crush� by Pia Fenton ~ 5 Stars!

Pia Fenton’s Northbrooke High series is one that I feel I have been waiting for my whole life. Too often YA fiction depicts over-aged teens acting like adults, or at least without any adult supervision, but in this series the adults and parents are the supporting characters, just as they are in real life.

I loved Raven, the younger sister of Rain from ‘New England Rocksâ€�. SheÌýwas the perfect heroine for this novel, and the trials she faces at her new school are ones that everyone will remember from their own school experience *shudder*. But having herÌýname made fun of, her accent teased and herÌýmusic choices mocked doesn’t stop Raven from being who she wants to be. Despising cliques, she befriends people from each group, bringing people together.

Her relationship with Liam was so sweet to read. I adored their interactions and the ups and downs they had as they made the decision to be together.ÌýLiam’s ex-girlfriend/Queen Bee, Brooke and her cattiness made me wince with memories of theÌýQueen Bee from my own school days.

What really made this book so great to read was the strength of the secondary characters and how every character was so well formed. Nobody was a filler, and they all had a part to play in the story, no matter how little. The Northbrooke High series really showcases Pia Fenton’sÌýfabulous writing in the YA genre.

5 Stars!

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Pia Fenton

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Stripped RawÌýby Prescott Lane

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: 3rd March 2016.

SYNOPSIS

Kenzie

I’m a yes girl. ÌýGet your mind out of the gutter; I’m not talking about sex. ÌýI’m talking about saying yes to whatever comes my way in life. ÌýSo when I had the chance to move to Europe after college, I said, yes. ÌýWhen I had the chance to open my own lingerie line, I said, yes. ÌýAnd when my stepsister got diagnosed with cancer and needed me to come home and help her raise her daughter, I said, yes. ÌýThat’s me, Kenzie â€� the yes girl! ÌýIn every area of my life but one —Love. ÌýAlways the first to leave a relationship. ÌýWill I be able to say yes to love â€� to Kane â€� to being happy? ÌýOr will I simply come undone and be stripped raw?

Kane

Don’t let Kenzie fool you! ÌýShe’s a master at hiding behind a laugh and a smile. ÌýBeing an attorney, I prefer the facts. ÌýThis story isn’t as light and happy as my yes girl would have you believe. ÌýNo laugh can sugar coat what we are facing: ÌýI’ve lost everything. ÌýI know what it’s like to be left raw. ÌýBut sometimes that’s the only way to find love. ÌýTo strip yourself down, let the other person see all your shit, and hope they love you anyway.

“I’m the good girl, very responsible, girl-next-door type.�

Should I tell her I took the virginity of the girl next door? ÌýProbably not. Ìý“I think you’re more than that,â€� I say, taking a step closer to her. ÌýThat wasn’t a line. ÌýI really mean it. ÌýI wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think so.

I inch even closer, but she looks confused â€� a little like she wants me to kiss her, a little like she wants me to screw her, but mostly like she doesn’t want me to do anything more. ÌýI can’t blame her; we only met a few hours ago. ÌýDeacon is wrong about the one night stand thing. ÌýThis woman isn’t looking for a hookup. ÌýI’m not, either. ÌýOne night with her wouldn’t be enough. ÌýSo I take a step back, my fists clenched at my sides to redirect my energy.

“That was my first catalog,â€� Kenzie says. Ìý“I plan on doing two a year.â€� ÌýShe reaches for a sketchbook on her work table. Ìý“This is what I’m working on for the next line. ÌýI’ll be photographing them pretty soon. ÌýThe line is inspired by men’s clothing, so pinstripes and. . . .â€�

She keeps talking about the different fabrics, colors, and textures she plans to use. ÌýI have no idea what she is saying, but marvel over what I’m seeing â€� corsets and bustiers, vests with garter belts, bras, and G-strings. ÌýI love that these ideas, these fantasies, came out of her mind. ÌýShe is so much more than she thinks, so much more than the girl next door.

Kenzie flips to another sketch, this one of a navy bra and panty set with stockings and heels. ÌýThat will look perfect on her â€� especially bent over my office desk. ÌýMy cock throbbing, I take a deep breath and try to focus on what Kenzie is saying. ÌýMy eyes search the catalog pages for anything to distract me. Ìý“What’s this?â€�

“Cuffs,â€� she says, “like on a man’s dress shirt. ÌýBut these double as handcuffs.â€�

Okay, that’s it. ÌýThe arts-and-crafts show is officially driving me crazy. ÌýMy dick is rock hard now, and I can’t take it anymore.

