Pembroke Sinclair's 'The Appeal of Evil' Book Blitz: Excerpt & 2 Giveaways

The Appeal of Evil by Pembroke Sinclair
Publication date: January 17th, 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult 

Synopsis:

Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell.

Katie, a senior in high school, is torn between loving the “good” guy, her childhood friend Wes who makes promises he doesn’t keep and abandons her when she needs him the most, and the “bad” guy, the new kid at school Josh who is also a real demon from Hell. Katie wants someone who pays attention to her and puts her first, but what is she willing to give up to find him?

Goodreads | Amazon

AUTHOR BIO:

I have had several short stories, novels, and novellas published. My story, “Sohei,” was named one of the Best Stories of 2008 by The Cynic Online Magazine. I have novellas and a short story collection available from Musa Publishing and eTreasures Publishing. I have a novella, The History of My Wishes, published by MuseItUp Publishing. My novels, Coming from Nowhere (adult, sci fi), Life After the Undead (YA, horror), and Death to the Undead (YA, sequel to Life After the Undead) are available from eTreasures Publishing. Life After the Undead was a Top Ten Finisher in the Preditors and Editors Reader’s Poll in the YA category and the cover art category.

In April, I have a middle grade novel called The Ifs coming out, which will be published by Little Devil Books. I also have two picture books that will be available from eTreasures Publishing. All of the children's titles are written under the pen name J.D. Pooker. Under Pembroke Sinclair, I also have an adult urban fantasy novel entitled Wucaii that will be published by MuseItUp Publishing.

Under my real name, Jessica Robinson, from March 2008 to January 2011, I wrote scientific articles for Western Farmer-Stockman. I have a nonfiction book, Life Lessons from Slasher Films, published in July 2012 from Scarecrow Publishing (an imprint of Rowman and Littlefield).

I have my Master’s in English, and I am a freelance content editor for Musa Publishing, as well as a former content and line editor for eTreasures Publishing.

Website | Goodreads

Excerpt:

The bell rang as Katie slowly made her way to the locker room. She reached forward to grab the door handle when someone grabbed her from behind and lifted her up. A squeak of surprise escaped her lips, but no other sound came out. A hand covered her mouth. Really? Katie thought. Again? He’s going to pay for it this time. She struggled against her attacker, but his grip was too strong. He lifted her like she weighed no more than a doll. He carried her toward the gymnastic storage area and stepped over the mats until they were in the far back corner, covered in shadow.

Wes set her down but refused to take his hand of her mouth. Katie clawed and scratched at his hand and arm and attempted to kick him. Wes calmly grabbed her wrists with his free hand and pressed his body against hers so she couldn’t attack him anymore. Her face turned red and anger boiled through her veins. She screamed even though his hand was still over her mouth.

“Katie, please, calm down. I’m not going to hurt you.”

In response, she struggled against his body—a futile attempt since he was so much stronger than she was.

Wes opened his mouth to speak again, but the words never came out. Instead, a familiar, “Again?” echoed through the storage space, and Wes was pulled away from Katie. Josh had him by the back of the collar and threw him onto a pile of mats. Katie took deep breaths and moved away from the wall to get a better view.

“Why can’t you take a hint, Wes? The lady doesn’t want anything to do with you.”

Wes got to his feet and brought his fists up, ready to fight. The space was big enough that there was a few feet between the two boys, but if things escalated, Katie would be caught in the middle of the battle.

“Yeah, well, she wouldn’t want you if she knew what you really were.”

Josh threw his head back and laughed. “And what is that, Wes? A nice, clean cut boy who actually pays attention to her and wants to be around her?”

Wes’s eyes narrowed to slits. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

Josh clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth. “I’m afraid I don’t. I think you may be delusional.”

Katie had her back pressed against the wall and slowly slid her way to the opening so she could run into the gym and get help. Josh was doing a great job of staying between her and Wes.

“Don’t listen to him, Katie. He’s only using you to get to me.”

Katie glanced over Josh’s shoulder. Wes had taken his eyes off his opponent for a second and stared at her, a pleading look in his eyes. Typical, she thought. Wes always thought things were about him. Someone needed to let him know the world didn’t revolve around him. She tore her gaze from his and continued toward the exit. Wes sensed her intention and moved so he blocked the opening. He was within an arm’s length of Josh.

