REVIEW & GIVEAWAY The Soul's Mark: HUNTED by Ashley Stoyanoff

First off, if you haven't read the first book (The Soul's Mark: FOUND) yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING for? Go read it! If you’re interested in reading my review you can find it here. 
  
I wanted to say how terribly sorry I am that this post is a day late, I have been having computer problems. (But to make up for the delay I added an extra day to the giveaway) I also wanted to give my sincere thanks to Ashley Stoyanoff for not only giving me the opportunity to read The Soul's Mark: HUNTED in advance but for also for the giveaways!

Title: The Soul's Mark: HUNTED

Series: The Soul's Mark (Book #2)

Author: Ashley Stoyanoff

Website:  http://www.ashleystoyanoff.com/ 

 GoodReads Summary:

When Amelia Caldwell learned that she was marked by a vampire’s soul, she did what any smart, self-preserving person would have done: tried to run. But thanks to the soulmate bond that tethered her mentally and emotionally to her vampire soulmate, Mitchell Lang, running was not an option and finding out she was a witch didn’t make her life any easier. 

Now, Amelia has made peace with her new supernatural life and accepted her destiny with Mitchell, one of the most powerful vampires in the world. They are finally getting along but Amelia is sure he is hiding something—something big.

Little does she know that this is just the calm before the storm. When Mitchell’s former flame resurfaces and Eric’s dreams become distorted visions of his soulmate, hostility and tension threatens to tear their world apart.

Just when Amelia thinks life couldn’t get any crazier, vampires and humans start turning up dead. The killer—something more sinister and haunting than your run of the mill psychopath —is heading straight for their front door.

 The Soul's Mark: HUNTED Excerpt: click here

My Review:

I was so excited to read The Soul’s Mark: HUNTED that the wait for it just about killed me! Once I received it, I spent the greater part of an hour skipping up and down my hallway while screaming for joy. (I am pretty positive my neighbors think I am a nut job) I am pleased to say that the book exceeded all my expectations!  A splendid sequel that totally lived up to the first novel! 

Ashley Stoyanoff has the ability to bring her characters and plot to life. Her writing flows flawlessly and feels realistic, making it hard to put down! I was able to visually picture every scenario, it almost felt like watching television. Absolutely mind-blowing, may I add.

What I enjoyed most was the development of Amelia and Mitchell. I have such a connection with them, I feel like I have known them forever. They both matured a great deal and finally seem to fully understand each other. I adore their relationship, even when it hits a bit of turbulence. I am utterly in love with Eric and really loved reading more about him this time around. I was also delighted that this book provided more details about the soulmate bond. I honestly wish humans could experience it! 

This book took my every emotion by storm, it honestly exhausted me. (Not in a bad way) The action scenes had me at the edge of my seat with an ending that shocked me. I seriously had a hard time coping with what happened and wanted to curl up in a dark corner and sob uncontrollably.  A definite first for me! I NEED the next book in this series; the suspense is agonizing!

GIVEAWAY TIME:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Furthermore: An Anthology Cover Reveal

It's Cover Reveal week! Thanks to the talent of so many wonderful authors, our anthology is nearly complete and will be released on December 11th. But today, we are excited to share the cover with you and won't make you wait any longer!

A first date, a lottery, treachery and deceit. Sometimes fate has other plans. Sometimes there’s more to tell.

 

In Furthermore: An Anthology, eighteen original stories take you on a journey through worlds here and beyond. From the depths of the earth to the embrace of the sea, your favorite series continue. Prequels, alternative views, and new scenes give readers a chance to experience more than originally told.

 

Including stories from Rebekah Campbell, Amber Garr, David Estes, Leigh Michael, Karen Amanda Hooper, Stephanie Judice, and Mayandree Michael. And most importantly, in honor of those who lost the battle and those who continue to fight, all proceeds from this anthology will be donated to cancer research and support.

 

SURPRISE VISITOR -Emily has never been a fan of surprises but Eric has something up his sleeve to change her mind. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

 

GETTING TO KNOW THE HEAVIES - The two Sullivan bodyguards are still human beings underneath it all. And everyone has a weakness. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

 

PEOPLE CHANGE - When Eric asks his dad a question about his mother, it’s time to go back to where it all began and then went so badly wrong. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

 

COLD FEET - Kain witnesses Eviana’s deceit on their wedding day and is forced to deal with the consequences of her behavior. (The Syrenka Series)

 

RIFT - Daniel encourages the group to make a detour to the Grand Canyon, as the distance between the friends begins to rival the great ravine. (The Syrenka Series)

 

DISCOVERY - Leila’s first encounter with her psychic mentor is nothing short of memorable. (The Leila Marx Novels)

 

HUMAN RESOURCES – Blake finds a new job while Mac finds a friend who reminds him of home. (The Leila Marx Novels)

 

THE RUNAWAY- TAWNI’S STORY - After learning of her parents’ treachery, Tawni leaves home seeking to make amends for their transgressions. (The Dwellers Saga)

 

