Friday, October 31, 2014

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday
Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the list and onto our wonderful shelves. 
Hosted by Pen to Paper

Since reading another book and watching Reign I'm kind of obsessed at the moment with the whole Tudor era. 
My choice this week is:

The Constant Princess
by Philippa Gregory
(Goodreads)

Synopsis
"I am Catalina, Princess of Spain, daughter of the two greatest monarchs the world has ever known...and I will be Queen of England."

Thus, bestselling author Philippa Gregory introduces one of her most unforgettable heroines: Katherine of Aragon. Known to history as the Queen who was pushed off her throne by Anne Boleyn, here is a Katherine the world has forgotten: the enchanting princess that all England loved. First married to Henry VIII's older brother, Arthur, Katherine's passion turns their arranged marriage into a love match; but when Arthur dies, the merciless English court and her ambitious parents -- the crusading King and Queen of Spain -- have to find a new role for the widow. Ultimately, it is Katherine herself who takes control of her own life by telling the most audacious lie in English history, leading her to the very pinnacle of power in England.

Set in the rich beauty of Moorish Spain and the glamour of the Tudor court, The Constant Princess presents a woman whose constancy helps her endure betrayal, poverty, and despair, until the inevitable moment when she steps into the role she has prepared for all her life: Henry VIII's Queen, Regent, and commander of the English army in their greatest victory against Scotland.


What's on your wishlist?

Don't forget to enter my Spooktacular giveaway (here) over 200 other blogs. 

Month9Books Friday Reveal: 4 for Friday October Bliz

Welcome to the 4 for Friday Blitz for Predator by Janice Gable Bashman, Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake, Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman, and The Emissary by Kristal Shaff, presented by Month9Books!
4-for-Friday-Oct-Banner
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post.


Predator-Cover
“Predator is a fast-paced, creepy page-turner! Bashman had me at the opening sentence and she’s still got me. I want more!”

Nancy Holder, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Rules
The hunt is on!
Sixteen-year-old Bree Sunderland must inject herself with an untested version of her father’s gene therapy to become a werewolf in order to stop a corrupt group of mercenaries from creating a team of unstoppable lycanthrope soldiers.
When Bree went with her scientist father to Ireland, she thought it would be a vacation to study bog bodies. She never expected to fall in love with a mysterious young Irishman and certainly never expected to become the kind of monster her father said only existed in nightmares. Dr. Sunderland discovers that lycanthropy was not a supernatural curse but rather a genetic mutation. When they return home, her dad continues his research, but the military wants to turn that research into a bio weapons program and rogue soldiers want to steal the research to turn themselves into unstoppable killing machines.
Bree’s boyfriend Liam surprises her with a visit to the United States, but there are darker surprises in store for both of them. As evil forces hunt those she loves, Bree must become an even more dangerous hunter to save them all.
Predator gives the werewolf legend a couple of new spins by introducing the Benandanti (an actual folkloric belief that certain families of Italy and Livonia were werewolves who fought against evil), as well as a modern scientific approach to mutation and the science of transgenics.
add to goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author

Janice Gable Bashman
Janice Gable Bashman is the Bram Stoker nominated author of Wanted Undead or Alive and Predator. She is managing editor of the The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers’ ezine). Janice lives with her family in the Philadelphia area, where she at work on her next novel. Visit her at janicegablebashman.com.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
ITF-Cover
Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s life is a perfectly normal one until Logan Schmidt moves to Ashlan Falls. Cara is inexplicably drawn to him, but she’s not exactly complaining. Logan’s like no boy she’s ever met, and he brings out a side of Cara that she isn’t used to. As the two get closer, everything is nearly perfect, and Cara looks forward to the future.

But Cara isn’t a normal girl. She’s a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical phoenix bird, and her time is running out. Rebirth is nearing, which means she’ll forget her life up to this point—she’ll forget Logan and everything they mean to one another.. But that may be the least of Cara’s problems.
A phoenix hunter is on the loose, and he’s determined to put an end to the lives of people like Cara and her family, once and for all.
add to goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
Ashelyn Drake
Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Boneseeker
Arabella Holmes was born different and raised different. After it became apparent she wouldn’t fit the role of a proper 1900′s lady, her father, Sherlock, called in some lingering favors, and landed her a position at the Mutter Museum. The museum was Arabella’s dream; she was to become a purveyor of abnormal science. What her father called a BoneSeeker.

Henry Watson arrives at the Mutter Museum with a double assignment–to become a finder of abnormal antiquities and to watch over and keep Arabella Holmes. An easy task, if he could only get her to speak to him instead of throwing knives in his general direction.
But this is no time for child’s play. The two teens are assigned to a most secret exploration, when the hand of a Nephilim is unearthed in upstate New York. Soon, Arabella and Henry are caught in a fight for their lives as scientific debate swirls around them. Are the bones from a Neanderthal … or are they living proof of fallen angels, who supposedly mated with humans according to ancient scrolls?
Sent to recover the skeleton, they discover they are the second team to have been deployed and the entire first team is dead. And now they must trust their instincts and rely on one another in order to survive and uncover the truth.
add to goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
Brynn Chapman
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.


Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

The-Emissary-Cover
For hundreds of years, dark clouds covered the skies of Adamah, and an ageless king ruled. Those who emerged with one of six extraordinary Shay powers were forced into the king’s army, an unmatched force with inhuman Strength, Speed, Accuracy, Perception, Empathy, and Healing. With the army behind him, the king—a man who wields all six abilities—was invincible and unquestioned in his rule. To most, serving the king was an honor. But for others, it was a fate worse than death.

When seventeen-year-old Nolan Trividar witnesses the transformation of his brother from kind to cruel after entering the king’s army, he vows never to follow the same path.
So when his own power—the Shay of Accuracy—comes upon him at the Tournament of Awakening, Nolan conceals his emergence instead of joining the king’s ranks. For years, he traitorously hides his power, pretending to be only a gifted scribe. But when Nolan comes face -to-face with a deserter, the man discovers his secret.
To evade detection and a death sentence, Nolan escapes with the deserter and flees into a night filled with dark creatures who steal both powers and souls. He joins a resistance, a village hidden deep in the forest, filled with others who secretly wield a Shay. But his peace is short-lived when they discover that the dark clouds, undead creatures, their own decreasing powers, and even the king, are all connected.
add to goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author

Kristal Shaff
 

Kristal Shaff grew up with books (and used to drive her mom crazy when she wouldn’t leave the library); her first job was even shelving books at the library. She loves anything creative, and you can often find her exploring strange and fantastical worlds in her choices of movies and fantasy fiction. Kristal resides in Iowa with her farmer husband, numerous pets, and 3 awesome kids (plus one more on the way though the journey of adoption). When she isn’t writing, she is a professional face painter who enjoys making children smile.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!


Thursday, October 30, 2014

Book Review: Tempting Fate


Title - Tempting Fate
Author - April White
Series - The Immortal Descendants #2
Genre - YA Fantasy
Published - June 28th 2014
Publisher - Corazon Entertainment 

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Clocker, Saira Elian is back on the run and being hunted by Mongers. The Descendants of War are amassing power in the 21st century, bent on controlling all the Immortal Descendants. Their attempt to kidnap Saira, a rare Descendant of Time and Nature, reveals just how brazen they’ve become. Archer, the vampire who has loved Saira for over a century, is willing to risk everything to protect her.

When a horrific vision reveals Ringo, thief and loyal companion from 1888, being tortured at the hands of the bloodthirsty Bishop Wilder in a Renaissance prison, Saira and Archer realize there has been a ripple in the river of Time, and they must travel to 1554 to find its source and save their friend. Their rescue mission lures them to the Tower of London, site of the most notorious executions in history, where they encounter the mysterious Lady Elizabeth who is confronting a terrible fate of her own.

The time-traveler, the vampire, and the thief will need all of their skills and ingenuity as they race against time to steal a document that could change the course of history and put the Immortal Descendants at the mercy of the Mongers. Can they stop a madman bent on collecting the blood of history’s most powerful Seer before the executioner’s axe falls?

Review
I received Tempting Fate in return for an honest review from the author. Saira is once again being hunted by Mongers who are after all the mixed bloods. With the help of Archer and her friends Saira is able to figure out what Bishop Wilder is doing. When Saira wakes from a dream that Archer is seeing they know that Ringo will be at the hands of the bishop at some point in the future even if it was in the past. When they team up with a few of her friends to steal the genealogy from the mongers they realize only a thief will be able to. So Saira jumps back in time to get Ringo knowing he would be up to helping them with the book.

After saving the book they turn their attention to the vision that they had of Bishop Wilder with Ringo back during 1554. With the help of Ringo the trio head back in time to when Elizabeth Tudor was being held by her sister. The plan is to stop Bishop Wilder before he can break the time and keep Ringo away from him but when they arrive things are more dire than they expected. Elizabeth has accepted the fact that she is going to die being that she’s a seer who’s seen her own death. Saira will have to save Elizabeth from the chopping block and stop Bishop Wilder before it’s too late and things can’t be fixed.

Saira is one of my favorite characters she may have a few flaws but no one is perfect. I love that even when in the 1500’s she’s still wears her combat boots and jeans under her dresses so if she needed to run she would be ready. I also love that she’s very much in love with Archer he’s just the perfect guy who happens to fit the prophecy . I really liked that we had a chance to see more of Ringo he was one of my favorite from the prior book. I also liked seeing more of the other Immortal Descendants.

