Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #12

 
"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating
 
My choice this week is Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis.
 

 
Goodreads Description:

Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. 
 
Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.
  
Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.
 
 
What book are you eagerly awaiting?


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Stacy Claflin's 'Fallen' Cover Reveal

 
Fallen by Stacy Claflin 

Publication Date: Fall 2013

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult


Synopsis:

 
Samantha Erikson is a vampire with one mission: to rule the world. She’s spent decades winning over the world’s most feared vampire, Vince Moretti. Just when everything is going according to plan, he sidetracks her with the assignment of pretending to be a high school student in a small town.

It’s humiliating enough going from stilettos to sneakers, but Samantha must also follow the most boring person alive: the teenage girl who stands between her and the throne. When she has had all she can take, she finds a fun distraction: an attractive football player who isn't scared of vampires. There's one problem. Against her better judgment, she falls in love with him. Now she must decide between the mortal she adores and a place of power in the vampire world. If she tries to have both, she could lose everything.


Click here to add on Goodreads.

 
AUTHOR BIO:
 
Stacy loves writing, reading, and watching Young and New Adult Paranormal and Paranormal Romance. Her favorite TV shows include the Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, Fringe, Pretty Little Liars, and the Lying Game.

STACY'S BOOKS
The Transformed Series:
Deception
Betrayal
Forgotten

Chasing Mercy

You can learn more about her current and upcoming books, and connect with her at StacyClaflin.com.
 

 

Mila Ferrera's 'Only Between Us' Release Day Blitz: Excerpt and Giveaway

 
 
Only Between Us by Mila Ferrera 
 
Publication Date: September 3rd 2013
 
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance


Synopsis:
 
Last semester, Romy escaped from an abusive relationship with the guy she’d thought was the man of her dreams. This semester she’s putting herself back together, determined to reclaim her passion for art and for life. When she signs up for a painting class at the local art co-op, the possibility of passion becomes very real -- in the form of her teacher, Caleb. Both mysterious and seriously hot, Caleb bares his soul on his canvases, and Romy’s fascinated by what she sees.

Caleb is just trying to keep his head above water. Caring for his traumatized, unstable sister is getting harder every day, and his paintings are so dark and bleak that no one is buying. Teaching classes at the co-op is no longer enough, and now he’s going to have to sell more than just his art to the wealthy, sex-starved women in his classes. But when Romy comes along, she makes everything more complicated. She sees the truth in his paintings -- a truth no one else has realized, until now.

Romy and Caleb might have a real shot together -- one that could heal them both. But when ghosts from their pasts re-emerge, determined to keep them apart, will they be strong enough to hold on to each other?
 
Click here to add on Goodreads.
 
Click here to purchase on Amazon.
 
 
AUTHOR BIO:


 
Mila Ferrera lives in New England, where she has a family and a job and does various normal, everyday things, all while plotting novels in her head. She has a passion for writing new adult/adult romance featuring psychological twists and tortured heroes. Her own psychology internship involved plenty of consultation, but alas, no sexy Swedish doctors, and her decision to make one up is what sparked her self-publishing adventures. She's the author of SPIRAL (available now), ONLY BETWEEN US (9/3/13), and EVERYTHING BETWEEN US (11/5/13).


Excerpt:

