Showing posts with label Morgan Rice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Morgan Rice. Show all posts

Betrothed (Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice



In BETROTHED (Book #6 in the Vampire Journals), Caitlin and Caleb find themselves, once again, back in time-this time, in the London of 1599. London in 1599 is a wild place, filled with paradoxes: while on the one hand it is an incredibly enlightened, sophisticated time, breeding playwrights like Shakespeare, on the other, it is also barbaric and cruel, with daily public executions, torture, and heads of prisoners impaled on spikes. It is also a time of superstition and grave public danger, with a lack of sanitation, and the Bubonic Plague spreading in the streets, carried by rats. In this environment Caitlin and Caleb land, on the search for her father, for the third key, for the mythical shield that can save humankind. Their mission takes them through a whirlwind of London's most amazing medieval architecture, through the British countryside's most breathtaking castles. It takes them back into the heart of London, where they just might meet Shakespeare himself, and see one of his plays live. It brings them to a little girl, Scarlet, who just might become their daughter. And all the while, Caitlin's love for Caleb deepens, as finally they are together-and as Caleb might just finally find the perfect time, and place, to propose to her. Sam and Polly have traveled back, too, and as they find themselves stuck together on their own journey, their relationship deepens, as they each, despite themselves, can't help feeling more deeply for each other. But all is not well. Kyle has come back, too, as has his evil sidekick, Sergei, and they are both intent on destroying everything good in Caitlin's life. It will be a race to the finish, as Caitlin is forced to make some of the hardest decisions of her life if she is to save everyone who is dear to her, save her relationship with Caleb-and try to make it out alive. (Description by Author on Amazon)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:



Lets Talk About It:

I've read ALL of the Vampire Journals by Morgan Rice and I've reviewed just about all of them too. (See the Reviews here: Book 1 - Turned, Book 2 - Loved, Book 3 - Betrayed, Book 4 - Destined, Book 5 - Desired)

This is Book # 6 in this series and I was excited for a couple reasons to get into this book. #1 - The Title. Betrothed means obviously someone is getting married and of course those somebodies should be Caitlin and Caleb. #2 - Caitlin and Caleb. I've enjoyed, for the most part, watching this couple and these characters develop. The title, as mentioned before, gives me the thought that this is the book where these two finally get married and finally get it right. 

I'm sad to say that this isn't the case and I'm MORE than frustrated by this series. Up to this point I've given 3 and 4 stars to these books and while this one is much like the previous books that is EXACTLY why I'm giving it 2 stars. 

It's like.. a rinse and repeat series at this point. The only difference is location, clues, and items found/collected along the way. While there is a bit of a side story and of course history of the location provided through out the story other than that you pretty much know whats going to happen. Time travel, search for clues, find clues, search, find and time travel again!

This worked, and was satisfying, for 2 or 3 books but enough is enough. Stop dragging this out! Let Caitlin and Sam find their father. Let Caitlin save the world. Let Caleb and Caitlin get married. Let Sam fall in love and be happy.

If you aren't frustrated by the way this series has played out then go ahead and check this book out. It's not a horrible read. There are a couple of interesting things that happen and of course you get to check out Caleb again.


Quick Peek:



Where to Buy: 


Disclosure: I received the above book from the Author to facilitate my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions I have expressed in the above post are strictly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's regulation 16 CFR, Part 255; "Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising."

Desired (Book 5 of The Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice

Desired (Book #5 in the Vampire Journals)

"In DESIRED (Book #5 in the Vampire Journals), Caitlin Paine wakes to discover that she has once again traveled back in time. This time, she has landed in eighteenth century Paris, an age of great opulence, of kings and queens—but also of revolution.

Reunited with her true love, Caleb, the two of them finally have the quiet, romantic time together that they never had. They spend idyllic time together in the city of Paris, visiting its most romantic sites, as their love grows ever deeper. Caitlin decides to give up the search for her father, so that she can savor this time and place, and spend her life with Caleb. Caleb takes her to his medieval castle, near the ocean, and Caitlin is happier than she ever dreamed.

But their idyllic time together is not destined to last forever, and events intercede that force the two of them apart. Caitlin once again finds herself united with Aiden and his coven, with Polly and with new friends, as she focuses again on her training, and on her mission. She is introduced to the lavish world of Versailles, and encounters outfits and opulence beyond what she ever dreamed. With never ending feasts and parties and concerts, Versailles is a world of its own. She is happily reunited with her bother Sam, who is also back in time, and having dreams of their father, too.

But all is not as well as it seems. Kyle has traveled back in time, too—this time, with his evil sidekick, Sergei—and he is more determined than ever to kill Caitlin. And Sam and Polly each fall ever deeper into toxic relationships, which just might threaten to destroy everything around them.

