Reign of Blood

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"Never tease anything that wants to eat you. My name is April Tate and my blood is the new gold. Vampires and hybrids have overrun my world, once vibrant with life, but now a graveyard of death shrouded in shadows. I fight to survive; I fight for my mother and brother. The journey is full of turns that I am quite unprepared for. And I'm just hoping to make it to the next Vegas sunrise..."
In a post-apocalyptic world, a viral epidemic has wiped out most of the earth’s population, leaving behind few humans but untold numbers of mutated vampires. April is a seventeen-year-old girl who lives in the remains of Las Vegas one year after the outbreak. She has become a ferocious vampire killer and after her family is abducted, she goes searching for them. What she finds is a new breed of vampire, unlike any she has seen before. Unsure of whom she can trust, she discovers that her view of the world is not as black and white as she once thought, and she's willing to bend the rules to rescue her family. But in trying to save them, she may only succeed in bringing her fragile world crashing down around her.

Review

****Indie Inked through NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review****

"Never tease anything that wants to eat you. My name is April Tate and my blood is the new gold. Vampires and hybrids have overrun my world, once vibrant with life, but now a graveyard of death shrouded in shadows. I fight to survive; I fight for my mother and brother. The journey is full of turns that I am quite unprepared for. And I'm just hoping to make it to the next Vegas sunrise..."

New author on my radar! This book was such an intense thrill ride. In a time where post-apocalyptic novels are abundant this book still brought a fresh spin that held my attention from the beginning. April's journey is a violent and bloody one as she discovers the tattered remains of her world aren't what she thought they were. I really respected April. She's young, 17, and instead of allowing herself to become a victim she adapts to survive the best she can, teaching herself how to fight and arming herself. She doesn't get cocky and go out guns blazing though, she remains smart. Even after her family is taken she devises a plan. It was nice to see a young characters not be displayed as some ditzy hormone filled body. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming and the story was well written and fast paced. The world was so intricately developed and realistic that you got sucked into an alternate universe where this was the real world. I definitely recommend this one and it was free on Smashwords at the time I posted this review.

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Dark Salvation

 

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A gathering storm of violence is on the horizon. Whispered threats of the Acta Sanctorum’s return have the supernatural world abuzz. Only recently aware of the other world hidden behind our own, Kitara Vanders has barely scratched the surface of what being supernatural truly means. A special woman in her own right, she possesses unique telepathic abilities, gifts that have recently come under the scrutiny of the Acta Sanctorum, a fanatical organization whose mission is to cleanse the world of anything supernatural. Targeted, and marked for death, Kitara’s only hope lies with the lethally seductive yet emotionally scarred warrior, Nicholas. Knowing full well the atrocities the Acta Sanctorum is capable of, Nicholas is all too eager for the battle to begin. Fueled by pain and rage from the loss of his mate, he’s itching for a fight, but one thing stands in his way, Kitara: a beautiful dark-haired woman with unique psychic abilities and an unusual link to the Saints. Despite his resolve to remain focused on his mission, a purely physical relationship binds them together in a way neither of them expected. And when her life hangs in the balance, Nicholas finds his own is teetering on the edge too.

Excerpt

Kitara glanced down to the ring on her finger. The small band of gold with channel-set diamonds and sapphires had only adorned her finger for six months. She remembered the day Jeremy got down on one knee and proposed. He’d told her he was the luckiest man alive to have found her and that he’d do everything in his power to take care of her.

How could all that have changed in such a short time? What had the Saints done to turn his affections? For that matter, what other lies had the Saints told Jeremy?

After becoming a Saint, Jeremy had said vampires and all other supernatural beings were depraved creatures. That had been the start of the end for their relationship. She’d been labeled one of the unnatural creatures for the way she prayed under the light of the full moon.

She’d believed that other creatures could be evil, but not her. She wasn’t a witch or anything like that. And vampires, sure, they would most certainly be on the list of bad things. But now that she’d met one, she wasn’t so sure she agreed with that assessment any more.

