The Best Mistake by Linda Kage

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Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 3/18/2012

Deri "The Mistake" Crandall wants nothing more than the love and acceptance from a family. After her mother dies, she finally discovers who her father is—except he and his family aren't exactly everything she's dreamed of. Not about to let a little thing like that bother her, she strives her hardest to fit in. Though honest to a fault, she even lies to gain their affection. But who could have predicted the one man with whom she immediately clicks is the very millionaire her grandfather orders her to betray?Cole Harrety’s life is all about work and ignoring play, until a petite, curvy bundle of quirky woman literally tumbles into his lap. From the moment he loses a staring contest with her, he knows Deri is exactly what's been missing from his mundane life and no other woman will ever compete with her. With a web of deception already woven, can their new bond survive a shattered trust?

This was a really great, light read. I was able to connect with the characters very early on and thought they were very well written. I loved Deri; she was such a down to earth, real woman, not an impossibly hot babe that you see in so many romance novels. She was a bit self-conscious, but the author didn't shove that fact down our throats like some other authors like to do (*COUGH* E.L. James *COUGH*). I seriously appreciated that about the book. Cole was great too. Was he stereotypical? Sure; the rich, powerful guy who just so happens to be incredibly kind and insanely sexy has been done before. It was impossible not to fall in love with him though. He seemed completely attainable, because he wasn't obsessed with looks as much as how Deri made him feel. 

Deri and Cole's relationship was sweet. They were on the same wavelength and complimented each other nicely. I was really anticipating the sex scene and it was done well, even though the circumstances surrounding that part made me sad. My absolute favorite scene was toward the beginning, after Deri hurts her leg at work, before she knows that Cole is actually the head of the company she works for. Coming home from the hospital she's high on painkillers and their conversation made me laugh out loud a couple of times, from her forgetting where she lives to her hilarious pronunciations of his last name. I loved the ending. The way Cole stood up for Deri was so amazing; it actually reminded me a bit of one of my favorite movies, Ever After. You'll get the reference after your read this book! 

I'm so glad I got the chance to read The Best Mistake. It was a very charming read with lovable characters and some very humorous dialogue. If you're looking for a entertaining, light, romantic read, I highly recommend this book!

**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

If you would like to learn more about the author, Linda Kage, please visit her webpage and Twitter. 

The Selection by Kiera Cass

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Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 4/24/2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I've had this ARC sitting on my pile for a little while, but didn't have any plans to read it in the near future. What peaked my interest was the announcement that this book was being made into a TV series. I figured it must have a pretty intriguing story line to be adapted to the small screen, so I figured it was definitely worth reading now.

The characters were all fairly easy to connect with. The main character America, was very strong-willed and obviously really cared about her family, especially her younger sister. I felt myself getting really irritated with her in the beginning, and I'm not exactly sure why. She had every right to be upset by her mom trying to push her into applying for the Selection since her heart already belonged to Aspen, but I couldn't wait for her to stop whining about how unfair it all was. There was an easy solution to all of this: just don't enter the competition! It wasn't required, but she did it anyway because it meant so much to her mother and Aspen. I'm sure if she had put her foot down and refused (which I feel she would have done if she truly had strong feelings for Aspen), they would have gotten over it. Alas, then there would have been no story; therefore, I guess we'll let that all go in light of the fact that it was crucial to story progression. 


Let's talk about the love triangle, because it seems like you can't have a YA book without one. I liked Aspen, but he was stupid for pushing America into applying. He said he wanted her to have the chance at a better life; if they really cared that much for each other, I don't think he would have been able to let her go. I'm not buying into the whole "he's so noble, he loved her so much he let her go" bit. I would rather a guy fight for me than presume to know what would make me happy. I found myself rooting for Prince Maxon as soon as we are introduced to him. He's charming, down-to-earth, and impossible not to like. I actually got irritated when Aspen showed back up later in the book, since I knew America would end up confused and probably hurt one (or both) of the guys who have feelings for her. The book ended on a cliffhanger, so we don't know who she will ultimately pick yet.


