The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5)

                Hello happy readers!  So today I have for you a new release from the end of September and a new addition to a favorite series of mine, The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5) by Christina Bauer.   So this series is a bit out of order as I’ve already read some into the spin-off series as well as book 7 in the series, but that is just because the author is non-linear and wrote the original series with some time jumps between them and is now writing from those time jumps and all the adventures and shenanigans we missed out on.  I like to think this is because fans like myself wanted more, and that’s what I’m going to tell myself.  Anywho Goodreads makes things so easy for knowing the proper order as of now and here are my reviews leading up to this title: Duty Bound, Angelbound, Scala, Acca, & Thrax.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Myla’s life has changed for sure now a wife, mother, Great Scala, and Queen of the Thrax, she has her hands full.  Things seem to be going pretty well…until it hits the fan like always.  Her honorary brother Walker is being more secretive than usual and when he disappears into the Dark Lands leaving her a countdown and a promise to uphold they have another mission to complete, stopping Lucifer from escaping and all, and save not only Walker but all of the after realms.  So you know…no big deal.

                So in this we have another adventure with our favorite quasi, Myla.  She and Lincoln are always finding some trouble they have to stop.  They are trouble magnets.  This time it is Lucifer and someone trying to break him free to reign down all sorts of evil and honorary brother Walker’s disappearance is connected.  Meaning if they weren’t involved to begin with they are now for Walker.  I love these stories.  They are such fast paced books they fly on by.  You have a huge mystery and suspense and tons of action carrying you along.  Still no matter the seriousness of the matter Myla never loses her trademark sarcasm and I love her for it. 

                I will always read these books for more Myla and Lincoln.  They are relationship goals.  Plus added bonus baby Maxon time was just precious.  Seriously this kid is totally adorable and how he brings complete hard core kick butt characters to a panic is epic.  This is another fun adventure as we delve deeper into the world and make new discovers about the past.  I enjoyed getting to see more of how things used to be as well as learning about this whole new area and distant/reclusive House full of new characters you can love. 

               

                All in all this was a great addition to the world and I loved seeing Myla and Lincoln fight so hard for Walker.  He has done a lot for them over the years/series and they love him for sure and to see them go to bat for him like he always has for them was just epic.  This is a beautiful world I always look forward to getting lost in, magma demons and all if Myla and Lincoln are there too! 

                Until next time…

Cradled (Beholder #4.5)

                Hello happy readers.  I hope you are having a good Monday.  My weekend was not as productive as I would have hoped but the new season of Orange is the New Black dropped Friday so could I have done anything other than marathon it?   I think not.  That said I am happy to have a quick review of an epilogue novella.  Yes the Beholder series by Christina Bauer that I have enjoyed comes out with a quick novella, Cradled (Beholder #4.5).  It comes out tomorrow and I am excited to have gotten a chance to read it early before my pre-order as I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.  I reviewed the previous Beholder books here:  Cursed, Concealed, Cherished, and Crowned.

Rating:  5 Stars

                Elea and Rowan have been through a lot and still have lots more to do in complete unity between their peoples.  But given the family drama on both sides children were something they were going to forgo…..But sometimes fate has other options.

                So I went in not knowing much.  I hadn't even read the summary just that it was more Elea and Rowan and that was good enough for me.  The title kind of gave me some hint but yeah that was it.  I thought it'd be a quick little tale dealing with pregnancy or something but what I got was so much more.  There is an attack, kidnapping, crossovers, battle, redemption, and so much jam packed into this novella!  Seriously there is so much happening I loved it.  There was even a cross over with some other characters I just adore so having them all in one spot kind of made my day!

                There is a little of everything and again all of her books fly by for me but this was a novella that easily felt like a full on book with such an interesting story.  I highly recommend it to fans of the series it's a sweet treat!

                Until next time…

~Can't Wait Wednesday~ The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5)

                Happy 4th of July!  Everyone enjoy and be safe!  Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Wishful Endings.  Waiting on Wednesday has been don for some time so I am switching it up for now!  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #5) by Christina Bauer

Out:  September 

From Goodreads:

                Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis is loving life—she’s now a wife, mother, and Queen of the Thrax.  Oh yeah, and being a super-powerful demigoddess who moves souls into Heaven or Hell doesn’t suck, either.  In fact, everything is pretty much awesome.  Until something craptastic happens.

                Her honorary older brother Walker enters the Dark Lands, home to the rule-loving ghouls, and vanishes without a trace.