The stairs creak and we look up to see a guy coming down the steps. He looks to be in his mid-twenties, maybe a few years older than I am, and he moves with the careless grace of an athlete.
“Holy hotness,” breathes Jude, mimicking my thoughts perfectly. It’s not that I’m on the prowl, but in this life, there are a few objective truths, and this guy’s attractiveness is one of them. His jeans hang from his lean hips and are stained with paint. A similarly decorated t-shirt clings to his frame, and there’s a smear of blue on his tanned, muscular forearm. He has chin-length, chocolate brown hair, but he’s pulled some of it away from his face in a partial ponytail high on the back of his head. And that gives us a perfect view of his wolf-gray eyes, which skate over us with mild interest as he descends the stairs and walks toward us.
​“You guys here for my class?” he asks, nodding toward the classroom. Oh my God. He’s the teacher.
​“Absolutely,” Jude says quickly, newly enthusiastic, and I can’t hold in my laugh.
​“Head on in and grab an easel. We’ll start in a few minutes. I’m Caleb,” he says, holding his hand out to Jude, who shakes it and introduces himself.
​Caleb turns his gaze to me and offers his hand. “Romy,” I say as I take it, my heart beating a little faster as my skin touches his.
​He lets go first. “Have you painted before?” he asks softly, giving my toolbox a questioning glance.
​“A little.” That’s a lie. I minored in art in college, and painting was my passion. Until last year. I was passionate about a lot of things until last year, actually.
​He smiles, and it’s as warm as his skin and steals my breath. “You look nervous, Romy. You don’t have to be. This is supposed to be fun.”


 
 

Top Ten Tuesday #7



Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

This Week's Top Ten is: Top Ten Books I Wish Were Taught in Schools

I chose my top ten in no particular order. 

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
This book is so well written and has such a modern gothic feel to it. It's perfect for teaching style and genre in writing. 
 
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
This book is also well written and touches on a lot of different life issues. 
 
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter rocks! They're easy to read and also manage to teach important life lessons disguised as fantasy. 
 
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
These books not only suck you in, but also teach scary lessons about our obsession with entertainment, the troubles with class systems, and how easy it is to forget about unfortunate people whose only crime is not being born in an affluent place. This is one of the few dystopian series' that are frighteningly realistic and believable. It also harkens back to the gladiator games and shows how easily history could repeat itself. 
 
Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
This is an adult novel, but it's not so adult it couldn't be taught in school. It's the first book I've read that includes Gods, Goddesses, and mythology from all different cultures. It's interesting, while also being educational and raising questions about religion, government, and basic human ethics. 
 
The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare
These books are just awesome! There really isn't much more to it than that. I guess I learned a little but about Victorian London, but mostly I just think they're fun and teens would enjoy reading them. 
 
The Covenant Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
These books are so well written and relatable while also informative about Greek mythology. 
 
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, but hopeful all at the same time. It also teaches some great life lessons. 
 
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
This book is scary, but well written and intriguing. I mostly just think it would be fun to read in school. Not to mention almost all dystopian books get you thinking. 
 
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Ok. Not a book. Well except for the comic books, but I'm talking about the show. I had a hard time thinking of a tenth book so I went with Buffy. I think all teens should watch this show. Adults too. Buffy rules!!
 

Monday, September 2, 2013

Cindy M. Hogan's 'First Kiss' Book Blitz: Excerpt and Giveaway

 
 
First Kiss by Cindy M. Hogan 
 
(Confessions of a 16-Year-Old Virgin Lips #1) 

Publication Date: July 3rd 2013 

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult 


Synopsis:
 
VL. Virgin Lips. You may not have heard of it, but where I live, it’s a thing with a card, even if it is a figurative card. I was Brooklyn Hill, certified virgin lips, and I planned on clinging to that figurative card with all I had—while dating as many of the hottest guys at school as I could.
Maybe that’s a bit strange. I mean, what teenage girl isn’t interested in kissing? Locking lips definitely interested me, but the drama that came with it didn’t. No kissing, no drama. Simple.
But on my sixteenth birthday, on my first real date even, the drama found me. His name was Luke Graham—cute, funny, and bad news for the whole female race.
 
Click here to add on Goodreads.
 

To purchase on Amazon for only $0.99 click here.