Josh shook his head. “C’mon, Wes. That’s not very nice. If Katie wants to leave, you should allow her to leave.”

“No. I’m not letting you do this to her.”

Josh laughed. “Do what? Show her how a real boyfriend is supposed to treat her?”

Katie stopped for a second and glanced at Josh. Did he just say what she thought he said? Boyfriend? Could it really be true? Was that how he viewed their thing? Katie wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but she was going to rethink it the next time she got the chance. If the situation hadn’t been so dire, she would have let the inner smile play across her lips.

Wes’s face crunched in anger, his fists balled at his sides. Without another word, he lunged forward. Wes and Josh fell to the ground, right at Katie’s feet. Wes sat on Josh’s chest and slammed his fist into the side of Josh’s head. Katie screamed.

“Stop it! Wes! Leave him alone!”

She wanted to jump between the two to make him stop, but she was afraid of getting hit. The pupils in Wes’s eyes were dilated, completely blocking out the brown that was normally there. Rage shrouded his face. Fear squeezed Katie’s chest. She’d never seen him act like that before. She continued her trek toward the opening. If she couldn’t stop him, Ms. Bode would have to.

Wes brought his fist up by his shoulder to smash into Josh’s face again. As he brought it down, Josh grabbed it and stopped him. Katie stopped and watched the two of them. Josh stared at Wes, a smile curling his lips. Blood stained Josh’s teeth.

“That all you got?” With a growl and movement almost too fast for Katie to see, Josh pushed Wes.

Wes sailed across the room, through the opening, and slammed into the wall several yards away. Katie’s jaw fell open. What just happened? No one was that strong. Josh got to his feet and wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand. He stared at Wes, who sat on the floor, his head hanging on his chest.

Josh reached his right hand behind him, toward Katie. “C’mon. He won’t bother you for a while.”

Katie hesitated taking the offered hand. Her chest heaved with ragged breaths, her head swam with confusion. How did Josh throw Wes like that?

Josh looked over his shoulder at her. “You’re not going to get another chance. Are you coming or what?”

Katie shook herself out of her daze and grabbed Josh’s hand. The pair stepped over the mats and through the opening. They stopped in front of Wes. He looked up at them, his eyes taking a moment to focus. Katie glanced into the gym. Why wasn’t anyone else coming to help them? Surely they heard the fight, her screaming.

The door to the girl’s locker room opened in slow motion. Two of her classmates walked out, but their movement wasn’t normal. They, too, were stuck in slow motion.

“Hey!” she called to them and tried to run up to them, but Josh had a tight grip on her hand and wouldn’t let go.

“They can’t do anything to help you,” Josh said softly. “They don’t even know what’s happening.”

Katie’s breath caught in her throat. She turned back to Josh, eyes wide. “What is happening?” The words barely made it out of her mouth. Josh smiled.

“Let her go. I’m the one you want,” Wes croaked from the floor.

Josh knelt down in front of him, inadvertently pulling Katie closer since he wouldn’t let go of her hand. “You know I’m not going to do that. Besides, you never know how useful she’s actually going to be.”

Wes attempted to lunge for Josh, but his balance was off and he fell to one side. Josh laughed. Katie stared down the hall at the two girls as they headed to class. She reached for them, hoping they’d sense her desperation and turn around. Josh jerked on her hand, pulling her into his body. Her back was against his chest, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. His breath tickled her ear lobe.

“Take one last look, Katie. It might be the last time you see him.”

Katie stared down at Wes. He struggled to get to his feet. Pain pinched his face, along with something else. For a moment, Katie thought it looked like sadness. He reached for her. Involuntarily, she reached for him too. Then, the world was shrouded in blackness.

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JA Huss's 'Taut' Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

TAUT: The Ford Book by JA Huss

(Rook and Ronin Spin-off)

Publication Date: January 20, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, New-ish Adult

Synopsis:
 
TAUT IS A STANDALONE NOVEL - you do NOT have to read any of the Rook and Ronin books first.

Ford Aston is known for many things. Being an emotionless, messed up bastard, a freakishly smart social outcast, and a cold, domineering master who keeps "pets" instead of girlfriends.

