Thursday 31 October 2013

Release Day Blitz ~ Chosen by Paulina Ulrich.




Title: Chosen (Fighting Fate #1).
Author: Paulina Ulrich.
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance.
Release Date: October 31, 2013.


Nothing can stand in the way of outspoken, rule-breaker-extraordinaire, Kaddy Richston…except destiny. Born with wildly colored hair and piercing gray eyes Kaddy knew she was different, but she set her sights on her ambitious dreams of being in a rock band and leaving her small town behind along with the painful memories of her past.

But destiny has other plans for her. 

When the calm, cool, and always collected Cole Huntington enters her life he takes a strange interest in her, his striking blue eyes never wandering far from her every move. Despite her efforts to push him away, he plans on unraveling every single one of Kaddy’s dark secrets even though he has some of his own. 

Despising each other from the start, Kaddy is determined to undermine whatever intentions he has until she learns of a destiny she never asked for. The fate of the world lies in her hands as she learns how different she really is. The only person she can turn to for answers is the last person she’d want help from: Cole Huntington who seems to dislike her rule-breaking as much as she dislikes his rule-following.

Sometimes destiny sucks.


About the Author:


I have always loved writing, telling stories, and the idea of dreaming big because where I come from, you dream big or you don't dream at all. I'm a full-time author with my slightly insane cat, Juey, who is always happy to keep me company as he so often thinks he can lay on my keyboard to "assist" my writing. I write stories because life wouldn't be as fun without the occasional break from reality.

I am the author of the YA paranormal romance Flightless Bird series, the mature YA/New Adult paranormal romance Fighting Fate series and many more stories to come. When I'm not writing it's either because I ran out of iced tea, I'm out 


Connect with Paulina: Website ; Facebook ; Twitter


Excerpt:

“Kaddy, wait.” I heard Mike trailing me as I turned out of the Wheel Barrel.

I pressed a hand to my temple and sighed. “Yeah?”

“You okay? I know you didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.” Mike scratched the back of his head and looked down at me, worried. “Maybe some lunch will help.”

“What I need is sleep, and what needs to happen is for me to stop having these stupid night terrors.” I leaned back against the hot brick building for a moment.

“You can’t help it. It’s not your fault.” Mike leaned on his shoulder next to me, his hands deep in his apron pockets.

“I know, but I hate it. Why can’t they stop?” I smacked my hand to my forehead and sighed. Against my palm, my skin felt too warm. Was I getting sick? Great. It was the last thing I needed. “Do I feel warm to you?” I dropped my hand and looked over at Mike, giving him permission to touch me with a simple confirmation from my eyes.

Slowly raising his arm, the back of his hand pressed against my cheek. “Damn, Kaddy. You’re burning up! Do you feel all right?”

I shrugged. I did feel all right, just a little warm. “I feel fine. I need some sleep. Promise to plan on going to bed early tonight?” I doubted he would keep this promise. He and I always stayed up late writing music.

Mike got a playful glint in his eye. “You know I’m a night owl. No promises there.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “We both are.”

Mike still had his hand pressed against my cheek until it shifted up to tug his gray beanie down on my forehead. “Maybe it’s just my awesome hat that’s making you overheat. Who wears a beanie in August?” he joked and I playfully scowled at him as I readjusted the knitted beanie.

“Oh, I’m sure that’s it,” I laughed and gave him a gentle punch on the arm.

“Whoa.” He took a step back. “You been working out or something? That hurt.” Mike held his upper arm like I had socked it with everything I had. I stood there waiting with my “really?” look and raised my eyebrows in anticipation for his mischievous face to appear. If Mike was anything, he was a jokester. Just like I expected, a few seconds later, he cracked a smile on his lips and started laughing.

“You always think your little jokes are hilarious!” Even when I rolled my eyes, I couldn’t stop his infectious laughter from causing me to laugh.

“Kadster, we know I tell the best jokes. I eat sarcasm for breakfast every day.” He winked and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I didn’t shy from his touch.

“So do I, but no one but you find anything I say funny.” I looked up at him as he walked me to the corner of the block, the direction of home. Only Mike called me the Kadster. Actually, he had a lot of nicknames for me and I didn’t mind it. He was one of the few I would let getaway with calling me things other than my name.

“It’s because everyone is just jealous of the awesome friendship we’ve had since we were eight. Haters gonna hate.” He shrugged and his other hand pretended to dust off his shoulder. Mike was the only friend I counted on for anything. Long ago, we made a pact, and so far, he’s kept every word he promised to keep.


Wednesday 30 October 2013

BLOG TOUR REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Phantom Summer by Amy Sparling.


Today I'm taking part in the blog tour for Phantom Summer by Amy Sparling. My post will include a review, excerpt and international giveaway! To follow the rest of the tour, click the banner above which will take you to the schedule.

