Bedmates by Nichole Chase (Excerpt and review)

From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

Order BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/4/16

Amazon | iBooks | BAM | B&N

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EXCERPT

“Have you been crying?” Warm fingers touched my cheek and I jerked in surprise at the sparks that danced through my blood. I couldn’t remember if he had ever touched me except for obligatory dances at celebrations and fund- raisers. “What happened? Are you okay?”

“No, I’m fine.” I stepped out of his reach and rubbed under my eyes. Tearing my gaze from his I leaned over and picked up his cane. “It’s allergies.”

“We’ve known each other too long for you to lie to me.” He let his hand fall back to his side. I handed him the cane and stepped back. “Someone told you that I was on my way, huh? We all know how much you hate me. I’m surprised you didn’t jump out of the window.”

“It was an option.” I rolled my eyes. I guess I wasn’t the only one that remembered our last meeting hadn’t been pleasant. “I also considered hiding in the closet, but was too slow.”

There! Take that, perfect Jake Simmon. I was quick on my feet today.

“So, you know why I’m here.” The way his eyes ran over me as if taking stock was obnoxious.

“I’m your body guard. When the crazy women start running after you, I’m to dive in the way.” And damn if they wouldn’t come running when they saw how he looked all grown up and rough around the edges.

“I’m glad they have a plan.” He scratched his chin. “Getting bombarded with underwear and bras is a health issue.”

“If they got to know you, it wouldn’t be a problem.” I rolled my eyes.

“What does that mean?” His head cocked to the side.

“I thought you lost your leg, not your brain.” My eyes widened, but it was too late to take it back. Why was it that I said the most horrible things around him? Even when we’d been younger I’d had diarrhea of the mouth. Especially around Jake.

He threw his head back and laughed. “I don’t think they’re after my brain, Maddie. Thankfully the part they’re most interested in is still fully functional.”

His lazy smile and sparkling eyes had me swallowing hard.

Heat crept up my neck and I fought to not look away. “Well, good for you.”

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About Nichole Chase:

Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, The Accidental Assassin, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, The American Royalty Series and several short stories.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, two rescue dogs, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

5 stars(!!!) I've got the FEELS read.

Review: 

I will start by saying that ever since Nichole Chase announced Bedmates it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. 

I mean, who can say know to an enemy to friends to lovers romance? 

the answer is NO ONE. 

And one written by Nichole Chase? 

Well, you'll have to be crazy to decide not to read it. 

Then, I learned it was about the first daughter and as sad as I am to admit, doubts started to creep in.

I love politics and intrigue....but I wasn't so sure that I was up for some likeable characters. 

Then a chance presented itself for a review copy and being a Nichole Chase fan of course I jumped at the opportunity. 

in a warm cozy chair I snuggled and sat down to read my ARC, pretty soon I realized Jake was an army veteran missing a leg (not to talk about the psychological damage he suffered during his employment in Afghanistan).

I should not have worried at all, because as Nichole has proven many times over she writes great, likeable, reasonable, sweet, relateable characters that are just too human. 

Nichole gave us an interesting ride feeled with funny moments, sad moments, heartwarming moments, strong characters, real issues, the light we can find in our darkest moments and the meaning of standing up for what you believe in and standing next to the people that mean most to you. 

What I'm trying to say is that Nichole proved once again why she is such a great author expressing human emotions, dynamics and moments (family, friends. lovers, enemies....everything). 

For me this was a five stars amazing read. and I'm happy for the opportuninty to read it and can't wait to see what Nichole will write next. 

Simply put, I'n in love with Maddie and Jake (Maddie was awesome and great and Jake was truly drool worthy), not to mention the easter egg of the Duchess and Prince of Liliria(!!! can you believe it??).

I recieved an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sharon. 

Hidden Blade by Pippa Dacosta (Soul Eater #1)

Name: Hidden Blade
Author: Pippa Dacosta
Series: Soul Eater
Publisher: Self Published by Pippa Dacosta
Publication Date: July 11, 2016
Number of Pages: 176
Rating: 5 my heart is still out of my body stars


"They call me devil, liar, thief. In whispers, they call me Soul Eater. They’re right. I’m all those things—and more." 