And after Rook broke his heart, he plans to keep it that way.

Ashleigh is known for nothing, and that's exactly what she's got going for her. She's broke, stranded in the mountains with a three month old baby, and Ford Aston is screwing with her head.

Big. Time.

And she plans to mess with his right back.

It's a coy game at first, filled with flirting, and innuendo--but Ford soon realizes something is not quite right with Ashleigh. In fact, something is seriously, seriously wrong and the closer they get to their final destination, the closer Ford gets to the truth.

One night of devastation, self-loathing, and emptiness turns into the best thing that ever happened to Ford Aston. But one day of in-your-face reality threatens Ashleigh's whole existence.

******
Since A LOT of people have been asking here is the scoop on how this book fits in with my Rook & Ronin series:

Ford first appears in Rook and Ronin #2, Manic. He has a bigger role in Panic, R&R #3, and then he has a novella, called SLACK. This TAUT book is only FORD. It's not really part of the R&R series, as that plot has all been sidelined for this one romance book. 

Goodreads | Book Trailer | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

AUTHOR BIO:

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook /Twitter

Excerpt:

Luck. We are not on speaking terms, luck and I. Because my name is not Ronin Flynn. Luck loves him. Shit, if Ronin was in this predicament, he’d have broken down across from the Four Seasons, they’d tell him they only had the penthouse available, and he could have it for half price since it was sitting empty anyway. They’d send up complimentary fruit baskets and give him free spa passes to ease his worried brow.

I laugh. The sad thing is that it’s closer to the truth than I’d like to admit. Ronin is like… walking magic when it comes to life. Everything he wants, he gets. People love him immediately. They don’t scowl at him because he conjures up memories of almost blowing people up on the golf course or electrocuting boys in the skate park bathroom, or for being the town freak who read every book in the library, even the dictionary and the encyclopedias.

I have had my share of women, albeit on my own very strict no-touching terms. But Ronin has women throwing themselves at him everywhere he goes.

It’s… it’s infuriating. He’s literally a professional liar, for fuck’s sake, and all they see is sweet perfection. But when they look at me they see freak.

I’m a goddamned movie producer. I know famous people. I have a mountain home in Vail, a luxury condo in Denver, and a five-million-dollar monstrosity on Mulholland Drive in Bel Air. I take care of myself, I’m well educated, I’m not bad-looking. I’m sorta hot, actually. I know this,

I have no trouble finding sex when I want it.

And yet I get sluts. I swear. Sluts who don’t even blink when I tell them they can’t touch me.

And Ronin? He gets Rook.

She does not give one fancy fuck what Ronin’s part in our business is. Her exact words. Not one fancy fuck. She loves him, no matter what. Unconditionally. She rode a thousand miles on a motorcycle back to the place where the most horrific things happened to her, stole secret files, and almost got her legs burned off in a house fire to save his professionally lying ass.

And I get no-name pets who want me to bend them over a couch and smack their pussy to make them come.

It’s just… what the fuck? Why? It’s like I have a sign on my fucking head that says I like the weird ones.


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Blog Tour: Carlyle Labuschagne's 'Evanescent' Review & Giveaway

Synopsis:

Evanescent (Broken #2)
Her fall has just begun. Only his touch can save her from the shift that could destroy it all.
Within my blood runs a thing our kind calls the Shadowing Disease. It shadows over, and bends everything to its will. When the first blood- shift came, it tore through flesh and blood, threatening to bend me, break bone, shatter my mind and entrap my heart with its honeyed, seductive poison. It came with vicious intent, moving my thoughts and altering me forever. The shift has caused a rift within me. No one was safe when it entrapped me in its claws of foul lust. But I have the only antidote against the evil that becomes me – his touch alone has the power to release the spurs of sweet darkness that clung on for dear life. I knew what I had to do; the desperation pulled my mind with the deep determination of a hungry predator. By the time the revelation raised me from the dark dungeon of my bounds – it might have been too late.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carlyle Labuschagne is a South African debut author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her first young adult dystopian novel "The Broken Destiny". She is not only an author, but works as a sales rep and marketing manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at College SA.