Title: Phantom Summer.
Author: Amy Sparling.
Publisher: 336Love.
Publication Date: September 5, 2013.
Genre: Contemporary YA with ghosts.

Purchase Links: Amazon ; B&N

Seventeen-year-old Taylor Gray moves to Sterling Island to get over her dead boyfriend. Mom’s cool with letting her crash on the couch, but Taylor needs to get a job before the lights are cut off again.

When the tall, dark and crazy Raine Tsunami offers her a position at his thriving ghost tour business, she figures it’s an easy way to make some cash. Taylor isn’t afraid of ghosts--that crap is as fake as her mom’s boob job. She loves their adventures on the historic island, especially the secret places he shows her when the crowds go home. So what if all the ghost stories are just legends?

When Taylor comes face to face with a ghost and Raine crosses the line between friend and boyfriend--Taylor’s new life collides with her haunted past. If murdered people end up as ghosts, then that someone she was trying to forget is probably watching her.




Excerpt:

Half the streetlights are broken. Between tiny bursts of dingy light bulbs, everything is black, black, black. This isn't what Sterling Island is supposed to be about. The commercials call it a place for tourism and historical richness. What a joke. The only thing I've seen for blocks is buildings and parking lots and nothingness.

A rock tumbles across the sidewalk in front of me.

"You aren't from around here."

I freeze. The voice came from my right. At least I think it did. It happened so suddenly, and I was lost in a daydream that I hadn't really known what happened until after I heard it. I squint to see under the bright street lamp overhead. "So?" I shoot back, trying to sound sarcastic and so not intimidated. Footsteps come from the darkness. He's walking down stairs, one at a time by the sound of it, like he's placing both feet on each step before he takes the next one. I still can't see him.

I spit my gum on the ground, all gross and man-like. If I look unattractive then I won't be kidnapped. But if he even tries, he'll be sorry when he gets a Ford key in the eyeball. A shadow appears under the glow of the street light. It's small and thin. It doesn't look like it belongs to a mass murderer. I breathe a little easier.

"No girl around here would visit The Face by herself."

"The Face?" I ask. I chance a look around me and see nothing but buildings and a parking lot with one car parked in it. Why hadn't I noticed that car before?

The shadow takes a few steps closer and stops four feet away from me. He's about my age, maybe a little older. There's something weird about him, and it's not just because his clothes are so black it makes his head appear to be floating in the darkness.

He's really…sharp. His face is unreadable. His features are so sharp and precise they almost scare me. His hair looks like it was just cut, all sharp ended and straight.

"Turn around," he says, pointing behind me.

I know there’s nothing but a big gray building behind us. It's several stories tall and has no windows. I have no idea why he tells me to turn around, but I do. And I see it immediately. Dark gray on the gray wall, it's like a portrait of a man from long ago. He has bushy hair and long sideburns and a stern look on his face.

"Holy shit," I say. The guy with his crisp shiny leather jacket and silky black hair is suddenly right next to me. I watch him as he looks at the face on the wall. He smirks.

"It's always here," he says. "Though sometimes it moves."

"What, like a movie?" I ask, realizing how stupid I sound.

"No, its position on the wall. You see the upper left corner?" I look where he's pointing. The wall there is shiny, not textured like the rest of the wall. "Yeah."

"That's where he first showed up. They sand blasted it off, and then he appeared over there." He points to the bottom of the wall to another shiny spot of concrete.

"No way," I say. The face on the wall is so realistic. It looks like someone spray painted it with a can of primer and a stencil. "Who's doing it?"

He looks sideways at me, searching my eyes as if he can't possibly believe that I don't know the legend of how this painting got on the wall. From this angle he kind of looks like one of those models in fashion magazines. He's slightly too thin for a guy, entirely too clean and although I can’t believe I’m going to say it, chiseled. Chiseled like some kind of freaky serial killer. I bet he's an asshole. He's probably making all of this up just to screw with me.

"No one does it, it just is."

"So it's like paranormal?" I snort.

"You really aren't from around here."

I pull out my ponytail and redo it. "Well that's a good thing I guess, since people around here believe in shit that doesn't exist."

"It would be terrible to go through life not believing in things that are right in front of your eyes."

Review:

I was sold on this book by the synopsis, which I found really intriguing. Even though I do enjoy reading books with ghosts in, I don’t often get the feeling that it’s something I just have to read. But with Phantom Summer, I did, and four hours later, I had finished reading.

Taylor, I didn’t like her at first. She’s trying to deal with the fact that she kind of killed her kind of boyfriend. Yet, even with that regret, she just seemed unnecessarily rude and abrupt. However, once she got a job at the museum with Margret, I really grew to like her.

Amy Sparling wrote some other characters I loved too. Raine, Anna and Margret were all great characters. Even though Anna wasn’t involved that much, I liked her friendship with Taylor. With Raine, I didn’t actually know what to expect from him, I guess maybe I’m not that accustomed with people who run ghost tour businesses… I loved his character.

