Showcase Sunday (49)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

Bought:

Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

Crash by Lisa McMann

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Hysteria by Megan Miranda

Won:

17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma

Thank you, Suzanne Johnson!

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

Huge thanks to Read, Rinse, Repeat!

Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans (audiobook)

Huge thanks to Beth Fish Reads and Lenore Appelhans!

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Matched by Allie Condie

Massive thanks to Pawing Through Books for these great books and the best swag pack EVER!

Giant thanks to Best Selling Reads!

Big thanks to Minding Spot!

Huge thanks to Me, My Shelf and I and Scott Tracey!

No, you aren't seeing things. I broke my book buying ban. To be fair, my husband sent me to the book store with our daughter to get her a book. He should have known what that meant. So yes, I broke and bought two books. Then the next day he wanted to stop by the book store again to get something for himself. So yes, I broke again and bought two more books. Hey, you know what they say: don't lead a horse to water if you don't want him to drink. Actually, I'm not even sure if that's how that saying goes, but you know what I mean. I just couldn't help myself.
As you can see, I also had a pretty kickass week for wins! I won some awesome books and some awesome gift cards, woohoo! I haven't spent it yet (actually, I bought two songs on iTunes) but I don't expect to be able to hold off much longer. There are so many good books coming out so I'm looking for the right one to buy. You know how it is, for every one book you read there is another 50 amazing books being released. It's a never ending battle, not that I mind :) 
I want to say a huge thanks again to all of the authors and bloggers who supplied me with these amazing goodies, and also to the husband for not judging me when I couldn't stop buying books!

Don't forget to enter the Shop My Shelves giveaway, it ends tonight! 
I'm also holding a Facebook giveaway (US only, sorry!) that ends on Friday. So hurry up and enter here!

On My Wish List (77)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Workaday Reads and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: The Girl Below

Author: Bianca Zander

Publication Date: June 19, 2012

Synopsis: 

Suki Piper is a stranger in her hometown. . . .

After ten years in New Zealand, Suki returns to London, to a city that won't let her in. However, a chance visit with Peggy—an old family friend who still lives in the building where she grew up—convinces Suki that there is a way to reconnect with the life she left behind a decade earlier. But the more involved she becomes with Peggy's dysfunctional family, including Peggy's wayward sixteen-year-old grandson, the more Suki finds herself mysteriously slipping back in time—to the night of a party her parents threw in their garden more than twenty years ago, when something happened in an old, long-unused air-raid shelter. . . .

First, I love this cover. I love the colors, the bars, the girl, everything. This is the kind of cover that screams at me to pick it up. I'm also quite a fan of family secrets. No, not in real life of course, but in stories. These are the stories that I keep going back to time and again. I'm curious to see just what did happen in the air-raid shelter and who it happened to. Why have I not picked up this book yet? Do I see an end to my book buying ban in the near future? I think I might. Shhh, don't tell the husband!

What about you? What are you looking to get your hands on? Leave me a link so I can come check it out. There's always more room on my wish list :)

Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem (#NSNation #spon)- Week 18

Welcome to Week 18 of Weigh Me Wednesday: My Journey with Nutrisystem! As a Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program member, I am on the Women's Diabetes Select Program!

I apologize for being a day late on my weigh in post again, but I had a good reason! I spent the day with my mom yesterday, she had some doctor appointments to go to so I went along with her. Then my whole family went to dinner with my uncle who was visiting from California. We hadn't seen him in six years so it was so nice to visit! We went out to a local sea food restaurant and yes, I will admit that I did eat some regular food while I was there. But don't worry, I only ate a small portion and didn't overdo it :)
Anyway, this week I lost half a pound, woohoo! I'm feeling much better about myself this week than I was last week with the gain. I know it is normal to have your weight bounce around a little bit, but it is still disappointing. 
Exercise:
Wouldn't you know it, I think Spring has finally arrived. It is still a bit chilly out, but at least it is sunny and not snowing! Nutrisystem recommends at least three daily activities that are ten minutes long each. I have been so anxious to start taking walks as part as my routine and it looks like that might finally happen. And warmer weather also means something else: badminton! Yep, we are die hard badminton fans here in my house. We play all summer long and take the game very seriously. We can play for hours (and do as much as possible). I'm not sure if this is one of the recommended activities listed on Nutrisystem's website but it definitely should be. You can really work up a sweat! 
Food:
No new pictures this week because I've been sticking to my old favorites: honey wheat bagel for breakfast, three cheese chicken for lunch and chicken pot pie for dinner. I also love that Nutrisystem allows for two daily snacks, which is where I get my peanut butter fix. Gotta have my peanut butter! I love the Nutrisystem menu and meal plan because not only does it let me eat the foods I love but it also helps keep my diabetes under control and that is what is most important. I want to be around for my kids as much as possible and I know that with Nutrisystem I am getting the right nutrition. 
So what's my goal for next week?
Next week I am aiming for another pound. Before I go I should also mention something else. Last year I had my vitamin d levels checked and found out they were dangerously low. I had to go on a mega dose prescription for about five weeks and it made a world of differences. Unfortunately though, I kind of fell out of my routine about six or seven months ago and stopped taking my daily vitamins. So I've been kind of tired and sluggish. But yesterday I picked up some more vitamins to get my vitamin d back up to normal limits. I'm so hopeful that the combination of the vitamins and the warmer weather will help me gain some more energy and get me moving more. When that happens, my goals are going to be much higher. I hope it kicks in soon!

