Saturday, September 28, 2013

Mini Reviews: Throne of Glass Novellas

So to celebrate me about to read the second book in the Throne of Glass series - Crown at Midnight, I've decided to go ahead and read some of the mini stories that Sarah J. Maas has put out there.  Below are reviews of a couple of them as I don't have all of them.  I'm gearing up to read the next book!!

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass, #0.1)      
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: January 13, 2012
Description
A Throne of Glass novella.
On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.


Review:
This mini novella really showed just how human Celaena is and how much she really cares about people even if she is an assassin.  It seems that she definitely knows the difference between right and wrong.  I loved reading about her and her adventures, and this novella was definitely an adventure for her and Sam.  There was even a slight interest in Sam, makes you wonder. Hmm. Really great view into Celaena's world pre Thrones of Glass.


The Assassin and the Desert (Throne of Glass, #0.2)      
Release Date: March 30, 2012
Description:
The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive.

Review:
I really enjoyed this story.  After her experience with the Pirate Lord she was punished and sent to the desert to learn from the silent assassins.  It was hard on her because she really is quite spoiled in the life she lives but didn't even realize it.  I think in this book she learned how to make friends, how to pay attention to every little detail and just be.  But she also learned what betrayal really was while keeping her compassion the same.  There seems to be a lot of lessons taught to her through these novellas and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next one. 


The Assassin and the Underworld (Throne of Glass, #0.3)      
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Description:
When the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The misson is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer—and she doesn’t like what she finds there.

Review:
This by far has been my favorite novella so far, and can I just saw swoon. Swoon, swoon! Until I started reading these novellas I almost forgot what an amazing character Celaena really is, she's strong yet soft at the same time.  There are so many sides to her but what I love most is that she is still a compassionate person and really does care about things around her.  She has a heart. After returning from the desert she's back to face her feelings for Sam and to free herself from her master. 

The Assassin and the Empire (Throne of Glass, #0.4)      
Release Date: July 20, 2012
Description:
Celaena Sardothien is the assassin with everything: a place to call her own, the love of handsome Sam, and, best of all, freedom. Yet, she won’t be truly free until she is far away from her old master, Arobynn Hamel; Celaena must take one last daring assignment that will liberate her forever. But having it all, means you have a lot to lose . . .

This fourth fantastic e-novella gives readers an inside look at the characters who appear in the full-length novel Throne of Glass. Don’t miss out!


Review
My heart has broken to read about her adventures before going to Endovier. So much has happened to Celaena, both good and mostly bad.  The road that lead to her imprisonment was a sad one and I just wanted to grab some of the characters and just smack them across the head for being such mean people or just bad to her in general.  Arobynn is a jealous man who doesn't want anyone messing with his things and when that is disrupted he will be the first one to take all the good away from people.  This was just an epic trail to the first book and the author just bought a world out to everyone that you just lose yourself in.  Amazing read.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Promo: Story of You and Me by Pamela DuMond - Excerpt

The Story of You and Me
By: Pamela DuMond
Release Date: September 17, 2013

Description:

She's driven to save a life.
He's haunted by breaking one.
Some secrets are too risky to share.
But nothing's more dangerous than falling in love...
Nineteen-year-old Sophie doesn’t listen to the naysayers because she has hope. The kind of hope that makes you do weird things—like travel two thousand miles away from everyone she knows and loves to a strange city.

So what if her first night in Los Angeles starts with a small misstep—a brief trip to the ER after twenty-one-year-old Alejandro, the hottest guy she’s ever met, saves her during a bar fight on the USCLA campus.

The stakes are high for Sophie—life and death—as she seeks answers to dark questions in a city that can be a slice of heaven, or a piece of hell. She’s running out of time on her journey to find healing. Falling for a guy isn’t part of her plan. But healing doesn’t always come the way you think you need it.

Sophie’s healing is six-foot-two-inches tall, has stunning hazel eyes, black, shiny hair and a rock solid chest that shelters her. Her healing is Alejandro.

But he’s not your typical college party boy—he has a dangerous past. Sophie isn’t the only one who keeps secrets. As they fall in love, he fears his truth might hurt her. And Sophie doesn’t know if she has the courage to tell him:

He can’t break her—because she’s already broken.

A Story of Hope.  A Story of Love.  A Story of Redemption.

Links to the book:
Goodreads | Kindle | Kobo

Excerpt:

“Go out with me, for real,” he said. “Not a yoga class or a walk on fire event, or a palm reading.”

I really wanted to say, yes. But, this would take us to a different place.

