Every Last Kiss by Courtney Cole

The Bloodstone Saga Vol 1

Synopsis
Born a goddess. Controlled by the Fates. Can Macy's love for her soul mate survive the bonds of time... and death?

17-year old Macy Lockhart is as far from normal as any one girl can be. The problem is, she doesn’t know it yet.

After a bloodstone pendant is mysteriously left on her door, Macy’s life begins to change in ways she’d never dreamed. And while she will eventually come to realize that nothing is ever what it seems, that her life is a tangled web of lies and the Fates themselves pull the strings, for now she is left with only the explanations that they offer her.

Macy is led to believe that if she doesn’t return to a previous doomed life, one in which she served as Queen Cleopatra ‘s handmaiden, the fate of the entire world will be threatened in a way that would destroy history as we know it. She learns that she has lived thousands of lives, each one ending tragically…but none as tragic as this one.

After returning to ancient Egypt, she is faced with heart-wrenching decisions. Unless she interferes with Fate’s plan, the very thing she was born to protect, her soul mate will die leading Marc Antony’s forces against Rome. Can she really stand aside and watch the love of her life die all over again?

In this fascinating novel-length prequel to The Bloodstone Saga, Courtney Cole sets the stage for an epic journey that will have readers holding their breath until the very last page of the very last book has been turned.
What would you do if you held Fate in your hands?

Impressions
Easy to get lost into!

You encounter Macy when she has just been cheated on by her boyfriend. She receives a  a necklace and then... You are meeting Cleopatra. It's fun and intriguing!

The plot is transporting you through time with the three mythological goddesses of Fate, a hard task to achieve and soulmate's adventure. A bit of history, of drama, of friendship and of romance and you have a cool, entertaining story.

Since the book summary is already well detailed, I will keep it short. It was a good read that has surprised me. The author is perfect with description, smell and emotions.
She has created fun and appealing characters.

I will be happy to follow Macy adventures in the sequel "Fated".

In Plain Sight by Senayda Pierre

Synopsis
“Hide in plain sight. Grandfather’s mantra is forever ingrained in me.”

Sahalie is the last of her lineage, bearing supernatural abilities gifted by the Spirits. She knows that in order to unlock her full potential she needs to find her mate. Yet in order to protect herself Sahalie knows she cannot reveal her secret abilities nor share her lineage with anyone but her true mate. She feels an instant and an undeniable connection with Yuma. Her Spirit Animal, a sassy little red fox is also drawn to the man’s Spirit Animal, a powerful tiger.

The problem?

Yuma is the son of an Elder. An Elder’s son means Yuma is neck-deep in community politics and drama. And she wants none of that. While Sahalie tries to avoid Yuma, the pull of true mates is evident and soon they find themselves unable to stay apart. 

“What is it about you Sahalie?” I voice the question that’s haunted me since I first locked gazes with her.

Yuma has a very difficult decision to make… Will he follow his heart and Spirit Animal’s wishes and claim Sahalie as his true mate or will he uphold his duty to the communities and follow through with an arranged mating?

Yuma’s life-altering decision will affect everyone… not just him and Sahalie but the future of all their communities.

Impressions

WOW... I haven't cried reading a book in a long time...Jeez!

Love stories with legend and spirit animals... This story is more about true mates, destiny, choices and the impact of family history and education on our way of dealing with life.
It was really a cool awesome read.

I was hooked from the start because of the relationship Sahalie has with her grandfather and the old beliefs that are fainting away
Sahalie is appealing in her strength and weakness. I like her openness, her ability to be kind and dedicated to her family's heritage.
Only trouble...Forgiveness is not easy.


Her fox is funny in her sassiness and to be honest I envy all characters for possessing spirit animals. Must be cool to be connected to someone who knows you so well.

Anyway, following Sahalie's adventures, I was really turning the page eagerly until my heart has broken... The author way of dealing with deep emotions, tender or sad, are really moving. You cannot stay untouched.
And for me, as a reader, it's the best feeling when a story is able to make you react.

Really really recommend this lovely story.


Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Digital to the Core by Mark Raskino, Graham Waller

Remastering Leadership for Your Industry, Your Enterprise, and Yourself

Synopsis
There is no simple strategic method for dealing with the multidimensional nature of digital change. Even the sharpest leaders can become disoriented as change builds on change, leaving almost nothing certain. Yet to stand still is to fail. Enterprises and leaders must re-master themselves to succeed. Leaders must identify the key macro forces, then lead their organizations at three distinct levels: industry, enterprise, and self. By doing this they cannot only survive but clean up.

