Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts

7/30/2015

Review: The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
Release Date: November 2014
Age: Mature YA, New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Supernatural, Paranormal, Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.

Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story.
I needed this book. And when I read this book I couldn't breathe, then I didn't need it. I didn't want it. I hated it because it made me cry. And then I loved it because it made me cry. I was lost in Moses' story, in Georgia's story, in their story. This book is raw and it packs a heady punch, a sucker punch that I saw coming but didn't believe and then it came and I cried, it's raw and awful and beautiful and broken and fixed and torn. It's real and it's not real because there's this paranormal element that I didn't realize was coming but Amy somehow made this seem real. Like it happens all the time and while I read her story it did, it did happen and I won't listen to anyone that tells me it didn't because fiction like this is real. Amy's writing is real and it's soft and crinkly and that may not make sense to you but it does to me.

I liked that it was told in alternating points of view between Georgia and Moses in the before and after over a large span of time. The characters begin the story as teenagers and end the story as adults. I was very connected to all of the characters in the book, except maybe Georgia's parents. It's a dark read full of tears and heartbreaks but the book neatly folds together.

Moses is my favorite character. He's just. He's someone you want to help but you can't reach. He's hurt and in pain but has to get through things himself. He's funny and serious and doesn't know how to love himself. I love him, don't tell my husband. But really, I do.

For such a seriously toned book, I was uplifted and inspired. No matter the story you're looking to read, read this one. Because it's not at all what you're expecting and even through all of the tears I can still smile about it. You need this book in your life, You need Amy's writing in your life.

Other books by Amy:  A Different Blue, Infinity + One, Making Faces

7/13/2014

Check Out: How We Deal With Gravity

How We Deal With Gravity by Ginger Scott
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Age: New Adult, Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Family
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

The first week of sales will go to an Autism Organization in Arizona called Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC)

When her son Max was diagnosed with autism, Avery Abbot’s life changed forever. Her husband left, and her own dreams became a distant fantasy—always second to fighting never-ending battles to make sure Max was given opportunity, love and respect. Finding someone to fight along her side wasn’t even on her list, and she’d come to terms with the fact that she could never be her own priority again.

But a familiar face walking into her life in the form of 25-year-old Mason Street had Avery’s heart waging a war within. Mason was a failure. When he left his hometown five years ago, he was never coming back—it was only a matter of time before his records hit the billboard charts. Women, booze and rock-n-roll—that was it for him. But it seemed fate had a different plan in mind, and with a dropped record contract, little money and nowhere to go, Mason turned to the only family that ever made him feel home—the Abbots.

Avery loved Mason silently for years—until he broke her heart…completely. But time and life have a funny way of changing people, and sometimes second chances are there for a reason. Could this one save them both?

The Inspiration Behind How We Deal With Gravity
by Ginger Scott

So why autism? Why a love story about a single mom, raising a child with autism? Why this story? To understand what inspired Avery and Mason and Max, I need to take you back to my beginning with autism.

My path with autism began as a journalist. I had just left the newspaper world where I was working as a breaking news reporter covering crime, courts and politics and entered the land of magazine writing, and I was hungry to write a story that really mattered. I mean really mattered. I was working for a fairly sizeable glossy magazine here in Arizona, and I had the opportunity to cover some pretty posh places and high-profile people. And I loved every minute of that. But I still felt like I was missing the grit, the power of real storytelling. And out of the blue, the idea of autism—what it’s really like to be a family living with autism—hit me.

I didn’t know much, a vague impression of what autism was. But I made my pitch, found a few key local connections and was off and running on my assignment. I read article after article, medical journal after medical journal, and book after book—and everything felt like it was upside down and impossible to understand. A typical journey for a person’s first experience researching autism, I would later come to understand.

Once I had soaked in what I could on my own, I took a deep breath and called an organization here in Arizona that would be my anchor, and hopefully put me in touch with families, doctors, therapists, teachers—people who could help me make sense of what I’d learned so I could tell the story to others. This place is called the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC), and when I first entered its doors, it was nothing more than a library room and a few resource offices for therapy, meetings and assistance.

But it was enough.

I walked into SARRC as a journalist on her mission for a good story, and I walked away changed forever. I met the founder, Denise Resnik, and spent time with her family learning first hand what went into raising a child with autism. But I also learned what went into igniting a wave of change—a movement. When the Resniks received a diagnosis of autism, they processed it with grief, anger, frustration, despair, hope and will, as many families do. And then they dug in and started something—something…big.

Since those early days, SARRC has grown into one of the national leaders in autism research, spawning programs like job training for young adults, genome studies, integrated pre-school programs and more. That tiny building has grown into an enormous one, and SARRC’s reach is mighty.
I have never been inspired by anything more my life, and that first story, which turned into my favorite thing I’ve ever written, ignited a passion in me to help however I can to spread autism’s story. Over the years, I have volunteered my writing services to SARRC, telling dozens of stories of families, doctors, programs, achievements, triumphs and inspirations. And over that time, I have had family members face autism diagnoses as well as many friends.

Fast forward to a few months ago, when another idea found its way into my head. I had a new story I wanted to tell—this time, as an author. Autism is a powerful subject in its own right, and the numbers, unfortunately, show that it’s something more and more of us are intimately aware of (the latest studies show one in 68 children in the US are affected). I’m not the same person I was when I first walked through SARRC’s doors. I’ve absorbed and helped share some pretty powerful true stories—stories of challenged marriages, crushed spirits and loss. But somehow, people find a way to persevere. And that…that…is what HOW WE DEAL WITH GRAVITY IS ABOUT.

Autism is consuming. It becomes a parent’s priority, and things like love, happiness…and life…take a bake seat. Ah but hope—hope. This one word is something I hear in every interview of every family affected by autism. So when I created Avery Abbot, I wanted to push her to the edge of almost losing hope—and then I wanted to give her chance. And that’s how Mason Street was born.