Remember to stop by next week for Week 19's results!


Huge thanks to Meredith Bandy and Nutrisystem for giving me the opportunity to take part in their program!

Want to join me on my journey through weight loss with Nutrisystem? Head on over to their website here or call 1-888-853-4689 to join now! Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get healthy!






*Disclaimer: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with their food and services for free in exchange of my honest review of their program. This does not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Fire and Ash Book Blast: Win $25 Amazon or Paypal!

Fire and Ash by Anne Patrick

Fire and Ash is the story of female fire investigator Sadie McGregor.  When she was a child, Sadie lost her family in a horrific fire that still haunts her.  She's now been called in to investigate a fatality fire in her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Amazon Kindle

Reviews and Awards

"This is a beautiful, yet hard-hitting story, fluently written, presenting characters you fall in love with." 
~ Reviewed by Fennel at LASR

"A Top Pick! Another Fantastic Novel!!!! Anne Patrick's novel, "Fire and Ash" is a well-written novel that flows wonderfully. A fantastic read!" 
~ Night Owl Reviews

"A wonderful read, this book had me laughing and crying. True to life characters and vivid descriptions, along with comedy and heart stopping moments, make this a page turner you'll want to read again." 
~ Happily Ever After Reviews

"As a forensics show enthusiast, I found that Anne Patrick, in her book, Fire and Ash, goes into great, minute detail of the fire investigation, that puts you on the scent of a perpetrator.  Her unique ability to incorporate multiple plots to throw you off course makes the pages fly by to connect the dots."  
~ Onedesertrose's Christian Book Reviews Blog

"As a retired fire investigator I have to say kudos to Ms Patrick on her research. I normally don’t read romantic suspense, but this book sounded intriguing so I couldn't resist. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED" 
~Review from 'Fireboy' at Christianbook.com

Received Four Stars from Romantic Times Book Reviews!

LASR BEST BOOK of 2010 Nominee!

'Best Inspirational' 2010 at The Romance Reviews!

#1 Bestselling Suspense eBook, and #1 Bestselling Romance eBook at Christianbook.com!

Amazon Top 100 Bestseller in Christian Fiction!

Author Anne Patrick

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award winning and bestselling WOUNDED HEROES SERIES, FIRE AND ASH, and TIES THAT BIND. When she isn't working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures and adventures. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she now makes her home in Kansas. 

Website * Blog * Twitter

She loves to hear from her readers!

Book Blast Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/10/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Waiting On Wednesday (77)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: The Originals Author: Cat Patrick Expected Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Synopsis:
17-year-olds Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey Best grew up as identical triplets... until they discovered a shocking family secret. They're actually closer than sisters, they're clones. Hiding from a government agency that would expose them, the Best family appears to consist of a single mother with one daughter named Elizabeth. Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey take turns going to school, attending social engagements, and a group mindset has always been a de facto part of life...

Then Lizzie meets Sean Kelly, a guy who seems to see into her very soul. As their relationship develops, Lizzie realizes that she's not a carbon copy of her sisters; she's an individual with unique dreams and desires, and digging deeper into her background, Lizzie begins to dismantle the delicate balance of an unusual family that only science could have created. 

Even though I've had a copy of Revived for on my shelf for close to a year now, I still haven't had a chance to read it. However, I did read and love Forgotten, which is why I'm excited about this upcoming release. Clones living as one person? Sign me up! It kind of makes me think of twins who like to trade places and see if they can get away with it.I'm dying to see how this whole sharing thing is going to work out when Lizzie falls in love. I can't wait to read it!
What about you? What are you anxious to get your hands on? Leave me a link in the comments and I'll come check it out!

