Friday, March 29, 2013

Follow Friday

Follow Friday
Hosted by:
&

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!
Featured blogs this week:
&
Insightful Minds Reviews

This Weeks Question:

Tell us about the most emotional scene you've ever read in a book - and how did you react. 
This Weeks Answer:

I cry enough as it is because I'm such a sap. So I tend to avoid books that make me cry. However I did accept a review book that I just finished this week that still makes me a little teary. It's such a powerful story of a girl with an inoperable brain tumor. Honestly the last half of the book I was all wimpy but at the end I couldn't stop the tears. It's one I highly suggest because it shows a unique insight into what a cancer patient deals with after they are told they only have so many months to live. 

Always and Forever 
by Kara J. Nellenbach
Review (Here)

Throwback Thursday


Throwback Thursday March 28th 2013

Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by The Housework Can Wait and Never to fond of Books.

It's the nature of book blogging to focus mainly on new releases, but there are thousands of great books out there that haven't seen the "New Releases" shelf in years. We hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles that may or not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile.

You don't have to be a book blogger to participate! You can put up a Throwback Thursday post on your non-bookish blog; or if you don't have a blog at all you can use the comments to tell us about a book your remember fondly.


And NOW! We’re expanding! Throwback Thursday is no longer limited to just books! Throwback Thursday is dedicated to shining the spotlight on any book-related old favorites that need to be remembered.What’s your favorite classic television show or movie adaptation? What about your favorite song? Was your favorite toy a character from a book?
Here’s how it works:
  • Pick any media (or non-media item) released more than 5 years ago. Remember to keep it book-related!
  • Write up a short summary (include the title, author, and cover art, if applicable) and an explanation of why you love it. Make sure to link back to The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books in your post.
  • Link up your post at The Housework Can Wait or Never Too Fond of Books.
  • Visit as many blogs as you can, reminisce about books you loved, and discover some “new” books for your TBR list – or some other classic
My Choice this week:

 Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone 
by J.K. Rowling
Published April 11th 2003 
(Goodreads)

Synopsis


Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a Cloak of Invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny cupboard under the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in ten years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him... if Harry can survive the encounter.



My Thoughts 

I've honestly not read the Harry Potter Series. I've started it many times. If you ask my husband I'm mean since I made him read the twilight series (his only complaint is the feelings in book 2). I've seen the movies many times I'm even going to suggest a marathon after I'm done writing this post to the hubby since I've not seen all the movies either. 

Cover Reveal: Almost Night


Title: Almost Night
Author: Emily White
Genre - Paranormal Fantasy
Publication - August 27th 2013
Credit for cover goes to: Claudia Mckinney of Phatpuppy Art and font was designed by Ashley at  Bookish-Brunette.

Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Lilly Grey exists in two worlds at the same time. She just doesn't know it.


As the only albino in a million mile radius, Lilly is used to being different. Pink eyes and white hair aren't exactly the best camouflage in the harrowing jungles formally known as high school. And yeah, she's used to being an outcast and seeing the world in a slightly different way, but she never guessed how literally "different" applied to her.

Not until a clan of shape-shifting dragons tell her she's not just albino. She's a unicorn and the only mortal alive who can live on both Earth and its antithesis, Morcah. Now all those times she thought she saw a floating brown blotch in the sky or eyes peering out at her from the bark of trees make sense. She's been seeing Morcah, a land that exists in the exact same spot as Earth, just in a different phase.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows for this unicorn. As the only one who can live in both phases, she's also the only one who can bring Morcah--and all its inhabitants--to Earth. And creatures who've been trapped on Earth since the Dark Ages are willing to do worse things than kill to make that happen.

Again.



About this author


Emily White lives in NY, wedged between two of the Great Lakes and a few feet of snow and ice. She's spent most of her life running away from the cold, and even spent a year in Iraq, but now contents herself with writing her characters into warm, exotic places in faraway galaxies. When not tapping away at her computer keys, she can be found reading, reading, and reading some more. And when she's not doing that, she's usually playing video games with her husband, peek-a-boo with her kids, or walking through her garden, wondering why the bugs insist on eating all her vegetables. 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Book Tour: Review - Lonely Souls


Title - Lonely Souls
Author - Karice Bolton
Series - The Witch Avenue #1
Genre - YA Paranormal Witches
Published June 29th 2012
Format - Kindle Freebie Copy

Synopsis 

It's two weeks before Triss turns 18, and her world is about to change into the most magical one imaginable as she readies herself to enter The Witch Avenue Order... that is until her mother's disappearance. Instead of celebrating her transformation, she finds herself spreading rose petals into her mother's empty grave.