The pacing of the story was really good. I didn’t feel Amy Sparling rushed any of it, and all the little events linked up well together. The ghost tours were eerie and spooky and really well written. I felt like I was a part of the tour myself, it was set so well. I loved the ending too, which sadly I can’t give away but I was kind of screaming at the characters throughout!

I guess I can’t really say the format of this book was perfect. A few parts of it seemed to need some better editing, which might have improved the flow slightly. However, I didn’t feel I needed to reflect this in my rating because I absolutely loved Phantom Summer. Maybe if I was basing my rating on technical aspects then I could point out a couple of flaws, but Phantom Summer was just the book I was looking for and I enjoyed every single bit of it. I was gripped from start to finish and was pretty gutted it ended.

Rating:

*I received a copy of this book for the blog tour. Review is my honest opinion.


About the Author:

Amy Sparling is a native Texan with a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, sarcasm, nail polish and paid holidays. She lives near the beach with her daughter, one spoiled rotten puppy and a cat who is most likely plotting to take over the world. Amy Sparling is a pen name for YA author Cheyanne Young.

Connect with Amy: Website ; Facebook ; Twitter ; Goodreads




Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Main Attraction by Ava O'Shay.

Title: Main Attraction.
Author: Ava O'Shay.
Genre: Contemporary/Erotica/Romance.
Release Date: November 25, 2013.


Jessica Hunter lost her heart and her husband at the same time. He died, and she discovered his infidelities, leaving her a shattered mess.

Five years later, Jessica still isn’t interested in a relationship. That is, until she meets sexy, lead actor Penn Jackson on the set of a popular tween movie—and her life gets turned upside down. Swept away by Penn’s carefree attitude, she lets him into her heart—and her bed—even though Penn warns her that being with him will change her life.

Penn’s warning doesn’t mean much to her. But when his publicist begins a campaign to get rid of her, and a trip to the emergency room turns into a tabloid explosion, she doesn’t just lose her anonymity, but also her job. Now, Jessica will have to choose between the man she loves and the life she’s always known.



About the Author:

Ava O'Shay grew up in the north Seattle area but now resides on a hill in the heart of the city so she can be inspired by the sights and sounds of the Seattle waterfront. She loves the outdoors and gets most of her inspiration during long bike rides and kayaking adventures with family, friends, and her three dogs which she loves like children. She can be found on the balcony of her home, wrapped in warm sweater people watching in the winter and enjoying the concerts at the Seattle Center in the summer, while typing on her pink computer.

Connect with Ava: Blog ; Twitter ; Facebook ; Goodreads

BLOG TOUR REVIEWS & GIVEAWAY: 'Surrender' and 'Lantern & Poison' by Rhiannon Paille.



Title: Surrender (The Ferryman + The Flame #1).
Author: Rhiannon Paille.
Publisher: Createspace.
Published: October 2, 2012.

Purchase Links: Amazon ; Kindle ; B&N ; Kobo ; Smashwords

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.


Review:

Reading the synopsis, I loved the concept of Surrender. It felt like a really original idea and I was looking forward to reading it.

The beginning of the book started with a guide explaining all the terms, species and characters. I did read this but I felt some of it going over my head. Throughout the story, parts of it made a lot more sense to me but for others, I was just confused.

For the first half of the book, I really struggled to get into it. I didn’t want this to be the case, because I felt it had so much promise, but personally, I just couldn’t understand some of it.

I didn’t understand why Kaliel was so desperate to see Krishani again after only one meeting. Insta-love is not something which bothers me that much, probably because I’ve read so much of it I’ve become used to it. I even thought the way they felt was sweet and it was very impactful in the story. However, it took me until over half way through Surrender before I could really get my head around it.

I liked Kaliel and I loved Pux, who I wish had been involved more. I was also never bored but it did feel like something was missing. Luckily, I felt like I needed to keep on reading and I was glad I did, because I found the second half of the book a massive improvement!

Surrender became fast-paced, tense and full of action. Rhiannon Paille really drew me in with her writing at this point, making me totally immersed in the story. The ending of the book, especially, was awesome. I can’t even talk about it, because I really don’t want to spoil anything, but it was so exciting to read.

I believe Surrender is worth reading. Sure, I did find it really hard to get into the story (which is reflected in my rating), but once you get to the action and the chaos, for me, it makes it totally worthwhile.

Rating:

*I received a copy of this book for the blog tour. Review is my honest opinion.

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Title: Lantern & Poison (The Ferryman + The Flame #1.5).
Author: Rhiannon Paille.
Published: December 11, 2012.

Purchase Links: Amazon ; B&N ; Kobo ; Smashwords

This is SURRENDER from the villain's POV.

Hadwen is no more. The Daed have no choice but to travel to Avrigost to awaken Crestaos. They're thrown into a whirlwind quest for the Flames, not knowing how ruthless and sadistic Crestaos can be.