Despite his abrasive attitude, that vampire – Nicholas – had showed more humanity than the jerk she’d met at the bar the previous night. He’d saved her not once, but twice, albeit in the most aggravating way possible. He hadn’t tried to bite her either. Though now that she thought about it, his mental attack on her at the club might have been exactly the kind of thing Jeremy had warned her about. Thankfully she’d been able to ward him off. The echo of a headache still remained, a subtle reminder that if she chose to fight a mental attack, she could do it. She’d just need to make sure she could find a safe place to weather the aftereffects.

Perhaps not all Jeremy had told her had been true, but there were kernels of truth there that had her questioning everything she had known.

Vampires were real. She’d just met one in the flesh. And though she hated to admit it, his flesh wasn’t all that bad either. She’d expected to see sallow skin and a gaunt frame, something out of Nosferatu. Maybe even some crazy looking fangs. Nicholas was nothing like that. Despite his abrasive attitude, he was attractive and muscular, his dusky blue eyes were mesmerizing, and his teeth… sharp, but very discreet. She’d only really gotten a good glance at them when he smiled. And though it made her stomach turn at the idea of what he did with those fangs, she felt a twinge of excitement seeing them. A small thought crept into her mind. What would it feel like to be bitten? As soon as the thought took form, she pushed it away. That was exactly the kind of thing that invited trouble. She’d already had plenty of that.

The reality of this new information was unsettling. Vampires were obviously real. Witches were real. Jeremy had accused her of that more times than she could count. And if all of what Nicholas had said was true, and the Saints were killing all things unnatural, then she was a target herself.

That couldn’t be right. No. There was no way Jeremy, the same man who once filled the entire room with candles and red rose petals, could kill her in cold blood.

Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, she still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write. And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale… Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.
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Author to Watch-Jennifer Sage

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IMMORTAL DREAMS (Book 1-Isabel)
 Re-release 9-6-13
 Isabel has had some very unusual experiences when it comes to men. In fact, they typically tend to steer completely clear of her. One lousy tornado and a few storms and she is dubbed ‘lighting girl’ by all. However, on the eve of her 22nd birthday things change literally, overnight.     When Isabel wakes up in a dream with a man not fit for human consumption she can’t believe it. And upon waking from her dream things go even more haywire. Never could she have imagined the world that she sees once the ‘blinders’ are off. Abandoned by the very person who sent these gifts to her to see the world for what it is, she is naturally overwhelmed by it all.     Her men problems before were laughable. Enter two of the most gorgeous creatures she has ever laid eyes upon. Add a curse and a requirement to pick one in the next 9 days. Make that nights actually, since she can only reach them in her dreams.     Oh, and it just so happens if she picks the wrong one then the veil between all the magical realms could be destroyed and create ultimate chaos and death. Both men want to seduce her and make her his, but only one will lead to restoring the realms, and her heart.     So heavy the burden, so great the stakes. Will she even survive the war that has already begun to rage between the worlds before her choice is made? There are the waking hours too, that are contending for her fate. And very little help is on her side....
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IMMORTAL BOUND (Book 2-Amele)
 Re-release 10-4-13
 Amele must fulfill her binding to the Elemental God Nikolai, as was her p romise. Is the warrior Queen ready for all that he will demand of her however? Icy hearts and stubborn ways make for a wild adventure on just what it means to keep your word in the Immortal Realms. She may have been able to handle half the of the dragon realm without even working up a sweat but could she have met her match in a God? Will Amele survive her binding to the attractive God she's lusted over for centuries but could never call out of vanity and fear? Will Nikolai even want her around that long? Everyone knows that the Gods lose interest in their playthings after a time. Even the offerings of days long past never stayed for a fraction of her requirement. Queen Amele is one of the fiercest warriors of her race, but she may not be ready for this promise she has made.
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About the author:
 Like any author, you can find pieces of my soul in my words and within the worlds created from the canvas of my mind. I love everything medieval even though my stories are fantasy/ paranormal urban romances. I love reading, writing, family time, movies, cooking, playing, great wine and stimulating conversation...not necessarily in that order. Keltor is my third published book however it is off the shelves as I seek representation for the series. Writing and editing is done in my, eh hem, spare time and as a single mom and full time employee in the financial world, it thrills me that I’ve managed to do any of this. When I write, I never know how the story is going to really end. Always an HEA, but as the characters, world and plot develop it feels as if it’s no longer me writing the story, but my characters themselves.
 ***Please, if you have read any of my books don’t forget how important it is to rate and review them. Thank you in advance and have a beautiful journey in this, our human experience***
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Daughter of Sherwood

