Release Week Event: Stardust by Devon Ashley + Giveaway (INT)

Check out the release week event of Stardust by Devon Ashley. The first book, Dust, is one of my top favorites so I'm very excited for the sequel.

There's also a giveaway below so don't forget to enter!

Stardust by Devon Ashley
Of Dust and Darkness #2

February 15th 2016

He took my wings, my freedom. Degraded me in every way possible. Deep inside me a fire burns, awaiting the day I get to return the favor. Break. By break. By break.

Wrongfully imprisoned and brutally savaged by the warden of a secret slave camp, Rosalie craves vengeance. She may have been the only pixie to escape the compound, but she’s anything but safe. Alone in the forest, grounded with broken wings, her journey to find help is long and perilous. And Jack is nowhere to be seen. Forced to stray off their agreed upon path, Rosalie feels more lost in the dark than ever. Home is but a dream, and when she learns things are not as they seem, even those closest cannot be trusted. The rules of the game are changing, desperation is winning out. And unfortunately for Rosalie, she finds herself on the verge of losing a lot more than love and cherished wings.

Clean YA Fantasy.

Purchase on:

Amazon | Kobo

About the Author:

I'm a mom, a lover and a fighter, a coffee addict, a total smartass, wicked knitster, a Microbiologist, a baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to the death for that last Twinkie bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, my addiction is that important to me. Oh, and I say seriously way too much. Seriously…

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

(1) $15 gift card to either Amazon or B&N, and (1) signed paperback of Stardust (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting On Wednesday: Nearly Undone by Devon Ashley

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

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Nearly Undone by Devon Ashley
Nearly #3
Spring 2015

 

I'd risk anything to save her – even my freedom.

Megan Whitaker thought she had them beat – and then everything went to shit. Zander got to walk and Friggs was in the wind, and unfortunately, both were still hell-bent on making her his. Megan and Nick might’ve given Friggs the slip by hiding away in witness protection, but when Thea goes missing, nothing will keep Megan away. Not when her sister’s abduction was her fault.

Thea Whitaker’s dark new reality was something made of nightmares. Friggs might’ve only stolen her to lure out her sister, but it doesn’t keep the sadistic man from taking out his issues on her. Now it’s her turn to be on the receiving end of unspeakable acts, and though she prays her sister can find a way to free her, Thea also fears it, because she knows if Megan fails, Friggs’ will never let either of them go.

With Thea lost and no hope in sight, Megan begrudgingly beseeches the help of the one man who has the connections to find her. But enlisting Zander’s help will come at a price, and for Megan and Nick, it might just cost them everything they’ve been fighting so hard to hold on to.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction
Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

I'm excited and terrified for the last book in this series. Especially because of where the previous book left off. I'm not even a little bit shamed to say that I want more of Zander! ;)

What's your WOW pick of the week?

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Review: Sparrow 59 by Devon Ashley

Title: Sparrow 59
Author: Devon Ashley
Series: The Sleepers' Coalition #1
Publication: December 16th 2014
Genre: New Adult ~ Romance ~ Spy Thriller
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Rating: 4/5

Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

The Bourne Identity meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith for the New Adult crowd.

Members of the CIA’s specialized team Sparrow, who investigate specifically into black market deals involving stolen medical research, were all murdered in one quick sweep. Drew and Samantha, team five-nine, have been more than just partners since their academy training days. Safeguarding their secret tryst from everyone in their professional lives, they trust no one but themselves. But when Samantha finds herself suspiciously spared and Drew missing, she doesn’t want to believe what the CIA claims – that Drew is not only alive and has defected from their organization, but is facilitating the deaths of prominent research developers worldwide. Now the only member of Sparrow who hasn’t been killed off, Samantha finds herself under serious investigation by association – and a prisoner within her own home.

Just when she’s on the verge of being labeled a murderer and a traitor herself, Drew activates a beacon only she can see, taunting her from across the world. He knows she’s watching, and she knows he could be gone forever if she doesn't oblige his silent request. With nothing left to lose and everything to gain, Sam goes rogue to track him down and clear her good name. But when she finally catches up to her partner of four years, he hasn’t a clue who he is or what he’s done, and the men chasing him down suddenly want to acquire her as well.