Carlyle loves to swim, fights for the trees, and is a food lover who is driven by her passion for life. Carlyle also writes for IU e-magazine India, an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words. Carlyle is also the founder of the first annual book drive – Help Build A Library in Africa Project.

“My goal as an author is to touch people’s lives, and help others love their differences and one another.”

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

My Review:

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Going into this book I was both excited and nervous. This is the second book in The Broken series and I absolutely adored the first book The Broken Destiny (you can read my review of it here). I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next in Ava's story, but I was also nervous because the first book set a high standard, one that might be difficult to live up to. After reading this book I see now my worry was for naught. This book was amazing, maybe even better than the first. This story throws you right into the action and the turmoil right from the get go and takes you around about a million twists and turns.

Ava accepted her destiny in the first book, but now she is paying for it. Everything is so much worse than she ever imagined it could be and she's trying to do what she needs to in order to save her loved ones. She is being overcome with darkness and she is trying to control it in order to stop Enoch. She recalls that there is something within herself that will help her to take control of her darkness, but she has to find the answers inside herself. Time is running short and she begins to uncover secrets that make her doubt herself and those she trusts most. Everything is riding on her and she must piece together the secrets and bits of information she uncovers in order to both accept who she is and save the day.

Again I have to say that Labuschagne has an amazing way with metaphor. She tells this story that is completely thrilling and enrapturing all on its own, but it also has a deeper meaning. It's a story of fantasy, but it's also a story about a young woman discovering both who she is and the power she holds within her. This book sucks you in and keeps you hooked throughout, but then when you finish and think about it you realize how Ava could really be any girl going through life and finding her way. This story has the perfect balance of entertainment and deeper meaning. It drives me crazy when metaphors such as this are too obvious and thrown in your face. This book is fun, but also makes you think. You have to look for that deeper meaning without having it thrown in your face and I love that. It shows that Labuschagne respects her readers and doesn't treat them like idiots. Not to mention it shows she has a great talent in both writing and storytelling in general.

 I have loved Ava since I first met her in book one and I love her even more now. She is such a strong, well developed character. She is such an incredible role model for young women. She is tough and brave, but she is also vulnerable and very real. She has immense inner strength and intelligence that a lot of young adult female characters lack. You cannot help but root for her throughout her trials and tribulations. She just continues to grow more and more interesting as the story moves forward.

This book is really just a fantastic read. It's a page-turner that will hook you from the very beginning and keep you up all night. If you have read the first book you absolutely must continue with this one and if you haven't read the first book you absolutely must. And then read this one too. These books are not to be missed. This book is entertaining and will take you on an adventure of twists and turns that will constantly keep you guessing. I cannot wait to see if Ava will pull through or not, and if she does just how she will manage. I am eagerly awaiting the third book. This book gets a definite five out of five star rating. Read it. You will thank me, I promise.

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Lyra Parish's 'Weak For Him' Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

Weak for Him by Lyra Parish
(Weakness #1)
Publication date: January 15th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Weak for him is a New Adult read with sexual content.

“Have you heard the saying, ‘sex sells’? Well, I’m the supplier.”

Finnley Felton sells sex.
Jennifer Downs is a virgin.
With the help of lady luck, the two meet.

Money. Bright lights. Sex.

Jennifer is made an offer: sell her virginity to the highest bidder and transform into one of Finnley’s girls. But she finds herself weak for him, and doesn’t fully realize what she’s agreed to until it’s too late.

Will she rise to the challenge and play by the rules in a land where money is king and love is prohibited? Or will she lose herself and values in the attempt?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Author Bio:

Lyra Parish loves to write, travel, and sing obnoxiously loud at the top of her lungs in the shower. Sweet love stories (along with the dirty ones) make her gush.

She is a firm believer that a person can never have too many cats, cups of coffee, or read to many happily ever after's. When she isn't busy writing, she can be found sipping various beverages from her non-alcoholic drink buffet, pimp slapping excel spreadsheets, or riding her bike.

Weak for Him (Weakness #1) is Lyra's debut novel. Weak Without Him (Weakness #2) will release Spring 2014. Lyra currently resides in Texas with her husband and black cat.

