True Fate Shayna Varadeaux | Book Reviews

True Fate Cover

True Fate by Shayna Varadeaux

Series: True Fate #1

Published: January 6th 2014 by Shayna Varadeaux Books
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Fantasy
Format Acquired: ARR/ePub from Author

Synopsis

Epifania De La Garza or Nia as she prefered to be called, knows she isn't normal. Strange things always happened to her and decided to keep it a secret. A secret which she shares only to her best friend Rhea.

On the night of her eighteenth birthday, she unconsciously spoke of a prophecy, luckily though freaked out by it, Rhea witnessed it all. They promised each other to go see her Great Aunt Amarie, but Nia isn't sure if her crazy Aunt could help them uncover all the mystery in Nia's life.

But even before they could get to her Aunt Amarie, Nia already got her fair share of unexpected occurences. She finds herself explicitly drawn to a handsome stranger named Aaron. She dreamed about people who seem to know everything about who she truly is, but wont tell her otherwise.

Now she find herself in the middle of danger, when dreams and reality collide. She brace herself to uncover her True Fate.

My Impression

I never felt so frustrated in my life, while reading a book. And I don't exactly know whether its a good thing or a bad thing. The story started out with Nia and Rhea (who is actually hurt/wounded) somewhere in the woods, hiding from someone. With Nia talking telepathically with Rhea in the fear of being discovered. That did caught my attention and wondered what kind of powers and magical creature, could she possibly be. Then they escaped through a vehicle, sending out thoughts to "others" that they were okay and they need help. Then this Eric guy, suddenly appeared and drive their vehicle and wont answer any of Nia's questions. Once they arrive to their destination, what Nia found in the safe house shocked her enough to loose consciousness. That did a great job on making me held on and read more. 

Second part of the story briefly explained how Nia and Rhea became friends and how they came to share Nia's secret. Ended up with the prophecy Nia spoke off while sleeping which was witnessed once again by Rhea. Once again, caught my so curious mind and made me go on reading.

World building was really awesome, it was very unique. I liked the idea of dream walking, meeting and training in your dream. Which I find really cool. Imagine, cramming for your exam tomorrow inside your dream, you'll still be well rested and ready! I was only confused about the "world" the other characters were talking about, about how they exist inside Nia's mind. I had trouble figuring that out, much less imagine it.

I found Nia too perfect. Beautiful, rich, good daughter, good friend, good sister, have magical powers, fast learner and the only flaws I saw in her was that, she doesn't know what she really is. I didn't like her much. Though, I did like the other characters especially Savannah. I didn't have troubles visualizing all the characters in this book, the author gave them distinctive personality.

There were nothing she hated more than love triangle. 'God I hope that's not what this is...  Note to self, fate is a shady character.' she said smirking.

 I did thought so too. With all the fate thing, I wasn't quite sure where to place Eric. And when the author made it clear as to whom Eric should belong... I was left wondering, "is that it?" just like that... and was only a physical attraction? I was sure Nia was so affected by Eric. Which really confused me a lot. 

I liked the plot, kept me wondering what would unfold next, how Nia could grow as a character, how Aaron could be more like a 'Guardian' and not just the 'fated one', I wanted to know about what they really are. The thing is, almost 80% of the story was just about being fated with someone, and having a tattoo marks in the body. I was trying so hard to understand the importance of it in the whole story. What does it got to do with Nia's true identity? 

I did say I don't like Nia, right? But in fairness to her, I can relate soooo much about how she feels in the story and the frustration that I was talking about earlier is actually all about how the author didn't EVEN GIVE a hint of what Nia is!!! I was 90% of finishing the book and still no clues as to what Nia's place in the prophecy. She's the chosen one... FOR WHAT? and then...

Aunt Amarie waited patiently as Nia dried her tears and took a deep breath. She knew what she was now and she still couldn't believe it.

OH MY GOSH! Good for you Nia! You already know what you are and still, all the readers don't! I don't know how to react really! As I said... FRUSTRATIONS!!! Good or bad you decide.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Medium paced.

Page Turner: Yes.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: I did like Aaron, the gentleman that he is.