Frantic yet determined, Samantha is forced to protect a man she no longer trusts in order to learn why he went astray – and why his associates are determined to retrieve him. But is Drew really a victim himself in a much greater scheme, or will his memories prove lethal, leading Sam into harm’s way like a lamb to slaughter, ultimately risking the life of the only member of Sparrow he managed to save?

New Adult Romantic Spy Thriller Recommended for 17+ for mature and violent situations, language and sexual content.

When I saw Sparrow 59 on NetGalley, I wasn't so sure if I wanted to get it for review or not because I don't usually read (romantic) spy thrillers. In the end, though, I was so glad I did decide to get it because it was such a great book and so different from the books I usually read. I can't say it's the best book ever, in my eyes, but I really did enjoy it. Also, I read it so fast! Seriously, I barely put my Kindle down!

The thing that hooked me the most, I guess, was the mystery about what happened to Drew and why he disappeared, only to reappear again in compromising places. I also really liked reading about the main characters Samantha and and of course Drew. Although we get more of Sam's point of view than Drew's, I really liked to read from both of them. 

Sam was a fantastic character. She kicked ass and I love how she left everything behind to go after Drew, even though it gets her in more trouble with the CIA than she already was. And I just loved Drew. I really enjoyed his point of view, which came more towards the end, but it was still interesting to take a peak inside his head. 

The ending was pretty brutal. I'm still not sure what really happened since it ended so abrubtly. Damn cliffhanger, I both love and loathe them. So yeah, I'm really looking forward to the next book to find out what happened and how it will 

Fast-paced with lots of action, mystery and romance, Sparrow 59 was unexpectly a very enjoyable and engaging new adult book. The writing was great, the story never got boring and the characters kicked ass. Go read it!

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+

I'm a mom, a wife, a lover and a fighter, a coffee addict, a total smartass, wicked knitster, a Microbiologist, a baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to the death for that last Twinkie bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, my addiction is that important to me. Oh, and I say seriously way too much. Seriously…

Review: Nearly Mended by Devon Ashley

Title: Nearly Mended
Author: Devon Ashley
Series: Nearly #2
Publication: April 7th 2014
Genre: New Adult ~ Dark Romance ~ Suspense
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 5/5

Megan Whitaker desperately wants to forget what the Malone brothers have done to her over the past two years – the haunting images and sensations still plaguing her thoughts and dreams – but she can’t. Charles may be dead, but Zander isn’t. I’ll bring you back to me. She wants to believe she’s safe with Nick in their secluded new home, but it doesn’t keep her from looking over her shoulder, jumping over unexpected sounds, carrying a concealed weapon or even preparing for the worst. Because she fears the time is near.

Nick Ellis has seen a change in his long, lost love. Battered emotionally and physically, Megan spends her days at self-defense classes and researching things that’ll never allow her to let go of the past. And he feels guilty even wanting her to, because he knows that heathen will return, it’s only a matter of time. And when he does, Nick knows he will do everything possible to save her, even if it means taking another shot to the heart.

But for Megan, there is no escaping the world of sex trafficking, nor the band of men who continually aid one another to keep it thriving. And as her nightmarish world encroaches on reality, Megan soon realizes there are far worse evils to fear than the sadistic man who haunts her dreams.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

I'm sure I'm not the only one when I say that Nearly Mended blew me away. It took me a while to actuallty get to it, but I really wish I had read  the book sooner. I absolutely loved it!

I thought the first book, Nearly Broken, was likable but not as amazing as I wanted it to be. Nearly Mended was a thousand times better, in my opinion. It did surprise me because I hadn't expected it to be as dark, twisted and crazy as it was. And yes, these are very good things with a book like this. It just was so much more different than the first book and liked it so much more that I wish I could've given it more than five stars!

I don't know where Megan gets her strenght but I was very surprised by how strong she was in this book. She might've had a hard time in the beginning of the book, readjusting and everyting but once she gets taken again by Zander she's doing everything she can not to break down. There's a different factor this time around, though. I won't reveal what it is, for the sake of spoilers but damn, such a good twist!

I'm not sure what to say about Nick in this book. He definitely had his good moments but I'm just not a big fan of his. But I have to say that at least he never gives up on Megan, no matter what crap Zander makes both of them go true. That's something at least!

Also, I heard (before reading Nearly Mended) that people want Megan to end up with Zander. Of course, I was wondering what that all was about because Zander was a pretty fucked up psycho in the first book but now? Now I'm totally seeing it and damn it, Devon Ashley actually made me care about Zander. I still think he's a bastard and I want to hate him so much but yeah, there's something about him, I won't deny it.