Kicked out of the underworld and cursed to walk this earth for all eternity, Ace Dante finds solace in helping others avoid the wrath of the gods.

But when warrior-bitch, Queen of Cats, and Ace's ex-wife, Bastet, hires him to stop whoever is slaughtering her blessed women, Ace is caught between two of the most powerful deities to have ever existed: Isis and Osiris.

The once-revered gods aren’t dead.

They’re back.

And Ace is in their way.

Welcome to a New York where the ancient gods roam. 

Review:

Pippa Dacosta had done it again. I can't trust my heart around that woman, she tears it out mercilessly.

I'm not growing used to seeing it outside my body. But that's the thing about Pippa, multilayered characters, great actions scenes and an emotional rollercoaster can be expected EVERYTIME you pick up one of her books.

Pippa Dacosta is one damn awfully good author. And I just.... well, it's hard to review each and every one of her books considering I'm really trying to avoid being repetitive. Since I had some time to lick my wounds, here I shall attempt another try.

Pippa had created a New York were the ancients gods roam free, there are demons of course and soul devouring monster but mostly Egyptician myth.

In that regard it kind of reminded me of Gods Misbehaving or was it Gods Behaving Badly? you know that book with the greek gods...? only better.

anyway, Ace and Shu and Bas and Ozzy were all great characters. though Bas was my favorite.

I really do feel bad for Ace for all he has been through. suddenly living forever feels more like an awful punishment than anything else.

shit, I'm bad at this. in format it's a bit more like The Girl From Above series, but really this is a different beast... with all the trademarks and the right choices and the heart out of your body ending.


an ARC was kindly provided by Pippa Dacosta in exchanged for an honest review. On behalf of full disclosure I'll admit that didn't stop me from purchasing my own copy

Chaos Rises by Pippa Dacosta (Chaos)

Name: Chaos Rises
Author: Pippa Dacosta
Series: Chaos
Publisher: Self Published by Pippa Dacosta
Publication Date: June 29, 2016
Number of Pages: 288
Rating: 5 demons are hot and I'm going weeee! stars


'When the veil fell, any half bloods not strong enough to withstand Chaos were torn apart. Some, like me and my brother, survived The Fall. Most did not.

That's the good news. The bad news saw a whole other world try and devour ours. Demons, we call them. They came in countless waves. Destroying. Killing. Many people thought it was the end...

The Fall lasted a week. 

Tens of thousands died. 

Hell almost claimed our world as its own. 

And then, from one day to the next, it was over. The veil came back, stronger than ever. I'm not sure if anyone knows how it was put right. But I do know it's been six months since The Fall, me and my brother are on the run, and the leftover demons aren't the most dangerous things in LA. 
We are.'

***

"They have no defence against chaos." ~ Asmodeus, Ties That Bind, #5 The Veil Series.

Set in the same 'world' as the Veil Series, Chaos Rises, #1 The Chaos Series will feature some of the characters we love (and hate?), and also introduce some new faces. 

The streets of LA are about to become a demon proving ground. Chaos will find a way. And as the Prince of Greed once said, "When chaos reigns, the veil falls."

If you'd like to be kept informed of all the news, sign up to Pippa's mailing list here


Review:

This is going to be a very short review, with a need to know info only.

Basically here is what you need to know:
1. Gemm is awesome
2. The world post The Veil series is scary awesome shit and so thrilling you need to read this.
3. Demons everywhere, sexy demons, maniluating demons, demons communication. Damn, but when you read this book you realize they are different- the way they act, think, demonstrate their power. and Damn are they HOT or what?
4. Twists, turns everywhere, you don;t know who to trust. You can't be sure what will happen next. or in other words- Pippa's usual trademark of messing with your feeling and your mind is evident here.
5. Gemm really loves and cares for her brother, their connection is unique and I personally think it added a lot to this book and their characters. Don;t get me wrong, if you read The Veil series than you know Muse and she's made of stardust, but Gemm and Dell's sibling relationship? I loved that.
6. You can read this book and you wouldn't be lost even if you are not familiar with The Veil series

