Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Book Review: From Ashes

Synopsis From Goodreads:
Aside from her dad, who passed away when she was six, Cassidy Jameson has only ever trusted one man: her best friend, Tyler. So of course she follows him to Texas when he leaves for college. She just didn't expect to be so drawn to their new roommate, Gage, a gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl. The only problem? He's Tyler's cousin.

Gage Carson was excited to share an apartment off campus with his cousin. He didn't mind that Tyler was bringing the mysterious friend he'd heard about since they were kids ... until the most beautiful girl he's ever seen jumps out of his cousin's Jeep. There's something about Cassi that makes Gage want to give her everything. Too bad Tyler has warned him that she's strictly off-limits.

Despite everything keeping them apart, Cassi and Gage dance dangerously close to the touch they're both been craving. But when disaster sends her running into Tyler's arms, Cassi will have to decide whether to face the demons of her past ... or to burn her chance at a future with Gage.


What I Thought:

            I have officially finished and all I can say is WOW! I admit, I had low expectations, because its hard to respect a cheater, but I quickly learned that was not the case in this book. I am mad at myself for leaving Molly McAdams on my to-read shelf for too long. I will never make this mistake again.

           I appreciated the direct acknowledgement of the parental abuse Cassidy had to endure for 11 years. I love that it wasn't the main focus and the big build up reveal. I was not surprised that Tyler was "in- love" with Cassidy. I was surprised by his lack of admission of this to Cassidy and his crudeness about it with Gage. I understand it was probably his insecurities, he was probably just trying to keep Gage away. But I was appalled when I found out he was lying to Cassidy too! Gage maybe, but not Cassidy. And he just continued downhill. Tsk Tsk Tyler, I did not think Cassidy and Gage would forgive him.

            And Gage, SWOOOOOON. OH MY GOD! He was so undeniably absolutely amazingly perfect. Definitely one of my new book boyfriends. There is no bad boy here, except maybe his rare hot temper. He is just so freaking sweet. I mean so so so nice and sweet and I am completely in love. At no point in this book did he do something stupid and piss me off. (That's rare)

              This book has that it factor. It captured me and wouldn't let me go. I don't even know exactly what it is, but I could not put this book down.

              The one criticism I had for this book is Cassidy aspired to do absolutely nothing with her life. She was content to let Tyler take care of her for forever. Even as just friends. I understand that Cassidy didn't think she wouldn't actually live long enough to escape her abusive parents. But once she did, Did she think she could just sleep on the couch at Tyler's house for the rest of her life. Even after he got married and had kids. Cassidy was extremely, "damsel in distress." She was never independent. But it all worked out for her and I am so happy, Gage really deserved to be happy after everything he'd been through.


Monday, June 27, 2016

Book Review: Encave

Synopsis From GoodReads:
New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters - or Freaks - who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight - guided by Fade's long-ago memories - in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs.

Ann Aguirre's thrilling young adult novel is the story of two young people in an apocalyptic world- - facing dangers, and feelings, unlike any they've ever known.

What I thought

A friend of mine suggested this series to me, actually she sort of threatened me. But now I appreciate her for it.

This dystopian series is about a 15 year old Huntress born and raised in the underground tunnels, trained to fight off "Freaks" which, yes, is basically zombies.


She, and all the people who live with her have been raised to believe going outside, even if you can get past the zombies, will kill you. And Deuce gets partnered with the outcast that nobody likes, Fade. Together they discover that the Freaks have grown smarter and already taken over their neighboring tribe. But her superiors don't listen to her. She ends up exiled for taking the blame for a friend. And Fade goes with her. (Sweet Right).

It was amazing how small her world was underground. Together Fade and Deuce battle gangs and Freaks through the forest, picking up unlikely friends along the way to find a settlement. I find it interesting that Deuce had no idea people could live above ground, or that there were numerous settlements. But what she learns quickly, even above ground everyone thinks she's too young to advise on how to handle the smarter and more organized Freaks. Nobody wants the advice of a 16 year old girl. So she starts her own army. I loved this part so so much. She started off with 12 people and they made a name for themselves, protecting their home. Over time she grew to over 200 and came to an unlikely alliance.

Deuce literally saved her world. Her people from the army of Freaks look to kill them all. Of course she doesn't do it single handed. But she is the sole reason they fought back. And she's so humble about it. I will say this series is far more gruesome than many I've read. She likes to give great detail to many of her battles.