Book Review ~ ‘Stripped Raw� by Prescott Lane ~ 5 Stars!

How gorgeous this book is!

Prescott Lane always delivers with emotional, hard-hitting stories, but in ‘Stripped Raw� she tears you apart and fixes you back together again with a story that is driven by some fantastic primary and secondary characters and woven together in the most beautiful way.

It’s hard to describe this story without giving away the plot, but it really is something you need to experience for yourself. Themes such as loss, love and strength all feature heavily and I learnt so much about myself from reading this book, which is something that I love when I encounter in fiction.

Kenzie was a fantastic main character. Strong, loyal, but scared of losing herself in love, she is the main driving force of this book and through her eyes I began to see the world in a new way. Her devotion to her sister and niece was heartwarming and seeing the strong bond the family unit shared brought tears to my eyes, particularly as her sister battles cancer.

Kane was one swoon-worthy hero for this story. Prescott Lane nailed down his character to perfection, and the chemistry that he and Kenzie shared was off the charts, which made for some wide-eyed moments and laughs throughout the chapters as they banter away. His strength, even after being badly hurt in the past was commendable and I witnessing how he and Kenzie worked together to heal each other and grow.

A fantastic, heart-felt novel. I can’t recommend it enough!

5 Stars!

´ÊÌý~ Ìý´ÊÌýÌý ~

1 x $25 Amazon Gift Card

1 x Signed copy of Stripped Raw & swag

Prescott Lane

Prescott Lane is the author of First Position, Perfectly Broken, and her new release, Quiet Angel. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated from Centenary College with a degree in sociology. She went on to receive her MSW from Tulane University, after which she worked with developmentally delayed and disabled children. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren’t enough happily ever afters in real life.

Connect with Prescott Lane at and and and or at

Happily Ever Afters Guaranteed

Ìý

´ÊÌýÌý~ Ìý~Ìý~Ìý~ Å·±¦ÓéÀÖÌýÌý~

A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love by Linn B. Halton

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: January 15th 2016

Publisher:

SYNOPSIS

Life isn’t all love and cupcakes …�

Katie has had her fair share of bad luck, but when she finally realises her dream of opening a bakery it seems things can only get better.

But the reality of running a business hits Katie hard and whilst her partner, Steve, tries to help she can’t help but feel that the situation is driving them further apart. Could Katie be set to lose her relationship and her dream job?

Then, one winter’s day, a man walks into her shop � and, in the space of that moment, the course of Katie’s life is changed.

But nobody finds happiness in the blink of an eye. Sometimes it takes two Christmases, three birthdays and a whole lot of cake to get there �

Previously released as Sweet Occasions by the author. Revised and edited by Choc Lit December 2015.

Book Review ~ ‘A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love� by Linn B. Halton ~ 5 Stars!

What a gorgeous, feel-good read this was. ‘A Little Sugar, A Lot of Loveâ€� will hit just the spot when you need to while away the winter hours with a handsome hero, lots ofÌýcakes and a slow-burning, heartfelt romance.

Katie’s story will resonate with many readers. Trapped in a relationship that isÌýturning progressively more and more suffocating as she tries to balance her dream job at her bakery and her romanticÌýlife,Ìýshe finds herself giving her partner Steve more power over her business in an attempt toÌýmake profits. But what happens when your dream starts becoming a nightmare? I really felt for Katie, and throughout the novel we get to see her go through ups and downs in her life which we will all relate to, and sympathise with.

Enter Adam, not just once when she needs somebody, but again and again, and an unlikely friendship forms. That is what I loved so much about this story. It’s romantic in its slow-burning way, but at its heart it is a story about the strength of friendship and how for every relationship it will only work when the time is right, and that can take many years, and many cupcakes! I adored seeing the chapters where Adam is with his daughter, and my heart melted at the strength of their affection for each other. With the added extra of the no-nonsense, yet secret romanticÌýGrandma Grace, this book had the most wonderful Ìýcollection of characters that I felt were my own friends.

A beautiful story, perfect for cuddling up with on a cold winter night, ‘A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love� is a definite must-read for lovers of romance!

