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Friday, 30 May 2014
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Happy Book Birthday: Perfectly Messy, by Lizzy Charles
Welcome to the Release Day Blitz for
Perfectly Messy (Effortless With You #2) by Lizzy Charles
presented by Swoon Romance!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
Popularity isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. Justin Marshall knows this better than most. For the captain of the basketball team, small business owner, and son of Minnesota’s next governor, life can get pretty overwhelming. But Justin can handle anything as long as he has Lucy, the girl who fell for the man he’s trying to be.But for Justin and Lucy, finding time together proves challenging. Stolen kisses and whispered promises just aren’t enough. That is, until scandalous photos of the couple are leaked to a press intent on creating a juicy scandal during Justin’s dad’s gubernatorial campaign. And when Lucy becomes fair play for the tabloids and gossip pages, Justin does the only thing he can to protect her: he breaks her heart.
For Lucy, junior year is everything she hoped it would be: new friends, second chances, and a boyfriend she can’t stop kissing. That is, until the boy she’s pretty sure she loves chooses the life his family wants for him, over her.
Now it’s up to Lucy to teach him what it really means to have everything. Because for Justin, being who everyone needs him to be just might cost him the one person he can’t live without.
Perfectly Messy by Lizzy Charles
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Swoon Romance
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Available for Purchase:
When Lizzy Charles isn’t scrambling to raise her two spunky toddlers or caring for premature and sick babies as a neonatal intensive care nurse, she’s in a quiet corner writing or snuggled up with a novel and a few squares of dark chocolate. Black tea keeps her constant and she loves guacamole. She married her high school sweet heart, a heart-melting musician, so it’s no surprise she’s fallen in love with writing contemporary YA romance novels.
Effortless With You (Effortless With You #1)
by Lizzy Charles
by Lizzy Charles
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
Monday, 26 May 2014
Review: Black Abaddon by Sasha Hibbs
Black Abaddon, the second book in Sasha Hibbs' Vulcan Legacies series, follows the tale of Ally Watson whose choices in Black Amaranth may have helped save the world, but are hard to come to terms with. Having lost her soul mate to an act of heroism, Ally ventures into a darker realm and into darker secrets, traveling to the Nosferatu Nation and delving into deeper mysteries, training to defeat the Devourer and coming closer to her terrifying destiny.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Black Abaddon, beyond the epic weight of Ally's role and destiny, and the gravitas of her mission, is the fact that she is the Angel of Death, but remains a relate-able character, sans all the powers that could have made her too distant. The gloom that clings to Ally is only fitting, considering the great loss she has suffered, and the personal failures she struggles to overcome; moreover, it makes her an accessible character. Throughout the book, Ally seems to slowly grow more into herself, coming into her own as the twists and turns in her journey with Marik, of all people, gain more and more force, moving from a winding stream to a churning river.
Dark, engaging, and best enjoyed all at once, Black Abaddon will keep readers of the Vulcan Legacies on the edge of their reading chairs and up well after their reasonable bedtimes. Of course, I recommend catching up with Black Amaranth first, because Black Abaddon isn't a stand alone.
Happy Reading.
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Review: These Broken Stars, by Megan Spooner and Amie Kaufman
I didn't mean to read it twice, and I certainly didn't intend to read it twice in the space of two nights. Nonetheless, These Broken Stars stunned me with it's pacing, detail, energy, humanity, originality, and depth of character development. Having just come down off a whirlwind YA Sci-Fi high induced by reading Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress in short succession, I didn't expect to be impressed, but instead I was absolutely transported into a different world.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, and am putting it on the short list of my favorite books. Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner come together to tell a beautifully constructed tale from the shifting perspectives of Tarver, a quick thinking military hero and Lilac, a seemingly spoiled rich girl, both of whom have a lot more to them that one would think on first glance. Filled with genre bending twists that will leave you wondering how the authors can keep moving the ball forward, which they do with unrelenting momentum, I recommend reading These Broken Stars when you have the time to devote to it, because you aren't going to want to put it down.
This is one of the best books I've plucked off my library's shelf this spring.
As a side note, although These Broken Stars is, alas, the first in a series, it has the closure of a stand alone, and that made my heart happy.
Go forth, read it. Indulge in survivalist adventures in beautiful alien landscapes with echoes of Marion Zimmer Bradley' Darkover Series, and just enjoy it
.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, and am putting it on the short list of my favorite books. Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner come together to tell a beautifully constructed tale from the shifting perspectives of Tarver, a quick thinking military hero and Lilac, a seemingly spoiled rich girl, both of whom have a lot more to them that one would think on first glance. Filled with genre bending twists that will leave you wondering how the authors can keep moving the ball forward, which they do with unrelenting momentum, I recommend reading These Broken Stars when you have the time to devote to it, because you aren't going to want to put it down.
This is one of the best books I've plucked off my library's shelf this spring.
As a side note, although These Broken Stars is, alas, the first in a series, it has the closure of a stand alone, and that made my heart happy.
Go forth, read it. Indulge in survivalist adventures in beautiful alien landscapes with echoes of Marion Zimmer Bradley' Darkover Series, and just enjoy it
.