She grew and matured so much. I enjoyed this series and it's definitely one I'd read again.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Book Review: White Hot Kiss

Synopsis from goodreads:
One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.  


What I Thought:
         I decided to read this book because I saw it popping up every where I turned. Jennifer L. Armentrout starting a new series? Everyone is jumping on it immediately.

         The first few pages I'll admit, I was really confused. You aren't eased into this world, you're thrown in. Head first. I was left thinking Wardens? Tagging? Did I miss something? Then the demon at McDonalds, sigh, really? Also the ever constant "boy crazy best friend" that is absolutely standard. What would a book be without that? At least Sam wasn't in love with Layla.
         But then we meet Roth. SWOOOON. Yes, Love at first sight is possible. I liked him immediately. All his tattoos were sexy as ever. And his showy cockiness. I absolutely couldn't get enough of Roth. I even read the pages he was on slowly. He just has my heart.
        However, there's also Zayne, yawn. He annoyed the life out of me, Oh my God! It could have been his over protectiveness, or his goody two shoes, Or maybe just because he was getting int he way of Roth and Layla. I was so happy when Layla stopped caring about Zayne and Danika. I liked Zayne just a touch more when I knew for sure his feelings for Layla matched hers. At first he just seemed possessive.
       Layla still has a lot of growing up to do. I found her to be extremely immature. She practically threw a tantrum when Danika appeared. Being jealous was understandable. It was how she handled it. Especially because she knew there was no possible way for her and Zayne to be together.
       But Back to Roth, hmmmmm. I loved how touchy feely he was. He was never going to let Layla question his feelings for er. I was so sad when it was over. I never wanted to stop reading about him. I wanted more more more!



Blog Tour: Doppelganger by Camille Taylor


Doppelganger
Camille Taylor
(Harbour Bay Series, #4)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: June 21st 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
A new killer has descended on Harbour Bay, and he’s already killed five women…
Bestselling author Megan Bailey is devastated when her young cousin Stacey goes missing. She’s been watching the news and knows what this might mean. Stacey could be the newest victim of Harbour Bay’s newest serial killer. Megan is determined to do something, and enlists the help of her friend, the superintendent of police, Amelia Donovan.
Amelia has her best detective on the case…Dean Matthews.
Dean doesn’t believe in love. It makes men weak and vulnerable, and as a retired soldier, he’s experienced enough heartache to last several lifetimes. He also has difficulty dealing with emotional women. So when he shows up to interview Megan at the request of his boss, he isn’t exactly looking forward to it. Except Megan isn’t what he expected.
Megan is intelligent, witty, and not to mention, beautiful. Dean tries to maintain a professional distance, but with a killer on the loose, he breaks all his rules and gets involved. He offers Megan comfort and promises he might not be able to keep.
The body count continues to rise and Dean’s leads are empty as ever…
When Megan disappears too, Dean knows his time to solve this case is up. He must unravel the twisted web of clues the killer has left behind or risk the one woman who might finally teach him to love again.
Previous books in the series:
NotForgotten Open Wounds by Camille Taylor DeadDontLie
**Grab book 3 for FREE on June 24th!*
EXCERPT:
A pair of startling green eyes caught his and Dean felt like he’d been kicked in the gut. His heart thumped heavily in his chest as little pin-pricks of awareness washed over him and he found he had trouble breathing. His muscles tensed even as his body hardened and began to throb painfully. He bit back a curse. He’d never had such a reaction to a woman before in his life.
Her gaze flicked between him and Nick as he brought up his I.D. and made the introductions. The woman nodded and stepped back, allowing them to enter. She closed the door firmly and turned to face them, her expression fraught with worry.
“I know who you are. I just got off the phone with Amelia. She told me you’d be coming,” she said, twisting her fingers together anxiously. When she caught him watching, she stuffed her hands into her snug jeans. “I’m Megan Bailey.”
He gave her a slow onceover, unable to help himself. He was curious about this woman and the overwhelming desire he had for her. The entire world seemed to melt away until all that was left was her.
She was beautiful in an understated way with a honey complexion and a small dusting of freckles on the bridge of her nose. Rich mahogany hair had been pulled back into a messy ponytail. She wasn’t overly tall, the top of her head only reaching his shoulders, but she was nicely filled out with curves in all the right places, her breasts high and full beneath her shirt, which clung to her like a second skin revealing her tucked in waist and the flare of her hips. He swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry.
As if sensing his perusal, Megan glanced over at him and his knees weakened. Her eyes—those gorgeous emerald pools—pulled at him, so full of torment that his heart ached. Shit, this was crazy and so unlike him.
She blinked and he heard her sharp exhale, her mouth parted, and she looked so irresistible that he was sorely tempted to cross the short distance between them and find out if she tasted as good as she looked. He was at a loss, unable to pull away as she continued to stare at him. Was she feeling as out of control as him?
He forced himself back on track. He was here to work a case, not look for his next bed partner, and while Megan was quite delectable, she would hardly do. She wasn’t the type of woman a man fooled around with unless he had forever in his mind, and Dean Matthews didn’t do forever. No matter what his body was telling him.
He certainly wasn’t sex-starved, although it had been a while since he had hit the sheets with a woman. The case was taking up all his time, and he couldn’t think of anything else even when he had a rare moment alone to sleep. It was disconcerting and he wasn’t sure he liked it, bringing about feelings he’d long ago rejected.


