Blog Tour & Giveaway: Baculum (Angelbound Lincoln #4) by Christina Bauer

Baculum
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Lincoln #4)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: January 26th 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Watch Lincoln battle Norse monsters in the Viking Games!

As King of the Thrax, Lincoln leads the most powerful demon fighting force in the after-realms… yet he cherishes nothing more than his Angelbound love, Myla. Which is why the king loses his freaking mind when the sinister Ringmaster Kell targets his pregnant wife.

So. Not. Happening. 

Ringmaster Kell runs the infamous Viking Games, a series of battles where participants take on the identity of a Norse monster and fight to the death. Sounds good to Lincoln. The king sets aside his crown and enters the arena with one goal only: destroy Ringmaster Kell. 

Sometimes, a warrior just needs to ignite his baculum sword and kick a ton of evil ass. But is Lincoln protecting Myla or walking into a trap?

Perfect for readers who love Vikings, Norse mythology, hot princes and cool heroines.

ANGELBOUND LINCOLN
Stories from the perspective of Mister The Prince
1. Duty Bound
2. Lincoln
3. Trickster
4. Baculum
5. Angelfire
6. Rixa

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My Review:

4.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Another-World, Romance, Royal-Court, Supernatural, Suspense--

As per the norm, I highly recommend you read all the series before starting this story so that way you can catch all the nuisance details included and the relationship dynamics. But, all that being said, I feel like this is a pretty solid novel that could work as a standalone, with enough backstory to get your feet wet and a completely new and unique adventure that requires no introduction and resolves within this book alone.

I love how this story was delivered. While this was a Lincoln book, it is dual narrated at chapters by Myla and Lincoln, and each chapter is super fast making read "just one more" until the book was finished, much to my surprise. The pacing was fantastic and there was never a dull minute. The author also uses two very distinct voices for Myla and Lincoln, which helps to showcase their personalities. Myla is full of hot-headed impulse choices and snark whereas Lincoln is the epitome of calm, rational and well controlled. I have always been a big fan of the dynamic between the two and this was another great read to reinforce that they are one of my favorite literary couples.

I am pretty sure that if there was a competition for most stupid and evil villain, Lincoln's own father would probably win (in my totally biased mind). In the previous books I didn't like him, I found him to lack a backbone and be easily manipulated, but in this book I really hate him. And no, he is not the villain or enemy in this story, but still he is the well deserved target for my wrath- read the book and tell me you disagree.

Overall this was another solid installment in the Angelbound saga, full of awesome action and the best battle scenes a girl could hope for (including new and crazy supernatural badies to discover)- as well as plenty of warm and fuzzy feels and snark. Oh and pictures at the end of a lot of chapters that really hekped to set the stage for the story

Author Bio:

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. She loves to connect with her fans at BauersBooks.com.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Quasi Redux (Angelbound Origins #8) by Christina Bauer

 

Quasi Redux
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Origins, #8)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: September 29th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

“Myla is a magnificent heroine, fierce and outspoken, hilarious and mischievous … And did I mention that her demon tail is sentient? Best. Sidekick. Ever.” – The Nocturnal Library

Myla Lewis has her life back. Wife. Mother. Queen. Great Scala. Queen of the Thrax. Yay! Then one day, Myla runs across a supernatural waterfall that makes her igni screech like crazy. Our heroine speaks the fateful words, “Some days, I wish I weren’t the Great Scala.”

The waterfall grants her wish.

A moment later, Myla is back at Purgatory High. No husband. No child. No powers beyond her old quasi days. And without Myla around as the Great Scala, all quasis now live under Armageddon’s rule. That sucks. Hard. So Myla sneaks into Antrum—she simply must find Lincoln and figure this out. Once she arrives, two problems arise.

First, her husband doesn’t know her. At all.

Second, Lincoln is married to someone else.

Fuuuuuuu…

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My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Romance, Royal-Court, Supernatural, Suspense--

Keep in mind that if you are not familiar (like really super familiar, also know as you read all the previous books in order) then I very much do not recommend jumping in here. Quasi Redux basically throws the reader (and you know, the main characters) right into the action with tons of danger- and a scary megaladon encounter- and absolutely no backstory.

