The Witches of Santa Anna (Books #1-7) by Lauren Barnholdt

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.

Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition.

When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.

The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny....

My Review:
Lauren Barnholdt is a genius when it comes to what I call Chick Lit. Think a Chick Flick movie only made into a tree. I found out that Ms. Barnholdt was playing with YA paranormal fantasy, I was very intrigued and was astonished that you could get the first seven books on Kindle for only .99 cents! I automatically bought it. I should have researched a little deeper because low and behold they were only short (VERY SHORT) novellas for a series. Each book were about three chapters long. I had no problem with it at the time because all seven books were only .99 cents. It was still a deal. Basically this was the first complete book of the series only broken up into novellas. Then I found out there were four more books and I hurried to my kindle store to check them out. They were still novellas and the first two were only .99 cents. Then the last two were $2.99. I am no cheap skate, but this seemed odd to me. Lauren Barnholdt has plenty books that are very good and I enjoy to read, but this turned me off to the series a little bit. First, (not saying its true, this is just my opinion) it seemed she was only writing these short novellas and putting them on Kindle and Amazon making a short three chapter novella for $2.99 only seems like she was just writing this series for the money. I like to think that most writers write for the pure sport and creativity, and they bestow this greatness on us just because they want to make us happy with thier world. Of course, most writers do it for this reason, but there is the other reason (I like to call this the Evil Reason) some writers do it for the money. Now enough with my ranting and I am real sorry for that. Let us go on with the review.

The beginning of the story is real slow to begin with, like with most books, but it is entertaining and funny, not too boring. I love when books do different points of view like Lauren Barnholdt does by naming each chapter with the character for their point of view. I like it more when it is between both the female main character and the male main character. It also gives the characters more life and you get both sides of the story. Where as with most books you only get one side with not all the information. This whole story with Witches is very original the plot was very well thought out. The characters were real and had real emotions. They were not what so ever robots. Some parts did annoy me when each character automatically assumed things that were not true, even though this way was more realistic. It just bugged me because I just wanted the two main characters to get the "Happily Ever After" already. I loved the symbolism with the butterflies, and was really creeped out by some of the characters.

I would recommend this book, so far from what I read were really good. My only problem with is the price for such short books.

Cover: Really pretty. I love that dress. A+

Iron Knight by Julia Kagawa

The Iron Knight Cover. Is. Freaking. Gorgeous. I love the color, the design around the book, and that godly face of Ash, the Winter Prince. Sigh... I cannot wait until this book is out and I get my hands on it!
Or if someone wants to book swap with me, that would be coolio as well.

The release date: October 25, 2011 (MY BIRTHDAY! :D ITS MEANT TO BE!)

The Synopsis from Goodreads.com: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.


To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
*****

Like I said, CANNOT WAIT! Just wanted to let my followers know what I am EXCITED (understatement of  the year) for. :)

Upcoming Reviews!

I have been a busy bee this past month!!! So far, my read count reads 72 books read this year! Awesome! :D I do have a life, please believe me! Haha!
 Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that inspiration has struck me and I have been writing non stop on hopefully my debut novel. I will keep you post on what I am thinking about doing with it! :)))

Now on to the whole review challenge I have taken up ever since I started this Review Blog back in April. I have been trying to better myself with the whole review thing. To not bash, but to critique. To not kiss ass, but to list reasons why I think you should read this book. Well, I have had plenty of tips and plenty of great ideas thanks to my friends Creative Reviews over on Goodreads.com. Check em out! :
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/46156.Creative_Reviews

Anywho, I just wanted to let everyone know that what they should expect pretty soon for upcoming reviews!
In this order, mind you. (I need to keep it organized hehe)

Jenny Pox by J. L. Bryan

Fallen Eden by Nicole Williams

Renouncing the Future by Stephen Kata

On Dark Shores: The Lady by J. A. Clement

Expect these reviews within a couple weeks or so. I say by the beginning of August! So excited! :D