Review:

The idea of Lantern & Poison, to tell the story of the villain from Surrender, Crestaos, was really appealing to me. It was only a novella, but I thought this was the best way for it to be written.

Rhiannon Paille’s writing here was great. Learning more about Crestaos and how crazy he was, she really made me hate him! The language the author used was dark and expressive, and I think Lantern & Poison is a great companion to Surrender.

I also felt like after reading Lantern & Poison, I now understand Surrender a lot more. There are still parts which baffle me, but this is often the case with long series. I’m sure as the series develops I will love it more and more.

Overall I found this short instalment of the Ferryman and the Flame series an interesting, insightful read and I would recommend that anyone who has read Surrender read this, because it felt like a step in the right direction.

Rating:

*I received a copy of this book for the blog tour. Review is my honest opinion.


About the Author:

Rhiannon is an up and coming Indie Author that writes Young Adult Fantasy books and some non fiction. She has a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. When she’s not writing books she’s reading minds, singing karaoke, burning dinner and sipping iced cappuccino despite her allergy to coffee. Some day she’d like to own a unicorn—as long as it doesn’t eat her. She's sold over 25,000 copies of her books worldwide.

Connect with Rhiannon: Amazon ; Facebook ; Goodreads ; Smashwords ; Twitter ; Website



Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday 25 October 2013

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: A Sleep So Dark by Inara Scott.


Today is the first day of the blog tour for A Sleep So Dark by Inara Scott, hosted by Girls *Heart* Book Tours! I will be posting my review of the book.

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Title: A Sleep So Dark.
Author: Inara Scott.
Genre: Young Adult.
Publication Date: October 25, 2013.


Haunted…

After watching her mother die in a car accident, sixteen year-old Tandy McIntyre is plagued by violent dreams. Terrified to sleep and losing her grip on reality, she agrees to attend an experimental group retreat with Dr. Robert Gillman, an expert in lucid dreaming.

Trapped…

In the bitter cold of a Colorado winter, Tandy follows Dr. Gillman and his enigmatic son Cade as they lead a group of troubled teens into the wilderness. There, Dr. Gillman claims he will teach them to control their unconscious minds and master their dreams. But when the dreaming and the waking collide, will Tandy ever be safe again?

Don’t Fall Asleep…



Review:

First of all, I have to comment on the cover of A Sleep So Dark – I love it! The colour and font are gorgeous!

Anyway, I really didn’t know what to expect from A Sleep So Dark. I’d never read a book by Inara Scott before so only signed up for the blog tour because I really liked the synopsis.

I loved the concept. Tandy, suffering from nightmares, is sent by her dad to a group retreat where she, along with Bodie, Julian, Ione and Katelyn, try to overcome their dreams. However, Tandy’s dreams start colliding with reality and it all gets pretty weird.

A Sleep So Dark was a tense, suspenseful read, written so well by Inara Scott. Her building up of complex characters like Cade and Tandy was awesome. I felt like I was suffering with them and she’s definitely put me off sleep!

I liked a lot of the other characters at the retreat too - especially Bodie and Katelyn. At the beginning, Bodie came across as an uplifting character, the bright spark in amongst all the bizarre. But his character was built on a lot and he was really interesting.

I kind of wished there was enough time in the book to add some complexity to the other characters’ stories as well, but that was quite an unrealistic ambition for just one book. However, maybe that would have helped me feel a bit more connected to them.

Cade was weird, but a good weird. He was probably my favourite character. I liked how the relationship between him and Tandy was developed.

A Sleep So Dark was a creepy, spooky yet great read. I really enjoyed it. Just make sure you don’t try to sleep!

Rating:

*I received a copy of this book for the blog tour. Review is my honest opinion.

About the Author:

I read my first romance when I was twelve, hiding in a storage closet among hat boxes and old shoes. When I was in high school, I wrote a my first novel, a pirate romance called "A Wild and Stormy Passion." (The heroine was the pirate, in case you're wondering.) Since then, I've written young adult novels and romance in almost every category.

I am a dabbler and an emotional sponge. I can't read scary books or anything with an unhappy ending. I reserve the right to love country music, puppies, true love, and happily ever after.

I review books I want to share the word about.

Life's too short to read something you don't enjoy!

Connect with Inara: Website ; Twitter ; Facebook ; Goodreads

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Char by Mercy Amare.

Blog Tour Banner

Title: Char.
Author: Mercy Amare.
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance.
Release Date: October 11, 2013.

Purchase: Amazon UK ; Amazon ; B&N ; Kobo

I’m Charlotte York, but you can call me Char.

My life is perfect. Except for the fact that my older sister is posing naked for Playboy. And my mom wants me to be just like her. Oh, and I caught my boyfriend cheating on me. But other than that, it’s definitely perfect... Until the paparazzi publishes a picture of me smoking weed.

