Young Adult Review: ASSAULT by Brian Falkner

ASSAULT
Author: Brian Falkner
Series: Recon Team Angel (#1)
Publication date: November 1st, 2011
Publisher: Walker Books Australia
Number of pages: 365
Date read: June 19th, 2014
Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Suspense
Source: Borrowed from Library
Format: Paperback
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(Description source: Goodreads)

The first in a high octane sci-fi adventure series by best-selling and award-winning author, Brian Falkner.

It is 2030, and the world is at war with an alien race. The Bzadians. The battleground: Earth. 

Recon Team Angel, made up of teenagers from around the world, has been training for years. They have learned Bzadian languages. Learned how to operate their weapons. How to work, eat, and think like them. 

Now it is time to act. Recon Team Angel must slip behind enemy lines, work their way into the top-secret alien facility under Uluru, and uncover the truth. But what they discover will shock not just them, but all of humanity.

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What drew me to this novel was the name of the series (Recon Team Angel) - it just sounds so cool, and the cover - it's so intriguing.

Set in the year 2030, Earth has been invaded and what is left of humanity is at war with an alien race: the Bzadians - a race of ugly, vomit-coloured beings who have no care for human life, other than the desire to eradicate it.

Recon Team Angel is a group of teenager of multiple nationalities joined together to go undercover, infiltrating the enemy to learn their secrets and report back.

Disguised as their enemies, a team of six "Angels" goes behind enemy lines to learn truths, but their mission is compromised from the get-go: there's a traitor.

Not every Angel is going to make it out alive...

Very interesting introduction, it surprised, but then again I probably should have actually read the blurb before I started reading the actual book...

There is also a glossary that helps you to understand some of the language the characters in the story use.

Chisnall is brave and easy for anyone and everyone to under-estimate. Seargeant Holly Brogan is tough and icey, "Phantom" Price is awesome (one of my favourite characters) - she's fast and determined, Monster likes to talk about "The Monster" in third person which is amusing, Wilton is funny and skilled, and Hunter is a smart-arse.

They all come together to make one hell of a team. The story os told from Chisnall's point of view, with a few scenes evry now and again from the view point of a Bzadian.

The author does reiterates the meaning of words that are included in the glossary at the start of the book, throughout the novel for the first time each of the words is used, which is useful as it means you don't have to keep racking your brain to remember the definitions or keep flipping back to where the glossary is.

There is suspense throughout the novel as you are kept genuinely wondering who the traitor is, I did have a feeling about who it would be but it wasn't even slightly confirmed until about halfway through part two of this book.

The story only reveals small amounts of information pertaining to the plot at a time, and only as they become relevant - this allowed the story to continually hold my interest as I had no idea what was coming next.

Assault sticks to a steady pace and has an incredibly interesting concept.

I thought some of the names/labels in the novel were a little juvenile, but they add some fun to the story, especially when paired with witty and sarcastic banter and general teenage antics.

Intriguing, pacey, funny and action-packed - definitely an enjoyable read.

I don't know how I feel about the epilogue, it seemed not very happy, and a little too final, plus it made me a little sad,  and it made it so I really, really want to read book two: I have to know what happens next, I need to know everything!

....just ordered book two.

I rate ASSAULT Four out of Five!!

Adult Review: TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD by J. Lynn

TEMPTING THE BODYGUARD
Author: J. Lynn
Series: Gamble Brothers (#3)
Publication date: May 12th, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Number of pages: 264
Date read: May 31st, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Source: Bought
Format: Ebook
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(Description source: Goodreads)

He can protect her from everyone except himself.

Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous.

Chandler Gamble has one rule: don't protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he's caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she's at his complete mercy.

She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose...

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I have been waiting for this book for such a long time and while it was enjoyable, it definitely did not live up to the first two books in the series (which were incredible), which was disappointing after such a long wait.

Alana Gore has made quite the list of enemies while working as a publicist, but she never imagined she'd end up getting stalked across the country. She needs protection, and the only person she can think of for the job is Chandler Gamble, the older brother of an ex-client she pissed off.
Chandler Gamble runs his own security firm and while he hasn't mixed work and pleasure before, he's ready and willing to when it comes to Alana Gore, the uptight publicist who seems to be the star of his fantasies of late.
There's a line of professionalism that will definitely be crossed, and while Chandler is sure he can provide the best protection for Miss Gore, he's not so sure he'll be capable of protecting either of their hearts.

When reading this book, I couldn't really connect the Alana Gore of Tempting the Bodyguard to the Alana Gore of Tempting the Player (maybe it's because I haven't read Tempting the Player in a long time, but I don't think it is), there just seemed to be a divide to the two as J. Lynn tried to redeem her character for readers, which made it difficult to totally sympathise with everything going on.