THE LIFE LOTTERY- A STORY FROM YEAR ZERO - With the survival of the human race on the brink, there’s only one way to decide who will be saved in the underground caves: The Lottery. (The Dwellers Saga)

 

FATE: Experience Annabelle’s struggle to fulfill the ABA Prophecy in a new light through the parting words of Adrian, Aurelia, Blake, and Lady Katherine. (Annabelle’s Story)

 

The Sound of Love - Glimpse into one of Nathaniel’s previous lives and see how his soul mate reacts when tragedy strikes. (The Kindrily Series)

 

MUIRNE’S MELODY--To escape her master’s vile desires, Muirne flees into the snow-swept night, finding a green-eyed stranger and a mystical destiny. (Saga of the Setti Series)

 

JEREMY’S HEART: Calm, cool, and complete scoundrel, Jeremy realizes the loss he’s suffered means nothing compared to true love. (Saga of the Setti Series)

 

FALL FROM GRACE: Warped by centuries of darkness, the creature Sveigja plots to capture Clara as his queen. (Saga of the Setti Series)

 

Plus two original stories by Mayandree Michel.

 

We would like to extend a HUGE thanks to Claudia at PhatPuppyArt for donating the artwork and to Alexandra Shostak for donating her time for the cover design. You ladies are amazing and we are all so grateful for your contribution!

If you are interested in promoting the release or reviewing an ARC, please visit HERE to sign up.

To find out more about the authors and their stories, please check out THIS POST.

Faded (The Faded Trilogy #1) by Chloe Miles

Title: Faded 

Author: Chloe Miles

Series: The Faded Trilogy #1

#of Pages: 380

GoodReads Summary:

Savannah wanted to kiss him, but she had never even kissed a human guy before, let alone a ghost. How was she supposed to kiss him if he wasn't really there?" Savannah has never been in love before, but she's in love with Hunter Emmerton. He's cute, funny, charming...and a ghost. How can you date someone if nobody else can see them?

After seventeen-year-old Savannah Fraser and her three friends are killed in a car accident, they are given a second chance at life by a group of hundred-year-old teenage earthbound spirits who need their help. Savannah and her friends learn that they are The Chosen Ones, which means they can switch between human and spirit form, heal people and control the weather. And they are also now invincible.

The Chosen Ones are the only ones who can defeat The Forces - a group of evil spirits who are slowly destroying the perfect little town of Fort Everwick with violent storms and not-so-natural disasters - and stop them from harming everyone they care about. The Forces are set on destroying everything Savannah knows and loves, but they also have another plan - they want a new member to join them. They aren't willing to give up until they get the one they want...and they have Savannah firmly in their sights.

Savannah had never been confident in herself before, but with her new-found powers, she discovers just how strong herself and her friends really are. But what Savannah didn't count on was falling in love with Hunter. She's never loved anyone the way she loves Hunter and she knows he loves her too. But how can they be together forever if he no longer exists and she's the only one who can see him? Will Savannah have enough belief in herself to defeat The Forces, or will they be able to lure her to the dark side and turn her against her loved ones...and tear her and Hunter apart?

*I received this book from the GoodReads AAR Group: We ♥ YA Books! for free in exchange for my honest review*

Writing Style:

I had a hard time getting into this book mainly because of its repetitive nature. The author wrote about many of the same details time after time and most of the action sequences are very similar. The book began with poor character dialogue that was disjointed, making it slightly confusing at times. However, as the story progresses the writing style improved. The thing I truly enjoyed about Miles’s writing is her ability to intertwine so many characters into one plot, while letting each one shine. I really liked the stand-alone scenes each of them had throughout the plot, it helped me bond with them all on different levels. I am quite positive with a bit of work her writing will become fabulous!

My Overall Opinion:

The summary of this book is what encouraged me to read it. I mean come on, good spirits with epic powers that are trying to save a small down from evil spirits... how could that not catch my attention? I've always enjoyed classic good versus evil stories; however this one has a little bit more than that. This book is filled with action, romance, and humor.

I will say that Faded started off extremely slow for me, I had to force myself keep reading. Once I made it midway, I couldn't put it down! I instantly fell in love with Hunter and the romance he shares with Savannah. My heart hurt every time something/something would try to tear them apart... they are meant to be together! Normally I'm not a fan of love stories, but that was the element of this book that stuck with me.  I never had so many aww moments in my life! The innocence of their love and the lengths they go to protect each other is priceless!

I almost always form a bond with the "evil" characters in novels but I despised The Forces and wanted nothing more but for The Chosen Ones to come out victorious. I truly admired how all the members The Chosen Ones worked together with such dedication and love. The powers that both groups have are pretty awesome. They can control the weather! I only wish that the author wrote more about their powers, it has so much potential! *crosses her fingers for the next book*

The shocking twist at the end of this novel had me in tears but thankfully gave me a bit of hope as well. I will be reading the 2nd book in the Faded trilogy once it is released... I already miss Hunter. =-X

A GIVEAWAY with Bonus Author Interview [Ashley Stoyanoff]

Hey everyone, I am so excited for this post! This is my first author interview and giveaway! I want to thank Ashley Stoyanoff for giving me the chance to do this for you guys. Not only did she agree to a mini interview, she also wanted to giveaway a copy of her debut novel The Soul's Mark: FOUND to one of you! I absolutely loved this book, I gave it 5 out 5 stars. If you’re interested in reading my review you can find it here.