When Logan, her best friend from junior high, moves back to town for college, he vows to help her find the answers she so desperately seeks surrounding her mother's disappearance. As they begin uncovering clues, it becomes apparent that the life of white magic they both grew up loving is not what the majority practices, and their lives are in danger.

With a haunting feeling that her mother may still be alive, she begins to hear a call to the wilderness. Triss realizes that in order to find the answers she needs, she must learn the ways of her ancestors and become the hunter, not the hunted before it's too late, and she becomes part of the lonely souls.

Review 


I received a review copy of Lonely Souls in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by AToMR Tours. Triss's eighteenth birthday is just around the corner which is when she will join the Witch Avenue coven. She heads to the beach to meet her mother but only finds her stuff not her mother. She calls the police who search but are unable to find her, which forces the coven to assume that she has passed on. 

Triss is sure her mother didn't just have an accident with the help of her childhood friend she will set out with Logan to find out what really happened to her mother. Triss is torn between joining the coven that didn't support her when her mother is missing. After consulting with Logan they decide it would be best if she does so that they can find out who's behind her mother’s disappearance. As the pair dive deep into Triss's missing mother long lost secrets start coming out that may change their lives forever. 

I was drawn in right from the start I actually finished Lonely Souls in one afternoon that's how hooked I was. I love the characters particularly Triss she has a good head on her shoulders even though she does panic a little when it comes down to it she does what's right. At first I wasn't sure about Logan but the more the story progressed I grew to like him. Together they are a perfect team and he's exactly what the good little white witch needs in a guy. I found Lonely souls filled with action, suspense that kept me on my toes with just the right amount of romance for me. I really enjoyed Lonely Souls and look forward to reading more about Triss and Logan in the rest of the series. One of my new favorites series. 

5 out of 5 stars


About the Author

Karice married the love of her life who she met in high school, and she still can't get over how cute and funny he is. They have two English Bulldogs that are the sweetest bullies in the world, and they use their cuteness to get what they want. Karice loves the snow and gravitates towards the stuff as often as possible! She enjoys skiing and tries really hard to snowboard, but often makes a nice little area to sit while everyone zips by on their board. She enjoys writing, and she also loves to read just about anything with print.   


Don't forget to check out the rest of the series

Altered Souls
The realm of Altered Souls brings nothing but unrest, deceit, and pain forcing Triss to come face to face with heartbreak from her past.

Facing a betrayal like never before, Triss questions everything she thought she knew about her family, coven, and abilities.

With the help of Logan, she embarks on a journey enabling her to confront the dark side of magic and the person who controls it. Realizing Triss’s ancestors have been seduced for centuries by the dark side, Triss and Logan must ensure no more in their world fall victim to the realm of Altered Souls, even if that means ending the ones they love.



Released Souls

Triss and Logan’s love is becoming stronger by the day as they harness the powers between them, but will that make them blind to the evil they’re facing?

After uncovering startling information about her family, Triss is determined to right the wrongs of her ancestors. Triss and Logan uncover who has infiltrated the covens across the globe, and they realize the plans of the dark side are far more sinister than they’d ever imagined.

As the power of this hidden world is exposed, Triss learns her role in the covens. With Logan, Dace and Bakula’s assistance, Triss is now able to fully realize the abilities her ancestors have given her.
It won’t be long until the dark forces regain their strength, especially as their leader, Eben, continues his quest for a power that can never be revoked. Triss must stop him before it is too late.

The Rest of the Awesome Tour (Here)

Don't Forget to enter for a chance to win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday March 27th 2013

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. In my case not so patiently waiting for the new releases, which I lack.
Happy Wednesday!

I'm a sucker for a beautiful cover and an interesting synopsis


Catalyst 

by Jennifer Snyder
New Adult
Expected Publication May 1st 2013
(Goodreads)

Synopsis


Sometimes who we really are lies buried just beneath the surface…

After learning she’s inherited a house in the beachside town of Soul Harbor, Georgia, Addison Harmon and her best friend decided to take a much needed vacation before the pressures of life after high school suffocate them too heavily.

