Chosen Fool by Scarlett Dawn ~ Review

Source: e-ARC provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Chosen Fool (Forever Evermore #5) by Scarlett Dawn

The second saga in the bestselling, Forever Evermore series continues with Chosen Fool, where deception runs deep and Caro’s transitioning life turns even more deadly…

Caroline Jules has received news of a lifetime. She’s going to be Queen to ‘her’ people. Instead of running, as any sane criminal would, she faces the mêlée with all the wits and savvy that her difficult life has honed. With her best friend, Sin, at her side, Caro pushes past the animosity her power inevitably brings, and prepares to rewrite her future.

Until the night Sin leaves, and she is alone.

Now, Caro must face the Royal world and all its intrigues and intricacies by herself. People aren’t always as they appear—and danger lurks behind even the most pleasant face. When a threat not even the Elders can handle puts her new tribe in danger, Caro takes matters into her own hands. Armed with the power of the mysterious spirit Elementals, Caro’s determined to eliminate the evil ransacking the Mysticals. All she needs is time.

But time waits for no fool…and time isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

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I am absolutely in love with the Forever Evermore series. It is one of my all-time favorite series, and that fact just keeps getting more and more certain with every installment. Which is funny because every time I start another book in this series, I am SO EXCITED--but also so nervous because what if this book is going to be the book that lets me down? That wouldn't be fun. But that's irrelevant because that has yet to happen and Chosen Fool was AMAZING. In fact, it has taken the place of King Cave as my favorite in the series. Which means a lot, friends, because EZRA.

So the greatest thing about this novel, in my opinion, was the writing. This is for a few reasons. One is the characters, which are written well and I will go more into depth on in a moment. Another is the masterful way the plot is unleashed. I have never read a book that flipped an entire series on its head the way Scarlett Dawn has with this one, particularly in Chosen Fool. Nothing is as it seems and I am so on board until the end to unravel it all.

Then there's the characters, who are incredibly fleshed out and complex. They each have their own individual personalities that they stay true to, and that makes them feel like living, breathing people I wish I could be best friends with. They have struggles and joy and conflicts and I love them all for everything. (That was a very vague character commentary, I know, but it'd take all day to sit here and tell you everything I love about every character specifically--because, yes, they're all that great.)

And I'd be amiss if I didn't discuss the relationships. Man, oh man I LIVE for these relationships. The friendships and the romances and the bonding and the emotions. It's all my absolute favorite and I seriously need more in my life. Truly, it is this aspect of the story that makes the pages fly, leaving me regretting nothing except the fact that now it's over and I have to wait for the next book.

Basically, this whole review in a nutshell is saying that Scarlett Dawn has serious writing skills and I live to read her words. Chosen Fool is a perfect addition to this magnificent series, and if you haven't started reading it yet, I strongly recommend you do. It's paranormal romance at its best, my friends. I adore it beyond words!

5 stars - A perfect addition to a magnificent series!

Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore #4) by Scarlett Dawn ~ Review

Source: e-ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Chosen Thief (Forever Evermore #4) by Scarlett Dawn

The second saga in the bestselling, groundbreaking Forever Evermore series begins with Chosen Thief, where the life of a skilled lawbreaker becomes much more than she ever wanted...

Caroline Jules knows death is imminent. She’s only 22, but as an inmate of Death Row in the most secure Mystical jail, what else could her future hold?

Caro has no idea. Her solitary, transient life is about to get flipped on its head when it is revealed that she is the new Prodigy Elemental, and she has responsibilities and ties that she can’t ever escape. Caro is attempting to run from a brutal past, but the Rulers have other plans for this thief’s future.

But the transition from a self-contained existence to life with the other Prodigies, the Kings and Queens, and even the Elders was never going to be easy, and Caro has secrets she’s loath to share. Suddenly she has friends, mentors, lovers — and they all want to know more about her than she is willing to reveal.

Will Caro ever escape the darkness of all she is, or will she fall deeper into the life that has been chosen for her?

Review...

When I read King Hall back in August of 2013, I was in love. The characters, the story, the EVERYTHING struck something in me that had me already loving this series. Then I read King Cave in January of 2014 and again, I fell head over heels. That lovely sequel cemented this series as one of my all-time favorites. Then King Tomb happened and Lily and Ezra's story was over. BUT... there were more books. More books that follow different characters, where we'd get to see old characters but the true focus would be these new characters.