Digital to the Core makes the case that all business leaders must understand the impact the digital revolution will continue to play in their industries, companies, and leadership style and practices. Drawing on interviews with over 30 top C-level executives in some of the world’s most powerful companies and government organizations, including GE, Ford, Tory Burch, Babolat, McDonalds, Publicis and UK Government Digital Service, this book delivers practical insights from those on the front lines of major digital upheaval. The authors incorporate Gartner’s annual CIO and CEO global survey research and also apply the deep knowledge and qualitative insights they have acquired as practitioners, management researchers, and advisors over decades in the business.

Above all else, Raskino and Waller want companies and their top leaders to understand the full impact of digital change and integrate it at the core of their businesses. 

Impressions
Interesting, full of examples  and quotes. I was really hooked from the start and impressed by its futuristic views.
You discover past research that have lead to advanced technology and how the digital will bring them to a new life with even better accurate utilities for the customers, the well being of the world even if we are not aware day by day of these new technical influences.

Personally, this book has made me react, think and even imagine possibilities that are more science fiction than reality. However, what about tomorrow?
Through history, we have countless examples of how quickly the world can evolve. I was born before cellphone, CD and computer. And now, it will be unbelievable! Like living in a prehistorical age when in reality it was just yesterday. 
With the digital, tomorrow will come fast and dreams will become more and more real.

Imagine your deliveries made by drones, cars that will drive themselves, sensor pills reminding you you haven't swallow your medicine today? Connected hospital helping patient to receive treatment home to avoid people to wait long hours for a simple control visitation?

Full quotations from famous creative CEO, this book try to make you understand why at work, you need to believe in digital before being devoured by market reality and customers needs. Even in politics with Digital DNA and holograms.

Real cool and useful read.


Passages

"The first modern electronic cigarette was invented in China by Hon Lik in 2003. By 2014 global sales were $2.5 billion, and all the major tobacco companies were scrambling to win their slice of the action. By 2023 e-cigarette volumes world wide are expected to exceed those of « combustible » cigarettes. What will happen to the related industries when your kitchen coffeemaker goes online, your pills become digitally enabled, your shirt senses your respiration rate, and your car comes to collect you from the grocery store automatically? We believe these scenarios could become reality by 2020."

“How the world moves is precisely what Fields and Ford seek to remaster. Henry Ford created a car that every person could drive. Mark Fields plans to create a car that every person can ride. As vehicles become more autonomous, we will look to them more as a service than a product.” 

"Is Airbnb a hotel room provider or an aggregator? No regulation, no policy can keep pace. Before legislator and the policymakers can decide, (innovators) come up with a new business model and start operating differently. Such is the advantage of digital. I’m not saying we should use it in a wrong manner, what I’m saying is it gives you the flexibility to be one step ahead rather than failing on policy implications"

Arvind Gupta, BJP.

Source
*Arc provided by Edelweiss
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

What Matters Most by Brian Draper

What Matters Most: Letting Go of What You Don't Really Need to Find Life Itself 
by Brian Draper

Summary
How people can change the world around them, by first changing themselves.

It is easy to view the world without hope; to stand back and feel helpless. But what if that were simply not true? What if we weren’t victims who were done for and done to and started to set a different standard by living fully, creatively, and spiritually?

This book is incisive and full of practical, spiritual wisdom. Draper goes in search of the positive, the infinite, and the good, and wants to pass it on. It is time to see the world with fresh eyes, to be inspired, and to help others. But it’s not just about spreading a positive message—it’s about transforming lives, because “transformed people, transform people”—change starts with us.
And that’s when it spreads

Reactions
Recently I've been interested my reading about books that will help me to see life differently. While reading, you think, you test the author advices or theories and you see if they suit you or not.
Of course, you will not read the book as fast as an entertaining story and of course, you may not want to work on yourself when you are tired...

However, this book was a nice surprise. The author doesn't preach. He gives concrete life examples. Ones that we can all relate to. After that, it's up to you to see if you want to try...

Personnaly, this book has followed me even after I've read it. To stay open to change, to stop trying to force my own agenda and let life surprise me with unexpected events.
Even the bad ones and the awful challenges we can have to overcome can help you to grow stronger.
Of course, before you can laugh at your troubles, you are stress and depress. But just look at your emotions and reactions to event under a different light and you can change the way they will impact you.

It's easy to say than to do. It's why I've liked to read this book. It has put some events of my life into a new perspective.