But what Addison finds isn’t a chance to recoup from a bad break up and hang out with her best friend while she decides what she wants to do with her future. What she finds is Kace Sullivan—a sexy guy she can’t seem to get enough of—someone who with one touch reveals a seductive world full of magick and secrets Addison isn’t sure she’s ready to be a part of.


What's your WoW this week?

Cover Characteristics

Cover Characteristic - Socks
 Hosted by Sugar & Snark

Each week we will post 5 of our favorite covers to go with the theme of the week. 
I'm a huge cover fan so this is a great meme for me.

This week's theme is Socks

Another tough one. 


The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (Goodreads)
The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne (Goodreads)
Pippi Longstocking by Astid Lindgren, Florence Lamborn (Goodreads)
 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll, John Tenniel (Goodreads)

My favorite a classic if I do say so 

Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss (Goodreads)


What's your favorite cover with socks? 

Review: Always and Forever


Title - Always and Forever
Author - Karla J. Nellenbach
Genre - Contemporary YA 
Published September 18th 2012
Format - Paperback for Review

Synopsis

Mia's first reaction is outright disbelief. Obviously, a mistake has been made. Sixteen-year-old girls don't die. But, when the diagnosis is confirmed, she dives headlong into anger. If she has to die, why should it be of cancer? In fact, anything would be preferable to cancer. Better for her to say when, where, and especially how.


Determined to meet death on her own terms, Mia devises scheme after scheme to get the job done. A “fall” down the basement stairs, driving her car off a bridge, and even a dance with a train all end in her survival. 

And through it all, Mia keeps her family and friends at arms' length with her destructive and hurtful behavior. With each failed suicide attempt and burned relationship, she slowly realizes that it’s not the dying that she’s afraid of, but the life she’ll be leaving behind. Now, that life is in a shambles. As time begins to slip through her fingers and death is upon her, Mia fights to rebuild the bridges she has destroyed, but can she do it before the clock runs out?


Review

I received Always and Forever in return for an honest review from the publisher Booktrope. When she was 12 years old Mia was confirmed to have beaten Leukemia. Even though she was pronounced well her parents still worry about it coming back so she’s constantly visiting the doctor looking for signs of cancer. It’s now four years later Mia is sixteen and she’s been diagnosed with an inoperable form of cancer in her brain.  The doctors tell Mia that she has less than a year to live.

Mia doesn't want to die least of all by cancer so she decides that she will choose the when and how. She sets out not telling anyone that she has cancer so that she can have just a little while longer to be normal. Things change between Mia and her best friend Kal when she tells him she doesn't have cancer he tells her how he’s in love with her. Mia can’t help getting swept into a relationship with the boy she’s always loved. However as she gets worse she decides that it won’t work and pushes him away. Causing a rift between that ends their friendship. She self destructively tries to end all her friendships in hopes of making her death easier.  

Determine to not let the cancer kill her Mia sets out to attempt to accidently commit suicide from falling down the stairs to driving off the bridge. However none of them succeed leaving her regretting that she’s pushed all her friends away she decides to try and patch it up before it’s too late. Will she be able to fix them before her time runs out?

I love Mia she’s not had an easy life but she’s dealt with her struggles better than I would have. Even when she learns that she has less than a year she doesn't let it destroy her. She wants to be normal as long as she can to enjoy the last of her time. Who can blame her for not wanting to tell people I wouldn't want to be treated differently. I felt like I really connected to Mia like I was there with her through her whole story like she was my best friend. I was so happy that she had Brad and Dave to be there for her when Kal and Ricki weren't.

Always and Forever is unlike anything I've ever read. I tend to spend most my book time in the fantasy genre mostly because I’m a dreamer. I can honestly say I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Always and Forever but what I found was absolutely amazing. I found the book beautifully written, the author does an amazing job taking us through Mia’s story from start to finish. It’s a captivating story that starts tugging on your heart strings right from the start. I can honestly say I was teary eyed through most of the book and the last half after part three bargaining I cried the whole time. Thankfully I’m a fast reader or my hubby would have killed me for crying so much.