You see, love and hope are deeply intertwined, and I believe you need to use one to fight for the other. And when you are raising a child with autism, love and hope almost take on super human strength, because you need them to survive. And I wanted to tell a story that honored that fight. So while GRAVITY is a love story between two people who are losing hope, it’s also my love song to the many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and grandparents who have opened up their hearts to me and shared their stories with me over the years. They’ve changed me, and I hope I do them justice.

11/23/2013

Blog Tour: Remy


Remy by Katy Evans
★★★★★
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Age: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fighting, Love, Illness, Boxing
Format: ebook
Source: SUBClub Books
Preorder: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Underground fighter Remington Tate is a mystery, even to himself. His mind is dark and light, complex and enlightening. At times his actions and moods are carefully measured, and at others, they spin out of control. Through it all, there's been one constant: wanting, needing, loving, and protecting Brooke Dumas. This is his story; from the first moment he laid eyes on her and knew, without a doubt, she would be the realest thing he's ever had to fight for.
With my limited presence this month, I feel like all I've posted are book review for Katy Evans books. This is not a bad thing, not at all. We should just rename November to Remy-ember! Remy is the third book (kind of) in the Real series by Katy Evans. Book 1 is Real and book 2 is Mine.

Remy is a continuation/companion novel. Included we have Remy's point of view from Real and Mine (which all I can say is OMG) and then we have some bonus future (present) chapters in the midst of the past. Reading the first and second books is definitely a must. I am a huge fan of Katy Evans' writing and these characters have become some of my favorites. Her words flow right off the paper and get lodged into my heart, it's just an emotional and world rocking ride.

To be inside Remy's head and feel and understand exactly what he was going through at certain points was amazing, he's all sweaty one-tracked mind guy and then; he's more, so much more. He's such a complex and complicated character that for Katy to get in there and get her hands dirty molding and shaping what his thoughts are like was just really incredible. Seeing Brooke from his point of view and through his eyes was also intriguing since we just spent the last two books looking through hers.

Assuming if you're reading this review you've already read Real and Mine, I want to discuss why these three books impacted me so much and why I think all 3 deserve 5 stars (because they definitely do). This next part will contain spoilers for the first books so PLEASE do not continue if you haven't read both books 1 and 2. Remy has a problem that isn't just his to bear, it affects all of those in his life. He works so hard to control the manic behaviors but still battles and struggles with it everyday. This is also a problem that so many people in the real world face. I grew up with depression and battled to overcome the darkness that lurked in every nook and cranny of my mind. I also had a best friend who was bipolar and it's a whole other world of emotional turmoil. Anyone overcoming, living with, managing and dealing with anything remotely close to this fictional character are my heroes. We are not defined but these ailments but what we do to overcome them and Remy's struggle is so much deeper than words on paper for me, he is represents real (go Katy). What I absolutely admire Katy for is not wrapping it up in a bow and being done with it, because that doesn't happen. They may live happily ever after but we know there will still be bumps in the road and obstacles to overcome. Life isn't easy.

All three books are just well written dramatic examples of the strength we have as humans. These characters may be fictional but their lives reflect everything of the nonfiction world. Thank you Katy for sharing their stories with us! :) I look forward to reading and reviewing more by Katy Evans!



TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY


ABOUT KATY
Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

6/28/2013

Blog Tour: Come Alive Review and Giveaway



Come Alive (Experiment in Terror #7) by Karina Halle
★★★★★
Release Date: June 23, 2013
Age: Adult, 17+
Genre: Horror, Suspense, Romance, Paranormal Romance
Format: ebook
Source: The Book Asylum & Reading Books Like a Boss
Buy it: Amazon | Smashwords
It’s one thing to bring the woman you love back into your life. It’s another to try and keep her there. For Dex Foray, convincing Perry Palomino to open herself to their burgeoning relationship has been more challenging than hunting ghosts, battling demons and stalking Sasquatch combined. Add in the fact that the only way they can keep their Experiment in Terror show running is to take on a third partner in the form of the mysterious Maximus Jacobs — all while investigating a sinister voodoo sect in New Orleans — and you’ve got the perfect Southern storm and a recipe for disaster. Luckily, Dex has never been one to back down, even when his life –and heart — are on the line.

Come Alive is told from Dex’s POV.
Waiting, for what felt like forever it really wasn't that long, for this book to come out was PURE TORTURE. The books before this one were already released when I was ready to read them. Since Darkhouse, book 1,  I have been hooked and involved whole heartedly in the adventures of the beloved and crazy Dex and Perry (or Derry). The reputation and following they have garnered as a ghost hunting filming duo and a sexual-tension-filled-with-chemistry pair is amazing! Karina Halle does a bang up job in this seventh book of the Experiment in Terror series. Yes, it's number 7. If you haven't read the books before this one, DO SO NOW. Darkhouse is FREEEEE.

All the action of Come Alive takes place in New Orleans, one of those places I have always wanted to visit (and it's not just for my family ties into Voodoo/Santeria). It's rich in culture and some crazy ass shit. Oh and the craziest of all that shit is our dear gingerballed foe Maximus, who I must say kind of grew on me a tad. With some new characters, zombies, and all of Dex's hilarious godliness this book ranks high in my EiT favorites!

About half way through this book I was pulling my hair out, I was messaging Megan and I was spewing incoherent babble. Yes. I was that girl. I was pissed, I was scared, and I was dying to finish the story but frightened of what Karina had in store. The tension was KILLING ME. It's one of those books where you're muttering, no no no no to yourself in public. By the end of Come Alive I had exhausted all of my energy going through wave of emotion after wave of emotion. I was spent, in a good way, books that take it all out of you are A+ in my book.

The Experiment in Terror books are entertaining and fun, they are freaky and crazy, they are sexy as hell, and they are my favorites. Following Dex and Perry through this labyrinth has been so much fun, as exhausting as it is, I look forward to the future and can't wait until the next book which will be told from Perry's POV. If you're looking for a kick ass story line that is getting better and better, characters to follow to the end of the Earth, and a leading man who knows his way around the bedroom then I HIGHLY and COMPLETELY recommend this series and especially this book!!!


TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY
Reading Books Like a Boss & The Book Asylum are giving away signed books!
 US ONLY! This is NOT an international giveaway.
(1) And With Madness Comes the Light – 1 winner
(1) Into the Hollow – 1 winner
(2) Darkhouse – 2 winners
The entire Experiment in Terror series in e-book format
a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The daughter of a Norwegian Viking and a Finnish Moomin, Karina Halle grew up in Vancouver, Canada with trolls and eternal darkness on the brain. This soon turned into a love of all things that go bump in the night and a rather sadistic appreciation for freaking people out. Like many of the flawed characters she writes, Karina never knew where to find herself and has dabbled in acting, make-up artistry, film production, screenwriting, photography, travel writing and music journalism. She eventually found herself in the pages of the very novels she wrote (if only she had looked there to begin with).

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she's preparing for the zombie apocalypse. 
Karina is represented by Scott Waxman of the Waxman Leavell Literary Agency
Author social media links:




A HUGE Thank You to


and of course the brilliantly ballsy and fan-freaking-tastic Karina Halle!


3/26/2013

Great Exploitations Review and Giveaway

Great Exploitations (Mischief in Miami #1) by Nicole Williams
★★★★☆
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Age: Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Erotica,
Format: ebook
Pages: 90
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Seduction. Infidelity. Blackmail. Scandal. It can all be bought for the right price and for Sienna Stevens, business is good.

Because she’s in the business of Great Exploitations.

She’s an Eve, a member of a secret society of women contracted by the wives of wealthy, powerful men for one reason and one reason only: to seduce their husbands. To ensure their pre-nuptial agreement will be null and void thanks to a little loophole known as the Infidelity Clause. To ensure that those wives don’t find themselves on the other side of a divorce without a penny to their name.

When it comes to the Eves, Sienna’s one of the best because she follows the number one rule of the Eves to the letter: don’t let it get personal.

When the job file of her wealthiest client yet falls into her lap, Sienna realizes that this case could be the one that’s impossible to detach herself from. The payout would lead to her independence, but will the cost be too high in the end?
I don't play favorites. OK. Maybe I do. But, my favorites are in that position because they're GREAT. And Nicole Williams is one of those greats. I took no time at all to put this book at the top of my TBR list and when Nicole was looking for bloggers, I jumped at the chance to read it! Once I sat down with this book I was consumed and couldn't get enough. It's a raw and risque read, that I enjoyed every second of.

Nicole Williams is an artist! This latest creation of hers happens to be a masterpiece and I can't wait for more of this collection. She has created a mini series, if you will, of novellas to be released consecutively. To better explain how this new series will work I have included some information from Nicole's blog:
"Have you all ever had a favorite television show you positively couldn't wait to watch? Where you were on pins and needles waiting to find out what happened in the following episode? I know I have and I wanted to translate this into a book series. Each installment (episode) will be about 20,000-30,000 words and a new installment will be released about every month."
To see the whole post, click here.

Nicole is the author of the Crash series, Up in Flames, and the Eden series. She is an extremely talented writer who has this ability to create worlds out of words and feelings out of sentences, she is magnificent. Her books are unbelievable and I recommend them to everyone, especially to fans of Abbi Glines, Tammara Webber, and Liz Reinhardt.

Back to the book at hand. It's a story about the Eves. The whole world surrounding this new series is extremely fascinating and easy to get caught up in. Nicole had it right when on her blog she said "This is something totally different. Something edgy. Something sexy." It is way different than not only her other books, but other stories in general. The main character is a glorified con-artist/prostitute. I don't like the term but that's the best way to simply describe it. Call it what you will, what the Eves do is seduce men for money from their wives. These are women who got stuck in a nasty marriage with a pre-nup staring them in the face and they want out, for whatever reason; and that's where the Eves come in. This book was brilliant, it was like being behind the lines; it was thrilling and incredibly sexy.

Sienna is cocky and confident, but it's taken her time to get there. Emotions pushed aside she trudges on looking for a large pay day that will allow her to leave this life in the past. But, while looking forward she sometimes glimpses back at the mess she was before her career change, at the disastrous wake a man left and she buries that history and continues on.
"I was a girl channeling my need for revenge on a worth cause."
To see Sienna work her magic was captivating. She's a chameleon of a character and an awesome leading lady.

This part 1 is a fast and easy read, only about 90 pages, and by the end it develops into what is sure to be a fantastic over all series. The background and set up this book does is sure to make the other books flow effortlessly after. The ending all about killed me, I'm talking total cliffhanger that left me pining for the next installment, Scandal in Seattle.

GIVEAWAY
I am giving away 2 ebook copies of Great Exploitations (Mischief in Miami) gifted to winners from their choice of Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Open Internationally, must be 16 or older to enter.

1/17/2013

Love Unscripted Review

Love Unscripted by Tina Reber
★★★★☆
Release Date: January 1, 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster: Atria Books
Age: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Actors, Drama, Love, Friendship, Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ryan Christensen just wanted to be an actor. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think that accepting a role in an unknown film would toss his career into overdrive. His new fame has cost him dearly; anonymity is no longer an option. His fans stalk him, the paparazzi hound him, and Hollywood studios all want a piece of him. Despite all of that, Ryan Christensen craves the most basic of human needs - to have love in his heart and privacy in his life.

Taryn Mitchell, the story's protagonist, is a realist. She's been feigning contentment, running the family pub in Seaport, Rhode Island, while quietly nursing her own internal heartaches. Her feet are fairly glued to the ground and she doesn't buy into all the hype that has descended on her tiny, coastal town. In her world, men are safe if they're kept at a distance.

Fate has other plans for these two when their paths cross one sunny afternoon. A group of female fans has attacked him, leaving his shirt torn, his face cut, and Ryan in obvious distress. Bonds between them form from the most dramatic of circumstances while jealousy, insecurity, and the stress of his celebrity life try to tear them apart.