“We are so perfect right now,” I said. “I don’t want to screw up our relationship. I don’t want—”

He pulled me toward him and kissed me. One hand cradled the back of my head. He ran his fingers through my hair with his other hand. His lips were full and insistent. His tongue slipped inside my mouth like it was meant to be there. Tempting me. Claiming me. He tasted sweet.

And suddenly I felt like I was falling all over again. I leaned back against my front door as his lips moved from my mouth, trailing kisses down my face, down my neck.

“Sophie,” he breathed in my name. Then kissed me hard on the lips, his tongue exploring my mouth. One strong arm wrapped around my waist as he lifted me up a few inches off the ground toward him, my T-shirt scrunching up toward my breasts, my bared abdominal skin pressed tight against his thin T-shirt.

“Life is short, Sophie Marie Priebe. We are not perfect people. We don’t know how much time we will have together.”

He had no idea how scary prophetic he was being.

“But I will guarantee you this. We have something far more special than the majority of people. Consider this to be your official invitation—” His warm breath and the pressure of his full lips brought a flush to my skin. His hand traced down my neck toward the top of my T-shirt. He pulled the neckline back as he kissed my shoulder.

Shivers raced up and down my arms. “This is me. Officially asking you, Sophie, to, please, go out with me.” He tucked strands of my hair behind my ear. Kissed my ear. Kissed my hair. Kissed my shoulder.

“Yes, Alejandro. Yes, I will go out with you.” I tried to find my footing. Which was a little hard to do when he was still holding me six inches above the ground.

Gidget barked and I heard a kitchen window slam shut, muffling her yips.

“Voyeurs,” I said to Alejandro as his lips brushed mine.

He frowned. And slowly let me slide down his body. His gorgeous face. His dimpled chin. I closed my eyes because I just wanted to feel him: His muscular solid chest. His tight abs. His hardness. When my feet hit the ground, he backed away from me.

I swayed for a moment and wanted to say, “Fuck you, caution. Screw you, MS! You can’t own me. This is my time!”

“Gimme Shelter” blared from Alex’s phone. I opened my eyes and reached for him, but he was standing a couple feet away from me the sidewalk. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“Someone needs a Driver. I can’t believe it. Not tonight.” He stared at his phone.

“You’re leaving?”

“Sorry, Bonita. It’s important. I made a promise. I’ve gotta go.” He jogged toward his Jeep.

“Okay,” I said as my knees felt weak and I leaned against my door.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” He got into his Jeep and drove away.


About the Author: 
Pamela DuMond is the writer who discovered Erin Brockovich's life story, thought it would make a great movie and pitched it to 'Hollywood'.

She's addicted to The X Factor. The movies Love Actually and The Bourne trilogy (with Matt Damon -- not that other actor guy,) make her cry every time she watches them. (Like -- a thousand.) She likes her cabernet hearty, her chocolate dark and she lives for a good giggle.

When she's not writing Pamela's also a chiropractor and cat wrangler. She loves reading, the beach, yoga, movies, animals, her family and friends. She lives in Venice, California with her furballs. If she ever gets her act together, she might even blog more often.

She's constantly updating her website, which you can find at http://www.pameladumond.com
 
Author social media links:
 
 


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Promo: Waterfell by Amalie Howard

Waterfell banner


Welcome to the mother of all Waterfell contests, where you can win 400 gorgeous swag packs of tattoos, signed bookmarks and bookplates, as well as one of THREE iPad Minis. Yes, you read that right--in addition to the 400 prize packs, there will be THREE opportunities to make a super-awesome IPAD MINI yours!

First, a little about WATERFELL...

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age. 

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?






A sneak peek into WATERFELL...
"I’ve never wanted anything more than this moment. I smile and he does, too. He bends toward me, his fingers pulling upward drawing my face toward his. Lo smells of salt and sea, and everything else that I love about the ocean. His eyes are open and are a deep mesmerizing blue, staring deep into mine as if he’s searching for something other than my consent to kiss me. I don’t know what it is but his gaze makes me feel like I’m made of tingles and air.

At the last minute before his lips touch mine, his eyes flutter close.

The kiss is a shock of images and smells and feelings, hitting me all at once—my home, my friends, the ocean, the land, beauty, chaos, life, and this strange, infuriating, lovely boy. Everything about him flashes into me, and then there’s nothing else but Lo."



1. WATERFELL PRE-ORDER CONTEST


If you preorder Waterfell by OCTOBER 28th 2013, 200 random winners will receive a signed Waterfell bookmark, signed bookplate, and a cool Waterfell tattoo. In addition to this prize pack, you will be entered to a super-awesome grand prize: an IPAD MINI (worth $350).