I will read anything that deals with Myla and Lincoln and this super intricate angel/demon supernatural world but I was a little hesitant to start this book because the synopsis sounded a little sad and after having read Thrax and experiencing the heart break that was the Lincon/Myla situation there, I didn't know if I was up for more heartbreak. But since I had to know what would happen, I of course had to pick Quasi Redux up. I was so surprised (in the best of ways) to find that this was sorta, kinda a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I am such a sucker for fairytale retellings and Beauty and the Beast is hands down my favorite, and having Myla and Lincoln inserted into this storyline (with of course all the action, danger, fighting and sarcasm provided by Myla- she is not the sweet soft spoken Beauty of the fairytale and I love that about her.

Overall this was another solid installment in the Angelbound series that I am so glad I did not miss. Who would have thought that prehistoric sharks, fairytales, forced marriage, prison escapes, magical yard sales, The Great Scala action figured and lawn ornaments and curses would all mesh so well into a fast paced, entertaining story that I could not put down. I really like how the author has the ability to keep this storyline fresh, always a pleasant surprise that keeps me guessing and completely engaged. I am so here for the Myla/Lincoln HEA.

Author Bio:

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Dark In-Between by Elizabeth Hrib

The Dark In-Between
Elizabeth Hrib
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: May 5th 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Action-packed and emotionally powerful like big- and small-screen hits such as The Sixth Sense and Supernatural, The Dark In-Between by Elizabeth Hrib is sure to stay with you long after the lights go out.

Something lurks in the shadows between life and death.

A terrible accident brings sixteen-year-old Casey Everett’s life to a halt—literally. Pulled from the water, Casey is rushed to the hospital and miraculously revived. But her sudden return to the living is shadowed by the drowning of her best friend, Liddy.

Overcome with grief, Casey returns home for the summer only to find the memories of the accident won’t let her go. Shadow-drenched nightmares. Whispers in the back of her mind. Her friend’s screams. Casey thinks she’s losing it… until she watches a boy fall from the sky.

Red—an angel fallen to earth to regain his wings—takes her to Limbo, a place that exists somewhere between the living and the dead. Now, in order to save her best friend, Casey must learn to walk these mysterious and dangerous paths or else risk losing Liddy’s trapped soul to something worse than death.

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My Review:

3.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Another-World, Ghosts, Scary, Supernatural, Suspense, Teen--

Casey is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her best friend, overwhelmed with guilt that the accident was her fault. When a boy falls from the sky in front of her and claims to be an angel, Casey has no idea what is going on. It seems that something happened to Casey during the accident and now her friend's soul is trapped, with only Casey to hear her cries.

I was pretty certain that this was going to be a forbidden romance between a certain elusive fallen angel (who was always hungry) and an angsty depressed girl when I was just a few chapters into the story but I was happy to be proven wrong. Instead they were reluctant partners in a battle to reach a life or death goal. That being said, there was a touch of romance in the story that I was completely behind. I loved the relationship dynamic between Casey and her other best friend Evan, he was the happiness and love that she never knew she needed.

Overall this was a really interesting concept about life and death and moving on, filled with some scary encounters and a lot of heartbreak. I am also a fan of the fact this is a standalone read so you don't have to wait for another book to continue. If you are looking for an emotional read with angels, lost souls and learning to forgive yourself, then this is the perfect option. This would be the good next read for fans of the Hush Hush series or The Fallen series by Lauren Kate.

Author Bio:

Elizabeth Hrib was born and raised in London, Ontario where she studied nursing at Western University. She now calls the East Coast home, where she works as a nurse in Halifax. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found at the piano, planning her next Netflix binge, or attempting to keep her small, windowsill garden alive.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Trickster (Angelbound Lincoln #3) by Christina Bauer

Trickster
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Lincoln, #3)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: February 25th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

***A hilarious adventure after the events of Angelbound SCALA … and it’s all from Prince Lincoln’s point of view!!!***

With the drama of the Soul Towers and Lucifer’s Orb behind them, Myla and Lincoln look forward to sharing some quality time. Perhaps they’ll even do a ‘regular couple thingie’ like a dinner date. Or they could kill more demons together. Myla isn’t picky.

Then a trickster gets released inside Antrum’s secure borders. And by trickster, we’re talking a giant orange monkey with magical powers and a love of causing drama with uptight thrax.

Looks like date night is on hold.