 Raised in the kitchens of Nottingham Castle, Wren has no idea she is the daughter of the legendary Robin Hood until she is summoned to Sherwood Forest. Since Robin's death many years before, the resistance against Norman tyranny has been upheld by a magical triad, but now one of the guardians has died. With two young men, Sparrow and Martin, Wren must form a new triad with a bond strong enough to defend Sherwood's magic. To one of them, she will also give her heart.

From the moment Wren bursts into his life, Sparrow loves her. But he knows she may choose his lifelong rival, Martin, as her mate. Martin wants Wren also, but Sparrow fears Martin is driven not by love but by ambition. When Martin is captured and held at Nottingham Castle, will the conflict between love and duty destroy the triad?

Review

****I was given a copy of this book for my honest review****

I don't even know where to start with this review.....as a lover of the tale of Robin Hood how could I not be drawn into this world that Laura Strickland has written for us.
Wren, the secret daughter of Robin Hood and Maid Marion, Sparrow Little and Martin Scarlet (these last names ringing any bells for you?)face a torturous decision. Fated to love one another, but knowing only two can be together these three have to find away to form a suitable triad to keep the people and the magic of Sherwood alive. And with it all of the beliefs of Robin Hood, his battle for the serfs and justice for all.
I have to say I was immediately enamoured with this storyline. It is just a little bit special :)
Different, but not out of place, while reading it, this storyline didn't feel like a far stretch of the imagination.
The love triangle is one of the best I have ever read. My heart knew what it wanted to happen from my very first meeting of a certain character ( I am not going to spoil it for you!) . These characters will draw you into there story and you will be left wanting just a little bit more....sign of a good book.
Daughter of Sherwood is an imaginative and most enjoyable story.

 

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Bought, Branded & Bound

 

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Macy Trent was a chubby girl but that didn't mean she obeyed anybody's rules but her own. That is, until her drop-dead gorgeous boss blackmailed her into submitting to his will. She agrees to spend the weekend with Logan and obey his every command. Twenty four hours later…Oh my God what have I done? That’s Macy first thought upon waking and finding herself in Logan Quinn’s bed. As memories of the night before – and her wanton behavior – come flooding back, Macy realizes last night wasn’t her biggest regret, it was falling in love with her drop dead gorgeous boss. Logan’s curvy assistant is sarcastic, willful, and deliberately disobedient and he’s had enough of her attitude. He knows the only way to get her out of his system is to make her submit. He also knows being a Dom is all about maintaining control. So why does his curvy secretary make him want to break his every rule? Come join Logan and Macy on their incredibly erotic journey and find out what happens when a good little submissive makes her dominant lose control…
WARNING: For mature audiences only - contains elements of discipline, submission, dominance, hot sex and . . . romance