WaterfellSwagPackipadmini

Here’s how to enter: You must preorder Waterfell (physical or e-book) by OCTOBER 28th to be entered into the giveaway. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. No entries after October 28th will be counted. If your name is drawn for the grand prize, we will verify your emailed receipt that matches the date you entered (since this prize has a cash value). ALL ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED.


NOTE: The prize for this contest is not open internationally because of issues with taxes on mailing gifts. But if you are an international reader, you should definitely still preorder Waterfell. If you are one of the 200 prize pack winners, you will receive the signed bookmark, signed bookplate and tattoo. Every qualifying entrant (see prize rules) will receive a #WaterfellProm ticket for another chance to win an iPad Mini.


a Rafflecopter giveaway



2. WATERFELL GET CREATIVE CONTEST



JellyfishExpress Your Inner Sea Monster! Calling all creative types—painters, sketchers, graphic artists, costume artists—you name it, we want it. The more creative, the better. Win an IPAD MINI (worth $350) for your artistic efforts. Take a look at my Waterfell Pinterest board for inspiration or read Waterfell and let your imagination go wild! 200 random winners will receive a signed Waterfell bookmark, signed bookplate, and a cool Waterfell tattoo just for submitting your entry in the WATERFELL GET CREATIVE CONTEST. Here’s how to enter: Over the next four weeks from September 24th to October 21st, show us what you think the Aquarathi in Waterfell would look like in fan art (drawings, paintings, photography, costumes), and email it to mail@amaliehoward.com. You must submit by OCTOBER 21st to be eligible, and the work must be yours. No entries after October 21st will be considered. I will select the top 20 pieces and place them on my website (with full credit), where the public will vote for the final winner the week of October 21st to October 28th. By submitting your entry, you approve of your work being displayed on this website. The grand prizewinner will be announced on the official Waterfell release date—October 29th.


NOTE: The prize for this contest is not open internationally because of issues with taxes on mailing gifts. But if you are an international contestant, you should definitely still submit your artwork/creative piece. If you are one of the 200 prize pack winners, you will receive the signed bookmark, signed bookplate and tattoo. Every qualifying entrant (see prize rules) will receive a #WaterfellProm ticket for another chance to win an IPad Mini.



3. WATERFELL “UNDER THE SEA” PROM



keep-calm-and-prom-onGet officially invited to the #WaterfellProm and be crowned Prom King or Queen! Here’s how to score a ticket: Anyone who enters either of the Waterfell contests (preorder or creative) OR joins either of the official Waterfell Blog Tours from Harlequin TEEN and JKS Communications will receive an exclusive ticket to the invite-only online Waterfell "Under The Sea" Prom, just like Nerissa, Lo and all their friends in the book! Costumes optional. Your prom ticket will entitle the bearer to one entry in the PROM KING or QUEEN drawing during the #WaterfellProm. Not only will the Waterfell Prom King or Queen be virtually crowned during the online prom, he or she will win an IPAD MINI (worth $350). If you didn’t get a slot in either of the official Waterfell Blog Tours, but still wrote a blog post (review, interview, character interview, etc.) about Waterfell that you promoted on social media, you are absolutely entitled to a prom ticket. Email a link to your post to mail@amaliehoward.com to qualify and receive your ticket.


NOTE: The prize for this contest is not open internationally because of issues with taxes on mailing gifts. But if you are an international attendee, you are still welcome. There will be several other international prizes like signed books, swag and jewelry for the homecoming court! So KEEP CALM and PROM ON!





Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Review: Inhale, Exhale

Inhale, Exhale
By: Sarah Ross
Release Date May 4, 2013

Description:
**Warning: Contains very strong language, and sexual situations.**

Jillian had a plan: celebrate the end of her first year of college with an amazing summer full of beaches, barbeques, and bonfires. When her mom insists she needs a summer job, and her boyfriend spends more time with his band than with her, Jillian's plans go down the drain.

Grant had a plan: finish his Masters, get a great job at Google, and get the hell out of Georgia. He might be giving up some of the fun of his youth, but he knows his all work and no play method would be worth it when his dreams came true.

But things never go according to plan.

When temptation brings them together and tragedy tears them apart, Jillian and Grant will be forced to choose: fight for their dreams, or fight for each other.

Review:

Inhale, Exhale.  There wasn’t a lot of that in the book for me, not sure if the title matched it too well.  It was an appealing read but it didn’t wow me as much as I’d hoped it would.  I think it was the second the male lead in the book started calling the female lead cupcake, for some reason that just bothered me.  Again this is just my opinion.