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My Review:

4.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Another-World, Mystery, Royal-Court, Supernatural, Suspense--

Trickster takes place after the book Scala, throwing Myla and Lincoln back to the early days of their relationship before they get married. This was a brand new, incredibly fun and unique adventure with portals to other dimensions, a trickster orange monkey, boob grabbing bird kings, a scheming Aldred (who just so happens to be the most bumbling villain I hate the most!), delicious terrible Demon bars, epic battles, an angry people eating tree, lesson in manners and proper decorum, inappropriate shrines to the great Scala, some more scheming by all characters, impossible odds and basically saving the day. Whew, that is a lot of random components that the author somehow gets to work together to create another super fun adventure where I never know what will happen next. The one downside to this adventure is that I already know the future for my beloved couple since this story is written out of order, so there was not so much suspense or tension since I already know how the overall outcome will happen. But I still enjoyed the book imensly and I love having dual narration from Myla and Lincoln, which this is the first time I have had that!

“Am I touching anything?” I ask. 

Obadiah scans the floor and walls. The servant looks right through Peli and his hovering book-pile. “Ah, you’re empty handed. I didn’t expect that.”

“If you’ll excuse us,” I say. “Peli and I have places to be.”

“Of course, your Highness… and his pretend monkey.”

Can we just spend a minute talking about the gorgeousness that is this cover? Wow, is Lincoln so very pretty! I have always crushed on him when reading the series because he is perfect book boyfriend material, but this cover cements my love of Lincoln. Ok, tangent over. Expect hilarious, random encounters, tons of action and the best romance found in all the realms. I am a super fan of this series and recommend it to anyone who loves supernatural, battles between good and evil, and ridiculous scenarios that you can't help but laugh at. Myla will always be my favorite quasi-demon and Lincoln is completely crush worthy.

“I’ve been keeping tally for you.”

My heart melts. “Aw, thanks.”

Knowing Lincoln, he’s probably recorded all the battle details, too. Perfect. I haven’t updated my demon notebooks in weeks. My father, the archangel Xavier, and I do that together. It’s like father-daughter scrapbooking only with demons and death. Good times.

Author Bio:

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Feather (Angels of Elysium #1) by Olivia Wildenstein

Feather
Olivia Wildenstein
Publication date: January 16th 2020
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

It was supposed to be a quick mission. The only thing quick about it was how rapidly I failed.

With only a month left to earn her missing feathers, nineteen-year-old Leigh embarks on a trip to Paris to meet her newest project, twenty-five-year-old Jarod Adler, leader of the Parisian Mafia and the worst kind of sinner . . . a Triple.

If Leigh can get Jarod to accomplish a single act of kindness, she stands to win 100 feathers, more than enough to complete her wings and ascend to Elysium, the land of angels.

What she doesn’t count on is Jarod’s dark charm costing her feathers.

She’s dead set on saving him, and he’s dead set on destroying her.

Until he realizes destroying her wings is also destroying her heart.

A heart he longs to hear beat only for him.

A modern ROMEO & JULIET retelling featuring an epic sinner and the angel who’ll stop at nothing to save him. Perfect for fans of NALINI SINGH and BECCA FITZPATRICK.

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My Review:

4.5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Heart-Wrenching, Retelling, Romance, Supernatural--

I have always been a fan of Angel stories but recently I have been in a slump with them. They have felt too similar to each other so I feel like I am reading the same story over and over again and it caused me to avid Angel stories for the last year. Well, I am a super fan of this author, I have read two other series by her and will read anything she wants to write at this point so I was willing to give her Angel meets Romeo and Juliet retelling a go.

I loved the world created, where angels have to earn their wings by taking on simmers based on a point system. Everyone has their own colors, role and purpose and it was really unique. I would love to get my hands on the angel laundry system, just saying. The hierarchy was interesting as well as the motivation the main character had for her choices- a potential life changing choice which in turn changes her life in a VERY different unexpected way. The story was overall pretty dark and very twisty, dealing with crime and all kinds of sins, but Leigh and her hope and love were a tiny light of brightness to guide Jarod's way.

This is very much a romance with some steamy steam scenes peppered through (more than peppered through at the last half of the book!). While Leigh is having an upheaval of her beliefs, Jarod is trying to change his ways for the better and it was so sweet to see them trying to do good for each other. The world Jarod lives in was a sinful place and he was so full of hurt and anger, seeing his softer side with Leigh was really sweet and I can see why she had a hard time resisting him. I will say I found it a tiny bit out of character that sheltered, prim and proper Leigh took to sex so excitedly when it went against her personal beliefs, but that was my only concern with the story.