Overall, Nearly Mended definitely had everything I'm looking for in a book like this. It had so much suspense, I almost couldn't take it anymore. The sex scenes were scorching and panty-dropping hot. And the last couple of chapters literally made my jaw drop. I can't wait for the next book. I want to read it as soon as it comes out!

About the Author:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+

I'm a mom, a wife, a lover and a fighter, a coffee addict, a total smartass, wicked knitster, a Microbiologist, a baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to the death for that last Twinkie bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, my addiction is that important to me. Oh, and I say seriously way too much. Seriously…

Release Day Event: Nearly Mended by Devon Ashley + Giveaway! (INT)

Guess what?!
Nearly Mended is out today!

Personally, I can't wait to read it and see what's going to happen next!

Nearly Mended (Nearly #2)

By Devon Ashley

Release: April 7, 2014

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction

Amazon


God help me…Zander isn’t the worst thing out there.

Megan Whitaker desperately wants to forget what the Malone brothers have done to her over the past two years – the haunting images and sensations still plaguing her thoughts and dreams – but she can’t. Charles may be dead, but Zander isn’t. I’ll find you and bring you back to me. She wants to believe she’s safe with Nick in their secluded new home, but it doesn’t keep her from looking over her shoulder, jumping over unexpected sounds, carrying a concealed weapon or even preparing for the worst.

Nick Ellis has seen a change in his long, lost love. Battered emotionally and physically, Megan spends her days at self-defense classes and researching things that’ll never allow her to let go of the past. And he feels guilty even asking her to, because he knows that heathen will return, it’s only a matter of time. And when he does, Nick will do anything to save her, even the unthinkable, risking everything he’s fought so hard to get back.

But there is no escaping the world of sex trafficking, nor the band of men who continually aid one another to keep it thriving. And as her nightmares begin to converge with reality, Megan realizes there are far worse people to fear than the one who haunts her dreams.


New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction

Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

About the Author:

Devon Ashley is a mom, a wife, a lover and a fighter, a coffee addict, a wicked knitster, a Microbiologist, a baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to the death for that last Twinkie bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, her addiction is that important to her. Oh, and she says seriously way too much. Seriously…

Facebook | GoodReads | Blog

 

(1) $25 Gift Card to Amazon or the Book Depository - INT

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Nearly Broken by Devon Ashley

Title: Nearly Broken
Author: Devon Ashley
Series: Nearly #1
Publication: June 4th 2013
Genre: New Adult
Format: e-book
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo
Cover Rating: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3/5

e-copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

   

We’d both gone missing at one point, but Claire had one thing I didn’t. Someone to notice. So why was I the one still here and she the one still gone?

Nineteen year old Megan Smith has spent the past year working in a small town diner in the middle of nowhere. Life is quiet, simple, safe. Then comes the news that her look-a-like has gone missing.

Claire.

Still damaged both physically and mentally, Megan's not looking to be noticed. Wherever she goes from here, it's a road she needs to take alone. But when Nickolas Ellis takes the job as the new nightshift cook, it scares her how easily her defenses crumble down, down, down for him. But there are secrets she can't bear to share with just anyone, unspeakable acts that continue to haunt, and when the similarities of Claire’s abduction couples with the fear of an unwanted visitor in town, the urge to run before it all happens again intensifies, threatening the only happiness Megan's ever found.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction
Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

~My Thoughts:

The author, Devon Ashley, gave me this book for review month ago. Due to life getting in the way I didn't get to read this until now but I'm glad I finally did read it. Even though most people think three star ratings aren't so great, it doesn't mean this book was bad or anything. Let's just get that clear. It was a great book but not four or five star material. Now that we've got that out of the way...

I definitely liked where the story was going when it started. I really liked Megan and the mystery that surrounded her. It wasn't clear right away what really happened to her. The only thing we know was that according to her she did something awful and was on the run from someone. And then Nick came into the picture. I liked him too. Very much, actually. But what I didn't like when everything got revealed, I can't tell what exactly of course if I don't want to spoil things but I didn't like when all these things got revealed about Megan and who she really is and who Nick is all alone and how he handled it. That just put me off a little bit but other than that he was pretty great and sweet and so understanding.