We meet Jillian as she is on break from college and her mother finds her a job to keep her occupied, she’s also dating Christian who doesn’t seem like a good guy to begin with but she’s blind to that because they’ve been together for so long.  At this new job she meets someone knows who she feels she has an instant interest (lust) in once she meets him, Grant.  They play and flirt a little but nothing really happens because after all she does have a boyfriend which she doesn’t mind telling him several times.

Throughout the book the connection grows too strong and she just feels for him what she hasn’t or never has felt with Christian in a long time, because of this she acts on this attraction.  Of course feeling guilty she steps away from the situation.  Again Christian is not a great example of a good boyfriend.  Either way things happen and they get extremely out of hand and Grant comes to the rescue.  Yes it’s great that they’ve found each other and they believe in each other so much that they let their dreams fall to the wayside, of course I just think that will bring regret later in life. 

Overall the book was okay, it wasn’t my favorite but I didn’t hate it.  It took me some time to get through it only because I didn’t really feel anything for the characters, I just couldn’t get attached.  I really love the cover though and it’s definitely what bought me into wanting to read this book.

About the Author:
Sarah started her obsession with reading at an early age, often sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class. She would read any book she could get her hands on. Her love of reading quickly evolved into a love of writing and stories began to pour out of her. She grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English, and taught 8th graders to love reading as much as she does for several years. Sarah will always be a proud member of the Steelers' Nation, but couldn't take the cold and moved her frozen tush to Florida where she now lives with her family and two cats. You will find her now with her trusty Kindle in hand and toes in the sand! Sarah's debut novel, AWAKEN, released in January, 2012. Other novels include AVENGE, ATONE, ECHO OF AN EARTH ANGEL, and INHALE EXHALE.             

Links

Monday, September 23, 2013

Book Blast: Alpha Goddess by Amalie Howard




Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: March 4th 2014 by Sky Pony Press

In Serjana Caelum’s world, gods exist. So do goddesses. Sera knows this because she is one of them. A secret long concealed by her parents, Sera is Lakshmi reborn, the human avatar of an immortal Indian goddess rumored to control all the planes of existence. Marked by the sigils of both heaven and hell, Sera’s avatar is meant to bring balance to the mortal world, but all she creates is chaos. A chaos that Azrath, the Asura Lord of Death, hopes to use to unleash hell on earth.

Torn between reconciling her past and present, Sera must figure out how to stop Azrath before the Mortal Realm is destroyed. But trust doesn’t come easy in a world fissured by lies and betrayal. Her best friend Kyle is hiding his own dark secrets, and her mysterious new neighbor, Devendra, seems to know a lot more than he’s telling. Struggling between her opposing halves and her attraction to the boys tied to each of them, Sera must become the goddess she was meant to be, or risk failing, which means sacrificing the world she was born to protect.






"Dev grasped her hand and drew it over to him, running his thumb over the mark on her left palm. Sera felt her cheeks redden at his gentle touch. Something electric unfolded inside of her, and her vision tunneled into a memory. This time it was different, though, full of light instead of darkness.

A flutter of firelight from the magical little clay pots lit all around them . . . the discordant aching sounds of a sitar strumming in the background. It was a glorious display, a triumph of good over evil in celebration of their love. His kiss was light upon her cheek, his touch a gossamer caress. She spun in a slow circle, the light on her beloved’s face glowing from within him. She laughed because she was glowing, too."



Amalie Howard also has an upcoming release with HarlequinTeen on October 29th for her brand new series, the Aquarathi, WATERFELL. To celebrate the upcoming release she is hosting an EPIC giveaway! And we mean EPIC. Readers have THREE chances to win an iPad mini! Check out the post here on how you could win: www.AmalieHoward.com






a Rafflecopter giveaway







Seventeen Magazine Summer Club author Amalie Howard grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 22 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts. She currently resides in New York with her husband and three children.

She is the author of The Aquarathi series from Harlequin TEEN (Waterfell and Oceanborn), The Almost Girl from Strange Chemistry, Alpha Goddess from Sky Pony Press, and Bloodspell from Langdon Street Press. She is represented by the Liza Royce Agency. Visit her at www.amaliehoward.com or on Twitter (@AmalieHoward).

Website † Twitter † Facebook † GoodReads

Friday, September 20, 2013

Blog Tour: Finders Keepers by Nicole Williams - Review/Giveaway

 
 

Finders Keepers
By: Nicole Williams
Release Date: September 16, 2013
Series: Lost and Found #3

Description:

There’s tortured. And there’s Garth Black.

His life has been a constant carousel of tragedy and disappointment, including his love life. Of course, applying the term “love” to Garth’s conquests is a gross misuse of the word. Some people were made to give and accept love, and others weren’t. Garth Black redefines the “others” category. He’s made a vow that the day he meets a woman who could sucker him into falling in love will be the day he runs away.

