Do You Want To Change Your Life?

So in the month of June, I decided to take on a new job title. Independent fitness and nutrition coach for Beach Body, the company responsible for programs such as P90X, Insanity and Shakeology.  My job as a coach is to take those that want to transform their health and fitness and help motivate them, hold them accountable and help them reach their personal goals while working on myself in the process.

I wanted to hold an open invite to anyone interested in becoming more confident about themselves, become healthier, more active and ready to completely change their lives.  On August 4th, my very first challenge group will begin.  It's a mixed program group, which means that you can join in with any BeachBody challenge pack that you choose.  I, personally, will be doing the popular 21 Day Fix but there are a number of different programs for you to choose from!

Also, if you decide to join in on the fun, you will get to join our exclusive online fitness and nutrition group on Facebook, a free BeachBody account and free coach (me)!

If you're interested in joining or would just like more information, please email me at darcusmurrayfitness@hotmail.com or leave your email address below and I'll contact you!

Be good to yourselves!

Review: Marigny Street by Annie Rose Welch

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Marigny Street
Author: Annie Rose Welch
Series: Saving Angels #1
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback.
Website: www.annierosewelch.com
*I won this book in a giveaway.


GoodReads Summary:

Do you believe in the power of dreams?
Way down south on Marigny Street in the heart of New Orleans, the land of Catholic intercessions, purgatory, and supernatural superstitions, young Evangeline Chenier dreams of a radiant boy who saves her from a storm. She takes the dream seriously – in her family, dreams are sometimes more than dreams. Sometimes they foretell the future. Sometimes they create it.
Years later, Eva is no longer the same wistful girl but a hardened woman who no longer believes in dreams. Losing faith in her gift, she becomes lost in a nightmare of emotion, mourning her son, separating from her husband, and stewing in a dead-end job. And then fate brings her an unlikely surprise: one of the most famous movie stars in the world, Gabriel Roberts.
Caught by something in his eyes, Eva agrees to show him the real Big Easy on his last night in New Orleans—an evening that turns into four dreamy days spent recapturing lost faith and discovering a love neither expected. Realizing Gabriel is the boy from her childhood dream, Eva must leave everything behind—her husband, her family, her history, and the beautiful city she calls home—and gamble it all for the dream that has saved her on MARIGNY STREET.

Review:

Marigny Street is one of those book that, for me, changes the course of how I read other books. This is one that, for a while afterwards, no other book can compare. 

I won this book in a giveaway when I lived in Louisiana but I didn't get to read it until after I moved. It's set in New Orleans, my favorite city, and even though I only lived an hour away, I rarely got to visit this beautiful place. When I did, it was for medical reasons for my newborn daughter. So Marigny Street is special to me as more than just a good book. 

As Eva introduces Gabriel to all the amazing things that New Orleans has to offer, I was discovering the city right along with him. Cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde, an experience that's literally on my bucket list, and all the different sights and sounds that I never got to experience were right there for me to witness through the characters' eyes. 

This story was so beautiful that I honestly want to reread it again already. I knew I was going to love this book but I had no idea that it was going to affect me as strongly as it did. I fell so hard for this book and the characters. It quickly became my new favorite series. 

When I won the contest, I also won every other book in the series. I've received all so far, except Red Dirt Road, the second in the series.  I wasn't going to bug Annie because I know she has a lot going on and she's busy but after finishing, I immediately messaged her and told her what her story had done to me. We ended up talking about until about 1:00am (my time) about the book and how the story unfolded. 

The ending was such a shock for me and I'll admit that, at first, I wasn't quite sure about it but by the end, I was so emotionally tied up in it that I wasn't sure how I really felt about it. I turned to my sister-in-law and told her that the book ripped my heart out. To which, she replied: "I could tell! I looked at you ten minutes ago and you looked like you were about to cry. What the hell are you reading?" 

I've already told numerous people about it and I cannot wait to see what Annie has come up with for the new batch of characters in Red Dirt Road.

Favorite Character: Eva & Gabriel.
Rating: 5 Stars.

