Books That Need More Attention Hop ~ Ondine Quartet by Emma Raveling

I'm so happy and honored to be a part of the Books That Need More Attention Blog Hop! 

What is this, you may be asking?

This hop is about books you love that not enough other people have found out about. With our busy lives and lengthy 'to be read' lists, sometimes those special books that can truly alter our reading experience slip through the cracks, unnoticed. 

And this hop is about making sure you bookworms know about the books worth reading that you might not have picked up yet! 

As a part of the Books That Need More Attention Hop run by the amazing Valerie Fink, I'm blogging today to bring to your attention a truly unique & exciting YA series.

The Ondine Quartet by Emma Raveling.

This feature includes a whole lot of excitement - from a fun Q&A with the author, to lots of great giveaways!

So hang on to your hats...and let's get started!

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout ~ Review

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) 
By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rating: 5


'"You've never been kissed before, have you?"

"That's so not your business." I folded my arms as Roth waited for an answer. "I think it's obvious. I can't kiss anyone. You know, the whole soul-sucking thing makes it difficult."

"Not if you're kissing someone who doesn't have a soul." 
I made a face. "And why would I kiss someone who doesn't-"

He moved unbelievably fast. 

I didn't even have a chance to react. One second he was standing a good three feet away from me and the next his hands were gently clasping my cheeks. There was an instant when I wondered how something so strong and deadly could hold anything so carefully, but then he titled my head back and lowered his own.'

Some people say kisses are life-changing. Layla's are death-inducing.

At seventeen, Layla carries a heavy burden - she craves the taste of souls. 

Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has never fit in anywhere. Raised by gargoyles - formally known as Wardens, whose job it is to keep the world safe from demons and the like - Layla has grown up hating the side of her that has made her an outcast. Having a place amongst the Wardens means controlling her demon side, not matter the cost.

Losing control is not an option.

Neither is kissing anyone, ever, for fear of taking their soul. Especially Zayne, her friend and protector. Who just so happens to be a Warden. And totally off-limits, leaving Layla to crush on him from afar.

Never trust strangers with candy. Or demons with tattoos and wicked smiles.

After a lifetime of being kept in the dark, Layla gets a rude awakening when she meets Roth - a smexy demon who comes bearing bad news.

The short story? Layla is in terrible danger. With half of Hell out to capture her for nefarious reasons, and the other half out to maim and possibly kill her, she's running out of time and luck. The up side? Roth seems intent on protecting her, and helping her put a stop to whomever - or whatever - is behind this demon uprising. 

But can you ever truly trust a demon? Especially one who you're in danger of falling for?

The end of the world is coming. The question is: whose side is she on?

Where do Layla's loyalties lie - with the Wardens, or with Roth?White Hot Kiss is another addictive, hilarious and thrilling novel from J Armentrout, with a fearless female protagonist and a gorgeous demon to rival Lux's Daemon.

Author Interview ~ Vanessa Garden, Author of 'Captivate'

2014 has brought many brilliant books into our local bookstores and onto our bookshelves. One of these is the amazing Captivate by author Vanessa Garden - the first book in the Submerged Sun series.

You can view my review of the book by clicking here

Here's a little bit about Captivate:

'In a glittering underwater world, nothing is as it seems...

For the past twelve months since her parents’ death, seventeen-year-old Miranda Sun has harboured a dark secret — a secret that has strained the close relationship she once shared with her older sister, Lauren. In an effort to repair this broken bond, Miranda’s grandparents whisk the siblings away on a secluded beach holiday. Except before Miranda gets a chance to confess her life-changing secret, she’s dragged underwater by a mysterious stranger while taking a midnight swim.

Awakening days later, Miranda discovers that she’s being held captive in a glittering underwater city by an arrogant young man named Marko...the King of this underwater civilisation.