Excerpt

“Again, Macy, why are you being punished?”
Macy was sitting on the end of the bed like a good submissive when Logan entered the bedroom almost an hour later. Luckily he hadn’t finished sooner. She’d taken a quick shower before donning one of his dress shirts and even answered a text from her sister.
“Because I put two sugars in your coffee instead of three.”
“Did you do that deliberately, Miss Trent? You have made coffee for me almost every day since you’ve been in my employ. And you have put one cube of sugar in my coffee each time. Why forget today?”
He stood there, watching her, his eyes flashing with fire. She didn’t know if it was anger or desire. She hoped it was desire.
“Do you know why I think you forgot, Miss Trent?”
She shook her head, unable to speak.
“I think you want to be punished. You want to feel the heat of my hand on your backside. You want to see how much you can tolerate before using your safe word, don’t you, Macy?”
He stepped back and pulled the t-shirt over his head. Next he hooked his thumbs under the waistband of his pajamas and let them slide to the floor. He wore no socks or shoes. Or underwear.
He walked over to the sitting area and placed one of the high-backed chairs in front of the mirrored closets. Taking a seat he motioned her over. “Come, stand in front of me the way you did last night.”
Macy complied, stepping in front of the chair with her back to him. She could feel her blood thrumming through her body. Even though she couldn’t comprehend the satisfaction to be had from spanking—yet—she was excited. Aroused at the thought of having Logan’s hands on her again.
Would she ever get enough of this man?
He reached out, his hands going under the tail of her shirt to trace the shape of her ass. His hands were warm, his touch firm as he stroked her soft flesh, making her tremble.
“Do you like that, Macy?”
Her breathing hitched. His touch was like a narcotic. One simple stroke and she’d do anything to have more. “Yes.”
“Unbutton my shirt.”
As soon as she’d undone the last button, he was tugging her down across his lap, her torso resting on the large curved arm of the chair. The fingers of one hand threaded through her hair, pulling the errant strands away from her face. Suddenly, she could see them in the mirror. He was watching her. Gauging her reaction.
“I want you to watch me spank you, Miss Trent,” he murmured. This was it. The thought both frightened and aroused her.
Macy watched his face, the brooding, hungry look—like a starving man offered a feast, yet afraid it was going to be snatched away before he got a taste. Fascinated by his expression as he stared raptly at her plump cheeks, she missed the rise of his hand.

Author Info
Lynn Richards is actually the pseudonym chosen by two best friends who started writing together back when they were both young and idealistic. Though no longer exactly young, they are still best friends and still pretty idealistic. They enjoy reading (and writing) romances ranging from sweet and pure, to spicy hot and erotic. Nothing pleases them more than hearing from their readers. Please E-mail them at lynn.richardsromance@yahoo.com and tell them what kind of reads you like and what you'd like to see from Lynn Richards in the future. And thanks for taking time to read Lynn Richards’ romances!

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It's Just Love

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Matchmakers sometimes need a little help with their own love lives. Coral Nixie is living her dream. Her cottage is blocks from her beloved beach and a haven for those seeking answers for their relationship problems. And so what if her own love life is non-existent? Helping others and surfing should be enough for anyone, even a virgin, slightly lonely witch. Gage Middleton is a successful author and relationship counselor. His "factors" can indicate the success of any relationship, and he's about to propose to his own perfect match. Until Ms. Perfect dumps him and he has to go on TV and defend his theories against a ridiculous hippy witch with the most beautiful eyes he's ever seen. On a dare from the host, the two set out to follow another couple on their first three dates. Gage and Coral have nothing in common—and neither do the man and woman they follow—but they hadn't counted on their own attraction to each other. Can they let go of their stubborn beliefs and accept that there's nothing to prove? It's Just Love.

Excerpt

Coral woke early, despite the fact that Gage had stayed into the wee hours. He’d been happy to discuss his work, but reticent about his girlfriend. Perhaps the perfect 10 was displeased about their spending these three evenings together. Coral would be happy to reassure her that she had no designs on him. A stuffed shirt like him did not enter her sights. Of course not.