Join the author street team | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Excerpt:

Mr. Felton stood facing the windows in a neatly pressed suit. The black tie complemented the black suit, designer from head to toe. His green eyes met my brown gaze, and I smiled, but only received the ghost of one in return.

Once the secretary left us, I searched the room, trying to take in every little detail: abstract art on the wall, a conference table in the back, and a lounge area in the middle. The afternoon light cast a yellow glow in the room. A large oak desk, which screamed business executive, had two chairs tucked in front. The room looked comfortable, welcoming, but also professional.

The red velvet curtains that overlooked the atrium were jerked closed.

"Hi, Finnley. Thank y—"

"It's Mr. Felton."

My face flushed. How could I be so inconsiderate and unprofessional?

I immediately felt stupid.

"Mr. Felton. Thank you for allowing me to interview. I've brought my resume and a list of recommendations. I'd love to join your accounting team if you'd allow me."

I outstretched my hand and he left me standing there, awkwardly. The smile faded from my face as he leaned against the wooden desk with his arms crossed.

"Take off your clothes." His voice was low and silky.

"Excuse me?" The words hit me like cool water.

I don't think so, asshole.

"The interview has begun, Ms. Downs. If you'd like to join my team, you will do what I say and if you'd prefer not, you are more than welcome to turn around and walk that tight ass through the door, and we can pretend as if this never happened."

The fierce tone behind his English accent made me cower. I froze as I calculated my next move.

What the fuck?

The way he looked at me, exploring my body as if he were undressing me, made my stomach flip. No one had ever observed me that way. With a sprinkle of courage, I searched the blank matter-of-fact expression that covered his face. This man was all business.

As his long eyelashes hit the tops of his slightly sun-kissed cheeks, I closed my eyes to regroup my thoughts, then opened them quickly. I couldn't let my nerves get the best of me. He moved his messy hair behind his ears, and then sat on the desk, waiting, wanting, daring me to make my move.

"Have you decided? Or are we going to waste the good portion of my time daydreaming?"

I swallowed.

All I ever wanted to do was live in Vegas among the lights and fast-paced city. How did I get myself into this? Take off my clothes? I wasn't some cheap whore to be bossed around. The thought of undressing in front of him disgusted me… or did it?

My heart sped as he watched with a lust and want so fierce I shivered. It was now or never, you only live once, right?

I peered behind him and stared at the Vegas strip in the distance. With perfect plump lips, and straight white teeth, Mr. Felton smiled at me. In that very moment, I decided to gamble. I didn't know why because I wasn't much for risks. If anyone was a play-it-safe type of girl, it was me. But in that moment, I wanted to be someone different. I wanted to know the outcome of what waited on the other side. I played with lady luck to see what hand she dealt. Maybe I would get lucky.

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Review: Lynetta Halat's 'Every Rose' + Giveaway

Every Rose by Lynetta Halat

Publication Date: February 25, 2013

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Synopsis:

 Reader Beware: If you're not OK with having your guts ripped out and are not a bit of a masochist when it comes to reading, this may not be the book for you. If you're open-minded and willing to have a life-changing experience even if you have to go through the wringer emotionally, this is definitely the book for you.

What do you do when you realize you were foolish enough to throw away true, unconditional love?

Lorraina Dabney turns her back on her creativity and tumultuous upbringing to embark on a college career that will lead her to law school and to becoming what she values most in life—a controlled, powerful, respected woman. When she stumbles upon her childhood friend's artwork, she feels inspired to reconnect with him and her former self. This onslaught of emotion will send Lorraina in a tale-spin to figure out exactly why she abandoned all that she was, all that she could've been.

Coming from his own chaotic upbringing, Michael falls quickly and deeply in love with Lorraina at a tender age. Even her rejection can't stand in the way of his obsession. When she starts to date other boys, however, Michael finally relents, causing him to spiral further into a world filled with violence, drugs, alcohol, and women. Realizing this lifestyle will only lead to his further estrangement from Lorraina, Michael sets about to turn himself around before going to get his girl.

Michael Bang will have Lorraina questioning everything.

My Review:

This book somehow managed to both destroy me and rebuild me. It took me on tumultuous ups and downs, but I loved every minute of it. This book truly touched me in a way few have. It's one of those books that makes you think about and reevaluate your life. The characters are amazing and the story is well told and emotionally wrenching. I couldn't put this book down and just as the synopsis suggests I feel a bit like a masochist because of it.

