Cover Reveal: The Wild Hunt

Title - The Wild Hunt

Author - Ron C. Nieto

Series - Faerie Sworn #1

Publication date - June 2014

Genre - Paranormal, Young Adult

(Goodreads)

Synopsis

Magic still lingers in the mist-covered corners of the world, wherever the Old Ways are remembered. However, as civilization and reason scoff at the Fair Folk, the paths to power have been forgotten by all but a few.

Lily Boyd was meant to become a faerie doctor, a warden of humans and a keeper of balance, until disbelief and pragmatism led her away from the hidden world and into a mundane life. But truth has a way to be Heard and she will be forced to face it if she wants to save her family.

Armed with nothing but her childhood memories and protected by a debt of gratitude she doesn’t understand, Lily must decide who to trust while she navigates a world that is darker and more twisted than she is prepared for.

And should she make the wrong choice, should she mistake friend and foe… the eternal balance between the Faerie Courts may shatter, and then there will be more than Lily’s life on the line.

AUTHOR BIO

Ron C. Nieto is a fantasy and romance author who has been writing in her secluded fortress for the longest time. Recently, she had a talk with her cat and decided that she should share her creations, because it was selfish to hoard them all for herself.

If you would like to know more about her, please visit her website.

Author Links

Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Website 

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday March 26th 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've read the first three in the series and can't wait to read the fourth book. It's a fantastic series one of my favorites it's loaded with all kinds of supernatural creatures. 

Golem in My Glovebox 
by R.L. Naquin
(Goodreads)

Synopsis

In her role as Aegis, Zoey Donovan has rescued and cared for hundreds of monsters and mythical creatures. Now humans are the ones in need of her help. Someone with a personal vendetta against the Board of Hidden Affairs has kidnapped all the other Aegises in the country--including Zoey's mother.

With the Hidden government in shambles and a string of deadly clues to follow, Zoey and her reaper boyfriend set out on a cross-country chase to stop the kidnapper from killing the captured Aegises. Along the way, they pick up a miniature golem who's on a quest to find his humanity...and may be the key to solving the grisly clues.

If Zoey succeeds in defeating this new evil, she'll finally be reunited with the mother she lost over twenty years ago. But if she fails, she'll become the final victim.

What's book are you waiting on?

Author Interview with Kimberly Castillo

Today I'm thrilled to share with you an interview with a very talented author Kimberly Castillo the author of her debut novel The Convenience of Lies. She was very kind to answer all my crazy questions. I hope you enjoy reading her answers as much as I have and be sure to check out my review of her book (here)

Mandy ~ Where did you get the inspiration for “The Convenience of lies”? 

Kimberly ~ The first novel I ever read was Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and it inspired me to someday write a book based on my own life. And so, I started keeping a diary with the hopes that someday I would stumble upon a story worth telling. Then, one summer while I was in high school I experienced a lot of drama which I thought could make a good story.

Mandy ~ Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Kimberly ~ No comment…. 

Mandy ~ Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Kimberly ~ I’ve always liked to write and I’ve always eentertained the idea of writing my own book. However, I never considered pursuing writing as a career. 

Mandy ~ What does your writing area look like? (Pictures work for this one too)

Kimberly ~ I have a desk in my living room where I do most of my writing on my laptop. My husband and I keep our desks in the living room so that I can work late while he’s sleeping and not bother him, and so that he can wake up early while I’m sleeping to work at his desk without bothering me. 

Mandy ~ What are five items you never leave home without?

Kimberly ~ Besides my cell phone, wallet, and keys, I never leave my house without nail clippers, chap-stick, sunglasses, and usually a sweater.

Mandy ~ Do you prefer ebooks or print?

Kimberly ~ Print. I like reading in the bathtub, and I’m terrified of the idea of dropping a Kindle/Nook into the water and destroying it.

Mandy ~ What are you reading right now?

Kimberly ~ I just finished reading Angels and Demons, and I’m planning on reading Mary Poppins next. 

Mandy ~ Do you have a favorite TV show?

Kimberly ~ It’s a close tie between Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother.

Mandy ~ What’s one thing that scares you?

Kimberly ~ I am terrified of the dark. I hate being home alone at night and if the power goes out, I am not a happy camper. 

Mandy ~ Who’s your favorite muppet?

Kimberly ~ Grover. I still have my stuffed Grover that I had and loved as a little kid.

Mandy ~ Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published?

Kimberly ~ I had a book signing at the Simi Valley Public Library. Over 100 people showed up and so I had a night where I felt like a minor celebrity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpGiHqkRFc0

About the author 

Kimberly Castillo wrote the first version of The Convenience of Lies when she was a teenager. After studying the process of storytelling at California State University Northridge, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in film production, she revisited this project to complete the story. The Convenience of Lies is her debut novel.

Kimberly is currently studying to be a doctor of optometry at Western University of Health Sciences and lives in Southern California with her husband and three cats.

Facebook / Twitter  Blog / Website 

Review: The Convenience of Lies

Title - The Convenience of Lies

Author - Kimberly Castillo

Genre - YA Based on True Story

Published - October 15th 2013

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

“It doesn't matter if it's right or wrong. All that matters is if you can. If you can do something, what difference does it make?"