An ARC was kindly provided by the Ever Awesome Pippa Dacosta in exchange for an honest review. We have a deal, Pippa and I, it's a simple one really- she writes awesome things and I read them (Thus, she gives me my fix of much needed things that were written by Pippa Dacosta and I am on the Rollercoaster!!!). Sorry, this is an honest review, but I am a fan of the author and her other works, so I can't promise I am not completely biased in her favor as I need more Pippa's books. :D

Also, this is now on Amazon for 0.99$

Girl From Above: Trust (The 1000 Revolution Book 4) by Pippa Dacosta

Name: Girl From Above: Trust

Author: Pippa Dacosta
Series: The 1000 Revolution
Publisher: Self Published by Pippa Dacosta
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
Number of Pages: 224
Rating: 5 awesome stars! my heart is breaking but it feels so good. 

“I didn’t sign up to die a hero.” ~ Caleb.

Chen Hung closes in. 
The nine systems hang perilously close to a second fatal Blackout. 
The lives of billions of people are at stake. 
Does Captain Caleb Shepperd have what it takes to save the nine systems, or just himself?

Caleb never wanted to be a hero. That was his brother’s dream. Keep it simple, get away clean. Flying a ship packed with explosives into Janus orbit station isn’t simple, and there ain’t no way he’s getting away clean. 

He knows the Fenrir Nine have sent him on a suicide mission, but he’s not about to lay down his life for them. He’s not a hero, and he sure ain’t no fool despite what the Nine must think. There’s another way, he just has to figure it out before the bomb he’s carrying ticks down to zero. 

One survived; against the odds, the brutality, and the betrayal, she survived, but inside, in the part of her that’s real, she’s broken. Broken in ways that cannot be fixed. 

She’s going back to where it all began, to Janus—to Chitec, to the ‘man’ who made her. It will take all that she is, all that she was, and all that she could be, to save the nine systems from the synthetics. 

She will not fail. 

“I am One, and I cannot be stopped.”

Review:

now that I finally have some free time after quite a few hectic months (though really I feel as if I always say I have a hectic time, I think the right thing to say is that I can finally, if only for a while, focus on some of the things I love- like, books) I am finally going to attempt at a review of this book and the entire series. 

Let's talk about trust, shall we? what is trust? do we really trust the people around us? 

I know in my life there are some people I most definitely don't trust. Then there are those I am neutral about, which is really most people, and there are those few that I really do trust. 

As for the neutral part that's a given. As for those I trust- why do I trust them? I think it's because I know them well enough to understand them, their motives, I know their inner workings. thus I can trust them. they still might hurt me, but really there are few things they could do that would really surprise me and change the whole way I see them. 

Girl from Above is not like that. One trusted someone she shouldn't have and now she is paying the price. Caleb can't trust Fran and let's face it, Haley couldn't trust Caleb. 

Can One trust Caleb? 

I don't know. I think she can trust him to fight for her. to care. but I don't think she can trust him with no limits. 

Can Caleb trust One? 

I think so. but this trust is also limited. there are things One would or wouldn't do that Caleb would find hard to accept. truthfully, I think the main problem is Caleb's own insecurities but that's another matter. 

This book is the final fight. alliances are made and and shifts and break. Revenge is an all around dish served for all. Goals, wishes, targets- they all come to a final conclusion and some big unfair and totally heartbreaking sacrifice. Rumpelstiltskin in Once Upon a Time said that "all magic comes with a price" 

truth be told, "everything comes with a price". 

So in specific terms, this book is awesome. this book is an evil unicorn. it is a ________ (something I don't know how to describe) to a really _________ (something I have no words for) of a series. 

Fact is, Pippa is awesome, Pippa is mean and cruel and evil. I adore Pippa. 

As for the series as a whole-

One was a great protagonist. I can't help but love her. She was determined and cruel and calculated and kind and loyal and innocent. she was a mixture, a machine but oh so human. 

and Caleb is a twisted cold hearted bastard. but he is more than that. he is broken. he hurts. in a way he is a lost man. he is not a decent guy, but he is someone that tries to act decent every once in a while and just doesn't know how. he is a rebel. he is complicated (if you right in Facebook it's complicated what you actually mean is that you are dating Caleb. he is his very own brand of complications)

their story was one of a kind for me.

the ending was perfect, even if my little battered, broken, frozen heart almost couldn't handle it. 