Author Bio:
Camille Taylor is an Australian author who resides in the Nation's Capital with her small dog. She was the typical 90's kid and was raised on Goosebumps, Roald Dahl and Paul Jennings. In her teens she began reading the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie and in later years found Christine Feehan, Janet Evanovich and Julie Garwood.
She started writing at sixteen and enjoys spending time with her family, doting on her nieces and nephews, writing the many stories floating about her head and working on her genealogy where she can trace her heritage to England, Scotland, Ireland and Russia.
Her other interests include, anything creative - such as scrapbooking and drawing and has travelled across Western Europe, New Zealand and the UAE, after spending a year living in London. She's also dabbled in tae kwon do.

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Friday, June 24, 2016

Book Review: Unravel me

Synopsis from Goodreads:
I have a curse
I have a giftI am a monster
I'm more than humanMy touch is lethal
My touch is powerI am their weapon
I will fight back

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
 



What I Thought
Blown Away! Pure and Simple.

                       I'd actually been wanting to read this book for a while. Every time I saw it I'd say ooh, that
looks interesting. I'd put it on my invisible theoretical to-be-read list. And I'd keep forgetting about it. Another book would catch my eye. Oh how silly I feel now. For Letting this book fall to the bottom of my list. All those less than satisfying books I wasted my time with when I could have been reading this.

                      I was sucking in with the fist page. I could feel it, in the writing, in the world created, this was going to be a good book. I admit, before I started my expectations were low. I hadn't read anything by or about this author nor had I read any reviews. But it by far surpassed anything I expected of it.

                     Tahereh Mafi is an amazing author. Her words are so beautiful, many times I found myself reading whole pages twice. The way writing describes places, people, emotions, It's language I wish I could adopt, implant into my own brain and use every day. The eyes through which she sees the world... speechless. I feel like this series was full of quotes and life lessons.

                    It is so hard for me to admire a heroine of the story And Juliette fell into the OK category. She had SO much growing up to do. And while I finally found I had a reason to cheer for her in the end, she still rubbed me the wrong way. She went from zero confidence to maybe just a little too much.
               And as usual I LOVED Adam and Warner. I loved them each so much and for very different reasons. I couldn't get enough. They were both so beautifully broken and yet so strong. So different and yet so much alike. I adored them and was very pleased with their outcome.
                But Kenji was hands down my favorite character. He was funny and so strong and encouraging. I like this best friend much more than the typical crazy, outgoing, kind of promiscuous best friend that seems to always make an appearance. Of course Juliette was by default surrounded by boys, but I loved it. It ended far too abruptly. There were really needs to be a 4th book. But maybe Tahereh Mafi is smart enough to leave us wanting more rather than adding on that last book which seems to often ruin the amazing opinion I had of it. I'd still rush out and buy it anyway though. Of course, I got all tongue tied and speechless when I was actually in front of her getting my book signed to ask. I'm just more comfortable in my nook reading.

                 This was one of the best dystopian series I've read.  


