Review: A Dark Kiss of Rapture by Sylvia Day (Renegade Angels #0.5)

Publisher - Self-published
Publication Date - 6th October 2011
Ebook - 72 pages
Genre - Paranormal Romance

Source - Kindle freebie

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.


Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Of all the Fallen, Raze's hungers are some of the darkest and most insatiable. His brazen seductions cost him his wings, leaving him soulless and immortal, the most dangerous of seducers. He has roamed the earth for eons, hunting the rogues of his kind and protecting the humans who provide him with blood and sex. He is content with his life and the transient pleasures that flow through it... until one night and one woman change everything.

Kimberly McAdams is smart, beautiful, and wealthy. She can have any man she wants, but the moment she sets eyes on the lethally stunning Raze she knows he's the man she needs. As one searingly erotic night burns into something deeper and far more vital than either of them expected, an adversary from Raze's past sees a chance for revenge. Twisted by hatred, she will take from Raze what was taken from her—the precious gift of love.

My Thoughts - Although I've heard a lot about this author, with this Renegade Angels series as well as her more popular Crossfire series, I haven't actually read any of her work before. Although I have been wanting to for a while because of all the high praise her writing seems to receive. And now, after reading A Dark Kiss of Rapture I can see why she always comes so highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the world created by the author with the Fallen and the Sentinals and vampires and lycans. It was different to the usual vampire stories and I enjoyed the mythology behind it. However, because it was such a short story and an introduction to such a rich and complex world, I did feel that there were certain parts of the background that were glossed over and I would have had a better understanding of the characters and how they all linked together if more information had been given. But I do have the first two novels in the series sitting on my review shelf so I am looking forward to reading them now as I'm hoping it will give me a better insight into the world of the Renegade Angels.
 
There is a good balance between the romantic elements and the suspense in the storyline, and I enjoyed both. The characters are likeable but I did feel as though I didn't get to know them as well as I would have liked, although I think that is more to do with the fact that it is a novella rather than anything else. I got a feeling that the author could have gone a lot deeper into the characters if it had been a full length novel and I would have liked to know more about them.

My one complaint is that this doesn't really come with a Happy Ever After... more a Happy For Now. And although it did work, it also left me with a lot of questions about their future together. As this is the start of a series I'm hoping that the reader will learn more about the relationship between Raze and Kimberly as the series progresses, even if it's just as background characters.

Summary - A great start to the series that left me wanting to know more about the characters and the world they live in. I am now really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Other books in the series:
0.5. A Dark Kiss of Rapture
1. A Touch of Crimson
1.5. A Caress of Wings
2. A Hunger So Wild
 

Review: Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger (Finishing School #1)

Publisher - Atom
Publication Date - 5th February 2013
Paperback - 312 pages
Genre - Young Adult/Steampunk

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Maddie

Book Info - It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.
Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners—and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage—in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

My Thoughts - So, normally I hate it when books are compared to Harry Potter -or Twilight, or The Hunger Games, or The Fault in our Stars- but this time I understand.  Remember when you were reading The Philosopher's Stone and it just felt.... fun?  Well, Gail Carriger has recreated this but at 'Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality' and without the terrifying ending with Voldemort.

This book was clearly intended for the younger reader, preferably nine years or older, but as a fifteen year old girl, who normally wouldn't be seen dead with a cover like that (seriously?  Sophronia is meant to be a Victorian girl of fourteen!  Not a twenty year old model with a bad cosplay dress), this book would be enjoyed by any girl of any age who just wants some fun.

I didn't have to wait till Sophronia was sent to school to get interested.  I was really quickly involved in the steam-punk Britain she lives in.  Unlike Harry Potter, there is no moment where she moves from our world to the steam-punk world.  I have to admit I missed that moment of revelation.  However Carriger did successfully describe an alternative steam powered place, full of robotic service maids and flying carriages. 

When she arrives at the finishing school I couldn't quite tell if anyone would be surprised by the lessons.  In a world of mechanical butlers and vampires who be surprised by a teacher with werewolf tendencies?  It works though, because instead of being surprised by lessons on flirtations devices you just accept it and hop on the floating school of wonders.  Despite a mystery involving a brand new communication invention and Sophronia's new found enemy possibly concealing it, my focus was on the girls of the boarding school.  

A little gossipy and a little bitchy, all the girls have their own character and there not the cut out stereotypes we're used too.  There is a supposed love interest but he has a personality and it's not too gut wrenching.  It also peaked my interest for the sequel 'Curtsies & Conspiracies' which I will read when I need a little fun delight.

Other books in the series:
1. Etiquette and Espionage
2. Curtsies and Conspiracies

Stand-Alone Sunday Review: Tempted by Two by Portia Da Costa

Publisher - Self Published
Publication Date - 26th May 2013
Ebook - 101 pages
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Received for review via NetGalley

Rating -  4 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - When executive woman Katie Warren arrives in the picturesque village of Little Marplethorpe for a country holiday, to reassess her life and her future, she doesn't bargain on ending up in a hot three way love affair with a man she's admired from afar... *and* his gorgeously handsome male partner.

Marcus Dane and Owen Foster are lovers, committed for a lifetime, but they both enjoy the company of women as friends and bedmates too. Encountering Katie at an exhibition of his work, Marcus knows she's just the kind of bold, daring, imaginative woman who'll relish erotic games shared with Owen and himself.

But what none of the trio expects is that their intense, steamy threesome will quickly deepen into a bond that's a lot more than just mind-bendingly fabulous sex.

My Thoughts - When I saw this novella up on NetGalley I have to admit that I was intrigued by the premise. I have read a couple of other ménage books in the past but they have really focused on the sexual side of things, and this one seemed to hold promise of bringing more to the table than just steamy sex. I was hopeful that Tempted by Two would give the reader a look at the emotions behind a relationship between three people, and I wasn't disappointed.

This story was incredibly hot, with threesome action as well as some man on man action, and my ereader was close to combusting with the heat. But, as well as it just being about the heat factor, the intimate scenes also showed a close bond between Katie, Marcus and Owen and were actually very romantic. It wasn't just about the sex for them, although there sure was a lot of it, there was also a genuine connection between the characters which I loved reading about.

But because it was a novella, I felt that there were some areas that were glossed over a little too much for my liking. Although I still felt that it was a complete story and didn't affect my enjoyment of the story overall or my connection with the characters. It was more that I enjoyed their story so much that I wanted more. I would have been happier if this had been a full length novel but I mean that as a compliment rather than a criticism. For example, a hint is given of Owen's tragic past, but I would have liked to know more about that. And they spend two weeks together and it's briefly mentioned that during that time they spent time doing some romantic things together as a trio that I would have enjoyed reading about. Also, at one point, it is mentioned that they have been playing with bondage and pain play but it could have been elaborated on much more than it was. Overall, these weren't huge things, but things I found myself curious about them anyway.