I was a mix of nervous and excited about this continuation. It's the same world, and we DO see the old characters. A whole heck of a bunch, actually. But I was worried there wouldn't be that spark I felt with King Hall and the original trilogy that made me fall so far in love. I was still looking forward to this book. Goodness gracious, I was SO excited for this. But I was nervous, too, and that was okay, because I could handle being both. Chosen Thief released, and I've waited this long to have the time to pick it up, and...y'all.

Y'all.

Y'ALL.

This book... With this book, Scarlett Dawn has done it again. All my worries? My fears that there wouldn't be that SOMETHING to make this series stand out as one I adore? HA. Such a useless worry. Because this book brought back that EXACT same feeling I had with King Hall. Gah, I freaking love this series.

I freaking love this BOOK.

Caro is an elemental, a special kind of elemental at that. She's tough and mysterious, and completely interesting. I was a huge fan of her being an elemental. We didn't see that kind of mys much in the first three books. Other than Jack and a couple of Elders, we didn't see or know much. But now we're immersed in it with Caro (and Sin!), and that was so cool.

There are new characters mixed with old ones here. New Prodigies--Aria, London, and Brann (Brann, of course, being my favorite of these). New friends--SIN. Dear sweet baby goodness, I adored Sin. And then there was Leric, who I am for some reason a huge fan of. I'd originally thought it was a tie between Brann and Sin as my favorite characters, but now that I've finished the book I'm stuck between Sin and Leric. I just do not know. But I'm a fan nonetheless. These new characters along with Caro brought in all the banter and wit I've come to expect from these novels, and I loved it!

And our wonderful characters from the first three books are prominent in Chosen Thief, as well--Lily, Ezra, Pearl, and Jack. We see them as King Collins, Queen Ruckler, etc now, but in my mind they're always their first names. They were just as great as always, but their growth from the first books is extremely evident. They're grown up, strong, and can be responsible...but they're also still themselves. They've still got humor, and they're Rulers now! So they're training their Prodigies and acting like the Kings did when THEY were Prodigies. It was so great.

There are also Elders present, by the way. I feel like they will play more of a part in the next book(s) than they did in this one, however. Still, it was nice seeing them again. I love the original cast so much, it makes me incredibly happy that I don't really have to let them go yet, though there IS a new story happening with new characters.

The writing, the pace, and the general story and plot are just as engrossing as the other books in the series. I was stunned when I made it to the end--like, it's actually OVER? ALREADY? I want more. So. Bad. There was humor and sweetness, and all the things I look for and love in a book, along with all the things I've come to know, expect, and love from a Forever Evermore novel.

As far as romance goes... I don't know! It was there and sufficient and my heart feels so happy with this book. But I have no idea who Caro is going to end up with. I think I know who I WANT her to end up with, but I'm terrified that won't happen. There's Sin...who I enjoy, but I don't think he's really a love interest. An amazing friend, though. I want my own Sin. Then there's Isa, who is okay, but of all the other possibilities for love interests here I like her least. The way I see it, they have the smallest connection of all the others. I'd put Sin above her in the running for love interest. And then there's Brann, but I'm not touching that one. Love him. Don't know how likely an actual relationship is, though. Lastly, there is Leric. I am oddly attached to Leric. I want him to be around and stay around and I want to be WITH him. It's too early to tell what will happen, however. But I'm sure you can tell what I'm hoping for...

Overall, Chosen Thief was everything I could have hoped for and more in this fourth installment in the Forever Evermore series! Witty banter, quirky characters, and an addicting quality that is thread through every word all add up to equal a story I 100% ADORED. And now I'm anxiously awaiting the next book. I need it in my hands. Goodness, this waiting is already painful, but also so very worth it. This series is phenomenal.

5 stars - Everything I could have hoped for and more in this fantastic addition to one of my all-time favorite series!

Happy Birthday Escape Publishing ~ GIVEAWAY

Celebrating Escape publishing birthday this month with a HUGE NA Giveaway!

5 winners

Each win eBook copies of ALL 5 of these books!