Thursday, June 23, 2016

Blog Tour: Seam Stalkers


The Shattered Seam
Kathleen Groger
(Seam Stalkers, #1)
Publication date: September 13th 2016
Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Young Adult
Spending spring break on an isolated island rumored to be haunted is not sixteen-year-old Sam’s idea of fun. Spending spring break with her uncle and his ghost-hunting film crew on an isolated island is even worse.
Way worse.
Her family’s secrets—and a genetic ability she can no longer deny—surface, along with the ghost of a rich serial killer who left behind a trail of trapped souls.
And he’s not through yet.
With only one chance for escape, Sam must embrace her family’s curse and close the Seam between the living and the dead. Or be lost, forever.
--

Silencing The Seam
Kathleen Groger
(Seam Stalkers, #2)
Publication date: 2016
Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Young Adult
Sixteen-year-old Sam Drake thought she’d left the horrors of spring break and Defiance Castle behind her. But back home, the spirits swirling around her are more demanding, more aggressive.
Fear of being institutionalized by her skeptical mother drives Sam to follow her dad to New Orleans. There she hopes to take back control of her life. But the French Quarter and the cities of the dead have other plans. Hour by hour they drain her, making it next-to-impossible to fight off a ghost who is determined to use her for its own revenge.
Ensnared in an ancient power struggle where Voodoo rituals, betrayal and murder rule, Sam must determine who to trust. One step in the wrong direction will lock her inside the Seam to walk among the dead for eternity.


Author Bio:
Kathleen wrote her first story in elementary school about a pegasus named Sir Lancelot. It had no plot or conflict, but it sparked a dream. After serving a fifteen-year sentence in retail management, the bulk in big box bookstores, she turned her love of reading into a full-time career writing dark and haunting characters and stories. She writes paranormal, fantasy, suspense, horror YA books. She is a contributing member of READerlicious, writers who love readers. Check out her blogs here.
She lives by the mantra that a day is not complete without tea. Lots of tea. Kathleen lives in Ohio with her husband, two boys, and two attention-demanding dogs. When not writing or editing or revising, you can find her reading, cooking, spending time with her family, or photographing abandoned buildings.

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Fall of Thrones and Thorns
Jennifer Ellision
(Threats of Sky and Sea #3)
Publication date: September 27th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
War hurtles in, a typhoon over the sea.
After Bree’s life was torn apart, Nereidium had represented a haven to her. A place that—if she could save it—was beyond the King’s reach.
And, at last, she’s arrived upon its shores. But things in Nereidium are not what they should be.
The land is plagued by a rash of mysterious earthquakes, the likes of which it’s never known. The governors are distracted by old traditions, while Bree and her friends grapple with changing identities and the sense that the longer they wait to take action… the greater the danger from Egria grows.
Bree is tired of living under the shadow of King Langdon’s power. And she’s tired of waiting for him to be the first to act.
In this final chapter of the Threats of Sky and Sea series, it all comes down to Nereidium or Egria. To Bree or the King. It’s kill… or be killed.
And not everyone will escape the battle unscathed.
Previous books in the series:
20498423 Beautiful woman with katana isolated on the white background


Author Bio:
Jennifer Ellision spent a great deal of her childhood staying up past her bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When she couldn't find the stories she wanted to read, she started writing them. She loves words, has a soft spot for fanfiction, and is a master of the fangirl flail. She resides in South Florida with her family, where she lives in fear of temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit

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Blog Tour: Burned By Fire by Danielle Annett


Burned by Fire
Danielle Annett
(Blood & Magic, #3)
Publication date: September 2016
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Aria’s pyrokinetic ability has always been hard to control, and being pulled in so many directions, isn’t making it any easier. Now she has to help Inarus, a foe turned friend who is being targeted by the Human Alliance Corporation—the very organization he once worked for.
But the HAC has more than just Inarus in their sights. Aria finds herself going deep into enemy territory to save a witchling child with never before seen powers, that the HAC has kidnapped to further their own ends.
Aria has been hired to save a child once before, and she failed. That failure has haunted her even to this day and she won’t let herself fail again. With the HAC closing in, and complications between herself and the Pack rising, Aria has no choice but to succeed. A child’s life is on the line and Aria will risk everything to save that life.
Previous books in the series:
20564142 25236851


Author Bio:
Danielle Annett is a reader, writer, photographer, and the blogger behind Coffee and Characters. Born in the SF Bay area, she now resides in Spokane, WA, the primary location for her Blood & Magic series.
Addicted to coffee at an early age, she spends her restless nights putting pen to paper as she tries to get all of the stories out of her head before the dogs wake up the rest of the house and vye for her attention.
You can learn more about Danielle on her website at Danielle-Annett.com or follow her on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleAnnett and on twitter @Danielle_Annett

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Book Review: Panic by Lauren Oliver


  



Synopsis from Goodreads:
Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

What I thought:
I decided to read Panic because A) I loved the cover. Every time I saw it, it made me pause in curiosity B)The synopsis was captivating C) Everywhere I turned my head, some one was raving about it.

