Review and Giveaway: The Darkest Part by Trisha Wolfe

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing The Darkest Part by Trisha Wolfe. Also, you get to participate in a great giveaway. I hope you enjoy and I wish you all good luck! x

Title: The Darkes Part (Living Heartwood #1)
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Published: August 6th 2013
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Pressing the boundaries of both the psyche and the heart, Sam and Holden embark on a dangerous journey that will test the limits of love.
Sam Wintry’s life used to be almost perfect. She was engaged to her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler Marks, planning an amazing cross-country honeymoon during her college break. But after a hit-and-run leaves her in ruin, she begins seeing Tyler’s fractured, ghostly presence, and her family believes she’s losing her mind. Not until she completes their journey, stopping along the way to scatter Tyler's remains, will Tyler be able cross over. Only...is Sam ready for him to leave her?
When the black sheep of the Marks' family, Holden Marks, returns to check on Tyler's case, Sam convinces him to give her his brother's ashes. Despite their shaky history, she needs him...plus, he owes it to Sam and his brother. What she doesn’t count on is Holden’s relentlessness to go on the trip.
On the road, Holden realizes just how unhinged Sam has become. Dealing with her psychosis forces him to confront his dark past, making it harder to keep secrets hidden that should remain buried. Especially from Sam, the only woman he’s ever loved. And as Sam starts to unravel the truth, she begins to question if the brother she's unwillingly falling for again is in an even darker place than her.

This spring, I got to review Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe. Guess what? I loved it! It was a book that sealed the deal for me and I now want to make it my life’s mission to read all of Trisha’s books. LOL. I’m slightly kidding, but the truth is not far from it. I wondered what it’d be like if Trish ever wrote a contemporary novel and now I got the chance to explore it first hand.

As much as I'm doing this trip for Tyler, truth is, I'm doing it for me, too. I'm tired of being scared. Sick of living in fear. I'm doing this to set Tyler free, yes, to help him cross over--but deep down, I know it's about more.

I need to cross over, too.

To the living.

The story. Sam is depressed. Like.. really in a dark place and all that’s keeping her together is her dead boyfriend’s ghost Tyler. Who others say is a hallucination. Sam is sure he’s not and she is determined to bring his soul to peace by going on a road trip to take his ashes everywhere he wanted to travel. Only problem is, she has to go with Holden or not go at all. Why is this a problem? Let’s see.. Holden is Tyler’s brother and when they were younger, Sam was helplessly in love with him until he broke her hear. Now, spending even five minutes in a room with him seems insurmountable.

My thoughts. I found this to be really intriguing; hopeless; dark. I loved the last book I read that featured a road trip and that was The Edge of Never. While The Darkest Part didn’t exactly reach the level of awesomeness that was Camryn and Andrew’s story, I did truly enjoy it. When we met Sam, she was in a really dark place and I didn’t see any way possible for her to feel alive again. Everything she had dreamed about had vanished into thin air and now she has to cope with it all alone. I’m glad Holden was there to support her. Speaking of Holden..

Holden was the heart of the story for me. Even though Tyler is long gone, his presence still lingers and it was great to watch unfinished business between the brothers work itself out and Holden get relief from years of guilt and horrible memories. I believed his story and I felt connected to it. Sam was at times a bit hard to connect to since she didn’t know the  whole story and was catching up to it just as we were while Holden held the missing pieces. The chemistry Holden and Sam had was good and enjoyable. I loved how their story got a realistic ending with a touch of happiness rather than everything being over the top amazing.