The ending was terrible and I feel a little bit like an idiot for not seeing it coming (I mean this is a retelling of a tragedy after all) but still I was completely caught off guard. I will need the next book as soon as I possibly can because I am equal parts devastated and curious. I am coming around on my original opinion on Asher and I hope he plays a bigger role in the next book!

Author Bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor’s in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Brutal Time (Angelbound Origins #6) by Christina Bauer

The Brutal Time
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Origins #6)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: October 29th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

“I love the Angelbound Origins world and just can’t seem to get enough of it!” – The Avid Reader

As the Great Scala, Myla Lewis is the only being who can move Purgatory’s souls to Heaven or Hell. It’s a big job. Too bad Myla goes through assistants faster than a hot knife through brownies. Not that it bothers her much; Myla’s always been a solo fighter.

Then comes the problem of the fading angels. Millions of Heavenly residents are dying. According to a prophecy, the only way Myla can save them is by traveling back in time, meeting King Arthur, and creating her own knights of the round table. The catch? Doing so might end the after-realms in a bloody demonpocalypse.

Yipes.

Myla and her main squeeze, Lincoln, aren’t afraid of taking a few chances (in between kisses). But with so much at risk, the stakes may be too high, even for them. And the biggest challenge of all? Finding those knights.

Because Myla Lewis doesn’t play well with others. At all.

“These books don’t just capture your attention, they straight up demand it. Christina Bauer has created a fascinating and unique world that you do not want to miss out on.” – Bookhalolic Brittany

 

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My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Another-World, Historical, Mystery, Royal-Court, Supernatural, Suspense, Time-Travel--

Myla has finally realized that she might need some assistance with all her job duties and responsibilities as the Great Scala and the queen of the Thrax, much to the relief of her family. But it seems that there is a prophesy in play where no matter what action Myla takes, she will trigger a demonpocalypse that could destroy everything she holds dear. Nothing the Great Scala can't handle though...right?

Keep in mind that this is the 6th book in the Angelbound series and they need to be read in order for all the pieces to fit together. I highly recommend you start at the beginning and binge your way towards this one. (side note- I have listening to all the audiobooks for the rest of the series, they are fantastic and read by the author who gives each character their own voice.)

I love how Christina created her own version of the King Arthur legend. It was something so very new and fit perfectly into Myla's world, yet at the same time it was familiar enough to be recognizable. I will never picture Arthur any other way now (unfortunetely) and the legend takes on an entirely new perspective that will live on in my memory as the Real version of the story. And while I have gobbled up every book in the Angelbound series, I have to say that this book was one I could not put down. The pacing was just about perfect, with tons of action that I have come to expect from this series, no filler or backstory, and short chapters that make me want to read "just one more" until I ended up finishing the story in just a few sittings.

“Now.” Lincoln bobs his brows. “Let’s go blow shit up.”

I smile my face off. “Oooooh, I love it when you swear.”

“That’s why I save it for special occasions.”

And so, hand in hand, Lincoln and I step off into the tunnel. As we move into the darkness, I come to an important conclusion.

This could be the best date night, ever.

This was the first book that was dual narrated by both Myla and Lincoln and I could not be more happy that they both got a voice! Most of the series was strictly narrated by Myla (who I love and relate to her snark) with a couple of novellas through Lincoln's eyes, but this time we get both, almost always alternating at chapters. I am a big fan of multiple POVs in a story, mainly because I don't want to miss out on anything when reading so I was thrilled to see that we get to see both sides of this power couple here. Myla was her usual act first, think later, snarky free spirited self, and Lincoln was the perfect foil with his planning and plotting and calm focus. I love seeing the two together, be it battling demons or scheming about the kingdoms- and don't even get me started on the cuteness of raising crazy baby Maxon.

I will forever be a fan of this series and force them on everyone to read so be aware. There is just something about the humor, over the top ridiculous scenarios and well developed complex characters that I can't resist (including a super cute Captain Fluffbottom, enough said). I look forward to the next book and the antics that Myla unwittingly finds herself in the middle of.

------------------------------------------------

Author Bio:

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

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Review: Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Book Blurb:

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

Find out more about the book on Goodreads

My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Ghosts, Heart-Wrenching, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, Teen--

Trinity has led a sheltered life within the Warden gargoyle community with most everyone thinking she is just a human. But in actuality, she is the last of her kind, a weapon to be used- or an abomination to some. When a few wardens are allowed into the community, Trinity finds herself drawn to the attractive and infuriating Zayne. But soon, something dear to her is taken and nothing will stop her from getting it back, even if it costs her life.