           And for good reason. Panic was absolutely outstanding 5 stars. Standing ovation good. Lauren Oliver sucked you in immediately with the thrill and the suspense of Panic. But she keeps you with beautiful writing.  That's what I loved the most. The way she spoke about fear and pain. Insecurities. I fell in love with the beauty of the flaws in every character. Dodge was the quiet kid at school with no friends. The way Natalie treated Dodge. Heather with her insecurities about her height, her looks, her mom and sister. Bishop with his awkwardness. Everyone of them changed by the end of summer.

         Panic was not your typical romantic story. It wasn't lighthearted or funny. It was intense and deep. I didn't think of Bishop or Dodge as your typical book boyfriend. But I loved them both. Especially Dodge. He seemed so lonely and full of turmoil inside.

        I found it interesting that this book written in 3rd person focused mainly on Heather and Dodge. The weren't even friends really until the end.

Panic, book signed, by Lauren Oliver ya book         This is a book I could easily see made into a movie It was exciting and emotional at the same time. A well developed and well timed plot line that didn't dwell on unnecessary back and forth. Kind of dark and at times unexpected. And a bonus, it was a Stand- Alone. One of the best books I've read this year. I suggest everyone at least give it a try. But be warned. It isn't your typical corny teenage romance.

I had the lovely honor of meeting Lauren Oliver at the Festival of Books in Los Angeles on April 12th and I actually built up the courage to talk to her for a while. She was very nice. An even better reason to keep buying her books and spreading the word that she's a talented author.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Book Tour: Viewing Room


VIEWING ROOM: A Society X Novel
L.P. Dover & Heidi McLaughlin
Publication date: September 6th 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Viewing Room Rules:
The rules of Society X are simple . . . break them and you’re out.
Rule #1 – No names
It doesn’t matter if you want to know, it’s forbidden.
Rule #2 – No exchanging numbers
It doesn’t matter if you want to call, it’s forbidden.
Rule #3 – Everything is to remain strictly anonymous.
It doesn’t matter if you want to tell, it’s forbidden.
Whatever your desire.
Whatever your fantasy.
The Viewing Room will make it happen.
For Kennedy Vaughn, it’s an escape.
For Hunter Miles, entering the Viewing Room means he’s been selected.
What you witness in the viewing room will have you asking for more . . .
Viewing Room_FINAL
Viewing Room Teaser 2


Author Bio:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can't forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.
Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over seventeen novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
You can find L.P. Dover here:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
--
Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.
Originally from Portland, Oregon and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, and their newest addition of a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL.
During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games.
Find Heidi here:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

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Thursday, June 16, 2016

The Boy who sneaks in my bedroom window

Synopsis: Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years. Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair. Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer? Find out in The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window.


What I Thought:

                 I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and entertaining. What I found most interesting was the fact that Amber and Liam had zero relationship problems. This book didn't have any, hurdles to over come really. It didn't feel like a slow build to a big climax in the story. It just ran smoothly. Liam was so sweet. He was nice and funny and didn't do anything wrong throughout the book.

              Amber and Jake's father did pose a bit of a problem towards the end, but it seemed to come on quickly and get resolved quickly. Even though this book lacked excitement it was entertaining and easy to read. If you love a good love story, this is a good choice.



Wednesday, June 15, 2016

WOW: Windwitch

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine , that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. Check them out for links to more blogs! :)

This weeks anxiously awaiting book is
Expected publication: January 3rd 2017         
Synopsis:
The follow-up to New York Times bestselling Truthwitch, next in a breathtaking YA fantasy series hailed by Alexandra Bracken as "a world you will want to inhabit forever."

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a "witchery," a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In this follow-up to New York Times bestselling Truthwitch, a shadow man haunts the Nubrevnan streets, leaving corpses in his wake—and then raising those corpses from the dead. Windwitch continues the tale of Merik—cunning privateer, prince, and windwitch.

Add it on Goodreads

What book are you waiting on this week?
Share your links below


Intimidating TBR Book Tag

Thank you Paperback Darling for tagging me in this cool Book Tag!