Garth’s plan has one flaw. What happens when he’s already fallen hard for a girl before the warning signs and red flags go up? What happens when the love he’s avoided his entire life brings him to his knees? What happens when Garth Black lets the dirtiest four letter word he’s ever known into his dark, lonely life?

This cowboy’s about to find out he can control some things, and he can’t control others. Number one on the what he can’t control list?


Review:
This book was just as good as the rest in the series if not better because it was about Garth! Nicole Williams has sucked me into this country location with these men and their tight jeans and bull riding, she makes me want to go to the country and I’m definitely not a country girl.  This had so much in it and I loved the witty banter between the characters they are always so entertaining.

I have loved Garth from the very first book when it wasn't even about him.  There is something addicting about him, you know the whole bad boy image that is so very sexy.  That is all Garth! There were hints in the previous books about his feelings for Josie and I was so freaking excited that the author did not try and go with anyone else because their relationship is on fire.  The banter between each other is like foreplay but they are both either in denial or denying themselves of the pleasures they could experience.  Hard headed people, ugh, but it’s unquestionably fun to read!

A tragedy happens to Garth and he being the stubborn person he is decides to try and hold himself together alone, but this doesn’t fare to well when Josie finds him in negative degree weather sleeping in his truck.  This is where the fun begins, she invites him to stay at her house, or should I say demand because she can be pretty demanding.  It happens but her family is not too keen on him being around their daughter.  Just another obstacle for them to jump over, especially since her daddy loves his shotgun.

As time passes they become closer and closer and finally give each other a chance at a real honest relationship, but they take things very slow and it’s all about the anticipation but somehow though they always get interrupted.  There are words that are said between Garth and her family and they just make him realize he’s just not what Josie deserves, so he does what he does best and he runs away from everything.  You’ll have to read the book to find out everything that happens but oh so much emotion in this book that my heart broke just a little bit here and therefore Garth.  Sometimes people are just too hard on themselves without reason, so sad.

This book was an amazing read and you should definitely read the series because it’s entertaining and realistic and just an honest to goodness good series.  I love the covers, and that’s totally not how I pictured Josie to look but I love it because that girl looks like she can kick ass and Josie is definitely a kick ass type of person.  Again can’t give enough praise for this series and this author.  I’m not sure if there will be another book but if there isn’t I’ll definitely be sad to see these characters go. 

About the Author
I'm the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of the CRASH series (HarperTeen, S&S UK), LOST & FOUND series, UP IN FLAMES (S&S UK), The EDEN TRILOGY, and a handful of others. I write stories about everyday kinds of people who find themselves in extraordinary kinds of situations. I tell love stories with happy endings because I believe in making the world a better place, and that's one tiny way I can make it so. I'm one of those people who still believe in true love and soul mates, and would rather keep my head in the clouds any day over having my feet firmly on the ground. 

Author Social Media Links:
Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpts click here or the tour button below.


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Review: Dizzy by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry

Dizzy
By: Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
Release Date: November 15, 2012

Description:
Dylan doesn’t do relationships. He and his older brother watched their dad go through hell and back, so they made a pact years ago—no girl would come between the Gibson boys. But his brother sells out. He's getting married anyway. To the sister of a chick Dylan met at a party, who's probably the angriest girl he's ever met. Unfortunately, she happens to be hot, too.

Ziah’s life is upside down—her safe boyfriend turns out to be not-so-safe, and now her sister is getting married before college is over to the older brother of a spoiled, party boy who drives her crazy. And also makes her heart beat too fast.

There’s no denying the attraction, but there's also no denying how much they irritate each other. When they’re thrown together as forced wedding planners, they find an ally in each other--neither wants this wedding to happen.

But instead of putting a stop to the crazy nuptials they find themselves at fittings and cake testing. And maybe even…a few dates?
Dizzy is a novel about what happens when two people who are determined not to fall in love, maybe do anyway. Maybe.


Review:

This was an absolute fun and cute read, with a little seriousness thrown in for good measure.  I believe the two authors worked really well together in keeping this story consistent and very similar so that it seemed there was only one person writing the book.  That’s what a great collaboration is about, sound like one complete unit.

The characters in this book were wonderful and interesting with different layers of complexity that even they may not have known about.  With all their underlying issues they still seem to shine throughout the book.  We meet both Ziah and Dylan as their older siblings are about to marry each other.  They had a brief encounter previous to this big bomb shell being dropped on their laps and it was definitely one of those moments you remember throughout the book.  They are both very much against the wedding at first and feel that their siblings are going to be losing one another and separating from the family but they are trying their hardest to keep everyone together, especially when they have to go around doing wedding errands.