I honestly feel that Always and Forever is a brilliant book for people who have lost someone or are going through losing someone it shows you an interesting prospective one which I never considered before. I've lost many people over the years and for me Always and Forever gave me an insight into what they may have been going through. I just really loved this book. I will admit deep down I was hoping for a slightly different ending but I’m not complaining. I really loved the story it played with my emotional heartstrings in a way that no other book has. I’m truly impressed and blessed that I had the chance to read it. Yup still crying. 

5 out of 5 Stars

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

"Know Me Better"


Know Me Better March 27th 2013

This Weeks Questions
What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you?
What is most memorable about your high school years?
Have you ever gotten up early for a "black Friday sale"?
Were you named after anyone?
Would you bungee jump, skydive or something similar? 

My Answers

What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you? I've been dying for a big dog forever. My hubby got me a Malamute/Husky puppy. I've had him since he was 8 pounds at 5 weeks. Now he's 9 weeks and almost twenty five pounds. He's going to be a monster. So my hubby traded in our crossover for my dream truck in essence. A new Dodge Ram 1500 so I would have room to take 100 pound dog everywhere and still fit the kids. Yup nicest thing ever he wins. But don't tell him that. 

What is most memorable about your high school years? During my junior year my mom died in a fatal car wreak I've kind of blocked out most of high school so I don't have any memorable memories. 

Have you ever gotten up early for a "black Friday sale"? As a kid and into my teen years we used to do it as a family. Split up and conquer you could say. However now a day I'd rather stay home make a pot of coffee bake and read. 

Were you named after anyone? my middle name is "Lauren" after Lauren Bacal

Would you bungee jump, skydive or something similar? Yea nope never going to happen. I'm scared to death of heights and see no reason to jump off a good bridge or plane. 

How about you?

Top Ten Tuesday!


Top Ten Tuesday with Mandy!!
This week's topic is:

Top Ten Books Books Mandy recommends the most 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Brookish. Who doesn't love lists. They make life easy! And fun!! It's always a never ending topic.

It's so hard to limit to just ten. I'm really bad at just picking a few when I love so many. I was going to briefly write a little something something however it turned into long babbling so I decided to make it simple. 
I love them all and suggest them as often as I can. 

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire (Review) NA Romance

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (Review) Paranormal

Clayton Falls Series by Alyssa Rose Ivy
 (Derailed Review)(Veer Review) NA Romance

Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs (Goodreads) Urban Fantasy

Anita Blake by Laurell K Hamilton (Goodreads) Urban Fantasy
Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle duo by Taylor Dean (Lancaster House Review)(The Middle Aisle Review) I read this duo as part of the tour hosted by Prism Book Tours Laura did an amazing job setting up one of the most unique tours I've taken part of.

Raj Williams Series by Jack Thompson - (The Color of Greed Review)(C'est La Vie Review) Mystery
Anything by Kate Evangelista (Taste Review)(Reaping Me Softly Review)

Betwixt by Melissa Pearl - (Betwixt Review) YA Paranormal

Daughters of the Sea Series by Kristen Day (Forsaken Review) (Awaken Review) Mythology

The Bride & The Wedding Julie Garwood (Goodreads) Scottish Romance

What's your Top Ten this week?

Bloglovin

Hi Everyone,

I've decided to join the Bloglovin site to give people a new way to follow.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

So I'm just claiming my blog!



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Book Tour: Review: Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter



Title - Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter
Author - Nikki Jefford
Series - Vol #1 Transfusion
Genre - YA Fantasy Vampires
Format - Kindle Review copy
Publication - November 27th 2012
(Goodreads) & (Amazon)& (B&N)

Synopsis 

If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it’s to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn’t hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora’s life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she’s a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job… by hand.

Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire. And if he’s a vampire, will she be forced to kill him?

Review


I received Aurora Sky as part of the tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours in return for an honest review. Aurora was a normal girl not popular but with college plans far away from the Alaska snow. Suddenly a fatal car wreaks changes her life sending her into a world she didn't know existed. Aurora has rare blood which makes her a perfect choice when it comes to hunting vampires. With the extra stuff the military is giving her she’s turned into a slaying machine. However she has developed a little bit of a bad girl attitude with everything she’s dealing with.