Now I am being forced to move to NYC with my dad. Too bad I hate New York.

At least there is Tristan Becker. He makes NY better. But he won’t date me because he thinks my best friend is in love with me. Which is absolutely not true... Or at least I don't think it is.

As you can see my life is just... perfect.



Read the first two chapters of Char here!



Review:

Char was one of those books I just couldn’t put down! Mercy Amare has written a really enjoyable, easy-to-read book and one that left me with a smile on my face.

I really liked Charlotte. She stood up for her beliefs and knew she wanted to be herself, despite the pressures from her mum to become like her famous/infamous older sisters. I loved her friendship with Aaron when she was in California. Aaron was really caring yet slightly flirty towards Char, and I thought he was a great character.

Tristan was super cute. I was kind of waiting to see the negative side to either Aaron or Tristan because at the beginning, I was torn between the two!

Even though I own a couple, I’ve never actually read a Mercy Amare book before. Yet, I totally fell for her writing style here. She really knew how to draw me into the story, and leave me thinking. I just always wanted to know what was going to happen next and I suppose that really worked since I finished reading Char in less than a day!

I can’t find much to criticise about this book at all. I guess the only thing that really irked me was how quickly Char gave Tristan her life story after she’d met him. It’s one of those unrealistic pet hates of mine.

Despite being really fascinated with this story and although I never got bored, I did think it lacked just this one big moment which set Char apart and turned it into a five star rating. I was waiting for it but it never did happen.

However, Char is a very entertaining book with some sweet moments, some drama, some humour and hunks! One to make you smile.

Rating:

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author:

Mercy writes YA and NA contemporary romance books. She has a slight addiction to NOS. Mercy loves books in a series, happy ever afters, and chocolate.

Connect with Mercy: Website ; Facebook ; Twitter ; Goodreads

Thursday 24 October 2013

Giveaway Blast ~ Rumor Has It by Elisabeth Grace.

Title: Rumor Has It (Limelight #1).
Author: Elisabeth Grace.
Expected Publication Date: November 2013.


All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.

But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.

There’s only one liiittle problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight.

The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason's celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for? After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…


Wednesday 23 October 2013

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Audrey's Promise by Susan Sheehey.


Today I'm taking part in the blog tour for Audrey's Promise by Susan Sheehey, hosted by Girls *Heart* Book Tours. My stop will include a review of the book and a giveaway.

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Title: Audrey's Promise.
Author: Susan Sheehey.
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press.
Publication Date: July 24, 2013.

Purchase: Amazon

Audrey Allen is poised to become the youngest Texas senator, a position that fits her nickname, The Peacemaker. But she's unable to make peace with many in her hometown, where memories and grudges run deep from a decade-old tragedy.

Ethan Tanner, an ambitious and tantalizing journalist, joins her at Thanksgiving for an in-depth look at the promising candidate. But he has an agenda of his own that's not entirely honorable.

Ethan could stir up trouble for her budding career, or awaken the deep passions she's buried for so long. Will Ethan find that he values love more than getting the story?


Review:

I’d really wanted to read Audrey’s Promise since I saw the book blitz for it in early September. The synopsis intrigued me and I thought it sounded like a fun, fascinating story. Once I finished reading Audrey’s Promise, I was so glad I signed up for the blog tour!

Audrey, a candidate for Texas’s senator, is spending the first Thanksgiving in ten years at her family’s home. Her campaign manager, Miranda, somehow thinks it’s a good idea for smarmy journalist Ethan Tanner to join Audrey for Thanksgiving, securing her votes and position as senator with a good article.

I’ll be honest, the politics side wasn’t what interested me here. I was enthralled by the reason Audrey was so disconnected from her family, the reasons why nobody in her town was happy to see her and of course, how her and Ethan were going to get along as he tried to uncover her secrets and dish the dirt.

I loved Audrey. She came across as strong and intelligent, and her conversing with Ethan, especially the wit, cracked me up. Her mind’s reactions to Ethan led her astray a little! She was a fun character, and I much preferred her to a lot of weak, naïve characters I often read about.

Ethan was a fascinating character too. He seemed at first to be the perfect journalist, always knowing the right buttons to push in order to get a response.

I thought Susan Sheehey did a great job with Audrey’s Promise. For a debut novel, it really drew me in and I’m looking forward to more from the author. Possibly the plot got a little too exaggerated at times. I think maybe this could have been worked on because overall, the pacing and realism of characters was really strong.

However, I think that’s just me being picky for the sake of it. Audrey’s Promise was a really entertaining read and I want to see more from Susan Sheehey.

Rating:


*I received an ecopy of this book for the blog tour. Review is my honest opinion.


About the Author:

Susan writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women's fiction. After spending six years in the corporate world, her true passion wouldn't let go and she's been writing ever since. She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and son.