If you enjoy reading an every growing to be read pile is inevitable. Luckily I have the rest of my life to work on it!

Thanks to BookBub I have far too many Ebooks I haven't touched yet.

1. What book have you been unable to finish?
I was so excited when the final installment to this epic series was finally released I couldn't wait to read it. But I just couldn't get through it. I'm sure it's just me. But I've never been able to come back to it either. Maybe summer would be a good time to tackle this.




2. What book do you have yet to read because you just haven’t had the time?
I've heard nothing but amazing things about this series. I can't wait to find the time to binge read this series with minimal interruptions.


3. What book do you have yet to read because it’s a sequel?
This is more of a prequel. I enjoyed The Program, which is the 1st book in the series. So I might enjoy this one as well, but for some reason I keep ignoring it.


4. What book do you have yet to read because it’s brand new?
I've seen this book heavily advertised at book festivals this year. I believe this is a debut author. Eventually I'll get to it.




5. What book do you have yet to read because you read a book by the same author and didn’t enjoy it?
I didn't hate The Selection Series. I read it straight through. However I found myself criticizing it the whole way. With small spurts of reading happiness. So I don't see myself reading anymore from this series.


6. What book do you have yet to read because you’re just not in the mood for it?
I really think this will be a good series and I keep thinking I can't wait to read it. But   I can't bring myself to start

7. What book do you have yet to read because it’s humongous?
Definitely this book! It seems sooo big and long and like it's going to be a challenge to read and understand.

8. What book do you have yet to read because it’s a cover-buy that ended up not having great reviews.
I've read 2 and a half series by Richelle Mead which would be a whopping 15 books. That's a lot so I consider myself a fan and would read anything she's written but this book got some pretty bad reviews by bloggers I really like. It was discouraging but I'm still willing to give it a try.



9. What is the most intimidating book on your TBR?
I love the show so I want to read the books but it seems almost impossible. Like the biggest undertaking.

10. Who do I tag?
Coming Soon...

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Allerleirauh by Chantal Gadoury


Genre:  YA Fantasy / Fairy Tale / Romance

Self Published © Chantal Gadoury

Date of Publication:  December 21st 2015

ISBN: 1522880801 
ISBN-13: 978-1522880806
ASIN:  B019O4UAN4

Number of pages:  232
Word Count: 54,551

Cover Artist: Chantal Gadoury
Photography:  Ivan Bliznetsov

Book Description 

Once Upon a Time… 
In the Kingdom of Tränen, a King makes a promise to his dying wife to only remarry someone who has her golden hair. With time, the King finds his eyes are turned by his maturing daughter. Realizing her father’s intentions, Princess Aurelia tries to trick her Father by requesting impossible gifts: dresses created by the sun, moon and stars and a coat made of a thousand furs. When Aurelia discovers his success, she knows she must run away from her privileged life and escapes the kingdom disguised by the cloak and under a new name, “Allerleirauh.” 

Aurelia enters the safe haven of the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht, where she is taken under the care of the handsome and gentle Prince Klaus. Hoping to not be discovered by her father’s courtiers, Aurelia tries to remain hidden under her new false identity. Unexpected love is found between Aurelia and Prince Klaus and is challenged with an approaching arranged marriage between the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht and a neighboring ruler. With the possibility of discovery hanging in the air, Aurelia must face the difficulties of her past with her father in her journey of self-discovery before the Prince and his entire Kingdom learns the truth of her real identity, and she looses him forever.




Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/lEB-X-A5f44


Excerpt One: 
Prologue
“If you ever decide to remarry, you must marry someone who is as beautiful as I and has my golden hair.” The words seemed to echo all around the darkened, red room as my dying mother whispered them. Candles were lit all across the room, creating a gloomy and death-like atmosphere around us as they flickered against the stone walls; the only solace of light were the flames, curling out from the fireplace.  My mother’s hair, like spools of golden thread, lay against her forehead, clinging to her dying, pale skin as she lifted her hand, reaching out to my Father for his answer. My mother, the Queen, was dying in her bed with my weeping father on bended knee, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles and the corner of her lips.
“My wife…” His words were soft and full of a clouded grief I knew I didn’t understand. My father and mother were hardly ever affectionate behind closed doors. I often saw them together in the throne room, together in my father’s den, but never close; never touching. His loss of her was a mystery to me. 
  “Promise me,” she hissed at him, her breathing was growing faint as she shifted and grunted, trying to look at him more closely. Perhaps it was her only solace that her husband, my father, would never truly love anyone after her. Perhaps she hoped a new wife would only be a constant reminder of his first. 
    I stood in the background, watching the scene between my mother and father, clinging to the thick red bed drapes, my own golden curls tied back with a black ribbon. I had been pulled from my tutoring lesson with Mousier Rayner, learning French from the brittle books of my father’s library and had dressed for the occasion of my mother’s death in a simple black dress. I hadn’t known how to feel as the black silk brushed against my skin. I felt almost as if we were being paraded into her room to watch her die like an animal. Was this how life truly was? 
  We were born, lived the life God granted us, and then, just as quickly, our flame dulls until it becomes a wisp of smoke in a darkened room and we’re gone. As the servants and house-hold hands guided me into the room, I stood frozen in the back. It was often said by the Courtiers I looked much like my mother; I had the same golden hair and the same blue eyes. I wondered now how true it really was. Did I truly? 
  I felt fear as her last breath slipped between her lips, her hand slowly falling from my father’s shoulder. Everyone in the Kingdom knew the King did not have a male heir, and in turn, would need one to carry on the Royal Line. Who would be next? I could see eyes staring at me; I was my Mother’s reflection: my Mother’s legacy. I felt a cold shiver run up my spine as I heard my father reply, “I promise.” 