The chemistry was there between Alana and Chandler but it felt off as while they did talk to get to know each other, what they talked about were pretty much only the things that would make Alana seem like a decent person to the readers after her horrible actions in Tempting the Player, while the rest of the time they're together, they're either avoiding one another, or having sex, and I expected more than that. I really hoped that they'd engage in an activity together (aside from sex) that would bring them closer while letting them get to know each other - there was a mention in book two of this series about how Chandler loved to garden and had a real green thumb, I was hoping there'd be something more than a mention of this in this book, but it didn't happen.

In this book, Chandler is a dominant, pushy alpha male who just wants Alana. He's meant to be a bodyguard but he's not very professional at all and the only bodyguard-like thing he does for the majority of the book is determine security hazards of buildings and surveil Alana when she's working and at the start of the book. 
Alana actually only appears cold and threatening on the outside, while actually being a very caring character who only does horrible things to people to better their lives and she is actually quite a timid and flighty person (see how this doesn't really line up at all with how she is in Gamble Brothers #2).

A lot of this book felt rushed and pushed together - the characters, their chemistry, the suspense, Alana's redemption and especially the ending.
I think it all would have worked better if the characters of the previous books hadn't been pushed so much to the side, if they had have had a part of Alana's redemption then forgiveness might not have seemed such an unlikely thing. 
The suspense was predictable and wasn't actually much of a main plot. Chandler wasn't all that appealing to me, the "rough sex" thing didn't work, I think him being the more gentle, protective type might have rung truer with his character.

The steaminess was definitely there and I loved seeing all the characters from the previous books (even if it wasn't always in the nicest of scenes), this book was enjoyable but not my favourite, I am definitely a huge fan of this series and I recommend reading them - especially the first two.

I rate Tempting the Bodyguard Three out of Five!!

Blog Tour: CYBER STALKER by Jens Hildebrand

CYBERSTALKER
Author: Jens Hildebrand Standalone
Publication date: October 1st, 2013
Publisher: Warped Tomato Publishing
Number of pages: 242
Date read: February , 2014
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Review copy from Fiction Addiction Blog Tours
Format: Ebook
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(Description source: Goodreads)

3 Rules Against Cyberstalking:

1. Don't accept friendship requests from people you've never met.

2. Don't look at their photos.

3. Don't fall in love.

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A gripping YA novel for the Facebook generation.

"I love you."

Lilly's heart misses a beat when these words appear on her screen. Okay, she'd love to have a boyfriend, and when Ian sends her a friendship request, she eagerly accepts. He just looks so gorgeous in the pictures. But when she's about to meet him in person, things take a dramatic turn. 

Who is Ian really? And how far will he go to get what he wants?

PRAISE for "Cyberstalker":

"Gripping and insidiously convincing, CYBERSTALKER will simultaneously thrill and appal readers, who may start to wonder who might really be on the other end of every Internet conversation." MG Harris, international best-selling author of "The Joshua Files"

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Cyber Stalker tells the story of fourteen year old Lilly as she discovers that the internet and social media is always just fun and games.

Lilly thinks nothing of it when she accepts a new friend request, and is quite happy to talk to the mysterious Ian, who seems to be taking an interest in her - she might finally get her first boyfriend! But things quickly spiral as she continues to talk to him, they spiral further when she decides to meet him. 

What does she really know about Ian? And what, exactly, does he want from her?

Lilly is like any teenager, she wants to be accepted, to have friends and experience a first relationship, and she sees social media as a fun way to interact with others, not realising the potential dangers of the online world before they are upon her.

Emma is Lilly's best friend and someone she is lucky to have looking out for her, Emma is clever and protective of her friends.

Isa and Sophie are a little more outgoing, a bit more experienced and don't always give the best advice, but their hearts are in the right place.

Cyber stalking is a huge issue that isn't often properly considered by teenagers when utilising the net, but Cyber Stalker will bring this issue to the forefront of your thoughts and remind you that it is an issue, an issue that can have very real and very dangerous consequences that aren't always limited to the online world.

Events in the novel are set out in a way that will have the reader wondering if something is really as innocuous as it seems, while details in scenes combine to creep you out whilst remind you that this is something that can actually happen - and does happen.

The pacing of Cyber Stalker is quick and will keep the reader engaged as they wonder what will happen next and hope for the best for Lilly as she navigates her feelings about her circumstances and empathise with her desire for acceptance. Her learning curve is gradual but something that is obvious - especially by the changes in her at the end of the novel.