Nineteen-year-old Marko intends to marry Miranda in order to keep his crown from falling into the sinister clutches of his half-brother, Damir. There’s only one problem. Miranda is desperate to return home to right things with her sister and she wants nothing to do with Marko. Trying to secure her freedom, Miranda quickly forms an alliance with Robbie — Marko’s personal guard. However, she soon discovers that even underwater, people are hiding dangerous secrets...' 
(Blurb from Goodreads)


I was recently blessed with the wonderful opportunity to interview Ms. Garden on her novel. A big thank you to both Ms. Garden and to Ms. Polina Madorsky, Harlequin's Digital & Marketing Executive, for making this interview possible.

I hope you enjoy the interview, and that it gives you all an insight into this new and - pardon the pun - captivating series!

***

Booknut: What gave you the idea for Marin - a secret civilisation which exists underwater?

Vanessa Garden: I think there are three things that contributed to the idea of Marin. I grew up by the ocean, so I was always swimming and imagining secret underwater worlds and wondering 'what if?'. Also, my great-grandfather swore that he once saw a merman in the Adriatic Sea - I used to love listening to this story as a child! And lastly, a vision of Marin came to me while listening to a song. It was the garden scene with Marko and Miranda, one of my favourites.  

Booknut: What inspired Captivate's plot?

Vanessa Garden: The garden scene came to me first, along with many questions. Who were these two people? What were they discussing? Right away I got the feeling that Marko was at home in this underwater world and that Miranda wasn't. Then I started wondering how she got there and why. The story started to write itself from that point on, which was so exciting! I could hardly keep up with the many conversations and scenes playing out inside my head. 

Booknut: Give us an insight into Captivate's main female protagonist, Miranda. What is it that makes her different from other YA heroines?

Vanessa Garden:  I guess what makes Miranda different is that she is very ordinary and much like most of us. She has no superpowers or specific strengths to help her out of the dangerous situation she has found herself in. But, over time, and after a few mistakes, I like to think that she does gain confidence in herself which then helps her to grow from page one through to the end. 

Booknut: Do you have a favourite part of the book?

Vanessa Garden: Can I have two? I love the scene where Marko discovers Miranda in his grandfather's room. It's where they share their first spark, so to speak. Also, I love Miranda's first look at the city of Marin, and I absolutely adore the way Robbie takes care of her after the shock of standing beneath an ocean sky begins to seep in.

Booknut: Who is your favourite character - Miranda, Robbie, or Marko?

Vanessa Garden:  This is such a difficult question to answer (they are all my favourites) but I'll have to say Marko as his backstory is so interesting and out of all of the characters I find myself wanting to know more about him.

Booknut: Miranda is faced many times with the following decision: to leave everyone she loves behind and stay in Marin, or to return home. Do you think this decision will become any easier for her over time? Or will there always be a small amount of indecision?

Vanessa Garden: Great question! I've just completed book two and I can say (without giving too much away) that Miranda will face newer and even tougher choices concerning her family.

Booknut: The cover is gorgeous! What inspired the design?

Vanessa Garden: Well Harlequin are just amazing with their covers so I knew I was in good hands. And I always dreamed the cover of Captivate would have an underwater kiss, so when they sent me the cover I simply died with happiness! It is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined :)

Booknut: Do you have any future books planned for this series?

Vanessa Garden:  Yes. I have planned for two more books to follow Captivate and also a prequel.

Booknut: Finally, do you any parting words of advice for aspiring authors?

Vanessa Garden:  Write the story you would love to read and don't be shy of 'weird' ideas. If the story thrills you, then it is likely to thrill and entertain a reader :)

Booknut: Thank you so much for your time! 

Vanessa Garden: Thanks for having me! It was an absolute pleasure :)

***

To find out more about author Vanessa Garden, feel free to check out any of the links below:

• Her blog
• Her Twitter account
• Her Goodreads profile

And don't forget to get your copy of Captivate via Amazon today! 

Two Witches Walk Into A Demon Bar ~ Salt by Danielle Ellison Review

Salt (Salt #1)
By Danielle Ellison

Rating: 5


'I believe the demon is out there, and it will make itself known sometime. I just have to wait for it all to come together.

I also believe Zac Efron will come to town and fall madly in love with me, so maybe I'm just too hopeful.'