Review: The Last Archangel by Michael D. Young

Title: The Last Archangel
Author: Michael D. Young
Series:
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook.
Website: www.writermike.com
*This book was provided for free by the author for review.


GoodReads Summary:

Xandir has been exiled to earth until the end of time. But when his cherub trainee disappears, Xandir makes a deal with rogue angels and giants that could restore life to the mortal woman he loves and end his assignment as a destroying angel in exchange for helping them bring about the end of the world and all of mankind.

Review:

First I would like to thank Michael D. Young for sending us a copy of The Last Archangel.

I literally just finished this novel and all I can say is wow. This book has so much depth to it and I found myself getting lost in the world the author has created for these characters. Michael D. Young successfully weaved in historic events in the world's history, our "myths", as well as stories from the Old Testament. (Ex: The Flood, Atlantis, Pompeii). I loved this. It worked so well for the story and was believable as a part of the storyline.

This novel is very action packed. Lovers of actions and heroics, this is definitely a novel for you. There's action literally on almost every single page. It well written and the characters are very well created.

Multiples times in the novel I found myself practically doing a mental double take. There's so much stuff in The Last Archangel that draws you in and constantly makes you wonder what the heck is going to happen next.

The novel as a whole was amazing and the ending did not disappoint. There was quite a twist that I did not see coming and certainly enjoyed. This novel will definitely be a future re-read for me.

Favorite Character:
Memorable Quotes:

"Jarom, sometimes we have to endure pain in order to grow."

Rating:4 Stars.

Review: Tempted by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Tempted
Author: P.C. & Kristin Cast
Series: House of Night #6
Version Reviewed: Finished, Hardback
*I borrowed this book from a friend.


GoodReads Summary:

So...you'd think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark's life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn't go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul?

Review:

First, I want to say that I absolutely love the cover art of this novel. Isn't it beautifully haunting? I'm in love with it and honestly kind of wish I had a poster for my wall. Haha.
I liked Tempted very much. There wasn't much of anything in this novel that annoyed me like the previous books in the series. The childish language is still there, but no where near as much, and definitely not as annoying. I always keep a sheet of notebook paper tucked right inside the front cover of the book I'm planning on reviewing for notes and with this book, there was not one bad thing written down. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this book is perfect. It definitely isn't. But it was a very good book and kept you interested very well. It seemed like the majority of the book, minus the end, was mostly just filler, but that doesn't make it bad. As of now, I think I consider this highly one of the best in the series. There wasn't much action until the end, but it was still enjoyable. 

Tempted was a little different than the previous books in the House of Night series. This novel was written in different points of views, instead of just through Zoey's eyes. I actually liked this very, very much. Normally I don't like it when authors switch back and forth between character POV's, but it works for some books/series and makes them better. This was definitely one of those. It was a refreshing change from the norm in the House of Night world. We got to experience other characters on a more genuine, personal level and read and understand exactly how they were feeling about certain situations and people. 

With the romantic whirlwind that has followed these books, I have to say that finally, it was settled a little in this book. The boyfriend issues were not such a big deal as with previous novels, and there were some seriously sweet moments that made your heart just want to scream. You just wanted the characters to forget about all the crap that is going on in the outside world and just finally be with each other. 

As I previously stated, this book is different in the POV aspect. In doing this, it shows you exactly how bold and stupid some of the characters are and how many lies and deceptions are taking place. I was very curious as to how some of these hidden intentions were going to pan out and then again, some of these situations honestly make me want to slap the characters and straighten them up. 

With the characters themselves, I have to admit that Stark really stuck out to me, and I have come to the conclusion that I am officially Team Stark. And I'm speaking of everything surrounding Stark in general. He is definitely my favorite character in this series of novels. I am very drawn to Stevie Rae though and how she handles things. I also have to admit that I am thoroughly enjoying her "Okie" accent and quirky comparisons.
I enjoyed the entire novel, but like I said before, not a lot of action-y type things happen until the end of the novel. The last chapter (not the epilogue) honestly had my mind screaming "ohmygodohmygodohmygod!". I was in total shock and could not believe what had just happened. I did not see the ending coming or even expect it in the least little bit. I actually had to re-read it. I was very, very impressed. 

