Before the Darkness (Refuge Inc. #1) by Leslie Lee Sanders

 

Summary:

 

After an asteroid strikes Earth, a series of violent earthquakes destroy secluded Phoenix and leave survivor Elliot struggling to stay focused in the bleak aftermath. And then he meets fellow survivor Adam. Together, the two search for reliable shelter and other survivors while distant murky clouds fast approach. Their hunt for shelter leads them down an alternate path when they find spray painted symbols directing them to a mysterious place: Refuge Inc.

As ominous clouds slowly shut off all light to their devastated world, they are forced to come to terms with their pasts and their growing attraction for each other.

Neither thought their pasts and personal crises would affect their ability to endure the horrors they're forced to live through. Neither thought they would be drawn so close to one another in the aftermath of an unimaginable catastrophe. By working together, can they continue to survive? Or will the mystery of Refuge Inc. cause diverse expectations and lead them to decisions that further threaten their lives?

Warning: Contains explicit male-male sexual practices, graphic language, some violence and descriptions of death.

Bonus content: Includes the original (deleted) scene from Chapter Twelve: Lying for Gain.

Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 139 pages (E-book)

Source: ARC

Publication Date: June 28th 2012 by Createspace

 

 

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from this book when I got the notification that it was up for review through one of the blog tour company's I host. I think I was just pretty darn excited to have a chance to review it without of it being part of an official blog tour since I've been burning myself out with hosting different tours lately.

 

I haven't read all that many M/M romances but it's not because I don't like them but more because the chance to read them doesn't come up as often as I would like to so I wasn't sure how this one would shape up to be especially given that its post apocalyptic.

 

I was however surprised by the mount of care the author put into describing the setting and telling the reader how the world ended. The fact that there was an actual plot to the novel made me like it even more because it wasn't all about sex. That to me would have killed the book so I was really happy I had more to go on than just sexy time between Elliot and Adam.

 

I really liked that the book did have some action, what with the earthquake tremors and nuclear type storm clouds rolling in from the impact of the asteroid that hits earth and overall the book was written pretty well.

 

There was only one aspect of the novel that I didn't care too much for and that was Elliot and Adam getting "involved" pretty quickly. I'm not much of a fan of "Insta-Love" or "Insta-Lust" so that part of the novel wasn't my favourite and I wish the characters had gotten to know each other better.

 

Overall though I liked the concept for the novel. The plot and characters could have been a little stronger but it was still an enjoyable read, and for the first book in a new series it was pretty good. I can't wait to see which direction the next book takes!

 

I would recommend this one to anyone who loves M/M romance as a quick read.

 

* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. I was in no way compensated for my review and all thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.

 

 

To "Like" Leslie on Facebook CLICK HERE

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To visit Leslie's Website CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

 

★ ★ ★ 1/2

 

 

 

 

 

Review Copy Cleanup

The Review Copy Cleanup is hosted by
Celene @Nyx Book Reviews and Vicky @Books, Biscuits and Tea

This is my second time participating in the  Review Copy Cleanup and the last time I did it I had a lot of fun and I actually accomplished a lot more reading than I thought I would.

If you want to participate in the Review Copy Cleanup click the image above!

During the Review Copy Cleanup I'm hoping to read:

Ironskin (Ironskin #1) by Tina Connolly

Struck (Struck #1) Jennifer Bosworth

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1) by Anna Banks

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Temptation in a Kilt (Bad Boys of the Highlands #1) by Victoria Roberts

Bared to You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day

When Lightning Strikes (Whiskey Creek Series #1) by Brenda Novak
Before the Darkness (Refuge Inc., #1) by Leslie Lee Sanders

This is a tentative list though so I'm not sure if these are the ones that are going to be on my list. Hopefully I can knock these off my list though as some of them have been sitting unread on my Kindle from NetGalley for months!

In the Love Will Find a Way Challenge we're sharing our all-time favourite books. If you were stuck on an island, or in a cave, which books would you bring? We're not limiting you to bring a certain amount of books, so give us your best!

What are YOUR favourite reads?