   *** 
Excerpt Two:  
I could feel my whole body shaking as I stood in front of my Father’s chambers. I could see my hand shaking as I lifted it towards the wooden door. I had not ever been so nervous to see my Father before. The idea of my Father now frightened me after what had taken place in my room earlier in the morning; the idea of my own unknown fate terrified me the most. I slowly brought myself to knock and wait in silence. Lord Haven’s face greeted me as the door opened slightly. 
             “Princess...” he said with surprise in his voice. He should not have been surprised. He should have known I would keep my word and come to the King. I could hear my Father asking, “Is that her? Is that Aurelia?” Lord Haven gave a small nod towards the other side of the room, where I could imagine my Father leaning over his desk; his fingers tousled in his hair. The door parted more for me and Lord Haven gestured with a bow for me to enter. I tucked my hands behind my back and took a breath. I had to remember the plan Myriah and I had created.  
“Could I speak to my Father, the King, alone?” I asked delicately as I kept my gaze to the floor. I could hear the silence between the two of them; the unspoken questions and commands. Perhaps Lord Haven already knew I had come here to agree to my Father’s wishes, and perhaps my Father felt as if he had won. I just hoped my plan would work.  
  “Aurelia, the King has much to speak to you about.” Lord Haven’s voice was nervous, shaky even and I nodded in reply. 
“Yes, I know.” 
“Leave us.” My Father’s voice caused an array of shivers to run down my spine. The hairs on my arm rose as I watched Lord Haven leave the room, and my Father took a step towards me. He looked regal and different from the night before in his cloak, his hair matted against his forehead and his crown, the large weight of his responsibility on his shoulders. I felt his finger touch my arm gently, rising and falling up and down my skin. I wanted to shrink away, but knew I could not. I had to stay firm and strong just as Myriah had told me to be.
  “Aurelia…” he whispered softly. I took a step towards his desk and placed my hands on the oak wood, remembering him here, snapping his fingers at me as if I were a dog just the night before. 
  “Your Grace.” I replied, turning to look at him. I felt as if it were the first time I was truly seeing my Father for who he was now, then whom he had been before with my Mother. I hoped the way I spoke to him made him realize the change which had occurred. He was no longer a Father, but a stranger to me. 
“I’ve come to make an arrangement with you.” I said directly. 
  “And what is your arrangement?” There was a hint of amusement in his voice as he spoke to me. I bit my lip and looked down at my bare hands, trying to remember everything Myriah and I had spoken of. “What is it you wish from me?” He asked again.  
  “You have told me this morning I am to be your bride.”  I caught his gaze, keeping it as long as I could until he turned, brushing a hand through his hair. 
  “Yes.” he replied simply. “I’ve searched long and wide for a wife to meet the late Queen’s...” 
  “My Mother.” I interjected. He stared at me; a tense moment between the two of us. 
  “The late Queen’s request.” He finished as he rounded his desk. He began to take steps closer to me as his hand very close to mine; his face seemed to draw itself even closer. 
“You are so very beautiful Aurelia. I’ve watched you grow in the past two years, and I never knew. Never knew how truly beautiful you were.” I felt a strange disgust build in the coils of my stomach. I wanted to turn my face away from him, to turn my back and stride out the door; I wished with all of my soul, I would never have to face him again, yet, I knew it would never resolve so easily. I could not stay a moment longer in his presence but I knew I must.  As he came closer, thoughts of the night before flooded my mind; how easy it had been for him to press me against his bed, for him to take my clothes and to take me in a way only a husband should have. 
 "It is very lonely without a partner to live a life with. The late Queen knew how to entertain our people and myself. She knew how to hold herself with poise and grace, and she knew how to tend to her husband diligently. I see much of her in you." It seemed strange he would. I hardly thought I was anything like my Mother. Perhaps, yes, she was graceful and delicate, but she hardly knew how to take care of anyone but herself. I began to think of the ball, and the golden dress and how I had resembled her so much it seemed my Father fell in love with me. 
  My Father took another step towards me and I backed away instinctively. His hand grabbed mine and pulled me towards him, so that I was standing pressed against him.
  "Have you forgotten your Mother's last wish? I promised her I would marry someone as beautiful as she. You're the only one who has the same golden hair, the same smile, the same beautiful eyes. You are the only one who will do, who I can love. The only one worthy of my love, my power, my body. You will be my bride." He declared as he ran a finger through my hair. My teeth clenched at his touch; the only thing keeping me in the room was the hope my arrangements would ultimately save me from this fate. I could not live this life with him. 
  "If I am to marry you,” I began softly, letting out a deep breath. "I have four simple requests." 
  My Father grinned and nodded, “Go on…anything.” 
Perhaps he thought he was about to have everything he wanted. Perhaps in this moment, he was. I slowly uncurled my fingers from the fist I had created and licked my bottom lip. 
"For my marriage, I will require new gowns. I request three gowns, one spun from the ray of sunbeams, the second, as silver as the moonbeams that dance along the night sky, and the third, woven from the star dust that falls from the heavens." My Father looked slightly surprised but continued to listen. I knew he would remember these from the night he had declared he would do anything for me to keep me happy and by his side. 
  "My last request,” I continued, “A fur coat made of all the Kingdom’s wild animals, so when the harsh winters come I can keep sickness and death at bay."  I could feel my hands shake from trepidation; I couldn't believe I actually made these demands to him. What would the people think once they heard of him going to these lengths to marry me? Would they think I was a harlot? Would they think I encouraged my Father’s inappropriate behavior towards me? 
  "And this is all you request from me?" he asked, surprised. I could see the amusement light up upon his face as I slowly nodded to him. Maybe this would actually work. Perhaps he would not see through the façade and agree to these. If he did, this would grant me more time to collect my things, arrange an escape from the palace, and more forward with my plans. I would never again be Princess Aurelia, but I would avoid the marriage between my own Father and myself. 
"And if I agree to these things, you will marry me?" A smile crept upon his face as I gave a fast, curt nod as I swallowed my fear. 
  "Consider it done then, my love." My Father embraced me as he pressed a kiss upon the corner of my lips. I felt his finger lift my chin gently and I quickly took a step back away again. My eyes darted to the ground and I twisted a part of my dress around my finger nervously. I needed to play the park but protect myself. 
"I have much to plan." I said quickly, fumbling and turning towards the door. For those who heard me, perhaps they imagined I’d create a beautiful wedding, but for me I knew I had other things to plan.  
  "Dearest,” My Father’s voice caused me to stop in my foot-steps at the door. My hand had only been inches away from reaching the doorknob.  
  "I shall have these gifts to you within a week. Mark my words, the day after I present them to you, we shall marry." There was no question in his voice. This was how it would be. I only gave him a silent nod as I avoided his eyes and opened the door. I escaped quickly out into the hallway, far away from him before he could see the tears I fought so hard to keep at bay. 



About The Author 
Chantal Gadoury is a young author who is originally from Muncy, PA. Chantal enjoys to paint in her spare time, drink a good cup of coffee when she can and appreciates watching her favorite Disney classics with loved ones. When she’s not busy crafting or reading, Chantal is dedicated to her family at home: her mom, sister and a furry-puppy-brother (and her Dad, who has now lives in heaven.) As a 2011 college graduate from Susquehanna University, with a degree in Creative Writing, writing novels has become a dream come true!




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