Quotes

"How much does it matter what other people think of me? How much should it matter what they expect of me? How much should it matter if my life doesn't work out as planned, predicted, or hoped?"

"It's a stumbling block of a spiritual principle: that the secret to life is not hidden away in the most complex philosophies or esoteric theories, but in plain sight, for the eyes of those people who are often overlooked themselves or considered insignificant."

"Perhaps it's just simpler to look for the bad. Perhaps we fear the disappointment too much of going after the good and never finding it."

"The river reminds us that all things must pass, whether they are painful or lovely. Ultimately, we will have to let go of everything." 

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Rises The Night by Colleen Gleason

The Gardella Vampire Hunters: Victoria vol 2

Synopsis
In Italy, a powerful vampire is amassing the power to control the souls of the dead. Lady Victoria Gardella de Lacy-a vampire slayer for just over a year-races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced. She is accompanied by Sebastian Vioget, a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy. 

But when Victoria discovers that she has been betrayed by one of her most trusted allies, the truth will challenge all her powers as a Venator-and as a woman.

Impressions
Interesting but with some lengths.

If the first opus was well balanced, this second volume has started very slow. The reader has to wait for the house party to really start enjoying some action.
Then, once again, even if there are the hot encounters with Sebastien to distract the reader imagination, the path is going slow.
Victoria is keeping in the dark and the reader also. Of course, it is made to build anticipation but it was starting to bored me.

I've also missed the humor and the bickering between Max and Victoria.

Don't get me wrong, the book is still worth the read as the second half is great. All the scenes in Italy are bringing new informations and more fightings. The story is more darker with a hard ending that has left me with the need to put my hand on the next volume. Was just less eager to turn the page than with the first story.
Hope it will get better with "The Bleeding Dusk".

The Gardella Vampire Hunters: Victoria series
VOL 1: The Rest Falls Away 
VOL 2: Rises The Night

Source

*Arc provided by Edelweiss

I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

The Gardella Vampire Hunters: Victoria series

Synopsis
Beneath the glitter of dazzling nineteenth century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil…

Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long ago taken control of the world.

In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous moonlit streets, Victoria’s heart is torn between London’s most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her dark, dangerous duty.

And when she comes face-to-face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make a choice between duty and love.

Impressions
I was browsing books in search of a story to engross myself in, when i stop this vampire series. It's been a long time since I haven't spent an entertaining moment with creatures with fangs.
To be honest was fed up with love story with undead people and since I like England in the Victorian era, it was the perfect combinaison.
I was not dissapointed at all.

It's a mix between a debutante story with dancing bals, gowns and love story and a debutante training to become a vampire hunter. The plot is nice even if I would have prefered more actions and blood.
:-)
The characters are interesting. Was curious about Max and his bad attitude towards the heroine and still am... Will be pleased to read the sequel just to know more about his personal history!

As for the heroine, Victoria, she is innocent, fresh with a bit of a temper. The perfect receipe to make this young lady interesting.

And the ending is good. It has piqued my curiosity.
Great read to pass an entertaining rainy sunday!

The Gardella Vampire Hunters: Victoria series
VOL 1: The Rest Falls Away 
VOL 2: Rises The Night

Source

*Arc provided by Edelweiss

I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Positive Imaging by Norman Vincent Peale

The Powerful Way to Change Your Life

Synopsis
A visionary, proven program for positive gain in virtually every aspect of life by one of the 20th century's most influential self-help experts and spiritual leaders

Norman Vincent Peale's groundbreaking self-help classic, The Power of Positive Thinking, has dramatically transformed countless lives throughout the world with its powerful message of constructive affirmation. Positive Imaging builds on the principles originally presented in Dr. Peale's life-changing, multi-million-copy bestseller, offering step-by-step guidance that will help you break through the barriers that stand in the way of achieving the harmony, happiness, and success you so fervently desire.

In this essential volume, Dr. Peale takes the positive thinking idea a step further. By employing a potent mental process called “imaging,” you can eliminate problems and take firm control of your life. Keeping a clear and vivid picture of a desired goal in your mind until it becomes part of your subconscious will help you actualize your objectives by releasing previously untapped inner energies. With Positive Imaging you can banish fear and loneliness, strengthen and gain new confidence in your interpersonal relationships, improve your health, and eliminate your financial worries. The path to mental and physical wellness, spiritual well-being, and overall success in life is opening up right in front of you—let Dr. Peale show you the way.