This is the story of Lorraina and Michael. Lorraina comes from a rough upbringing with her image-obsessed family and her drunk stepfather. She became numb at a fairly young age and turned into someone she can barely recognize anymore. Then there's Michael who also had a tough childhood. He and Lorraina have been close since a very young age and he has pretty much always been in love with her. She rejected him romantically and he never really got over it heading down his own road of self-destruction. Lorraina reaches a point in her life when she begins to re-evaluate everything in her life and decides to try and reclaim what she has lost of herself. They work on finding their way back to one another and who they once were. I won't go any further than that so as not to spoil the story.

The writing in this book was beautiful. Lynetta Halat has a way with words, and dialogue in particular. Nothing makes me sadder than a story with potential told in weak, poorly chosen words and on the other hand nothing makes me happier than that great story told with carefully chosen, well crafted words. Halat definitely falls into the latter category. The dialogue between Michael and Lorraina is so real and sweet. The pacing of this book is also perfection. I hate a book that is oddly paced, which ultimately leads to either poor character development or poor plot development. This book suffered from neither of those afflictions.

The story is told from Lorraina's point of view and flip flops through time. You're reading and learning about her past as you go along with her present. This is tricky to pull off because if the two time periods don't align properly emotionally you have a big old mess on your hands. In this case they lined up perfectly. I felt like I learned everything about both Lorraina and Michael that I needed to know and when I needed to know it. I think it is also part of the reason I couldn't put this book down. I craved learning more about the two in their pasts and knowing what would happen between them in the present. Both time periods are equally captivating.

This is ultimately a story of finding oneself and growing into the person you were always meant to be. It's both inspiring and heartbreaking, but more than anything it is real and true. This is the sort of story that will stick with you and keep you thinking about both the book and your own life in regards to the book long after you put it down. It is one of my top picks from 2013 and an absolute must read. It might break you into little pieces, but it is well worth it.

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Review: Jenny Hubbard's 'And We Stay'

And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard

Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Random House Children's - Delacorte Press

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Synopsis:

When high school senior Paul Wagoner walks into his school library with a stolen gun, he threatens his girlfriend Emily Beam, then takes his own life. In the wake of the tragedy, an angry and guilt-ridden Emily is shipped off to boarding school in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she encounters a ghostly presence who shares her name. The spirit of Emily Dickinson and two quirky girls offer helping hands, but it is up to Emily to heal her own damaged self.

This inventive story, told in verse and in prose, paints the aftermath of tragedy as a landscape where there is good behind the bad, hope inside the despair, and springtime under the snow.

My Review:

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

This book absolutely blew me away. The story and writing are both so beautiful it left me breathless at times. I decided to go into this story blind without reading the blurb, based solely on the cover (I know that's kind of terrible) and I'm so glad I did. The plot sounds depressing and sad based on the blurb (now that I've read it) and it is at times, but overall it's a beautiful and touching coming of age story. 

This is the story of Emily Beam. Emily is attending a hoity-toity boarding school after her boyfriend kills himself at her old public school, something she blames herself for for reasons I won't reveal so as not to spoil the story. Emily is angry and broken and trying to figure out who she is after her tragedy and how to become a regular functioning person again. With the help of a caring French teacher, a couple of interesting friends, and her poetry she reshapes herself into a new person. 

The first thing I need to talk about because I can't stop thinking about it is the writing. The writing is simply stunning. It is lyrical and soothing and every word is perfectly chosen. I have read some reviews that said the lyrical writing made the reader feel distanced from Emily and her story. I too felt this way at first, but I was quickly so immersed and sucked into the beauty of the writing I didn't care. Jenny Hubbard is a lyrical wordsmith and has a ridiculous talent for phrasing and timing. 

A large part of this book was Emily's poems. One of her poems is displayed between each chapter. I absolutely loved it. Not only were the poems beautiful and eloquent, but they also gave me insight into and allowed me to connect with Emily. These poems allowed me to see inside not only Emily's head, but her heart as well. They made me feel for and love Emily Beam. 