Since my review the book has received a new cover... isn't it gorgeous?



Goodreads Summary:

Anxious to leave her destructive past behind, Amelia Caldwell moves to Willowberg, excited for a fresh start. Once there, she discovers that her birthmark is more than it seems. She has been marked by a vampire’s soul. Not only does she hold his soul, but Amelia is also his soulmate.

After almost a century of searching for his soulmate, Mitchell Lang fears the worst—he is going to lose Amelia to another man. His heart takes over, and his impulsive decision to take away her free will and to intensify their bond quickly turns her growing love into hate.

When they become trapped in the emotional rollercoaster of their souls' bond, open conflict erupts. Amelia has no intentions of belonging to anyone, not even her soulmate, and Mitchell refuses to let her go.

While she frantically searches for a way to escape his grasp, Amelia unlocks the painful memories of her past and uncovers a powerful secret. But before she has a chance to explore her newfound edge, she finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly game of revenge and is forced to realize that YOU CANNOT RUN FROM DESTINY.

 

For An Excerpt from The Soul's Mark: FOUND: click here

*Note: This giveaway is open to everyone, including international followers*

a Rafflecopter giveaway




INTERVIEW TIME:

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Well, I live in Whitby, Ontario with my husband Jordan and two cats, Tanzy and Trinity. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading. I will read just about anything but my favorite would be romance with a supernatural twist.

Quick choose 3 words that describe you.

Innovative, assertive, well-organized

When did you first start writing?

For as long as I can remember I loved to write. I’ve always found it therapeutic, whether it’s a diary entry, a story or just jotting down random thoughts.

Tell me about your book; what inspired you to write The Soul's Mark: FOUND?
The Soul’s Mark: FOUND takes a fresh look at soulmates. Eighteen year old Amelia Caldwell has just moved to college when she realizes that her birthmark is more than what it seems. She has been marked by a vampire’s soul. She is forced to unlock the painful memories of her past, and make life changing decisions. Just when she thinks that life couldn’t possibly get any worse, Amelia’s reluctant meeting with a psychic reveals a prophecy that could ultimately change her entire life.

"There is danger in your future. Many wish you harm and will seek to destroy you. The one you love most will be the cause of your death. But be warned he is also the only one who can save you. Revenge is for the weak. When the time comes you will need to forget the past and forgive those who have harmed you. Only then will you be able to forgive yourself. If you choose to be weak you will sacrifice those you love.”

My biggest inspiration and influence would have to be my Mom. If it wasn’t for her, I probably would have never finished The Soul’s Mark: FOUND. When I got stuck on a plot twist or a character name or really anything I needed to talk through she was there. She encouraged me along the way, and her belief that I could write pushed me through all the bumps in the road.

Other than writing, what other hobbies do you have?

I also enjoy reading. When I’m not writing or working, you can find me curled up with a good book. Give me romance and a supernatural twist and I’m sucked in until the last page.

I know from your blog that you also enjoy reading, so tell me what is your favorite book up-to -date? This is a tough one. There are so many on my favorite list that it’s hard to pick just one. But if I could read one book for the rest of my life, it would be Glass House by Rachel Caine. The cast of characters in this first book of the Morganville Vampire Series sucked me in. It’s been a few months since the last time I read it, and I can still visualize every single one so clearly that it seems like it was only yesterday that I had the book in my hands.

Who is your favorite character in your books so far and why?

This is a tuff one because I love all the characters, but I guess aside from Amelia and Mitchell, Eric would have to be my favorite. He has a wicked sense of humor and a heart of gold.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? What was the easiest?

For me, one of the hardest things about writing would have to be my crazy obsessive planning. I create outline after outline after outline until the story is sound. And then, once I’m happy with it, I’ll create another outline with new twists and turns.

But all these outlines pay off because once I get to the actual writing the words come easily. I know where the story is going and I can just let myself go and get lost in the characters and the plot.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, what helped you get over it?
Every once in a while I do experience that pesky thing called writers block. My favorite thing to do to get over it is a random word sprint.

For this exercise, I’ve found the best place to start is with a dictionary. Randomly pick a page and write down the first word you see. Repeat this until you have a list of 50 words. Next, take it one step further and hit thesaurus.com. Look up each word and pick your favorite synonym. When you’re finished, not only have you grown your vocabulary, but I’m betting you’ll be able to find that idea you were struggling to grasp at in the first place.

For more ideas and getting past writers block check out my recent blog post: 5 awesome ways to beat that pesky thing called Writers Block

http://www.ashleystoyanoff.com/2012/09/5-awesome-ways-to-beat-that-pesky-thing.html

Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

The world of fiction can be a magical. Dive in, throw caution to the wind, and let your imagination be found. Happy reading everyone!