Review Phantom (Dark Musicals #1) by Laura DeLuca

"Phantom"

Author: Laura DeLuca
Genre: YA Romance
Pages: 262
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: March 29, 2012
Author's Website: http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb: The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

My Review: A very entertaining, shocking, thrilling and exciting YA read that brings us a different sort of take on the Phantom of the Opera (a long time favorite musical of mine by the way). Any fans out there that enjoyed the story of the Phantom, or just enjoy the genre itself will enjoy their time spent with this read :)

Rebecca is a senior in high school. She’s always quiet, barely noticed and she’s fine with it. But all of that changes once she tries out for a part in a school musical. Some things take a turn for the better, some for the worse. Can she survive being on stage after all of her years going unnoticed and can she decide on which boy her heart truly wants?

We then have Justyn and Tom. Both are seniors, both handsome (in their own ways), both are in the musical and both like Rebecca and want her for their girl. There’s a mysterious air to Justyn that holds on to the reader and even makes you question him a time or two. He’s a newbie to the high school and of course there are plenty of rumors about him going around and round.

Then there is Tom, surfer boy good looks, money, charm and talent. He’s been in school with Rebecca for years and barely spoke a word to her. Now he desires her in the worst (or best) possible way and WILL fight for what he wants!

There’s a bit of a love triangle for a majority of the book (entertaining and scary at some points). But I am VERY happy with the choice Rebecca made in the end. The heart speaks the loudest and it should NEVER be ignored, even if no one agrees with the decision!

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Review Deadly Design (Design #2) by Dale Mayer

"Deadly Design"

Author: Dale Mayer
Genre: YA Paranormal
Pages: 226
Source: Publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Published: October 11, 2012
Author's Website: dalemayer.com/

Buy Links: 

Goodreads Blurb: 

Drawing is her world...but when she's banished to a deadly new world and needs help, it's his world too.

Her... Storey Dalton wants to go home - but something goes terrifyingly wrong and she ends up in her worst nightmare. There's no escape...not without Eric or her stylus. Then she finds someone who needs rescuing even more than she does...

Him... Eric Jordan races to save Storey, only to realize a close family member has betrayed them both. Now the enemy is closing in on him. When he meets up with Storey, he knows her plans are a bad idea, but she won't be dissuaded...and it could be their only way of staying alive.

It... The stylus, now bonded to Storey's artistic soul, is determined to survive this new chaos - against all odds. But damaged from a prolonged separation, he can't help Story or Eric - without making things worse.

Them... Storey is determined to make things right. Eric is determined to help her. Neither counts the personal cost, until their very lives are in danger.

My Review: 

A good continuation from where Dangerous Designs left off, a 3.5 rating rounded to a 4 for me. It did not go in the direction I expected it to, but it was no less good than the first. Still an amazingly creative, vivid world with twists, excitement, adventure and a few surprises. Anyone looking into reading this without reading the first in the series can rest at ease, Deadly Designs was written so it can be read as a stand-alone. It contained a perfect amount of information that allows the reader to flow right along with the story and its characters without feeling lost; a read that many YA paranormal fans will enjoy :)

Storey is experiencing a bout of homesickness and it seems that she’ll get anywhere else but there. She and Eric end up on yet another mission (mostly not by choice), but this time it’s to help two others in need of assistance. One, known as the enemy to Eric’s people, the other is a new found enemy of Storey. She has grown up a lot from when she was first introduced to us. I’m beginning to see her more as a woman and not a teenager. She puts herself at risk for others in need, even if they are the enemy. A character that sets many great examples for others.

Eric has also grown in character a great deal. He’s now gotten to experience more of life than he ever has through the eyes, mind and exuberance that is Storey and he’s enjoying each new experience, well except for a few minor (hee hee) bumps that are in their path.

I look forward to the next in the series. There was a lot left hanging by the end and some questions not answered. Knowing there is going to be another in the series, one thing I am hoping that Storey and Eric finally realize what the truly mean to one another and have a happily ever after. 

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Review Destiny Unveiled By Laura DeLuca

"Destiny Unveiled"

Author: Laura DeLuca
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Pages: 282
Source: Publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Published: April 10, 2011
Author's Website: authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com/


Buy Links: Amazon US - Amazon UK - B & N

Goodreads Blurb:
 Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands. 

 
A great continuation from Destiny (book 1 in the series); it continued to be exciting and magical, actually even more so! Even though this book is written as a continuation it can definitely be read as a stand-alone with the reader still able to get the full impact of what the author presents. Another book that many fans of the genre are sure to fully enjoy!

Gabriella has now accepted all that was once buried deep and has also grown to be very powerful in the short time of having her full power. Thinking they are all finally safe from the evil warlock, witches and battling. They start to get back to living normally (well as normal as witches possibly can) when Gabrielle is approached by a woman she finds out is her aunt and is asked by her to help get her daughter (Gabriella’s cousin) back from the evil clutches of the coven they all thought would be at rest. Now Gabrielle, Darron and their loyal friends find themselves in another battle, one they are not so sure they can win.

All in all a very satisfying read that feeds to the reader’s imagination and pulls them into the pages for a thrilling emotional adventure. I look forward to more work from Laura DeLuca and wonder if she plans to make another book in the Destiny series :)

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Review Destiny By Laura DeLuca

"Destiny"

Author: Laura DeLuca
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Pages: 278
Source: Publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Published: January 10, 2011
Author's Website: authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com/

Buy Links: Amazon US - B & N

Blurb:  

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.

There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.

 An exciting, magical and vividly written YA paranormal romance that many fans of the genre will sure enjoy!

Gabrielle lost her mother many years ago and though unaware, her memories right along with her. These memories are of very great importance to her wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of many others around her because right along with her memories, are her powers which also remain hidden deep and she requires them both if she is to survive. Now she just needs to learn and accept her true calling that she persistently denies to no end. Even after Darren offers his help and gives her proof of the reality of the situation and their powers.

Destiny has great characters, all are very lovable (well except for the bad guy, but even he was likeable, sometimes).There is also excellent character growth and learning experiences all while maintaining a touching and action packed read. I look forward to reading the next in the series to see what blossoms and what fizzles :) 

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