Through all the tabloid lies, secrecy, and pressure, can Taryn's peace and Ryan's high-profile insanity live together in harmony?
Taryn owns a bar, has a fresh breakup wound, doesn't trust men, and is just an all around normal girl. She's filled with insecurities, faults, mistakes, and all out drama. Ryan Christiansen is so not a normal guy. He's on a fast track Hollywood career path as a well loved actor and he also leads a life that is far from anything Taryn has ever experienced. Treading in a powerful love filled with strong emotions they fight to stay together even when it seems that the odds are pushing them apart.

In one of the best Cinderella tales out there, Tina Reber writes a magnificent story about an all around smoking hot Prince Charming and a Princess that isn't too bad herself. While they are worlds apart their connection and chemistry keep them close. Thrown into Ryan's crazy world where fans stalk and pursue the couple Ryan and Taryn try their best to have a normal relationship. They romance moves fast, but as a reader it didn't feel fast at all. Definitely no insta-love lurking between these pages. Holding onto a close friendship before giving into their desires, Ryan and Taryn build up a beautiful love story.

This couple did make me a little crazy, though. There's a lot of back and forth drama, Ryan could be extremely controlling which under the circumstances was necessary. The media took Ryan's position and distrorted many truths making it hard for Taryn to trust anything that was going on when he was away. Overall this book is a wonderful romance, filled with ups and downs. Loads of surprises get thrown the readers way, and it's an addictive read that I didn't put down. It's a fantasy come true for some girls, to date a movie star, and it's about one of the realest fantasies I've read. It isn't all rainbows and butterflies.

Every character in this book plays a meaningful role. From Taryn's best friends that tell her like it is, to Ryan's devoted bodyguards, and even some other A-List celebs who turn up in their lives. It's a beautiful love story that definitely hits some major bumps. Ryan is one of the most down to earth and romantic men I've read about, even with his profession. He definitely made me swoon once or twice!

One thing about this book is it is long. 600 pages. Normally for me, the longer the better, but I kind of felt like something kept coming up and it would keep going. I found myself thinking, end the book already, multiple times. I did love it and am very glad it is the length it is, but while reading it just made me exhausted to still be reading their story. So much happens between the pages and there are so many excellently written and created secondary characters that I'm excited to follow into books 2 and 3!

So, let's recap. Beautiful love story, long book, Cinderella, dramatic plotting, seriously delusional fans, loyal friends, normal lives (haha, right), strong chemistry, hot romance, and an overall unforgettable story. It's not lacking in any department and would make an excellent film!

Look for my review for Love Unrehearsed (Love Series #2) soon

1/11/2013

From Ashes by Molly McAdams Review

From Ashes by Molly McAdams
★★★★★
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Age: Mature YA/ New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction, Abuse, Love Triangle, Love, Romance, Friendship
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
When Cassidy Jameson's best friend Tyler took her to Texas with him when he left for college, she was expecting his cousin, their new roommate, to be a Stetson-wearing cowboy since his family owned a ranch; not this incredibly gorgeous guy with a husky Southern drawl that seemed to make the world stop whenever she looked at him. Because of her past, she's only ever trusted two men in her life, Tyler and her dad whom passed away when she was six. But there's something about Gage that draws her to him in a way she can't explain, only problem? He's always telling Tyler that he doesn't want Cassidy living there and sees her as nothing more than his little sister.
Gage Carson was excited his cousin Tyler was coming to live with, and go to college with him. When he'd called to ask if he could bring his friend Cassi with him, Gage didn't care. Gage had heard about this mysterious friend since they were kids and felt like he already knew her. Nothing would prepare him for watching her jump out of Ty's Jeep though. Not only was Cassi the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, but there was something about her that within seconds of meeting her, made Gage want to protect her, and make her his. Too bad Tyler made it a point to remind Gage on a daily basis that he was dating her and she was completely off limits.
For a year and a half, Gage and Cassidy dance around their feelings for each other as Tyler continues to keep them apart; until one day Tyler unknowingly pushes her right into Gage's arms. With Tyler unable to keep lying to them, they finally start a relationship both have been craving since their first meeting. But when an accident and disaster sends her back to Tyler and California, will Cassidy be able to come face to face with the demons from her past to live a life she and Gage deserve; or will the fact that she once again ran to Tyler be the final push that ends Cassidy and Gage for good?
Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.
Molly McAdams is a rockstar. While From Ashes didn't completely destroy my resolve to live, as Taking Chances did, I loved it for its beautiful story and the way it made my heart swell. It is turbulent and frustrating, but also a very rewarding read.

When Cassidy escapes the harsh life she's been living since her father's death and joins her best friend, Tyler, in Texas she meets Gage Carson and wants nothing more than to get close to him. But, unfortunately according to Tyler, Gage can't stand her. So, what's a girl to do? Give in to the one guy who has always been there for you, right? I loved that the book alternated between Gage and Cassi's POVs. I enjoyed knowing what they both were thinking, even if it made the entire ordeal harder to digest.

This book frustrated the bejesus out of me. Well, more Tyler than the book; I WANTED TO SHAKE STRANGLE HIM. Tyler is the king of deception. I couldn't help but hate him a little, even though I loved him a little too; he was manipulative and calculating. He's the best friend, the one who has always been there for Cassi but he is one of the most selfish characters I've ever encountered. This character flaw works in Gage's favor though. Molly created a love triangle that left me rooting solely for one leading man, even if I really wished the best friend turned boyfriend thing could've worked out.

In Molly's writing she excels at getting a reader lost in her story; for me, the outside world did not exist. This whirlwind story takes an exceptionally well developed turn as Cassidy ventures back to her home in California and comes face to face with her past. I was shocked and horrified for this girl and the demons she had to overcome to stand upright again. The whole book is uplifting, even when it's not. My favorite parts of the book included Gage's family and his home life.

I still can't forgive Tyler.

From Ashes is an excellent read. A book that will bury itself into any readers heart. I loved it and cannot wait to see what else Molly McAdams has to offer!