Tempting Fate is the second book in The Immortal Descendants and continues off not long after the end of the first. Tempting Fate had big shoes to fill after how much I loved the first book and it doesn't disappoint it might even be better. The concept of time travel but with an exciting new twist that incorporates real events from the past. A fast paced action packed novel loaded with mystery, suspense and even romance. Tempting fate captured my heart and imagination right from the start it was impossible to put down till the very end. I loved how the author used Elizabeth’s story putting her own unique spin and creating a new obsession in the Tudor Era. The author has created a beautifully written story that flows from start to finish it’s easy to lose all track of time. I like that the novel is also clean aside from a little blood so teens as well as adults will enjoy it. I think I found my favorite book of 2014. I can’t wait for the next novel and to see what we have in store for us next. I loved Tempting Fate so much!!!
5 stars out of 5 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday October 29th 2014
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.

I saw the cover and synopsis last week. I just had to share because I know I can't wait to get my hands on The Heir. 

The Heir 
by Kiera Cass
Expected Publication May 5th 2015
(Goodreads)

Synopsis
Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

What are you waiting on?

Don't forget to enter my Spooktacular giveaway (here) over 200 other blogs.

Top Ten Tuesday!

Top Ten Tuesday!
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.

I'm playing around with my own graphic I'll be trying a few out of the next month. I want one unique to me. 


This week's topic:

Top ten books and movies to get into the Halloween spirit 

Movies

I'm not a fan of super scary movies but I do enjoy some fun ones these are my top two must watch. I'm going to watch Beetlejuice after I'm done with this post. 

1. Beetlejuice - This is my favorite semi scary movie. I own it on blu-ray and watch it often. It's my all time favorite movie in general.

2. Hocus Pocus - a true classic I've watched it every year for as long as I can remember even the kids are watching it now.

3. Pacific Rim - who doesn't love a good robot fighting monster movie. This is another of my favorites and my newer Halloween must watch.

4. Underworld - can't have a good Halloween without some vampires and werewolves. I think we we have another movie coming out. No I don't like my vampires to sparkle.

5. Resident Evil - zombie movies are a must for the Halloween holiday. At least the first couple I don't think I've seen the recent ones.

Books

It's weird I enjoy scary books but not movies. I just haven't read any in a long time.

6. Alison Kemper - She has a few zombies book which are standalone romance that are perfect for Halloween.

7. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst - a fun vampire book with unicorns.

8. Every Other Days by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - Who doesn't love demons

9. The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle - Scary vampires one of my favorites. The new one is coming out soon.

10. The Hollow by Amanda Hocking - This duo of zombie books are scary but fast paced.


What's on your top ten list this week?

Don't forget to enter my Spooktacular giveaway (here) over 200 other blogs. 

Cover Reveal: Coming for You

Title - Coming For You 
Author - J.A. Huss
Series - Dirty Dark and Deadly #3
Genre - Adult, Erotica, Thriller 
Publication date - November 19th 2014

Synopsis
JAMES

Who am I?
What am I doing?
Why am I doing it?
Questions are as dangerous in my world as secrets are valuable.
Answers, however, never come easy.

HARPER
Who am I?
what am I doing?
Why am I doing it?
I’ve never asked myself a single question about my life. Not even once. I follow orders. I keep my head down. I do as I’m told. But now the choices are everywhere.

SASHA
I don’t ask questions and I don’t need answers.
I know exactly what I’m doing.
Last Christmas Eve, my life fell apart.
This summer, I’m about to get even.

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

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

Author Links

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? October 27th 2014
Welcome to It's Monday! is a weekly event hosted by Sheila at Bookjourney to share with others what you've read the past week and are planning to read the next.

Last week

Two isn't to bad for the crazy week. 
Dire by Alyssa Rose Ivy (Review)
True Colors by Melissa Pearl (Review)

Currently Reading 
Tempting Fate by April White (Goodreads)


Up Next
The Council by K.F. Breene (Goodreads)

Rest of the week
Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens (Goodreads)
The Jewel by Amy Ewing (Goodreads)
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Goodreads)

I have a variety of books this week. Hope to get them all. 

What are you reading this week?

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Book Review: Dire

Title - Dire
Author - Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series - The Dire Wolves Chronicles #1
Genre - Urban Fantasy New Adult
Published - September 15th 2014
Format - Kindle

Synopsis
Gage was the first guy I ever wanted. He was my first crush and my first fantasy, but he wasn't my first in any other way because he never saw me as anything more than a friend— at least not until the night that changed everything.

It was all Gage's fault. He insisted we drive through the storm and take the back roads. By the time the storm hit full force we had no chance. One night of snowbound sex changed our relationship forever. The problem was at the same time I caught another guy’s attention. This other guy happened to be the alpha of a pack of shifter wolves. I thought the wolves were the worst of my problems, but I was wrong. When things went from bad to worse I had to make a lifelong sacrifice to save Gage, but what price is too much to save the one you love?