This author certainly used some incredibly popular books as her influence. The two I could see reflected the most were Wither and The Hunger Games. I'm not saying The Selection is on the same level as those books, because that's far from the truth. It just contains many similarities. It is only like The Hunger Games in that America is from a relatively poor family and then goes on to compete against 30-some other girls. At least America's competition is for a hot hunk of man meat and not simply to survive. I couldn't get over the parallels to Wither. Both America and Rhine are forced to live in a mansion where they are unable to leave of their own free will. The difference of course is that Rhine is forced into this and America signs up for it. They both feel incredible resentment towards the men seeking their love at the beginning, but eventually develop feelings for them. As they explore this blossoming relationship, they are also faced with the fact that they have feelings for someone else in the house; for Rhine it was Gabriel, for America it was Aspen. In The Selection, America has servants to do her makeup and make her dresses; in Wither, Rhine has a personal servant who does her makeup and makes her dresses. As you can see, there are plenty of similarities and I probably didn't cover them all. Because of this, I gave The Selection 3 stars. It didn't feel like I was reading anything especially new or exciting. In fact, it gave me a serious case of deja vu and I couldn't stop comparing it to other books. 


Despite the problems I had with it, the book was still written fairly well, which helped me finish. The ending was predictable since most books these days are part of a trilogy. I haven't decided yet if I really want to read the next books in the series, but I think other people will love this story despite the similarities it has to other favorites.

If you would like to learn more about the author, Kiera Cass, check out her webpage and Twitter.

Cover Reveal: Blood Bond (Book 3, Dirty Blood Series) by Heather Hildenbrand

I'm really excited to be part of this cover reveal! The Dirty Blood series is one that I absolutely fell in love with; the writing is superb and it's impossible not to love the characters. The release date of the third book in the series is almost here (August 31st!) and I'm glad to be able to share the cover with you all. Here it is!

The cover is amazing. I think the model looks beautiful and the background is sort of ominous, which I love because trouble is definitely brewing for these characters. Here's the synopsis for Blood Bond:

Hybrids. If I had to choose one word to sum up all of my problems, this would be it. Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to watch my best friend slowly becoming a monster. Without hybrids, I could let go of the mentality “hunt or be hunted.” CHAS wouldn’t be scouring the Earth, intent on slaughtering and using Alex to do it. Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to be on guard that losing my temper meant losing my shape. There would be no monster inside me, struggling to get out. Then again, without hybrids, I wouldn’t have Wesley St. John.

Sounds great doesn't it? I know I can't wait to get my hands on it! Look for Blood Bond, book 3 in the Dirty Blood series by Heather Hildenbrand, August 31st! If you're not already acquainted with this series (*GASP*), you certainly should be. Below you will find links to both the good reads page for books one and two, as well as my 

reviews of them.

Dirty Blood (GoodReads/My Review)

Cold Blood (GoodReads/My Review)

Also, if you haven't already, check out author Heather Hildenbrand on her blog and Twitter.

Cover Reveal: Enemy Within by Angeline Kace

It's finally here guys! The cover reveal for the second book in the Vampire Born series, Enemy Within by Angeline Kace is upon us. I'm so happy to be a part of this cover reveal; I think it is beautiful and can't wait to share it with all of you! So without further ado, here it is!

Two guys who’ve stolen her heart.Three races and only one of them worthy.Countless enemies with insatiable bloodlust for power.Will one girl's curse ultimately save her?
Half-vampire Brooke Keller barely survived the slaying of her worst enemy, only to learn that Zladislov—the world's most powerful vampire, leader of the vampire world, and her father—wants her dead. However, this time, she's not only fighting vampires but a raging monster within her that endangers what's left of her humanity. And when a deadly disease threatens to take her best friend's life, Brooke tries to convince Kaitlynn to accept a monster of her own: becoming a Zao Duh.
As a former slave to the Pijawikas, Mirko is driven to protect the innocent at all costs, but he has never faced a foe more formidable than Zladislov. And when the Commission bears down on Brooke, Mirko finds the stream of enemies runs deeper than he ever imagined.