Blue Hearts of Mars Book Blast: Win $50 Amazon or Paypal!

Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas


Retta Heikkinen knows the unspoken rule of society: love between androids and humans is forbidden. A simple enough edict until Hemingway Koskinen spends an evening charming her with his intense gaze, bewitching smile, and sparkling conversation that hints at so much more than the usual obsessions of high school boys. Rules were meant to be cast aside, especially when love beckons.

If only it were as simple as being in love.

Trouble is brewing, not just for Hemingway--for all androids. Secrets have been kept, lies propagated, and Retta soon discovers that a frightening future awaits thousands of androids if she doesn’t do something to stop it. Worse yet, she will lose the one love she’s ever endangered herself for: Hemingway.

Grab a FREE copy on Amazon - March 27th & 28th 

Praise

"Nothing like I've read before. A true original story! Everything is so well described. Now if they could make a follow up book and movie, that would be great!" ~Mrs. Z (Amazon)

"I was addicted to this book from the beginning. Life on Mars was very real and not at all a sci fi world I didn't understand . . . I found myself rooting for Retta and Hemingway from the very beginning. Easy reading, couldn't put it down and had it read in a weekend. Waiting for a sequel!" ~TNielsen (Amazon)

"The ending of this book is exceptional. While it was different from what I imagined, the way the author brought in a shocking revelation was amazing. I probably reread the last chapter 3 times letting it sink in and the meaning behind it. It was truly beautiful . . . I would love to see more of Retta and Hemingway!" ~Kat Meyer, (Goodreads)

"I love how the author populated Mars . . . so descriptive and comprehensive . . . I could clearly picture everything as if I was seeing the movie &/or was along for the ride. . . . Retta, the main character, is strong, opinionated, and a great champion for her cause." ~Megan (Amazon)

"I had been in the worst reading slump ever and came across this on Goodreads and thought I'd give it a try. Well, I was pleasantly surprised on how funny and exciting and mysterious it was . . . Mei, Retta's bff, had me laughing out loud quite a bit as well as Retta herself. I'd definitely hang out with those two." ~Deanneluvbooks (Goodreads)

Blue Hearts of Mars has made it to the quarterfinals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.

Readers are invited to download the excerpts (here) and rate and comment on the entries. So please, if you want to contribute, download and rate Blue Hearts! Your support is incredibly appreciated!


Or purchase the full version of the book here: Amazon

Author Nicole Grotepas

Nicole wrote her first fantasy novel in 7th grade on her mother's old Brother typewriter. It was never finished but it strongly resembled a Dragonlance plot and she's forever wondered what happened to the manuscript and Tonathan--the handsome elven protagonist. After living in Nashville where she worked as an editor, she returned to the Utah desert where she was raised. Nicole now lives near the Wasatch mountains with her husband. She writes and raises her son and three cats full time.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/14/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Review: Paradise Misplaced by Lisa April Smith