About Author:

 

 
Excerpt:
 
“Yes siree, the two of us will die old and decrepit, kiss-less…unless, of course,” he said with a flourish, “we find that special someone.”
Only Parker could get away with a speech like that and not come out looking like a total loser. I wondered why that was. Why some could get away with stuff and others couldn’t.
“Then you’ll be missing out on the best stuff in life,” Ty said. Ty was on the swim team with Parker and me and was known for his roving lips.
“Just ‘cause you’re a lip-slut, Ty,” Ali said, “doesn’t mean you can diss on those saving themselves for something special.”
“Ohhh!” Harrison said, “Ali’s on the war path tonight. You guys better be careful what you say!”
“From the mouth of the oldest VL in the group,” Ty shot back at Ali and splashed her with water.
I could tell she was blushing wildly even in the semi-darkness.
“Actually,” I said, “Ali isn’t in the club.”
“No way!” Parker called out. “Ali, you disappoint me.” He frowned in an exaggerated way.
Ali splashed me. “Thanks a lot, birthday girl.”
That started everyone telling about their first kisses.
Mike said, “I went away with sore teeth after my first kiss. Instead of leading with our lips, our teeth clacked hard against each others’. But don’t worry, Brooklyn, I’ve got all that worked out, now.”
Before I could be too embarrassed, Katherine spoke up. “Nobody’s first kiss was worse than mine. He was salivating so much it dripped down my chin.”
“Well, my first was amazing. After all, I am Ty.”
Alyssa scoffed, “Yeah right.”
“I’m serious. We were just sitting there, not talking, and all of a sudden—a shooting star streaked across the sky.” He shushed all the mocking and sounds of disbelief. “It totally happened! And then, it was like we were telepathically connected, we looked at each other and without even thinking about it, I kissed her, soft and slow. When we stopped, she asked me my wish was, and I said—‘I just got it.’”
All the girls in the group sighed wistfully. I was impressed. I had no idea Ty was such a romantic. Then he broke the spell. “And, man, her lips were so hot. I’ll never forget those lips.”
The girls all groaned and splashed him. “Typical!” Alyssa said, rolling her eyes.
A few more kids shared their first kiss stories. Most sounded awful. We were either laughing hysterically or completely grossed out during the conversation. I held hope that my first kiss would be dreamy, like Ty said his was.
 
 
Giveaway:
 
*This giveaway is open Internationally, but the paperback option is U.S. only.*
 
The giveaway is for another awesome book from Cindy M. Hogan, Protected.

Click here for more info about Protected.

 
 

Review of Jessica Wood's 'The Day to Remember'

 
Title: The Day to Remember
Author: Jessica Wood
Series: Emma's Story #2
Publication Date: August 26, 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon  Barnes & Noble
 
 
Synopsis:

What happens when the dream is over and reality sets in?
 
When Emma Anderson meets and falls in love with the man from her dreams--the deep-dimpled and incredibly gorgeous Brandon Fisher--she wasn't expecting her heart to be broken by him and his complicated life. But despite Brandon's baggage, the inextricable pull Emma and Brandon feel for one another seems strong enough to keep them together.

Just when Emma thinks she can have a happily-ever-after with Brandon, a dark secret from her past threatens Emma's chances at true happiness with Brandon--a secret so dark and hidden that even her best friends don't know about it.

Will Emma and Brandon's love be strong enough to withstand the external factors that seem to pull them apart, or will Emma's dream man be nothing but just that--a dream?

 
Author Bio:
 
Jessica Wood writes new adult contemporary romance and chick-lit.

While she has lived in countless cities throughout the U.S., her heart belongs to San Francisco. To her, there’s something seductively romantic about the Golden Gate Bridge, the steep rolling hills of the city streets, the cable cars, and the Victorian-style architecture.
 
She loves a strong, masculine man with a witty personality. While she is headstrong and extremely independent, she can’t resist a man who takes control of the relationship, both outside and inside of the bedroom. 
 
She loves to travel internationally, and tries to plan a yearly trip abroad. She also loves to cook and bake, and—to the benefit of her friends—she loves to share. She also enjoys ceramics and being creative with her hands. She has a weakness for good (maybe bad) TV shows; she’s up-to-date on over 25 current shows, and no, that wasn’t a joke.
 