What do you all think? I think she looks fierce and ready to kick some ass. Love the colors as well. And of course, the book sounds amazing! The release date for Enemy Within is August 30, 2012. I know what you're thinking, OVER 2 MONTHS TO WAIT? Fear not, I have some special things to help you pass the time. First, I have chapter one, in all it's glory, for your reading pleasure!

CHAPTER ONE

Mirko

Immortality is a lie. It's something the Pijawikas tell themselves to feel godly. Pijawikas and Zao Duhs donít age like humans, but we do age and we can die. With Pijawikas directing the Zao Duhs to do their dirty work, the lie that they will never die is a lot easier for them to believe.

Not so for Zao Duhs. Death doesn't just haunt me. It slaps me in the face, then holds my eyelids open as person after person dies. I've watched people I have known, loved, and who didn't deserve to, die. Pijawikas don't mind. As long as the person dying is only a Zao Duh or a human, nothing is lost to them.

Brooke is part Pijawikan and instead of them adding her to their list of sacred lives among the chosen, they see her as an abomination; a death sentence deserved. One I can't allow them to make good on. I've fought for and against the Pijawikas, but I have never felt as strongly as I do now about not giving them what they want.

Brooke is innocent, and she holds a place in my heart so deep I didn't think it existed before I met her. Pijawikas have broken my heart, and broken my body and almost my mind, but I can't let them harm her. Not this girl.

When she ran out of her father's house, the look on her face sent a cold chill through my limbs and sinking horror in my gut. Whatever we thought we conquered had come back tenfold.

She was tired and battered, barely able to clean the dirt and blood off her face and change into clean clothes. Even her nap on the plane couldn't replenish her. Although she still had enough fight in her to make sure we went home and not on the run from her father.

"He'd find us anywhere," she had said. "Please. I just want to go home and see my mom and Kaitlynn."

She was right, and the bruised and heart-wrenching look she gave me melted any resistance I would have put forth. I wasn't prepared to fight this battle. Not against the Head of Pijawikas. We needed resources and a plan. Garwin could provide the recourse. I still had to come up with a good plan, but no matter how creative a solution I could find, I knew my time with Brooke was limited. Zladislov would hunt her down and kill her. Realistically, I couldn't save Brooke from her father, but I sure as hell had no doubt I would die trying. I knew my days were numbered.

Garwin came out the front door as we made our way up his steps. He met Brooke with open arms, and even though she whimpered a little when he squeezed her tight, the relief on her face was palpable.

"I'm glad you're all right. I have been so worried about you," Garwin said as he walked us inside.

Garwin had increased his security since the last time I was there. Strange faces littered the hallway, and a burly man stood by the marble statue. I took note to test his reflexes and agility later. We needed more than to look like a strong force. I needed everyone to deliver when Zladislov arrived.

"Where's Mom?" Brooke asked as she looked around and eyed the security detail.

"She's on her way," Garwin said. "She's been worried about you. I haven't told her anything yet, only that you were coming home." He eased Brooke down on the couch and then took a seat in a large chair by the fireplace. Jaren and I sat on the couch with Brooke across from Garwin. Yes, Jaren was still hanging around. I could't seem to get rid of the kid.

"I understand you had to be discreet while talking to me on the plane, but I canít wait for Brooke's mom to get here. What's going on?" Garwin had a calm demeanor, but I could feel the anxiousness stirring below the surface.

"Zladislov's my father and he wants to kill me," Brooke said. She didn't sound scared, but she did sound hopeless and tired.

"Oh, dear God." Garwin ran his hand along the outside of his mouth and stood. He walked over to his liquor cabinet and dropped two ice cubes in a glass, then poured his favorite brandy in after. He picked up his glass, swirled the liquid a couple of times and then took a swig. The whole time he stared ahead as if looking at something but seeing nothing. Wherever his mind was, it wasn't in that room.