My one main criticism about this book was the large number of spelling and grammatical errors. I just find things like that very distracting when I am reading a novel and there were plenty in Tempted by Two.

Summary - A quick and easy to read novella, full of steamy sex and sweet romance. I enjoyed this one a great deal and would definitely recommend it to fans of this genre.

Review: Broken Beauty by Chloe Adams (Broken Beauty #1)

Publisher - Evatopia Press
Publication Date - 21st September 2013
Ebook - 85 pages
Genre - New Adult/Contemporary

Source - Received for review via NetGalley

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Sometimes bad things happen to beautiful people.

When socialite party girl Mia Abbott-Renou wakes up in a garden she has little recall of the previous night -- except that she is naked...hurt...terrified. Not only has she been raped, but she knows one of her assailants: the son of a wealthy politician who happens to be her own father’s political ally.

Mia wants and needs justice. Except this privileged boy has an alibi and her father forbids her from going to the police. It’s a critical election year, one that his party might lose if his image as a doting father is soured due to Mia being labeled a lush or worse, promiscuous.

Devastated at not having the support of her family, Mia finds herself in a tug-of-war with her conscience over what to do, especially since she can’t remember exactly what happened that night. Worse, the men who attacked her have hurt several other girls, and Mia may be the key to stopping them.

Mia tries to forget, until the unthinkable happens, and she’s left reeling once again, faced with a new challenge that will force her to take more control of her life.

My Thoughts - I have to warn you that this is a novella that is not for the faint of heart. It deals with a very difficult and heart-breaking topic, and something that way too many women have to experience and endure, including the author herself according to the introduction of the story. It brought a tear to my eye a time or two but I still could not put this book down. I just felt completely pulled into Mia's story and had to know how things would turn out for her.

As well as having to go through the horrific ordeal of being raped, she also receives absolutely no support from her family and I just found this heart-breaking. She is left alone to deal with the aftermath of the attack, which is something nobody should have to deal with alone. Luckily her best friend Ari is there for her, but even so, she should have had way more support than that. What made this story even more wrenching is that her father is around but he chooses to focus on his political campaigns rather than caring for his daughter. He is too concerned about his reputation and how he can use his daughter's attack to gain more supporters. And her mother is away in "rehab" although it sounds more like a holiday to both myself and Mia, and apparently has she has trouble getting away and still hadn't put in an appearance six weeks down the line at the end of this story.

And, as for the end of this story, another heart-breaking and gut-wrenching twist, although it was fairly obvious that it was going to happen. But that didn't lessen the impact of the ending in any way. But, as this is the first in a series of six novellas following Mia after the attack, there is a cliff-hanger ending, so do be warned. But I for one can't wait to pick up the next novella to see what happens next for poor Mia.

Summary - A story that will leave you feeling a whole host of emotions, not many of them good. But this is an important story. One that needs to be told and one that needs to be read so that more awareness can be gained about what rape victims have to endure every minute of their lives after the attack. A story that is very well told despite the difficult subject matter, and even though it was an emotional ride, I just couldn't stop reading. A very good novella that I highly recommend.

Other books in this series:
1. Broken Beauty
2. Broken World (Due for release November/December)

Kid's Korner Review: The Fish Who Could Wish by John Bush & Korky Paul

Kid's Korner is a new feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Publisher - OUP Oxford
Publication Date - 7th February 2008
Paperback - 32 pages
Genre - Children's Picture Book

Source - Library

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Deep in the ocean is a fish whose wishes come true! But he is a rather silly fish and one day he makes a wish that he wishes he never wished!

My Thoughts - The Fish Who Could Wish is a beautifully illustrated book that both myself and my children enjoyed a lot. The rhythm of the words, as well as the rhymes at the end of the lines made this one a very easy one to read out loud and it just flowed off the tongue. Both of my children have got a fascination with sea animals so this book was particularly good for us as we spent a good deal of time looking at all of the illustrations, which by the way are wonderfully detailed.

The topic of being able to have wishes that come true of course also sparked a lot of discussion within the household, and it was great to see how this book sparked my kid's imaginations.

The only thing that really stopped me from giving this a full five out of five was the ending. I just wish it could have ended a little more happily. See, even in my children's fiction I'm still always on the lookout for that Happy Ever After! Although I can see that the ending was meant to provide a lesson to the children reading it to think about the consequences of our actions before we do something.

Summary - Overall, a bright and fun book that kids and adults will enjoy, as well as providing lots to talk about once the story is over. I really recommend this book to all children and parents!

Review: The Angel by Tiffany Reisz (Original Sinners #2)

Publisher - Mills and Boon
Publication Date - 5th October 2012
Paperback - 416 pages
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it!

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - She wanted him...

Nora Sutherlin is hiding. On paper, she's following her master's orders - and her flesh is willing.

More deeply, more strongly than she'd wanted anyone.

But her mind is wandering to a man from her past, whose hold on her heart is less bruising, but whose absence is no less painful. Instead of letting him make love to her, she'd let him go.

This is the story of a summer that proves that love hurts.

My thoughts - I absolutely loved the first book in this series (you can read my review of The Siren here) so I couldn't wait to read this one. And, although I felt that this book took a little longer to get into than The Siren, the second half was amazing and I had a lot of trouble putting it down.

What I loved the most about the first book was the complex relationships between Nora and the men around her. Unsurprisingly, all the men who meet Nora end up falling in love with her. And Nora can't help loving them all back in her own way. She seems to have a love for everybody and everything and, even though she can end up hurting the people around her, her joy is contagious and it's so easy to see why everybody feels the way that they do about her.

There is Soren, her master, who she has been in love with since she was just fifteen. They have had a rocky past and they finally reunite after a long separation at the end of The Siren. The Angel starts up again a year after their reunion and they are happy and strong together as a couple. They both know what the other needs without a word needing to be spoken and their bond is something that is very special. Then there is Wesley, who was Nora's live-in intern in The Siren, and he is the complete opposite of Soren in almost every way. He is sweet and funny and kind, and innocent... he is still a virgin. He loves Nora and Nora loves him. Where the love between Nora and Soren is dark and passionate, Wesley's love for her is pure and innocent. But my one reservation about Wesley is that because of his innocence, both when it comes to sex and life, he can't understand or accept Nora's need for pain and domination, which is a large part of the person that she is. To deny her that would be to change her completely, but he doesn't seem to understand that. Whereas Soren accepts her and loves her unconditionally. But, although I can't see things ending between Soren and Nora, I am very interested to know where this love triangle is heading... especially after the cliffhanger at the end of The Siren!

The reader gets to find out a lot more about Soren in this book as he is being investigated by a journalist and so much comes out about his past, which I found completely fascinating. It's no wonder he's such a complex character. And I felt that this new information added a whole new depth to him as, even though the reader doesn't get to spend much time with him during the events of The Siren, I found him to be rather one dimensional in the first book.