As Night Falls by S.M. Blooding Review Blog Tour Stop

Summary:
Earth 4112:
The President has started the New Order and with that, he’s destroying many sects that might oppose him or would blemish the perfect picture of tranquil life that he has created. Among those he’s trying to abolish are the vampires.
Raven Dubois refuses to allow himself or his Vampiric Nation to dissolve into myth. He’s trying to find a way to save his people. With sanctuaries disappearing continuously and his people dying in numbers, his only hope lies in the ancient texts of the Watchers.
Raised by the Watchers and by the President, Becca is torn by two mortal enemies. The Watchers have raised her to protect the very people the President is trying to destroy. She holds the key to the ancient texts that Raven so desperately needs. However, can she believe that the man so like a father to her is trying to murder innocent people?
Raven’s only hope for turning her already chaotic mind is to use her highly sensual nature and bind her to him using her heart instead of her mind.
Length: 260 pages
Source: Author
Publication Date: March 13th 2012

First off, doesn't the summary sound like an interesting political thriller? That was my first thought at least. However this is a very adult book. There is a very good reason as to why it's called Erotica. Now, I'm not much of an erotica reader so I thought I would give it a whirl with this book.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by this book. It wasn't as steamy as I thought it would be but it was still spicy. The very idea of vampires in a futuristic society is quiet intriguing and I think that the author started the book in the right direction since this is the first book in the series.

For me my favourite part was the world building and Raven the male protagonist. I thought that while the world building could have been slightly more detailed that the author did a good job. I did fin Raven particularly interesting despite the fact that I personally can't fathom his interest in Becca Rece (the female protagonist).

While the plot slowly (sometimes too slowly) unraveled itself I could not help but wonder at what attracted Raven to Becca. She was so naive and rude that I didn't like her at all. But they did have some spicy sexy times! Even though I didn't care for Becca too much in this book I do hope that she and raven will continue to be the focuses of the other books in the series. I may not like her but her and Raven do make a good team and towards the end I actually did start liking Becca more as she became stronger, and more willing to face facts about her past, present and future.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves their books on the hotter side with a unique futuristic twist. I think that the author is on to something here and I really hope she continues the series soon so I can see where things are headed. I'm really glad I signed up for S.M. Blooding's blog tour for her book and that it was my first time hosting a blog tour!

To purchase the book from Amazon CLICK HERE

To visit the author's website CLICK HERE

To follow S.M. Blooding via Twitter CLICK HERE

SM Blooding is hosting a big giveaway on her blog to celebrate the release of As Night Falls. Everyone who enters has the chance to win a Kindle and e-Books. CLICK HERE

*I received a copy of this book for blog tour purposes in exchange for my free and honest review.

★ ★ ★

Island of Wings by Karin Altenberg

Summary:

A portrait of a marriage, a meditation on faith, and a journey of conquest and self-discovery, Island of Wings is a passionate and atmospheric novel reminiscent of Wuthering Heights.

July, 1830. On the ten-hour sail west from the Hebrides to the islands of St. Kilda, everything lies ahead for Lizzie and Neil McKenzie. Neil is to become the minister to the small community of islanders, and Lizzie, his new wife, is pregnant with their first child. Neil's journey is evangelical: a testing and strengthening of his own faith against the old pagan ways of the St. Kildans, but it is also a passage to atonement. For Lizzie -- bright, beautiful, and devoted -- this is an adventure, a voyage into the unknown. She is sure only of her loyalty and love for her husband, but everything that happens from now on will challenge all her certainties.

As the two adjust to life on an exposed archipelago on the edge of civilization, where the natives live in squalor and subsist on a diet of seabirds, and babies perish mysteriously in their first week, their marriage -- and their sanity -- is threatened. Is Lizzie a willful temptress drawing him away from his faith? Is Neil's zealous Christianity unhinging into madness? And who, or what, is haunting the moors and cliff-tops?

Exquisitely written and profoundly moving, Island of Wings is more than just an account of a marriage in peril -- it is also a richly imagined novel about two people struggling to keep their love, and their family, alive in a place of terrible hardship and tumultuous beauty.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 311 pages (e-copy)

Source: NetGalley ARC

Publication Date: March 28th 2011

I read this book for three challenges. My Around the World challenge which I can knock Scotland off my list because this book takes place on the the island of St. Kilda which is off the coast of Scotland. I also read this for my RCC Challenge, and the NetGalley 2012 Reading Challenge.

My first love is history, I had to sit through hours and hours of The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel etc. as a kid thanks to my dad so unlike a lot of other kids, I actually love history. This has translated into a great love for historical fiction and while you haven't seen me review a lot of these titles don't worry :) The reviews are coming I'm just trying to branch out an explore other genres.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I was kind of hesitant to read it because I learned that the book wasn't originally published in English and sometimes when a novel gets translated things get lost...in translation. Sorry, I had to say it. Anyways, I was a little concerned but I quickly realized my fears were misplaced.

