Tuesday, December 31, 2013

THE huge Jan Giveaway

OK guys I know  you have all seen my crazy VAGUE tweets on twitter about this AWESOME giveaway that is going down this month....well the time has come to give you some details. But FIRST lets talk about the goodies you could win by completing this task I will be giving you ;-)

Prize #1:

This lovely stack of 2014 January ARCs

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AWESOME right???


Prize #2:

This lovely stack Erin Albert has so kindly donated! (Lullaby is signed)

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There are some AMAZING prizes there :-)


Now while shipping costs are INSANE for shipping outside of the US me and Erin do NOT want to leave you Canada/INTL people out SOOOO we offer those winners a $50 bookish gift card....see we love y'all ♥♥

So now that we know what awesomeness is up for grabs lets get down to the details. I got the chance to read this AMAZING YA High Fantasy in 2013...I mean it is PERFECTION. Everyone that I know that has read it has agreed and fallen completely in love with it. Christina over at Ensconced in Lit loved it so much she got with Erin to give away FIFTEEN copies of it on her blog these past 2 weeks.

Let's introduce everyone to THE PROPHECY who hasn't heard of it shall we?



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Growing up on a small farm in the kingdom of Vanguard, seventeen-year-old Layla Givens lives a deceptively tranquil existence. But her carefully constructed life quickly falls apart when she’s abducted by a religious zealot who proclaims her The Fulfillment of an ancient peace prophecy and whisks her away to marry her greatest enemy.

Wilhelm, Prince of the Ethereals, is reluctant to meet his new bride. He's grown up believing Vanguards are evil, an enemy to fight and fear...not love. Can he set aside his prejudices and work alongside Layla to bring lasting peace after centuries of war?

Nash, a loner who has never fit in, carries a huge secret, one big enough to destroy both kingdoms. When he accidently meets Layla, he’s no longer content to live in the shadows, but he must resist his growing attraction—for her safety and for the longevity of the two kingdoms.

When Nash's secret is revealed, a firestorm sweeps through both realms, with Layla at the center. Now she must choose between duty and desire while the fate of two nations hangs in the balance.



It seriously is as awesome as it sounds. SERIOUSLY. It's hard to believe that it is Erin's debut novel. 

So what we are challenging you to do is READ AND WRITE A REVIEW for THE PROPHECY by Erin Albert before the end of January. Yes, really, that's it. Really it's a win, win for you. You get to spend time winning a spectacular book and you may get some kick butt prizes because of it. To top it off the book is inexpensive. It is NOT in print so you can only do e-book but it only runs for $4.76 on Amazon. I mean that's less than $5...can't beat that. It is also on B&N, Kobo, Smashwords. Now after you do a review you will be able to get tons of other entries but the main goal is get reviews. 

SO THERE IS MY TASK FOR YOU! Are you ready to accept it?

Rules for contest:
-All entries are checked, if any are dishonest you will be disqualified
-Must be 13 yr or older to enter
-You do NOT have to be a blogger to enter this contest
-First winner picked will get to choose which Prize Stack they want, then the second winner will get the other, unless they are INTL

Starts at midnight on Jan 1, ends at midnight Jan 31. 

GOOD LUCK, if you have any questions please let me know :)






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

Crash Into You (Pushing the Limits #3)
by Katie McGarry


17233800From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a good girl with a reckless streak, a street-smart guy with nothing to lose, and a romance forged in the fast lane 

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind. 

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look. 

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

My Thoughts: 


If you haven't picked up a book by Katie McGarry I highly advise you to go do so NOW. You will not be disappointed. All of her books have been written beautifully and full of emotion but CRASH INTO YOU by far is my favorite. The characters are amazing and the plot engrossed me the entire way through. Once I started reading Isaiah and Rachel's story I didn't want to stop, and now that I'm done all I want is more. Now I want to know what happened with Rachel and Isaiah in the future, what happens to Logan, Abby, West, Ethan...just everyone. I don't think there are many books that I can honestly say that I am equally invested in the secondary characters as I am in the main ones, but I can definitely say that about CRASH INTO YOU. 

CRASH INTO YOU is mainly about Isaiah and Rachel's story. If you have read Katie's previous books you have already met Isaiah in PUSHING THE LIMIT and DARE YOU TO. He is a tough foster kid just trying to get by and make something of himself in the future. Rachel is from a ritzy part of town and just living her life the way her family wants to, but underneath it all she has a love for cars, much like Isaiah, and a need for speed. In an off chance situation Isaiah and Rachel find themselves deep in a sketchy situation and desperate to find their way out. Isaiah just wants to protect Rachel, and Rachel is determined to show that she no longer needs protection. 

All this time I've just thought there was no way that Katie's books could get any better, just no way...boy was I WRONG! I adored Isaiah in the previous books, but my love for him is on a whole new level now. I loved being able to see into his heart and his mind. How much he loved and protected Rachel stole my heart entirely. There were moments though that broke my heart completely when Isaiah didn't feel worthy of anything good. One quote that tore me up was: 

"What's wrong with me that nobody wants to keep me?"

Talk about heart breaking with an ugly cry going on my way. *sobs*

Rachel was the perfect match for him. She balanced Isaiah out so well, opened his eyes, and brought down his walls. I also enjoyed seeing her character growth. She grows so much from the shy, obeying person that she is to her parents and her brothers and I was so glad to see her forge her own path finally.

Some side characters that cannot go unnoticed were Logan and Abby. I sure hope to see future books about these two. I actually completely ship these two. ♥ Abby was an unexpected person to become so big in Rachel's life but it was so perfect. I love Abby and am dying to know what becomes of her. I met Logan in DARE YOU TO and didn't think much of him then but he really grew on me in CRASH INTO YOU. Plus if Isaiah approves of him he's alright with me ;) 

As for the story line in this book...it was just absolute perfection. Start to finish I had a hard time ever putting it down. Katie drew me into this world of danger and speed and I didn't want to ever leave. My emotions went from high to low at the turn of a page and I loved every second of it. There were several moments that tears were streaming down my face and my stomach was in knots, then I would be laughing and saying aw right on the next page. It was definitely an emotional roller-coaster that I would ride again any day. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. 

I'm so ready now for TAKE ME ON, coming in May 2014, which is West's story. 

My Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥


Friday, December 20, 2013

Interview with Linda Budzinski

Today on the blog I have the wonderful Linda Budzinski, author of THE FUNERAL SINGER from Swoon Romance. This is one of my top contemporary reads for the year and I'm so glad Linda agreed to do an interview for me. I'm going to start off with a little info about the book and a little of my thoughts.  ;-) 

THE FUNERAL SINGER

18276977
Being a funeral singer was a dead-end job until it led her to him....
Seventeen-year-old Melanie Martin has witnessed her share of lame eulogies and uninspired epitaphs while singing part-time at her dad's funeral home. She's determined to be more than a funeral singer, more than someone's "beloved wife" or "loving mother." 
 
When Mel's impromptu rendition of "Amazing Grace" at a local rock star's graveside service goes viral on YouTube, she becomes an Internet sensation, gains thousands of fans and followers, and snags a hot rock star boyfriend - Zed Logan, bass player for The Grime.
 
But instant fame isn’t easy - and neither is love. Especially when Mel realizes she’s falling for another guy - one who may just want her heart more than her voice.…


My Thoughts:

I came across this book from seeing a fellow bloggers raving review on it. I personally love Swoon Romance books in general so I made a week long read-a-thon of all the books I had downloaded and this one just happened to be on it! I'm SOOO glad it was! This was a super cute read filled with so many feely moments. I loved all the self growth Melanie went through in the book and the building relationship with the unexpected guy! I wasn't a big fan of Zed, he just grated on my nerves and I felt like he was using Melanie and playing on her emotions, but you can be the judge on that one! This read is perfect if you are in the mood for a quick, cozy, feel good read! So go download it now!! 

Interview:



C: Is THE FUNERAL SINGER the first book you have written?

L: It is my first published novel. I wrote one and a half “practice” novels before writing this one.

Q: Do you have other books in the works? If so what are they?

L: Currently I’m working on another YA contemporary. It is not a sequel to THE FUNERAL SINGER and in fact is quite different. The plot, the characters, the setting, and even the format are all different, though some of the underlying themes are the same, and of course, it does have some strong romance elements.

I’m about halfway through writing it, so I don’t think I’m ready to say much more about it at this point. I will give one teaser: The main character’s potential love interest is a nerdy pirate-loving football  superhero cowboy.

C: THIS MAKES ME SUPER EXCITED ♥

C: What made you decide you wanted to write books?

L: I’ve always loved to write. In the second grade I told my parents I wanted to be a paperback writer, just like in the Beatles song. I remember in the fourth grade, our teacher had these creative writing cards in the back of the room—basically a box full of writing prompts—and we could get extra credit for writing stories. I was a pretty good student, so I probably didn’t need the credit, but by the end of the year, I’d gone through the entire box.

C: Who is your favorite author?

L: Can I pick three? I’m going to go with Suzanne Collins because she is a master of storytelling, Ruta Sepetys because her use of language and rhythm make my heart hurt, and E.B. White because Charlotte’s Web.

C: What /who is your biggest inspiration when writing?

L: Wow, that is a great question! I wish I had some sort of dreamy, romantic answer for it, but if I’m being honest, I’d have to say it’s my own fears and insecurities. The good news is, there’s a lot to draw on there!

C: What gave you the idea to write about a funeral singer? What point did you want to get across in the book?

L: I first got the idea for THE FUNERAL SINGER at a children’s writing conference about six years ago. The keynote speaker was T.A. Barron, author of the very popular Merlin series. Barron made the comment during his talk that kids and teens today have a skewed perception of what it means to be a hero.

That comment really struck me, so on the four-hour drive home, I began formulating a story of a girl who experiences both pop-culture heroism and real-life, everyday heroism, and the differences between the two. 

At the time, I was working for a non-profit organization in the funeral industry. I know a lot of funeral directors, and they do a really hard job that most of us couldn’t handle. Imagine dealing with people who are having the worst week of their lives—the week they lost someone they loved—and doing that day after day for your entire career.

To me, funeral directors are real-life heroes, and so that seemed like a natural setting for me to tell Mel’s story. So it’s a story about what it means to truly be a hero, and also about not letting others define you, about creating your own brand of heroism.

C: This book touched on some very real issues for teens; did you intentionally want to make that a part of the writing?

L: Definitely. It’s been ... well, a while since I was a teen, but I remember what it felt like as if it were yesterday. Being a teen was hard, and one reason it was hard was because I always felt like I was being judged. What I said, what I did, what I wore, what kind of stuff I was into. It never ended, and this was before Facebook and Twitter and YouTube. So  I’m thinking being a teen probably hasn’t gotten any easier. And while most teens will never experience the level of exposure Mel does, I think they can relate to the FEELING of being exposed and all the fears and insecurities and struggles that go with that.

C: Who was the hardest character to write during this book? Why?

L: I had a tough time with Mel’s dad. People have a lot of misconceptions about funeral directors. Yes, they have an unusual job, but they are not the creep shows Hollywood makes them out to be. In fact, quite the opposite—they are normal, everyday business men and women who happen to work in a really tough profession. 

As I said, I have a lot of friends who are funeral directors, and I wanted Mel’s father to represent the people I know. I also wanted him to be a good dad. Children’s books and YA books are full of horrible parents, and I knew I wanted Mel to have good, caring parents. At the same time, he couldn’t be a cardboard cut-out, perfect in every way. He needed to have his share of flaws, and he needed to butt heads with Mel the way all parents sometimes butt heads with their kids.

C: Who was your favorite character in this book? Why?

L: This is like asking which is your favorite child! I love all of them in their own ways (even you-know-who!) but I’ll have to go with Mel’s best friend, Lana, as my personal favorite. 

Lana is the world’s all-time best BFF. When Mel goes from being a normal, everyday high school student to an overnight superstar, Lana reacts the way I hope I’d react if something unbelievably wonderful happened to one of my friends. She is as excited as if it were happening to her, without even a hint of jealousy.  She’s there to help Mel believe in herself … and to bring her back to reality when things get out of hand.  Also, Lana is funny, and she and Pete together especially crack me up.

C: I loved Lana too! She was an awesome BFF for sure! 

This or That:

C: Indoors or Outdoors?

L: Outdoors

C: Heels or Flip-Flops?

L: Cowboy boots

C: M&Ms or Skittles?

L: No contest … M&Ms!

C: Hey I've seen some crazy people think that chocolate isn't the best thing ever :-O

C: Bad Boys or Good Guys (referring to fictional characters only)?

L: Bad boys with hearts of gold, of course.

Find Linda Here:
Twitter: @LindaBudz
Goodreads: Linda Budzinski


Thank you so much Linda for doing the interview! 


Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Twelve Days of Falling:: The Art of Falling by Jenny Kaczorowski Promo and Giveaway



The Art of Falling 




Now with each secret kiss, she’s falling deeper for the boy every girl at Oceanside High is crushing on. Throw in a few forbidden bacon cheeseburgers and she’s facing one major identity crisis. 
Ignoring Ben should be easy, but when a flashy display of artistic spirit lands her in close quarters after hours with the boy she’s too cool to like, she can’t keep pretending those kisses meant nothing. With her reputation and her heart on a collision course, Bria must either be true to herself or to the persona she’s spent all of high school creating.



Find It Here:



On Barnes and Noble: (TBA)


Author:

Jenny KaczorowskiJenny earned her degree in photojournalism from Kent State University before vowing to never spend another winter in Ohio and moving to Los Angeles, where there is far too much sunshine. Amid working as a grant writer a non-profit that teaches music in inner-city neighborhoods, and raising two kids, Jenny writes for young adults. She likes her heroines smart and quirky, her heroes nice, and her kisses sweet. Apart from writing, Jenny is still an avid photographer, loves music despite no discernable musical talent, and reads the dictionary for fun. She lives near Los Angeles with her husband, son and daughter. 

Find Jenny Here:

Pinterest -  http://www.pinterest.com/jennykacz/

My Thoughts:

I just heard of this book when I was asked to be part of The 12 Days of Falling and thought the book sounded SO cute! I also LOVE the cover and graphics.The colors and the purple hair are just GORGEOUS!  I'm always up for a good contemporary and this sounds like it would be right up my ally. Plus I'm a sucker for the odd couples ;-)  I can't wait to read THE ART OR FALLING!!! 

Giveaway:
Giveaway is hosted by the tour hosts/author. I have no responsibility in sending out prizes. 




Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Perfect Timing by Laura Spinella Excerpt & Giveaway


Hey guys! I'm really excited to share one of my favorite books of the year with you and a giveaway. Trust me when I say this is a MUST READ if you love feely books. It had me up several nights until 2 in the morning because I couldn't put it down. It will take you through every known emotion there is and have you crossing your fingers for a happy ending. Laura has sent me some info and the book to share and some of chapter one. ENJOY and make sure to enter her giveaway!! 


(These were pretty much  my emotions the entire book because I really didn't know which way things would go....ever)

Perfect Timing
by Laura Spinella 



(Isn't this cover GORGEOUS??)

A book and a giveaway guaranteed to rock your world—okay, at least tilt your axis a bit. What’s a Jersey girl to do when she moves to Catswallow, Alabama? Isabel Lang finds the answer in friendship, an unlikely bond with the musically gifted Aidan Roycroft. The two share everything from a first kiss to startling family secrets. But when Aidan is accused of a violent crime, the inseparable pair flee to Las Vegas. The move seems like a jackpot win as romance ignites and Aidan is offered the deal of a lifetime. But Vegas luck doesn’t last when circumstance interferes and Isabel’s future comes tumbling down.

Seven years later the past is history. That includes any yesteryear bond with Aidan Roycroft—an entity better known as Aidan Royce, Alabama’s own Springsteen. Isabel is busy running a radio station and closing in on a commitment with Nate Potter, a guy who defines ideal. Life seems cozy until new station management demands a sudden-death ratings grabber.  It puts everyone’s job on the line and Isabel's perfectly timed future in jeopardy. What should be a simple solution leads to a stunning revelation as Isabel is forced to call on the past and the only rock star she knows.

By the way AIDAN is SOOOOOO *swoony* ♥♥


Excerpt:

Chapter One
Providence, Rhode Island

            There was nothing enticing about waking up to a three-hundred pound man who smelled faintly of cheese—even if he was a silver-tongued veteran.  Worse, he’d managed to utter the name Aidan Royce before Isabel could untangle mascara-laced lashes, prying open an eye.  Her hand groped for the volume as radio DJ Chip Wrangle wrapped things up, Isabel hearing a velvet-timbre mention of the Grammy winning, mega selling music icon.  But that couldn’t be right, she wagered, sitting upright.  “Hey, did he just say—” 
Rico ignored her, responding to the DJ’s voice as he always did, lazily stretching and vacating the bed.  Isabel cocked her head at the radio.  As the content manager for 98.6—the Normal FM for Easy Listening, she’d put a firm moratorium on celebrity gossip. But the aromatic Chip made no other reference, moving onto their Monday morning salute to the 60s.  “Just a dream,” she said, flopping back onto the pillow. A hazy gaze floated upward, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons crooning Walk Like a Man as Rico and his virile gait disappeared into the kitchen. He insisted on his breakfast and she rolled into reality, yelling, “I’m coming!”  The two had met while Isabel was vacationing in Key West, Rico a refugee she’d picked up near the Hemingway house.  He was the definition of machismo, excessive manliness an inbred trait.  Dangling her noticeably more feminine legs over the side, Isabel tucked a thick thatch of hair behind her ear. She did a fast double take of the radio before rising. On her way out of the bedroom she grabbed a robe and a glance in the mirror. “Oh, good gosh!  Seriously?” She wet her fingertips, only managing to smear a smudge of mascara, doubly relieved that it was just Rico.
Following the sounds of his disgruntled demand, before daring to fill a coffee cup, Isabel set about preparing his breakfast. But she did turn on the television as she passed through the living room. There she picked up a telltale trail: necktie, camisole, sport coat, flouncy skirt, undershirt, one black high heel. She brushed by an empty wine bottle, a mediocre merlot that had instigated last night.  Rico called again, squashing an amorous visual. “Enough already!”  There was a death stare in the kitchen where two sets of cat green eyes pulsed.  The TV blared.  Just to make her point she smiled and hesitated.  “Say again? Matt Lauer is drowning you out!”  But it was smell, not sound, that dominated as odor penetrated from beneath a popped tin top.  She couldn’t deny him, even as she gagged, Rico’s cries morphing into a loud purr, rubbing lovingly against her leg.  She set the bowl of stinky fish on the floor, scratching a tufted ear as he gobbled hunks of vacuum packed sardine. “Bueno, Rico?  Si, bueno,” Isabel said, having mastered a couple of words in what she assumed to be his native dialect. 
            From her squatted position Isabel listened.  She waited for national media to repeat local radio news and confirm that Aidan Royce was, in fact, dead.  It was the only fathomable reason for it to have made the 98.6 morning host chat.  Not dead, as it turned out.  Just under arrest.  Rico wriggled out from ardent strokes as Isabel absorbed Lauer’s words about Aidan Royce and a high speed chase, driving drunk, and assaulting an officer.  She flipped him off, stalking back to the bedroom.

To read the complete first chapter of Perfect Timing visit lauraspinella.net 


Author:


Laura Spinella is the author of Perfect Timing, a recent Berkley release. She’s also the author of the award-winning Beautiful Disaster, a 2012 RITA finalist. She’s giving away TWO copies of Perfect Timing.


Find her on:

Twitter: @spinellauthor
Goodreads: Laura Spinella


NOW for what you have all been waiting for:

Giveaway:
This giveaway is provided by the author, all winners will be sent to her for prizes.

I will still be checking entries for any cheating, if you cheat all your entries will be disqualified. 
Only ages 13+ may enter
US/Canada Residents ONLY

Monday, December 9, 2013

Blitz Tour: Connectivity by Aven Ellis (Excerpt and Giveaway)




Author:

Aven Ellis has been writing fiction since she was sixteen. She studied communications at a large Midwestern university, and after graduation, Aven worked as a reporter for a community newspaper, followed by a stint at a public relations agency. 

But writing about city council meetings and restaurant franchises was not as much fun as writing for young women trying to figure out their careers and potential boyfriends. So Aven got herself a job in television that allowed her to write at night. Connectivity is Aven’s debut novel; Waiting For Prince Harry and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (New Adult romantic comedy) will be published next year.

Aven lives in Dallas with her family. When she is not writing, Aven enjoys shopping, cooking, connecting with friends on social media, and watching any show that features Gordon Ramsay.



Overachiever Mary-Kate Grant (who is indeed named after an Olsen Twin) has followed every rule to the letter to pursue her dream of working in TV programming. Ripping a page from the “hard work pays off” playbook, she takes an assistant level job at a Chicago sports network to break into the industry.
MK has no time or desire for a relationship right now—she is totally focused on her career and being independent, unlike the other women in her family.

But MK’s plans are run through the shredder when she finds herself working for William Cumberland, a British media mogul who made his fortune with Connectivity, a social media site. William blows into Chicago just like the winds off Lake Michigan and purchases the group of networks MK works for—and makes her his personal assistant in the process.

Suddenly MK finds her career plans in jeopardy. William makes her question everything she has ever thought and has the uncanny ability to see right through her. And for the first time in her life, MK finds herself not only questioning what she wants for her career but for her personal life as well…

Excerpt:
First Kiss

William takes off his suit jacket and tosses it onto the back of the desk chair. We look at each other for a moment, and I wonder if his pulse is racing like mine is right now.
He sinks down onto the couch next to me and I can’t help but think I am the luckiest girl in the world right at this moment.
“William, thank you so much for tonight,” I say, staring at him. “I feel incredibly lucky.”
“Lucky?” William asks, his eyes searching mine.
I nod. “That I got to have this amazing experience in London,” I say softly. “I had the dining experience of a lifetime. I got to sit in this gorgeous restaurant and have this incredible conversation and meal. But most of all, I’m lucky because I got to share this experience with you. I wouldn’t want this experience with anyone else, William.”
I watch as his blue eyes take in my words. Then I see it.
The intensity is there as he looks at me.
And I know the moment has come.
William leans in closer to me.
I can’t breathe. My heart is racing faster than it ever has in my life.
“Mary-Kate,” William whispers, “I know it is probably most inappropriate for a boss to kiss his assistant.”
“Yes,” I whisper back, my eyes never leaving his, “It probably is.”
I watch as William lifts his hand. He hesitates for a moment, and then ever so slowly, brushes a finger against the side of my face. Every nerve I have jumps the second his warm skin makes contact with mine.
“With that being said,” William whispers sexily, his eyes searching mine, “I am asking if I can kiss you.”

Giveaway:
***This giveaway is provided by the author via the tour hosts





Saturday, December 7, 2013

Spicy, Cajun Christmas Read and Yummy Eye Candy


I'm such a HUGE fan of Rachel Harris and Christine made this hot little teaser for SEVEN DAY FIANCE featuring the sexy, bad boy Cane. The teaser was posted on Rachel's FB author page today and wanted to share with you guys! If you haven't read any of Rachel's books yet PLEASE do! They are amazing!! If this teaser doesn't give you motivation I don't know what will ;-) 

Hey Lovelies!!

I know, I know.....I've still been SO extremely quiet! I swear it's about to change! SO much family stuff has been going on, all 3 kids birthdays this month, AND holidays.....STRESSED!!!!! But tomorrow is a new day and one I plan to be super productive in! I have tons of awesome ARCs I'm reading and will be posting reviews for soon. I have an amazing author interview coming up this week and plan to get back to doing some weekly memes!!! Also have some things I'm planning on starting in January for the blog :-) Good things to come! Thanks so much for being so supportive guys! ❤❤❤


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Death Is But A Dream by Erin Hayes Blog Tour: Excerpt and Giveaway





Death Is But A Dream

18269916
Goodreads Description:

Caught between life and death, all Callie wants is to live again.

Homicide detective Callie Saunders knows that death isn’t all pearly gates and angels. After being hit by a bus, she finds that it's the ancient gods and goddesses of Greek mythology who are in charge of everything.

So when Hades offers her a deal, she accepts. If she wants to be brought back to life, she’ll have to figure out who is trying to kill his son. But if she fails, both her soul and the world will be destroyed.

With the odds mounting against her, it’ll take everything she has within her to wake up from death. But the rules are constantly changing. And someone wants her to stay dead.



Excerpt:

“Don’t look so uncomfortable, Callista,” he chided. He gestured to a chair in front of the desk. “Here, have a seat.”
“It’s Callie,” I told him.
“Callie then,” Hades corrected himself. “Have a seat, Callie.”
Before I had the chance to reconsider, I quickly sat down on the chair—which happened to be the most comfortable seat I had ever sat on—and I perched to attention.
With a wave of his hand, Hades produced a tablet, which he flicked through with detachment.
“Callista...Callie...Saunders. Twenty-seven years old. Graduated first in her class at the University of Pennsylvania. Degree earned: a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice. Joined the police force at San Francisco PD for two years before becoming a police detective.”
He rattled off my credentials. I closed my eyes, wondering how much information was in that tablet of his. I suspected lots.
This felt a whole lot like a job interview. My gut instinct told me that, in a way, it was. And my gut instinct was rarely wrong.
Why the hell was I having a job interview?
“In three years, you’ve earned quite a few awards for your work,” Hades went on. “You’ve solved many murder cases, even stopped a few from happening. You’re devoted to your job, and you’re very good at it. You're highly recommended by your colleagues. You’re an excellent marksman. A black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You spend most of your spare time on side cases, and you especially are trying to bring down underworld Kingpins, like one Stephen Cross, for which your boss suspended you once.”
I flushed deeply. That part wasn't my fault. And if no one believed me that the underworld mob bosses were a big problem, then I was going to have to bring them down myself. Granted, many would have argued that I had been too involved in that case.
Hades continued. “And you have a deeply seated sense of right and wrong. You have no roommates, you live alone. Survived by your mother, Kathleen McCormick, and your stepfather Seth McCormick.” He flicked through another page. “And you recently broke up with your boyfriend of four years just two months ago.”
My eyes widened at the mention of Ben. “That last part is my own personal business,” I snapped.
“Hit a nerve, have I?” He seemed amused.
“I don’t see what any of this has to do with me being dead.”
Hades’ eyes sparkled. He said something in all seriousness that I had never thought I’d hear spoken out loud before. “Dead, no. Mostly dead, yes.”
My heart thudded heavily in my chest. “What?”
He feigned disinterest as he flicked through the tablet. “You threw yourself in front of a bus to save a little girl. Now the little girl is alive, when she was meant to die. And you...” he grinned down at me, “you’re in a very deep coma at UCSF Medical Center.”
The news hit me like a ton of bricks. My knuckles were white and the room suddenly felt very hot. “I’m...I’m alive?” I looked down at my hands in disbelief and held them up to the light to inspect them.
No wonder everyone was treating me strangely. I was different. I was still alive.
Hades nodded somberly. “For the moment, yes.”
I gaped at him. “For the moment?” That sounded like a threat.
“You see, you weren’t supposed to save that girl, Callie. She was meant to die. To become the martyr behind a movement towards stricter punishment for reckless driving. It would have saved many lives down the line.”
I swallowed. My throat felt dry. No matter what he said, I wouldn’t regret saving that girl. In my final moments before waking up here, I knew I would never regret that decision, yet it still felt awkward to hear all of this.
“Because of that change of plans, I have a whole bunch of paperwork to fill out, you see. And there’s a spot in the Underworld that you’re currently occupying. I could have you fill her place and take elements from your future to put on hers and vice versa. It would make my life so much easier. Unless...” His voice trailed off and he looked at me expectantly.
He wanted me to jump on that word, thinking that I would demand to know what I could do to get me back to Life. I didn’t rise to the bait. This whole thing smelled fishy, and the thought of it was pissing me off.
“You’re blackmailing me,” I sneered at him, fury raging within me at the realization. “You want me to do something in return before you allow me to wake up.”
I hated corruption and I hated being manipulated, both of which Hades was doing to me right now.

He raised his hand in a gesture of supplication. “Not blackmail,” he assured. “I’m looking to employ you for a time.”

Giveaway:
(NOTE: This giveaway is sponsored through Xpresso Book Tours by the author, I am not responsible for any unsent items.)



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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Why Have I Been So Quiet You Ask.....

I know I haven't posted in over a week you guys and I am so sorry for that! I have had some emergency family stuff going on with my dad and then family now in town so I have fallen a little behind and have LOADS of catching up to do. I will be posting some promo stuff tomorrow for a blog tour stop and then hoping to post up some reviews over the weekend for you lovelies! I also plan to get back to doing a Stacking the Shelves post bi-weekly each month. I really appreciate all the support and love you guys have given me over twitter during last week with everything with my dad! Y'all truly rock <33

P.S. Don't forget CRASH INTO YOU by Katie McGarry and PAWN by Aimee Carter release today! They are must reads so make sure to snag a copy! 

Friday, November 15, 2013

BLOG TOUR: The Prophecy by Erin Albert



I am SO excited to be a part of this blog tour. If you pay attention to my blog you already know that I have been DYING for this book. I was super excited when I finally got my hands on it and am equally excited to finally get to share my thoughts about THE PROPHECY with you. But first here is a little info on the book and Erin Albert. Make sure to go to the very bottom for an awesome giveaway provided by Erin also. 

Author:

Erin Albert is an author and fitness trainer.  Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word.  She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the "Grammar Police."  In her free time, Erin enjoys acting, running, kickboxing, and, of course, reading and writing. 


Find me online:


Twitter:  @ErinAlbertBooks





The Prophecy (The Fulfillment #1)


Back Cover:

Growing up on a small farm in the kingdom of Vanguard, seventeen-year-old Layla Givens lives a deceptively tranquil existence. But her carefully constructed life quickly falls apart when she’s abducted by a religious zealot who proclaims her The Fulfillment of an ancient peace prophecy and whisks her away to marry her greatest enemy.

Wilhelm, Prince of the Ethereals, is reluctant to meet his new bride. He's grown up believing Vanguards are evil, an enemy to fight and fear...not love. Can he set aside his prejudices and work alongside Layla to bring lasting peace after centuries of war?

Nash, a loner who has never fit in, carries a huge secret, one big enough to destroy both kingdoms. When he accidently meets Layla, he’s no longer content to live in the shadows, but he must resist his growing attraction—for her safety and for the longevity of the two kingdoms.

When Nash's secret is revealed, a firestorm sweeps through both realms, with Layla at the center. Now she must choose between duty and desire while the fate of two nations hangs in the balance.

Excerpt:

Even though she had no chance to escape now, Layla shoved the Elder with all her might. The blow sent him flying into the baker’s door, which splintered under the force, and she darted forward.  The Vanguard soldiers moved to block her. 

            “We are all Vanguards,” she pleaded. “Please let me go.”

            For a moment, they hesitated.  Layla used the opening to slip around them.  She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, but they proved to be too slow.  Within moments, the soldiers leapt upon her, knocking her to the ground.  Wrenching Layla up by her hair, they dragged her back to the Elder, whose face now bled from his encounter with the baker’s door.

            “I see you’re going to be trouble.” He brushed the dirt off his robes.  “You can’t escape your destiny, girl.”

My Thoughts:

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!! THE PROPHECY'S RELEASE DAY IS HERE!!!!! I have been waiting to read this book since April and it did NOT disappoint. THE PROPHECY met every expectation I had and more. From the first sentence I was captivated and I devoured this book quickly. It is definitely a "one sitting read". 

For ALL the love I have for this book this has got to be one of the hardest reviews that I have had to write. I have gone back and forth writing it for a week and nothing ever seems to be good enough, or explain well enough why I think you should read it, or why I loved it. But I will give it a try. I feel that the description about does a pretty good job telling you about the plot so I'm just going to dive right in to what I loved about the book. 

The characters were some of the best written ones I have come across in a debut novel. Erin really seemed to truly know her characters. They all had very distinct personalities to back each of them up. Layla was a fierce female lead. Even though she was thrown into a really messed up situation as being claimed as the fulfillment, she did what she had to do to keep her family and friends safe. 

Along the way she meets Nash; mysterious, sweet Nash. (I love him by the way, I stake claim on him....just wanted all you ladies to know ♥) There is a wonderful attraction between these two that feels very real. I was very happy not to have a sudden "I love you" type relationship between them. Even though there are so many things that come up that make their relationship pretty much impossible I can't help but root for them. 

One complication is Wil. WAIT WAIT WAIT....no I'm not leading you into a love triangle. While on the surface and without giving spoilers it may come across that this book will take you into a love triangle, but it really doesn’t. As part of being the fulfillment Layla is betrothed to Wil, it is practically her duty to marry him. I can't really say more than that because I don't want to spoil anything, but seriously it didn't get all “typical love triangle” on me. BUT I will tell you that you will want it to....yes you will. While I LOVE Nash, Wil is....ahhhh he's wonderful. Both guys are equally swoony and my guess is that ladies will be fighting over who they think Layla should be with no matter where her heart lays. 

Some other characters that I really adored were Vespa, Grant, and Samson. While we don't get to see Samson a lot in this book I know he will be a big player later on in the series. Grant is just another amazing guy living in THE PROPHECY world, and Vespa is someone I would want to have as a best friend. 

Of course with all the wonderful characters, there must be some evil ones. I'm not going to go through who those are, mainly because I feel like it will take away from the story some for you when reading. But just know that there are some REAL evil people and you will want them to die a brutal death when it is all said and done. 

The world building is also beautiful and executed well. While the book is set mainly in the Ethereal kingdom, I felt like I was really there with Layla. My favorite part was the maze that kept the kingdom guarded. I also was intrigued by the Vanguards super strength, and the Ethereal’s powers to mess with others minds.

If you follow me on twitter you might have seen that I pretty much live tweeted the entire time I read this book. It gave me SO many feels it was unreal. I was happy, conflicted, sad, MAD, devastated, swoony, flailing, you name it....I was doing it. Anytime my emotions are tapped into that way it's a sign of an amazing book. As if the book as a whole wasn't wonderful and emotion provoking enough, Erin left us with a MAJOR cliffhanger. I have a love/hate relationship with those things. I love them because they make me want more NOW, I hate them....well because they make me want more NOW and I can't have it now. Erin leaves two MAJOR things happening at the very end that I'm still thinking about what it means for everyone, especially Layla. I definitely can't wait to get my hands on the next book. 

I definitely recommend any fans of YA Fantasy, fast reads, and swoony guys read this book. I really don't think you will be disappointed.  This is without a doubt one of my favorite reads of 2013. 

My Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥




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Do you plan on reading THE PROPHECY?