About the Author Official Website ✿ Blog ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

Shayna Varadeaux

Shayna Varadeaux born in Texas, USA. Married with three teenagers. An avid reader and book reviewer. She's multi-talented, from playing bass, a back-up singer to a tattoo artist and now an author. Surely is living her dream and loving it!
"I am currently writing True Chaos, Book 2 in the True Fate series! it is a hectic process being a writer, editor and formatter but luckily I have my best friend who is also my supportive husband to cheer me on. I'm definitely enjoying the painful journey of becoming a self-published Author."

Did you find this book interesting?    Support the author by buying True Faith.

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Just a Touch Brittany Delys Book Review

Just a Touch
by Brittany Delys

ASIN: B00ED577LS
Pages: 254
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Publication: August 2013
Source: Author

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

From Goodreads Synopsis:

"To the one that receives this letter. Protect it with all you have. In the hands of the Reformers it would mean even greater trouble for us. The Triad must be found and the Chosen brought together. The fate of our people rest on this."

All Arianna Shae wants is to get out of Bakers Ridge and away from everyone who knows everything about her. Beginning her senior year, she sees her moment of escape getting closer and her spirits begin to rise, that is until he arrives and her life takes an unexpected turn.

As a Guardian, Chase Melina has always known what he was meant to do: protect the Chosen. Sent out on his first assignment, he's struck with the feeling that all is not what it seems. As strange things begin to happen, he becomes even more determined to keep his protegee safe, especially after seeing what she can do.

When their worlds collide Chase and Arianna must fight for their lives. Through torture, escape, new relationships, legends, and even death they are determined to find out the answers to the questions revolving around their destiny and ultimately fulfill a prophecy that could save them all.

My Impression

Arianna woke up in the middle of the woods with no recollection of how she got there. Okay, that got me all intrigued. Then this good old school scene where the lead girl got bullied... yeah, that's kinda my favorite scenes even on my mangas. Then came the lead guy, eyes only for the lead girl. Common scenes, but yeah, definitely my fave. I like dreamy scenes. 

This book really got hold of me. I found the plot thrilling, and I was always looking forward and wanting to crack something out. The world building is good, I find it simple, and you know how simplicity could sometimes blow your mind. 

I can't relate much to Arianna. I mean, she's an okay lead character, not too dull, not too extreme but there's a bit of perfection in her. Chase on the other hand is the typical teenage boy with a mission to fulfill. I find him easy to relate with. With all that's going on with his life, struggling to escape from his father's fame and tries so hard to prove himself capable. He fell in love with the girl he needs to protect.

But then I got really bored on the chasing scene, where Arianna, Jade and Chase were on the run. It's dragging on that part, I seriously wish they would outran their pursuers already cause it's getting really tiresome. And I don't really like the part on the academy, it felt like there's something missing... I can't really put it into words, it's like it's too easy? too fast? 

All in all, I did like the story and the ending made me want to read the second installment. I'd like to see how the new character Ethan, will come between Arianna and Chase. It's really something to look forward to.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Medium Paced.

Page Turner: A little.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Chase is definitely a good catch and also looking forward for Ethan too.

About the Author

Brittany Delys

Official Website ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Ridley House by Willa Jemhart Book Review

Ridley House
by Willa Jemhart

ASIN: B00BLYB81O
Paperback: 149 Pages
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Mystery Thriller,
Publication: February 27th, 2013
Source: Author

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

Goodreads Synopsis:
For as long as she can remember, nineteen-year-old Kay has been unable to stay in one place for long. With no recollection of who she is or where she came from, plagued by nightmares she doesn't remember upon waking, and the torturous feeling that her one true love was lost to her, she is searching for or fleeing from something.

When she accepts a summer job at the Ridley House Inn, it feels like a nice change of pace. The country setting and old-fashioned feel are comfortable, homey, and even familiar.

Shortly after her arrival, she finds a wall filled with Ridley family portraits, where one picture in particular grabs her attention - a late 1930s photograph of a young woman with a face identical to her own.

Between the warning of a scary old man telling her she should not have returned, and the magnetic pull towards a familiar and handsome young man, Kay is determined to find some answers. Is Ridley House the place she has been searching for, is it the place she has been running from, or is all of the familiarity simply contrived by her desperation to finally belong somewhere?