I have only one problem- Fran.... she's cool, but, well, I guess you could say I have issues. Pippa and I emailed about it. 

The thing is that there are no hundreds upon hundreds of pages full of angesting, emotions and over all emotional pain. Emotion exist but do not take a front center and certainly are not discussed all the time if at all. Yet, there are emotions, there is genuine pain and genuine feelings. The relationships are messed up and complicated at best. The relationships are almost realistic. I say almost realistic because not every relationship is that complicated. Love has more than one layer and truth is an abstract term. what about truth in love? hell if I know. 

And I love this series so much I had to share it with the people in my life. my friend read the first book (she loved it). my father also read the books. he said they were good. however  he had two problems: 

1. he preferred Fran

 she's wild and lively and crazy and feisty and human. personally I prefer One (I can relate to her better). 

2. Caleb

 my father said he couldn't understand him. I tried to explain to him.

Caleb came from a broken home, as a result he needed to prove himself, he needed to achieve and overcome his insecurities and past wounds. Which is why Caleb was extremely ambitious. 

his mourning over Haley is not a mourning over a dead beloved who was his soul mate and to whom no one could ever compare. 

Caleb's mourning over Haley is his mourning over himself. 

Caleb was so ambitious, dating Haley was a step in his ladder. since she was kind, smart, good looking and rich that wasn't too complicated or a hard thing to do. 

still, something happened. because of his ambition Caleb stood on the sidelines one night and watched something horrible happen. he broke a trust and lost a part of his humanity. The thing he did wasn't fruitive and Caleb ended up in jail. 

So Caleb did something horrible because of his ambition and he did it in order to further himself up the ladder. he paid a terrible price but did not recieve the prize he hoped for, instead he was punished. Suddenly looking in the mirror didn't feel so good anymore. what he saw was something he didn't recognize or liked to see. And so, Caleb's aiding the rebels is part of Caleb trying to get some of his humanity back, it is about Caleb seeking redemption. 

I really have only one complaint. this series about space has no aliens. it could have been cool if there were some. besides that- pure awesome and one of my favorite series ever. 

many thanks for the ever awesome Pippa Dacosta for the ARC. she's a queen.

Girl From Above: Trapped (The 1000 Revolution Book 3) by Pippa Dacosta

Name: Girl From Above: Trapped
Author: Pippa Dacosta
Series: The 1000 Revolution
Publisher: Self Published by Pippa Dacosta
Publication Date: November 9, 2015
Number of Pages: 182
Rating: 5 awesome stars! 1002 stars and forever love. 

"When are you going to stop running, Caleb?" 

Taking the synth to the casino capital of the nine systems seemed like a great idea at the time, but as Caleb Shepperd's many enemies close in, he only has one way out. He must betray #1001. 

Caleb can't make the same mistake twice. Can he? 

#1001 has a price on her head. The Fenrir Nine and Chitec will stop at nothing to secure her secrets. The very same secrets that riddle her synthetic mind with faults. 

Her systems are failing. 

And the one man she's come to trust may prove to be her enemy.

The sizzling, fast-paced, and action packed science-fiction continues in Trapped. 

Reading order: 
Girl From Above 1: Betrayal 
Girl From Above 2: Escape 
Girl From Above 3: Trapped 
Girl From Above 4: Trust (coming soon) 


Review:

Here is the thing. I'm speechless. Completely, utterly speechless for the first time in my life. I want to give this book 1002 stars (1001 for One and 1 for Caleb. I love the guy)

I can't explain this book- what it did to me. It wasn't the plotline, it wasn't the never-ending action, the backstabbing, the pain, the heartbreak, the death, the sweet feelings and the tears. It wasn't 1001's humanity or Caleb's dark shattered heart. It wasn't the revenge, it wasn't the sit at the edge of your chair can't tear myself away from the book things. It wasn't even the fact that these characters got me and gut me so much, craving a hole in my iced heart and making camp there. 