12/16/2012

Accordance by Shelly Crane Review

Accordance (Significance #2) by Shelly Crane
★★★★★
Release Date: September 2011
Age: YA
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Supernatural Abilities, Imprinting, Romance, Love, Drama
Format: ebook
Source: Author for review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
In the sequel, Maggie learns much more about all the strange things that happened to her, and has to face new ones. She rebels against it, but ultimately, must face it for her new families sake and maybe even her life. Bish went from being her biggest supporter to her biggest pain in the butt and Kyle's intentions to attract her interest may not be so innocent. Caleb and Maggie face many new obstacles together and fight to work through them but will one that should be a good thing be too much for Maggie to handle?
I have to start by saying I am freaking in LOVE with this series! L-O-V-E! Every single page I turn my heart melts more and more. As I finish one book, the next book is even better. No lie. I am very excited to share this review with you and if you take anything away from it go check these books out. Shelly Crane is fan-freaking-tastic! :)

I really enjoyed Significance and I while I was looking forward to book 2, Accordance I was wary. Sequels, especially second books, seem to never be as good as first or even third books. Something about being that middle child. In the Significance series, this is not the case. Accordance built up on book 1 and prepares the reader to be rocked and ready for book 3!

Caleb and Maggie flee for safety and get to spend more time together and get to know each other, they also have plenty of opportunities to grow closer to each other's families. They visit California and end up being "chaperoned" by Kyle and Maggie's older brother Bish. Have I mentioned how much I adore Kyle? I do. The big drama in this book seemed to center around the brother/sister relationship between Mag and Bish. Since Bish is being kept in the dark about their world it has put a large strain on the trust between them. He knows something's going on with her and her new boyfriend and she spends a lot of time worrying about how he would handle knowing. They have a close and well rounded bond and it kills her to keep such a huge secret from him.

Maggie develops some unique abilities and even begins using and controlling them in Accordance. A lot is revealed about her future in Caleb's world and while she might not be taking the news very well; it was a lot of fun to watch everything unfold. Maggie is extremely powerful, more powerful than is known for sure yet.

Everyone from Significance plays large parts in Accordance and there are additional characters that I am growing to adore; like Lynne. With the imprint of Caleb and Maggie and the changes in them has come changes to the family surrounding them and I am so freaking excited for some and sad for others. A lot happens in this book and there is absolutely never a dull moment. Maggie and Caleb grow closer and their steamy moments become hotter. I am currently reading Defiance and DYING to read the last book; Independence.

For readers looking for an intense paranormal romance with dramatic events and plenty of action this series is one of my favorites so far. I can't wait to see where the author takes the next 2 books! Shelly Crane has me hooked to Caleb and Maggie's story, what I'm really looking forward to reading about and hope is included in following books are the images Caleb see's when they imprint. :) Wonderful book 2! I am also looking forward to checking out Shelly's Collide series!

12/10/2012

Significance Review and Giveaway


Significance (Significance #1) by Shelly Crane
★★★★★
Release Date: June 2011
Age: YA
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Supernatural Abilities, Drama, Love, Romance, Imprinting
Format: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track, but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating - barely - and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has.
Then she saves the life of Caleb and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally.
They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive.
Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him.
Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?
My favorite part of this book? Everything! I love the large family, the innocence, the fun, the drama, the danger, the paranormal, the.. EVERYTHING. There is so much to love and Shelly Crane is now forever in my heart. No freaking lie. This book nurtured me through the flu, yeah, it's that good.

What Shelly does is take an idea we've all heard about, Soul Mates, and makes it her own. She builds an incredible supernatural world around love and the connection we all yearn for in another human being. She takes insta-love and makes it make sense, when those sparks fly it's all or nothing. She made me fall in deep with a book that I will be rereading just to feel that same way again.

I fell in love with Caleb's character from the beginning. Warning: The word love will be used A LOT in this review. From the second he landed on Maggie I was pulled in. The imprinting idea was interesting and it took me a little getting used to, but now it's as natural as anything. Paranormal books are always my favorites, there are no rules when reading them, anything can happen!

Maggie continued to surprise me throughout the story with what a strong person she was. The heartbroken and untrusting person she could have been was not the determined and open minded woman she became. Character building is definitely one of Shelly's (many) talents. Throughout this book Maggie became one of my best friends, as sad as that may be that I have fictional best friends, it's so true. I felt connected to her and wanted that happy ending for her.

My favorite character was Kyle. I know I know. But, I can't help it. Bish was definitely a close second. Kyle was just, he was fun and I felt heart broken for him. I hope he has a happy ending.. Same with Bish, and I hope to see more of Bish and *** in future books! Oh Kyle. I really do like Kyle. Funny, sweet, class clown Kyle.

I continuously found myself gnawing on my finger nails. The intensity, especially towards the end of this book made me a restless mess. Shelly Crane adds some delicious drama to upturn the love story and create some additional tension. It was really tense, and made it that much better. It is an unforgettable book, and the perfect beginning to a series. With the character introductions and world building out of the way I know the other books are going to impress!

One question I continuously asked myself as I devoured this fascinating read was, "WHY DID IT TAKE ME SO LONG TO READ THIS ONE?!" I mean seriously, if you're like me and have been putting this one on the back burner, wait no longer. It's always been there and I always consider it but for some reason I thought it'd be like any other PNR, but boy was I wrong! I guess it's kind of perfect timing though, with the last book being released this month I don't have to wait through long periods of withdrawal. As soon as I finished the last page of Significance I picked up Accordance and began on that one! And, just to tease, Accordance begins immediately after this book! Which was great.

Ok, so it's been established that I loved this book. I adored this love story, enjoyed the paranormal and supernatural addition into the plot, and will be recommending this one endlessly. It's a great read and will leave any reader pining for more. If you don't already have a copy of Significance, here's your chance to win one!

Other books in this series:

Look for my reviews soon!


Giveaway
One Kindle or Nook copy of Significance by Shelly Crane!
International
Must be 13 or older to enter.


12/03/2012

The Perfect Game Review

The Perfect Game by J. Sterling
★★★★★
Release Date: October 2012
Age: Mature YA/ New Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports, College, Romance, Friendship
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
He's a game she never intended to play.
And she's the game changer he never knew he needed.
The Perfect Game tells the story of college juniors, Cassie Andrews & Jack Carter. When Cassie meets rising baseball hopeful Jack, she is determined to steer clear of him and his typical cocky attitude. But Jack has other things on his mind... like getting Cassie to give him the time of day.