My Impression

Ridley House is a story about a girl named Kay, who mysteriously have no recollection of her past and had an 'On the Run' habit and never stayed in one place. Until she got accepted on a summer job at Ridley House. The place instantly feels like home to her and after seeing a painting of a girl who looks exactly like her, she knew, that even if the scary old gardener told her that she should have not returned, she needs to know the answers that the Ridley House have for her.

First few chapters got me hooked. Mystery behind Kay's past got my attention and was very eager to know what happened and what links to her to the Ridley House. The author did a very good job creating a very enigmatic plot which would make the readers cling on to the book.

I relate much to Kay's attitude, since I am so much like her in a way. She is held back, patient and she controls her emotion well. Other supporting characters were okay too, they are well-developed and the author gave a very great job giving them distinctive personalities.

There were parts where I did predict how the story will unfold, but aside from that I find this book a good read. Though there aren't any heart pumping actions here, the story is a good slow paced one, created in proficiency.  

Rating:  3 Stars

Plot: Slow Paced.

Page Turner: A bit.

Continued?: No

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: No.

About the Author

Willa Jemhart

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Sin by Sharron Riddle Book Review

Sin
by Sharron Riddle

ISBN: 1620074354 (ISBN13: 9781620074350)
Paperback: 274 Pages
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Publication: January 13th, 2014 by Curiosity Quills Press
Source: Net Galley

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

To escape from her father's plan of putting Sin in a nut house, her mom sent her to Sin's great aunts in St. Charles, IL. There she realizes that she came from an ancient druid priestesses linage and was sent into a mission of finding the stolen hellhounds and to stop the undead (zombies) from rising back to life. Sin must learn to deal with all the Feys, monsters and other mythical creatures, together with her new friend Fae and two gorgeous hunks, Van, a Fey Prince and Llaw, the half-human and half-fey who are both trying to compete for her affection.

My Impression

I am already a Fan... Yes! Totally a fan of Sin Blackmore. I love her character so much I wanna kiss her and ask for her autograph! I love her strong personality, how she love and values herself as who she is, how she cares for other people, how she delivers her witty side. She totally ROCKS!

She narrowed her eyes. "Nobody likes a smart ass." "Wow, then you must not have many friends."

Grow Babies? Was she serious? I suddenly wanted to try the spell, just to see if it really worked. But then I'd be stuck with a kid. So not worth it.

I've read books that revolves around Fey creatures, but never had I read something like this. The world building is very dynamic. It's like you've stepped out into a new world.

At first I thought the book was about zombie slayers,

She rummaged through the clothes piled at the foot of my bed, and held up an "I'm a Juicy Girl" shirt. "No," I said firmly. "I'm not advertising to the zombies."

 But zombies though they appear mostly here, are all but extras. There so many creatures here, that it felt like the urban fantasy, fantasy and paranormal creatures collided in this book (Sorry, but no vamps here, though). It was so action packed. Not to mention those two hunks that contends for Sin's affection.

This really was my personal hell. The light god and the dark. Both of them seemed hell bent on testing me to the very limits of my self-control. And all they'd done is smile at me.

OMG! Who to choose!? At first I thought I'll go for Team Llaw because I'm all for those bad ass guys that spells trouble on their forehead. But Van did redeem himself almost every time in this book too.

"I do not know this word..idiot."[Van] "Try looking in a mirror."[Sin] "why?"[Van]

But then, with all the glamour Sin, really fight hard not to fall just because those two are heaven sent hunks, she stood her ground and wanted real love.

And I was nobody's plaything.

I love each main characters here, they are very well thought of. They compliment each others character and bring more life to the lead. I love how Sin bonded with Fae. I liked their tandem and did a tear-jerky in one chapter too.

Though the solution to the problem was "THAT SIMPLE?", I really liked how it turned out in the ending. 

Rating:  5 Stars

Plot: Action packed.

Page Turner: Yes

Continued?: No

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Definitely!