                Now it’s up to Myla to solve the mystery of Walker’s disappearance.  Of course, Myla likes interacting with ghouls about as much as elective dental surgery.  To make matters harder, everyone thinks that Walker is simply taking a well-deserved vacation.  Buy Myla and her Angelbound love, Lincoln, both suspect that the ghoul Oligarchy took Walker in order to somehow release Lucifer, the ex-King of the Angels and an all around nut job who really needs to stay locked up.

                Long story short, Myla and Lincoln have just two days to rescue their good friend and stop Lucifer from taking over the after-realms.  Even for them, this may be a too-tall order, especially when Myla’s own father allows his past friendship with Lucifer to threaten Walker’s future.

Why I’m Waiting:

                One of my favorite authors and series.  They are all super fun fast reads that really draw you in and keep you engaged until the very end.  Also I love Walker so I need to know what is going on with him!

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Duty Bound (Angelbound Origins # 0.5)

                Hello happy readers!  So a new release this week that I snagged a copy of early Duty Bound (Angelbound Origins # 0.5) by Christina Bauer from NetGalley is out as of this week!  So this is a prequel novella so it is an extra fast read.  Seriously I sat and read it in one sitting as soon as I downloaded it.  I've loved everything in this world and was happy to go back to the beginning.  I think it can be enjoyed as a first book (as it is story wise) or as an added bit of backstory for fans of the series as is.  

Rating:  5 Stars

                So as many of you know I love the Angelbound series by Christina Bauer.  Both the Origins  and Offspring books.  I adore this world that has been created and I love the characters in them and how fast they read.  So when I found out there was going to be a prequel novella from Lincoln’s POV I was on board.  First more books!  Second…Lincoln’s POV!!!   So this is what it is, the story of from Lincoln from his time in Purgatory prior to the official meeting with Myla.

                This is a fast read.  Not only is it novella length but it also follows the suit of all the other books in the series keeping pace with action and intrigue.  I loved getting to see things from inside Lincolns head.  He had a very specific way of seeing things and I can only imagine how that changed even further as he opened himself up to more.  His views on Purgatory and marriage in general caught me off guard.  The idea of him not wanting to marry for love and never expecting to find love blew me away knowing the love and relationship he ends up with.  I totally get it though as it plays out and I really enjoyed seeing this piece of him.  Plus his first reaction to Myla, before ever meeting her was priceless.  I also loved seeing his and Walker’s relationship having heard of it before but never seeing them one on one.

                So this was fast and quick but totally worth the read.  I highly recommend it to any Angelbound fan!  It’s a great insight into our favorite Thrax prince! 

                Until next time…

Thrax (Angelbound Origins #4)

                Hello happy readers!  So I am thrilled to be back in the swing of things.  Today I'm super excited to be sharing my thoughts and feelings on the newest book in a series I just adore, Thrax (Angelbound Origins  #4) by Christina Bauer.  I have reviewed the previous books in the series Angelbound, Scala, and Acca.  There are more books in the series as a whole as the series took a time jump but now we are getting all the fun adventures we hear mention of in the Angelbound Offspring series.  Thrax releases tomorrow 9/26/17 but I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC (thank you NetGalley & Monster House Books) since my pre-order won't be here til tomorrow!  Even though there are future books I will only be discussing spoilery type materially as it pertains to the first three books in the series numerically as this takes place just after Acca.

Rating:  5 Lighting Bolts

                We left off with our dynamic duo getting hitched!  Well a bit more than that really since Myla's little igni have decided to make sure she has a scala heir sooner rather than later.  Newly married, newly pregnant, and new to the whole ruler thing Myla is taking on a whole new set of responsibilities which isn't easy given she's been having some weird dreams and scala related issues.  As their honeymoon comes to a close, time to get back to responsibilities of life, Lincoln disappears and Myla wakes up with someone who looks like her husband but she can tell is not.  Problem is not everyone else can pick up on 'Evil Lincoln' as she is.  Oh and he may have already planted that the pregnancy has made her crazy.  Yep that doesn't go over well with Myla.  Myla is always ready for a fight, and fighting to find her real Angelbound love is priority number one.  Only with her pregnancy she has to fight smart, less punching more thinking.  Enlisting the help of people she knows she can trust she must get to the bottom of what is happening before its too late.