Title: Paradise Misplaced Author: Lisa April Smith Publication Date: September 20, 2012
Synopsis:
In Manhattan, being recently dumped by her soulmate becomes the least of Charlotte (Charlie) Morgan’s problems after she is viciously pushed off a subway platform in front of an oncoming train. Her modeling career seems over and she may not walk again. Throughout her lengthy hospital stay the police have no success finding her assailant or determining a motive. A handsome detective recovering from similar injuries is assigned to be her physical therapy partner. Concerned that her attacker will try again, he urges her to draw up list of anyone she might have angered or rejected. Eliminating those who don’t fit a compiled description of her attacker leaves just one suspect – a millionaire power broker with a famous art collection. 
In his quest for his next wealthy wife, lovable lothario/conman Jack is in Buenos Aires romancing women he meets at a fashionable hotel where he even isn’t a registered guest. To finance this precarious existence, Jack ever-so-gently exploits foreign tourists and local land barons. But whether he succeeds, falls short or fails miserably, rely on sexy Jack to be entertaining. 
Understandably bitter Naomi is in Israel works on an archeological dig and seeks temporary relief from her demons in one-night-stands and meaningless affairs. Unwilling to be yet another in a series of her lovers, a rough-hewn widowed farmer relentlessly pursues her. On three continents, with thousands of miles separating them, will Charlie, Jack and Naomi meet? Will their individual stories end in triumph or disaster? 
~My Thoughts~
*Warning: This review may be slightly spoilerish if you have not read the first book. I'll do my best to keep it to a minimum, but please read with caution*
Usually the first thing I would do in a review is to give a quick synopsis in my own words about the story. However, I'm going to skip this today because the synopsis above provided by Goodreads is pretty thorough and I feel that adding anything else to it might give away important plot points that I don't want to spoil. So today I am just going to get right into what I did, or did not, enjoy about the story.
Actually, in this case, it's only what I enjoyed because there wasn't a thing I didn't love. Paradise Misplaced is the sequel to Exceeding Expectations, which I also enjoyed quite a bit. You can read my review here. The story picks up shortly after book one ends. Unfortunately for our main character Charlie though, her boyfriend Raul has suddenly dumped her and has moved out. I found this a little upsetting because I absolutely loved Raul in the first book and though he and Charlie made an excellent couple. Charlie is a very successful, independent woman. Even though she is devastated by Raul leaving, she isn't about to lay down and wither away. She continues to work, socialize and do her best to keep going. This is what I love most about her, besides her large heart. 
Unlike in Exceeding Expectations, we finally get to hear from Naomi, Charlie's mother. Believed to have been killed in WWII, Naomi has been struggling to survive in Europe while desperately trying to find her husband and children. After many years of no results, Naomi has accepted her fate and now works at an archaeological dig in Israel. I found Naomi's story very interesting, but also a little upsetting. Even though I didn't care for her in the first book, I began to feel sorry for her in Paradise Misplaced. Hearing her side of the story made me change my opinion of her and I also started to feel sorry for her. She had to overcome quite a bit to get to where she was and even though she was still struggling with her emotions, I had hope for her. I wanted nothing more than to see her reunited with Charlie and Amelia and finally live a happy life.
Along with Naomi's and Charlie's stories, we also get to hear once again from Jack, Charlie's father. I can't exactly say that I approve of his lifestyle or what he did to his children, but the author has a unique way of making you feel sorry for him anyway. I was very pleased with the way his story ended.
In fact, I was thrilled with this story all around. Each character had such a unique voice and perspective and made for a very satisfying read. And even though I was happy with the way these stories tied up, I'm kind of sad to see these characters go. After spending so much time with them and living their lives along with them, I feel as if they are real friends I am about to say goodbye to. I'll miss them. 
Overall, I can't recommend this book enough. If you love a good mystery and a little romance as much as I do, then I highly suggest you pick up copies of Exceeding Expectations and Paradise Misplaced. They are the kind of stories that lure you in, grab hold and don't go until you have finished every last bit.
About the author:

Author Lisa April Smith lives with her husband, He-Who-Wishes-to-Remain-Anonymous, in Eternal Playland, Florida, a delightful spot just off I-95. Ms. Smith describes Eternal Playland as "a little piece of level heaven with occasional dampness, where the bugs are plentiful but respectful, and even the smallest strip mall contains at least one pizza place and a nail salon." 
Before discovering a passion for writing, Ms. Smith sold plumbing and heating, antiques, taught ballroom dancing, tutored, modeled, designed software and managed projects for IBM. She returned to college multiple times to study anthropology, sociology and computer science, in which she holds degrees, as well as psychology, archaeology  literature, history and art. Combine those widely diverse interests with a love of travel and a gift for writing page-turners and it’s easy to understand one reviewer’s unbridled praise for Exceeding Expectations, “She (Ms. Smith) has a brilliance for conveying characters, and the intellectual capacity to place them in historical settings that sparkle with glamorous detail . . . that make it fun to read . . . ” 

~Where to find Lisa~
Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter

~Purchase~
Amazon B&N


*I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Teaser Tuesday (77)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Week's Teaser Is From:

Isn't It Bromantic? by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

"I tell myself that maybe this time she’ll pick something more suitable to her lack of any vocal talents, like maybe a Taylor Swift song. I’m not exactly a big Taylor Swift fan – all that girly teenage angst, Romeo and Juliet, yadda yadda – but those kinds of songs can be talked as much as sung and Helen’s got a fine speaking voice; she’s like the reverse of Madonna who can sing great but sounds like long red fingernails on a chalkboard whenever she just talks."

(Kindle Locations 550-553)

Showcase Sunday (48)

Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.

Won:

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Huge thanks to What's On The Bookshelf and Egmont USA!

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

Big thanks to Boekie's Book Reviews and St. Martin's Press!

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

Thank you, Houghton Mifflin!