The different characters in the story express a wide range of reactions to the circumstances presented to them, each authentic and unique to them, but realistic never-the-less - ranging from sympathy to anger, to fear, and always highlighting the importance of being away of what you put up on the internet, and of speaking up when you think something isn't quite right. 

It shows how families need to come together in times of strain and how tarrible circumstance can show you just who your real friends are and to never underestimate them.

A very well written novel, Cyber Stalker is definitely very thought provoking and I recommend it to everyone as it covers a very important issue thoroughly!

I rate Cyber Stalker Four and a Half out of Five!

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About the Jens Hildebrand:

I’ve always read a lot and started writing when I was ten. Reading and writing have always helped me in my life, and I need both the same way that I need air to breathe. During my time at school I wrote a Sherlock Holmes novel, one horror and two adventure novels, and lots of short stories. My inspirations were Jules Verne, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Stephen King and Ray Bradbury – quite a weird mixture, I know. 
My great mentor was my granddad, who was hilariously funny and inspiring. He read all my stuff and was happy for me, and he also found out that in the early 19th century one of our ancestors, Wilhelm Zahn, produced amazing books about the ancient murals in Pompeii and was friends with Goethe. This provided even more inspiration, as did all those late-night films I watched when I was home alone: mostly old B-monster-movies by Jack Arnold (“Tarantula”, “Creature from the Black Lagoon”), “The Thing from Another World”, and John Carpenter’s “The Fog”.
Our old house always creaked and cracked, and that didn’t help. Well, it sure got my imagination going…

Later, while studying at uni I started producing computer software, for example the first language learning software on CD, and guidebooks for teachers about the new media, like the first didactical treatment of teaching film analysis.

On my way to school one morning I came up with the idea for “Granny

Gertrude”, which then led to the stories about Tom and “TEAM 002″. I’ve always been a great fan of James Bond, and it’s kind of funny that there even is a Bond story titled “The Hildebrand-Rarity”, which was used as a source for the Bond film “Licence to kill” (1989). So it’s only logical for Tom, the hero of my secret agent thrillers, to admire James Bond. The idea for “Cyberstalker” came about during my work as leader of our team for crisis intervention. It’s more grounded in reality than you would like to know.

I love England, first and foremost our English friends and Dartmoor, where Sherlock Holmes chased the “Hound of the Baskervilles”. The small village of Postbridge has become our second home, and we love exploring the area and sitting round the fireplace, chatting with friends.

At our school, I currently hold the post of Deputy Headmaster. I also coordinate our crisis & counseling team. We endeavour to help our pupils, mostly to make them resilient against bullying, cyberbullying, cyberstalking etc. What’s most important job is creating a good atmosphere at school. We also work within a great network of partners such as other schools and counseling centres.

Giveaway:

-A signed authentic manuscript

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Blog Tour: UNDERCOVER LOVER by Jamie K. Schmidt

Publication date: September 13th, 2013
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Date read: September , 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Source: ARC from Itching For Books Tours
Format: Ebook
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(Description source: Goodreads)

Undercover Lover: Her lips are sealed

When Reiki therapist Pamela Krupin is attacked by thugs who work for her client, a Russian mob boss, the boss orders his godson, Detective Drake Logan, to protect her. 

Their attraction flares across Pamela's line in the sand: She will not violate her patient's confidentiality. 

But when Drake's godfather is murdered and Pamela is targeted, together they have to find out what the mob is really after.

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The description drew me in from the start: detectives, mystery, mobs and romance - it is every bit as good as it sounds, and more!

Undercover Lover begins with Dr Pam Krupin leaving work at a hospital as a Reiki therapist, after a late night shift. heading towards her car she is attacked but is saved by a mysterious homeless man.

The patient she was questioned about, a Russian mob boss (Nikolai), sends his godson to protect her. Detective Drake Logan finds Pam to be beautiful and enticing, but he's not the only one with her in his sights.

When Nikolai is murdered and Pam becomes a target, Drake has to do everything in his power to keep her safe as they attempt to unravel the mystery of who is after her, and why.

Pam is a strong and feisty character, she is assertive and won't take crap from anyone. She is very intrigued by the man who works his way into her life, whilst saving it.

Drake is gorgeous, kick-ass and protective, while still possessing an adorable sense of vulnerability.

Complicated family situations, secrets, betrayals, and sizzling romance is in store for anyone clever enough to pick up this novella. Undercover Lover is a short but enticing read that will most definitely have you smiling all throughout. Filled to the brim with twists and turns and plenty of action (and not just in the bedroom :P ), Undercover Lover pulls you deep into its pages and captivates entirely, making it impossible to put down.

The plot is well thought out and executed so that you can only guess upcoming events.