At the end of the day I believe this is very suitable for a fall read since it’s dark, edgy and offers a few rays of sunshine with its hope and romantic plotline. I was happy to witness Sam’s victory over darkness and sorrow. She had the possibility to experience two very different loves and I enjoyed reading about both of them. I think this novel is worth a try and I’m happy to have enjoyed it as much as I did. By the way, I saw on Goodreads that it's marked as a part of a series, but I do believe it's a stand-alone. Perhaps there'll be some companion novels in the future.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Meet the author

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Haul #22

Haven't done one in a while again. I think it's been a month if not more. I haven't received any paperbacks throughout this time other than The Sea of Tranquility--love that book--which I loaned to my mom and she took it to her vacation with her so I can't show it to you this week. The rest of the paperbacks/hard covers I've received before, but haven't showcased yet. If you've read any of these, let me know and I'll push them up on my tbr list. Be sure to leave me your links so I can visit all of you lovelies back:)

Physical copies

Sweet Peril (Sweet Evil #2) by Wendy Higgins

Dreamless (Starcrossed #2) by Josephine Angelini

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi

Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare (read, review will be up soon)

E-books

OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu (arc, currently reading)

Elite by Rachel van Dyken (review copy, already read)

The Lies We Tell by Elizabeth Dunk (arc, already read)

I also received a little bit of swag throughout that time. A huge thanks to Jennifer Jacopelli for these gorgeous bookmarks. Moreover, the always wonderful Trisha Wolfe, who is just one of the best human beings, sent me signed bookmarks which she designed herself, by the way, and a very lovely letter. Thanks so so so much you guys! *hugs*

A HUGE thanks to Edelweiss, Netgalley, Simon Pulse, Forever, Harlequin Australia, Jennifer Jacopelli and Trisha Wolfe.

What did you get this week? Leave your links below and I'll check out your goodies :)

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Mod Podge Bookshelf and Stacking the Shelves is a weekly event hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Summer Lovin' 2013 Read-A-Thon: You're The One That I Want

It's day 2 and so far I've started Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter which is surprisingly awesome. Totally my kinda humour and I've laughed quite a bit even though I'm not that far. Also, there have been quite a few surprises already regarding the plot so that's awesome. Since I have it in paperback, I read it at home and I have the first two book in a combined edition and I don't want to bring it to work so I brought my Kindle instead and during lunch break I started Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown which is also pretty interesting. I have heard so many good things about Jennifer's work and I'm excited to finally give one of her books a try. I'm only 15% in though, so we'll see how it goes.

So for today's participation post we have a topic of our 5 must-reads for summer. Oh boy, I have so many books I'd love to name, but here're the first five that come to mind. Summer is mostly for contemporaries. In my opinion. Different kind of beach reads etc. Without further ado, here are my four contemporaries for summer:

Want to read

Facade by Nyrae Dawn -- want to read

Faking It by Cora Carmack -- want to read

Have read, recommend

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick -- read and loved it (my review here)

Slammed by Colleen Hoover -- just click on my review from yesterday ;-) (my review here)

Fantasy

And what's summer without a little fantasy? This is a recommendation for every fantasy fan out there. Oh, and people who enjoy originality

Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe -- read and loved every perfect moment from this book, one of my favorite reads of 2013 (my review here)

So what are your must reads this summer? I hope you're all having a great week! 

Cover Reveal: Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars #2) by Trisha Wolfe

I am bouncing with excitement over this since it means the sequel is on its way!!!! I LOVED the first book so, so, so much that it's a forever favorite of mine. You can read my thoughts on Of Silver and Beasts here. You can also get a sneak peek into Caben's point of view since the  sequel will contain his perspective. (Yeeehaw to that ;))This cover is VERY special for me because it features Kaliope AND CABEN! #lesigh. I am so in love with this guy.. You have no idea! Anyhow, without further ado, here's the cover.

Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars #2) by Trisha Wolfe

Release Date: September 1, 2013

Cover artist: Steven Novak

Cover Reveal Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours

***WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK ONE***

The moon goddess has taken up residency within Prince Caben, darkening his mind and soul. Now he hunts the very women he sacrificed his life to save, his conflicting desires for love and power raging a battle within him. Kaliope possesses the key to setting Bale free, and Caben will stop at nothing to see his goddess restored. Even if that means destroying the kingdom he’s sworn to protect, and the infuriating woman who torments his thoughts.