Well it's another small week here for books but guess what? I am still totally THRILLED with the books that came for me this week. Each one of these look amazing and I am so excited to finally have these Jennifer Lynn Barnes books in my hands after entering at last 100 giveaways to win them.  I can't wait to finally sit down and read them. I still have a ton of review books to read first, but man oh man and I excited!

I'm still on a book buying ban until I can get through some of my other books. I've developed a reading system in the last few weeks though and it seems to be helping me make a decent dent in both my review pile and my recreation reading pile. Thanks to this system I am cruising along nicely in my Goodreads reading challenge and am currently 11 books ahead of schedule. I will admit that I set a low goal of 50 books for the year, but I did notice that once I started blogging that I lost some of my reading time. 

Anyway, are you as excited about your goodies this week that I am about mine? Leave me a link to your post and I'll come celebrate with you!

On My Wish List (76)

On My Wish List is a fun weekly event hosted by Workaday Reads and runs every Saturday. It's where we list all the books we desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.

Title: White Horse Author: Alex Adams Publication Date: April 7, 2012
Synopsis:
Thirty-year-old Zoe leads an ordinary life until the end of the world arrives. She is cleaning cages and floors at Pope Pharmaceuticals when the President of the United States announces that human beings are no longer a viable species. When Zoe realizes that everyone she loves is disappearing, she starts running. Scared and alone in a shockingly changed world, she embarks on a remarkable journey of survival and redemption. Along the way, Zoe comes to see that humans are not defined by their genetic code, but rather by their actions and choices. White Horse offers hope for a broken world, where love can lead to the most unexpected places.


I remember this one coming out and heard tons of good things about it. I wasn't able to get myself a copy though, so it fell off my radar. These are the kinds of stories I enjoy most, dystopian/end of the world type stories. They scare me, but they are so fascinating to read. Have you read it? What did you think?

Have a wish list of your own? Leave me a link to your post and I'll come check it out!

Review: Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

Title: Persephone Author: Kaitlin Bevis Publication Date: July 6, 2012
Synopsis:
There are worse things than death, worse people too.

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.
~My Thoughts~
Teenage Persephone is starting to feel like someone is watching her. She's also starting to have some weird visions too. Clearly, she thinks she is losing her mind. But when something happens and she is forced to accept that these strange things aren't hallucinations at all, she is in for the biggest shock of all. Persephone is a goddess, the daughter of Zeus.
As if this isn't weird enough, she is now in danger of being kidnapped. Boreas, the god of winter, is after her and he will stop at nothing to get her. When he comes too close to achieving his goal, Persephone is rescued by the dark and mysterious Hades, king of the underworld. This wouldn't have been to bad, if Hades hadn't made her his bride. Forced to stay in the underworld as queen until they can find a way to beat Boreas, Hades and Persephone start to grow closer. The tension between the two, combined with the added threat of Boreas and others, makes Persephone an exception retelling.

When it comes to mythology, I have to admit that I am pretty much clueless. I do remember being very interested in it once, a long time ago, but anything that I had learned has completely disappeared. When I was given the chance to read and review Persephone, I jumped at the chance. I thought that maybe this is what I needed to bring back my old interest. Guess what? I was right!
Persephone grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn't let go. Even though it took some getting used to with all the names, positions and powers, I didn't have much of a hard time following along at all. Yes, there is a lot to learn here if you aren't up to date on mythology, but the author found ways to incorporate all you need to know without making it read like a text book. In fact, it was just the opposite. I didn't even realize how much I was actually learning because I was so engrossed in the story. 
Persephone is smart, honest and even a little snarky at times. I immediately liked her. Even though she did have an attitude once in a while, you can't really fault her for that. She has just found out that her whole life has pretty much been a lie, and who wouldn't have some kind of a crisis in that situation? Still, she sucked it up and made the best out of what she was dealt and I truly loved watching her grow into a stronger person.
Then we have Hades. He's moody, elusive and kind of a jerk. Perfect love interest. Of course, you can't really fault him for his ways either since he is the god of the underworld after all. That can't be the most pleasant of jobs. The tension between him and Persephone are constantly causing issues for them, and also provides us with witty banter and snarky remarks. Who doesn't love those?
Whether you have an interest in mythology or not, Persephone is definitely worth the read. And who knows? Maybe this will be the start of a new love affair with mythology and will wet your appetite for more retellings. I know it did for me, which is why I can't wait to read the second book in the series.
 So what am I really saying here? Read this book!
For more about Kaitlin Bevis and Persephone, visit her website here. 
~Purchase~ Amazon B&N