Sooo, I did not realize that this was a spin-off series. I knew it was set in the same world of gargoyles that The Dark Elements series is set in, but I did not realize that one of the main characters was a min character from that series and that the actions there play a HUGE role in his drama in this series. Well, yeah. So anyway, I guess this can be read as a new series (since I successfully did) but I wish I had read the other series first for all the drama and backstory.

Ok, now that is over, OMG this was so GOOD! I love this heartbreaking story, I wish I hadn't read it so that I could go back and read it all over again for the first time. We all know my love with all things written by JLA and this is no exception. She is able to create the best characters, engaging twisty plots, descriptive world building, incredible sexual tension, heartbreak that makes me want to rampage, and leaves me wanting more every time. The thing that gets me the most with this story was Trinity's voice, so real and sarcastic and relatable, her thoughts and conversations could have been pulled directly out of my tangent filled sarcastic brain! I also really loved how honest Trinity was with herself and her flaws, where as she is the most powerful creature she knows yet she is humble and human. As a side note, Trinity suffers from an eye condition that the author also deals with that added realism and vulnerability I was not expecting (as well as education the reader).

I can ramble forever about this book and my love for it but I will wrap this up and say that this is the first in a series, with some bread crumbs dropped and turmoil just getting started so expect no happy resolution here (I will hope for a happy resolution to come...). I also recommend picking up The Dark Elements series first to read, which I will go gobble up to fill in the gaps in what appears to be some seriously angsty drama. Overall you will not be disappointed whatever choice you make as long as you read this book (spoken by a true fan-girl)!

Audiobook Review: Negative Zero (Soldier of Light Chronicles #1) by Ireland Gill

Book Blurb:

If you thought death was the end...you’d be dead wrong.

Life was barely manageable after my mom was murdered three years ago. I wasn’t sure what my purpose was anymore. But then on my twenty-first birthday, I drank a little too much and fell from the roof of my nine-story apartment building.

I died. Then... I un-died.

Enter Hayden, my really bossy (and hot) guardian angel whose duty is to train me to be the next “Soldier of Light.”

Sound fun? Well, it’s not. I save dead people, helping them move on to the World of Light. And to make matters even worse, they are all troubled souls stuck in the Dark Realm with the devil and his army of demonic creatures. They roam my city’s streets at night, waiting for me to screw up.

The Afterlife is one of Death’s best kept secrets, and I’m living proof. I’m pretty sure I’m the wrong person for this job, despite what Hayden thinks. Guess I’m stuck saving the dead.

“Paranormal elements, action, drama, friendship, struggles, mystery, life and death, romance….all put together nicely, and driven by a strong female MC.”

“An absolute must-read for fans of novels such as “Hush, Hush,” and “Twilight.”

Find out more about the book on Goodreads

My Review:

3.5 Out OF 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Audiobook, Ghosts, Heart-Wrenching, Romance, Scary, Supernatural, Suspense--

The first four chapters of the book were VERY hard for me to listen to. We meet Evika who is very much alone and lonely on her 21st birthday. She struggles with depression and sorrow from the murder of her mom three years prior and her only person, her best friend, has recently moved to another country for school leaving her with nobody to be with on her supposedly special day. Evika was a hot mess of emotions, with grief, despair, angst and a complete lack of regard for her own well being. She was on a one way track to her own demise- which I guess is what happened, but it was a much better life she had once she died (ironic!) Keep in mind the story is still very dark, dealing with evil spirits and ghosts and such (including a description of a terrible child sexual assault), but it was much easier to deal with (for me, the reader).

Evika was an incredibly reactive character, acting on impulses with no thought. Even after her traumatic event in the book she was still so dangerously impulsive, which made me want to shake her! Every time something happened she did not like or could not process, she would literally run away, like a petulant child. She had a lot on her plate and some strong dark emotions so I will cut her a break and hope that she can mature as a character in the next book in the series. She was hard to relate to with her self-destructive behavior and attitude, I saw that she was experiencing pain but I still wanted her to make better choices and learn to cope since she had ZERO coping skills. Hayden aka the guardian angel was a great character, real yet ambivalent and so freaking patient!