This brings Ziah and Dylan closer together, and even though one pushes back more than the other, there is still a very strong spark there that eventually they can’t deny.  Yes, it’s a bit weird because their siblings are getting married to each other, but they are not blood related.  Its fun to watch their ups and downs, and their almost moments, because I’m telling you it’s those almost moments that get me every single time.  You want something to happen so bad and you can feel it, taste it, anticipate it and it’s that feeling that gets your emotions going, the gasp, the tingles, the shivers whatever you want to call it overall it’s the reaction you want.

Each character is dealing with something that happened to them in their past or present, and it’s all about how they deal with it that matters and it’s wonderful when they learn to help each other.  This act only helps their bond grow stronger.  I though Dylan was a softie in disguise with a lot of emotional issues that I’m glad he’s able to get help with, what are those issues you have to read to find out.  On the other hand Ziah I think she finally realized what it is she wants and is going for it and so glad she dropped her baggage, because really not needed. 

Overall this book was great; I love the collaboration and would definitely pick up another book by either one of these authors.  The cover wasn’t too convincing for me, it didn’t seem like how I pictured either of the main characters and I get the idea of the noose and tying the knot but this book was so much more about relationships in general.  It wasn’t my favorite cover but it was still cute none the less. 

Monday, September 16, 2013

Cover Reveal: Alchemy by Sheena Boekweg, Melanie Crouse, and Sabrina West!


"Do you want me to be dangerous?" he asked, his voice husky and low.
I gulped, and for a moment I was incapable of speech. But he was quiet, waiting. "No. I don't."
"Then I'm not dangerous at all," he murmured. His gaze moved from my eyes to my mouth. "You've never been safer than you are at this moment." I shivered as his breath tickled my skin. Our lips were mere millimeters apart when the sky shattered in a kaleidoscope of colored light. 


We didn’t know how much we had to lose until we were infected with magic. Sam was in love, Juliette was the main caretaker for her siblings, and Ana and her dad planned the best parties in New York. But we lost it all when we were shipped to Chebeague, an exclusive school for newly infected mages.

Everyone knows about the mages, those who survive the infection and end up with magical abilities. We’ve seen the power of magic, the high-paying jobs, and the world fame. But we never saw the cost. We didn’t know we’d be forced to give up everything: sanity, family, even the right to talk on the phone.

We didn’t know mage was just another word for prisoner.




Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Top 10 Tuesday - Books to TV/Movies


I  haven't done one of these in a while and today I just felt compelled to share! This weeks Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is asking what top 10 books would you like to see on TV or on the big screen.  Today I will focus on the TV because sometimes there are books that just need to be taken of the page and shown in real life.  I've been really obsessed with New Adult and more importantly contemporary books so don't be surprised if that's the main titles on my list today. 

1.  Probably my only non contemporary and a little more paranormal is the Grey Wolves series by Quinn Loftis. You have wolves, fae, warlocks, witches it would definitely be an entertaining TV series especially with all the different characters in the book because they can be too funny sometimes.  There's just a little bit of everything in this series.

2. Cora Cormacks Losing it Series, because there are foreign accents in this book and super yum when you hear it.  The stories are great and the characters are even better.

3. Just because there are not enough country type shows that make your heart palpitate the next one on my list will have to be - Nicole Williams Lost and Found Series.  Because sometimes you just need to see a hot guy in super tight jeans riding a horse.  You know what I mean!

4. So I lied because I do have another series - it's about Vampires and it's one I just adore because it's not only Vampires but other super naturals as well.  Plus it's a kick ass series with a lot of well kicking ass. Chloe Neil's Chicagoland Vampires.

5. Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout - although I do get a very Roswell vibe from the series and well that series was good but it's not around anymore, they could definitely vamp it up with the characters from Lux.

6. I would absolutely love to see The Duff made into a movie, it's by Kody Keplinger and if you haven't read it, get on it because it's good.

7. The Selection Series by Kiera Cass.  It would be very interesting who they chose for each of the characters.  And it can definitely be a good series that continues for a while if you think about the process and how long tv shows are. 

8. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake would make a really great movie too.  I can completely picture this being made.

9. Just One Day by Gayle Foreman - now I can't wait for the second book to come out but I think this can totally be a movie with a major cliffhanger.  I love this book I really did.

10. Last but definitely not in the least - Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard, only because I loved the concept of this and experiencing new things.  It was freeing and can completely be a good movie.

That's my list for now, what about you?  What's on your list?

Review: Breaking Nova By Jessica Sorensen

Breaking Nova
By Jessica Sorensen
Release Date: September 3, 2013

Description:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Ella and Micha series comes a powerful story of love, scars, and impossible choices . . .