I had never seen Garwin speechless before. He always had someone to call or a brilliant idea to offer as a solution.

Brooke tensed. "Garwin? Say something."

I knew our situation was daunting, but I never expected that eerily distant look in Garwin's eyes, which only set Brooke further on edge. She was scared but fought to stay awake. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier with every exhale.

Garwin stared on for a moment longer before he turned to us. "I have a lot to think about and you need to get some rest," he said, then looked at me. "Will you make sure she gets to her room all right?"

"Of course." I stood and gently tugged Brooke up by her arm.

She yelped and guilt sliced through me. She was injured and anywhere I touched her I'd cause her pain. However, she didn't appear to have the strength to get off the couch, let alone climb the stairs to the bedrooms. I bent over and caught her underneath her knees. They buckled with ease and she rested in my arms.

Jaren rose with a scowl on his face and his footsteps sounded behind us. There was a reason Garwin asked me to take Brooke up to her room and not him; I was best suited to handle her.

Brooke's breathing was rough and deep, full of both exhaustion and pain. I hoped once I laid her down, she would fall asleep and the pain would subside.

I walked as smoothly as I could and paid attention not to jostle her as I climbed the stairs. "Which room?" I whispered to her.

"It's the second to last door on the right," Jaren said. I didn't like the idea of Jaren knowing which room belonged to Brooke.

"Hmph," I huffed, and Brooke stirred slightly. I wouldn't make any more of that. Brooke needed to rest, not worry about Jaren and me.

Jaren's footsteps sped up as he went around us and then turned the doorknob. I paused for a second before entering. A part of me didn't want to put Brooke down and that side struggled with the part of me that wanted her to be in a painless sleep. The selfish side lost and I moved forward and set her on top of the bed. A content sound escaped her lips, telling me she needed the rest as much or more than I assumed.

"Thanks for carrying her up," Jaren said, as if I were doing him a favor.

"I didn't do it for you." A fuzzy blanket lay at the foot of the bed. I grabbed it and covered Brooke's arms. She seemed to calm and her breathing became more relaxed.

I kissed her forehead, comforted because she was.

I walked away, but Jaren stepped around me and kissed Brooke on the cheek. Anger and possession flared up inside me. She had yet to choose me, but she was mine. My days with her were numbered and I wasnít sure how many of them I could deal with this kid trying to one up me. I focused on Brooke to read her response to Jaren's sign of affection, but there wasn't one. I expected at least some sort of reaction, even in the slightest, but there was nothing. Almost as if he kissed the cheek of a corpse.

I had seen this before, but I had to make sure. I strode back over to Brooke's side and shook her shoulder. "Slatki."

Nothing.

She was still as a stone. My fears were confirmed.

"What's wrong?" Jaren asked from behind me.

"She's in a sleep." Not even her eyes fluttered from behind her lids.

"And that means what?"

I turned to face him so he knew exactly how serious I was. "It means no one comes into this room alone. When she wakes up, she's going to be ravenous for blood. Anyone in here when she comes to will not be you, or her mother, or anyone else she recognizes. Until she feeds, she will be completely controlled by that hunger. You are not to call Kaitlynn, and no one is to come in here without me with them. Is that clear?"

He glared at me and his jaw tightened but he nodded.

I smirked and waited at the door until he cleared it, then I shut it, letting him see that I alone controlled the access to Brooke. I wanted it clear that my commands went deeper than any boyish possession over her. Lives were on the line.

He marched across the hall, opened a door to another room and then closed it behind him. Did he think he was going to stay in the room across the hall from Brooke? I shook my head and looked to the doors next to Brooke's. I moved to the one on the left and opened it. Furnished but bare of any personalization. I'd talk to Garwin about taking that one.