King Hall by Scarlett Dawn

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Rulers: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

 About the author:

Scarlett Dawn is drawn to all things quirky and offbeat. She believes there are no boundaries for an imaginative soul. Her love of the written word started at an early age, when her grandmother would take her to bookstores every weekend. Dreams came alive within the books she found there, and now she is thrilled to share her stories with others who have fallen under the spell of taking fantastical journeys. Scarlett resides in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

Tearing the Shroud by J. M. Bray

Fall in love, be possessed, hunt a sorcerer and save the world — and Vincent thought calculus was tough.

1984 — Vincent expected college to be about freedom and girls, but then the nightmares of sorcery, monsters and other worlds began. Not even the surprising attention from his dream girl, Julie, could shake them.

Before he's even nailed his second date with Julie, he's possessed by Coleman, a warrior from another realm. Coleman is hell bent on defeating the monstrous Kafla who threatens to tear into Vincent's reality, changing both his and Coleman's worlds forever. They have one chance to stop them: Vincent must allow Coleman to share his body and wage war against the sorcerer.

Now it's up to them, the women they love, and Vincent's rag-tag bunch of role-playing and gaming friends to save the world, or see 1984 descend into the apocalypse.

 About the author:

J.M. Bray lives in Southern California with his college sweetheart and their two dogs. After a lifetime together, they are happier than the moment they met. In his spare time, he races an old Porsche named ‘Tuffy’.

Bonjour Cherie by Robin Thomas

It's Paris or bust in this New Adult comedy of errors about seeing beyond the surface...

Beth Jenkins is into all things French — especially her French teacher, André LeBlanc. She’s on the fast track to Paris and nothing will stop her, not even the very Australian Zach Mills, whose abs and attitude are a powerful combination. As she endeavours to catch André’s interest, she also stubbornly ignores the growing chemistry with Zach.

But as mishap after mishap delays her dreams, Beth begins to learn that neither Zach nor André are quite what they seem. Will it be too late to win the one man who shows her that Paris is not the only destination worth planning for?

 About the author:

Born in Canada, Robin has worked as a teacher in several countries and now lives just outside Brisbane. Writing has always been her passion and in recent years she has written several novels and short stories. She enjoys cross genre fiction, including romance, speculative fiction and history. Married with two children (three if you include Rosie, the Pomeranian), Robin is happiest when she is lost in a good story, either reading or writing it.

 The Virginity Mission by Cate Elliunk

An erotic new adult romance about old insecurities, new beginnings, and the things you can get up to in a tent…

It’s lust at first sight when Mac sees Jason shirtless and sweating on the back of a truck. Jason is the army sergeant assigned to support the six week scientific expedition that Mac is participating in, and might just be the perfect candidate for another journey of discovery that Mac is desperate to undertake — sex.

Fraternisation between students and staff might be strictly prohibited, but everybody knows fruit always tastes better when it’s forbidden.

 About the author:

Cate Ellink became intrigued by the erotic when her grandfather used to pass books to her father saying, “Don’t let the girls read page X.” Although her mother and sisters never bothered to chase those pages, Cate always did. Invariably, her imagination was better than what she read. While pursuing a career in science, Cate amused herself by writing about ordinary events and giving them an erotic twist. It’s taken more than a few years to bravely expose her mind to the public. While the events in her stories may have occurred, it’s highly likely that her imagination is far more exciting than the reality. Cate lives near the beach in NSW with her long-suffering husband. This is Cate’s first novella. She has two short stories published.

 Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry

For fans of dark urban fantasy comes a novel that questions why forbidden fruit is always the most tempting...

A vampire-themed masquerade party isn’t really her scene, but Nora is sick of frat parties and bars. When she meets Alec, the appeal suddenly becomes clear. It’s obvious that they’ve been struck by the same intense mutual attraction, but Alec keeps his distance. Intrigued despite herself, Nora pushes a little deeper — and discovers Alec’s unimaginable secret...

Nora is not afraid of following Alec into the darkness, but the choice is soon taken from her. Someone is hunting her — someone tied to the secret and desperate to see it play out. But when Nora finally meets her aggressor, she finds herself hopelessly drawn to him. She needs to make a choice between the two men, but can she save them both, knowing one is destined to die?

 About the author:


Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She’s written works in various genres – romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn’t as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she’s been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships – romantic, familial, friendly – because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn’t matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future – human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah’s stories.

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

When Sarah isn’t writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

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