As Caitlin becomes a true and hardened warrior, she comes closer than ever to finding her father, and the mythical Shield. The climactic, action-packed ending, takes Caitlin through a whirlwind of Paris’ most important medieval locations, on a hunt for clues. But surviving this time will demand skills she never dreamed she had. And reuniting with Caleb will require her to make the hardest choices—and sacrifices—of her life."
(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating: 


My Blurb:

Caitlin, Caleb and Sam survive the time travel back to another period though awaken in different places. Kyle survives the trip back in time more dangerous and determined to kill Caitlin.

Caitlin and Caleb are reunited and together decide to for go the mission and live their lives together in peace. Until Sera, Caleb's ex-wife, re enters the picture.

Caitlin, now determined more than ever, resumes her search for her Father and the Shield. She stumbles upon some friendly faces, Polly, Aiden and her brother who aid her in her quest.

In a race against time Caitlin must find the next clues before Kyle finds her and unlock the secret to the whereabouts of the Shield.

Lets Talk About It:

I can't get enough of this series. I received the book and within 24 hours had eaten up every word. 

Another fantastic voyage through another time period and historical places. And again, my favorite characters end up showing up.

I must admit though, I was really angry at Caitlin in the first half of the book. She seems to get in her own way all the time and has me frustrated with her immaturity. Then again she is only 18 but at times her thinking and her actions make her seem more like a 13 year old.

I was also slightly disappointed that we achieved only 1 more key. I swear we've been looking to get this Shield for almost 3 books now (ok really this is only the 2nd). At this rate it means there will be 2 more books  (aka 2 more keys) before we get to find out who her Father is and get the Shield. 

I can't wait to find out where they end up next in their time travel to find another key and I hope they FINALLY get rid of Kyle!

Book 6 I hope you come out REAL soon!!!

Where to Buy:












Disclosure: I received the above book from the Author to facilitate my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions I have expressed in the above post are strictly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's regulation 16 CFR, Part 255; "Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising."

Destined (Book 4 of The Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice

Destined (Book #4 in the Vampire Journals)

"In DESTINED (Book #4 in the Vampire Journals), Caitlin Paine wakes to discover herself back in time. She finds herself in a cemetery, on the run from a mob of villagers, and seeks refuge in the ancient cloisters of Assisi, in the countryside of Umbria, Italy. There, she learns of her destiny and her mission: to find her father and the ancient vampire Shield needed to save mankind. But Caitlin's heart still pines for her lost love: Caleb. She desperately needs to know if he has survived their trip back in time. She learns that her mission requires her to go to Florence, but if she wants to pursue matters of the heart, she must go to Venice. She chooses Venice. Caitlin is overwhelmed at what she finds. Venice of the eighteenth century is a surreal place, men and women dressed in elaborate costumes and masks, celebrating an endless, lavish party. She is thrilled to discover and reunite with some of her close friends, and to be welcomed back into their coven. And she is excited to join them in Venice's Grand Ball, the most important costume dance of the year, where she hopes, once again, to find Caleb. But Caitlin is not the only one who can travel back in time: Kyle soon arrives, too, and is determined to hunt her down and kill her once and for all. Sam, too, arrives, determined to save his sister before it is too late. At the Ball, Caitlin searches everywhere, and finds no sign of Caleb. That is, until the very last dance. She dances with a masked man who takes her heart away, and she feels certain that it is him. But as the partners change, she loses him again. Or does she? Caitlin soon finds herself torn between the two loves of her life, and discovers that she has to be careful what she wishes for. Her joy at finding what she wants might just come mixed with tragedy and heartbreak. In a climactic, action-packed ending, Caitlin finds herself up against true evil, Rome's ancient vampire coven, and the most powerful vampire coven that ever existed. Surviving will demand all her skills, as she finds herself battling for her very life. She will have to sacrifice more than ever, if she is to save the one she loves.... DESTINED is Book #4 in the Vampire Journals (following TURNED, LOVED and BETRAYED), and yet it also stands alone as a self-contained novel. DESTINED is over 60,000 words."
(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating: 


My Blurb: 

Caitlin travels back in time in hopes to reunite with Caleb even though he may not remember her. As her travels lead her into Venice she is surprised to find the faces of friends from Pollepel there though none remember her.

Caitlin finds herself at a masquerade ball where she is assured all Vampires in Venice will be and searches for Caleb. Caitlin is herself drawn to her true love during a dance and is shocked when he is unmasked: It's not Caleb. 

As her journey continues to find her Father and the shield, Caitlin is more confused than ever on who to trust and more importantly who to love.

Lets Talk About It:

Wowee! What a book. I'm sitting up at 1:49am having just finished this book and had to type this review out. Well, didn't really have to but needless to say I'm here. 