5 Stars!

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The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk by Sally Malcolm

(The Pirates of Ile Sainte Anne #1)

Genres: Historical, Romance

Publisher:

SYNOPSIS

Come then, and I’ll tell you the tale of the Gypsy Hawk and her wily captain � the infamous Zachary Hazard …’�

To Amelia Dauphin, freedom is her most prized possession and she will stop at nothing to keep it. Daughter of a Pirate King and the youngest captain in her father’s fleet, she lives on the island of Ile Sainte Anne, where pirates roam free and liberty reigns.

Zachary Hazard, captain of the Gypsy Hawk, hasn’t been seen on Ile Sainte Anne for six years but his reputation precedes him. To Zach, liberty is the open water and he has little time for the land-bound pirate island.

But when he hears that Amelia’s people could be in danger, he has no choice but to return. And what begins then is a desperate fight for freedom and a legend in the making �

Ìý

Book Review ~ ‘The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk� by Sally Malcolm ~ 5 Stars!

I don’t know how to even begin with this review. This is one of those books that I literally devoured and then sat back afterwards in awe thinking, “What do I do with myself now?â€� I was just so engrossed in their story.ÌýMy heart was broken andÌýpatched together again throughout this novel, and I still can’t get over how much it meant to me!

Amelia and Zach’s story takes you on an exhilarating adventure that spans years,Ìýfrom the pirate safehold ‘Ile Sainte Anneâ€� across the treacherous seas, toÌýthe city of London, accompanied with a lot of pain, heartache, and a lot of love.

I’m basically in love with Zach, and no I shall not apologise for that. Sally Malcolm doesn’t shy away fromÌýthe harsh realities of history, and in turn doesn’t make Zach an unrecognisable pirate. No he was in turns stubborn, gruff and dangerous,Ìýwhilst also possessingÌýthat charming swagger that had women fall for his bad-boy ways. And then you get Captain Amelia Dauphin,Ìýwho is not as easily impressed. Their back and forth banter throughout the novel had meÌýin stitches one minute and then wanting to bang their stubborn heads together in the next. Their chemistry was electric and I loved seeing howÌýthe change in setting affected their relationshipÌýand how comfortable they were with each other.

I don’t want to say anything more about the story, because it ripped me apart, had me frantically turning the page and desperate to know what was going to happen next, to see who would survive and whether forgiveness is ever really possible after betrayal�.and really I want to put you through this too! (evil laugh)

This is a must-read for historical romance fans, and will put your emotions through the ringer. Enjoy!

5 Stars!

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Sally Malcolm

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Marry for Love by Christina Courtenay.

Genres: Regency Historical, Romance

Release Date: 11th January 2016.

Publisher:

SYNOPSIS

Trapped in an intolerable marriage?

Delilah cannot bear to watch as her twin sister Deborah marries Hamish Baillie, Fourth Earl of Blackwood. Not only because she knows that her conniving sister has manipulated the poor man into marriage, but also because she has been in love with the Earl since she first set eyes on him �

Delilah is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save Hamish from a life of unhappiness � but will her plan work, or will she have to accept that she is no match for her twin’s scheming ways?

Book Review ~ ‘Marry for Love� by Christina Courtenay ~ 5 Stars!

Christina Courtenay is one of my favourite historical romance writers. Every time I sit down to read one of her books, I just know I’m in for some fabulous storytelling, and ‘Marry for Love� is no exception.

As a novella, this was the perfect evening read for a frosty night, when you just want to be curled up with a good book. I was transported away to regency England and the world of devious debutante scheming, all masked inÌýpolite society. Deborah was a nasty piece of work, and I loved to hate her. Her limits knew no ends when it came to making her sister Delilah’s life miserable. Having them as identical twins made the story even more exciting as we see that some of the tricks DeborahÌýused have changed little over time with many a twin I know using the same tricks today.

I loved Delilah’s fierce sense of duty, and really connected to her as a character, especially when we see that, despie loving Hamish, sheÌýrefuses to let him marry her out ofÌýhis sense of duty, and is content instead in the knowledge that he can now marry who he likes.ÌýHamish was a dashing regency hero who made me swoon on many an occasion. I liked how he was portrayed as a little bit of a rogue at first, but shown to be an honest man and employer throughout the book.

There is so much that I loved about ‘Marry for Love�, and I can’t wait to return to Christina Courtenay’s Regency world soon.

5 Stars!

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As Weekends Go by Jan Brigden.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: 10th December 2015.

Publisher:

SYNOPSIS

What if your entire life changed in the space of a weekend?