Connect with Susan: Goodreads ; Website ; Twitter ; Facebook





Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL: Entrusted by Connie Ann Michael.

Today I'm bringing you the cover reveal of Entrusted by Connie Ann Michael! Entrusted is a Young Adult/Paranormal book which will be released next month. Here it is!

Title: Entrusted.
Author: Connie Ann Michael.
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal.
Release Date: November 18, 2013.


Thrust into a world of Native American legends about Skinwalkers and Ancient Ones, Emma Hunter finds herself in the middle of a battle for a heart holding great powers – A heart hidden within her.

Seventeen-year-old Emma wants what every teenage girl wants: a life that revolves around school, her friends, and a boyfriend who only has eyes for her. Little does she know that in order to get one, she must sacrifice the other two. After a series of events put into motion by Luke, the boy she thought loved her, Emma is kicked out of her group home and her school. Her best friend mysteriously vanishes and now she’s forced to move to a secluded coastal town, where she hopes to escape Luke’s obsessive control. Instead, she finds her dreams invaded not only by Luke, but Solomon, a mysterious Native American warrior sent to protect her.

But when Solomon shows up in her reality to explain he’s her protector, she soon learns that he’s so much more. As Emma struggles to understand what’s happening to her, she must also deal with her undeniable attraction to Solomon. Their connection is stronger than anything Emma has ever experienced before and now she must decide: can she trust him with her heart? And just how far will she go to protect it?





About the Author:

Connie Ann Michael was raised a city girl, but was converted to a country girl after college and now resides in a speck of a town in Central Washington State. She is married to her former boss as she worked at the local Pizza place and has two college age boys that provide endless material for her books. She loves the outdoors and can be found mountain biking, kayaking, or camping with her family. Being a busy family, she can be found working on her newest novel while on long road trips.

Connect with Connie: Website ; Facebook ; Twitter ; Google+ ; Goodreads

Tuesday 22 October 2013

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Lucifer by Annabell Cadiz.


Today, I'm taking part in the blog tour for Lucifer by Annabell Cadiz. To follow the rest of the tour, click the banner above to take you to the schedule.

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Title: Lucifer (Sons of Old Trilogy #1).
Author: Annabell Cadiz.
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal.
Release Date: January 31, 2013.

Purchase Links: Amazon ; Barnes and Noble

Have you ever wondered what could be hiding in the shadows?

Well, for eighteen-year-old Zahara Faraday, she doesn’t have to wonder. You see she comes from a lineage of Light Witches, those who have chosen to help protect and serve between the supernatural world and the human world. The only problem is Zahara, like her father Solomon, is as human as a human being can be whereas her mother, Mia, and her Aunt Catalina, were born as Light Witches. As a family they hunt down rogue supernaturals—creatures who harm humans or who have committed an act against their kingdom.

Zahara’s hunting skills are usually kept dormant since her parents would prefer she live life as a normal human girl without knowledge of the supernatural world. She plans on doing just that—except when she finds a couple being attacked by fairies, she has no choice but to step in. Before she can return to pretending to be blissfully ignorant, Zahara encounters a problem she isn’t the least equip to handle: Bryan Hamilton, the good looking new co-worker she has to help train. In a heartbeat, her best friend, Becca King, has set her up on a double date with herself and her new crush, Rekesh Saint-Louis, who happens to be the most powerful leader of the biggest Imago Coven in South Florida –supernatural creatures with the ability to control water . . . and suck out human souls.

Zahara has no time to focus on how she’s going to explain her double date with her best friend and the enemy they have a tentative truce with to her parents because soon one of the members of Mia and Catalina’s coven is found murdered with a strange tattoo of a snake with wings carved into his arm.

Zahara is then thrown into a whirlwind battle with an angel determined to have revenge against God, an Imago coven she doesn’t think they should trust, and slew of dream-eating fairies and powerful Nephilims, hybrid children of angels and humans, more than happy to rip her to shreds.

Normal just got a deadlier definition.


Review:

I love paranormal books and have read a lot of them, but sometimes I really struggle to tell one book apart from another. I tend to find they either stand out completely, or fade into one. With Lucifer, I was really craving some originality and Annabell Cadiz definitely did not disappoint!

I really liked Zahara and Becca, especially how despite what they knew about the supernatural world, they were still typical teenage girls, such as the way they approached relationships. Their bond was really enjoyable to read.

What I liked even more was that when the book started, Zahara already had the knowledge of hunting and dealing with the likes of fairies, and Becca knew too. Lucifer could easily have had Zahara find out about the supernaturals during the course of the book, followed by the rush of learning some skills and becoming the best person ever to hunt... Not that I don’t enjoy books written in that format, but they’re generally kind of predictable.

Instead, Lucifer was intriguing and compelling. At the beginning, I did find bits of it a little confusing. I struggled to keep up with all the names and terminology, like the Imagoes and Light Witches, and which people were which. But once I got more into the book, I found it all made more sense to me.