I couldn't help compare this to another book that also involves human trafficking, although that book was even darker but I didn't like Nearly Broken as much for some reason. Anyway, I think some parts of the storyline just didn't feel right to me. It felt like the story was devided into these parts. The first part where Megan meets Nick, works with him and start their relationship, then the part starts where Megan finds out things and then the part where shit is hitting the fan. And I must admit I lost a little bit of my interest during the part where Megan found out who her family is. Just was a tad boring. But I liked the story overall well enough. I liked most of the characters and not only Megan and Nick, although Megan was definitely my favorite because she was so strong and sometimes snarky and she went through a lot. I really wanted her to be happy. And Nick too.


Overall not my favorite new adult book ever but Nearly Broken by Devon Ashley was a likably read with a bit of darkness that I love in some books. The characters were all great as was most of the story. I also had nothing to bad to say about the writing. I really liked it and Megan's voice. I only wish some things were handled a little different but aside from that I do want to read the next book and see what's going to happen next because the ending was really interesting. I'm sure it's going to have a twist in Nearly Mended. 

Favorite Quotes:

And I hated to admit it, but his smile warmed my heart a little, despite the hardened shell I kept around it for protection.

I no longer liked the night. The darkness was where he lied in wait, waiting for it to swallow me whole each night, suffocating my senses with fear.

After that heart-stopping kiss, my crazy grin was so wide I could've played back-up for the Joker in Batman.

Cover Reveal: Nearly Mended by Devon Ashley + Giveaway! (INT)

So this is my stop for the cover reveal of Nearly Mended by Devon Ashley, which is the second book in the series. I have yet to read the first book but I can tell you I will very soon and am so very excited about it! =D

On to the cover reveal...

Devon Ashley:

"I'm in COVER LOVE right now! I've once again got Megan and Nick on the cover, but this time you get the chance to stare into those stunning eyes that just scream Don't f*ck with me. However, that is not Nick on the back. That is the unconscionable Zander Malone, who thanks to the authorities, has his blond locks rockin' a darker hairdo to help stay off the radar a bit. Of course he'll be making an appearance in Nearly Mended, but for how long and whether or not he'll obtain any pleasure while there, I won't say! But he has definitely got some wicked things planned this time around.

Oh...and did I mention it's dual point-of-view this time? Both Megan and Nick will be gracing us with their thoughts and opinions in Nearly Mended. I've dabbled with the idea of getting into Zander's sick head a time or two, but in all honesty, I'm still against it, forcing us as readers to learn only what he wants us to know."

To view full size image of cover, click here.

Gorgeous cover, right? I LOVE it!

Expected Publication: Winter 2013 (hopefully December)

He’ll pay for what he’s done to her…for what he’s done to me.

Megan Whitaker desperately wants to forget what’s happened over the past two years – the haunting images and sensations still plaguing her thoughts and dreams – but she can’t. Because he’s still out there. Zander Malone. I’ll find you and bring you back to me. She wants to believe she’s safe with Nick in their secluded new home, but it doesn’t keep her from looking over her shoulder, jumping over unexpected sounds, carrying a concealed weapon or even preparing for the worst. He’s coming for her, but this time, she won’t let him get the jump on her, nor will she go quietly into the night.

Nickolas Ellis has seen a change in his long, lost love. Battered emotionally and physically, Megan has turned her fear into anger, spending her days at self-defense classes and researching things that’ll never allow her to let go of the past. And he feels guilty even asking her to, because he knows that heathen will return, it’s only a matter of time. And when he does, Nick will do anything to protect her, even the unthinkable, risking everything he’s fought so hard to get back.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction

Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

Haven’t read Nearly Broken yet? Now’s your chance to pick up a copy on sale for just $1.99! If you’d like to be entered for the $20 Gift Card from Amazon or the Book Depository, just enter using the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Dust by Devon Ashley

Title: Dust
Author: Devon Ashley
Series: Of Dust and Darkness
Publication: September 18th 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Format: Ebook, 151 pages
Cover Rating: 5/5
Content Rating: 5/5
Purchase: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

4. The number of times my delicate wings have been broken and clamped behind my back.
68. The number inked upon my skin, marking me the sixty-eighth pixie to be stolen.
87. The number of days I’ve been wrongfully imprisoned.
88. The first day the faeries will regret stealing me.

