Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Menage-A-Blog: Review of The Trouble With Spells & Free E-Book Copy to ALL Commenters

Rating: E, R, B
Published: 2011
Publisher: 4 Corners Press


Author's Website: OfWitchesAndWarlocks.com and Lacey Weathford Books


Purchase @ E-Book Amazon.co.uk E-Book Amazon.com

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her Grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

The Trouble With Spells is the first book in the Of Witches and Warlocks series written by Lacey Weatherford. This book will have you addicted from the first page. Vance and Portia’s story is one that I couldn’t put down. Packed with action and love, this book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.

Portia Mullins is your typical teenage girl. She loves hanging out with her best friend Shelly and spending time with her family. But now that her sixteenth birthday approaches it means she can start dating and boy does she pick the good ones. Not only that but she uncovers that she is also a witch.

Vance Mangum is the local bad boy. He rides a motorcycle and is drop dead gorgeous and not only that but the boy is seriously gifted. I don’t mean he is an underachiever, I mean he has some seriously awesome talent because he is a…warlock. Vance is over excited that it’s Portia’s sixteenth birthday because it means he can finally get to know her instead of admiring her from a distance.

Well, what can I say? This is my second time reading this book and I still love it. All the added extra scenes was definitely worth the re-print. My favourite part of the book was the prologue, this is a new section that was added to the book. I loved it because it was all from Vance’s perspective which was awesome. I think the first time I read the book I didn’t fully comprehend Vance’s feelings from Portia but this opening chapter explains it all and it made me realize how much he had to go through staying away from her for all that time and then eventually being able to let out all that pent up love.

I don’t think there were any parts of the book that I disliked. There was one moment, but I wouldn’t say I disliked it. It’s essential to the book plot and set up for the next book but it doesn’t make it pleasant. Tugged at my heart strings it did. Lacey sure knows how to build up the drama. Although I was giggling at certain parts.
Overall, brilliant book and I would highly recommend to anyone that is interested in reading about witches.

Disclaimer: I was sent this e-book as part of a tour via The Bookish Snob Promotions

Head on over to Lacey's page, Lacey Weatherford Books, today to swoon along with Lacey on all things Vance Mangum. Comment for the chance to win a 'Night IN With Vance Mangum' basket which is full of goodies including a personalised signed picture of Matt Lanter (Lacey's muse for her character Vance Mangum)! (Too bad he can't just ship himself over hehe..*daydreams of Matt Lanter being left on the doorstep covered in nothing but stamps*. Of course, Lacey is just so brilliant that she is giving away a free e-book of her first novel 'The Trouble With Spells' for anyone that comments on this post (please leave your e-mail address). So what are you waiting for?! =)

Thursday, 14 July 2011

Of Witches & Warlocks (E-Books 1-4) Giveaway...


Hi everyone..the lovely Lacey Weatherford is having an awesome giveaway to celebrate the release of 'The Dark Rising'.

Lacey is giving away a set of e-books (books 1 to 4) from the Of Witches and Warlocks series to three luck winners.


If you want to be in with a chance to win these wonderful books, just fill in the form below. The giveaway closes on Friday..so be quick.

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Review: The Dark Rising by Lacey Weatherford

My Rating: E, E, E

Published: July 2011
Publisher: 4 Corners Press

Author's Website: LaceyWeatherfordBooks.com

Purchase @ Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

When Portia Mullins discovers the love of her life is still alive her heart soars. But reality sets in immediately causing it to plummet when she realizes he doesn’t remember his past life with her. Unwilling to give up, she embarks on a loving quest to restore his life to him.

Vance Mangum sees the beautiful girl claiming to be his wife, and while he can’t remember her, he can’t deny the intense pull he feels between them. Not knowing where else to turn, he agrees to give her the time she’s asked for and to assist her in the effort to recover his memories.

The two quickly reconnect, but dark surprises are lurking in the wings when Vance discovers a desperate longing for something he feels he can’t withstand. Will he be able to resist? Or will evil raise its head in a new form, leaving Portia as the prey of the very man her heart desires?

Darkness reigns supreme in this haunting tale of love and desperation, Of Witches and Warlocks, The Dark Rising.


The Dark Rising is the fourth installment in the Of Witches and Warlocks series by lacey Weatherford. This book oozes drama, action and some bad ass magic.

Portia has come a long way in her short time that she has discovered that she is a witch. She finds the love of her life, he is partially demon due to an incomplete transformation, got married to said love of her life and has been the recipient of a serious mojo power called the ‘The Awakening’. But none of that matters when your husband, bad-ass and gorgeous Vance Mangum, is killed.

I really felt for Portia in this book. She has been ripped apart by magic, the one thing that brought her and Vance together. It was so devastating. Then when things look like they are on the up-side for Portia, Lacey goes and ruins it all by flipping it to the dark side.