Also in this book, we get to read the story of a secondary couple... Michael and Griffin. Michael is a seventeen year old boy who the reader first meets in The Siren. He has had a troubled life up until now, including a suicide attempt where Soren found him and got him to a hospital therefore saving his life. He is a submissive and is incredibly shy. Soren sends Michael away for the summer with Nora so that she can train him as a submissive and they go to stay with a friend of Nora's called Griffin, who happens to be a dominant. It is pretty much a story of love at first sight for Griffin and Michael but nothing happens between them for a long time as Michael battles to come to terms with the fact that he is bi-sexual. But, for me, this romance was my favourite part of the novel. To see Michael blossoming under the care and adoration from Griffin was just beautiful. I can't put into words just how special the relationship is between these two and I am looking forward to reading more about them as the series progresses. I may have cried a happy tear or two over Griffin and Michael over the course of The Angel.

Summary - An amazing novel that, as well as focusing on the kink of BDSM, also takes a close look at a range of complex and often confusing relationships... between lovers, between friends, between family. I am absolutely loving this series and can't wait to read book three... which judging by the title is all about Wesley so I'm very excited to see what happens!

Other books in this series:
1. The Siren
2. The Angel
3. The Prince
4. The Mistress

Stand-Alone Sunday Review: Shine by Candy Gourlay

Publisher - David Fickling Books
Publication Date - 5th September 2013
Paperback - 304 pages
Genre - Young Adult/Contemporary

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it!

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info -
This is not a ghost story even though there are plenty of ghosts in it. And it's not a horror story though some people might be horrified. It's not a monster story either, even though there is a monster in it and that monster happens to be me.

Forced to hide herself away from the superstitious island community of Mirasol, thirteen-year-old Rosa seeks solace online. There she meets Ansel95, and as the friendship moves from virtual to real, Rosa discovers that she's not the only one with something to hide...

From the author of the critically-acclaimed Tall Story, comes a haunting, intense and moving novel which weaves myths and ghosts into a modern setting. As Rosa's social life blossoms, how will she seize the freedom to be who she really is?

My Thoughts - When I first got this book through the post I have to admit that I was very intrigued by the premise. I don't usually like ghost stories, and I wouldn't really say that this is a ghost story to be honest, but I was intrigued about how a young girl who is obviously seen as a monster by society is forced to live out her life online, and how her relationship with this Ansel95 would develop.

Admittedly, there wasn't as much about her online friendships as I was hoping and it only really took up a small portion of the book, but I still found it really enjoyable and I read it in just one day as I wasn't able to put it down. Instead, Shine focuses on Rosa's life on a very small island whose population all seem to be incredibly superstitious. Rosa suffers from an illness known as the Calm, that leaves her with scarring and an inability to talk. As a result of this, she would be seen by the other people on the island as a monster and consequently lives her life in hiding. I have to say I found it completely shocking to see the level of fear and ignorance shown by the residents of Mirasol, and it was frightening to see the amount of hatred that they had for anybody with the Calm just because of an old ghost story.

Throughout this telling of Rosa's story, there are also sections written by Rosa's mother in the form of letters to her twin sister. Rosa's mother also had the Calm but died when Rosa was just five years old, so these sections were a look into the past and what life was like for Rosa's mother growing up with a twin sister who was not affected by the illness. At first, I had trouble understanding what these sections were for, other than providing an interesting look at another person's viewpoint of the illness. However, near the end it suddenly all becomes clear how the past and present are linked in an amazing climax that I just hadn't seen coming. For the last few chapters I was literally unable to move until I found out how it would all turn out.

Summary - A book that makes the reader think long and hard about superstitions, prejudices and how we treat people in general. A YA book that is a must-read for people of all ages.

Review: The Siren by Tiffany Reisz (Original Sinners #1)

Publisher - Mills & Boon
Publication Date - 1st September 2012
Paperback - 432 pages
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4.5 out of 5: I really liked it!

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Some love stories you never forget.

She tore herself from the man she adored, who transformed her, who possessed her...who would have destroyed her. Now she is adored by a man she must not have.

Some books will change your world.

She thinks she knows what it means to be pushed to her limits. She's wrong.

Be prepared...this is one of them.

My Thoughts - I had been wanting to try this series for quite some time, so when the publishers asked if I'd like review copies I jumped at the chance. And I have to say that the first book was even better than I was expecting, if somewhat different from what I thought it would be.

Nora is an erotica author by day and Dominatrix by night. She is working on her latest novel and is having to work hard to prove herself as a real writer to her new editor, Zach. I absolutely loved the grit and determination that Nora showed throughout the whole novel when it came to her writing. She knows she is good and she is determined to make Zach see just how really good her writing is. Of course, it doesn't take Zach long to fall under her spell... both as a writer and as a woman. But they have to keep things professional until the contract for the new book has been signed so there is a lot of chemistry and fireworks between them throughout the novel as they have to try incredibly hard to keep their hands off each other.

Zach was an okay character, but I found I had trouble really connecting with him. I'm not sure if it was because next to the vivacious and bubbly Nora he just looked bland... but then who wouldn't next to Nora! It wasn't until later in the novel when he started to loosen up a little that I began to like him more.

Nora is surrounded by men who are in love with her. There's Zach, as I've already mentioned. Soren, her ex-Dom who she still loves but can't be with for reasons that I won't go into for fear of giving away spoilers. And Wesley, her 19 year old live-in intern who is still a virgin. They are all drawn to her like moths to a flame, and it was the intensity and complexity of these relationships that really helped to draw me into this book until I was unable to put it down. Of course, with one woman and three men, it was obvious that not all of the characters were going to get their happy ending and the need to know how it would all end for everybody was one of the things that made me speed through this book. Although I will admit to feeling a little frustrated with Nora at times. There is no doubt in my mind that she had feelings of some kind for each of these three men but because of her need to feel loved she kept them all around her despite the fact that it could only have disastrous consequences for everybody involved.

I loved the fact that the novel had real substance and storyline to it and wasn't just about the sex. It was about complex matters of the heart that really make the reader think. There are even a few deep conversations about literature and religion and the like that all helped to build the book up into something well worth reading. Although I will admit that the sex that was there was very hot and I enjoyed reading those elements a lot. I will warn you though that the sex is very BDSM orientated and rough at times so may not be for the faint hearted.

Summary - A great, although at times heart-breaking, start to the series. I can't wait to get started on book two!