Kaliope, now the leader to the newly formed Nactue Guard, has vowed to save Caben. But with a traitor lurking among her people, and powers she’s unable to fully control, Kaliope’s mission becomes shrouded with doubt. Her new role as watcher over Caben’s kingdom brings a burden she’s unable to bear alone, and appointing the right person in charge of the prince’s affairs has turned a kingdom against the Nactue leader. Saving her stubborn, willful prince from the darkness overtaking him will be the battle of her life, and she needs people she can trust by her side. But bad blood between members of the Nactue obscure Kaliope’s journey, while her feelings for Caben cloud her judgment.

When the time comes to do what she must to destroy the goddess of chaos, will she be able to if it means losing Caben forever?

Book two of the Goddess Wars is told in dual point of view from Kaliope and Caben. New Adult Dark Fantasy, intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

***Excerpt (Caben’s POV)***

The Crusher grinds to a halt. I’m propelled forward, and my head smacks the low-hanging ceiling of the front compartment.

“Damn, you fool!” I palm my throbbing forehead, eyeing the driver of the Crusher—the machines I now call by their Otherworlder name.

“Sorry, my liege,” he says, backing against his seat, farther away from the glowing ribbons circling my fingers.

Ignoring him, I study the luminous white—like the surface of the moon—crawling beneath my skin, and marvel at the power. My power. Had I possessed it that day the Cavan Army forced me from my home, they never could have done so easily. But then, I never would have obtained this power. Ironic.

“Just drive,” I tell him. I take a seat on the front bench, away from the foul stench emanating from the back compartment—our diversion tactic that will gain me entry into my palace, where I know she’s being kept.

The glow beneath my skin illuminates brighter, reminding me of her skin. I curl my fingers into a tight ball.

The battle up ahead is only part of my plan, one that I know Kaliope will fall for. I need the reserves away from the palace. Then we’ll take care of her Nactue once we’re inside. My back molars clamp down hard at the thought of her—a mix of something like fire and nausea invading my stomach.

At one time, I felt things for the black-haired beauty. I chuckle to myself. Well, at least my groin did. Just thinking of her body makes me ache, and I have to adjust myself. But that was when I was weak, when I only thought and felt with that weakness. As much as I hated my father for thinking me too feeble to rule, he was right. I was pathetic.

Bale freed me. Released the part of me that I kept buried, locked away deep down, and I no longer fear anything. I think of everything that once made me shudder or quake with dread and laugh. It’s so simple.

Without fear, there is only freedom.

Power.

And if I free Bale completely, releasing her from within my being and making her corporeal, she’ll bestow me with even more power. I don’t care what the dark goddess does or where she goes once I restore Empress Iana’s relic. I don’t give a damn what happens to the maggoty Otherworlders or their realm.

I just want her out of my mind. And I want the power.

Then I’ll set my sights on Perinya, and on gaining what’s mine.

A deep cackle fills my head, deep and sultry.

“Quiet, woman.” I roll my eyes. We’ve come to a compromise, the goddess and I, that she may remain within my mind, but she’s to keep quiet. I got tired of her constant lectures and angry rants about her sisters. She does stay silent…for the most part. But the sooner I get her out of my head, the better.

Having a woman fill your thoughts is a weakness in itself. A sudden flash of a smiling, laughing Kal blurs my vision, and I shake my head.

There’s only one way to rid my thoughts of that woman.

Kill her.

“Burrow, leach,” I command the driver. “We’re coming up on the battle. Go underground.”

“Yes, my liege.”

Tonight, I plot. Find a way into the capital of Perinya and into my home. And then take back what’s mine. The goddess can have what she wants. I’m only interested in claiming what’s mine.

No one will ever take anything away from me again.

Don’t get in my way, Kal.

I shake my head harder, trying to quiet the pesky thoughts that always spring up when I think of her. Something left over from before—a residual feeling, an effect she has on me.

It won’t be there much longer. I smile, and Bale laughs.