They're both damaged, filled with mistrust and guarded before they find one another (and themselves) in this emotional journey about love and forgiveness. Strap yourselves for a ride that will not only break your heart, but put it back together.

Sometimes life gets ugly before it gets beautiful...
I'm currently wearing a Jack Carter shirt, no I'm not, maybe I am, but really. I'm not. Really. But, I kind of want one. Maybe this one. And, if I get that I'd have to get this. I'm a little obsessed, but it's ok. I think. Don't tell my husband, he thinks Jack Carter is from Titanic and we'll just let him think that because I already have too many fictional boyfriends (he might think I'm a little crazy).  :)

The Perfect Game was, I know I'm so cheesy, but PERFECT to me. In all of its unperfected glory. It's an issue filled book, a mistake filled book, a second chances book, and for me it was perfection. I loved it. I want a ton of copies of this book so that I can hand them out on the streets to random people and just be like, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Ok. So maybe it won't (but maybe it freaking will), it really is a terrific read! I'm getting way out of hand here folks, this book did that too me. I'm smiling like a mad person writing all this up, this book, I'll tell you what.

Reading it I was reminded of the things I loved from Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster, it has a similar feel (for me anyway) which was AWESOME! Fans of Jamie's are sure to love Miss Sterling (if you all don't already). But, it's not Beautiful Disaster, it's The Perfect Game and while it is about an arrogant jerk who we all fall in love with, this jerk is a very different kind, still pretty drool worthy though (if you like that sort of thing, i totally do).

J. Sterling broke my freaking heart, stepped on it, then handed it back to me with a bandaid on it. Yes, yes she did. I loved the ride though, it was pretty magical. And, that turn of events. Oh Jack... I kind of want to beat him with a baseball bat, but boys will be boys right. Well done.

It's a whirlwind romance filled with ups and a lot of downs. It's something fierce, and I was hanging onto every single word skipping ahead and going backwards to digest it all. I loved it, a lot. And, J. Sterling is pure awesomeness. If you haven't figured it out by now I'm a huge fan (and groupie), and I really think all of you will be too once you buy and devour this read.

I will never look at quarters the same again. Or watch a baseball game in the same light. So, this book kind of changed my life. TPG made me laugh my butt off and seconds later almost break my iPad in frustration. It is epic greatness and J. is the QUEEN.

I'm done now. Still smiling. And, done. Not done promoting though, you guys will be seeing me tweet and FB this book UP! But, I'm done bragging about how much I enjoyed this read because you need to just read it for yourself and if you have read it I'm sure you agree.

12/02/2012

Betwixt Review

Betwixt by Melissa Pearl
★★★★★
Release Date: November 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Drama, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Ghosts
Format: ebook
Source: Author for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Beautiful, wild-child Nicole Tepper is hit by a car and left for dead. But when she wakes the next morning, Nicole finds herself in bed without a scratch. Perhaps she was more intoxicated than usual, as her mother is giving her the silent treatment and her friends are ignoring her as well.

Things take a turn for the weird when Nicole soon discovers she is actually hovering between life and death. Her body is lying in the forest while her spirit is searching for anyone who can hear her. Unfortunately the only person who can is Dale Finnigan, the guy she publicly humiliated with a sharp-tongued insult that has left him branded.
Desperate, Nicole has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince the freaked-out senior to help her. Will he find her body before it's too late? Or will the guy who tried to kill her with his car, beat him there and finish her off before anyone finds out?
My favorite part of this book was the mystery element. It was the, who did it and what's going to happen-that made it an incredible journey. My second favorite part of the book is Dale. I'm pretty sure I love him, nope I'm positive.

So, Melissa Pearl is just brilliant. She weaves these fantastical tales from her very vivid imagination and her books are those that trap me and keep me up late into the night. Her Time Spirit Trilogy was awesome and Betwixt was even better. It's a book that I was dying to read through and finish but dreading the end because I hated for it to be over. I can't wait for more by Melissa!

The first thing I did when I started reading this book was look up the meaning to Betwixt, I was curious. According to the glorious dictionary I learned that Betwixt means Between. Fitting and makes sense. The premise drew me into this book well that paired with the fact that Melissa wrote it; and I'm very excited to share what I thought about it.

After a family tragedy Nicole's parents, trying to cope, have given her freedom to grieve in her way and in doing so have pretty much ignored her for the past few years. Suffering from an immense amount of guilt, Nicole loses herself and her way with the wrong crowd and begins making bad choices. Nicole has become this queen B and is really not a nice girl. She's immature and out of control; and her friends could care less that something has happened to her when she disappears (which isn't as much her fault, but it's her fault they're friends in the first place). Thinking she has just run away, everyone begins living life as normal hoping she'll come home soon (and some hoping she doesn't). When Dale finds out that-that isn't the case he's the one by her side risking everything he's worked hard for, for a girl who before everything was one of the meanest people to him.

Since no one else knows she's there, Dale can only hear and not see her, Nicole grows a lot in this time. She learns how much she's hurt her parents, she reflects on the decisions she's made and it is a very important time for her development (I mean, it is most of the book). As she uncovers the events that led up to her ghostly experience, learns Dale's past, and begins to fall in love, her life takes a new lead. Life I said, hard to put down and I never wanted it to end. The entire story is very well done and thought through. It's original and heartbreaking, soul searching and raw emotions behind a beautiful cover. It's one I recommend to contemporary romance fans that may not be paranormal fans, this one may change your mind.

Throughout the book Melissa Pearl had my emotions on overdrive. She uses these complex issues and isn't afraid to make her readers feel real pain and joy with the characters. I loved this book and the relationship between Dale and Nicole was built up perfectly, not too fast and not too slow. It is first and foremost a love story. A paranormal and out of this world love story, and it works. Overall an excellent read, one can easily get lost in.