Filled with kick-ass action, timeless humour and a feisty female with a mission, Salt is as addictive as it is magical.

My thoughts on the book:

There is nothing not to like about this book. 

The story twists and turns, keeping readers' minds occupied with a intriguing set of interlocking mysteries that combine to create a stunning plot. Not to mention its cast of funny and heartwarming characters, from the wickedly cute Carter, to the loveable and fashion savvy Connie. 

Salt also manages to bring about a new spin on paranormal fiction...with the witches doing the demon hunting! 

A fan of Cassie Clare's Mortal Instruments series, as well as several other authors whose works have incorporated demon mythology, I wondered how Danielle Ellison would bring to life a concept that has been so frequently used in YA fiction. 

But I needn't have worried. She did just fine - more so, in fact! 

Salt revealed a whole new way of viewing such paranormal concepts, whilst managing to keep the youthfulness of the story intact.

I highlighted over thirty quotes in my ebook copy, another tribute to how relatable and entertaining this book was. Lines like:

"Two witches walk into a demon bar, and somehow they both come out alive," 
and 
"Men don't have wiles, Pen. We have charisma."

Not to mention Carter. Did I mention Carter?! A new YA Crush has emerged, ladies!

Get your copy of Salt today and discover a story you'll never forget.

Captivate by Vanessa Garden ~ ARC Review

Captivate (Submerged Sun #1)
By Vanessa Garden

Rating: 5


'But with each passing moment in these unfamiliar surroundings with all these strange people, and after eating all of these fish meals, I almost started believing that we were actually underwater.

It was impossible, though; completely impossible.'


Prepare to dive into an enthralling tale that will capture your heart and captivate your mind.

Vanessa Garden's Captivate brings to life the YA genre, with a refreshing twist on what's going on in the ocean's mesmerising depths. 

With an underwater civilisation, a fight for a crown, and a dangerous attraction, the tale of Miranda Sun is sure to become a fast favourite with readers - introducing them to a world so like our own...lying just beneath the surface.

Will Miranda choose love or duty? Her past...or her future?

Hot Off The Shelf: Ondine ~ An Ondine Quartet Novella

Ondine (Ondine Quartet #0.5)
By Emma Raveling

Rating: 5


'I knew I shouldn't have gotten involved...'


A brilliantly written novella that ties perfectly into the series, Ondine adds a whole new dimension to Kendra's character.

If you thought Kendra was badass before...you haven't seen anything yet! 

Go back to where it all began.

Kendra, sixteen and fearless, is about to up the ante. Taking on a crime ring in the hopes of proving herself once and for all - as both a fighter, and as an ondine - Kendra will face her biggest challenge yet...who to trust. 

Trust is a luxury an ondine cannot afford.

Learn about Kendra's battle to meet her mother's gruelling expectations, and watch as she struggles tries to keep her true identity a secret from the humans around her, whilst fighting for her life.

This is her life. Her choice. And no one's going to take that away from her.

Kittens & Kryptonite ~ Origin by J Armentrout Review

Origin (Lux #4)
By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rating: 5

"I love you, Kat. Always have. Always will."


My thoughts on the book:

Dear Jennifer Armentrout:


Just...why?!

I'm starting to believe that authors have become way too 'trigger happy' with cliffhangers over the course of 2013. 

Need an ending?
USE A CLIFFHANGER!
Need reader engagement?
USE A CLIFFHANGER!
Want your readers to cry?
USE A CLIFFHANGER!
Can't figure out how to fit that last two pages into your novel?
USE A CLIFFHANGER INSTEAD!

Just...wait a minute. Stop! Don't pull the trigger just yet!

How about we wait and tell the nice readers exactly what happens to Daemon, Katy and the gang at the end of the book when we have a bunch of mystery visitors turn up (who shall not be named!)?

How about we wait and ease their minds?
Their souls?
Their weeping fangirl hearts?!

Is it that hard to just let us know that these characters we love so much are all okay? Must we wait a whole year and a half or more to find out if they're alive? Sane? Still breathing?!