***

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.
When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.
Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.
New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

Of Silver and Beasts is on sale right now for only $.99. Get your copy here:

Meet Trisha

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | YouTube Channel 

***Bonus Material***

Don’t miss out on the bonus scene of Astarte’s Wrath – Bath Scene in Xarion’s POV

Review, Excerpt and Giveaway of Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

Title: Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1)
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Published: April 19th 2013
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.
When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.
Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.
New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

I accidentally stumbled upon Tuff Girls sign ups and I am so beyond glad I did, because I probably wouldn’t have seen this book otherwise. And I got to read it before the masses did! YAY! It was a completely different experience for me in the sense that usually when I have a review book on my hands, I think about the rating and critique, but in this case, I didn’t remember to concentrate on the pros and cons, I just enjoyed the ride of awesomeness.

The story. Kaliope is a protector of her empress and leads the Nactue which is the empress’ personal guard group of 5 young female protectors. She gets assigned to guard a prince from an alliance country and when the underworlders attack her country, she and the prince get kidnapped in the process. Now, in the underworld, they must fight for their life in a cage against others alike. Nothing is as it seems and Kaliope’s faith in her goddesses and in her own abilities to protect the innocents as well as her loved ones is put to an unimaginable test.

My thoughts. It was a first time for me to read about a matriarch society which itself was so intriguing and different. Mad props for Trisha for pulling it off! Gah, I want to tell you so much, but I don’t want to spoil it so bare with me while I ramble. We have a strong, kick-ass and rational heroine who now belongs to the group named ‘my favorite heroines of all time’. Kaliope has a good head on her shoulders and in addition to being a fierce warrior, she is a kind, strong, old soul who grows a lot throughout the novel.

What else do we have? Let’s see: A swoon-worthy hero who among other things is a prince? Check. Love that blossoms from respect and friendship? Check. A dark, exciting and an original tale? Check. It had everything I expect from a great book. There was this one scene where I was so frustrated that nothing happened, but it was compensated more than enough a little further on. The story takes place in a matter of days, but it actually feels longer so the romance, which takes the backseat in the plot, feels natural and real. It's definitely not head-over-heels or insta-love.

The ending left me in a range of emotions of love and rage and everything in between because I loved the book, but I was so sad that it was over and that ending left me craving for more. It was unputdownable, addictive, original, dark and twisted. Moreover, there were scenes that made me want to barf due to its gruesomeness and sob my eyes out due to how emotionally painful it was. WARNING: do not eat while you’re reading the cage fight scenes. I almost gagged while chewing a Caesar salad lol. It get’s messy!!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Excerpt

Did I mention that the excerpt I'm gonna share with you is (coincidentially) my favorite scene from the whole book? Yes yes yes! I am so happy that this scene in particular was picked. It's actually one of the few brighter scenes since the rest of the book is really dark. I hope you enjoy :-)

The cool sensation of the fresh water on my skin helps me forget my nerves and I lie back, floating just below the top of the water. My body dulls, the cold soothing my sore muscles, and I welcome the numbness. The ceiling of the cave is sprinkled with tiny clusters of white lights, dotting the canopy above our heads like stars in the sky. I feel as if I’m sitting on the rooftop of my apartment, staring at the night sky, not here in the Otherworld, awaiting my death.

The water rolls, rocking my body, and I glance over as Caben floats up beside me. He’s on his back also, and points to the lights dusting the cave ceiling.

“Diamonds,” he says.

“Really?” I don’t know much about any minerals other than mercury. And somehow, diamonds as our stars makes my chest heavy. It’s too beautiful. “How can you tell?”

“The ultraviolet light shows the impurities,” he says. “The imperfections actually absorb the dark light, causing the diamond to emit a visible glow.” He chuckles. “A very expensive lighting effect.”

I laugh. “Quite expensive.” They twinkle as they reflect the rippling water. “But almost more heavenly than the stars.” I lower my voice at the end, hoping he didn’t hear my spoken thoughts.