Impressions
The tittle has piqued my interest.
What is another coue method or something similar to "The Secret"? Let's say that it gives advices and how to see life trouble with a grain of positivity.

Really different from my usually reads, I may have frown once or twice (ok more than that) at the mention of god into the process of powerful imagining and success in achieving goals. But having faith is important. It doesn't matter what we believe in, this book still give interesting point of view through a lot of examples.
Some are really touching.

To be honest, I had a good time. I was trying to put the advices into practice and may even have made peace with some beliefs of mine.

Interesting to remember that our mind is powerful, that our dreams are important and that helping others is a good way to stay happy.

Quotes

"It must be kept in mind, however, that imaging is not a magic formula that simply, by some kind of mental trick, brings desired results. In an amazing way, ir does open doors to problems solving and to goal achievenement."

"Let the skeptics have their doubts. I prefer to believe that ideas do have wings!"

"You have to spend every minute of your life in your own company. If you don't enjoy it, you're going to be miserable. If you do enjoy it, solitude will never bother you."

"Sometimes fear is so great that it shatters people. They lose their confidence, they withdraw from life, their image of themselves shrinks to the point where they no longer believe they can cope with hardship, or illness, or economic problems, or whetever is threatening them. And once their belief in their own competence is lost, it is hard to get it back."

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Spiral of Need by Suzanne Wright

The Mercury Pack Vol 1

Synopsis
Ally Marshall isn’t just a wolf shifter — she’s a Seer.

But a girl doesn’t exactly need special powers to know that Derren Hudson despises her entire kind. Disdain practically rolls off the Beta of the Mercury Pack . . . disdain mixed with a healthy dose of desire. And no matter how much the ruggedly handsome male appeals to her, this is one call of the wild she’s determined to ignore.

After one betrayal too many, Derren doesn’t have much use for Seers — except for Ally.

Forced into acting as her protector, he finds himself intensely and passionately drawn to the woman who incites his primal instinct to claim.

And when enemies target the pack, Ally’s gift may be just what the Mercury Pack needs.

Can he put his distrust aside, or will he force himself to turn his back on the one woman who makes his inner beast howl?

Impressions
After meeting the Phoenix Pack in Suzanne Wright's previous series, I was eager to put my hands on Derren's adventures. If the reader has already met a lot of the Mercury members, it's a pleasure to reacquaint yourself with their funny dynamics.
And as Dominic cheesy lines admirer, I was happy to continue to follow his funny annoying habits.

Ally is also a great addition due to her Seer abilities. She brings more excitement to the story since she is able to predict and avoid deadly events. As an intruder in the pack, through her interrogations and fresh eyes, the reader is able to learn details about the pack's past. Some are here to keep a newcomer reader up to date, others to still keep the old readers interest by adding new interesting ones.
I like how Suzanne Wright try to satisfy everybody. :-)

As for the story itself, it's a fast path one with murders, explosions and romance. But it's also a tale about appearance, preconception, trust issues and accepting to be vulnerable in the name of love.
I'm a fan!

I really recommend this book to the lovers of action, shapeshifters and hot romance.
Really cool debut for this new series!

Source
*Arc provided by Netgalley.
I received this book in exchange of a fair and honest review.

CLUB SHADOWLANDS by Cherise Sinclair

Masters of the Shadowlands Vol 1

Synopsis
Her car disabled during a tropical storm, Jessica Randall discovers the isolated house where she's sheltering is a private bondage club. At first shocked, she soon becomes aroused watching the interactions between the Doms and their subs. But she's a professional woman--an accountant--and surely isn't a submissive...is she?

Master Z hasn't been so attracted to a woman in years. But the little sub who has wandered into his club intrigues him. She's intelligent. Reserved. Conservative. After he discovers her interest in BDSM, he can't resist tying her up and unleashing the passion she hides within.

Impressions
A bad case of finding yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time... Or for Jessica, at the perfect one to meet destiny. ;-)

I've had a great time reading this first opus of the "Masters of the Shadowlands" series. It's a romantic and fun way to have a look at a BDSM club.

The characters are interesting. Jessica is sweet, curious and adventurous. When Master Z is like a kinky knight in a shining armor.

Personally, the author has entertained me with her characters and Jessica's explorations. The rhythm is fluent and the arousing scenes are perfectly dosed. You have a story and you meet personages outside of the hot scenes so there is something a great potential to keep the reader interest and tease him/her enough to want to know more about this series.

Well written, it's an entertaining, fun and hot read !