BREAKING NOVA

Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she's getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn't want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he's done, what he's lost. He's sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he's too damaged to get close to her, yet she's the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

Review:
I absolutely enjoyed this book on so many levels that I'm so glad I picked it up and had the opportunity to read it.  I would recommend this book to anyone, because it's not about a love story even though there sort of is one, it's about hanging in there and trying to move on in life.  Things will get better they just take time. Jessica Sorensen has won me back over with this book and I cannot wait to read the next one because I'm rooting for the characters in this book with all I've got.

We meet Nova (amazing name by the way!) who is back from college on her first summer break, still completely lost after the death of her boyfriend and still not one hundred perfect after the loss of her father either.  She's just broken and lost and trying to find her way through life, trying to find where she fits in.  This can definitely be a perfect theme for many people because at one point in our lives we all feel lost and trying to find our way and this is Nova's journey as we see her first summer break through her eyes and in Quinton's point of view too.

He, Quinton, has been kicked out of his house and has moved in with his cousin, which is a double edged sword because he killed his cousin's sister (obviously his cousin too) and also the love of his life in a freak accident that goes to show you that you should always wear a seat belt.  Also it bought to light how some teenagers think they are so invincible when they are obviously not and sometimes doing stupid things will only turn out badly.  It hit home, because I can completely see it happening to someone and that's what makes these characters so unbelievably realistic and relate-able.  Quinton somehow gets mixed up with Nova but it's a toss up because he still doesn't feel like he deserves anything good because he's the one who lived.

Reading their tragic relationship or whatever you want to call it, it's breathtaking, and you have some highs and some definite lows, both literal and metaphorically speaking.  There is a lot of drug use in this book and that is just how some people cope, is it the right way, not in my eyes.  But it happens and it's good to bring it out in the light and expose youth at what a down word spiral drugs can be, it's never the answer.  No good can come of it.   I know that both characters want to be happy and they try and find something with each other but their own selves get in the way.  It's an experience and a half reading this book.

I definitely was rooting for both characters to get out of these bad habits and find their way.  The events leading up to Nova's final breakdown and breakthrough are worth reading.  The restraint and self deprecation that Quinton puts himself through are worth reading.  This book is worth reading even with all the dark themes in this book sometimes this is someones reality and you need to experience it.  Again Jessica Sorensen definitely won me over with this book and has left me wanting more in this series because I need to know what is going to happen next.

I really love this cover and hope that these two people can help each other out of the holes they dug themselves into.


Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Monday, September 9, 2013

All Things Elizabeth Reyes! Guest Post/Giveaway!!!!


What comes to mind when you hear the name Elizabeth Reyes? Hot guys, Hot romance, and Hot books! In honor of her first book release three years ago, September 6th-17th is everything Elizabeth Reyes! From Forever Mine (The Moreno Brothers, #1) to Abel (5th Street, #4) nothing is left out of this celebration.

Many blogs will help celebrate by posting about their favorite books by Elizabeth Reyes and different guest posts by the author.

Also, the author will have Noah and Forever Mine both on sale for $.99 cents!

Most of my experience with Elizabeth Reyes has been with the Moreno Brothers Series, so you know I have to highlight them just a little bit because they are Hot, Sexy, Latin men and that's the way I love them! But below please check out all her available series and where to find out more information on them.
 
Series: The Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate Series
Author: Elizabeth Reyes
Genre: Contemporary romance
Age Group: (Ex. YA, New Adult, Adult) New Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com
Buy Links for the books: 
Book Description:
You can find each book description on her Goodreads page - http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/499602.Elizabeth_Reyes
 
 
 
Now on to the fabulous Guest Post about the Moreno Brothers Series:
 