Caben doesn’t speak, and the trickling of the stream and lap of the pool becomes the only sound as we float in compatible silence. I could drift off, fall asleep in this peaceful place, but I know we still have a mission to complete before the Reckoning.

This thought awakens me, and I touch my feet to the bottom of the pool and begin to wade toward the edge.

I hear Caben’s heavy groan. “No you don’t,” he says, and captures the bottom of my tunic. He tugs me through the water, back to the pool’s center. “Not yet. This could be our last reprieve, and I plan for us to enjoy it.”

As I turn to face him, his fingers slip from my shirt to my waist, grazing my stomach. My skin prickles, and I shiver, matching the trembling water around us. His deep blue eyes meet mine, and he swallows, his Adam’s apple working. Slowly, he begins to inch up my tunic—

“Wait.” I place my hand on top of his.

He cranes an eyebrow. “It should really have time to dry before we go back.”

Logically, that makes sense. But the heated look he’s giving me says so much more. And regardless of the attraction I may feel for the prince—a woman would have to be blind—and whether or not we actually escape this hell ... what then? We share an intimate moment once, and go back to our stations in life, simply pretending nothing happened?

Or maybe I’m reading too much into his gaze. He’s a man, and physical desire is self-serving. He may die ... and he probably wants to bed a woman one last time. Everything about his character screams he’s not one who thinks past the moment.

I could lose myself for now, give in to the pulse quickening my blood with need, but I’ve never shown a man the clamp over my heart. It would have to be something I did for a different reason if I ever chose to do so. Not merely because I may die soon.

As I push his hand away and start to swim off, he grasps my waist, encircling his firm arms around my stomach, and pulls my back to his chest.

“Don’t run from me,” he breathes into my ear. “I’m not asking for anything. Not even whatever it is you’re hiding. Just stay here.”

Help Trisha and the Tuff Girl Legion get to 50 reviews on Amazon to read this full scene from Caben’s POV! Scene will release on Trisha’s blog. You can bookmark the bonus material here!

The Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet the author

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Teaser Tuesday #36

This is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

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

My teasers

"Kal...?" Caben breathers my name near my cheek, drawing me back to the now. "Are you here with me?" His arms loosen their tight embrace, but don't release me completely.

You guys!!!! All I'm saying is: I can't wait to share my review with you! This. Book. Is. Made. Of. Awesomeness.

~ 46% of Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

Book Haul #17

Haven't done one in a while and since I've gotten a lot of books, I've divided the physical ones into to parts and I'll feature the first one this week. As always, if you've read any of these books, let me know in the comments. Life is short and I only want to read awesome books so if you loved/hated some of them, name 'em and I'll rearrange my TBR shelf accordingly. Don't forget to leave me your link in the comments so I can visit you back :)

Physical Books

Blood Red Road (Dust Lands #1) by Moira young

The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott

With All My Soul (Soul Screamers #7) by Rachel Vincent 

ATTENTION: DO NOT SPOIL SOUL SCREAMERS FOR ME, PLEASE! I HAVEN'T READ PAST THIRD BOOK YET LOL

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

For review

Rules of Entanglement (Fighting for Love #2) by Gina L. Maxwell (currently reading)
Ink (Paper Gods #1) by Amanda Sun
Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1) by Trisha Wolfe (read, review soon)

True by Erin McCarthy
Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick

Won or gifted

Bitter Angel by Megan Hand

I was lucky enough to won a copy of Bitter Angel by Megan Hand via Amy at Book Loving Mom. Thank you, girls! What a pretty cover it has! And the synopsis sounds so cool!! Can't. Wait. To. Read. This. Pretty.

Also, thank you to Entangled, Penguin, Trisha Wolfe, Scholastic and Harlequin UK.

What did you get this week? Leave your links below and I'll check out your goodies :)

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Mod Podge Bookshelf and Stacking the Shelves is a weekly event hosted by Tynga's Reviews.