                I have enjoyed all of the books in this series.  This series and author are auto-buy for me and as soon as pre-order links are available I always get my copy secured.  The world as a whole is vast and ever changing full of so many amazing stories and inspiration to draw from.  Each book is slam packed full of action, even if Myla is not jumping in fists first, Thrax doesn't lose any of the fast paced action.  The pacing keeps up as there is a mystery to solve.  Why would someone replace Lincoln?  But more important where is he?  I have really enjoyed watching Myla grow and change as the series grows and she adapts to each change in her life but still maintains who she is at her core.  She may be the Great Scala, a wife, queen, and mother to be but she is also part lust and wrath demon with a wicked sense of humor and a kick butt attitude. 

                I adore my Myla and Lincoln.  I can't say how much I adore this couple and how well they mesh for me.  I don't just adore him as a book boyfriend but I love them together.  The way they balance one another out just makes them for me and I could never grow tired of them.  With that in mind, with Lincoln being missing (the real deal one anyways) Myla works with her best friend Cissy.  I have enjoyed this friendship since book one and appreciate that is has come back into focus.  I love seeing more of Cissy and Myla adventures since they too balance one another out in a different kind of way.  We also got another character to 'meet' as it were that just had me saying 'awe' or laughing constantly. 

                This book flew by in pretty much one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.  That is one of my favorite parts of these books they have so much happening but it happens in a way that you just sail on through from sweet moments, heart racing, shock and awe, and surprises all the time.  There is always something new to learn and see. Thrax is a rollercoaster ready to take you on a fast thrilling ride you will enjoy and want to go on again!  Every book is.  I'm so excited for book five The Dark Lands but more than that a prequel Duty Bound  from Lincolns POV which comes out first.  So many stories I can't get enough! Plus come on these covers!  

                If it's not clear by my enthusiasm I highly recommend this series to EVERYONE!  Seriously read it so we can discuss because I have far too few people to gush about this with!  

~Waiting on Wednesday~ Thrax (Angelbound #4)

                “Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  Basically books that are not yet out that we are dying to get our hands on.  This week’s pick is:

Thrax (Angelbound #4) by Christina Bauer

Out:  6/26

From Goodreads:

                Myla Lewis has marries Prince Lincoln, and now they’re expecting!  All the after-realms rejoice.  Myla should be happy too, but she has a serious problem.  The day after their honeymoon ended, Myla’s real husband disappeared.

                The man who’s sharing her bed is an imposter.

                Myla tries explaining about “Evil Lincoln,” but no one will listen.  The reason?  People think that Myla’s supernatural pregnancy is making her cray cray.  Mostly because that’s what Evil Lincoln is telling everyone, and that man’s a great liar.  What a creep.

                There’s no way Myla will take this lying down, though.  She’s going to rescue her man, and she has a pretty good idea where he’s being held.  With her best friend, Cissy, along to help, Myla sneaks off to Earth.  All she has to do is blend in with the humans, avoid Evil Lincoln, and find her real man before the baby arrives.  How hard can it be?

Why I’m Waiting:

                I love this series and this world and I can’t wait to read more about Myla and Lincoln!  I’ve reviewed all the other books, seriously they are my favorites! 

                What are you waiting on?  Tell me below what you think of this title and leave a link to your WoW as well so I can check it out.

Concealed (Beholder #2) by Christina Bauer

                Hello happy readers.  I am working my way back up to being caught up in reading and real life.  I’m still a bit behind but I’m getting much closer and wanted to dive back in.  Though for the current time I think I will adjust my posting schedule leaving off Friday posts until I’m caught back up.  If you’re wondering still in the chaos of trying to purchase said house but it’s out of my hands for the moment.  So back into the real reason we do this, books!

                Today I wanted to discuss Concealed, the second book in the Beholder series by Christina Bauer.  I reviewed the first book Cursed here. She is also the author of another series I adore Angelbound, but now her books have a new home at Monster House Books.  I’m excited for the new Angelbound book as well but right now I want to discuss my thoughts on Concealed.  I was lucky enough to get an ARC from the publisher/author.  You know the drill: sequel = spoilers from book one. 

Rating: 5 Totem Rings

                Elea, Grand Mistress Necromancer, and her Caster ally Rowan banished the Tsar in the last book but the Vicomte was able to escape and take many of her necromancer sisters with him.  Now Elea is on a quest to find her sisters and put an end to this evil man, who may be even more vicious and dangerous than the Tsar.  It’s a rescue mission that could turn deadly easily and while she may have Rowan’s help that may cause its own set of dangers as they are opposites.  Plus it’s always dangerous to have your heart on the line.