Thankfully she’s not on her own she’s got a mentor of sorts Dante who has a golden retriever named Teddy. Dante is also a more seasoned hunter so Aurora isn’t expecting to have to do it all her own. Her first time out with Dante she’s left alone with two vampires while Dante heads out to keep Janie’s cover still secret. Aurora takes out Ivo when he bites her and pretends to stumble out so the other vampire will drink her blood giving her a chance to get him also.

Aurora has ditched her old friends for a new group of girls who are into the vampire scene. She’s nicknamed them the Mouseketeers because they are all short. The girls aren't her only friends she’s also drawn the attention of Fane who happens to be dating her arch enemy. Soon Aurora has a new boyfriend but as she learns his secret will she accept his? Will he accept her secret? As if that’s not enough they are being hunted by a crazy vampire seeking revenge and to erase all the hunters.

Aurora Sky for me was a quick read. I zipped though it in one sitting. I've always had a soft spot for vampire hunters over the years. I really enjoy the unique twists that come with the vampires. I like that the hunters have blood that helps them slay the vampires. The concept is exciting and refreshing creating a story that captures your attention and doesn't let go till the end. Aurora does a lot of growing up throughout the book, learning who she is now that her life has changed. I felt like I really connected with Aurora she's one of those characters you can't help connecting with as she progresses though the book however she's got a few moments when I want to beat her with my kindle. Aurora has a love interest as well as a potential one well at least I think Dante could of been one. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about Fane but by the end I was totally head over heals for the pair. I was very happy to see Noel and Aurora build a strong friendship because she needed someone who cares. Overall Aurora sky is a brilliant start to an exciting new series, which I can't wait to read the next one.


4 out of 5 stars 

AUTHOR BIO
Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. She is the author of the Spellbound Trilogy and upcoming Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series. Nikki married Sebastien, the love of her life, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They now reside in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands, 70 miles northeast of Forks, Washington.


Tour Grand Prize
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Teaser Tuesday!



Teaser Tuesday March 26th 2013

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~Grab your current read
~Open to a random page
~Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on the page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! ( make sure that what you share doesn't give away to much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
~Share the title & author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Always and Forever
Karla J. Nellenbach
YA Contemporary
Publication September 18th 2012
(Goodreads)

Teaser
I would not die of cancer. That's all there was to it. The. End.
I threw off the covers, launched myself out of bed, and padded to the door. I slowly eased it open and listened, breath held as i waited to make sure the coast was clear. Then, I made my escape.


What are you reading today?

Monday, March 25, 2013

Review: Fated


Title - Fated
Author - Rebecca Zanetti
Series - Dark Protectors #1
Genre - Adult Paranormal Romance
Format - ebook
Publication - March 1st 2011


Synopsis

Marry Me! Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she's used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But "whatever it takes" has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem. 

Or Else! Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he's there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he's a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he's had that long to practice. . .


Review

Cara’s life was normal she’s living the quiet life of a plant-scientist and a single mom to her daughter Janie. When suddenly everything is changed Talen busts into her house taking her and Janie into custody before his enemies can get her. The only way that he will be able to keep her safe is to marry her and mate with her. Both Cara and Janie aren't your typical humans they each have their own telepathic gifts which make them perfect mates for the vampires. At the insistence of Janie who can see the future Cara deals with what she has to in order to protect her daughter.

Talen knows that Cara is destined to be his make when he is branded on his hand after touching her arm. Talen isn't a human like Cara he’s a vampire but not the typical type he can stand the sun, he only drinks blood during fighting and sex. However even though both Janie and Cara are safe with Talen’s family she still has to worry about her older sister who’s out there avoiding the kurjans. Together they will have to save Emma as well as keep her daughter safe and learn to deal with Talen.

Well this one is tough for me. I think the idea of the vampires and Kurjans put’s a unique spin on vampires since there are thousands of vampire romances. I also liked Cara as a character even better because she was a scientist who wasn't strong and bad-ass but it didn't stop her. I had a few issues with Talen but I think it’s more of a personal preference he frustrated me when he called Cara Mate or wife it sounds so primitive. I admit he’s hundreds of years old but jeeze get with the times. I think the series has a lot of potential and I plan to continue because even though Talen has a few Neanderthal issues it was still a great story. It’s been ages since I've read a true paranormal romance however I really enjoyed the story. Fated is filled with action, steamy sex and romance what’s not to love. 
4 out of 5 stars