I couldn't put Destined down. The story was fantastic. Leading Caitlin through a different time period and the culture of Venice and Florence was quite a beauty to read. I was so happy to see the characters from the previous book tied into this story line as well. 

I must admit **Spoiler Alert** that I was totally rooting for Blake in this book and was shocked and saddened by what happens. For whatever reason I really felt, even in Betrayed, the connection between Caitlin and Blake and hoped that they would end up together. 

**End Spoiler Alert. You can read again now**

I'm happy that Sam got to redeem himself and reunite with Caitlin especially after everything that happened in Betrayed. 

I'm on pins and needles having to wait until Book 5 comes out. 

Where to Buy: 


 
After receiving Turned for review I bought the rest of the series. So this review is on me! 

Betrayed (Book 3 of The Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice

Betrayed (Book #3 in the Vampire Journals)


"In BETRAYED (Book #3 in the Vampire Journals), Caitlin Paine awakes from a deep coma to discover she has been turned. Now a true, full-bred vampire, she marvels at her new powers, including her ability to fly, and her superhuman strength. She finds that her true love, Caleb, is still by her side, waiting patiently for her to recover. She has everything she could dream of. Until it all, suddenly, goes terribly wrong. Caitlin is horrified to discover Caleb with his ex-wife, Sera, and before Caleb has a chance to explain, Caitlin tells him to leave. Heartbroken, confused, Caitlin wants to curl up and die, her only consolation being in her wolf-pup Rose. Caitlin also finds consolation in her new surroundings. She finds she has been placed on a hidden island in the Hudson River—Pollepel—amidst an elite coven of teenage vampires, boys and girls alike, 24 in all, including her. She learns that this is a place for outcasts, just like her, and as she meets her new best friend, Polly, and begins her training in elite vampire combat, she realizes that she might finally have a place to call home. But a major vampire war is looming, and her brother Sam is still out there, kidnapped by Samantha. The evil Kyle, too, now wielding the mythical Sword, is still on the warpath, and he will stop at nothing to wipe out New York. Caitlin, despite her new home, and despite her finding a new love interest in the elusive vampire Blake, knows that she can only stay on this island for so long before her destiny calls. After all, she is still the One, and all eyes still look to her to find her father and the other weapon that might save them all. Torn between her new friends and her lingering feelings for Caleb, she must come to decide where her true loyalties lie, and whether she is willing to risk it all to try to find Caleb and have him in her life once again…. BETRAYED is Book #3 in the Vampire Journals (following TURNED and LOVED), and yet it also stands alone as a self-contained novel. BETRAYED is over 60,000 words."
(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:


My Blurb: 

Caitlin awakens to find herself a full fledged Vampire, turned by her love Caleb, and on a island not so far from home. The one person she did not expect to awaken to is Sera, Caleb's wife, and is shocked to find them back together again. 

Heartbroken Caitlin vows to never see Caleb again as Caleb professes his love for her and only her before flying off into a Vampire War that may end the lives of everyone, human and Vampire. 

Caitlin's journey has just begun as she finds new friends, starts training and receives a letter that changes everything. 

Lets Talk About It: 

This book had so many twists and turns to it that kept me on the edge of my seat! 

I immensely enjoyed the different characters that were brought to light. Polly, Aiden, Blake, I even ended up enjoying Sera. It felt like Caitlin really found a home with the Pollepel Coven and the time she spent there was enjoyable to read. 

The ending of this book had me in tears. So much death. So much grief. Such heartache. And what a fantastic cliff hanger ending. I am SO happy I had book 4 on my hands to start reading immediately after otherwise it probably would have driven me mad having to wait to find out what happens next.

I'm a huge fan now of Morgan Rice and hope that The Vampire Journal series continues to churn out many more books. 

Where to Buy: 


After receiving Turned for review I bought the rest of the series. So this review is on me! 

Loved (Book 2 of the Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice

Loved (Book #2 in the Vampire Journals)

"In LOVED (Book #2 in the Vampire Journals), Caitlin and Caleb embark together on their quest to find the one object that can stop the imminent vampire and human war: the lost sword. An object of vampire lore, there is grave doubt over whether it even exists. If there is any hope of finding it, they must first trace Caitlin's ancestry. Is she really the One? Their search begins with finding Caitlin's father. Who was he? Why did he abandon her? As the search broadens, they are shocked by what they discover about who she really is. But they are not the only ones searching for the legendary sword. The Blacktide Coven wants it, too, and they are close on Caitlin and Caleb's trail. Worse, Caitlin's little brother, Sam, remains obsessed with finding his Dad. But Sam soon finds himself in way over his head, smack in the middle of a vampire war. Will he jeopardize their search? Caitlin and Caleb's journey takes them on a whirlwind of historic locations-from the Hudson Valley, to Salem, to the heart of historic Boston-the very spot where witches were once hung on the hill of Boston Common. Why are these locations so important to the vampire race? And what do they have to do with Caitlin's ancestry, and with who she's becoming? But they may not even make it. Caitlin and Caleb's love for each other is blossoming. And their forbidden romance may just destroy everything they've set out to achieve.... LOVED is the sequel to TURNED, yet it also stands alone as a self-contained novel. LOVED is 51,000 words."
(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:


My Blurb:

Caitlin and Caleb find themselves on a puzzling journey searching for the whereabouts of the lost sword. Only 'The One' has the knowledge to find it and only Caleb believes Caitlin is 'The One' his coven has been waiting for. The rival Blacktide coven is hot on their trail and closing in quickly to steal the last sword.

It's a race against time as the Vampire War against humans has begun and the wielder of the sword can stop it, or enslave the human race.

Will Caitlin find the lost sword in time to save the human race or will Caitlin find out she's not 'The One' they think she is?

Lets Talk About It:

THIS should have been book one! After reading the first book, Turned, I was a little nervous. I'm all for paranormal books, love them, and I wasn't in love with Turned. But Loved, well, I loved Loved.

Caitlin really develops into her character and I was totally drawn into the story after the first chapter. Of course there is the normal budding romance but the actual storyline mixed in with bits and pieces of history and the mystery of using 'clues' through out their journey for the missing sword was pure genius. I found myself mixed right into the mystery trying to solve the clues as if I were Caitlin and on the edge of my seat towards the end.

Don't worry folks I won't give away any more than I already have about this book because you NEED to read it! If you've enjoyed Twilight, Sookie Stackhouse or Queen Betsy this book is right up your alley.

Where to Buy:








After receiving Turned for review I bought the rest of the series. So this review is on me! 

Turned (Book 1 of the Vampire Journals) by Morgan Rice

Turned (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals)

"In TURNED (Book #1 of the Vampire Journals series), eighteen year old Caitlin Paine finds herself uprooted from her nice suburb and forced to attend a dangerous New York City high school when her Mom moves again. The one ray of light in her new surroundings is Jonah, a new classmate who takes an instant liking to her. But before their romance can blossom, Caitlin suddenly finds herself changing. She is overcome by a superhuman strength, a sensitivity to light, a desire to feed--by feelings she does not understand. She seeks answers to what's happening to her, and her cravings lead her to the wrong place at the wrong time. Her eyes are opened to a hidden world, right beneath her feet, thriving underground in New York City. She finds herself caught between two dangerous covens, right in the middle of a vampire war. It is at this moment that Caitlin meets Caleb, a mysterious and powerful vampire who rescues her from the dark forces. He needs her to help lead him to the legendary lost artifact. And she needs him for answers, and for protection. Together, they will need to answer one crucial question: who was her real father? But Caitlin finds herself caught between two men as something else arises between them: a forbidden love. A love between the races that will risk both of their lives, and will force them to decide whether to risk it all for each other... This is Book #1 in the Vampire Journals series. Book #2 (LOVED) is also available, at 51,000 words."
(Description by Author on Amazon.com)

1000 + Books to Read Rating:


My Blurb: 

Caitlin is used to change. Her abusive mom changes cities like she changes jobs which means Caitlin changes schools just as often. She's never been to a school like this one. In NYC she finds herself lost until she meets Jonah. Jonah is the one thing she has to look forward to. A glimmer of sunshine in her otherwise dismal life. Until he's stolen away from her as yet another change hits. 

Her. She is changing. Sunlight hurts and deep hunger has awoken that forces Caitlin into a world she never knew existed. As soon as her fangs make her first kill her life is forever changed. The bad ones hunt her, the good ones won't take her. A war has begun and only Caleb, an undercover good Vamp, can save her from the ones that hunt her.

While all sides ponder.. is she the One?

Lets Talk About It: 

This is a very short book that is more an introductory that it is an actual story.

Caitlin is introduced and you follow her through the first day at her new school, her meeting Jonah, her startling changes in her body and finally into the Vampire world hidden underground in NYC. 

While entertaining enough there wasn't really a conclusion more a pause break or a 'to be continued'. 

I also had to keep reminding myself that Caitlin is 18. I'm not sure why this needed to be a constant reminder, maybe because of the way she was easily clinging to love whether with Jonah or with Caleb. Caitlin seemed younger to me than she really was. 

Either way, I love YA stories and I love paranormal so it's a good fit for me. I'm hoping Book Two will have a bit more meat than the first offered.

Where to Buy: 


~ 1000 + Books to Read 
Disclosure: I received the above book from the Author to facilitate my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only an honest one. The opinions I have expressed in the above post are strictly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's regulation 16 CFR, Part 255; "Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising."
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