I felt the pace of the book was perfect. Even though it was fast paced, especially with all the action, nothing felt too rushed.

Annabell Cadiz’s imagination and innovation really drew me into Lucifer. The book felt fresh, unlike any I’ve read before, and it was such an engaging read. I loved the twists, and thought the ending was awesome. It left me eager to read the next instalment in the Sons of Old trilogy, Michael.

Rating:

*I received an ecopy of this book for the blog tour. Review is my honest opinion.

Top Ten Quotes:

“The girl is a means to an end. When the right time comes, she will be used and discarded as the rest.” ~Lucifer

“Nice to meet His Creepy-Ness. In case your douchebag of a boss has never told you, sneaking up on a girl with a blade is never a nice way of saying hello.” ~Zahara

“I promise to keep my perverse thoughts to myself as long as I don’t have to deal with the fury of Zahara” ~Bryan

“All those night long phone calls! All those secret visits to my house! All those secret walks! And you’re fond of me! You think I’m being over dramatic! How about I break your face open for over dramatics!” ~Becca

“Time to kick some demon arse!” ~Dustin

“He looks like the type that only wants to get into your pants.” ~Solomon

“Of course not, I am after all the irresistible-dangerous-Imago so that must mean I have a sordid plan.” ~Rekesh

“Enough with the games, I know what you are, Nephilim and if you make one move, I promise I will carve you open.” ~Zahara

“Time is endless for a being such as I. Power is the only master I trust.” ~Lucifer

“I will say I am impressed with all of you. Each of you willing to come here and sacrifice your lives for the one you love, how noble. It’s good you planned your own deaths because getting out of here alive will prove quite impossible.” ~Samuel

Get a digital autograph from Annabell Cadiz!


About the Author:

Annabell Cadiz was born in the sweltering heat of South Florida. She was raised surrounded by Puerto Rican chefs and band of siblings that weren’t all related to her. A self-proclaimed nerd and book-a-holic (her room does hold much evidence to prove her claims are justifiable), she created TeamNerd Reviews to showcase her EXTREME love for novels where, along with her best friend, Bridget Strahin, she hosts book reviews, interviews, giveaways, Indie Shoutouts and much more. She also had the pleasure of being published in three separate issue of Suspense Magazine. She is currently attending Trinity International University to attain her B.A. in Psychology. She also adores Cinnamon Teddy Grahams, has an addiction to Minute Maid Orange juice, and is a proud Jesus Freak. Her debut novel, LUCIFER (SONS OF OLD TRILOGY, #1) was published January 2013 and the second book, MICHAEL, will be out Fall 2013 and the third book, NEPHILIM, will be out Spring 2014.

Connect with the Author: Website ; Goodreads ; Twitter ; Facebook ; Pinterest ; TeamNerd Reviews

Giveaway:
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Monday 21 October 2013

BLOG TOUR REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Broken Symmetry by Dan Rix.


Today is my blog tour stop for Broken Symmetry by Dan Rix! This post will have my review of the book, an excerpt and giveaway.

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Title: Broken Symmetry.
Author: Dan Rix.
Publisher: Burning Ember Press.
Genre: YA Sci-Fi.
Publication Date: July 28, 2013.

Purchase: Amazon

Eleven months after the father of sixteen-year-old Blaire Adams vanished without a trace, he's found wandering outside The Scripps Research Institute vomiting blood and speaking gibberish, his sole possession a worn leather diary filled with an unrecognizable language. He has a message for her.

As he dies in her arms, he claims he never vanished. She vanished.

In a nearby military quarantine zone, scientists are being called in from around the world to sequence a previously unknown strain of DNA. Scientists…and soldiers.

When her father’s autopsy reveals a rare chromosomal disorder—a disorder, it turns out, she inherited—Blaire begins to suspect her father’s last words weren’t induced by amnesia. Like her dad, she has an additional set of instructions in her genes—instructions for what, doctors can’t say. Only one thing is certain: it’s what killed him…and it will kill her too.

But now she’s haunted by prophetic nightmares of the Yellowjacket—a young murderer, eyes the black of charcoal, who lures his victims to suicide without ever paying them a visit. The only clue she has to his handiwork is a lingering feeling of déjà vu. That, and the nagging suspicion that all she knows is a mirage. She is certain of two things—though it may mean confiding in the wrong side of good and evil, he has the answers she needs.

And he is recruiting her.

Excerpt:

I woke up drenched in sweat.

Orange light poured through the cracks in the blinds, igniting the walls and tinting the air crimson. My bedroom shimmered.

It was light from the street.

I dashed to the blinds and lifted the corner to peek outside—and the blast of heat made my eyes water.

Fire.

A house across the road and two lots up.

Flames exploded from the windows and slithered up the walls and burst into the sky. Above the house, a rising column of red haze bled into the fog.

But it was the scene in front of the house that sent prickles through my heart.