When Rebecca’s friend Abi convinces her to get away from it all at the fabulous Hawksley Manor hotel in York, it seems too good to be true. Pampering and relaxation is just what Rebecca needs to distract herself from the creeping suspicion that her husband, Greg, is hiding something from her.

She never imagined that by the end of the weekend she would have dined with celebrities or danced the night away in exclusive clubs. Nor could she have predicted she would meet famous footballer, Alex Heath, or that he would be the one to show her that she deserved so much more �

But no matter how amazing a weekend is, it’s always back to reality come Monday morning � isn’t it?

2014/15 Winner of Choc Lit & Whole Story Audiobooks Search for a Star competition.

Book Review ~ ‘As Weekends Go� by Jan Brigden ~ 5 Stars!

We all know that when you escape reality for a weekend,Ìýit’s always hard to return. Jan Brigden turns a girly spa weekend into a couple of days that will change the lives of everyone involved, and I loved it!

Rebecca wasÌýa fantastically developed character, and throughout the novel we see her progress and grow from a shy, understated and downtroddenÌýwife to a woman whoÌýrefuses to let herÌýworth go to waste. I loved herÌýpassion for life, her hopes and aims for the future,Ìýbut felt for her when we learn that in her marriage, she struggles to make herself heard. I loved to hate her husband, and was so intrigued to read the scenes written from his point of view. They made me both pity him for the issues he’d obviouslyÌýheld onto for years, and loathe him for how genuinely uncaring he was to Rebecca and the little regard he had forÌýher feelings.

When we are introduced to Alex Heath, I had toÌýmake a little happy sigh. It was great to see another side toÌýa footballerÌýbeing portrayed, and not just what the public are shown. His enthusiasm for his sport, and his dedication to his chosen careerÌýis clear and seeing how he worked so hard atÌýhelpingÌýRebecca feel comfortable with himÌýwas swoonworthy. Together he and Rebecca grow as people and it was heartwarming to witness.

Jan Brigden did a really great job at showing us sides to the characters that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We see Greg, Nick, Abi and Kenny’s from their own perspectives, and it made the characters more real to me.

Although quite a long book, ‘As Weekends Goâ€� didn’t drag. It was the perfect length and paced perfectly. I likedÌýhow Rebecca and Alex’s relationship wasn’t rushed and how Rebecca didn’t make any sudden decisions or changes when it cameÌýto her marriage. It made the pain they both felt at being separated, and Rebecca’s inner turmoil at whether or not her marriage was beyond saving, more realistic and all the more emotional to read.

5 Stars!

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Your Irresistible Love by Layla Hagen

(The Bennett Family #1)

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: 14th January 2015.

SYNOPSIS

Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It’s the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for him, and he’d do anything for his parents and eight siblings—even if they drive him crazy sometimes. . . like when they keep nagging him to get married already.

Sebastian doesn’t believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She’s beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile.

He’s determined to have Ava, even if she’s completely off limits.

Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Neither is doing said CEO. The consultancy she works for has a strict policy—no fraternizing with clients. She won’t risk her job. Besides, Ava knows better than to trust men with her heart.

But their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise. Sebastian blows through her defenses one sweet kiss and sinful touch at a time. When Ava’s time as a consultant in his company comes to an end, will Sebastian fight for the woman he loves or will he end up losing her?

Book Review ~ ‘Your Irresistible Love� by Layla Hagen ~ 5 Stars!

Fun, Flirty and Fabulous, ‘Your Irresistible Loveâ€� is a feel-good story that will have you all gooeyÌýinside!

Our heroine Ava is a strong, determined and independent woman, making her the perfect match for the hard-working, ever faithful and fiercely protective CEO of Bennett Enterprises. Their chemistry was off the charts, but it was her sass, and the natural banter the two shared right from the off that made their story resonate so much with me. They didn’t fall head overÌýheels in love at first sight, instead they had a brilliant flirty relationship, a firm friendship and a later blossoming of natural romance which didn’t feel at all rushed or forced. I always understood that Ava wanted to give her job everything she could.

Sebastian Bennett was a delicious specimen of hero. He was hard when he needed to be yet still fair, and seeing the strong relationship he had with his family and his determination to help his family and pay them back with the same kindness he’d received from them, was heartwarming. The scenes where the Bennett family are all congregated were so well written, and we get to see someÌýgreat, well-developedÌýcharacters that I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of in the future. The way that Ava was included in the family was so lovely, and there were some beautiful scenes where we see just how muchÌýsheÌýmisses having her mother with her.