I recommend this book to fans of:
The Time Spirit Trilogy by Melissa Pearl, Ever by Jessa Russo, Hereafter by Tara Hudson, Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer, The Dragonfly Prophecy by Jacquelyn Castle, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

12/01/2012

Blog Tour: Stalk Me Review and Giveaways


Stalk Me (Keatyn Chronicles #1) by Jillian Dodd
★★★★☆
Release Date: September 1, 2012
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Romance, High School, Drama, Actors, Stalker
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBookstore
Extra: Pinterest Board | Keatyn Chronicles Fanpage | Keatyn Chronicles Twitter
Gossip girl meets Hollywood in this new series by Jillian Dodd
Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed of. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She’s popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most coveted lunch table.

She’s just not sure she wants it anymore.

Because really, things aren’t all that perfect.
Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam.
Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to.
It’s exhausting always trying to look and act perfect.
And deep down, she isn’t sure if she has any true friends.

To add to the drama, her movie star mom has a creepy stalker.
A hot, mysterious man keeps flirting with her and telling her they should make a movie together.
And she’s crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating him would mean committing social suicide.

So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony.
But little does she know, there's someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Stalk Me became more than I was expecting, although I didn't really know what to expect just that it seemed like a fun read! My emotions fluctuated throughout the book between joy to disgust, Jillian Dodd knows how to create some mean girls (and boys). Keatyn's story features a ton of drama, cute boys, surfing, dancing, and just an all around fun vibe; then things get dark and the balance and addition of that added element made this book stand out from the other contemporary romances I've read.
"I was wrong. I gotta get out of there. I think I'm a mean girl. Like I'm becoming plastic or something."
The book features more shallow and obnoxious secondary characters than I've ever come into contact with; forget punching who she does punch Keatyn should've knocked Vanessa out!! Oh man. Jillian Dodd takes this rich and glitzy lifestyle and creates real people who would've come out of it, real people I LOVE to hate. These teenagers are pretty awful, except Cush, I still really like Cush (I know, I know).

Throughout the book Keatyn, growing up with an actress mom and step dad, relates a lot of things to scripts and movies. She creates these, if only it would happen this way-type scripts especially when it comes to the boys in her life.

If I was going to describe Keatyn in one word it would be fickle. The girl is clueless. I will say, from the beginning to the end of the book I was quite impressed with her growth, but she is still kind of a spoiled brat. Jillian Dodd does an amazing job letting the readers get to know all of her characters, from Keatyn to her little sisters and from her parents to her friends, no lack of imagination there! Keatyn struggles, even up until the end of the book, with who she really is. Is she a soccer playing surfer, a dancer, a mean girl, and more. I see her as all of these things, and hopefully at some point she sees that it's ok to not fit into one box.

Boys. hmmm. How do I address this major part of the book. Keatyn really hands her heart out, and she's not really getting it back in one piece throughout this book. The poor girl. Let's make an org chart, just kidding. In the beginning of the book Keatyn is with Sander, and I will say (I saw that coming). Then she's with Brooklyn, then Cush (who I am still rooting for!) and it kind of keeps going a little. I don't think she knows what she wants honestly, which is understandable she's young. But, she really goes back and forth. Like I said, fickle. It's all very true to her character though. Well done Jillian, well done.

Keatyn's siblings bring this adorable side out of her, they really help shape her. Stalk Me is a book that I found myself not only laughing out loud with but experiencing so many ups and downs. I felt connected to the book and that is a huge thing for me.
Emery gives me a rock that she's colored on. She whispers in my ear. "You can smash people's fingers with it when they're mean." 
At the end of Stalk Me, Jillian opens up the book for the sequel and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series! Book 2, Kiss Me, is out now!

Giveaways!
Tour wide giveaways!
International: 10 ebook copies of Stalk Me (Gifted from Amazon or BN)


US/Canada- 2 Paperback copies of Stalk Me



Stalk Me is currently only $.99!! Through December 2nd, when it will return to $2.99! Get your copy now!

Jillian Dodd
Jillian Dodd grew up on a farm in Nebraska, where she developed a love for Midwestern boys and Nebraska football. She has drank from a keg in a cornfield, attended the University of Nebraska, got to pass her candle, and did have a boy ask her to marry him in a bar. She met her own prince in college, and they have two amazing children, a Maltese named Sugar Bear, and two Labrador puppies named Camber Lacy and Cali Lucy.
She is the author of the That Boy Trilogy and The Keatyn Chronicles Series.

9/25/2012

Blog Tour: The Last Year Series Double Review and Giveaway

I LOVED the start to this series and cannot wait for more by Trisha Leigh!


Book 1
Whispers in Autumn (The Last Year #1) by Trisha Leigh
★★★★★
Release Date: July 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Science Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Friendship, Aliens, Dystopian
Format Reviewed: ebook
Source: AToMR Blog Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
In 2015, a race of alien Others conquered Earth. They enslaved humanity not by force, but through an aggressive mind control that turned people into contented, unquestioning robots.

Except sixteen-year-old Althea isn’t content at all, and she doesn’t need the mysterious note inside her locket to tell her she’s Something Else. It also warns her to trust no one, so she hides the pieces that make her different, even though it means being alone.

Then she meets Lucas, everything changes.

Althea and Lucas are immune to the alien mind control, and together they search for the reason why. What they uncover is a stunning truth the Others never anticipated, one with the potential to free the brainwashed human race.

It’s not who they are that makes them special, but what.
And what they are is a threat. One the Others are determined to eliminate for good.
As the start to the series this book builds a unique and eerie world in which people are void of emotion and have been brainwashed and mind controlled to do as their captors wish. But, there are some who are different. Althea's life is not easy, and as she learns throughout the story what being Something Else means, everything she's ever believed comes crashing down around her. With a similar feel to books like Delirium by Lauren Oliver; Trisha Leigh is an unbelievably amazing author who completely rocked my socks off with this new alien tale.

Althea is used to being invisible, but somehow people are starting to notice her and she knows everything is about to change. It all begins with a boy named Lucas and his overwhelming smell of Winter that happens to compliment her Summer smell. Through unimaginable twists and turns this book takes flight and never settles down. It's a journey that was intense and I didn't put the book down once!