This story deals with a wide variety of situations, and feels authentic in the way the characters, mainly Drake and Pam, act, react and reflect on things. The dynamics present within the novella are by far the best aspect: chemistry, familial ties, and camaraderie are all thoroughly explored.

I loved this novella. it now has a place on my favourites list and I will be checking out some more of Jamie K. Schmidt's novels and novellas.

Do yourself a favour and get your hands on Undercover Lover ASAP!

I rate Undercover Love Five out of Five!

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About the Author

Jamie K. Schmidt has over thirty short stories in publication. Her romantic suspense novel UNDERCOVER LOVER, published by Musa Publishing, will be released September 13, 2013. THE QUEEN’S WINGS, book one of the Emerging Queens series, a paranormal dragon romance will be published by Entangled's Edge line this fall. Book One of her contemporary romance series, INNER GODDESS, will be published by Random House's Loveswept line on June 6, 2014 

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in Secondary Education English. She’s also held various jobs as a call center manager, a Tupperware consultant, a paralegal, and finally a technical writer for a major corporation. She is an active member in the Romance Writers of America (RWA), serving as the President for her local chapter Connecticut Romance Writers of America (CTRWA).

www.jkschmidt.com

facebook.com/jamie.k.schmidt.1

twitter.com/Jamiekswriter

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ONE MORE DAY by M. Malone

Book One in The Alexanders series
Publication date: October 23rd, 2012
Publisher: CrushStar Romance
Number of Pages: 350
Date read: August 17, 2013
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Source: Bought
Format: Ebook





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(Description source: Goodreads)

"You're with the right person when no matter how bad things get, you'd still rather be with them than anywhere else..."

RIDLEY WELLS HAS NO idea what to do with her life now that she's graduated from college. But when a friend is murdered and her apartment is trashed, she runs to the only person she trusts, her twin sister. No one will think to look for her in the rinky dink Virginia town of New Haven. 

Of course, her luck lands her passed out in the grass in front of resident bad boy, music producer Jackson Alexander. 

Strike 1! 

Then she realizes Raina's out of the country and she has nowhere else to go. 

Strike 2! 

So when the handsome producer with the platinum smile mistakes her for her sister, she gets an idea. 

Where better to hide than in plain sight? 

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I got the prequel novella to The Alexanders series free on Amazon, and it came with the first 15 chapters of One More Day. I quite enjoyed Teasing Trent, so I dived right in and ended up buying One More Day as soon as I got the chance. Why? Because I couldn't keep waiting just one more day to find out what happened next!

The story starts by giving us a little insight into Jackson's personal life. He's a young widower with two sons who hasn't been able to bring himself to love again. You get a glimpse into his family life too, which is cute. 

Ridley Wells has had the toughest week. She lost her friend in a car accident and then found her apartment trashed! So, doing what she thought was the wisest move, she decided to get the hell out of Florida and go stay with her twin sister, high-profile model Raina Winters. The plan was simple enough, but leave it to get complicated when she least expects it. She's locked out of her sister's house.

Ridley and Jackson are thrown together after Ridley passes out in her sister's backyard and Jackson comes to help his neighbour, mistaking Ridley for her twin. Ridley goes along with he mistaken identity but things get complicated quickly, how long will it be before the secrets and lies rise to the surface?

Ridley is a sweet and funny character, even when ling she does her best to keep things as honest as possible. She's had a difficult life but it allows her to relate to almost every other character in a kind and empathetic manner which is a refreshing trait to see in a main character.

Jackson has lead a tragic and difficult life but he never lets anything get in the way of his family, who are his number one priority, but meeting Ridley throws him for a loop. He is sexy as anything and has a good, albeit slow to trust, heart. Now, if a sexy man, with a heart of gold and a slight bad-boy status who can play guitar and write songs appeals to you, then this novel will totally hook you!

The connection between Jackson and Ridley is palpable from the first moment and it's really sweet to see how things progress and to be let in on their innermost thoughts by way of multiple view points. Romance isn't the only aspect to the story, the plot is fast-paced and full of suspense, I really love how M. Malone ties everything that happens together, in this novel, nothing happens without some reason or other behind it. 

This novel works with themes of love, deceit, trust, loyalty, betrayal and family, and spins a tale that all mature readers are sure to enjoy. I say 'mature readers' because some  of the content within the novel is smoulderingly HOT! There are many twists and turns that keep you entertained and almost break your heart as all you want is a happy ending for such amazing characters.

The final chapters of the novel were surprising, suspenseful and heart-warming! I am moving straight to reading book two, The Things I Do for You, which happens to be Raina's story, I cannot wait to see what happens here!

I rate One More Day Five out of Five!