                First I read this in one sitting.  I flew through it and couldn’t put it down.  It’s so easy to fall back into the story and into the magic of it all.  Things are not looking good.  Elea is confident in her strength but not so much in her feelings, after being trained to never show emotion and to stem all her feelings, a lesson he was never good with, after becoming close to Rowan in the last book it’s hard to block him out.  Especially when he keeps popping up to offer his help.  On her own Elea is a force to be reckoned with and I adore her dedication to finding her sisters no matter the cost.  It’s not just about saving her people, her race, but also finding her friend and little Ada which only warms you up to her that much more!  She isn’t cold and heartless, she actually has a much bigger heart than most. 

                Rowan.  Okay so I was totally in love with him in the first book.  I adore him in this as well, minus the secrets for his people, while I understand but don’t like.  He is the same sexy and sweet Castor we got to know in the first book.  He wants to protect Elea and tries to convince her to go home but he also respects that she isn’t the type to sit on the side lines and instead offers her whatever help he can.  He treats her as an equal which is a huge positive!  Plus the interaction between them is electric!

                We also get to know a couple new characters, Amelia and Philippe.  I enjoyed getting to know these different characters as they brought a sense of levity to some rather darker type of mood.  This is especially true of Philippe.  He was rather charming in his own way, such a scandalous flirt in a very outrageous and fun way only some can pull off.  Amelia on the other hand brings a different level to the story with her upbringing and with her skill in mechanics.  She isn’t just about magic but machines and the way the two types can combine is rather inventive.  

               The story really keeps you going and guessing from page one until the end.  I have lots of questions and some serious need to hear more after some revelations that we uncovered.  Seriously I am so not okay with certain things they made my eyes get all watery and I need them fixed ASAP!  Plus there is a whole new kind of magic happening that is just aching to be explored further and I can’t wait to see how it plays into the next story.  I already have the next book three Cherished on pre-order!  So I highly recommend getting caught up in this story that is fast paced and filled to the brim with all the good things you want in a story from interesting and unique characters and plot to magic battles, romance, and world building including a masked ball! Yes I love masked balls!  

                Until next time…

Portia~ Angelbound Offspring #2 by Christina Bauer Blog Tour! Interview, Review, Giveaway and more!

Presented by

Title: Portia
Series: Angelbound Offspring
Vol or Book #: 2

Author: Christina Bauer
Audience: Adult 18+
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: E-book and Paperback
Publisher: Ink Monster LLC
Cover by: Art by Ana Cruz, Graphics by Paddy Donnelly
Editor: Ink Monster LLC
Pages: 250 pages
ISBN: 9780990635246
ASIN: B00W2A9Q0G
Date Published: 10-27-15

Unlike her famous older brother Maxon, Princess Portia isn't known for killing demons or attracting admirers.  The reason why is simple:  a spell was cast on Portia, and the magic has marked her to one day transform into a dreaded Void demon.  To fight this horrible fate, Portia's spend her life hiding in libraries and learning magic.  But when the Void demons threaten to destroy all the after-realms—and the handsome dragon Emperor Tempest offers his help—then Portia suspects that her future holds more than just a demonic metamorphosis.  Fate is calling the bookworm princess onto the battlefield, and it's a fight against both deadly enemies and her heart's desires.

   

AMAZON / GOODREADS / NOOK / IBOOKS / KOBO

 

Chapter One

I am so late.

My heart beats at double speed while I rush up the staircase to the Ryder mansion. After pulling open the fancy wooden door, I step inside a large and empty foyer. Well, it’s almost empty.

The President of Purgatory is waiting for me. Not good.

Even worse, her mouth is pressed into a thin and frustrated line. No question why she’s unhappy. My lecture on Magic Across The After-Realms should’ve started twenty minutes ago.

“Portia, you’re finally here,” she sighs. “We were getting frantic.”

The President’s known for being tough on crime, graft, and well, everything really. But she’s also my grandmother. When it comes to family, Gram’s a softie who worries like crazy. I should know, being a softie myself. I give her a quick peck on the cheek. “So sorry, Gram. I got caught up.”

Gram’s tail sways warily over her right shoulder. No shock, there. Every quasi-demon in Purgatory has a tail. Gram’s variety is long and black with an arrowhead-shaped end and a mind of its own.

Currently, that mind totally suspects that I’m up to something.
Good suspicion, actually.

“What are you working on this time?” asks Gram. “Is it dangerous magic? Please tell me you’re being safe.”

“No, it’s not dangerous at all,” I say.

Which isn’t entirely true.

My cheeks redden with guilt, but I can’t exactly admit that I was up all night trying to track Void demons by casting spells with an enchanted canopic jar. It’s super-tricky stuff. I could’ve ended up with a Void demon in my living room, and I’m not what you call battle-hardy.
 