The love story between Lucas and Althea is sweet and slow, they take their time and build these strong emotions. It doesn't hurt that Lucas is a total swoon worthy boy who is always there for Althea, he's her rock. When they are forced to seek answers about their lives they stand by each others sides and the kisses. Their friendly and fun banter, even as the story's intensity builds was a refreshing and smile worthy aspect to the book. Lucas is my favorite character, next to Althea of course.

The cruel truths throughout the story are surprising. Trisha Leigh manages to keep building the story throughout and even at the end I was left with one word, wow. I was very excited to have book 2 in my hands and ready to continue the series. If you're looking for a futuristic science fiction read that features a lovely romance, twists, secrets, and plenty of adventure and suspense make sure to check this one out!


Book 2
Winter Omens (The Last Year #2) by Trisha Leigh
★★★★★
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Science Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Friendship, Aliens, Dystopian
Format Reviewed: ebook
Althea and Lucas barely escaped the Others’ clutches in the autumn, and were separated in the process. Alone and on the run from the cruel alien race determined to exterminate her, Althea struggles to adapt and survive in a world she never imagined.

When a boy named Pax appears out of nowhere, he quickly recognizes Althea for what she is – a human/Other hybrid just like him. Althea begs him to help her find Lucas, but Pax refuses, intent on following his own mysterious agenda.

The Others’ presence continues to devour the planet’s resources, and if history is an indication, they won’t leave until Earth is destroyed beyond repair. Althea and Pax sense the only way to save themselves – and maybe their home – is to understand the powers simmering inside them.

Together they push the limits of their capabilities in the quiet Wilds, but are soon confronted with a terrifying fact: no place is safe from the relentless pursuit of the Others.
Least of all their own minds.
In this almost-better-than-the-first-book sequel we follow Althea on her quest to find Lucas. If you haven't read Whispers in Autumn DO SO NOW! Don't read any further, except for below to enter the giveaway and follow this blog tour.

Trisha Leigh succeeds in creating a followup that is a worthy component of one of my new favorite series. With the first book being one of the most creative and intense reads I've experienced in a while I was on the edge of my seat to begin reading this one, and I'm glad I devoured it so quickly. She takes this story and weaves another chapter that left me jumping for joy and biting my nails.

Winter Omens changes everything I loved about the first book by the exclusion of Lucas, I missed him a lot. But, it makes it that much better with the inclusion of Pax. On her search for Lucas in a world she's always been told is dangerous Althea risks everything for a boy who she may love and befriends a boy that excites her in ways she's never known; she also befriends a four legged animal who becomes a companion. Pax is everything that Lucas isn't and shares the secrets that they do, if you're going to have a love triangle (which I love, and am still crossing my fingers that Lucas gets the girl) then you might as well play for opposites. This twist in a story that I thought I had figured out happens to diversify and expand on my emotions and make for an even better read (which I would've never thought was possible). Go Trisha! I can't wait for the next book! I hope I don't have to wait long ;)

This book managed to really get under my skin and stay there; I'm still thinking about this fascinating story days after I've turned the last page. While I loved Whispers in Autumn, I love how the author shakes everything up in Winter Omens. Trisha Leigh has a magical way with words and turns the alien story into a new breed of books that I absolutely LOVE!

Giveaway
Hosted by the author.
This giveaway is international!

9/20/2012

Blog Tour: Forsaken Review and Giveaway


Forsaken (Daughters of the Sea #1) by Kristen Day
★★★★☆
Release Date: July 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Supernatural, Mythology, Romance
Format: ebook
Source: YANR Blog Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…

Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her.

Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and a dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity. 

Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendents of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.

But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love. 

She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesized to be a part of. The fate of all the descendents will forever depend upon it.
Forsaken features a dark and incredibly unforgettable journey as Hannah, or Stasia as she goes by as her life takes a dramatic turn, learns everything about herself she ever wondered about. Throwing normal out the window she takes a plunge towards darkness and searches for answers.

Orphaned as a baby Hannah has only ever known hurt and has lived an unimaginably cruel life. She's built up these walls around herself, but as she falls into place besides new friends and a mysterious boy her walls begin to crumble. Finn, a powerful but seemingly dark character, awakens a lot in Hannah and the passion they share is amazing. Finn is what I would call Holy Hotness. He radiates a bad boy persona and just happens to be the boy of her dreams, literally. But, he's dangerous as far as Hannah's been told and her sense of self preservation, while slightly lacking, deep down is telling her to stay guarded. I am very excited about their story, I'm involved on a large level and am looking forward to seeing what happens (especially after that ending!).

Forsaken is a mythological tale woven with a powerful love story, fun and relatable characters, and a mysterious undertone. It features action, a boarding school atmosphere, adventure, drama, danger, and complete with supernatural abilities it's a series that will surely rise as it grows. The secrets live on each page and as the reader ventures further into the story the intensity builds. Questions begin to be answered and there are quite a few people that turn out to be just who your gut was telling you they were; but there are those who become more. It is an amazing journey that everyone should check out even if only for Finn and his Holy Hotness ;) I definitely recommend this read!

The mythology and legendary tone of this book is refreshing and made me think back to books like Percy Jackson. Kristen Day takes one of my favorite genres and weaves the beginning to a series that I am excited to be following.

About the AuthorKristen Day is a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. She loves all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. She’s been told she sees the world through rose-colored glasses, but she prefers to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something she can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).
She is the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA trilogy, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN (Oct 2012), and CHOSEN (Winter 2012). She loves all books, but really enjoys writing young adult, paranormal romances. She’s loved to write for as long as she can remember. Her first published work was her poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, right?) that won her 5 gold stars and a spot in her elementary school's poetry book. That's when her addiction to the written word officially began. She was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh - its okay.
When she’s not writing she’s making jewelry, painting, feeding her addiction to sweet tea, watching the Discovery Channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with her amazing husband. She was born in Boone, NC and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Marketing in 2001.
Giveaway
Hosted by the wonderful author is a giveaway for 7 ebook copies of Forsaken!
How awesome is that!?