She recalled her decision to consider dating again. Sid was dead, but she was alive. And he’d never want her to live sad and lonely. He had been a kind, considerate guy, finding joy in so many small things. Nothing had taken that from him, even toward the end, when he became a frail shell of his former, robust self. Shame filled her. She’d promised to move on, sworn it as she sat by his deathbed. And she’d broken that vow, or at least neglected it, for three years.
Well, no more. She would begin dating immediately. She’d find someone…somewhere. There sure as heck was nobody in her life now. Filled with purpose, she eschewed surfing for the day and prepared for a small ritual. Time to close one door, so another could be opened. The Goddess could not give her anyone new as long as she clung to the past. And three years was long enough to grieve for someone who had not even been a lover. He’d wanted that, but she hadn’t been sure, and by the time she realized how much he meant to her, his health was so poor she’d only been able to give him her time and care, nothing more.
She closed the curtains, swept the living room, and feather-dusted, wanting a clear space. Then she showered and patted herself dry, leaving her hair hanging down her back, and returned to the living room. Lighting a single, white taper, she sat cross-legged on the floor. White for the Goddess, white for purity. Staring at it, she stood and lit a green one, for change. Once upon a time she would have done more preparation, but truly what occurred was inside herself, and the rest were trappings for onlookers.
The Goddess would understand. Staring at the twin flames, Coral went deep inside and made a wish and a promise. This time, a gift would not be rejected. “Whoever you bring me, Lady, I will not waste the time. I know now how precious and rare true love is.”
When the candles burned down and winked out, she was filled with peace. Perhaps it would be a surfer, or maybe one who practiced the craft…or maybe an accountant. But she trusted that it would be the right one for her, if indeed such a person existed. A flicker of doubt passed through her. If she hadn’t missed her chance.
And looking for the right man would distract her from the wrong one she would be spending the evening with. Gage Middleton, handsome and charming…and even gallant, but he was not for her. The attraction was merely bad timing, or maybe it served to wake her up to her need to move forward.

Kate Richards divides her time between Los Angeles and the High Sierras. She would gladly spend all her days in the mountains, but she’d miss the beach…and her very supportive husband’s commute would be three hundred miles. Wherever she is, she loves to explore all different kinds of relationships in her stories. She doesn’t believe one-size-fits-all, and whether her characters live BDSM, ménage, GLBT or any other kind of lifestyle, it’s the love, the joy I one another, that counts.
Links:  Beachwalk Amazon Facebook Fan Page Goodreads Twitter

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Come Undone (Rock Hard #1)

 

  1/2

On stage he’s dynamite. Off stage he rocks her world.
When red-hot, Goth-metal band, Black Halo, split live on stage, fate throws Daniella Fosbrook into the path of sexy vocalist Xane Geist. Initially, Xane’s only looking for a ride home, but Dani tempts him in a way a thousand other women haven’t. Determined to explore their heady chemistry and avoid hashing things out with the band, Xane whisks Dani off to Monaco for a steamy weekend.
There, Dani tries her best to hang onto her heart and some clothing, while Xane soon loses both. However, Xane isn’t being entirely honest about the reason for the band’s demise. When the truth comes out, can Dani accept the facts, or will everything come undone.

Review

**** HarperCollins UK, Avon, through NetGalley gave me a copy of this book for my honest review****
  I had such a love/hate relationship with Come Undone and it's characters. It was not a typical rockstar romance and the refreshing take was a nice twist but the things that held it apart are also the things that made me want to throw my Nook. There was no fairytale, other than maybe in the beginning when Dani met her rock idol. Beyond that it's issues and mixed emotions, and a hell of a CLIFFHANGER!
Daniella it took me a while to connect with. I don't think we really got a good feel for her character in the very beginning, she was always just whoever someone needed her to be, the best friend, the distraction, never showing her true colors. When you did, you really started to get a feel for how much she really went through, and it made the second half of the story much more enjoyable. Xane was an interesting character. When we first met him he just came across as melodramatic. While being everyone's punching bag as far as the band went, he finally decides to stand up for himself and in turn splits up the band during a concert. Then, instead of dealing he runs away with a fan who seeks healing through his lyrics. I actually ended up enjoying Xane even if he had a flare for the dramatic. His struggle was vastly different than Dani's but just as prevalent. Sexually this book was very intense and hot. Xane's bisexuality was a glorious surprise, as well as his tendency for public sex. It's a promising start, so I'll hang on till the next book. 