Friday, 23 May 2014
Friday Cover Reveal: Predator by Janice Gable Bashman
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
PREDATOR by Janice Gable Bashman
presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
"Predator is a fast-paced, creepy page-turner! Bashman had me at the opening sentence and she's still got me. I want more!"Nancy Holder, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Rules
The hunt is on!
Sixteen-year-old Bree Sunderland must inject herself with an untested version of her father’s gene therapy to become a werewolf in order to stop a corrupt group of mercenaries from creating a team of unstoppable lycanthrope soldiers.
When Bree went with her scientist father to Ireland, she thought it would be a vacation to study bog bodies. She never expected to fall in love with a mysterious young Irishman and certainly never expected to become the kind of monster her father said only existed in nightmares. Dr. Sunderland discovers that lycanthropy was not a supernatural curse but rather a genetic mutation. When they return home, her dad continues his research, but the military wants to turn that research into a bio weapons program and rogue soldiers want to steal the research to turn themselves into unstoppable killing machines.
Bree’s boyfriend Liam surprises her with a visit to the United States, but there are darker surprises in store for both of them. As evil forces hunt those she loves, Bree must become an even more dangerous hunter to save them all.
Predator gives the werewolf legend a couple of new spins by introducing the Benandanti (an actual folkloric belief that certain families of Italy and Livonia were werewolves who fought against evil), as well as a modern scientific approach to mutation and the science of transgenics.
Title: PREDATOR
Publication date: October 14 , 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Janice Gable Bashman
Publication date: October 14 , 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Janice Gable Bashman
Janice Gable Bashman is the Bram Stoker nominated author of Wanted Undead or Alive and Predator. She is managing editor of the The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers' ezine). Janice lives with her family in the Philadelphia area, where she at work on her next novel. Visit her at janicegablebashman.com.
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
(Winners will receive their book on release day)
Thursday, 22 May 2014
Excerpt of Heart Shaped Rock by Laura Roppe
Today, we are happy to be a part of the Book Blitz for Heart Shaped Rock, a YA contemporary novel by Laura Roppe, by featuring an excerpt of the novel. Check it out! And don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post.
Heart Shaped Rock
by Laura Roppe
Release Date: May 2014
Summary from Goodreads:
“If you liked the music
collaboration of Maybe Someday, you’ve got to check out Heart Shaped Rock.” —
New York Times best-selling author of Maybe Someday, Colleen Hoover
"Laura RoppĂ© has written a moving and emotional novel of first love, accurately capturing the voice and mind of a dramatic and emotional sixteen year old girl caught in a maelstrom of grief and loss, love and heartbreak. And then there’s Dean…you'll just have to read the book, ‘cause I can't do him justice in a few short sentences.” –Jasinda Wilder, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of Falling into You
Sometimes a shattered heart needs to sing to love again . . . Sixteen year old singer-songwriter Shaynee Sullivan hasn't so much as touched her guitar since her mom died six months ago. In fact, Shaynee hasn't felt like doing much of anything lately, except maybe playing Whack-a-Mole on her "emotionally intelligent" brother's head. But when she meets a gorgeous and surprising rocker named Dean, her shattered heart begins to mend . . . and then burst at the seams. Heart-wrenching, heart-warming, and sometimes even heart-racing, Heart Shaped Rock will leave you laughing through tears and rooting for love in all its forms.
Hear the original music performed in Heart Shaped Rock at www.LauraRoppe.com. All music available on iTunes.
"Laura RoppĂ© has written a moving and emotional novel of first love, accurately capturing the voice and mind of a dramatic and emotional sixteen year old girl caught in a maelstrom of grief and loss, love and heartbreak. And then there’s Dean…you'll just have to read the book, ‘cause I can't do him justice in a few short sentences.” –Jasinda Wilder, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of Falling into You
Sometimes a shattered heart needs to sing to love again . . . Sixteen year old singer-songwriter Shaynee Sullivan hasn't so much as touched her guitar since her mom died six months ago. In fact, Shaynee hasn't felt like doing much of anything lately, except maybe playing Whack-a-Mole on her "emotionally intelligent" brother's head. But when she meets a gorgeous and surprising rocker named Dean, her shattered heart begins to mend . . . and then burst at the seams. Heart-wrenching, heart-warming, and sometimes even heart-racing, Heart Shaped Rock will leave you laughing through tears and rooting for love in all its forms.
Hear the original music performed in Heart Shaped Rock at www.LauraRoppe.com. All music available on iTunes.
Excerpt
A log in the bonfire falls, and the entire fire crackles and pops and sizzles. A wave of thick smoke envelops me for just a moment with the shifting of the breeze. I begin to cough and wave the air with my hands to clear a clean patch to breathe.
“Looks like you’ve picked a dangerous spot,” a voice says. I turn, expecting Jared. But it’s not Jared. It’s some guy I don’t know.
Wow, yet another Casanova. Do I have “please talk to me” stamped on my forehead? What’s going on tonight?
I don’t reply to his pick-up line. I mean it’s pretty lame.
“Is this seat taken?” he asks, motioning to the sand next to me.
I shrug.
His voice seems really familiar to me. But I can’t place it.
He looks to the fire for a moment, and the flames dance across his face. Wow, he has the most alluring collection of features I’ve ever seen. Well, in person, anyway. I’ve seen movie stars and rock stars rival this guy, but I’ve never seen such perfection up close. He truly is a work of art. His hair is dark. His cheekbones are high. His nose is sculpted. His lips are . . . wow.
“I’m Dean,” he says, extending his hand.
I put my hand in his and immediately feel a current of electricity jolt through my body. I jerk my hand away.
“I’m Shaynee,” I say, sounding more confident than I feel. “I recently learned I’m supposed to say my name when someone says theirs. So, there, I did it. I said my name. It’s Shaynee.” Oh God, I’m rambling.
He laughs a masculine, guttural laugh.
I freeze. I know that laugh. Oh my God. I look down at his clothes. Jeans. Combat boots. He’s not wearing the leather jacket, but . . .
Another plume of smoke from the bonfire hits and envelops us. Again, I cough ferociously. But he isn’t coughing at all.
When the smoke clears, he lets out his breath. “You’re a bonfire rookie, Shaynee.”
When he says my name, my stomach flips over and that electricity from our handshake bounces throughout my body.
He turns to look at me, flashing a wicked grin, and I finally see those startling blue eyes in the flickering light confirming what I already know. Motorcycle Boy.
“When you see smoke coming,” he says, “you gotta hold your breath ‘til it passes.”
“Or, hey,” I say, “here’s an idea—we could just move back a bit.”
“What, and sacrifice warmth?” He grins.
“It is a bit of a Sophie’s Choice, isn’t it?”
Dean laughs like he actually understands my movie reference.
Gah, is it super-duper hot out here tonight? Am I sitting way too close to the fire? Is my hair burning?
“Actually, holding my breath is my superpower,” I blurt. “I can hold my breath all day long.” God, I sound like such a dork.
“Well, that’s a handy superpower. You could totally team up with Aquaman and fight underwater crime and stuff.” He shoots me a crooked smile. “And make some really beautiful tadpoles.”
I can’t take it anymore. I have to call a spade a spade. “You’re the guy on the motorcycle.” It’s a statement, not a question. “Motorcycle Boy.”
“Yes, I am. And you’re the girl with the walkie-talkie. Walkie-Talkie Girl.” He laughs.
About the Author
Laura Roppé is an award-winning singer/songwriter, author, audio book narrator, speaker, and former attorney from San Diego, California. In 2011, Billboard Magazine ranked her as Number Three on its chart of the Top 50 "uncharted" artists in the world. In May 2013, Laura began hosting Amazon's weekly podcast, "Kindle Love Stories," for people who love hearing about love stories, romance, and happily ever afters.
Her first book is the non-fiction memoir, Rocking the Pink. Her latest is a YA-teen romance novel entitled Heart Shaped Rock, featuring a soundtrack.
Book Blitz Organized by:
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Happy Book Birthday: Reborn (Shadow Falls: After Dark) by CC Hunter
Yesterday marked the release of REBORN (Shadow Falls: After Dark) by New York Times Bestselling author C. C. Hunter. If you like paranormal tales that include vampires and shapeshifters, you might want to check this out.
Enter Shadow Falls: After Dark and meet a vampire named Della, who’s about to discover what her own story is meant to be.
Della had the perfect life—the family, a boyfriend, and a bright future—until she was turned, and abandoned by everyone she loves. She takes refuge at Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with paranormal powers. It’s where she and her best friends, Kylie and Miranda, heal their heartbreak with laughter, and where Della is training to be a paranormal investigator—and she refuses to be distracted. That means there’s no time for romance with Steve, a gorgeous shapeshifter whose kisses melt her heart.
When a new vampire named Chase shows up at camp, Della’s world is thrown into even more chaos. Arrogant and annoyingly sexy, Chase is a mystery . . . and the only mystery Della likes is one she can solve. She can’t solve Chase, at least not while she’s dealing with ghostly hauntings, vampire gangs and a web of family secrets. Can she prove herself as an investigator and keep her life—and her heart—intact?
Enter Shadow Falls: After Dark and meet a vampire named Della, who’s about to discover what her own story is meant to be.
Della had the perfect life—the family, a boyfriend, and a bright future—until she was turned, and abandoned by everyone she loves. She takes refuge at Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with paranormal powers. It’s where she and her best friends, Kylie and Miranda, heal their heartbreak with laughter, and where Della is training to be a paranormal investigator—and she refuses to be distracted. That means there’s no time for romance with Steve, a gorgeous shapeshifter whose kisses melt her heart.
When a new vampire named Chase shows up at camp, Della’s world is thrown into even more chaos. Arrogant and annoyingly sexy, Chase is a mystery . . . and the only mystery Della likes is one she can solve. She can’t solve Chase, at least not while she’s dealing with ghostly hauntings, vampire gangs and a web of family secrets. Can she prove herself as an investigator and keep her life—and her heart—intact?