But apart from the use of yet another cliffhanger in the cliffhanger-infused Lux series, this book was seriously awesome.

Be prepared for a BIG surprise!!

If you don't like surprises, I will say one word: Bells. Lots of them ;)

And if you do like surprises, let me just say you're in for a hell of a good one :)

Overall message: Read this book! 

Or buy it, and keep it...and only read it just before the next one comes out so you don't have to suffer from 'Post-cliffhanger Depression' for a prolonged period of time.

Your choice!

Either way you're sure to enjoy this roller coaster of a story - filled to the brim with sexy aliens, people trying to kill one another, and plenty of witty one-liners and perfectly delivered innuendo to go around!

Mystery & Mayhem ~ Thornhill by Kathleen Peacock Review

Thornhill (Hemlock #2) 
By Kathleen Peacock

Rating: 4.6


"You do know why I'm really here, don't you?"

I shook my head. I didn't. Not anymore.

Amy looked at me sadly, then glanced over her shoulder at the fountain. Something churned the leaves and gave off a sharp, metallic scent. With horror, I realised the liquid in the basin was blood. I scrambled to my feet, but Amy stayed sitting as though nothing were wrong.

She dipped her finger in the fountain and it came back coated red. "Things are about to get so interesting."

A search.

All Mac wants to do is track down Kyle and return with him to Hemlock. But how do you find someone that doesn't want to be found? It's no easy task, and with the Trackers hot on their heels, Mac is running out of time.

A raid.

Mac's ideal reunion is cut short as she and Kyle, along with a group of werewolves, are captured and sent to Thornhill, a rehabilitation camp for young werewolves - a camp shrouded in mystery. As they are assimilated into camp life, the dangers slowly reveal themselves...especially for Mac. 

If she tells those in charge she's a reg (a human) she might never see her friends again. But if she pretends to be one of the wolves, she's playing a dangerous game that may cost her her life.

A living nightmare.

Werewolves begin to disappear. Training regimes test the wolves physically and mentally. Cameras watch their every move. 

And the question remains: will Mac manage to uncover the dark secrets of Thornhill and save her friends before it's too late? 

Hearts collide, alliances crumble and form, horrors unfold and ghosts make their re-appearances in this thrilling sequel that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat!

Quick Picks ~ Demon Kissed by H.M. Ward

Demon Kissed (Demon Kissed #1)
By H.M. Ward

Rating: 4.3


"Your passion will keep you alive Ivy Taylor, but it will also risk your soul. It dictates what you do, how you live, and with whom you lay your loyalties. Oh child. You have so much good in you, and so much darkness too.."

A kiss is no big deal...right?



Sure. If the guy you're kissing isn't a soul-thirsty demon intent on ending your life.

From the moment Ivy Taylor is demon-kissed her life will never be the same again.

Enter a tale of angel-picked individuals, soul seeking demons, dreadful prophecies, tirades of secrets and a love that defies all odds. Demon Kissed by H.M. Ward is another thrilling paranormal romance novel which is sure to have you craving more!

Soul Ties by Lisa Swallow ~ Review

Soul Ties (Soul Ties #1)
By Lisa Swallow

Rating: 4.7 
**Some graphic language**


'She would fail.

A hateful tear split from her eye and she blinked it away. Keir wasn't going to see her fear as he killed her, he couldn't have that triumph. If Keir wanted to kill her she would look into his eyes as he did. She locked her gaze with his, willing the teardrop sliding down her face to disappear.

The point of the dagger pressed into her cheek, and pierced her skin. Dizziness started blacking her vision.

Keir shifted his gaze to the unwanted tear running down the frightened girl's dirt-covered cheek. As the teardrop touched her ear, he hesitated.

The dagger clattered onto the floor. Keir stood and ran into the night.'


Working as a Soul-Hunter is like Purgatory. It's not Hell...but it's close.

Ava has hunted down countless demons, retrieving souls from them. It's her job - one she signed up for without fully understanding how tiresome and exhausting a life being followed by the constant threat of death would be. 

Now only one things stands between her and her freedom. A final assignment...the retrieval of a Nephilim soul. The key to ending her servitude.