Afterlife By Isabella Kruger

Afterlife is about two young sisters, Louisa and Fluer going to an all girls when their evil aunt doesn't want the "brats" anymore. This all girls school is hell for them and they stuck for years in the place being slaves. When a strange magician comes to the school the Head Master, who wants nothing more than to woo the sexy magician, starts dressing all the girls in dresses and trying to appear that she is actually running a school instead of a slave camp. Louisa is instantly memorized by the magician and vice versa. Then, it turns out the magician is actually a vampire. When Louisa finds out she doesn't care and they go on secretly meeting each other each night. Then the head master finds out and kicks Louisa and the magician out of the house. Fluer is abandoned by her sister. Fluer begins blaming the magician and decides to set out to try to find her sister. Years later she tries to leave the school she is attacked and beaten to a bloody pulp. This is when a family, who cannot bare children take her in and nurse her back to health. They decide to keep Fluer and have her help them run their candy shop. This is where Daniel comes into play. Fluer feels she has met this man before, but cannot put her finger on where. She also does not understand why her new parents cannot stand him and want him to leave Fluer alone. Fluer decides to get some answers.

Afterlife to me was really strange. Let me tell you about what bothered me first, instead of what I like about it.

·         The writing style threw me for a loop and I just simply could not keep up with this fast paced story. For example, one minute Fluer is watching her sister get thrown out of the school and the next she is running away.

·         There was no transition. The time frame was very foggy. Are they in the 1800, or present time? I just couldn't get my bearings. This frustrated me so much.

·         Also the characters were shallow and seemed like robots. No emotion at all. Well, none that I could feel anyway. I just couldn't understand why Fluer loved Daniel so much? They barely had a relationship? I seen nothing to tip me off to where they actually spent time with one another? I want to see raw emotions. I want to see what it is about him that had her leaving her new adoptive, LOVING, CARING family (which she has never had before) for him? Didn’t make sense to me?

·         Nothing about this story made sense to me. It seemed as if Kruger made it all up as she wrote?

·         Another thing was when Kruger jumped from character to character on their point of view. I was like “Am I still reading from Fluer’s POV, or is this Daniel’s? Wait, who is this? Why is she so important? Wait, who the hell’s POV am I freaking reading!!!!!????” This was so frustrating and I could barely get through the book.

·         Then when it was in Fluer POV she automatically knew who everyone was? She never seen the Witch before, but yet she called her by her first name?

·         There were major holes in the plot.

·         Also when Kruger was dealing with characters one minute the villain was a werewolf, but then she was a vampire again?

 I do not understand this whole book at all? What was the sole purpose of this first book? Nothing too crazy happened. There wasn’t really a middle or end. It just seemed like Kruger made a very long beginning? I am just hoping Kruger’s next book comes out soon so I can actually see if her writing approves or if the story get any better.

The only thing I was even remotely kind of happy about was that the story line was very original. I loved the story line, it has so much potential.

Overall: Confusing and would not really recommend it unless you have nothing better else to do.

Cover: LOVE IT! It is so pretty<3

I will buy the next book, if it ever does come out on Kindle.  

Eternal Eden by Nicole Williams

"He sounded like the angel of death coming to teat apart every last living thing on earth, down to the last remaining organism"

Bryn is running away from her past of heartache and torture and by some miraculous string of events - or by closing her eyes and randomly pointing to a place on a map - she ended up in Oregon, and to a college where she could transfer to. The book starts out with unpacking her vehicle and being saved by a curb slaying hunk, named Paul Lowe. After some occurrences she makes an enemy out of the College's slut. Life goes on. Then a professor makes her give a tour to a unknown rich boy. On a Friday night. Yeah, because Bryn is so popular and has several parties she needs to attend. She wishes. After arguing - unsuccessfully - with the professor she final agrees to it. Little does Bryn know this night is going to change her life forever. Literally. The night she looks into William Winter/Hayward's (read and you will understand) eyes a big change will occur within them both.