My neighbor was on his knees, begging for mercy.

A boy stood over him.

A boy in a yellow leather jacket, not much older than I was, leveling a gun at the man’s forehead.

At his side a can of kerosene spilled the last of its contents into the grass, and behind him a yellow Ford Mustang GT with a black racing stripe growled on the lawn.

Yellow and black.

Like a hornet.

Finally the distant whine of police sirens cut through the roar, the sound of safety and protection. Of civilization. I let myself breathe again. Thank God—

A flash, the boy’s arm recoiled.

The gunshot echoed up and down the street, and my neighbor keeled over, his lips still pleading for mercy.

I gasped, clutching my mouth to stifle it.

The boy holstered his weapon and peered up at the burning building with a lazy smile.

I couldn’t help it anymore. A shriek escaped my cupped hands.

And despite the deafening roar of the flames, despite the scream of the sirens, despite the double-paned tempered glass windows my father had installed for my protection, the boy heard.

His back muscles flexed, straining against the tight leather. He swung around, and from a hundred feet away his coal black eyes locked on mine.

It was like he reached right into me and gripped my heart. I dropped the blinds and backed against the wall, shivering and wheezing for air. My skin buzzed with fear, and I could hear it ringing in my ears, louder and louder.

Like hornets.

Review:

Whilst I was drawn in to Broken Symmetry by the cover and synopsis, for some reason, I just didn’t expect to like it all that much. I figured that it probably wouldn’t be to my likings, maybe just an average read, but Dan Rix proved me so wrong.

Broken Symmetry was such an intriguing book. I was gripped straight away and I didn’t want to put it down. The plot was unlike anything I’ve read before and it was really fascinating.

There was an equal mix of parts which were fast-paced and dramatic and other parts which were a bit slower yet just as tense. I actually really enjoyed this style. Often I’d prefer a book full of constant, quick action but I thought the way Dan Rix wrote Broken Symmetry really worked. I loved all the action yet with the slower parts, I gained an understanding of the concept of breaking symmetry without the confusion I probably would have had if the pace kept increasing.

I thought Blaire and Damian were really interesting characters. Damian was really complex – he could be really serious yet at the same time, had a sharp wit. I loved Dan Rix’s characterisation; I didn’t feel there were any characters which didn’t bring anything to the story.

There were moments in Broken Symmetry, however, which I thought needed a little more explaining. For example, at the beginning, Blaire quickly accepted some of the crazy things she was learning like they were common, every day events. Also, towards the end it did all get a bit exaggerated.

However, this didn’t really alter how much I enjoyed Broken Symmetry. It was an entertaining read, with lots of little twists and turns and anxious moments, and I loved the ending. A book I’d highly recommend.

Rating:


*I received an ecopy of this book for the purpose of the blog tour. Review is my honest opinion.


About the Author:

Dan Rix lives in Santa Barbara, California with his fiancée, paranormal romance author Laura Thalassa. He started writing his first novel in college while procrastinating his architecture studio work.

Connect with Dan: Blog ; Facebook ; Twitter




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TRAILER REVEAL & EXCERPT: Few Are Angels by Inger Iversen.


Title: Few Are Angels (Few Are Angels #1).
Author: Inger Iversen.

Purchase: Amazon Kindle ; Kobo ; Barnes & Noble

After a fatal hit and run accident, Ella Monroe fears that she’s lost more than her beloved parents. Horrifying visions of a past life and a disturbing voice in her head have psychiatric professionals convinced that she’s lost her sanity as well. But when Kale--a dark and handsome stranger with a mysterious past--reveals the true meaning of her visions and the tremendous power she wields through them, Ella must come to terms with the devastating truths of her own past, while eluding an ancient Dark Prince who seeks to control not only her future, but all of mankind’s, by means of abilities that Ella is only beginning to understand.

Enter the shrouded world of an age old battle between an ancient race known as the Immortals and their bitter enemy Laurent, the so-called Dark Prince, who commands an army of half-breed vampires known as Chorý. Both sides have been desperately searching for the prophesied emergence of the Arc, a clairvoyant with unparalleled power to recall the past and a soothsayer with clear vision into the future.

The Council of Immortals has sworn to protect the Arc, whom they have identified as young Ella Monroe, a college freshman from Virginia living quietly and unaware of her powers or her past. But a renegade Chorý has other plans for the protection of a girl he has loved through the ages. Can Kale convince Ella of who she is, what she is destined to become, and what he once meant to her? Is he truly the best protector to shield the world from the devastating misuse of her powers that Laurent is bent on controlling? Or will the forbidden love they share and Kale’s cursed condition as a retched and hated Chorý be used against them both?

This paranormal romance told from the heroine’s perspective builds in intensity and intrigue to a finale you won’t see coming. Heart pounding action mixed with heartwarming friendships and heartbreaking romance will leave you breathless and begging for more.


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