No one has ever beaten her yet and she won't be letting anything get in the way of success now.

Two steps ahead. Two steps back.

Upon pinpointing her target, a Nephilim male by the name of Keir, Ava prepares herself for an easy hunt. An English university campus only has so many places to hide, and sooner or later the perfect chance will arise for her to confront him and retrieve the soul. 

But Keir is much more than he seems. 

Very aware of Ava's true mission, he thwarts her plans to end him time and time again, both amused and angry at her feeble attempts. Ava can't seem to figure out how to deal with an enemy stronger, quicker and sneakier than herself. Time is against her - failure not an option. 

She needs a plan of attack, and soon. Or she can kiss her freedom goodbye...forever.

Friend...or foe?

Days pass, and Keir continues to challenge everything Ava thought she ever knew about Nephilim. Why would Keir fight a demon if demons and Nephilim were allies? Why doesn't he kill her already? His actions confuse her, throwing her off her game. 

Not to mention the irritating feeling that has begun to grow inside of her...something awfully close to attraction.

He is living proof that what she has been told isn't all true. And Ava isn't sure she'd ready to accept that she's been living a lie.

Secrets crawl to the surface.

She didn't expect to fall in love.
She didn't expect to discover the truth.
She didn't expect to question all she knows.

She didn't expect such a difficult choice: her life...or Keir's?

Sacrifices will be made. Hearts will be broken.

Discover a world of vivid emotions and unbreakable ties - Lisa Swallow's compelling narrative will take you on an unforgettable journey, leaving you wanting more.

Dark Wings by Skyla Madi ~ ARC Review

Dark Wings (The Never Dark #1)
By Skyla Madi

Rating: 4.4
*Recommended for ages 17+**

‘They say that is ‘better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.’ 

I call that bullshit.

Some people would argue that the experience of loving and losing a person is worth it. It’s for the experience, they say.

I disagree.

To lose someone you care for immensely is the worst feeling in the world. I’d take kidney stones or a broken arm over the depression and the sharp heartache that follows me around any day.

When you break an arm, you get up and you get it fixed. With a broken heart, you’re stuck with the memories forever.

You carry around the shadows that are left over from losing the one you loved…and they never seem to go away.’

I was human once, but than I died, and when I died, I was chosen to become and angel, to protect the Earth and all of its inhabitants.

Violet Ashton is a special kind of angel. She hunts the things that go bump in the night, horrors that you couldn’t dream up even in your worst nightmares. Any creatures, or demons, which manage to escape from the Underworld are tracked down and killed. And Violet’s record is as flawless as they come, ninety-nine kills…and counting.

And it’s her next kill that counts the most. 

I couldn’t get a proper reading from her eyes, they flickered constantly between various emotions. Love. Hate. Desire. Sadness. If I waited a second longer, it’d probably be death. 

Lucas Cross is many things – demon, eye candy, One of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, to name a few. Funnily enough, he also happens to be an ex-angel, as well as Violet’ ex-mentor and ex-lover. 

Which makes Violet’s mission to kill him slightly more complicated. 

Not only did Lucas teach her everything she knows about demons and killing them, making him a fierce opponent, but even the sight of him is enough to draw the breath from her lungs. He looks the same, sounds the same even…but as much as it kills her, Violet knows hat he isn’t the Lucas Cross she knew. 

He’s a demon. 
He’s Death. 
He’s her one-hundredth kill. 

And not even love is enough to stay her hand if it comes down to saving the world…or saving the man she used to love.

"I’m not going to kill you because I hate you. I’ll kill you because I love you…and I know that it’s what the old you would’ve wanted.”
I ran the back of my hand down the side of her face. “You know nothing of what I want.”

Love and hate wage war as both sides – Never Dark realm and Underworld – fight for domination. Violet must decide what she is fighting for, and what she wants, before it’s too late…for everyone.

A gripping tale of love found, lost, and reclaimed, Dark Wings provides readers with an irresistible world of action and raw desire.

Take flight today and join the fray!