 

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. An avowed girl geek, Christina loves creating immersive fantasy worlds with action, adventure, romance, and kick-ass female protagonists. As part of her work in Ink Monster, Christina has co-developed the ‘Heroine’s Journey,’ a blueprint for telling female myths inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and golden retriever Ruby.

Thank you for speaking with me.  I'm trying not to fangirl too much, though I'm not much good at it.  I gush about this series and Ink Monsters different series as a whole since I first read Angelbound and Becoming Alpha what seems like forever ago.  Anywho thanks again I guess I'll ask questions now ;)

               Aw, shucks!  You made my day!

What are three things on your bucket list?

               Good question!  One.  Quit my day job and write full time.  Two.  Visit the pyramids.  Three.  Support my son into becoming the best little guy that he can be.

How did you first get into writing?

               I started telling 'my stories' as soon as I could talk.  By the time I hit first grade, the nuns had to set aside story hour for me at the end of the day so I wouldn't interrupt class anymore! To this day, stories are going on in my head all the time.  My Aunt was a writer, so she steered me in that direction from an early age.  Guess I was lucky she didn't work in an asylum, because I sometimes wonder where my behavior could have sent me otherwise!

What inspired the world of Angelbound? 

               Angelbound came right out of my experiences working at Microsoft and founding a global investment program for our small reseller partners.  I was having a great time kicking ass, taking names, and building the program across multiple groups.  At the time, people kept warning me about becoming a target—back then, it was dangerous to build something across groups—but I was having such fun, I didn't care.  Myla's voice is exactly how I sound when I'm in the zone on a good work battle.  I do fist bumps, happy dances, the whole nine yards.  I even sing little songs on calls when I have good news.  Ba-ba-ba-bah-bah-bah-BAAAAAAH!  I had people search me out 'just to meet me,' and I thought this side of myself might be fun to make into a character.

               So you know, I did get the backlash from a new boss who wanted me and my program gone.  He got what he wanted.  Today, I still work with Microsoft but as a partner.  I'm going out to Remond next week to meet with the VP of Global Alliances.  Myla FTW!

Purgatory sure is full of different creatures that make sure there is never a dull moment.  Briefly tell us a little about the main ones we'll be focusing on in Portia.  Void demons, Quasi-demon, Thrax, and Dragon Emperor.

               Ooooh, I love this question!  I do Pinterest boards to inspire my world building.  I've linked the appropriate ones below.

               Void demons are nasty goop monsters who eat the Firmament, which is the magical network that keeps Purgatory, Heaven, Hell and everything else connected.

               Quasi-demons run Purgatory.  They are mostly human with a little demon DNA that manifests as a tail and as a power across one of the seven deadly sins.  Portia's mother is quasi.  Since Portia has a little demon blood in her as well, that makes her quasi, too.

               Thrax are demon fighters who are part angel and part human.  They live far below the Earth's Surface in Antrum.  Portia's father is thrax.

               Tempest is the Emperor of the Furor, a race of dragon shifters who have special powers over the deadly sins of lust and wrath.  Tempest is known for constantly taking new lovers.  However, those closest to him have recently noticed a change in the Emperor.  Is he getting ready to chose his Rhana, what dragons call their life mate?  Or has the choice already been made long ago?

Dragons.  There s a dragon on the cover and in the summary.  How did you decide on the mythology of your dragons?

               OMG.  This is something I spent a ton of time on and then, it got like two paragraphs in the book!  The way my mind works, it just turns over a world 24-7 while I'm in a book.  I can't shut it off if I tried!  Once I get on a roll, I use Pinterest to help me visualize things.  For Portia, the dragons are organized into different tribes.  There are glassdragons, water dragons, butterfly-sized dragons, and dragons who craft gems in order to gain power over magic.  And a ton more.

We started out with Myla.  Now we have progressed forward jumping a bit forward with each book moving to the children.  What made you decide to jump forward and from Myla as primary?

               This is all Tempest's fault.  He started showing up in scenes in book 2 and would not get out of my head.  He appeared as this fully realized character and I fell in love with him.  I was like, hey now!  You're who and you want what?!  He was even already buds with Maxon and had a thing for Portia.  Now that Tempest has his book and can shut the f*ck up, I'm thinking about going back and doing another book in Myla's voice between Scala and Armageddon.  It would cover their wedding and all that good stuff.  It's tentatively called Acca and I should have a release date soon.

The Igni predicted Portia and even whispered her name to her mom, did her parents have any say in her name? 