Review
Mary Anne has a huge crush on Gage they grew up in the same town but she doesn’t really know him. When it’s time to head home for the holidays he invites her to ride with him, and how can she pass up the chance. What should be an easy four hour drive home has turned wrong when something dashes out in front of the truck causing them to veer off the side of the road into the snow. Stuck on the side of the road in the snow the two must stay warm if they are to survive and Mary Anne’s dreams may just come true.

It’s while hiking through the snow they encounter smoke they head that way in hopes of finding a place to get out of the snow. What they find in the cabin is a pack of strangers whose leader wants to keep Mary Anne for his own forever. When they attempt to escape they learn that it’s not humans they are running from but Werewolves and the alpha intends on making Mary Anne his mate. Will they be able to get away or will they spend the rest of their lives living with the wolves? What about the danger outside the compound?

I love Mary Anne she’s a total sweetheart right from the start I knew I was going to like her. I wasn’t sure about Gage but as the book progressed he won my heart he’s just the right guy for Mary Anne.  I want to dislike the were’s but it’s kind of hard they aren’t bad guys but they have issues. It’s a strange love triangle but we will have to see how it plays out.

I loved Dire it was impossible to put down. I finished in one morning with a pot of coffee. I’m a huge fan of Alyssa Rose Ivy so when I found out she created a werewolf series I can’t tell you how excited I was. So Dire had really big shoes to fill and I think she exceeded my expectations. The werewolf concept is unique a darker spin and maybe the wolves aren’t the good guys or being hunted like savages. I enjoyed the story it’s fast paced loaded with steam moments and scary werewolves that keep you on the edge of your seat. I found that the story is darker than others by the author but I think that’s why I liked it more. My only complaint is that it’s a cliffhanger one that has me crying that I don’t have the next book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. Must read if you love werewolves. 
5 out of 5 stars

My Dusty Bookshelf

My Dusty Bookshelf
I've got an addiction for adding books to my bookshelf but never getting around to them. I'm sure I'm not the only one either. It's just so easy with all the new books to forget about the older ones. I'd like to start reading some of the books I've had for years and just haven't read. I thought this would be a good way to share and rekindle some interest in my dusty books. Plus I love giving books a little extra spotlight when I can. 

This week I decided to pick one that has been on my bookshelf way to long. I love the cover and the synopsis sounds good. I picked this one up for my kindle a long time ago and it's still on my kindle hopefully sooner than later I will get to it. 

Miss March
by Erynn Mangum
(Goodreads)

Synopsis
Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends."Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.

It's been a crazy week so this is late but better late than never. How is your reading going? Anything interesting that's been sitting on your shelf a long time. 

Friday, October 24, 2014

Book Blitz: The Land Uncharted



Title: The Land Uncharted
Author: Keely Brooke Keith
Release Date: October 21, 2014
Publisher: Edenbrooke Press

Summary:
Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in the Land. Day and night, she rushes by horseback to treat the ill and injured, establishing a heroic reputation as the village’s new doctor.

Naval Aviator Connor Bradshaw is flying over the South Atlantic Ocean on a mission to secure any remaining sources of fresh water in a 2025 world torn apart by war. A malfunction activates his aircraft’s ejection system, parachuting his unconscious body to the shore of a hidden land. 

Lydia risks her safety to help the injured outsider despite the shock of his mysterious arrival and the disastrous implications his presence could have for her peaceful society, which has gone undetected for seven generations.

Connor searches for a way to return to his squadron, but his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of Lydia and her peaceful homeland. And while Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs desires she never anticipated, it also pushes an unwanted admirer to stage a dangerous attempt to win her affection.

As Connor tries to keep the Land off the radar, he learns the biggest threat to Lydia lurks in her village. But when Lydia’s greatest passion and darkest fear collide, will she look to the past or the future to find the strength to survive?

Add The Land Uncharted to your shelf on GoodreadsShelfariLibraryThing, or FictFact

***
Pre-order today!
 Have your ebook of The Land Uncharted signed via Authorgraph!

Advance Praise for The Land Uncharted:
"Not only is Keely's writing beautiful and full of vivid detail, but the story and characters are incredible! I love the way she crosses genres and how well it all blends together.” -Christina Yother, author of Reverie

The Land Uncharted captured my interest from the opening lines. Keely Brooke Keith skillfully weaves an engaging story that explores the possibilities of a simple, peaceful existence in a society set apart from a world ravaged by conflict. Equal parts suspense and romance, this debut novel is a compelling read.” -Heidi McCahan, author of Unraveled

About the Author
Keely is a bass guitarist and lives on a hilltop south of Nashville. When she isn’t writing stories or playing bass, Keely enjoys dancing, having coffee with friends, and sifting through vintage books at antique stores. 

Author Links:
Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Instagram * Pinterest




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