About the Author

Sharron Riddle

Official Website ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Juniper's Princess Chelsea O'Neal Book Review

Juniper's Princess
by Chelsea O'Neal

ISBN: 1909220493 (ISBN13: 9781909220492)
Paperback: 246 Pages
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mystery
Publication: August 24th, 2013
Source: Author

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

Daniah has a plain simple and happy life. Aside from being an adopted child, she knows that she is different. She mostly dream about people she never met before asking for help and sometimes she dreams about a not so distant future. And meeting Jaiden, triggers her mysterious dreams to increase and her life to drastically change. 

Caught up between the truth about half human, half angel race, Daniah need to trust Jaiden, who actually lied to her. She now needs to face a war that's been raging on between the half-breed angles, fighting an evil who feeds from the human soul. And Jaiden must convince Daniah that she is more than different. She is their savior, their princess and that she needs to help them before they all die.

My Impression

This book had me feel like I'm watching a TV series. The book is in a multiple POV format, and it's one of the things would make you hold on and want to know more about the story.

Although I'm a bit confused about where the setting of the story is, I just took it as... in another world where half angels and humans co-exist together, without the human knowledge about the half-angels, of course. And aside from the most confusing part where Zach explained everything about all kinds of half-breeds angels in one go. The story is very entertaining. 

I like Daniah being a family centered person. Even if she is adopted in a human family. I like how her family shows closeness and love. But I liked Cordelia more... Maybe because she has a very strong personality, and I'm a sucker for women who kick butts and all. And I don't like girls who falls overly in love with someone just because they're like heaven sent hunks.

The story was very well thought of and I love the way the author intertwine each character's story. How they all hold a certain pieces of the story.  I think this multiple POV format did made this book full of suspense and not to mention... sizzling sex. (You've been warned young fellows below 18... not for you!)

Rating:  3 Stars

Plot: Good pace from scene to scene

Page Turner: On Cordelia's scene

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Not for me.

About the Author

Chelsea O'Neal

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Moving Heaven by A.L Fontenot Book Review

Moving Heaven
by A.L Fontenot

ASIN: B00G7DAZU4
Genre: NewAdult, Paranormal Romance
Publication: October 1st, 2013
Source: Story Cartel

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

When twenty-eight year old Genevieve DuSoir meets Kalem, her terminal patient, she couldn't predict that she would fall for him. It was  against every rule she had ever been taught to fall in love with a patient, much less a patient that was dying. However, love holds no bounds when two people are predestined to meet. 

In the blink of an eye, the lines between life and death begin to blur. Unaware of her new gift of light that she mysteriously inherits, people begin to miraculously heal around her. However, bearing the gift of light does not go unnoticed. A dark order of soul-eaters called Seekers, whose mission is to consume souls to achieve world domination, has been after Genevieve since the day she was born.

Follow Genevieve on her journey to fulfill an ancient prophecy of lightness, while entangled in a sudden and intense romance with one man she was forbidden to fall in love with.

My Impression

As the story unfolds in the latter parts, all I could think of was Rapunzel's great, great, great grandchildren are making nasty scenes in this story. 

I found Moving Heaven very intriguing, I got hooked the moment I read it. I loved how Gen and Kalem met and get to know each other. It was the most romantic part in this story. I relate to their situation, not because it happened to me but because I do know it happens in real life. 

I hated Gen in some parts of the story, because of how she treated her dog. I was like... "You call yourself his mom?!". I'm a full pledge dog lover, and she really ticks me off! But... I did cried with her too. (Dog related, of course.)

I liked how the story started, no, I loved it! I loved Gen dropping bombs on her ego-maniac boyfriend. I love her funny side too. Although I really can't believe she would forget her dog most of the time just because she's in love. (Okay, I need to move on... I know.)  

I sympathized with Kalem's background too. You have every material things anyone could ask for, but that's all he has. He is empty and lonely. I can imagine what it is for him to realize that  after all those years being young and healthy, you meet "the one" when you are about to die. That really SUCKS!

But when it got to the middle part, I felt that the story was somehow done hastily, especially the training part. I can't feel the new character connections. The story somehow became shallow for me. Plus, Gen and Kalem seems to believe everything they were told instantly, without having any doubts at all. I was like.. "How old were they again?". It became too unrealistic for me, that Gen and Kalem would be too gullible and the story became too predictable.