Other books in this series:
1. The Siren
2. The Angel
3. The Prince
4. The Mistress

Kid's Korner; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter #2) - Book & Movie Review

Kid's Korner is a new weekly feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones (especially with the school holidays now upon us) or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Once again, Harry Potter pops in... We're not going to give you another review for Book 1 at Once Upon A Series though. You get the idea, me & Chrissie aren't HPVirgins anymore, right? The whole Harry Potter series is worth a re-read though if you, your children, anyone reading this, have read it before. And if you haven't, why not?
Reminder: For the last Harry Potter, which I reviewed for Kid’s Korner as well, I confessed Harry Potter is kinda new to me, but the movies weren’t. I hadn’t read Harry Potter before but of course I’d heard lots and even watched the first three/four movies. I know I’d definitely got up to Prisoner of Azkaban so I decided to write a poem thing about what I knew about Harry Potter before. You'll see it...

Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing (original)
Publication Date - July 2nd 1998 (original)
Paperback - 341 pages
Genre - Children's Fantasy

Source - Acquired through my brother ;)
Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it
Reviewed by - Amy

Book Info - The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girl's bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble beings, and someone--or something--starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself.

My Harry Potter Poem -
Well I knew who Harry Potter was. You’re a wizard, Harry.
Living with the Dursleys, I knew. Arrived in the night.
Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore and; Minnie Mcgonagall. Professors.
Giants- triple the man Voldermort is,
Or shall I call him He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?
You-Know-Who. Slytherin.
I knew about that, and have heard of Snape.
There’s snakes and languages wizards sometimes use to communicate,
Speaking to snakes isn’t that normal though-
Should a Gryffindor have that power?
Not a Huffle Puff or a Ravenclaw,
Harry is one of a trio: him, Hermione and Ron-
They go through Hogwarts, year after year.
Death eaters nor Quidditch destroy their friendship.
But- the question is- is there more to Harry Potter?
I believe it must be about more than just those things,
More than just those and a tale of Azkaban to follow, or why is it so popular?
Everlasting hype, is that what made millions recommend it to me?

(No spoilers intended)

My Thoughts-
I was thinking about how to do another fun review for the second Harry Potter book while watching the movie. I was enjoying it but starting thinking about the differences; BAM- I had an idea for a review... Book & Movie, I hope you're OK with that.
Well, we met Voldermort a lot more in this book as now he's kind of stronger, isn't he? My imagination didn't really have change to go wild as having watched (ages ago, don't judge me!) before reading changes things but I think how I'd have imagined lots of it was as it was- there is definitely nothing wrong with the setting portrayal in written form or movie adaptation. Both bring to life a world of imagination... This is something I love authors for doing & when its really successful I kinda feel I don't want to leave Hogwarts. Potterheads, don't worry- we're at Hogwarts in our hearts :D
Anyway, back to the review. If you've read & watched (which please do!), you'll probably notice how inconsistent the drama is in both- I came to appreciate the book's more though as it included it all. The film sometimes took away drama- like when Lucius & Arthur don't fight in the bookshop... How could some of the later things have happened if that didn't help? It would be harder & I don't think it should've been different in the movie. There was no reason to do that & if I'm honest, I liked seeing a Malfoy being beaten to a pulp. I bet that's exactly what Ron wants to do to the Junior Malfoy, isn't it?
I loved how Draco put his finger in a Mandrake's mouth in the film- what an addition to the book that would've been. I nearly cried from laughter... Oh, how I've really come to love Ron too. He grew so much & I feel that really, Hermione ought to like him a lot more now but she's not always very clever... I like how she talks about cleverness & all that, she really is a nice soul (she'd fit in any house besides Slytherin, really). Ron is a Griffindor for a reason, so is his younger sister Ginny. I already knew I adored Ginny...
Anyway, back to the drama. Sometimes there was more drama, like when Harry falls out of the flying car near Hogwarts express... No, that didn't happen! Now I see the issue. Films really don't keep to the books!
Sometimes for reason... I'm going to let you into a little secret here, I hate how in the books everything is often left to the end of the year when they should, or are, doing exams & so forth. Why couldn't really interesting stuff with action happen earlier on the year? In real life, there's always drama and action at school. If a book can't even have a good amount of action all the way through (or enough early on too) I seriously cannot love the book. In the film the earlier bits were sped up, or just plain missed (deathday party for example- I never want to go to one of those FYI), in order for the action to come earlier & engage watchers. It should carry over to books as well. If I hadn't read the first book & found it inventive and intriguing before realizing 'Wait! It's now a few weeks before Summer & something's actually happening!' I don't think I'd have been much interested in the series... It's interesting, of course, you can't deny but there is a little issue in that respect for me.

Summary - So, would I recommend it, I'm just discussing the book now, despite that? Of course! It's a lovely tale of friendship, fantasy & development for a whole range of characters. There's heaps going on at Hogwarts & it's always got mysterious things happening... For a school, it's fun. It's not about who's dating who, it's about what's in the school... And, what can Harry do?
My only regret is, I didn't read these when I was younger & less critical. It's probably fair to say the primary school kids will be blown away & most highschoolers, or adults, find something in the books for them too- will we ever enjoy it as much as the children do? Bless the people who grew up with it & await their Hogwart's letters- I wish I was once one of them...

Review: The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore (House of Trent #1)

Publisher - Piatkus
Publication Date - 25th June 2013
Hardback - 400 pages
Genre - Historical Romance

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Simon Hawkins, Duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumours and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honour, but when he is called home to investigate his mother's disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved - and the last woman he should desire...

Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon's touch. But dukes do not long for ladies' maids - or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begin a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer's web, Simon faces an agonising choice: sacrifice his family's future or break Sarah's heart.

My Thoughts - This is the first novel I have read by this author, but as I've been on a bit of a historical romance kick lately I knew that I really wanted to read it as soon as it arrived through my door. And I have to say that I really loved it and can't wait to read the rest of this series as well as more of the author's back list.

For me, this book really had it all, with a heart-warming yet credible romance, characters that are believable and loveable, and mystery and intrigue coming from two different plots. All of this makes it impossible to put the book down.... you just have to know if Simon finds his mother and how he manages to resolve the problem with the blackmailer. The pacing of the plot is well worked out with parts that are fast moving and full of action, and slower parts that focus more on the growing love between Simon and Sarah, which makes it a pleasant and enjoyable read.

I absolutely loved Simon. He's doing his best to bring honour back to his family name after the behaviour of his parents ripped it to shreds. This means that sometimes he can come across as rather stiff and formal as he feels he must always be on his best behaviour but it's obvious to the reader that his heart is in the right place. The only time he really feels he can be himself is when he's on his own with Sarah and they share some very sweet and tender moments together.

Sarah was probably my favourite character in this book. She is quiet, hard-working, loyal, humble. She loves Simon a lot and this comes across with every thought and action she has. She's been in love with him ever since she was a little girl and that is very obvious. She is also intelligent and shows a lot of strength when she needs to throughout the novel. Simon's mother, the duchess who has gone missing, has been a big part of Sarah's life ever since she was young, and she feels the same worry that Simon and the rest of the family do, yet everyday she pulls herself together to be the one to take care of the family so that they can focus on finding their mother. There are also a couple of examples of her strength later on in the book, but as they include major spoilers I won't mention them here. But all-in-all I found Sarah to be a truly inspirational character.