Karin Altenberg has written a beautiful novel that is based on a real man Neil McKenzie who really was a reverend on the Island of St. Kilda. I thought that Karin did a fantastic job for getting the tone of her novel perfect. In my opinion she did an excellent job of recreating life during that time. Most of all I love how you could sense that she wrote every word with conviction.

The author also has a gift at creating characters that actually evoke emotions. Lizzie, Neil's young wife was my favourite character. I hated how Neil treated her and made her feel weak and stupid. However I'm glad to see that she grew as a character throughout the whole novel. I felt so bad for her. She's thrust into a new life, on an isolate island where her husband is the only one that can speak English with her, she's also coming to terms with her impending motherhood and struggling to find the real Lizzie.

I personally HATED Neil. The way he treated Lizzie was abhorrent to me and the fact that he treated her so poorly to make up for his own mistakes sickened me. However, just because I hate Neil and wanted to strangle him at several points in the book I feel that Karin wrote him very realistically.  I did not agree with Neil much throughout the book if ever. I know that he went to St. Kilda with good intentions but I think he failed the islanders in a lot of ways. Most of all I hated how he looked down on them from his holier than thou pedestal that he placed himself on. It really irritated me but it worked for the novel as a whole.

I also enjoyed the setting. I felt as if I were actually in the places where scenes in the book took place. She was descriptive without overdoing it and that enabled her to write the scenes beautifully. It's wonderful to find an author who is skilled at making the reader feel as if they are present in the novel.

I think that this book was rich in history and though I didn't always see eye to eye with Neil I think that Karin Altenberg is extremely adept at creating characters, she makes them so realistic you can't help but admire her skill in writing. The novel as a whole is a great example of a debut author writing a fantastic piece of historical fiction.

I would have absolutely no problem recommending this book to anyone. I especially recommend it to lovers of historical fiction and those who may be new to the genre. It's great book and is now one of my new favourites. I can see myself reading this one again and again. I can't wait to read more by this new, talented author!

To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE

To purchase the book via BookDepository CLICK HERE

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

RCC Challenge - Mysterious Meetup

In the Mysterious Meetup you can have that conversation with your favourite book character of all times. Who would you want to meet? What questions would you ask him or her? Share your Mysterious Meetup with us!

This challenge is actually a lot harder than I expected it to be. I've read so many books I think I shall give my top 3 favourite characters.

From J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter series I'd pick Harry Potter of course! I got the box set of the first 3 just after they released the set in the 90s for Christmas from my Uncle Pat and Harry quickly became one of my closest companions through childhood and even now when I re-read the series I am overcome with the same feelings of closeness.

For me, I think I would ask him if he misses Remus, and what he misses most about him.

My second favourite (right now) is Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. I'm re-reading the first novel right now so I can read the rest this year (hopefully). There's just something about Jamie that I love and adore and I think it's because in a lot of ways he reminds me of Mr. Turning The Pages. Both are really sweet, caring and loving but still have fiery tempers when something ticks them off.

I'd ask him what it's like being in love with a woman from the future who already has a husband. I would think that even though he loves her completely that it would bother him more.

My third favourite character is Cimorene from Paticia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles. I own the omnibus of this series and it has been read at least 20 times since I first read it when I was 11 years old. Cimorene, like Harry was another of my childhood companions. I love her spirit, she's smart, funny and spunky!

I would ask her weather she ever misses anything about her life before she went to live with the dragons, does she miss reading? Or does Kazul have a large library for her to read?

Who are YOUR favourite characters, and what would YOU ask them?

Tangi's Teardrops by Liz Davis Review + Interview + E-book Giveaway

Summary:

When Tangi's father dies, he leaves her nothing but three empty bottles. A kind uncle takes the poverty-stricken girl and her stepsisters in, and for a time life gets better on his farm. But Tangi remains a lonely outsider; her stepsisters tease her for her crippled leg, and the housekeepers use her like a servant.

Just before her thirteenth birthday, Tangi learns the truth about her father's strange legacy: the three bottles aren't empty any more. They're filled with all the tears she's cried since her father died, and her tears are enchanted. She must use them to travel to Rosevine, the world of her dead mother. Tangi not only belongs there but is necessary to keep Rosevine alive.