There is intrigue, glamour and misunderstandings, but atÌýits heart, ‘Your Irresistible Loveâ€� is a warm, fun romance with a spicy edge.

5 Stars!

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Layla Hagen

´ÊÌýÌý´ÊÌýÅ·±¦ÓéÀÖÌý´ÊÌý´ÊÌýÌý~

Jessica’s Christmas Kiss by Alison May

(Christmas Kisses #3)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary,

Release Date: December 13th 2015.

SYNOPSIS

Real Christmas miracles only ever happen in the movies � don’t they?

When Jessica was fifteen, she shared the perfect kiss with a mystery boy at a Christmas party. It might have only lasted a moment, and the boy might have disappeared shortly afterwards but, to Jessica, it was just a little bit magic.

Fourteen years later, and Jessica is faced with a less than magical Christmas after uncovering her husband’s secret affair. And, whilst she wouldn’t admit it, she sometimes finds herself thinking about that perfect Christmas kiss, back when her life still seemed full of hope and possibility.

But she never would have guessed that the boy she kissed in the kitchen all those years ago might still think about her too �

Book Review ~ ‘Jessica’s Christmas Kiss� by Alison May ~ 5 Stars!

What a lovely, heart-warming festive read! Alison May knows how to pack in the feel-good feels and the heart-string tugs all in one beautiful package.

The third in the ‘Christmas Kissesâ€� series (akthough can be read as a standalone) we are invited into Jessica’s world of pain, insecurity and rejection as she strives to make Christmas special with her husband afterÌýdiscovering earlier in the year that he’d been having anÌýaffair. We see Jessica as a fifteen year old romantic, who shares her first kiss with an enigmatic stranger at a Christmas party, become a worn-down wife to a different man. Alison May brilliantly highlighted the changesÌýthat life had made of Jessica, and from the get-go, I really wanted her to get her happy ending.

Lucas was the perfect hero. With a secret past, and many painful memories and regretÌýwhich hold him back from living his life to the full, he is a true gentleman who made me smile. His relationship with his housemates was so great to read, and I laughed at their scenes together. And when Jessica is going through the worst time in her life, Lucas is there for her, and together they begin to live their life the way they feel they deserve.

I adored this little story that takes place over three different time-zones. The character development was brilliant and there was some heart-melting moments, as well as some tearful ones.

5 Stars!

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~Ìý´ÊÌýÅ·±¦ÓéÀÖÌý´ÊÌýÌý´ÊÌýÌý~

The Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy.

(The Avalonia Chronicles #1)

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

Release Date: August 15th 2015.

SYNOPSIS

16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way. Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

Book Review ~ ‘The Last of the Firedrakes� by Farah Oomerbhoy ~ 3.5 Stars!

I’m going to start off this review by saying to the author; Well done. Fantasy is a tough genre to write, there are so many rules and, particularly as a debut author,ÌýFarah Oomerbhoy has done a pretty good job. I enjoyed ‘The Last of the Firedrakesâ€� and I look forward to seeing where Aurora’s journey takes her in the next book.

This review will look mostly at some of the issues that I feelÌýOomerbhoy may have come up against when writing this novel, and how some of these may have slipped through into the finalÌýnovel. But this is all constructive and I really do want other readers to have a look for themselves and enjoy the book for what it is; a very solid, excitingÌýYoung Adult Fantasy novel.

World building is hard in fantasy.ÌýIt’s not so easy as making a land and moving from one place to another within it. There are so many things involved such asÌýthe kingdoms, the politics, the different creatures in each land and particularly the culture. Oomerbhoy brilliantly crafts a land whereÌýpolitics is key, and I really had a feel for the different agendas of the people we met.

There were a fewÌýparts that felt a little too out-of-reality for me. I love my fantasy for what it is; make-believe, but I always feel there needs to be an element of it that is believable, especially within the context of this world. For example, on many occassions our characters appear so quickly from oneÌýkingdom to another, almost outbeating aÌýmagical pegasus, and the explanation given is the old faeÌýsecret passages. I felt this was almost too easy, and felt let down that they didn’t have to struggle to get to each place. Imagine if Middle Earth had elven passagesÌýbeneath Mordor. Frodo’s journey would have beenÌýa lot easier, and very much less enjoyable Ìýto read.