Rating:  3 Stars

Plot: Started out good.

Page Turner: First few chapters

Continued?: No.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend:  10 yrs older than me is a no-no.

About the Author

A.L Fontenot

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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18 Truths Jamie Ayres Book Review

18 Truths
by Jamie Ayres

ISBN: 1620074478 (ISBN13: 9781620074473)
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mystery
Publication: January 24th, 2014
Source: Net Galley

From Goodreads Synopsis:

Lying is unbearable, betrayal is inevitable, and choosing which path to take is impossible.

Olga Gay Worontzoff ended her senior year as an eighteen-year-old girl totally in love with Nate, enjoying their new romance and about to attend the university of her dreams. Now she's spending her summer in the weird subculture of the Underworld, with charmingly witty and powerful angels, and problematic demons, trying to rescue Conner, the best friend and secret crush she was unable to save during a freak accident.

But Nate has other things on his mind, mainly Grace. She's their first assignment as joint guides, and Olga's feeling hurt and jealous. His mysterious behavior has Olga questioning everything she believed about him and now she must decide whether to stick to their plan, or follow her heart. Unfortunately, a series of mistakes threatens everyone around her and plants Olga in the center of cosmic events much larger than she ever imagined.

Only one thing is certain: the chilling truths uncovered during her journey will leave no one untouched.

My Impression

I was totally dumbfounded by this book. First and foremost, the cover. It was really enticing and mystifying. My first impression was, "Okay, book under a teen & young adult genre, possibly has to do with paranormal alien or magic stuffs.". Uh-uh... how wrong I was. The title is quite catchy too. I haven't read the first book though, but I wasn't lost while reading this one. 

While I was reading it, I eventually realized that this book would offer me such an inspiring story and it did! I actually highlighted several quotes that I would that would be a perfect share to my love ones and friends. There were those scenes, (as simple as it is...) that will touch your heart deep because you know that it happen in real life and would basically be the exact thing you'd say if it did happen to yours.

"Well, first of all, every child deserve a grandma to spoil them, and mine won't have one. You know what? Bump all of that,  every child deserves a mother to love them. I can't even love myself."

The originality of the book blew me away. Never did I thought of anything like this, I mean NEVER! I did knew the saying "Life after death" but I haven't really thought about living it as the author visualize it in the book. I could only say one thing... COOL! How would you like to live the "same" way as you did here in earth while under the angel supervision and knowing... Literally knowing, that you're just one step closer to either heaven and hell. I super loved the world building in this one, it seems logical and believable. Well, perhaps except for this one... 

Ash handed Nate and me a backpack.

"School supplies?" Nate asked, shaking the bag, his eyes wide.

.

.

"And, not exactly. You don't need to worry about graduating. You nee to worry about warfare. You'll find binoculars,  a Bible, a crucifix necklace to wear that's been anointed with oil, Grace's case file, the roles you're playing in this after-death purification process, a copy of your Spirit Guide Insurance Policy, your daily meditation guide, cell phones, a tranq gun, an Angel Phonebook with who to call for specific problems, your Limbo passports in case someone needs to see your ID, Spirit Guide For Dummies 101, etc. --"

And the humor! Geez, I think I caught myself smiling like a hundred times while reading this. 

Before I died, the only religion I knew had been Star Wars. ~Conner

Do you want to go straight to H-E-double hockey sticks? ~Nate 

Okay, I know that's not the best funny verse in this book but really, it made me smile. Olga is all so human with all her imperfections. There were times that I'd like to smack her head for wanting everything and not being contented with what she has. She is selfish that way and I find her so unfair. It was like reading a "reverse harem manga" [when a lead girl is being liked by most of the the boy character in the story] which is cute if it is a manga, but not that cute when it comes to novels.

Nate or Conner? Nate showed his dark side only to protect Olga which means he's do everything for her and would fight for her no matter what. While, Conner would do too. Wait, looking at this point of view I could understand Olga now. I can't possibly choose between the two of them.   Okay, maybe I'll choose Riel instead.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Slow paced. Dragging in most chapters

Page Turner: Not really.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Still confused.. but yes, there are three possible candidates here.

About the Author

Jamie Ayres

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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