Eternal Eden was a breath of fresh air. A very big gulp of fresh air. The kind of fresh air you saver after being locked up in the house all day just because you couldn't put this book down for a second, not even to go pee. I loved Bryn as the main character. She was not at all whinny as most girl characters are when they meet their first love. Nor did she let him on thinking she was "googoogaga" over him the very first moment she noticed him. She was smart and witty and very funny when it came down to hiding her feelings from him. William was not going to quit until she was his. William is a character I am VERY fond of. He saves the day, he charming, he is handsome, he is actually funny instead of the whole I-am-serious Edward thing going on. I love when the two love interest are funny and charming instead of serious and kind of cold all the damn time. You are immortal, LIVE A LITTLE! The whole plot of this story made good sense and while some of it was unrealistic, it was great! I mean its fantasy, its going to be a little unrealistic. DUH! Anywho, this is a great story and the second installment of this trilogy is soon to make its debut very soon! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I am too excited for this.

Cover: Pretty cute. It captured my interest instantly.

Overall: READ IT!!!! Its amazing and fun. I loved every minute of it.
<3

Ello, Followers;

I was talking to an author last night about different things, and I was telling her about my blog and my vision for how I want this blog to be. I want to further my reviews and start reviewing EVERY book I have ever read from this point. Its harder than it sounds believe me. I want to be able to start doing ARC reviews to help new or popular author's books out there. I also want to read things that I may not usually read. I would also LOVE to be able to do book giveaways. That would be awesome. One problem, I am too modest to start begging author's for advanced copies of thier books. I feel like I will be invading and not accomplishing what I want to set out and do. I would also LOVE to get more followers.

With this being said, and to the followers I already do have, I need some tips on how to approach this and get the word out I want to be more than just a reader, I want to be that reader where people want to read my reviews and consider what my reviews say.

If I could get ANY form of tips, hints, or just a plain slap in the face on how I can accomplish this task would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you to the followers I already do have. :)

Cassandra

The Lust Garden by Billy Jolie

The Lust Garden is a mixture of stories from a wide range of characters with different points a view that all complimented the main plot almost suductively. In this book you meet a whole different world of the rich and the famous. The secret world, and the realistic one were put together charmingly.

Gianna Salvani was born with a spoon in her mouth, and is the American's Sweetheart. She is already famous as is, but craves the attentions modestly. She wants to be taken seriously, and the best way for any actress to succeed this is to put out a music album. She has so much for going for her, but she seems so be hitting so many road blocks and so much is holding her back. Cue in obsessive serial killer that is out to claim, Miss Salvani. Mr. Serial Killer has a secret he has been hiding from the world. Very dark, terrible secrets, and the Lion plans on punishing Gianna for those crimes commited against him.

The Lust Garden is such a dark and beautiful book. The stories were creative and original and the plot was realistic. My most favorite part of this whole dark tale is the way Mr. Jolie was able to get into the serial killers mind and protray him to dark, and vulnerable while still be intimidating. It was so realistic and deep that I had chills running down my back just by reading the Lion's point of view. Mr. Jolie was so graphic and so descriptive, I felt like I was actually there on both sides as the Lamb and as the Lion. It was breath-taking and very real to me. Usually I hate rape scenes, but these were different. These were from his point of view his way of keeping himself afloat and fresh for his real mission. For Gianna. Now enough about that beautiful character, on to Gianna.

Gianna was such your clique pop star character at first that I hated her until she starts to change and grow up through out the book. At first I wanted to strangle this whinny little blonde girl, and the next thing I know, I began feeling bad for her. Gianna has a secret and its not a pretty one, next thing you know here comes a reporter aiming to break her down and begin to try to tear her world apart. The problem with the point of view of the reporter is that it doesn't really end. You never get to find out some information and if she ever did publish the story. This kind of irked me a tiny bit. I wanted to find out how side of the story played out. Another little thing I wish I got to see more of is the Serial Killer (should I be worried that my favorite character of ALL TIME is a serial killer? Probably.) ending. How did he walk away from that? Different? I just wish I would have seen that. And also it would have been interesting seeing the police's point of view by trying to see who did it every now and then.

Overall: The stories in this book was so raw and controversial. Controversial situations and characters makes, to me, a brilliant book and an amazing author. This was a terrific read.

I very much reccomend this book to any one who actually enjoys a good mystery with original, controversial situations and characters.

Cover: This is what caught my attention. I love the blood smeared on her face and the way she is looking at the camera/reader. Beautiful.