               No, they had no say whatsoever in Portia's name.  Kind of like how I felt when Tempest started showing up J From a story perspective, the ingi got in cahoots with Verus and came up with the name together.

Also how did you as the author or the Igni come up with the name?

               From a writer side, I like the idea of Portia and Tempest.  Her character is a 'port in the storm' of Tempest's life.  Can't say more without giving anything away!

What do you want readers to take away from your books?

               Oh, if you have a good time and can escape from reality for a while, then I'm a happy camper.  I love it when people tell me that my books inspire them to go out and kick ass in some way, too!

Do you have any new projects coming up?

               Yes, I'm working on a new series called Beholder.  The first book, Cursed, is due out in March 2016.

How can your readers get in touch? (Links provided just below)

Inkmonster

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Thank you so much!  I can't wait to see your answers.

               Thank YOU for your thoughtful questions!

 

       

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON / PINTEREST

Instagram Username : CHRISTINA_CB_BAUER

                So now that you know all the awesome reasons you should be reading this series I want to share with you my thoughts on the newest edition.  I was beyond excited when this one became available on NetGalley.  Like out of town download the kindle app on my phone and stayed up all night at my friends not sleeping but reading.  Yep. That is how good.

Rating: 5 Stars

                As if it wasn't clear I LOVED this book.  Meeting Portia and seeing a different type of character was super interesting.  She is kick-ass no doubt, but she is a different kind of kick-ass.  She's not as battle ready as the rest of her family but she is fierce in a way of handling the adversity she has been plagued with from birth and not standing around waiting for things to happen to her but fighting to challenge them.  And of course she's not completely unequipped in battle, she is the daughter of Myla and Lincoln after all.  Oh and then there is Tempest.  I liked him in Maxon sure, he was intriguing and such but now to have so much of him is even better!  I can see what Christina was compelled by this dragon.  He's a charming and mysterious bad ass with a soft side that makes you want to sin. 

                There is more magic in this story that previous ones and we also learn more about the world as a whole, how all the realms work and are connected.  The story is a roller coaster that doesn't stop moving.  There is constantly something happening, never a dull moment, probably why I couldn’t put the book down to sleep.  You are instantly pulled into the world, into Portia's destiny, the salvation of all the realms.  There is something in the story for everyone. 

                Portia and Tempest work together, both new to one another and figuring the other out but still working together on the quest.  I liked how the story built.  There is some insta-attraction, but come on both parties have part lust demon in them and are sexy that was bound to happen but the connection builds from just attraction which is something I loved discovering with them.  Plus did I not mention he can turn into a full on dragon!  How awesome is that?  I would totally want him on my side.  Even when there was some vague answers thrown about courtesy of our favorite angel of visions, seriously I think she likes talking in riddles, everything blended into the larger story.  I also love how the characters I fell in love with from the first book are still active and present in the story and not just a foot note.

                That's all I have to say on it.  I highly suggest picking up Portia, the whole series really because they are all such great fun to read.  I hope you all have enjoyed these fun events I know I have.  Fangirl central being able to interview authors whose books I loved, hello.  I only have one more thing for you today and that is the giveaway just below.  Take a moment and enter you could get some awesome goodies! 

                Until next time…    

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33870edf7/?widget_template=55f70ccb0e6eaee8318e2421

Maxon- Angelbound series continues moving forward. 4th book or stand alone.

Maxon makes dragon scales and a tail
look sexy!

                The other day I happily announce the release of two books that continue two different series I am in total love with.  I discussed Bruja but today I’d like to discuss the other new release by Ink Monster, Maxon by Christina Bauer.  I received and ARC from the publisher, Ink Monster, and NetGalley for my thoughts.  Mostly just advance copies because they’ve been pre-ordered on my Amazon account since October 2014. 

                So as I mentioned Maxon is the fourth book in the Angelbound series, so there will be some spoilers from the previous books as usual. The review for the previous book, Armageddon, can be found here. It takes place several years after the previous book and can be read as a stand-alone, though I highly recommend reading the whole series because it is amazing and gives you an even deeper appreciation for some of the smaller characters in the book.

                Maxon focuses on our twenty-two year old prince who is still haunted by the past abduction as a child.  He plays it off and keeps his life focused on two main activities hunting/killing demons and seducing women.  He just wants to live his life as it.  Problem is he’s stalling out and the thrills from both are not doing it for him anymore and having part lust and wrath demon in him that’s saying something.  That is until he meets Lianna, who’s beautiful and just his type but she’s also a fighter.  She has her own dark history and she is dealing with some problems of her own with the elementals.  As our Prince Maxon helps Lianna with her problems he starts to wonder if he has found someone real.