And it goes without saying, she loves books—they’re like old and dear friends who have always been there to make her laugh and make her cry.
 
The one thing she wished she had more of is time.
 

My Review:
 
If you haven't read the first book in this series you will find spoilers in this review. 
 
I was given an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. 

I happen to be one of the lucky people that read the first book in this two book series shortly before I received this book. The first book ended with a vicious cliffhanger and I'm glad I didn't have to wait long to continue the romantic story of Emma and Brandon. 
 
The last book ended after Emma met a woman claiming to be Brandon's girlfriend. Seeing as how Brandon is the love of Emma's life this was a devastating blow. This book picks up a little less than three days after the alleged girlfriend, Desiree, showed up at Brandon's door. Needless to say Emma is in a state of shock and heartache. He's been trying desperately to get in touch with Emma, but she can't bring herself to talk to him. Luckily Brandon doesn't give up easily and finally gets to tell his side of the story. Desiree isn't exactly who she claims to be, but she is from Brandon's past. Both Brandon and Emma have secrets from their past that they're not ready to share and things seem to get back on track with them. Unfortunately Desiree brings new things to light for Brandon and he ends up keeping more secrets from Emma. Meanwhile Emma still has her own past and secret that she is yet to share with Brandon. All of the lies and secrets between them could possibly destroy the relationship they've both worked so hard for. 
 
I was pretty sure I was going to love this book after reading A Night to Forget and I was not disappointed. Emma and Brandon's story is full of ups and downs, and though a bit dramatic (what's a love story without a little drama?), it rings true to life. Brandon and Emma are both well developed throughout the two books and extremely human and realistic. I fell instantly in love with these two characters and I found myself tearing through the pages to find out what would happen next and ultimately if they would have their happily ever after in the end. I don't want to give anything away, but this book ended perfectly for me. It was everything I was hoping for. 
 
The writing itself manages to be both smooth and lyrical. The book is well paced and nicely organized. It's written from both Emma's and Brandon's points of view and this added depth to the story. I always love reading male points of view from both female and male writers. I thoroughly enjoyed Jessica Wood's take on the male perspective. 
 
If you love beautiful, well written love stories with intense ups and downs this book is for you. It's full of drama, yet still realistic and believable. The epic love story of Emma and Brandon will suck you in from the very beginning and not let you go until the very end. I'm actually sad this book was such a quick read for me. It was one of those books that you rush through because you have to find out what will happen next, but then once you're done you curse yourself for not savoring it more. I look forward to reading whatever Jessica Wood writes next!


My Rating:

 

Sunday, September 1, 2013

The Sunday Post #9

 
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
 
The Week in Review
 
Monday, August 26, 2013:
 
Tuesday, August 27, 2013:
 
Wednesday, August 28, 2013:
 
Thursday, August 29, 2013:
 
Friday, August 30, 2013:
 
Saturday, August 31, 2013:
 
Sunday, September 1, 2013:
The Sunday Post
 
 
Giveaways
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Upcoming Week
 
Monday, September 2, 2013:
'First Kiss' Book Blitz
Review of Jessica Wood's 'The Day to Remember'
 
Tuesday, September 3, 2013:
'Only Between Us' Book Blitz
Top Ten Tuesday
 
Wednesday, September 4, 2013:
Stacy Claflin's 'Fallen' Cover Reveal
Waiting on Wednesday
 
Thursday, September 5, 2013:
'Where My Heart Breaks' Book Blitz
Review of Pepper Winters's 'Tears of Tess'
 
Friday, September 6, 2013:
'The Road to You' Cover Reveal
Review of Richelle Mead's 'Gameboard of the Gods'
 
Saturday, September 7, 2013:
'When Fangirls Lie' Book Blitz
Giveaway Saturday
 
Sunday, September 8, 2013:
The Sunday Post
 
 
*This is a tentative schedule and subject to change.*