Tangi's tears will save Rosevine, and Rosevine will save Tangi from a cruelty-filled life, except for one thing: Tangi's lost the bottles.Summary taken from  Goodreads.com
Length: N/A
Source: Review Copy from Author
Publication Date: January 2012


The Review:

Tangi's Teardrops is a unique retelling of the classic Cinderella story with some interesting twists. It's author Liz Davis's first YA novel and her first novel period. For the purpose of not wanting to spoil this darling little book for other readers I'm going to refrain from posting any spoilers and just talk about my overall thoughts on the book.

First off, I really liked Tangi. Though she started off as a young girl I found her character easy to connect to. As a child with a limp Tangi is made fun of constantly by her classmates and has no friends but the teasing does not stop off school grounds. Instead she has to face more ridicule at home from her older half sisters. I personally hate any form of bullying so my heart broke with her because she was such a good, kind soul I could hardly bare to see her suffering at the hands of those who should care for her.

I really enjoyed the story because it was a quick, easy read that made me feel different emotions. Liz Davis is a very talented author. She gave Tangi heart, something that is getting a little harder to find in YA novels. I highly recommend this light hearted read to everyone! The writing is lovely and you can tell the author has a passion for her work.

To purchase the book from Amazon CLICK HERE

To visit Liz's blog CLICK HERE

To read the story behind Tangi's Teardrops CLICK HERE

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my free and honest review.

★ ★ ★ ★

Interview:

Liz's Bio:

Liz Grace Davis was born in a refugee camp in Angola, to Namibian parents. She grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Germany. She now lives with her husband in Vienna, Austria. Growing up, Liz spent most her days in school libraries, diving into the world of books. In her spare time she loves to travel, create jewelry and digital scrapbooks. She's in her element when she does anything that requires creativity. Liz recently published her Young Adult fantasy novel, Tangi's Teardrops.

1.What prompted you to write Tangi's Teardrops? What was the main inspiration behind it?

My life inspired the story. Tangi’s Teardrops is based on my childhood. In fact, my third first name is Tangi. A couple of weeks ago I posted the story behind Tangi’s Teardrops on my blog. You can read it here: http://novel-moments.blogspot.com/2012/02/true-story-behind-tangis-teardrops.html

2. Did you always want to be a writer? Or, was it something that you just discovered you had a talent for?

[Soft Break] I never really thought about wanting to be a writer. I simply started writing from a young age. I wrote poems, short stories and novels that I never showed anyone. Whenever I finished writing a novel, I printed out the manuscript and hid it out of sight. Then I started on another story. I never reread them. The fun part was writing them. Years later, my best friend and my husband stumbled upon some of my work and convinced me to get published. It does feel great to be able to share my stories with the world. Even if it was very frightening at first, I don’t regret a thing.

3. Tangi's Teardrops is a unique twist on the classic Cinderella fairy tale, was it always your plan to write it that way?

Not at all. I started writing the story and when I reread the first draft, I discovered it was a kind of African fairytale. Because I never plan before writing a novel, I’m often surprised about the directions my stories take in the end.

4. What is your favourite part of Tangi's Teardrops?

There are two. The first has to be writing the novel, going on this amazing journey with my characters was incredible. Unfortunately I can’t tell you the second part because I would be giving away the best part of the book.

5. Your next book Chocolate Aftertaste is an adult contemporary romance novel, what motivated the change in genre from YA Fantasy to that?

I never wanted to pin myself down as an author who writes in only a specific type of genre. My bookshelves (and drawers and boxes) are filled with books of many different types of genres and I write what I love to read. And actually, I started writing romance novels before I wrote Tangi’s Teardrops. I enjoy writing in both genres and who knows, I might just try others.

6. If you had to pick your top 3 favourite book genre's and your top 2 books from each of those genres what would they be?

Yes, of course. Here they are:

• Chick lit— The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella and Sushi for beginners by Marian Keyes
• Romance— Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks and Jewels of the sun by Nora Roberts
• Thriller— Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon and Now you see her by James Patterson

Right now I’m reading The woman he loved before by Dorothy Koomson. I’m enjoying it so much, it’s hard to do anything else.

7. What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

For me, the best part of being a writer is the actual act of writing. The second best thing is hearing someone say they enjoyed my book.