Summary - This book had everything that I could have wished for from a very good historical romance. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

Other books in the series:
1. The Duchess Hunt
2. The Rogue's Proposal (November 2013)
3. The Scoundrel's Seduction (May 2014)

Stand-Alone Sunday Review: Shards and Ashes edited by Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr

Publisher - HarperCollins
Publication Date - February 13th 2013
Paperback - 384 pages
Genre - Young Adult (collection)

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really like it.

Reviewed by - Maddie

Book Info - Gripping original stories of dystopian worlds from nine New York Times bestselling authors, edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong.

The world is gone, destroyed by human, ecological, or supernatural causes. Survivors dodge chemical warfare and cruel gods; they travel the reaches of space and inhabit underground caverns. Their enemies are disease, corrupt corporations, and one another; their resources are few, and their courage is tested.

Powerful original dystopian tales from nine bestselling authors offer bleak insight, prophetic visions, and precious glimmers of light among the shards and ashes of a ruined world

My Thoughts - The stories inside this collection could all be made into epic movies with shiny sets and action heroes, and I would pay ridiculously expensive cinema ticket prices and deal with the annoying popcorn vendors, just to see them. As I read each story I was imagining a set design, a cast list and, of course the soundtracks. They were all surprisingly detailed for short stories which might only be 40 pages long. They could also span millions of years or miles in such a short amount of time.

One of my favourites was Branded by Kelley Armstrong. It was the first time I had read any of her work and I am hooked. This book has actually introduced me to loads of new authors like Rachel Caine, Carrie Ryan and Nancy Holder. 

Any teenage reader who has walked into a book shop in the last year would have seen Beth Revis's name (author of the Across the Universe series) but like me, they may have not had the chance to read her books. Well I did have the chance, I was just too lazy.... But after reading her short story Love is a Choice from this collection, not only have I read a massive spoiler, I have finally started her books.

If you are new to young adult and you want to discover some of the most exciting authors from the genre, read this book. If you are like and me and you were growing tired of YA books then try reading Shards and Ashes. Now I can't wait to start reading the forgotten pile of books next to my bed.

The one problem with a collection of dystopian short stories, is you need a break between all of the gloominess. Apocalypse after apocalypse can be tiring. Oh, and I hate the cover but I am just picky. I would give this book four out of five stars.

Kid's Korner; Special review with Harry Potter (by J.K. Rowling)

Kid's Korner is a new weekly feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones (especially with the school holidays now upon us) or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Once again, Harry Potter pops in... Another HPVirgin defeated as this book is working its way into the Once Upon A Series folks' minds... This is actually quite a different review today but it was really interesting to do & I hope you, any children you may have & even teens really enjoy reading this- if you know any kids thinking of reading, get them to read this & they may be convinced to read, before watching, the Harry Potter series! It's OK to do this of course but I'd love to hear that you've got people to read this, or just you've read it & enjoyed it!

Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date - June 30th 1997
Paperback - 223 pages
Genre - Children's Fantasy

Both Of Us:
Source - Purchased
Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it
Reviewed by - Amy, with summary from Chrissie.

Book Info - Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years. But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

A special kind of review... You'll see! Doesn't it remind you of our previous joint-review @ Once Upon A Series?

Amy: So, I haven’t read Harry Potter. How?

You must have heard so much, did you say?

Well I knew who Harry Potter was. You’re a wizard, Harry.

Living with the Dursleys, I knew. Arrived in the night.

Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore and Minnie Mcgonagall. Professors.

Giants- triple the man Voldermort is.

Or shall I call him He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?

You-Know-Who. Slytherin.

I knew about that, and have heard of Snape.

There’s snakes and languages wizards sometimes use to communicate-

Speaking to snakes isn’t that normal though.

Should a Gryffindor have that power?

Not a Huffle Puff or a Ravenclaw,

Harry is one of a trio: him, Hermione and Ron.

They go through Hogwarts, year after year.

Death eaters nor Quidditch destroy their friendship.

But- the question is- is there more to Harry Potter?

I believe it must be about more than just those things.

More than just those and a tale of Azkaban to follow, or why is it so popular?

Everlasting hype, is that what made millions recommend it to me,

Or should I say- push it at me, guilt-tripping me...

I hadn’t read it. But then I did.

Director: CUT! This wasn’t supposed to be a poetry competition. You can’t tell us random things which you knew before reading, what else did you find out during reading? You’ve got to tell us your thoughts. This is a review. You’re writing a poem. So, we’ll need to get someone to help you.

Amy: What? So I’ll do a joint review? You can get someone to do that... Well, I better let the other person speak. Already have spouted over 200 hundred words and I’ve not yet said what I think.
Director: Exactly. Now we’re going to get somewhere. I’m going to get Chrissie to introduce this, is that OK?
Amy: I just said it was OK if they speak. Go on, then *looks at fellow reviewer* Anapneo!
Director: Who said Chrissie had blocked airways?
Amy: She wasn't speaking!
Director: They probably don’t want to speak to someone who has a babbling curse. If we undo it then maybe we can get on with this review in a... well, an efficient manner?
Amy: Pardon? Evanesco Director! *smiles at nicer companion than Director and then blanches* Wait, you’re not Chrissie! I need Chrissie to review this with but, umm... hello! *looks at boy and stands up so she can walk round him, she looks him up and down* No, you’re not really... Not really...
Harry: Um, sorry? I really am Harry Potter, if that’s who you mean. Who’s Chrissie and what do you mean, review?
Amy: You lived with muggles! How do you not know about book reviews? They give books, like your books, fame and then even now- people are still reviewing them, or sharing their opinions about the series with the world. Chrissie and I both review here... You’re in Once Upon A Series’ set and we were just about to discuss “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.
Harry: How strange. I don’t know I arrived here. I’m tempted to wipe your memory but in the second book we find out that’s a bad idea- even with the right wand!
Amy: Ah, wands. Can I see your wand, please? I remember you walking into Diagon Alley with Hagrid, finding the shop with wands and really, even you were blown away! Mr. Ollivander sure likes his wands... Remembers every sale, from Hagrid’s wand to He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, You-Know-Who!
Harry: Surely your set is safe enough to say Voldermort? Surely?
Amy: Shut up. I liked you better in the book. I just plain really liked all three of you especially. You make a fantastic trio, you know?
Harry: Well, thank you kindly.
Amy: I trust you don’t get bigheaded like Hermoine... Or Percy, he’s a lot worse. I don’t know how Ron copes with Hermoine and his brother both jabbering on like they came from the same nest. Talking about nests, I really think Hagrid should stop nurturing baby monsters. I have a feeling the Dragon wasn’t his first monster which got him, and you, in trouble! But, well, we’ll find out. Of course, there is so much to explore in the series and; I’m far from done with your world, Harry... What do you think about the fact that all the time people of many ages are finding the Harry Potter series...?
Harry: If you don’t mind me pointing it out, isn’t this supposed to be about your opinions?
Amy: Well, yes... I think it’s magical. Your turn!
Harry: That’s cheating, and you’ll think I’m bigheaded if I say...
Amy: Well, I’ll say it for you, your adventures are amazing. One thing that did annoy me was how your adventure happened in the middle of the exams, at the end of the year and whatnot. It’s not especially good to have a slow build up of the world, and characters, for more than half a book- why did it need to take half a book- and then zip zam... All the action is gone in a blink and you’re back in safe realms of Hogwarts being awarded house points!
Harry: Zip Zam isn’t a spell, it’s just weird, you know?
Amy: Don’t you know when to keep quiet? How many times? Shut up.
Harry: Maybe you’re pretending to be Hermione. Your hair isn't curly enough, you have the piles of books nailed but so far you haven’t actually corrected me, just told me to be quiet.
Amy: Ha, I’m not Hermoine. Book bloggers are a bit like her though, we definitely like books. Has she really never told you to be quiet?
Harry: *raises eyebrows* You are a muggle, you know.
Amy: I’m actually 2/7 wizard. I have 5 more books to go.
Harry: Go read. I refuse to talk to you anymore...
Amy: Tell Hermoine I love her and not to over-revise for exams, she has the talent and puts my procrastinating soul to shame...
Harry: *mumbles* She puts anyone to shame *disappears in a puff of smoke*
Amy: I really need to learn that spell...
Chrissie: What spell?
Amy: You’re here, finally. You’re late and you missed Harry...
Chrissie: You’re imagining things, Amy. So, you don’t need me?
Amy: You could do the Summary, as you didn't so much as do the introduction *tuts*
Chrissie: I already wrote one in my old review... Anyway, are you sure you met Harry; not Hermione?
Amy: *pouts* Could you read it, please? They won’t know when we transcribe this it’s copy and pasted...
Chrissie: So polite all of a sudden! *winks* We’ll transcribe that in. *coughs* Summary coming up...