Brooke being in a sleep complicated things. It wouldn't be easy to move her in her condition and any plans we made would have to be implemented without her input. We couldn't wait for her to wake, though.

I descended the stairs two at a time and stopped at the burly guy standing at the stairs' base. I didn't need to ask Garwin his thoughts on him as the guy's mere presence told me everything I needed to know. "Zao Duh?"

He nodded.

"Good. Don't let anyone go inside her room. She's in a sleep, but if you hear her come out, grab her."

His nostrils flared. He knew what that meant, but I wasn't sure if he'd seen it or just heard about it. "Are you Mirko?"

"Yes. And you are?" I was familiar with many Zao Duhs, but this one was unknown to me. That would normally make me unsettled, but I trusted Garwin's judgment. Especially when it came to Brooke. He did hire me at the onset, which was the best call he could've made for her.

"Rorik." He struck his hand out and I shook it. His grip was firm and assertive, a good indication he was confident in his stature. "I've heard a lot about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet the infamous Mirko."

I grinned. Damn right he'd heard of me. I lead some of the fiercest and most sought after group of Zao Duhs on the planet. "I'd like to say the pleasure is mutual, but I need to know a few things first." Business before anything else. That's the way I worked, which was what kept people alive. I wasn't about to let my guard down because some guy was impressed with my name and told me so.

"I assume Garwin filled you in on why you're here?"

He frowned. "Zladislov is after the girl."

"And you care because?" His answer was crucial in gaining my trust.

"I had a sister about her age who was killed by Pijawikas. I aim to protect the innocent. No matter who the perpetrator is."

"Do you understand if you get caught, you'll be arrested for treason?" Not only was that a loaded question, asking him if he knew the full implication of his actions, but I wanted to see the look on his face when the idea of his death became fresh in his mind.

He didn't even flinch. "Yes, sir. I do."

I shook his hand again. "Good. I think we can work together." That was one down. I only needed about one thousand more to call it a fair fight.

To get a few more, I went to the rental car for my phone and dialed Ace.

"Hey, man. How'd it go?"

"Jelena was neutralized; by Brooke, actually."

"No shit? How'd she do that?"

"That will have to wait for later. I need a favor and what I'm about to ask you is huge. I'll understand if you can't do it, but I need you."

"Bro, you know whatever it is you need, I'm there. What's up?"

"Zladislov knows about Brooke and he's going to kill her. I need reinforcements. I know it's as close to a suicide mission as you can get, and I'd never ask this of you, but I have to put up some resistance for her; something to make Zladislov's men think twice when they come for her. I can't let her go down without a fight. I'm sorry, Ace, but I love her. I can't not ask this of you." Ace knew how deep my feelings for Brooke went. I'd made them clear when he and Brooke talked me into using her as bait for Jelena.

"Whoa. That's pretty steep." Silence hung in the air, and I almost regretted asking him. "But you know I'm with you. Where are you? Are you guys on the run?"

Relief the strength of something unnatural washed over me in waves. The kinship Ace offered was unlike anything I could've asked for in my life. Sure, I'd been there to save his ass more than I could count on two hands, but every time I was in a bind, he was there. Just like the time we met.

I was on a mission to save a kidnapped Pijawikan girl from a rogue Zao Duh. He'd captured her and threatened her life in exchange for money. Life as a Zao Duh is tough, but you don't use a child like that. Ever. Let alone a Pijawikan child. They're rare and almost revered within Pijawikan culture. It wasn't just a recovery mission, though. It was a rescue and assassination. Things went wrong and when I thought my life was over, Ace came out of nowhere and rescued me. Bros ever since.

"I couldn't talk her into running. And this might be her final days, so she should get to spend them the way she prefers. But she's in a sleep right now, so any persuasion I would normally use to get her out of here won't work, and I can't just take her. No matter how bad I want to, it'd be wrong, and she'd never forgive me. I can't do that to her."

"A sleep? Talk about worst-case scenario."

"God, you have no idea."

"So where are you now?"