Healthy. Cheery. Vivacious. All traits Rosalie has before becoming enslaved by the faeries to make an endless supply of pixie dust. Now that Rosalie has been traumatized by slave labor, extreme desolate conditions and multiple deaths, this hardened pixie is anything but. When this rebellious teenager attempts an escape, she’s isolated in cramped quarters until she learns her place. Just as she begins to let go of all that hope, she finds an unlikely friend in Jack, the faerie assigned to guard her. Interspecies dating is forbidden in the fae world, so their growing attraction is unacceptable. And even if Jack can find a way to free her, they know the prison is the only place they can truly be together.

My thoughts: 
I got this book for review from the author, Devon Ashley. I've seen this book around before and I've always thought it sounded amazing. The cover is just gorgeous and so magical looking. I also love the catchphrase on the left up corner; With broken wings we fly. It fits perfectly with this fantastic story. The first part of the synopsis is very alluring to me because of the numbers. It just totally catches the attention of the reader in my opinion. The other half of the synopsis suck the reader also right in. Pixies enslaved by faeries? Sounds fascinating, right? Well, it didn't only sound that way, it was also pretty darn good!

Dust is a very original fae story that sets around a sixteen-year-old pixie girl named Rosalie. She lives in her Hollow with other pixies. She loves is there and yet she seems to be kind of an outsider. Even so, she would never have dreamed about leaving her home. One thing she hadn't count on was getting kidnapped to be forced into slavery. It's where this tale gets a darker twist. And I just loved it!

I was hooked instantly by this story. The writing, I mean, wow! It was amazing. So detailed and simply mesmerizing to read. I can say that this is one of the best books I've read writing-wise. I could simply not stop reading! So, it's not surprising at all that I finished this book in less than two days. So good!
I'm also very excited to check out some more of Devon Ashley's books. I have a feeling they'll also be brillant as Dust is.

I loved Rosalie. She's truly one of the best main characters I have read about. I had never read about pixies except for Tinker Bell. Rosalie is so damn brave, spunky, smart and absolutely not a quitter. We need more of this kind of female main characters ASAP!
I also loved Juniper and Willow, pretty much the two only pixies also trapped in the slavery with Rosalie that still could think straight. Juniper was so sweet, such a mother figure. I was pretty much crying when she died. It was so terribly sad. Willow on the other hand was more of a tough, don't get in my face kinda girl, but when Juniper died she and Rosalie got a little closer. I liked that. 
I loved this entire fae world. I've always loved books like that but this one is absolutely, without a doubt high on my favorite list. There were some dark scenes, where I could almost feel Rosalie's torment, especially when they broke her wings over and over again. But it's dark YA books like these that I find amazing.

It took a little while before Jack came into the story. But once he did, I knew right away that I would love him. He's so darn cute. And so sweet to Rosalie, once he got over being stuck with her for punishment. Slowly but surely I saw their feelings for one another grow.  It was so refreshing to read something like this for a change, where love slowly grows instead of the insta-love you read almost in every YA book nowadays. And did I mention it's forbidden love? Who can resist that!
The end was heartbreaking and so hard for me to read. I just wanted for Rosalie and Jack to stay together and be happy even though I knew it had to happen like this. Thank god there will be a second book! I, for one cannot wait to get my hands on it. I can only hope it'll be as mind blowing as this one.

Dust is a captivating fae tale with a dash of romance that will entertain any reader who is remotely interested in reading young adult fantasy, paranormal or just any books that's simply astonishing to read with its richly detailed writing. 

~Favorite Quotes~

But there's one thing all the pixies do have in common. There's no magic left in any of their wings. No shimmer. No luminescence. And I have this awful feeling that my wings look no different.

Why can't our existence be like the stars? Happily twinkling and dancing in the night sky, bringing light and entertainment to all who see? The stars make everyone ponder unanswered questions, makes everyone smile. And no matter who you are, where you are or what you've done, they're always there for you. No matter what.

~About the author~

Devon Ashley resides in Texas with her husband and son She has a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Microbiology. In her (not so) free time she loves to write, design, knit and read. (Super exciting, right?)

Also Available by Devon Ashley

The Immortal Archives (New Adult Urban Fantasy)
Ordained, One
Metamorphosis, Two
Catacombs, Three (Coming 2013)

Falling Novels (New Adult Contemporary Romance)
Falling In Between, One
Falling Away, Two (Coming 2013)

You can stalk her here:
http://devonashleywrites.blogspot.com