Summary (from Chrissie) - A great start to what is supposed to be an amazing series. And I'm sure that things will continue to get even better as the series continues now that the scene has been so beautifully set in this first novel. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Harry and his friends.
(Amy: I literally couldn't wait... Umm, oops? I reviewed it finally though, with a little help from Chrissie, I hope you enjoy the books, or you may have already, & this fun review!)

Other books in this series:
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Review: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud (Lockwood & Co #1)

Publisher - Random House Children’s Books

Publication Date – August 29th 2013

Softcover – 440 pages

Genre – Young Adult; Paranormal

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Amy

Book Info- 

When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .

For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.

Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts.

My Thoughts- I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the mystery and ‘The Problem’; despite such an unordinary story arch I felt it all linked well enough and frankly- many elements just seemed to click for me. I suppose I love quirks, in the main novel itself, the characters and the way in which it flowed! I couldn’t figure out whether the series is supposed to be futuristic (but not very far in the future) or an alternate universe but either way this is intriguing. The history behind the issue of ghosts is one that is hard to summarize; clues keep being given as we discover much about the ‘lay of the land’. The book’s a perfect mystery with action plentiful also.
Each of the characters in Lockwood & Co’s trio are epic- Lockwood, Lucy and George are such an entertaining bunch- and Lucy, protagonist of ‘The Screaming Staircase’ is a solid character, sophisticated beyond her years. The connection I had to her was sort of ruined by the fact that sometimes I had to hunt down definitions for more than the odd word frankly.
Lucy’s vocabulary- it’s extraordinary. She’s supposed to be my age, maybe even younger. Oh, and, at one point, she said she didn’t read a lot in the circumstances. As a child, she just didn’t so I wonder, where did she get these words from? I think she’d have mentioned finding a dictionary as a ghost’s source or something... Was the only way to eradicate a ghost, once, to skim the dictionary until you learnt dozens of new words? Even though, I think, the novel is written in hindsight it’s not exactly appropriate in my opinion.
Lucy’s charming, sure, and an interesting character but one thing I’d very much enjoy is to hear the sequel(s?) from other point of views as we don’t discover much about Lockwood, and even less about George as a result of Lucy’s narration. Basically, I get the impression her perception of the trio is jaded. The agency seemed so fresh from Lucy’s eyes yet she’s the newest recruit and I wonder how long it’s been around... You discover so much about her, her background and just HER that it’s peculiar- too jaded. How did Lockwood come to set it up, for instance? Talking about agency- it’s something the characters very much have. Their lives are very restless and they seem to have a lot of power for ‘children’ as it were.
My criticisms aside, I shall just sit and wait for the story to be continued in a novel which looks very promising now.

Summary- I enjoyed the way the Lockwood and Co. has such intricacies; it was a very surreal ride but who cares? I loved the imagination- everything just seemed more exciting and I was gobsmacked quite frequently. Event after event, I found myself falling deeper and deeper into a fantastically engaging adventure. I would recommend this but not for reluctant readers as such- if the size of the book hasn’t put a kid (teens included) off they’re probably good to go...

Review: Heat of the Storm by Elle Kennedy (Out of Uniform #3)

Publisher - Samhain Publishing
Publication Date - 23th July 2009
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Purchased

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.

Book Info - Lieutenant Will Charleston has waited fifteen long years to show up as anything other than a one-pixel blip on Mackenzie Wade's romantic radar. If a powerful storm is what he needs to send her into his arms, he'll take it. Once the hot sex is over, though, she seems determined to kick him right back into the friend zone.

Not this time. This time, he's going to teach her the meaning of tenacious.

Mackenzie has always had feelings for Will, feelings she fights with all her strength. He's her best friend, her safety net. The one man who's not scared of her accursed psychic gift. No doubt he drives her wild in bed, but their night of passion was more than a mistake. It generated a tragic vision of the future, one that leaves her more confused--and afraid--than ever.

Problem is, Will knows her too well. Plus he's a SEAL to the bone. And they don't like to lose...

My Thoughts - Heat of the Storm is the third instalment in Elle Kennedy's Out of Uniform series, about a bunch of SEALs and the women who love them. I absolutely loved the first two books so held very high hopes for this novella. And i was not disappointed in the slightest.