"Lexington, Virginia. Garwin Johnson's home. Come and bring everyone who's willing. Tell them what's at stake and ask anyone who's willing to please come. I can't thank you enough for this, Ace."

"I'm with you. Just hang tight. We'll be there soon."

I hung up the phone and smiled, an unexpected happiness started to take root within my chest. I may not be able to stop Zladislov completely, but I was one step closer to delaying him.

The next step was a plan and I needed Garwin for that, so I went back inside to find him. My phone rang before I reached the den. When I pulled it out of my pocket, Unknown read across the display. "That was quick," I told Ace when I answered.

"Yes, I do pride myself on my efficiency."

Acid rose in my throat. "Dikan."

"It really is heartwarming to find you remember my voice. We've had some good times, haven't we?"

The bastard taunted me. His idea and my idea of good times were not even in the same hemisphere. "How did you get this number?"

"A little birdie from The Base gave it to me."

I growled.

"Ah, now don't take it out on the little birdie. I'm a hard one to resist, as I'm sure you're well aware."

I knew exactly how hard it was to resist him. Resentment took hold of me so swift and strong I heard the phone creak as I squeezed it. I forced myself to release some of the tension in my fingers. I couldn't afford for the phone to break and end the call. Dikan called for a reason beyond taunting me. Everything he did had ulterior motives. I had to hang on long enough to figure out what they were this time.

My jaw clenched beyond my control, so I had no choice but to speak between my teeth. "What do you want?"

Dikan chuckled. "I'm calling out of consideration for you, old friend. I saw how much you were taken by the young melez. It's sweet really. And disgustingly fitting for you. Too bad it won't last." His smirk was layered within his tone. "Jelena's death will be avenged. Your time with Brooke should be well spent as it will end soon."

"You come near her and I'll kill you. You have nothing to use against me this time."

Dikan's maniacal laugh filled the line. "I'm afraid that's not so. But until then, I bid you farewell and a pleasant time spent with your lady friend."

The call ended, and hatred I had long ago conquered swelled up inside me. Its tentacles took hold around my heart, in my gut, and possessed all possible thought within my mind. I rode it for a flurry of a few minutes until I realized I could no longer allow myself to be controlled by hatred and resentment. I had a purpose beyond revenge and bloodthirsty justice for a past so ugly and wrong. Brooke was my focus now. I pushed harder and harder on the hatred, trying to quell and lock it up enough to clear my mind and get a handle on the proper move I needed to take.

I concentrated on Brooke: her laughter, her blush, the smell of her hair, and the memory of her velvety skin as I stroked her cheek. The acute memory helped ebb the anger, but what replaced it was less satisfying.

I looked down on the phone and hit redial. Ace answered on the second ring.

"I know I said warn the others and to ask those who are willing to come. But I need more than that," I said, hopelessness thick in my words. "Offer them money. If they won't come for me, or for Brooke, or because protecting the innocent is what we stand for, offer them money. I'll split everything I have with those who will be persuaded by it. Just get anyone and everyone you can."

"Sure, sure. What happened?" Ace knew me and he knew it was unusual for me to sound like that; desperate.

"Dikan called. He's up to something and I don't think it has anything to do with Zladislov."

"Oh, shit. I'll see what I can do."

Oh, shit was right.

Copyright 2012 Angeline Kace

What, you're still saying that you can't wait for August? Well I have something that might get Enemy Within in your hands before the release date. The author is going to give away 3 eARCs during this cover reveal; the winners will receive the eARC sometime in late July/early August - before you can buy it! Interested?
Simply click here to go to the Rafflecopter entry page!!


I have one more thing to make your day a little brighter. Descended By Blood is FREE for digital download right now on Amazon through 6/9/2012. What are you waiting for? 
Click here to go download it for free!


I hope you've enjoyed the cover reveal and all of the freebies! I know I'm excited about the upcoming release of Enemy Within; make sure you buy it when it comes out August 30 (and good luck - you might just win a free eARC!)