I feel like I am overusing the word beautiful in this review, but it is really the best word to describe everything about this book. By the end I was moved in a way that few young adult books have managed. I took my time with this book, savoring it and making sure to take in every perfect word. And We Stay reminded me why I love words and stories so much. It's a perfectly told tale about overcoming tragedy and moving on with your life. Jenny Hubbard has a gift and I cannot wait to devour everything she writes. 

Rachel Curtis's 'Knowing Jack' Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

Knowing Jack by Rachel Curtis
Publication date: January 17th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance 

Synopsis:

I am not a slut, although I’ve been called one often enough. Yeah, I spent three months screwing one of my college professors, but I was crazy about the guy. Then he broke up with me.

I am not a bitch, although people like to say I am. I kept our relationship secret. I’m not responsible for telling the university administrators about it, but a lot of students still blame me for getting their favorite professor fired.

I am not a drama queen, although everyone thinks I am now. When I got a few nasty messages, I just deleted them. When I got the threat, I assumed it was someone being stupid. I still think that’s all it was. My parents worry, though, so they hired me a bodyguard. Now Jack follows me around, intimidating everyone who approaches me and looking obnoxiously hot.

This is what I am. I’m Chloe. I’m a twenty-year-old art history major. Kind of shy, although I pretend not to be. Stubborn enough to stay here for my senior year, even though everyone hates me.

And I’m stuck with Jack.

He calls me “Princess,” but I’m not a princess either.

Knowing Jack is a New Adult contemporary romance and includes adult content and language. The plot of the book is fully resolved at the end, but the last page includes a hanging teaser for the next book in the series.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Rachel is a writer, a teacher, a romance reader, and a dog-mom. She loves animals and art and hot men with soft hearts under a tough exterior. She tries to write love stories that feel real, even in unlikely circumstances.

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Excerpt:

For the last month, he has almost always been calm and laidback. Only when I get a nasty message does he look angry, and only when there’s a potential threat (none of them materializing into real danger) does he look urgent.

But now, for no good reason, he suddenly seems to simmer with some sort of intensity. He steps forward until I’m backed up against the wall, and I stare up at him with my lips parted. It’s like something is shuddering inside him, just begging to get out.

I have no idea what it is, but I like it. God help me, I like it.

“I mean you’ve got to toughen up eventually,” he murmurs, a thick note in his voice I’m not used to.

It makes me shiver. It makes my girly parts clench.

But the actual words make my spine stiffen again. “What do youmean I have to toughen up? I’m plenty tough.”

He plants a hand on the wall behind me, just to the right of my shoulder, and he leans into me, so there’s only a few inches between our faces. I see the dark curve of his eyelashes. I see the heavy stubble on his jaw. I see the fire in his eyes, and I just can’t look away from it.

I have to clench my hand to keep from touching him.

“You are not tough enough,” he says, his voice even more gravelly than before. “You’re tender. You’re vulnerable. You’re soft and sweet, and your heart is just as soft and sweet as your body. I can stop them from hurting your body, but I can’t stop them from hurting your heart. You’ve got to do that yourself.”

Oh, God, I ache. In my chest. Between my legs. I’m mesmerized by his eyes, his voice, the heat of his body just a breath away from mine. “I’m trying.” My voice is a little shaky, and I can’t help but tell him the truth. “I’m trying, but how the hell do I not let them hurt me?”

“You’ve got to stop caring about what they think. You’ve got to believe that they’re not important to you.”

“I do care. I care that people hate me so much. People have never hated me before.”

“I know they haven’t.” He reaches out and cups my face. His hand is really big and a little calloused, and it curves around my cheek and jaw—warm and strong and protective. His thumb moves in a little caress, stroking just to the side of my lips.

It feels so good I lean into the touch. One of my hands goes up to his chest, and I tighten my fingers in the fabric of his shirt.

I can’t remember ever being so turned on—flushed, weak in the knees, throbbing in all the goods spots—from something that isn’t sexual. Just Jack’s intense physicality and the gentle stroking of his thumb on my cheek.

There’s no way I can hide it. I let my head fall backward and arch my spine against the wall, pressing my breasts toward him without thinking. I let out a long, textured, embarrassing sigh. It’s almost—almost—a moan.

Giveaway:


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