This is Will's story. He has always kept a bit of a distance from the other SEALs that he works with - he's the quiet, reserved member of the group who likes to keep his business to himself. I really liked Will. He has been in love with Mackenzie for a number of years and he is her best friend and confidant. He has stood by her side as men have come and gone in her life and has been the only constant in her life as other, weaker men have decided that Mackenzie's visions of the future are too much for them to deal with. And I have to admit that I fell a little bit in love with him because of his loyalty to her, despite the fact that they've never taken things further than just being friends. Will would have been perfect for me, except for one small thing... in this novella Will has become convinced that Mackenzie has feelings for him and so is no longer willing to sit on the sidelines anymore, and his desperation to make her trust him and love him means that he makes some pretty big mistakes. These mistakes are completely understandable and, in some ways do make Mackenzie come to her senses, but as I was reading I did start to feel pretty frustrated that the patience and loyalty that I'd loved about him right from the very first page... no, when his situation with Mackenzie was first bought to the readers attention in the previous novella... seemed to disappear before my very eyes. But Will is still the type of character that will have the reader cheering for him from the very offset.

Mackenzie is also a character that will have the readers caring for her and cheering her on to find her happiness with Will. She has been plagued with visions from the future her whole life - some of them pretty horrific ones - but she is stuck with the awful knowledge that no matter what she does she can't do anything to stop these tragedies that she witnesses ahead of time. Because of this, men have never stuck around in the past meaning that she's had her heart broken a time or two, so now she is unwilling to get involved with another man. Especially Will, her best friend, the only man who has stuck around in her life. She doesn't want to lose him when he realises that her visions are too much to cope with. It is impossible not to feel for Mackenzie and the burden she carries through life.

And the chemistry between these two characters, right from the very first page is smokin' hot! Elle Kennedy is certainly very good at writing a sex scene that will leave the reader feeling hot under the collar. Will is very much a take charge man in all aspects of life, what with being a SEAL and all, and this doesn't change in the bedroom. He knows that Mackenzie always keeps herself under very tight control because of her visions - but he also knows she craves a lover who will take control for a while so that she doesn't have to worry about a thing - and the results are quite spectacular!

Summary - Another great instalment from one of my favourite erotic romance series. I really can't recommend this series enough.

Other books in the series:
1. Heat of the Moment
2. Heat of Passion
3. Heat of the Storm
4. Heat it Up
5. Heat of the Night
6. The Heat is On
7. Feeling Hot
8. Getting Hotter
9. Hotter Than Ever

Kid's Korner Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter #1)

Kid's Korner is a new weekly feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones (especially with the school holidays now upon us) or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Admittedly, my choice for this week is one that most of you will have read already, with me being one of the very few people in the entire world not having read any of these books up until a couple of weeks ago. But if you have read it before... maybe it's time for a little re-read?

Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date - June 30th 1997
Paperback - 223 pages
Genre - Children's Fantasy

Source - Purchased
Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years. But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

My Thoughts - So, as I said in my introduction, I am one of the very few people left in the world who hasn't read any of the Harry Potter books, or seen any of the movies for that matter! I have been wanting to read them for so long but, if I'm honest, all the hype surrounding the series has made me a little apprehensive. But I didn't need to worry about that at all as it happens.

I really enjoyed this first instalment of the Harry Potter series. I mean, what isn't to love? There's a brave boy who overcomes all obstacles to save the day, a great support network of friends for him, villains that everybody will love to hate, magic, intrigue, and even a baby dragon... that's got to be a winner, surely?

The friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione really added to the story for me. It was great watching the three of them grow, both as individuals and as a group. Although I know that, much like the other characters, I would have found Hermione rather annoying. But her heart is in the right place, and she pulls through for Harry when he needs her, so I can't fault her too much.

And I loved the mystery element of the plot, even though I did manage to work out for myself who was behind all the trouble being caused, but that didn't spoil the book too much for me. I found myself getting lost in the world that the author created and really felt as though I was there with the characters. And, just for the record, I'd love a pet owl!

Summary - A great start to what is supposed to be an amazing series. And I'm sure that things will continue to get even better as the series continues now that the scene has been so beautifully set in this first novel. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Harry and his friends.

Other books in this series:
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Review: Desire's Edge by Eve Berlin (Pleasure Dome #2)

Publisher - Piatkus
Publication Date - 14th March 2013
Paperback - 320 pages
Genre - Erotic Romance

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Kara Crawford doesn't expect to find anyone who can fulfil her dark fantasies until she experiences one of the most incredible nights of her life with a man she's always admired from afar.

Dante De Matteo may be a master of control now, but his troubled past means he won't let anyone ever get too close...

My Thoughts - I read the first book in this series, Pleasure's Edge, a while ago and absolutely loved it. So I picked up this book with some very high expectations for it to live up to... and I'm pleased to say that it met them with no real trouble at all.

As I have now come to expect from this author, the chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts! This is made more believable by the fact that Kara and Dante have known each other since school so it isn't some kind of insta-lust situation. What heats up the pages even more is the fact that they work together so there is a whole "forbidden" element to their relationship too.

The plot line was fairly basic and, with it being a romance, the ending was pretty predictable. I didn't really feel as though the events from their past that were given as reasons for their fear of commitment really warranted the amount of drama that they were treated with. But this was just a minor peeve of mine about the book and didn't really spoil my enjoyment of it at all.

Summary - A very enjoyable second instalment to the Pleasure Dome series... one full of passion, amazing sex and a great pair of main characters. I can't wait to get started on the third book of the series - Temptation's Edge.

Other books in the series:
1. Pleasure's Edge
2. Desire's Edge
3. Temptation's Edge

Review: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #7)

Publisher - Orbit
Publication Date - 5th March 2013
Paperback - 368 pages
Genre - Urban Fantasy

Source - Purchased

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Now that she's the mate of Alpha werewolf Adam, Mercy Thompson's life finally seems to be calming down - but not for long. After a traffic accident, Mercy suddenly can't reach Adam or the rest of the pack. All she knows is that Adam's angry and in pain.

If Adam's disappearance has anything to do with the werewolves' fight for public acceptance, it means the entire pack is in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy will have to seek help from an unlikely ally - no matter how grave the consequences.

My Thoughts - For those of you who've read my reviews of the previous books in this series, you'll know that it is probably my favourite series...ever! With possibly the exception of River Marked (book 6) which I didn't enjoy quite so much, so much so that I seem to have forgotten to review it completely, these books have been amazing. And I'm glad to say that with this instalment, the author seems to have got over her little funk that she experienced with the previous book and it was well on par with the earlier books in the series.

Mercy is her usual kick-ass self, and when the rest of the pack is taken and she is the only person who can rescue them, she quickly gets into action and does what she has to do. This is one of my favourite qualities in Mercy... she knows what has to be done and she's not afraid to get her hands a little dirty in the process. She loves Adam and will do anything to get him back, as well as the rest of the pack, even if that does mean teaming up with an unlikely ally.

I love how there is always a mystery involved with each of these books for Mercy and the gang to solve. Once again, the mystery element perfectly compliments the more paranormal elements, and had me turning the pages to find out who was behind the kidnapping (or wolf-napping) and what the reason behind it was. And it was not obvious at all, well not to me at least, who was involved.