Lianna in Thrax form!
From the Maxon blog.

                Okay that is a simplified version for sure.  There is way more happening and never a dull moment.  Something new was the dual POV.  We have chapters from Maxon and Lianna, which really flushed out the characters as well as the story each having different area of expertise.  We also get to learn about a different area.  We know about the Thrax, the quasi-demon, Purgatory and Hell but this time we learn about the elementals.  They are pretty wicked.  What was hinted at as vague knowledge comes full force with Lianna.  The opening of the world’s together. 

                Maxon is a warrior and part wrath demon like his momma and as mentioned Lianna is also a fighter so we are not lacking in the action department.  There are lots of battles and fights that use a combination of magic and straight up warrior skill.  We mostly learn about water and air elementals, but to see them play against one another was completely new and exciting to learn about.  Maxon also has the awesome ability to control lightening…yep bad ass.  Plus he has dragon scales on his arm making it like built in armor and a super nifty tail that is a huge asset in battle.  Basically it adds up to a lot of action and different fighting techniques you can easily visualize. 

                Action is a check but it would be missing so much without some romance.  Oh yes it has that as well, so double check.  Lianna and Maxon have an initial attraction as two attractive people do but as they get to know one another the dynamic changes naturally and blossoms into something so sweet it will make anyone swoon.   Maxon is our semi brooding playboy prince who has some past issues to work through who has never allowed himself to really care for a member of the opposite sex aside from family.  Lianna herself has some romance issues in her past and present to deal with and knows very well of Maxon’s reputation with the ladies.  Watching as they work together and get to know more about one another it just heats up the kindle screen.

Dragon on cover = Awesome!

                Best thing about the book?  It surprised me.  In a good way, clearly.  I normally have things figured out but I admit there were aspects I didn’t see coming at all until right there.  I always love that in a book.  I really enjoyed Maxon as the series continued and is moving along in the time line and progressing the story.  We still see glimpses of some of our favorite characters from the first couple books which makes me want to re-read them all.  Also just like the other series, because Ink Monster is awesome like that, they already have the next book in the series listed and set for October, Portia.  Isn’t the cover beautiful?  Come on it has a dragon on it…just saying easy win.  I can’t wait for more and from the description, which is a spoiler for this one fyi, we have another jump forward.  Never a boring moment in the Angelbound world.

Rating: 5 Lighting Bolts

Angerlbound: Armageddon- Hell Yeah!

Goodreads / Amazon

                Two days back to back!  This one is a bit late but had a bit of an injury on the hand which makes this a tad bit more difficult, but I can manage.  As promised, today I’m reviewing the other book to release yesterday for Ink Monster, and that is Armageddon the 3^rd book in the Angelbound series written by Christina Bauer.  I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and Ink Monster for my honest review.  There will be spoilers for the first 2 books in her and again, if you haven’t started the series yet I highly recommend it.  If you want to check out my reviews of Angelbound or Scala click the titles then come back.  Also, the first book in the series is also in a bind-up with Becoming Alpha.  

                So I went into this book with no information on what it was about.  I didn’t look at the synopsis or anything.  I knew it was book 3 in a series I love and had Myla on the cover looking all bad ass in her fighting suit and her dragon tail ready for action.  Once I was a few pages in I did go back and read the start which cleared up my confusion.  This book skips ahead and takes place 5 years from where Scala left off.  Once confirming I hadn’t missed anything important, like a novella, in there somewhere I was good to go once more.     We pick up the story with Myla and Lincoln married and splitting their time between Purgatory and Thrax, after all they are King and Queen.  They also have a little boy named Maxon, yes it looks like Myla’s inner lust demon was finally let out on Lincoln.  Things have been relatively good and drama free but Myla needs to put her fighting suit back on and fight her biggest battle yet, in Hell.  She'll face Armageddon, The King of Hell, himself when he kidnaps her son.  A war between the after-realms is emanate and will likely result in millions of lives lost.  So Myla devises her own plan, a small attack team to rescue her son and avoid war.

                Armageddon is another quick read from Ink Monster.  They are wonderful at packing a story full of all the good things but keeping the pacing moving along without a single slow spot so you sit down to read and get up when it's finished.  I love reading about Myla, she is such a kick ass character, literally she used to fight in the arena!  Now she has her Scala powers, and the power that comes from being a Queen of the Thrax and the daughter of the president of Purgatory.  She is also part fury demon and a mother and you don't mess with a mothers child and not deal with her wrath.  There is a lot going on in the story and at first the 5 year skip made me sad, so much stuff we missed, but then after thinking about it, doing this they had a different story to tell instead of risking any repeating.

