28 January 2016

Review: Macbeth #killingit by William Shakespeare + Courtney Carbone

Macbeth #killingit by William Shakespeare + Courtney Carbone
Publisher: Random House Books For Young Readers
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Book Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: 
Macbeth, one of the greatest stories ever told . . . in texts?!

Imagine: What if that tragic couple, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, had smartphones? A classic is reborn in this fun and funny adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays!

A prophecy from three witches.
A social-climbing couple committing a murder most foul.
A cover-up that spins way out of control.


and h8. The classics just got a whole lot more interesting. ;)


tl;dr A Shakespeare play told through its characters texting with emojis, posting photos, checking in at locations, and updating their relationship statuses. The perfect gift for hip theater lovers and teens.

A glossary and cast of characters are included for those who need it. For example: tl;dr means too long; didn’t read.

My Review:
I received Macbeth #killingit from the publisher and this is my honest review.

I was fortunate enough to receive copies of the first two books published in this cute little series which were, YOLO Juliet, and srsly Hamlet which I loved! I got another chance to read the next to books. The first being, Macbeth #killingit. The first and only time I read Macbeth was in my sophomore year of high school. I enjoyed it a lot actually especially the way my teacher taught it.

Again, this version of Macbeth is mostly aimed at younger kids. I feel like these books are good for younger kids to get a little fun taste of shakespeare plays before they have to jump in full force when they get to high school. I love reading through the manuscript I got and seeing all the emojis and the social media that was included. My favorite which I did not see in either of the books before was the addition of the kingterest board which is obviously a shakespeare version pinterest. Pinterest is a relatively new love of mine so I was excited to see it.

The book definitely gets a 5 stars it does the job of giving younger eyes a look at shakespeare in the language they speak nowadays so as to prepare them for what is to come to them in high school and even college depending on their major!


27 January 2016

Blog Tour: Ascenders by C.L. Gaber


Ascenders by C.L. Gaber
Release Date: April 20, 2015
Symopsis: Walker Callaghan doesn't know what happened to her. One minute she was living her teenage life in suburban Chicago...and the next minute, she was in a strange place and in a brand new school with absolutely no homework, no rules, and no consequences.  Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead.  She doesn't go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young.  These high school kids are now caught in a strange “in-between” zone where life hasn’t changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. "There are even cheerleaders in death," Walker observes. It's not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who "used to have this band." The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred insome superhero movie. Principal King explains the rules -- there are none. Why? You can't die twice.  There is no homework.  No tests.  No SATS.  You're just there to learn because the human brain isn't fully formed until you're 24.  By the way, you can't get hurt physically, so race your Harley off that hillside. But falling in love is the most dangerous thing you can do ...because no one knows how long you'll stay in this realm or what's next.  "Losing someone you love would be like dying twice," Walker says.

Links:

Meet The Author:
C.L. Gaber is the author of the ASCENDERS SAGA and co author of Jex Malone. A well known entertainment journalist, she lives in Nevada with her husband Ron, bonus daughter Sabrina and two unruly dogs. ASCENDERS 2 is due out in early 2016.

Author Links:
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Book Trailer: 

Giveaway:




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26 January 2016

Release Day Launch: Anything More Than Now by Rebecca Paula

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It’s the release day for Anything More Than Now by Rebecca Paula! Rebecca is sharing an excerpt and fantastic giveaway with us, so be sure to check out all of the release day festivities and grab your copy of this fantastic new contemporary romance today!  

AnythingMoreThanNowHighResAbout Anything More Than Now: 
Reagan Landry is months away from college graduation, but instead of excitement, she’s frozen by the fear of letting go — of her ex-boyfriend, of the comfortable life she created for herself in Portland, of the years-long search for her older sister who abandoned her as a homeless teen. When she’s finally forced to decide what’s next, Reagan is met with another complication — her ex’s best friend, Noah Burke, who seems determined that she embraces what could be instead of what has been.   Drunkenly hooking up with his best friend’s ex, Reagan, is a mistake, but being secretly in love with her is so much worse when things seem one-sided. A disenchanted frat boy about to fail out of college, Noah has been living out someone else’s dream after a horrible accident five years earlier. Just when he thinks he’s lost any chance he has with Reagan, she surprises him by agreeing to spend the summer together at his family’s ranch in Montana.   And suddenly what started out as a complication between them becomes serious...until the past starts ripping apart their future.  

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo    
Catch up on the Sutton College Series: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo She was nothing, then everything. That's how the minutes fell to collide into my world.(1)  

Exclusive Excerpt:  
Noah Books, that’s all I notice of her room. That, and Reagan’s reddened eyes glaring back at me. “You going to let me in?” I ask, my arms stretched straight against her doorjamb. She frowns, her hand clasped tightly over her bedroom door. “No.” I don’t know if anything has ever sounded so finite. It feels like shit to be the guy she doesn’t want. “You’ve known about them, Rea. It shouldn’t be a surprise.” I look behind me down the stairs, not sure if Ethan or Hunter are still in the living room. “Let me in.” I lean in, my voice a forced whisper. “I’m not talking about this out here.” “I’m not talking about this at all. Nothing happened.” She glances behind her at the rabbit bouncing around in its cage as if she wished it were a guard dog. She can shut down another day, but not tonight. I wedge myself in the door and step inside. Reagan clutches her tea, her shoulders squared against me. “Get out.” I shut the door and fall back against the wall. “I will. Tell me again after you set down your tea and admit you’ll let him go.” “I don’t have to tell you anything.” “Then don’t.” I close the distance between us, caught up on the sight of her mouth and the bangs that are too long and hide her eyes. I swear she wears them that way on purpose. “Where’s your paper?” she asks. “We’re going to work on that now?” “Why not? I have the rest of my life available now.” I arch my brow. That’s awfully dramatic, even for her. “It’s a date.” “How long have you known about Beau and Matisse?” “When I moved him in. It’s pretty fucking obvious.” When she stares back, her eyes wide, I feel like such an asshole. “Give it up. You’re never going to date him again. You need me to keep saying it?” Reagan runs up and shoves my chest, her forgotten tea spilling all over me. “I don’t know what the fuck your problem is, but shut up.” She shoves me again, my head knocking back against her door. “Leave me alone. I want you to fucking stay away from me.” Her hands clench at my shirt, her breathing heavy. I open my mouth but she silences me, pushing me back again. I take it. I take her anger and the broken look haunting her eyes. I breathe it in because I might not deserve Reagan, but I deserve her hate. “Noah,” she says, her voice shaking. My hand slowly slides to hold her waist. Her arms stiffen, pinning me to the door. “Stay away.” I grab her cup and head downstairs to an empty house. I spot the twelve-pack in the kitchen and haul it back upstairs. She comes out of her bathroom, wiping her face roughly with the heel of her hands. “I get why you’re flunking now,” she says, walking around me to sink down onto her mattress. “All this time I thought you were smart and not applying yourself. You’re just an idiot. Get. Out.” “Can’t. Hard of hearing.” I crack open a beer and sit on her bed, beside her. “You’ll be okay, you know?” “I swear to God, Noah, if you don’t get off my bed…” I turn to her, curious. Her hands grab my face, not gentle. There’s nothing gentle about her. She’s a human cactus. Then her mouth crashes against mine, rough and searching. And I make the biggest fucking mistake of my life and kiss her back like I’ve wanted.

  She was nothing, then everything. That's how the minutes fell to collide into my world.  

Rebecca Paula Bio: Rebecca writes smart, emotional New Adult and historical romances featuring flawed characters struggling to find their place in the world, from Paris to Portland. She’s a lover of rainy days, an unabashed anglophile, and a devote Earl Grey tea drinker. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and their very spoiled cat, Bella. A wanderlust connoisseur, Rebecca can be caught daydreaming about her next travel adventure when not writing. She is the author of EVERLY AFTER, BETWEEN EVERYTHING AND US, and the upcoming releases ETIQUETTE WITH THE DEVIL, A PROPER SCANDAL, and ANYTHING MORE THAN NOW. Rebecca loves hearing from readers and writers. You can follow her on Twitter @beckapaula or find out more about her and her books at www.rebeccapaula.com.  
Links:
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 Newsletter
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Facebook author page
Amazon Author page
 Website    


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25 January 2016

Cover Reveal: BRYCE by Natalie Decker


Bryce
Natalie Decker
(Scandalous Boys #1)
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: February 23rd 2016
Genres: Romance, Young Adult
Bryce Matthews doesn’t do the whole nice boyfriend thing. Chocolates and flowers—girls can forget all that. And he certainly doesn’t care about the gossip and rumors that follow him at school and around town. If anything, the talk amuses him. Bryce isn’t lacking in confidence. He knows himself and he knows his limits.
One of those hard limits is Madison Issac. Bryce can never have her, and he’s perfectly fine with that. Sometimes the fantasy is better than the reality anyway.
Madison Issac thought she was a pretty good judge of character. But she’s surprised at how gentle and comforting resident bad-boy and next-door neighbor Bryce Matthews is when we finds her crying in the park.
Maybe there’s more to Bryce than people think? So Madison begins to wonder.
Can a guy like Bryce ever change his ways?
Can a girl like Madison really be into a guy like Bryce?
With hearts and reputations on the line, this kind of love can be scandalous.
Are you a blogger? You can sign-up for the release day blitz here!


Author Bio:
Natalie Decker is the author of RIVAL LOVE series. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn't her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She's a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she's not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she's off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!

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24 January 2016

Review: This is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp 
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Release Date: January 5, 2015
# of Pages: 292
Synopsis: 10:00 a.m.
The principal of Opportunity, Alabama's high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.
The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03
The auditorium doors won't open.

10:05
Someone starts shooting.

Told over the span of 54 harrowing minutes from four different perspectives, terror reigns as one student's calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival. 



My Review:
I borrowed This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp from work and this is my honest review.

This Is Where It Ends is the story of Opportunity High and the fateful day they were involved in a school shooting. Throughout the book we get accounts from 4 different students who have something to do with the school on this day. The backstory of this book is that two of the characters Tyler and Autumn have lost their mom tragically and they have not been the same since. Autumn still wants to be a dancer to live on her mom's legacy but her father will not have this. For a while Tyler stands by his sister as if to protect her, but then things start to happen and Tyler gives up on life. The other accounts in the story are, Sylvia Autumns girlfriend, Tomas who is Sylvia’s brother and Clare who is Tyler’s ex girlfriend.

One morning the school gathers together in the auditorium for the beginning of a new school year assembly held by their principal. Little do they know, they will not be making it out of there anytime soon. I do not really want to get into all of the details about why this is happening as well as which students were trapped inside and which were outside because that would be spoilery but I do want to talk about the characters.

An aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the relationships in this book whether or not they were toxic or healthy they were real relationships nothing was like love at first sight crap that some authors cannot pull off. For starters there was the relationship between Autumn and Sylvia. At first it was a little strained from the death of her mother and the fact that Autumns brother did not approve of his little sister being lesbian. Even though we see points throughout the chapters we experience moments between the two that make them seem so in love and I love those times.
Another relationship noticed in this book is the relationship between Sylvia and her brother Tomas. This one struck me hard because of how close I am with my brother. I cannot give details about their relationship because every aspect about it has something important to do with the story but it was great to see how much Tomas loved his sister how far he was willing to go for her, and she felt the same about him.

Overall, this book was raw and those are my favorite types of books. Nothing felt fake, I honestly felt like I was watching this story on the news that’s how real it was. I enjoyed the writing style and I hope to read something by this authors in the future.

22 January 2016

Release Day Launce: Revolution by Rachel Higginson

Today is the release day of Rachel Higginson's Love and Decay: Revolution, Episode Four. This is a serial novella, and completely standalone in the Love & Decay universe. I am so excited to share this with you!! Be sure to enter Rachel's giveaway as well and grab your copy today! L&D Revolution Ep 4 RDL Banner    

Revolution Episode 4About Love and Decay: Revolution: Episode Four:  
 It’s not easy being a badass Zombie killer. But somebody’s got to do it. King Parker has been fighting Zombies and protecting his family for the majority of his life. It’s what he does. It’s what he’ll always do. And it’s all he’s ever wanted to do. Until he stops in Mexico City on the way back to the States and realizes there is more to life than killing Feeders and more to living than just surviving. When a mysterious redhead crosses his path, he finds himself torn from his family for the first time since Zombies became a thing. Now his family doesn’t need his protection, but she does. King knows better than anybody that life doesn’t always turn out like you expect it to. But what happens when you’re expecting death and destruction and life hands you something beautiful instead? What happens when you experience more than decay? What happens when you find love instead? Love and Decay: Revolution is a Dystopian Romance Novella Series about Zombies, the end of the world and finding someone to share it with. Every episode is approximately 20,000 words long and released every two weeks. Look for Love and Decay: Revolution, Episode Five coming February 5th, 2016.        

 Buy now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble  
 Catch up on the Revolution Episode 1: Amazon | BN  
Episode 2: Amazon | BN Episode 3: Amazon | BN Revolution promo 6 


rachel_profile_pic (1)Rachel Higginson Bio: Rachel Higginson is the author of The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, The Star-Crossed Series, Love & Decay Novella Series and much more! She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising four amazing kids.    









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19 January 2016

Release Day Launch: The Uprising by T.H. Hernandez

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 It's release day for The Uprising by T. H. Hernandez! I am so excited for this, the third book in The Union Series. T.H. Hernandez is sharing an excerpt and giveaway with us to celebrate her release, so check it all out!  

The Uprising FINAL cover The Uprising Synopsis: Recovering from a near-fatal gunshot wound, eighteen-year-old Evan Taylor must find a way to stop the Uprising, an underground movement committed to destroying the Union, before her homeland is attacked. After spending the last four months in the Ruins trying to get back to the only girl he's ever loved, nineteen-year-old Cyrus needs to get past his jealousy over Evan's involvement with Bryce or risk losing her again. Together, Evan and Cyrus join with their friends to devise a plan to save both the Ruins and the Union, but when the pressure’s on, bickering and infighting threaten to undermine their goals. New information revealing a weakness in the Uprising is uncovered, forcing them to act quickly or risk losing everything. With the help of old friends and new allies they set out to make history, but it might just take a miracle for everyone to make it out alive. THE UPRISING is the third book in THE UNION series, a young adult romantic adventure set in the near future.  

Buy Links: Amazon Catch up on the series:
The Union: Goodreads | Amazon
The Ruins: Goodreads | Amazon  



Exclusive Excerpt  
Hot showers, beds that conform to my body, soft clothes, public transportation — there’s a shitload of stuff to love about the Union, but by far my favorite is the beach. I never tire of watching the ocean, struggling to understand it, the way it seems to go on forever. Standing here, feeling the coarse sand beneath my feet and the cool mist on exposed skin, helps me think. Like an idiot, I figured nothing else mattered as long as Evan and I were together, but every damn thing matters. It’s not safe to stay here, and it’s not safe to return to the Ruins. Not that she’d even agree to that. Hell, I don’t know what she wants. We barely talk and I know that’s mostly on me. I can’t pretend her sleeping with that douche doesn’t piss me off. I want to punch something every time I see him, which is pretty much every fucking day. “Figured I’d find you here,” Rainey’s raspy voice comes from behind me. I grit my teeth and turn to face her. “Hey.” “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” “Yeah. Never thought I’d see the ocean, now I can’t seem to leave.” She’s quiet for a few moments, staring out at the crashing waves. I’ve stared at them for plenty of hours myself, now I stare at her. She’s pretty, in a rough sort of way. The scar running from her ear to her jaw only enhances her looks. But she’s not someone you’d ever want to mess with. “Quit staring at me.” I turn back to the water. “Sorry.” “Colin went with her. You know, in case you were wondering.” “Not really.” I wasn’t, only because I chose not to think about it. But if it’d been Bryce, I’d have needed to pound something. “Are you going to punish her forever?” Dragging my gaze away from the surf, I glare at her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her eyebrows go up. “Really? You two were this sappy sweet, gag-inducing couple until her ex showed up. Now you’re always in a foul mood, and you barely talk to the girl you supposedly gave up everything to follow.” “Fine, I don’t like the guy, never have. Why the hell is he here again?” “We need everyone if we have any hope of doing what you’re planning. We can’t send him packing because he got naked and horizontal with your girl.” If Rainey wasn’t a girl, I’d have no problem decking her, but she is, so I walk down to the water to get away from her. Whatever went on between Evan and the douchebag was before she joined the Uprising, but it’s more than that. It’s everything. She had no idea what she was getting herself into and no plan to get out. She nearly got herself killed. She’s impulsive and reckless, and I don’t know if I can deal with that.  


THHernandez
T.H. Hernandez Bio:
  When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they're still figuring out life. When I'm not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I'm obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.
 Links: 

 The Uprising Teaser 1  


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Follow along with the blog tour:
Blog Tour Schedule:
January 20th
LuLo Fangirl Review
January 21st
Romeo & Roo Books Guest Post
January 22nd
I Read Indie Playlist
January 23rd
January 24th
January 25th
January 26th
Nerdy Soul Review
January 27th
Reading Addict Guest Post
January 28th
January 29th
Evermore Books Playlist
BookCrushin Review Only
January 30th
January 31st
February 1st
Ceres Books World Review Only
February 2nd
Cover2Cover Dreamcast
February 3rd
   

14 January 2016

Cover Reveal: Open Hearts by Erin Hayes

OpenHeartsEbookFin.jpg Goodreads
Synopsis

My heart isn’t my own. And I don’t mean romantically.

Six months ago, I had a heart transplant. Now I’m learning to live again with someone else’s heart beating in my chest. My scars both inside and out haunt my every waking moment.

Then I meet Rhys, the tattooed Yank that finds himself transplanted to my Southern hometown. Even though he’s haunted by his own scars, he’s determined to show me how to embrace my second chance at life.

I’m not sure if I can give someone my heart when it wasn’t mine to begin with.
And neither of our hearts will survive rejection.
~~~~
A standalone NA contemporary romance coming February 2016.

Young couple in love walking in the autumn park holding hands lo

About the Author

Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books, like the fantasy mystery novel Death is but a Dream, the sci-fi middle grade book Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average, and the Her Wolf paranormal series.

She works as an advertising copywriter during the day, and she moonlights as an author. She has lived in New Zealand, Texas, and now in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.

You can reach her at erinhayesbooks@gmail.com and she'll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.


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Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare 
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: March 24, 2009
Book Format: Paperback
# of Pages: 541
Synopsis:
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.




My Review:
I bought this book with my own money, and this is my honest review.

A few summers ago, I dived into a really good series called, The Mortal Instruments Series. I read the first two books back then and enjoyed them quite a bit. Enough so that I ended up watching the one movie that came of the series. It being 2016 one of the challenges I am participating in is the Finish A Series challenge. As you can probably imagine I am trying to finish the Mortal Instruments series starting with book 3!

I cannot really say much considering book 3 is well, book 3 and anything I say will mostly be spoilers. But I can talk about how much I love some characters, dislike others, and love the writing of Cassandra Clare. Starting off one of the bittersweet things about this series is how the books all start off. Many authors give their readers a little recap in the beginning of each new book. Clare does not do this really at all, well she sort of does throughout the book but there really is not anything in the beginning of the book to catch readers up. This is good because if someone were to binge read the series like many do, they would not have to bore themselves with all of the details which they already knew about from just reading the series. On the other hand it is bad for people like me, who do not like to binge read series. I like to draw out reading books in series especially when I love them because I do not want them to end. But when I do this I often have hard time remembering what had happened in the book before without any clues.

In other books in this series I felt myself getting increasingly madder and madder at Jace just for his attitude and personality. I had similar issues with Clary’s attitude but Jace was worse when it came to that. In book 3 though these two grew more than I would have ever thought possible. Both of them seemed to transform into almost responsible adults right before my eyes. They no longer seemed like little kids not being able to get their feelings together. I cannot really go into more detail for obvious reasons but I just wanted to mention that fact.

Another aspect that I loved about this book is that there were multiple times during the book that I was able to happily predict what was happening in the book before it happened. Again, I cannot go into details but I wanted to mention this because while reading books, being so into the book that I am able to figure what is going to happen or put pieces together before something is revealed is my absolute favorite thing about reading books! It makes me feel as if I am really apart of the world opening up in front of me and I love it.

There were so many other things I loved about this book, and if anyone else has read it please stop by either my blog, goodreads, twitter, even youtube and chat me up about it because I would LOVE to talk to someone who has read the book and is willing to talk! Thanks for stopping by!

Favorite Quotes/Scenes

“You should leave him here. I could hang hats on him and things.” (Magnus Bane, 168)

““Your City is under attack,” he said. “The wards have broken, and the streets are full of demons. And you want to know why I haven’t called you?”” (238)

““There is no pretending,” Jace said with absolute clarity.” I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there’s a life after that, I’ll love you then.”” (331)

““I wouldn’t change it, Simon said. “I wouldn’t give up loving you. Not for anything.”” (371)  

 

12 January 2016

Release Day Blitz: Chasing Crazy by Kelly Siskind


Chasing Crazy by Kelly Siskind
Synopsis: "With an endearingly awkward female protagonist, a swoon-worthy male love interest, and Siskind's superb storytelling, this is one of the best New Adult contemporary romances I've read to date." -- USA Today bestselling author K.A. Tucker

Dear Mom & Dad, I dropped out of school. I'm going backpacking. Sorry. Love you both.
At nineteen, Nina has endured two lifetimes' worth of humiliation. Tired of waiting for it to get better, she decides to get going-across the globe to New Zealand. There she soon faces what she most fears: a super sexy guy ready to be Nina's next mistake.

Once Sam's life was all about having fun. That was before the accident. Now his friends have bailed and his world is broken. But when a gorgeous girl on his flight looks at him with passion instead of pity, Sam feels his old self coming back to life.

Now traveling together, Nina and Sam know this isn't just a fling. They're falling fast, hard, and deep. More than anything, Sam wants Nina to forget her fears. But to help her do that he must reveal his own painful secret-and risk Nina never seeing him the same way again.




Meet Kelly, 
 About the author:
A small-town girl at heart, Kelly moved from the city to open a cheese shop with her husband in Northern Ontario. When she's not neck deep in cheese or out hiking, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She laughs at her own jokes and has been known to eat her feelings-Gummy Bears heal all. She's also an incurable romantic, devouring romance novels into the wee hours of the morning.
 
Connect with the author!
Website
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Twitter
Goodreads




11 January 2016

Book Spotlight: Debt by Rachel Dunning


 
Debt by Rachel Dunning
Release Date: March 2016
Genre: New Adult/ Sports Romance
Synopsis: 

 The Debt Collector

I pay my debts, and I expect others to.
I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father's passing meant I would automatically take on dad's debts. I refused.
And I paid for that refusal.
So did my sister.
So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that's where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a "favor" when I arrived.
Another debt.
I paid for that one too.
I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her.
Besides, trouble is my middle name. 

 Kyla Hensley

I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn't care who gets rolled over in the process.
I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying "I'm sorry." The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad's wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.
I drink. I party. I meet guys.
But I wasn't always like that.
I've had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same.
She and I hit the road for spring break, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun.
But there's a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you.
Which is when I met the Debt Collector.
It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear.
That's all it was supposed to be.
I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me.
And yet...so unbelievably right.

 Book Links:

Meet Rachel, 
Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.
A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.
She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.
 
Sign up for her newsletter here, http://www.rdunning.com/p/non-spammy-news.html/ 

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Thanks so much everyone for stopping by! If you have read this book or are reading it tell me in the comments what you love about it. Because I really want to read it :) 
 

08 January 2016

Release Day Launch: Love & Decay Revolution Episode 3

Today is the release day of Rachel Higginson's Love and Decay: Revolution, Episode Three. This is a serial novella, and completely standalone in the Love & Decay universe. I am so excited to share this with you!! Be sure to enter Rachel's giveaway as well and grab your copy today! 
Episode 3 Banner 
 About Love and Decay: Revolution: Episode Three:
  Revolution Episode 3 
It’s not easy being a badass Zombie killer. But somebody’s got to do it. Page Parker knows there are more important things than policing the streets of Bogotá. Like taking down a tyrant and saving the world. If only she could convince her family to leave their beloved research station. But life isn’t easy at the end of the world no matter where you live. When things heat up in their peaceful town and enemies find ways to attack them even from a distance, her family is given more reasons to destroy the Colony. And when Page gets a glimpse of Miller’s hidden dark side, she’s more determined than ever to kill Matthias Allen. Love and Decay: Revolution is a Dystopian Romance Novella Series about Zombies, the end of the world and finding someone to share it with. Every episode is approximately 20,000 words long and released every two weeks. Look for Love and Decay: Revolution, Episode Four coming January 22nd, 2016.     
 Buy now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble   
  Read Episode 1: Amazon | BN  
Read Episode 2: Amazon | BN 

  Revolution promo 6 

  
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Rachel Higginson Bio: Rachel Higginson is the author of The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, The Star-Crossed Series, Love & Decay Novella Series and much more! She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising four amazing kids.   

 Links: Author Page | Instagram | Twitter | Website   

 Enter Rachel’s giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Blog Tour: Revenge by Sonya Weiss + Giveaway!


Revenge by Sonya Weiss
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Release Date: December 22, 2015
Synopsis: Their love is a ticking time bomb. 
 
Juliet Sawyer was born to save the world. Gifted with incredible powers, she’s the only one standing in the way of The Great Extinction, the prophesied battle between Supernaturals and humans. In order to keep her sister safe and avenge her father’s murder, she’ll have to infiltrate the ranks of the Supernatural leaders who wish to destroy her. But the one thing she didn’t count on was falling in love…with someone who wants her dead.
 
The gorgeous and dangerous son of one of the Supernatural leaders, Riley West is in charge of training the group for war—now including Juliet, whose father is responsible for killing his family. But the more they train together, the more intensely their passion for each other burns. The deeper Riley is drawn in by Juliet’s beauty, the closer he gets to the secrets she keeps: one that will challenge everything he believes in—and one that could lead to her death. Together, can their forbidden love help stop the war? Or will one of them be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice?

Book Links:

Meet Sonya,
Sonya Weiss is a freelance writer, ghostwriter and author. She's addicted to great books, good movies, and Italian chocolates. 
She's passionate about causes that support abused animals and children. Her parents always supported her bringing stray animals home although the Great Dane rescue was a surprise.

Author Links:


Excerpt: 
I gripped my pen hard enough to bend it and got an ink blotch on the palm of my hand. Opening my eyes, I tried to discreetly wipe the mess down the side of my jeans. While my peers kept laughing, Mr. Sands motioned us forward, waving his hand as if conducting an orchestra.
I bit down hard on my lip and tried to block the sound. Even though   I had a greater purpose than wanting to fit in among the humans or the Supernaturals, being an outcast hurt.
“Romeo and Juliet, if you’ll please come up to the front now?” The teacher tapped a copy of the book against his palm.
I remained seated, watching as Riley, my enemy as much as if we were truly a Capulet and a Montague, made his way to the front. I hated any kind of public speaking. Please don’t let me make a fool of myself. I gave myself a mental kick. Pull it together, Juliet. I stood and moved to the front of the room. I would fake confidence well enough to do this. Everything was under control.
Then I looked into Riley’s eyes.
They were an almost translucent blue, and peering into them made  me feel as if the floor shifted. Hostility swam in their depths. Fear and anticipation waltzed together inside of me. I’d heard the rumors about him. He was without a heart. Without a conscience.
When I kept staring, Riley raised a questioning eyebrow. I quickly took another dog-eared copy of the book from the teacher, licked my lips, and read aloud, “Deny thy father and refuse thy name.”
“You haven’t been paying attention,” Mr. Sands snapped and pointed to another portion.
Embarrassed, I searched for the part. Riley stopped my frantic page flipping and trailed his finger down the page. “Here.”
I cleared my throat and started again. “Romeo, doff thy name, and for thy name, which is no part of thee, take all myself.”
A boy in the front row made a rude comment, and Riley glared at him.
When the room was quiet, Riley read, “I take thee at thy word. Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptis’d: Henceforth I never will be Romeo.”
Mr. Sands approached us to show us what part to read next, and when he did, I got a weird feeling about him like I was in danger. Something in the teacher’s eyes reminded me of a Ragespawn’s eyes, an ancient enemy of ours, the Tazavorn species. I dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. That had to be impossible. Ragespawn lived only in our galaxy, not the human one. Surely the human authorities would not have granted asylum on Earth to our most vicious enemy.
A low creak sounded above Mr. Sands’s head, and he quickly turned. The mounted speaker flew from the wall and knocked the teacher’s copy of Romeo and Juliet from his hand, pinning it to the floor in a tangle of wires and a cloud of dust. Most of the dust settled on top of his scrub brush hair while some of it coated the white cement walls.
Silence reigned except for the ticking of the clock.

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07 January 2016

Saving Angels Box Set ON SALE! 1.99 UNTIL MONDAY!


ON SALE FOR 1.99!
Buy Links:
 


Marigny Street – Saving Angels #1
Synopsis:
Do you believe in the power of dreams?

Way down south on Marigny Street in the heart of New Orleans, the land of Catholic intercessions, purgatory, and supernatural superstitions, young Evangeline Chenier dreams of a radiant boy who saves her from a storm. She takes the dream seriously – in her family, dreams are sometimes more than dreams. Sometimes they foretell the future. Sometimes they create it.

Years later, Eva is no longer the same wistful girl but a hardened woman who no longer believes in dreams. Losing faith in her gift, she becomes lost in a nightmare of emotion, mourning her son, separating from her husband, and stewing in a dead-end job. And then fate brings her an unlikely surprise: one of the most famous movie stars in the world, Gabriel Roberts.

Caught by something in his eyes, Eva agrees to show him the real Big Easy on his last night in New Orleans—an evening that turns into four dreamy days spent recapturing lost faith and discovering a love neither expected. Realizing Gabriel is the boy from her childhood dream, Eva must leave everything behind—her husband, her family, her history, and the beautiful city she calls home—and gamble it all for the dream that has saved her on MARIGNY STREET.

Excerpt:

I shook my head. “Tell me, Gabriel, what are your dreams about?”
“Nothing.  I never dream.”  He shrugged.
“Never?”
“I’ve never once in my life had a dream.  And I never look in a mirror – or I try my hardest not to anyway.”
“Why?”  How could you never dream?  Or look in a mirror?
He sighed.  “I believe the only things in this life that can truly show your reflection are the things you love the most in this world.  And I don’t love myself enough to want to look in the mirror.”  He laughed.  “But when I look at you I can see myself perfectly.  And even though I never dream, I do pray.  Do you want to know what I prayed for before I met you?”
I nodded.
“I prayed for an angel – to save me.  I asked for a little help from up above, and now you’re here.  You are cake and ice cream; sugar and spice, and everything nice.  And when you smile, you make me feel the way the world looks when the sun shines through a foggy day.”
All I could do was smile.

Red Dirt Road – Saving Angels #2
Synopsis:
The Saving Angels Series continues…

A new cast is introduced, while journeys already taken start to merge with the present, leading you down the old Red Dirt Road.

Death has always seemed just one step behind Layla Hill, taking almost everyone she’s ever loved. After she loses the love of her life, Layla vows to never love again—how could she, when she’s a death magnet?

Trying to outrun fate traveling with her uncle Willie and his band, Layla meets Michael Roberts, a beautiful Irish boxer as gentle on the piano as he is brutal in the ring. He proves as relentless in life, fighting for a place in her world even as she pushes him away, trying to protect him from her killer tendencies.

But neither foresees the sinister presence waiting for Layla at the end of the Red Dirt Road.

 Excerpt:

“Yes, you do.  The games we both play.  The way you constantly run away from me.  How you hide in your office and watch me from afar, from behind the window blind.  Do you need me to point out the indention you’ve made?  I see you, just like you see me when I’m watching and looking for you.  I refuse to love you from afar anymore.  This is ridiculous!”

“No, it’s not!  Yes, okay, I admit, I do watch and dream about you, because it’s the only thing I can do, the only way to keep you safe and satisfy myself.  I refuse to lose you.  I won’t.”

“You’re not going to lose me.  Please, stop putting those thoughts in your head.  I cannot promise you that I’ll live forever, but I’ll try my hardest to stay with you for as long as God’s willing to allow me.”

“Which won’t be long when the universe confuses you for me and takes you from me.”

The honesty was spilling out – slightly slurred but freely given.

“There is no force in the world that could take me away from you.  I was meant for you.  I was created for you.  I can feel it.  I come alive when you’re near me.  Can’t you see that?”

He pulled my face toward his, forcing me to look at him.

“You’re killing me by forcing me away, yet you worry about my life being taken.  You can’t see that you’re doing that yourself by pushing me away!  You need to stop living life this way.  You’re wasting your gift.  Before you know it, your life is going to be over and so is mine, and there will be no going back.  So please, it would be an honor to love you, freely, without any hesitation.  You’re going to have to decide, right now: what do you want.  Do you want me to leave?  Or do you want me to stay and love you?  Let me love you!”

The choice seemed so easy – it was either life or death – but I was so confused.

“I don’t know…”

He slammed his hands against the wall.

“Tell me!  What do you want, Layla?”


Lotus Blossom Lane – Saving Angels #3
Synopsis:
 Life after Yuma was blissful for Layla and Michael.  After the turmoil of the old Red Dirt Road, their journey seemed to be moving them in the right direction, leading them to Ireland, Michael’s birthplace, where history runs deep and secrets run even deeper.  As the road to happily-ever-after leads them down Lotus Blossom Lane, years of entombed history starts to emerge, changing the course of their lives forever.  And the person waiting for them at the end of Lotus Blossom Lane, one of the biggest starts in the world, will bring them to the Crossroads of the Saving Angels Series.



 Excerpt;

“Can you believe this?” I closed my eyes, and the tiny specks felt like confetti falling delicately on my face.

He turned my face toward his. “Look into my eyes, Mrs. Roberts,” he whispered. “There’s nothing on this earth more gorgeous than you, in this moment. I refuse to take my eyes away from you.” He continued to search my eyes, just as if he was seeing me for the first time. “From this moment on, you’ll never be alone. Never, for as long as we fly together, will I ever let you fall.” He rested his forehead against mine.

“I love you,” I breathed onto his lips as the snow continued to fall around us, turning the earth bright white in the pitch-black darkness.

The Crossroads – Saving Angels #4
 Synopsis:

How do you get there, darlin’? Well, na’, you start by taking Brighten Place. Follow that road all the way down to Marigny Street. After you travel a little distance you’ll come to an old Red Dirt Road, and that road will take you even further, to Lotus Blossom Lane, but you’ve already been that way. Na’ you’re exactly where you should be, darlin’. You’ve arrived at The Crossroads of your life.
Gabriel Roberts is the most famous movie star in the world. He has everything one man could ever want. He has everything except the one thing he feels will fulfill his purpose and complete his life.
Raphael Rose is dying of pneumonia. As he waits on the waning clock of mortality to chime, he has a story to share. One of star-crossed lovers he has never lost hope for.
Two doors down, Madam Catalina has her own story – a shocking past, a love of a lifetime left undone.
Locked behind the doors of Charity Hospital during Hurricane Evangeline, the tangling of souls has unraveled and left each of them at the crossroads of their life. And in the end, whichever road they choose will lead them home.

Excerpt:
 
But there is a charge between us that cannot be ignored. It’s too strong, and there seems to be a light created from the two of us. I don’t know if it’s the tension of issues, the heat, all of the strange occurrences and discoveries over the last couple of hours, or all of the above, but I throw myself on her.

I crush my mouth against hers, forcing her back to the wall. A slight moan escapes her mouth as she pulls me closer, runs her hands through my hair. She leaps up, her legs wrapping around my waist, her hands somehow lifting my shirt. The momentum sends me crashing into the shelf behind us. Things fall around us in disarray. But nothing else matters. She has something I desperately need.

I feel her body, all of it, her tender flesh, her nirvana curves as I run my lips back and forth against the base of her throat. I can feel the beat of the pulse beneath her skin throbbing against me. I can taste the salty sweat on her skin, but it’s mixed with sweetness, like delicious wild honey. And I can’t seem to get enough, as my tongue finds the delicate skin just above her breasts, making a trail back to her lips.

She pulls away from the kiss, my teeth lightly biting on her bottom lip. She sways back and forth with the rhythm and the rocking of our bodies moving in perfect harmony. She comes toward me again, our lips meeting in some desperate plea. Her hair falls wildly around us, only making her seem unreal. I moan into her mouth, knowing she can feel the vibration of my need against her tongue, while my fingers get lost in the thickness of her hair. I can spend my forever kissin’ on her this way, buryin’ myself, losing myself in her this way.

Sparrow Way – Saving Angels #5
 Synopsis:

The final journey of the Saving Angels series has come to an end. All roads have led you to….
“What’s the address?” she asks.
“Eleven Sparrow Way.”
She closes her eyes for a moment. “I like that. Our journey has flown us here, flown us home….”

Gabriel Roberts found his happily ever after at The Crossroads of his life. He found his brother, Michael, his history in the Legion, and the love of his life, his Evangeline. He has finally arrived at the place he always yearned for—home.

But time stops for no one; not even an angel.

For years Gabriel has guarded what is most precious to him, Evangeline and their transcendent love story. When the opportunity presents itself in an unexpected way, Gabriel decides to tell his story, and in doing so, answers the riddle of his heart: If life is the journey of years, perhaps love is the journey of a lifetime?

Excerpt:
The concierge had arranged for us two cruising bikes so that we could explore the area and voyage to the famous restaurant that we had heard so much about.
Eva hops on the purple one, sticking me with the pink one that has a wicker basket attached to the front.
“That’s for the fly comment.” She snickers.
“Real men work pink,” I say. “Or so Brad says. He told me my coloring is perfect for pink.”
We cruise into the misty day, the sun barely shining through the many Monterey cypress trees that line the hilly area. Eva steadies her bike and releases the handle- bars. She spreads her arms wide like a bird spreading its wings.
As we peddle, I hear music in the distance floating from one of the houses on the opposite side of the street. I listen harder, trying to place the beat.
“Do you hear that?” I bounce a bit from the turbulence of the tires.
Eva grabs the handlebars. “I would never leave you alone...something, something, something.”
“Hell yeah!” I beat the handlebars with my thumbs to the heavy pace of the drums. “Eva, ‘I’ll be’...” I sing some of the song. “I love The Karate Kid! This place reminds me of the movie.”
“That’s about the only movie you do like.”
“It’s a classic, like Rocky. And if we weren’t riding these bicycles, I’d show you my karate moves! Hi-ya!” I chop the air. “What are you laughing about? You just don’t know the moves your husband has!”
“Hold on, Gabriel-san! Banzai!” Eva shouts, before we go flying down a steep street.
“I love it here. I feel like I can breathe better! The air seems lighter.”
“Don’t get used to it. “We’re not taking up permanent residency in the big shake.” I take the camera from the basket as the bole straightens out. I slow down a bit, getting a prime shot of her butt bouncing up and down on the seat. “The scenery is quite beautiful, though.”
She looks behind for a second. “Race you!” She starts going faster and I have to take the camera and throw it in the basket to peddle harder.



 Meet Annie, 
Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California).

Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn't stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.

When she's not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. Deciding on a whim to hitch up those same wagons, Annie currently resides in Texas (where everything is bigger) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).

For lagniappe (a little extra), a virtual cup of café au lait and beignets, please visit Annie's website:
www.annierosewelch.com


Find Her in These Places:
 
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