I had some serious issues with a certain character in this book most of the way through. One minute I was like, “aww, sweet”, and the next I was about ready to tear them to pieces. I think this book had a bit of bi-polar effect on me. I hated it but loved it at the same time. For the record, I don’t mean hate the book, I mean that the writing connects with me so much that I feel like I am Portia. I love reading books where I can get that caught up and lost in the character’s emotions and personal story that I feel like it’s happening to me. It means a book has actually touched me and it will always stay with me.

There was a new type of magic introduced in this book and I thought it was quite funky an innovative. I had never really thought of this type of magic being incorporated into this series but it works so well. So watch out for Hex. That’s all I am saying about that.

Overall, brilliant addition to the series and it has strengthened my love for the series (not that I was ever in doubt of it) but it has also made me slightly annoyed at the author as she well knows for that cliffhanger - Mrs Weatherford..you got some explaining to do! Hehe, just kidding, I am sure it will all unravel in the next book. Which might I add, I am giddy over and can’t wait to read.

Disclaimer: I bought this e-book via Smashwords.com. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Monday, 11 July 2011

Review: Without Mercy by Belinda Boring

My Rating: E, P, B

Author's Website: BelindaBoring.blogspot.com

Purchase @ Smashwords.com Amazon.co.uk & Amazon.com

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

When Darcy’s outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense – it was all a dream. Or was it?


Without Mercy is Belinda Boring’s debut novelette in the Mystic Wolves series. Bel is an amazing person and I am so excited for her and her new career as an author. She is an awesome writer as you will get to know if you read her work.

Without Mercy is a short story introducing you to the pack of wolves that are the centre of this urban fantasy series. From the very beginning, this story is action packed and had me filled with intrigue as to where the story would lead. I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to read what the characters did next and what the outcome would be.

My favourite part was when Darcy was shielding Jasmine. To me, this set Darcy aside from the very beginning as the heroine in this story. Not only is she strong but she is also brave. I can’t say there were any parts of the story that I hated as I loved it all..although there was certain scene that tug at my heart strings. Damn you Bel!

And when we meet Mason..wowzee!! I had to be careful that I didn’t drool. He had me swooning from the offset. Darcy you are one lucky girl. I especially loved the interaction between Darcy and Mason near the end. I don’t want to say too much as it would give the story away but it’s very cute and heart felt.

Overall, great introduction to a series that I know I will be following all the way through. You guys should definitely check this out!

Disclaimer: I own this book and bought it with my own money from Smashwords.com. I have not been paid to review this book and everything is of my own honest opinion.

Saturday, 14 May 2011

The Vampire Warden Blog Tour: Interview with S.J.Wright

Today, as part of a book blog tour, I have the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Wright aka SJ Wright, author of 'The Vampire Warden' - first book in the 'Undead In Brown County' series, right here on the blog. But before we get started, here's a little info on the author. Books can be purchased at Amazon.co.uk in Kindle & Paperback format and also Barnes & Nobles in Nook & Paperback format.


I am a stay-at-home Mom with two growing boys, an overworked husband and a very devoted Jack Russell terrier named Shelby. I grew up in small city called Mishawaka, Indiana and the majority of my family live in the Indianapolis area. I now live with my wonderful boys, my husband and sort-of-annoying dog in Little Elm, Texas. The Vampire's Warden is the first book I have ever put up for sale.


Now..on with the interview =)


1. Describe ‘The Vampire Warden’ in one word.

Unique.

2. What was the best part of the experience behind writing your own novel?

When I started this book, I had a lot of anger inside me regarding my own life as a child. By channelling that repressed anger through Sarah, I’ve begun to let go of it and look at things differently.

3. Why did you decide to go down the route of self publishing?

When I saw what Amanda Hocking was able to achieve, I knew that I could make it work. I finally stopped giving in to my fear over what publishers or agents would think of my story and realized that there were probably readers out there who wanted a fresh perspective on the vampire genre.

4. How many books are going to be in the 'Undead in Brown County' series?

At the moment, I’m considering doing a total of three books for the series.

5. What is your favourite scene/chapter in ‘The Vampire Warden’?

My favourite scene is probably the first conversation that Sarah has with Michael in the meadow.

6. Which of your characters is most/least like you, and in what way?

Sarah is very different than I am, as far as her instinct to immediately push the envelope when she gets upset with someone. I tend to avoid confrontation. That’s another reason I really loved writing about her.

7. Are any of the characters in your book based on anyone from your life?

Yes. But I will refrain from naming names. Trevor Kincaid is based on an ex-boyfriend.

8. What is your favourite read of the year so far?

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. It’s beyond great. It’s better than Twilight.

Thanks Stephanie for taking the time to answer these questions!

To see my review of 'The Vampire Warden' click here

The next stop on the tour is Reader Girls.



GIVEAWAY TIME