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My Favorite Mistake (My Favorite Mistake #1)

 

  

Two secrets. One bet. Who will break first?
Taylor Caldwell can't decide if she wants to kiss her new college roommate or punch him.
On the one hand, Hunter Zaccadelli is a handsome blue-eyed bundle of charm. On the other, he's a tattooed, guitar-playing bad boy. Maybe that's why Taylor's afraid of falling in love with him, or anyone else. She doesn't want to get burned, so she needs him gone before it's too late.
Hunter himself has been burned before, but Taylor's sexy laugh and refusal to let him get away with anything make her irresistible. Determined not to be kicked out of her life without a fight, Hunter proposes a bet: if she can convince him she either truly loves or hates him, he'll leave the apartment;and leave her alone.
But when the man behind Taylor's fear of giving up her heart resurfaces, she has to decide: trust Hunter with her greatest secret, or do everything in her power to win that bet and drive him away forever.

 Review

****Harlequin through NetGalley gave me a copy of this book for my honest review****
My Favorite Mistake was a very traditional New Adult. Maybe I've become jaded or I've just read so many books that I tend to be critical at times, but this one just didn't connect with me. The premise of the whole story felt weak and unrealistic, but while I could look past that if the characters were amazing and things progressed along nicely, it didn't happen. Taylor was supposed to be this tough girl but all she came across as was snippy and selfish, there was nothing allowing me to connect with her. I kept reading page after page hoping for a redeeming factor or a thread that allowed me to connect with her but it never came. Hunter was an alright character, he was sweet but again stereotypical and cheesy, IMO. There was nothing bad boy about him for me. Yeah he had tattoos, but they were all super small and I don't know, being a tattoo fan just, unimpressive. The ideas behind them were a little cheesy as well. And maybe I missed something but while wearing all these symbols of good luck and everyone saying he was born under a lucky star, he just didn't seem to have the best luck. Maybe I'm being cynical, it's a possibility. The side characters didn't interest me, they weren't bad but just blah. The writing itself wasn't bad,just progressed very slowly.
I see a lot of positive reviews so I hope readers try it for themselves, a lot of people seemed to enjoy it, just not for this reader. I really wanted to love this book, and I tried, but unfortunately I'm going to have to give it 3 stars. 

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The Darkest Part

Pressing the boundaries of both the psyche and the heart, Sam and Holden embark on a dangerous journey that will test the limits of love.

Sam Wintry’s life used to be almost perfect. She was engaged to her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler Marks, planning an amazing cross-country honeymoon during her college break. But after a hit-and-run leaves her in ruin, she begins seeing Tyler’s fractured, ghostly presence, and her family believes she’s losing her mind. Not until she completes their journey, stopping along the way to scatter Tyler's remains, will Tyler be able cross over. Only...is Sam ready for him to leave her?

When the black sheep of the Marks' family, Holden Marks, returns to check on Tyler's case, Sam convinces him to give her his brother's ashes. Despite their shaky history, she needs him...plus, he owes it to Sam and his brother. What she doesn’t count on is Holden’s relentlessness to go on the trip.

On the road, Holden realizes just how unhinged Sam has become. Dealing with her psychosis forces him to confront his dark past, making it harder to keep secrets hidden that should remain buried. Especially from Sam, the only woman he’s ever loved. And as Sam starts to unravel the truth, she begins to question if the brother she's unwillingly falling for again is in an even darker place than her.

New Adult Contemporary coming this year.

What readers are saying about THE DARKEST PART...

"This is a great story that captures every element bringing it to a full circle of knowledge and love. A worthy read that is unique and entertaining, The Darkest Part is great." - Savannah @ BooksWithBite

"The Darkest Part is not your typical NA. It’s a powerful mentally and emotional story about true love and finding your way out of the darkness. Something that only a talented writer can pull off." - Nereyda @ Mostly YA Book Obsessed

"The Darkest Part is emotional, raw, dark, and passionate, and I felt each of those emotions with Sam and Holden through the entire novel." - Ellen @ Always YA At Heart

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