Summary - A perfect addition to a kick-ass urban fantasy series. Fans of this genre will love it and people who aren't fans of the genre should still read these books.

Other books in the series:
1. Moon Called
2. Blood Bound
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Crossed
5. Silver Borne
6. River Marked
7. Frost Burned

Review: This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

 

This is the first review by new Once Upon a Series blogger, Maddie. So please give her a nice warm welcome.

 

Publisher - Headline
Publication Date - 4th April 2013
Hardback - 404 pages
Genre - YA Contemporary Romance

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Maddie

 

Book Info - Through a series of funny and poignant messages, Graham and Ellie make a true connection, sharing intimate details about their lives, hopes and fears. But they don't tell each other everything; Graham doesn't know the major secret hidden in Ellie's family tree, and Ellie is innocently unaware that Graham is actually a world-famous teen actor living in Los Angeles.

When the location for the shoot of Graham's new film falls through, he sees an opportunity to take their relationship from online to in-person, managing to get the production relocated to picturesque Henley, Maine, where Ellie lives. But can a star as famous as Graham have a real relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie's mom want her to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

My Thoughts - With the state of teenage romance (vampires, werewolves, ghosts, aliens and fairy tales are all nearly ruined for me by the genre called 'dark romance') I tend to stay away from love stories but I am so glad I read This Is What Happy Looks Like, even if it wasn't quite perfect.

This book begins with an adorable email exchange between Ellie and the mysterious GDL824@yahoo.com. I say mysterious.... but you can guess in three seconds who he's meant to be. Well I could, but my friends instantly assumed he must be a creepy internet stalker. Ah the modern age. 

These emails were quick and sparky and kept the novel moving at a fast pace. I was a little sad sometimes when the writing went back to a normal format because the emails were so entertaining. I'm not a very soppy person but the emails where they talk about 'What happy looks like' (I love this title!) were so... cute? I'm really not one those people to call a book 'cute' but it's the right way to describe this book.

The subtler sides of Ellie's character were revealed in these emails. Compared to the normal chapters where she was just a nice, normal girl the emails let me finally start caring for her by showing me how funny and clever she could be. 

It was even harder for me to care or understand Ellie's best friend Quinn. She deserts Ellie for most of the novel because Ellie kept a secret from her. A secret. One secret! Well, it was actually two kind of massive secrets, but still! It was really selfish and strange, especially as Quinn was supposed to be such a friendly person and her leaving Ellie to deal with her own problems made no sense.

And then there is Graham. I don't care if he was a little too perfect to be a normal teenage boy, I thought he was great. He was a high school pupil who did good and loved his family. Even when he kept on telling us how hard it was to be a famous teen heartthrob, I could forgive him.

If this was all the book consisted of I would have enjoyed it but I would have not been impressed. Sorry, I'm fussy. If it wasn't for Ellie's relationship with her mother, her back story and how Jennifer E. Smith dealt with the Graham's new found fame.

Summary - This book talks about celebrity love, hidden pasts, what happy looks like and other ridiculously cheesy things yet, unlike normal romance stories, I love it. I was reading with fast pace page turning and a wide a grin on my face. Even though it is slightly ruined by such a cheesy ending I still would like to give this book four stars. Definitely a great summer read.

Review: One More Little Problem by Vanessa Curtis (Zelah Green #2)

Publisher - Egmont Books Ltd
Publication Date - 5th July 2010
Paperback - 240 pages
Genre - YA Contemporary

Source - Library

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Amy

Book Info -Warm, winning and real, Zelah Green is back!

My name is Zelah Green and I'm a Cleanaholic. It's the summer hols and I'm on major Flirt Alert. I've joined mysortaspace.com and ever since I've been getting emails from loads of boys.

Boys are Dirt Alert AND Germ Alert. Don't even talk to me about kissing...

The rest of my life's a bit rubbish too.

My Thoughts (contains spoilers for Book 1) - So...? Not being resilient characters, are we?

Well, perhaps that is a good thing (we don’t want people to have the resilience to be difficult- especially Zelah). No, not just Zelah- I mentioned (last review) the (ex)stepmother, a character in Book 1. I kept thinking she’d pop up & I was generally thinking she’d be developed. Why? She just sounded interesting; recently I’ve been reading some books with very developed adults & whole families. And now she’s the missing piece of the jigsaw. she really is missing so maybe it’d be best if I had read the second book first (*cough* mystery read-book-2-in-a-series-as-a-standalone library book borrower *cough*) & knew nothing of her...

I’d have missed lots though & I wouldn’t want to miss any of Zelah even if the books aren’t flawless (in my opinions). So, let’s delve into Zelah Land- as I said I would:

Teen Green (sounds more normal Ze?) thinks she isn’t a difficult child but perhaps this is because at Forest Hill she was the easiest a lot of the time- she really did go through a lot though & in the end Zelah probably reckons that’s the reason Mr Green came back. He can turn his back on a difficult daughter but not so much a perfect(ish) one? As you can tell he’s flawed, like Zelah.

Boom. Character Arc score.

But does that mean there’s room for the flawed Caro (I actually forgot until afterwards that I wanted more Lib- that makes up for the “where’s stepmother?” as Caro is just... --->)

GOSH, it’s a misunderstanding! We know Zelah wanted wanted a Forest Hill person to come into her life but she’d have preferred a certain quieter one (just a heads up, there are no quiet people whose name begins with ‘L’, or ‘C’ for that matter, in this book). We know who! It’s summer, why wouldn’t it be a Summer romance (hello blurb & first few pages... not cover, duh!)? She may forget a high quantity of her to-do’s... Yes, well- that’s what I expected! I’m not going to say what got added/taken away from her to-do’s but let’s just say it involved watching lots of (laugh out laugh) debates between Caro & those who dare cross her path. There was a serious depth underneath that- I may have laughed & wondered if anybody else could argue like that- they can’t- but I did feel empathy.

Relationships were built, broken (that’s the only insta thing by the way, don’t let the blurb make you think of the moment when eyes meet & hearts bonds eternally...) and other elements of OCD were examined in one chapter. It wasn’t preachy but I liked how we came to see how the rituals developed, and are fluctuating. We also get to see other things those with OCD may do & how they feel about it. It was short but I was reminded about why I picked up, and really enjoyed, this series.

Summary (no spoilers, if you just want a general opinion...) - If that isn’t enough for you I’ll say this: it was slightly different from the first book- it wrapped up even better & that is why it has the same rating, others parts didn’t seem quite as excelling. I must admit I expected it to either be better than Book 1 or really not. It wasn’t either of them; I was satisfied & laughed (well... tried not to laugh) a lot more! The characters definitely shone (FYI: My Mum wants a third book with Liv in*) & I am glad I read this in conclusion.

*she actually told me to type that :L

Other books in the series:
1. Zelah Green, Queen of Clean
2. One More Little Problem