Yes, all of that was in the book. yes, I love this book so much for each and every thing that happened and for each and every character (Mostly One and Caleb, of course). 

But the thing is, what makes this book so meaningful for me, so loved, cherished and well just fucking awesome is the fact that ever since I started reading this series I wished for a book like this one. I wanted this book, I wanted a book exactly like this. 

It was as if the author read my most secret wishes and decided to put them in the book. Psyche. 

A copy was provided by the ever-awesome Pippa Dacosta in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: The Girl From The Well by Rin Chupeco

Author:  Rin Chupeco
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Date published: 5 August 2014
Buy on: Amazon, Book Depository

You may think me biased, being murdered myself. But my state of being has nothing to do with the curiosity toward my own species, if we can be called such. We do not go gentle, as your poet encourages, into that good night. 

A dead girl walks the streets.

She hunts murderers. Child killers, much like the man who threw her body down a well three hundred years ago.

And when a strange boy bearing stranger tattoos moves into the neighborhood so, she discovers, does something else. And soon both will be drawn into the world of eerie doll rituals and dark Shinto exorcisms that will take them from American suburbia to the remote valleys and shrines of Aomori, Japan.

Because the boy has a terrifying secret - one that would just kill to get out. 

The Girl from the Well is A YA Horror novel pitched as "Dexter" meets "The Grudge", based on a well-loved Japanese ghost story

Review:

So...I've been thinking of trying a new style of reviewing. It is quite simple, really. 

Why you should read the book

So, first of all the writing. What a beautiful writing. I think the best way to describe it is as a Japanese writing. While you may think me somewhat not politically correct with that phrase I will explain.

While there are all sorts of writing styles- as many as there are people on this earth, I'd say culture and roots and language affects the writing style.

For example what few books by French authors I read had the same feeling to them in the writing style- the beat wasn't fast but it was steady, the language and descriptions were matter of fact and though it was not dramatic the drama level was kept at the same level all along, hanging in the background just beyond your reach yet tainting everything.

Japanese writing style is calm, somewhat leisure and descriptive, with an emotional undertone. It has a prolonging tune that keeps you waiting to a climax that is rather disappointing and anti- climatic in its existence. It is lyrical, and in my opinion at least very beautiful. I usually look at things somewhat differently after reading such work.

"Time had taught me to temper the malice within. But for a long long time, I was a great and terrible thing. I was a creature that found pleasure in the ripping. In the tearing. I am no longer that monster. But memories of that creature still lurk within this well. There are some things that never fully die." 

Secondly this IS a horror story. True, those that really love horror stories might not feel the goosebumps while reading this book but scardy cats such as myself surely will. 

Those who are interested in the Japanese ghosts stories and culture will find this interesting enough. 

Why you shouldn't read the book

First of all, if you are one of those that wake up in the morning dreaming of Jack the Reaper and think that was a good dream, if you like horror and your room is painted in black or of you are just a horror geek then truth be told this book might be just a little anemic for you. 

Secondly, not much is happening. There is a plot and there is a climax and we are being led to something but it happens slowly. So if you are looking for a nightmare of a rollercoaster this is not for you. 

Thirdly, I'd like to point it out right now- while the story is told by the ghost, fact is she is more of an observer (some would say stalker) than a MC. Some of you might not like it. Personally, I think that the very fact that the author chose such MC has set problems to the book since a ghost can't do much but observe and scare. Which is exactly what she does - shame is for some what she observe may not be that inetresting or scary.

"It is not in my nature, to be interested in the living. But there are many things, I have found, that defy nature."

My thoughts

All that being said truth is I loved this book. From the writing style to the story to the way it ended. I was scared shitless from all the scary moments (I'm a scardy cat. when I go to a horror movie I grip my friends' hands tightly). 

I loved what was seen here from the Japanese culture and I loved the fact that Akiko wasn't good or bad but somewhere in between. 

So yeah, while I am well aware to the fact that this book is far from perfect for me it is a 5 stars read. 

An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.