Author’s Favorite Quotes from The Moreno Brothers Series
By Elizabeth Reyes
I have favorite quotes for different reasons: some because of the meaning behind said quote and others because of what the quote does to the story itself. This is a quick quote/scene from my first novel ever, Forever Mine.
“Maybe he was just a friend,” Sarah said.
Angel smiled. “No such thing.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean there’s no such thing as guys and girls being friends.”
In this case, I like that this is such an innocent statement but holds so much weight in what's to come in the rest of the story. As casually as Angel says this, Sarah soon finds out he's adamant about it. Unlike Angel, Sarah and the readers all know the truth from the very beginning. Sarah's best friend—the one waiting for her back home, the one she'd repeatedly gushed about and said she needs to move back to be with, and the one he assumes is a girl—is actually a guy. Her decision to let him keep his incorrect assumption sets the stage for the rest of the book. The Jaws’ music gets a little louder the more intense their relationship becomes.
Another of my favorites from the MB series is this one from Romero.
Romero’s eyes began to flood, but he was without expression. He hugged her, softly at first, but with every breath he took, he hugged her even harder. He didn’t say a word, and she didn’t ask anything else, just ran her fingers through his hair until his breathing began to calm. Without letting go of her or even pulling away to face her, he finally whispered against her ear, “Please don’t leave me. I promise I’ll try harder.” Slowly he pulled away and their eyes met. “I’m nothing without you, Izzy.”
The reason why I love this from Romero so much is because, as I've mentioned in other interviews, I was very nervous about Romero's story. In all the other books, he'd always been the loud, hotheaded, foul-mouthed sidekick. This was why I never intended to give him his own story. I really didn't think I could turn him around and make him endearing. It turned out he has one of the most vulnerable sides of any of my heroes. That scene is just one example.
This next one is one of my favorites because it not only appears in two of the books it's a scene from Forever Mine later revisited from Sofie's POV in Sweet Sofie.
“Maybe I had my tongue down his throat!” Sofia cried. “Ever think of that?” All three brothers stood there, staring at her. Alex blinked and opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
This one still cracks me up because both times I wrote it I could literally picture all three hot-headed, overprotective brothers standing there staring at her stunned. As tough and as alpha as they may be, baby sister got one up on all of them and rendered them speechless for a moment. LOL ;)
Here’s a quick one from Always Been Mine.
“I love you, Val. Always have.”
For obvious reasons, this one touches my heart. Even he wasn't certain of this until he blurted it out. It was just so genuine.  It also made me think back to Forever Mine when they first met. How young, innocent, and naive they both were to think their arrangement was just a fun thing and that at their age their little flirtation wouldn't lead to much more than making out. *sigh* On a side note, there is more to come from these two. Stay tuned! ;)
Let’s not forget Making You Mine.
First of all, let me just say I was a mess when writing this one. This was the last in the series, and I was so sad. I think Grace and Sal's love story was one of the sweetest of the series. He was so gentle and understanding after he got over the fact that Alex had hired her behind his back.
There are many quotes/scenes that come to mind, but here are two of my favorites. First, when Grace informs Sal that her mother has once again set her up with her stepdad’s boss. She’d asked what she was supposed to do since the guy was already waiting for her outside the restaurant with a bouquet of flowers.
Sal’s head jerked toward the front of the restaurant as soon as she said that. “You tell him you don’t want to go. That’s what.” He started walking. “I’ll fucking tell him.”
Grace squeezed his arm. “No, Sal. Please.”
Sal stopped and glared at her. “Do you want to go with this guy, Grace?” His loud words turned the heads of the few employees that were still there cleaning up, and they glanced out the front to see who Sal was talking about.
“No, of course not.”
“Then don’t go.”
“I won’t.” Her heart was going a mile a minute now. She never expected his reaction to be so explosive. “But let me tell him.”
Sal pulled the keys out of his pocket. “Let’s go.”
This was especially satisfying since, up until then, Sal had been so adamant that he was not like his hotheaded brothers. In fact, in a much earlier scene, before Sal even admitted he had a thing for Grace, Alex teasingly asked him if he was jealous. Sal's annoyed response? "I'm not you, you idiot!" LOL Seeing this side of him finally emerge was fun. =D
As I mentioned before, I was a mess during the writing of Making You Mine, but the epilogue was where I shed the most tears. I just went back to retrieve this quote/scene and I'm freaking crying again!
“Since this is our first night doing our new family tradition, I propose a toast.” Sal lifted his beer. “To family.”
“May it only get bigger,” Alex added.
“And may we always stay this close,” Sofia said.
“Love you, guys.” Angel lifted his beer.
“Salud!” Romero said.
“To family,” they all said before finally taking a drink.
I really do love all you guys! And I miss you so much. I'm sorry to say I will be putting you through some more drama very soon! Stay tuned everyone. It's coming! ;)


About the Author

I write because I must. It's not a choice or a pastime, it's an unyielding calling and my passion."

~Elizabeth Reyes~

Elizabeth continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 10* novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered have far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she'll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon.

Keep up with all her upcoming books/events/signings by visiting her website.
www.ElizabethReyes.com


Also come join the fun by visiting and liking her fan page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Reyes/278724885527554

Additional places to find out more about Elizabeth Reye’s books:
Link to prologue of Abel. Feel free to copy paste scene if you prefer.  
Moreno Brothers Page on my blog with LOTS of excerpts and extras.  
5th Street page on the author’s blog. Lots of excerpts and teasers of each book in series.

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway