Waiting on Wednesday: Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

Waiting on Wednesday, is a weekly meme where we tell you lovely followers the books that we are anxiously awaiting. Don't forget that is was created and is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

My WoW:

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

Release Date: April 8, 2014

Synopsis: In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.

Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

Why I can't wait? Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite authors! I've read her first YA trilogy and absolutely adored it. (The Darkest Powers Trilogy) I'm also almost finished with her second YA trilogy (The Darkest Rising Trilogy) (I just need to read book 3 which I recently picked up) so I have no doubt that I will love the start to her new trilogy! 

Review: The Beautiful And The Cursed by Page Morgan

The Beautiful And The Cursed by Page Morgan
Publisher: Delacorte Books For Young Readers
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Book Format: Hard Cover
Number of Pages: 341
Synopsis: After a bizarre accident, Ingrid Waverly is forced to leave London with her mother and younger sister, Gabby, trading a world full of fancy dresses and society events for the unfamiliar city of Paris.

In Paris there are no grand balls or glittering parties, and, disturbingly, the house Ingrid’s twin brother, Grayson, found for them isn’t a house at all. It’s an abandoned abbey, its roof lined with stone gargoyles that could almost be mistaken for living, breathing creatures.

And Grayson has gone missing.

No one seems to know of his whereabouts but Luc, a devastatingly handsome servant at their new home.

Ingrid is sure her twin isn’t dead—she can feel it deep in her soul—but she knows he’s in grave danger. It will be up to her and Gabby to navigate the twisted path to Grayson, a path that will lead Ingrid on a discovery of dark secrets and otherworldly truths. And she’ll learn that once they are uncovered, they can never again be buried.

My Review:

I received The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan from RandomBuzzers and this is my honest review.

The Beautiful and the Cursed is about two young ladies Ingrid and Gabby Waverly whom are forced to move to Paris with their mother for a few reasons. When they arrive they find that their new home is not what they expected it to be. These two girls also have no idea what kind of things there eyes are soon going to be opened to.

I was crazy hesitant to pick up this book because even though it had a beautiful cover, I had never read a book that was it was set in 1899. The reason this threw me off a bit was because I was afraid that the language would be strange and I wouldn't be able to get into it because of that but I'm very glad I gave this book a shot. I had a very hard time putting it down from the moment I picked it up.

Lets talk characters now shall we? First there was Ingrid, I liked her the most out of the two sisters. I say this only because I felt that I could connect more with Ingrid than I could with Gabby. ingrid was very quiet and too herself which is exactly like me. Gabby on the other hand put herself out there a lot. She knew she was beautiful and definitely not afraid to flaunt it. Some other characters that I became rather fond of were Luc. I mean come on if you've read this book how could you not fall for Luc? I was totally attracted to him the second he graced the pages (yes even though he's supposed to be a scary creature)

The plot? The press release that came with the book seriously didn't lie. I've never read a story like this and I loved every second of it. I enjoyed that Ingrid had powers, because in the beginning she was just a quiet soft spoken girl who was worried about her brother and heart broken from her life back home. Which was cool but then she started discovering her powers which made the book 20 times more interesting.

Now I need to rant about the few things that annoyed me. The first is the book was paced so well until the very end. The last like 4 or 5 chapters felt really rushed for me. I felt really overwhelmed when it came to the end. Everything just seemed to be happening all at once and I couldn't keep up. I kept having to put the book down to process what happened and then pick it back up once my mind was clear. The only other thing that crushed me was the last words between Luc and Ingrid, I won't spoil it but SERIOUSLY?!

Overall, I'm really glad there is another book in the making I need to know what happens next!

Book Blitz: Camp Boyfriend by J.K. Rock

Camp Boyfriend (Camp Boyfriend #1)

by J.K. Rock

Release Date: 07/02/13

From Spencer Hill Press

Summary from Goodreads:

The summer of her dreams is about to get a reality check.

They said it couldn't be done, but geeky sophomore Lauren Carlson transformed herself into a popular girl after moving to a new school halfway across the country. Amazing what losing her braces and going out for cheerleading will do. Only trouble is, the popular crowd is wearing on Lauren's nerves and she can't wait to return to summer camp where she's valued for her brain instead of her handsprings. She misses her old friends and most of all, her long time camp-only boyfriend, Seth. This year she intends to upgrade their relationship to year-round status once she's broken up with her new, jock boyfriend, Matt. He doesn't even begin to know the real her, a girl fascinated by the night sky who dreams of discovering new planets and galaxies.

But Matt isn't giving her up without a fight. As he makes his case to stay together, Lauren begins to realize his feelings run deeper than she ever would have guessed. What if the guy she thought she was meant to be with forever isn't really The One? Returning to Camp Juniper Point was supposed to ground her uprooted life, but she's more adrift than ever. Everything feels different and soon Lauren's friends are turning on her and both guys question what she really wants. As summer tensions escalate, Lauren wonders if she's changed more than she thought. Will her first big discovery be herself?

Available from:

   

"Fun, romantic and giddy, Camp Boyfriend brings real romance to summer camp with grace, humor and passion." - Carrie Jones, New York Times Best-selling Author of the NEED series

About the Authors:

J. K. Rock is the writing partnership of sisters-in-law Joanne & Karen Rock. Separately, they write adult romance. Together, they dream up Young Adult books like CAMP BOYFRIEND, the first in a three-book series. The summer camp stories continue with CAMP PAYBACK (4/14) and CAMP FORGET-ME-NOT (8/14), plus bonus free novellas in between stories. Visit http://campboyfriend.net to learn more about the series and the free prequel novella, CAMP KISS, which you can download here.

***Author Links***

Author Website / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / Karen's Twitter / Joanne's Twitter / Facebook

***GIVEAWAY***

Grand prize - Signed copies Amanda Ink's SUN, Jennifer Armentrout writing as J. Lynn's FRIGID and JK Rock's CAMP BOYFRIEND. Also included, advance sneak peek copy Laurie Halse Anderson's THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY and Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian's FIRE WITH FIRE, plus an "I <3 my Camp Boyfriend" tee shirt, friendship bracelets,  'I <3 Camp' temporary tattoos, and a bookmark with the download code for CAMP KISS.

Three other winners will receive $10 Amazon gift cards

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Book Blitz Hosted by:

Mini Review Sunday: Runner by Logan Rutherford

Runner by Logan Rutherford 
Publisher: Self Published
Publication Date: June 4, 2011
Book Format: E-book
Synopsis: He just turned sixteen. He just got his first car. He is having the best time of his life. Then, his family? Gone. His life? Turned upside down. All he does now is run. He's running from some very bad guys. He's running to find answers. Time is ticking. In order to survive - in order to find his family - he must become, a Runner.









My Review:
I bought Runner by Logan Rutherford off of amazon and this is my honest review.

I have to say I'm pretty impressed, I've been wanting to be a writer for awhile now but I just haven't had the nerve to put anything out there. But this young author only 16 at the time which is a year younger than me now published sort of a whole mini series and I find that quite fascinating, and inspiring!

In part one which is Runner we meet Seventeen, I thought he had a name in the beginning but by the time I got to the end if he did I can't remember it, all I can remember is the name Seventeen which he was called quite often. Anyways all we know is that he's running. From what or who we have not a clue but that makes the book suspenseful thats what makes you want to move onto part two. We also meet the other character Fifteen but we didn't get to know much about her, which I didn't mind because I'm sure well get to know her in the next few parts.

I can't say that there was anything I didn't like about the book it was interesting and it kept me excited! It did end very abruptly so I'm glad that I have part two on my e-reader ready to go! 

Review: Dead Man's Hand by Eddie Jones

Dead Man's Hand by Eddie Jones
Publisher: ZonderKidz
Publication Date: October 23, 2012
Book Format: ARC
Number of Pages: 223
Synopsis: It's All Just a Show...Right? 'This is an authentic old west ghost town, son. Around these parts the dead don't stay dead.' Nick Kindle's vacation at Deadwood Canyon Ghost Town takes a deadly turn toward trouble when the fifteen-year-old finds himself trapped in a livery stable with the infamous outlaw Jesse James. The shooter whirls, aims and... vanishes. Great theatrics, Nick thinks, except now he's alone in the hayloft with the bullet-riddled body of Billy the Kid. And by the time the sheriff arrives, the body disappears. Soon Nick is caught in a deadly chas---from an abandoned gold mine, through forbidden buffalo hunting grounds, and across Rattlesnake Gulch. Around every turn he finds another suspect. Will Nick solve the murder? Will his parents have him committed? Or will the town's infatuation with Hollywood theatrics conceal the real truth about souls, spirits and the destiny that awaits those who die.

My Review:
I received Dead Man’s Hand by Eddie Jones from ZonderKidz publishing and this is my honest review.

Dead Man’s Hand is a story about a young boy named Nick Caden who thinks of himself as a detective. (his family and friends think otherwise) Anyways Nick and his family decide to go on vacation to Deadwood Canyon Ghost Town, which Nick isn’t too excited about until he is convinced that he has witnessed a murder in the towns barn. This causes Nick to want to investigate and that is exactly what he does.

Lets talk about Nick, his character is pretty entertaining. I loved that no matter what people told him he never gave up. So many people were against him being a detective at first (even his own family) so watching him do whatever it took to uncover the murder it was courageous on his part and I really like that in a character. 

The plot of this story intrigued me a lot because in the press release it is stated that if you like mysteries and crime TV that you’ll love this book. That statement alone made me want to read this book, because ever since 4th grade every time my teacher asked me what types of books I liked my answer would be mysteries. This also led to my collection on Nancy Drew, and The Hardy Boys books. Also I am obsessed with crime TV shows my netflix is filled to the brim with every crime show it has and I cannot get enough of them. So as you can imagine, I really enjoyed this book.

The only thing that I was a little disappointed about with this book is that also in the press release it said that this series was supernatural, and while reading I didn’t really come across any supernatural elements. Sure the characters talked about ghosts, and there was a haunted place in the book but there wasn’t enough about these things for it to be supernatural in my mind. It says though that the whole series is supernatural so hopefully book too will be better in that department. 

Nevertheless I started this book and had it finished in less than 24 hours (told you I liked mysteries) I found myself right along with Nick trying to figure out who I thought was the killer but Jones did a great job keeping the killer underwraps because at the end when I found out who the killer was I was totally dumbfounded! I did not expect the killer to be who he was. The story gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait to read book 2 which I already have in my possession! 

My Rating!

In My Mailbox e-book Edition #18 + Weekly Wrap Up

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi over at The Story Siren, and is now hosted by Gabrielle over at The Mod Podge Bookshelf. This is where we show our followers all the pretty books we've gotten over the week! (e-books in my case this week!)

A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

Synopsis: Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?

The Cowboy Kiss by Kristen James

Synopsis: She’s a cutting-edge travel blogger—he’s a fishing guide with strong ties to their small hometown.

She thought they were arch enemies—he always thought they’d end up together.

Autumn grew up in her parents’ fishing resort in backwoods Oregon, listening to wild travel stories from around the world. Now she’s broken free and living her dream as a travel blogger, that is until her mom talks her into coming home and writing a blog about the Rugged Resort. Autumn’s very surprised to find Cory still there. He was the thorn in her side growing up, and now he’s buddy-buddy with her parents. She plans to write her blog and hit the road, but Cory has other ideas

Haunted Love by Cynthia Leitich Smith 

Synopsis: Spirit, Texas, is a town of secrets, and as the new owner of the local haunted movie theater, Cody Stryker is juggling more than his fair share. When a mysterious new girl comes to town and runs afoul of the ghost that lives in his theater, Cody's caught in the middle and needs to figure out exactly who he can trust. HAUNTED LOVE is a short story by New York Times Bestseller Cynthia Leitich Smith -- set in the same dark universe as her novels TANTALIZE, ETERNAL, and BLESSED. This story includes a sneak preview of Cynthia Leitich Smith's latest novel, DIABOLICAL, which unites characters from the previous three novels in the Tantalize Series along with a fascinating cast of all-new characters for a suspenseful, action-packed clash between the forces of heaven and hell.

Abandon Changes by John M. Cusick 

Synopsis: Rei's a runner-fast, smart, doesn't ask questions, and keeps her mouth shut about the errands she runs. She doesn't know what's in the packages she delivers and she doesn't care. It's simpler that way. But Rei's soon-to-be-ex, Sam, has gotten under her skin, and she's started thinking about the effects of her errands. Can Rei be close to someone and do her job-and can she make a choice before it's too late? ABANDON CHANGES is a short story by John M. Cusick, set in the same world as his compulsively readable debut novel, GIRL PARTS. This story includes a sneak peek at the first few chapters of GIRL PARTS.

Weekly Wrap Up:

Reviews:

Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine

Posts/Memes:

Escaping Me Release Day Event

Cover Reveal: Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson

Cover Reveal: The Vampire's Hourglass by Shayne Leighton

Blog Tours/Hops:

Giveaways: 

Escaping Me Giveaway
The Vampire's Hourglass Giveaway
The Beautiful and the Cursed Giveaway

Cover Reveal: The Vampire's Hourglass by Shayne Leighton

Today we're excited to reveal the cover of the newest book in the Of Light and Darkness series by bestselling author Shayne Leighton.  The Vampire's Hourglass is schedule to be published by Decadent publishing the end of this year or beginning of next.

Book Description:

After narrowly surviving a near-death experience in an effort to save Valek from yet another showdown with Aiden, Charlotte awakens inside the forsaken, crumbling walls of the Regime Palace. Though she finds herself surrounded by her closest friends, she is conflicted over her feelings of the sudden absence of her Vampire guardian from her life.

With Nikolai there to console her, Charlotte cannot shake the undeniable chemistry she feels for this familiar stranger. But they are running out of time. Charlotte’s peculiar ailment will return and Sarah, the witch, will sacrifice her youth and beauty in order to save her best friend, unless they find the secret, Dark City.

Charlotte, Nikolai, Sarah, and several other favored characters travel down to the underbellies of Prague to find Valek. But what they end up discovering are the dark and nasty secrets the elder Vampires have been hiding for centuries. Charlotte must overcome her mortal limitations to win back the heart of the one she truly loves and escape the gates of Abelim with her throat intact in this enthralling, highly-anticipated third installment of the Of Light and Darkness Series.

 Exclusive Excerpt:

           “Does it hurt? You know...when I’m around?”  

            He was talking about the scar that still thrived at the side of her throat. The one that appeared there after Valek left his first, initial bite months ago in Francis’ home. The one that had ailed her since and nearly killed her until she unwittingly saved herself by stabbing a hole in her own chest. Not her empty, openly bleeding heart and her feeling of abandonment and being alone, but a literal hole that she created herself some snowy weeks ago when she attempted to end it all to prove herself as something more than just an expendable mortal in this game of light and darkness. She wanted to finally be recognized as a hero, nearly having killed herself for the sake of saving her friends from Aiden. Knowing the tainted taste of the blood from her ruptured heart would drive him away.

            But what did she have to prove for it now? Another giant scar. And more than that, her nightmare came true. Valek was nowhere to be found, no matter how hard she looked. After everything he did, and everything that had happened because of his carelessness, she wasn’t sure how badly she wanted to find him. That thought made her heart constrict. But then again, Aiden had disappeared as well. At least there was that. 

       “Not really. Not as much as the emotional pain underneath it,” she finally answered Nikolai’s question honestly. “The heartbreak hurts worse than the scar ever could.”

About the Author:

In Shayne's first year out of high school she penned, co-directed, and starred in the feature film 'The Incubus', a paranormal romance, which obtained distribution and screened in over fifteen theaters across South Florida among major theater chains such as Regal, AMC, and Cinemark. 'The Incubus' has also obtained a passionate fanbase of over 100,000 girls online and has garnered the attention of reporters from the Miami Herald, CBS News, and NPR Radio. Leighton also starred alongside Scream Queen, Tara Cardinal, in the film 'Legend of the Red Reaper' which made its world debut at the 2012 AFM in Los Angeles. Twenty-Two-year-old Leighton is excited to release her debut young adult novel series, 'Of Light and Darkness', set in contemporary Prague, as well as developing the film adaptation of the novel series. Recently released songs can now be heard on ReverbNation.com with a full-length album in the works. Leighton is currently named #35 on the pop charts in Miami, FL. Named #26 in Boca Magazine's "Top 100 'It' People" for 2011. Shayne Leighton lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL with her husband and key inspiration, Frank and travels back and forth to the Czech Republic often. Find out more about Shayne at: www.ShayneLeighton.com

Check out The Vampire's Daughter, the first book, for only .99 cents on Amazon!

Add it on GoodReads.

Giveaway:

The Vampire's Daughter & The Vampire's Reflection by Shayne Leighton *signed*

Open Worldwide!

Must be 13 or older to enter (with parental permission).

Ends Aug. 8th, 2013

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