Favorite Character:
Memorable Quotes:

"Sure, and then Z would freak out like a long-tailed cat in a room filled with rockin' chairs."

"Hold to the truth, U-we-tsi-a-ge-ya. Do not ever forget, as our people have always known, there is a deep power in words that speak the truth."

Rating: 4 Stars.

Review: Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Sweetly
Author: Jackson Pearce
Series: Fairytale Retellings #2
Version Reviewed: Finished, Hardback
*I won this book in a giveaway.



GoodReads Summary:

As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.
Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.
Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.
Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.

Review:

I wanted to read this book for a while. I'm really big into retellings and I enjoy seeing how the author will twist them, where the story will go, how they will make it their own.

Sweetly is a retelling of Hansel and Gretel, a fairytale about a brother and sister that find themselves face to face with a witch. 

I think Jackson Pearce did a really good job with Sweetly. Honestly, it wasreally different than I expected it to be, but it was still really good. I liked the setting of Sophia's chocolatier and the whole town of Live Oak. Living a rural Kentucky, you see a lot of towns like it and it was relateable. I would definitely read this one again and I really want to read Sisters Red!

Favorite Character: Gretchen, Sophia and Samuel.
Rating: 4 Stars

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Series:
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook.
Website: www.hannahharrington.com
*This book was provided for free by the publisher for review.


GoodReads Summary:

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’
Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.
When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.
Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.
Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

Review:

When I first read the description for this book on NetGalley, I instantly wanted to read it.

Saving June started off a little slow and I wasn't sure I was going to like it. Once it really took off though, I read through it every chance that I got. I really enjoyed the journey the characters took physically and emotionally and the way the music and photography played a large role in it.

This book was very good. I had a little trouble in the beginning but was hanging on every word in no time.

Definitely a book i would read again (and I think it would make a great movie!).

Favorite Character: Jake
Rating: 4 Stars.

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless
Author: Hannah Harrington
Series:
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook
*This book was provided for free by the publisher for review.


GoodReads Summary:

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret
Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.
Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.
But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

Review:

When I first started this book I had forgotten that it was written by the same author as Saving June.

Speechless hit on a lot of topics that mean a lot to me, the most obvious being bullying and the struggle that teens in the LGBT community, whether they're "out" or not, have to face in their lives. It's hard enough realizing that you are bisexual, gay, etc., but when you combine being bullied on top of that, it can make your life a living nightmare.

Speechless struck a lot of chords in me and the characters were realistic and believable. The story was well written and it's definitely a book I would go back to.

Hannah Harrington has a way with YA Contemporary that makes me love her.

Favorite Character: Sam & Noah.
Rating: 4 Stars.

Review: Shift by Rachel Vincent

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Shift
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Shifters #5
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback.
Website: www.rachelvincent.com
*This book was borrowed from a friend.


GoodReads Summary:

Being the first female werecat enforcer isn't easy. Scars accumulate, but I'm stronger in so many ways.
As for my personal life? It's complicated. Choices worth making always are. Ever since my brother's death and my father's impeachment, it's all I can do to prevent more blood from spilling. Now our Pride is under attack by a flight of vicious thunderbirds. And making peace with our new enemies may be the only way to get the best of our old foe.
With the body count rising and treachery everywhere, my instincts tell me to look before I leap. But sometimes a leap of faith is the only real option...

Review:

Oh, how I love this cover. It’s so dark and sexy. It’s my favorite so far. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind having a poster size version of it to hang up somewhere. But enough about the cover. 

Just like with the front image, Shift is probably my favorite book in the series so far. It was dark, dangerous, and full of shocks, surprises, and thudding heartbeats. It was neat to learn more about a different shifter species than the ones, we’ve seen in the previous books. The thunderbirds were creepy, gross, and badass all at the same time. 

Not only do we learn about the thunderbirds, but we also get to delve deeper into the personal relationships of the main characters, which, simultaneously, pissed me off and entertained me at the same time. 

I loved thi sbook and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next (and last) one.

Favorite Character: Faythe, Jace and Marc.

Rating: Five Stars.