Next book already has a cover!

                So there is plenty of non-stop action going on in the story, given.  There is also a new emotional attachment.  Myla and Lincoln are parents, which means carving out alone time for themselves between their busy schedules.  There is still great chemistry between those two and they are able to bring out the best in one another.  The plot of this story is fast paced and you are drawn quickly into the world once more, trying to figure out how Armageddon plans to get his hands on Myla and Lincoln's son and then how to get him back without playing into a trap. 

                I give this book 5 Igni easily and can't wait for the next one to come out.  If you like quick reads with great characters that get your heart racing, action, and suspense check out the Angelbound series. 

Alpha Divided...Need I say more.

Goodreads / Amazon

                Okay so today is a very exciting day, we have 3 great books coming out.  I’ve been talking about this for a while now, including the bind up that was released earlier this week that holds book 1 in The Alpha Girl series.  Books out today are Cipher which I reviewed here; Armageddon (Angelbound #3), which I’ll review tomorrow; and the book I’m going to be reviewing today Alpha Divided.  I was lucky enough to receive all three of these book ARC’s from NetGalley and Ink Monster.  So check them out today.  If I didn’t mention, Alpha Divided is the 3^rd book in the Alpha Girls series so from here on out there will be spoilers for the previous two books.  Kinda hard to talk about book 3 at all without out them, so be warned. For my original reviews for Becoming Alpha and Avoiding Alpha click on the title.

                Alpha Divided picks up pretty much just where Avoiding Alpha leaves off.  Tessa is still trying to figure out her life and the consequences that they are still working through from book 1.  The same thing that started it all, Tessa meeting Dastien and him biting her and turning her into a werewolf.  Since then she has fought vampires, learned she was supposed to lead a witch coven before the whole werewolf thing, broken a curse to save a friend, and fought her own issues to be with her true mate.  Things are even looking up, Tessa and Dastien will have a wonderful full moon ceremony to officially bind them and also make their case stronger.  That is until the local coven crash the party and throws down an ultimatum, give Tessa back to the witches or face war with the witches.  There is no good choice.  Tessa doesn’t want to cause a war but she also knows she can’t make the coven happy.  She’s a werewolf now and her place is as an Alpha in the pack, not part of the coven she is sure practices dark-magic.  She may not have the different sides of her life figures out yet but one thing Tessa is sure of, Dastien.  So a life where they are parted isn’t in the card.  Tessa must walk a delicate line to help save as many lives as possible.

Such pretty covers

                This book has a lot going for it just with that alone.  It ramps up the relationship feels for sure.  The connection that Tessa and Dastien have is so strong and beautiful.  They have to face some pretty tough things and the reader, along with Tessa, finds out just how strong the bond is.  We also get a look inside the coven, and a closer look at the darkness there.  Tessa is by no means happy with the current situation but she is determined to help out where she can and as consolation prize she gets to learn some more about her past, her family, and oh yeah her bruja side. 

                The series as a whole flows so easily, I read through it in one sitting.  I devoured the book and didn’t put it down until the end, where I got my heart broken that I have to wait for more about Tessa and Dastien.  Their connection is a main focal point for the series thus far, at least for me, but in this we get to see how other react to it.  We’ve been surrounded by other pack members who understand the whole dynamic even when Tessa didn’t.  Now she has to explain it to the coven and it becomes clear it wasn’t an accident or a purposefully slight against the coven.  You also have the connection she has to her family, as she uncovers the past truths and digs deeper into the world she was meant to lead.

I don’t want to give any more away, I want you to go into it unspoiled and ready for the feels and the action.  Aside from the having to wait part at the end, I am in complete love with this book as I have been with the series so far.  It holds a magical combination of fast paced action, mystery, witty dialog, and of course the romance makes it a winner.  I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying this book.  It had me so worked up at parts where I had to set the kindle down and lean over it because I was scared I’d squeeze my poor kindle too hard waiting for what would happen next. 

All 3 available today!

Alpha Divided is available today so check it out.  Again if you’re new to this series I highly recommend it, 5 Stars.  The first book of the series is also in a bind-up with Angelbound which I mentioned a few days ago, here, so feel free to take advantage of that deal as well.  Also out by our talented Aileen Erin is Cipher, and Armageddon by Christina Bauer which I’ll be reviewing tomorrow to check back then!