My favorite part of the book was the world building and I feel like this book is just touching on the tip of this dark, interesting and incredibly unique supernatural read. These are not your mother's angels, instead they are moody, drink bear and drive a harley (but they are still very attractive!) I loved that while this was an angel book, it took a different origin for the angels and there was no real religious overtone which I loved about the story.  I can't wait to see which direction the story and world will take next.

Overall this story was something very different from anything I have read before and I look forward to more of the world unfolding as well as a forbidden love connection finally happening (I hope!!). The audiobook narrator gave Evika personality and depth, really portraying her feels so that I experienced them too. I recommend this to anyone who loves angel stories, angst and heartbreak as well as a scary new kind of supernatural.

Audiobook Tour & Giveaway: The Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins #6) by Christina Bauer

Book Blurb:

The Dark Lands (Anglbound Origins #5)

by Christina Bauer

Genre: YA Supernatural

Monster House Books

Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis is loving life–she’s now a wife, mother, and Queen of the Thrax. Oh yeah, and being a super-powerful demigoddess who moves souls into Heaven or Hell doesn’t suck, either. In fact, everything is pretty much awesome. Until something craptastic happens.

Her honorary older brother Walker enters the Dark Lands, home to the rule-loving ghouls, and vanishes without a trace.

Now it’s up to Myla to solve the mystery of Walker’s disappearance. Of course, Myla likes interacting with ghouls about as much as elective dental surgery. To make matters harder, everyone thinks that Walker is simply taking a well-deserved vacation. But Myla and her Angelbound love, Lincoln, both suspect that a new criminal called the Viper took Walker in order to release Lucifer, the ex-King of the Angels and a bloodthirsty killer.

Long story short, Myla and Lincoln have only twenty four hours to rescue their good friend and stop Lucifer from taking over the after-realms. Even for them, this may be a too-tall order, especially when Lucifer’s mysterious past with Myla’s father threatens the very future of the after-realms.

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My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Angels, Another-World, Hysterical, Mystery, Royal-Court, Supernatural, Suspense, Hysterical--

“You’ll be interviewed by our new host . She’ll ask you fun questions about your baby and that’s it. There’s no way she’ll ambush you with some surprise just so she can get an exclusive.”

“What a very specific thing for her not to do,” says Lincoln dryly.

Myla feels like life is exactly what she wants it to be- that is until a televised interview goes very wrong, and all signs point to her close ghoul friend Walker. After hunting down Walker, Myla realizes that he is in more trouble than she ever could have guessed, the kind of trouble that could end the world as they know it. With a timeline that is not nearly long enough, Myla and Lincoln must enter the Dark Lands to find the truth.

This is actually my second time reading this book, but the first time on audio. I can honestly say that it was just as good the second time, maybe even better since the author, Christina, has easily become one of my favorite narrators. She narrates all her books and I highly recommend that you listen to this series since Christina has added voices and emotions, making her characters come to life even more than her words alone did.

I loved how much action there was crammed in the pages of this book, it was so jammed packed there was never a dull moment and I had to keep reading to see how everything would play out. If it is not battling crazy fans of the "Scala Mother", strange worm farming brothers, or a scary lava angel who is basically indestructible, it just would not be a regular day for Myla. Side note here, I love that this plot was something so very different from the rest of the books in the series, unpredictable and random and I loved the mission, the new characters and the change of worlds and problems. Mad props to Christina for mixing up the adventure level, while at the same time keeping Myla and Lincoln together (couples that battle together stay together?).

Folks say that a romantic dinner with candlelight and champagne is the sign of true love. I disagree. In my opinion, if you find a guy who’ll pick valuables off a dead body for you, that’s a keeper.

I like that there were interactions with baby Maxon in the story, even while on a very short time frame to save Walker, we get a small dose of Myla and Lincoln's reality. And he was hysterical and so sweet, the scenes with him in it or about him were my favorite and so human and real (yes, half demons and half angels can be human, shush you!). The dynamic between Myla's badass Archangel father and grubby, busy little Maxon was hysterical- who knew a banana could do so much damage? I find Maxon's whole development to be interesting and crazy so I look forward to seeing what will be in store for the couple and their baby next.

Lucifer: bloodthirsty psychopath and yet, talented armor designer. Who knew?

Yet again this series is one of my favorite, full of personality, action, supernatural randomness and the characters that I have come to root for. The internal monologues full of snark that spill out of Myla make everything worthwhile and I can't help but to laugh all the way through the book. There is no doubt that I will read any and all books in this series, they really are just too much fun for me to resist.

Author Bio:

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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