8. Who are your biggest supporters?

I have to say it’s my husband. He has been with me every step of the way and on those days when I felt I was writing rubbish, he convinced me I wasn’t. I know my mother would be a great fan too, but she doesn’t know yet that I’m published. I’m planning to give her a copy of Tangi’s Teardrops (which is dedicated to her) on her birthday in April. The readers of my novels are also great supporters. They encourage me to write that next novel.

9. If you had could interview any author, who would it be and why?

I would love to interview Lesley Pearse. I read so many of her books and I have the feeling that she pours a lot of herself and experiences into them. She must have experienced so much to be able to write with such emotion. I love how her novels swallow me up and don’t spit me out until the last page. 

10. Do you have any advice for people wanting to be authors?

Don’t write what others are writing, write what you love to read. Only then can you really pour all of you into the story. When you enjoy writing something, many others will enjoy reading it. When you don’t, they will know.

11. Can we expect more books from you in the future? Do you have any ideas for a new novel?

Most definitely. I have a lot of ideas (I jot them down all the time) but they would have to wait because I have so many other already written manuscripts that need to see the light of day. Chocolate Aftertaste will be released in two weeks and I’m already in the process of editing another novel, which will be released sometime in June. I’ll keep you updated. Keep checking my blog to learn more about my books: www.novel-moments.blogspot.com

Kimberly, thank you so much for interviewing me and for taking the time to read Tangi’s Teardrops. You’re very kind. And thanks to my readers for making me an author.

Thank you Liz! I really appreciated you giving me the opportunity to read your book and review it and thanks ever so much for agreeing to do a an interview with me and taking time out of your busy schedule!

Now Here's the tailer for Liz's upcoming novel Chocolate Aftertaste! I can't wait to read it. What about you?

Giveaway:

The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL

You MUST be 13 years or older to enter.

You MUST respond to the e-mail notifying you of your win within 48 hours or the prize will go to someone else.

The giveaway runs from March 19th to March 27th 2012.

RCC Challenge — Don’t Be Such a Tease!

The Don't Be Such a Tease challenge is all about being the biggest tease possible. We are all reading books that aren't published yet, and what is more fun than showing other readers how awesome your current read is! The challenge is to share a few sentences from the RCC book you are reading right now, so we can all get a little taste.

Publication Date: June 5th 2012

The Teaser:

Your mother hollers that you're going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don't stop and hug her and tell her you lover her. You don't thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not — you hurdle down the stairs and make a run for the corner.

Only, if it's the last time you'll ever see your mother, you sort of stat to wish you'd stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.

But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.

I'm loving this book though I'm only about 4 percent in. I think it'st a great start. The teaser is from the first page of the book.

Leave a link below sharing your teaser!

No Name Baby by Nancy Bo Flood

Summary:

Sophie remembered last night's dream and the gray stones-a whole row of them like the ones under the trees. Each stone was etched with letters that she couldn't quite read. When her pregnant mother falls, Sophie blames herself for the accident. Premature labor begins, and everyone worries the infant might join the others under the gray stones. Aunt Rae has come to help care for the baby and mother, but her presence only increases the tension in the family. Then Aunt Rae finds her niece talking with the young man from a neighboring farm and confronts her, revealing something that shakes Sophie's world.No-Name Baby is an intimate portrait of a young girl as she discovers the truth about herself and her family.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 106 pages

Source: NetGalley Arc

Publication Date: March 1st 2012

This book was surprising, I really didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Maybe it's because while I like the cover, I feel that it just doesn't work for the book itself. If you're a cover snob like I am you may be put off by it too but let that pass because inside is a darling little book about hope, family and learning who you are and how to forgive.

Sophie is an italian immigrant who lives in Illinois just after the Great War. Through a series of events Sophie deals with guilt because she thinks that she is the cause of her mother going into premature labour. She is dreading the news that her mother has lost another baby, and struggling with the fact that though she sees herself as mature her family and most importantly her Aunt Rae still sees her as a child. 

The tension between Sophie and Rae is palpable. It's so thick you could cut it with a knife, but as the book goes on family secrets come out and all is understood. This is a nice read for middle graders, I think girls especially will be drawn to it but, that is not to say that it won't be good read for boys too. It's short, easy and to the point and well written.

I do have a few complaints though, I think that the book should have been longer. The plot was a little too simple, and I wish the book was less rushed. Sophie was a likable character but I wish we knew more about her. This to me seemed more like a 100 page summary of a longer novel. However it was still an okay read.

To purchase the book on Amazon CLICK HERE

To visit the author's website CLICK HERE

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my free and honest review.

★ ★ ★