The magical Pegasus ‘Snowâ€� as mentioned above, also seemed to appear at the most timely of occassions, particularly when our young heroine was in danger. It seemed to give her an out from some ofÌýthe battles she no doubt would have faced without her there.

TheÌýreason for Aurora being brought into the land of Avalonia also seemed too unlikely for me. Her evil aunt Morgana feared that her neice, who knew nothing of Avalonia, magic, fae or even that she had an aunt, so had her brought through the veil to Avalonia in order to kill herÌýand keep the throne her own? Wouldntâ€� it be easier to just leave Aurora unaware in the other land where she can do no harm to Morgana anyway?

Character development, however, was whatÌýdrove the story on. RafeÌýis a top book-boyfriend and I loved the array of characters that Aurora meets and befriends throughout the book. The author’s writing style was alsoÌýso crisp and beautiful!

Overall this book was a enjoyable escape into the magical land of Avalonia. I’m looking forward to seeing where Rafe, Aurora and Kalen go next.

3.5 Stars!

*Review copy providedÌýthrough Xpresso Book Tours Review Opportunities, in exchange for an honest review*

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Farah Oomerbhoy

~ Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ ~ ~ ~

Ìý

It was never supposed to happen. ‘We� never should have happened.

He and I� Our constantly crossing paths changed the unthinkable to the inevitable.

It was magical, exhilarating, and life defining� despicable, and it ruined everything.

It destroyed me.

It destroyed us.

He and I is what happened before.

And everything else is what happened after�

ÌýÌý Ìý Ìý

It’s always the same question every single time. He looks at me with his eyes full of sadness, his expression full of embarrassment, and I hate it! That question always makes me feel terrible, as if we just did something wrong� which we have, but I hate that he’s conscious of it, that he reminds me of it. As if I said ‘no this is wrong, terribly wrong, I’m in love with you, and I want to be with you,� it’s something he wants to hear.

“Yeah,� I say, my throat burning. He looks at me, and I turn my face away, feeling a tear escape.

“Lisa.� His voice is full of sorrow, fear, and every other depressing feeling that makes me want to vomit.

Anger starts to consume me, and it replaces the hesitancy I usually have to say the words I’ve wanted to say for so long. “I love you, Will.�

There’s silence, and each second cuts through me. When my eyes meet his, I see a storm in them, and I don’t care. I want him to say something. Anything.

“You know I…� His voice is weak, his expression full of confusion as if to say Why on earth? How dare you?

“I love you, Will!� I say louder.

He doesn’t say anything but sits on the edge of the bed, as if my words have knocked him out. I cry, and I know it’s making things worse, but I can’t help it now. My resolve is in tatters.

I get off the bed and stand in front of him, naked and vulnerable. “I know it’s wrong. I know you said that this would happen. I know all of this, but can you at least say something? Can you at least try to make me feel just a little bit better about it?�

I only see deadness behind his eyes, as if he’s left himself and only his body is here with me.

“I want to be loved how you love her! Is that too much to ask? Does just wanting to be loved make me terrible person?� I ask desperately, and his eyes water.

“No, it doesn’t,� he says softly. “But it makes me a terrible person.� He stands up from my bed, grabs the sheet, and wraps it around me. He kisses my forehead and looks into my eyes. “I can’t love you how you want me to, Lisa, how you should be loved.�

I feel my heart race. Why did I say that? I feel anxious and angry with myself. “I’m sorry.�

I hug him, but he doesn’t hug me back. Anxiety courses through me. It was too much, I knew it was, but I couldn’t keep the words from leaving.

“I won’t ever bring this up again. Just please don’t be mad. Just forget I said it.�

“I think we� this is destroying you. I can’t do this to you anymore,� he says, going to the door.

I jump in front of it. He looks at me sympathetically but gently moves me out of the way. I follow him through my quiet, dark house to the back door. When he opens it, the cold air hits me. The sky’s still dark aside from the tiny light on my back porch. He goes down the porch and looks back at me.

“Good night, Lisa,� he says quietly before disappearing down the street into the darkness. His truck is parked almost four blocks up in its usual spot.

I’m obsessed with blowing kisses. I guess that makes me a romantic. I love books and cute boys and reading about cute boys in books.I’m infatuated with the glamour girls of the past: Audrey,Dorothy,Marilyn,Elizabeth.

I’m a self confessed girly girl,book nerd,food enthusiast, and comic book fan. Odd combination huh, you have no idea�

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