Based on a true story, The Convenience of Lies is a novel that keeps readers up past midnight with its story of friendship, mystery, crime, sex, and betrayal. Set in a suburban town, this story is told through the eyes of a high school junior, Mackenzie, who describes her crush on a "bad boy," Ramon and her relationship with her best friend, Kira. During the course of the story, Mackenzie does her best to attract the affections of Ramon while her friendship with Kira evolves. Eventually, the different characters' property starts getting vandalized and a mystery develops as Mackenzie and Kira try to get to the bottom of who is behind the vandalism.

Review

 I received The Convenience of Lies in return for an honest review from the author. Mackenzie wasn’t popular at her old school so moving to a new town has given her a new chance at life. On her first day of school she doesn’t fit in as she the new girl. She finds an unlikely friend in Kira the Russian girl from the library who instantly befriends her. Mackenzie and Kira become best friends but one night before Kira heads off to spend 2 months in Russia a fight breaks out. Kira tells Mackenzie right before she leaves don’t worry about it but she can’t avoid the fact that she thinks she’s still mad at her.

While Kira is gone Mackenzie focus’s all her time and effort into getting attention from Ramon. Who happens to be her guy friend who she has a crush on but doesn’t want to be anything more than friends. When Kira returns their friendship is quickly mended and the girls are sucked into a mystery involving several acts of vandalism. Kira thinks its Ramon suspecting it can’t be the guy she has a crush on. Will Mackenzie risk her friendship with Kira for Ramon? Will they find the person doing the vandalism?

I like Mackenzie she’s a real girl with real issues which I found refreshing. She makes mistakes which helped me connect with her. I was on the fence about Ramon through the whole book I wanted him to be a good guy but I knew he couldn’t be. I liked Cody he’s the nerdy good guy and I wanted him to get the girl. My heart went out to Kira I understand her hurting, and being upset with Mackenzie.

The Convenience of Lies is based on a true story which is what makes the story so much more powerful. I was drawn right into Mackenzie’s life right from the start her story is one that sparks the imagination and tears at the heart. The characters in the story are easy to relate to you can’t help connecting with them and feeling the emotional rollercoaster as the story progresses. I feel like this is one of those stories all teens should read because it’s based on real life teen issues. It’s an emotional ride it made me angry, sad, happy and I even got a little teary eyed. It’s one of those books all teens should read and adults will find it insightful. I enjoyed it the book it was a quick fast paced read and I think the author has created a well written story.  

4 out of 5 stars

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday March 25th 2014

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 too 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!

I'm just starting 
On Dublin Street 
by Samantha Young 
(Goodreads)

I was bored.

Kyle Ramsey was kicking the back of my chair to get my attention, but he’d been kicking my best friend’s, Dru, chair yesterday and I didn’t want to upset her. She had a huge crush on Kyle. Instead, I watched her as she sat beside me drawing a million tiny love hearts in the corner of her notebook as Mr. Evans scribbled another equation on the board. I really should have been paying attention because I sucked at math. Mom and dad wouldn’t be happy with me if I failed a class the first semester into freshman year.

What are you reading today?

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:

Our bookish bucket list

This week is a great idea. 

1. I have two series that I want to read all the books for. Anne McCaffrey's Pern Series all 25 of them if not more that her son adds. I also want to read the whole A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. These are my top two series I need and want to read them all. 

2. I want to clear my review pile. All books kindle and physical books. I hate having books I need to read but haven't gotten too. This is why I've limited the books I accept for review. 

3. I want to read all the physical books on my shelves so the hubby will stop complaining when I buy more. 

4. I want to have my own little library room with lots of windows for sun. Big comfy couches, a bunch of plans, and big fish tank. I can't forget the floor to ceiling books books and more books. I've got big plans to one day have my tranquil reading spot. 

5. I have plans to increase my reading speed. I figure the only way I'm going to read all the books I want is by reading faster. I'm pretty decent right now but I want to kick it up a notch or two. 

6. Attend BEA - I hope to attend in the next couple of years. However that all depends on if we are still stationed in a place where I will be able to attend. Ya never know with the military. 

I can only think of 6 really big ones right now. I'm sure give it a few weeks I could come up with a nice long list. I can't wait to see what everyone else has. 

What's on your top ten list this week?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? March 24th 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.

I only read 3 but I did rekindle my love of historical romance.   

Read last week

Werewolf in Denver by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Review)
The Secret by Julie Garwood (Review)
Pride & Popularity by Jenni James (Review)

Currently Reading

The Convenience of Lies by Kimberly Castillo (Goodreads)

Up Next 

Born of Illusion by Terri Brown (Goodreads)

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young (Goodreads)

Love Waltzes In by Alana Albertson (Goodreads)

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads)

Salvage by Alexandra Duncan (Goodreads)

What are you reading this week?

The Sunday Post

The Sunday Post 

Hosted by:

Kimba the "Caffeinated Book Reviewer"

The Sunday post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer~ It's a chance to share new ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. 

It's been months since I've done this post. Typically my Sundays have been crazy this year and with the hubby home I haven't gotten time to blog. 

What happened last week: 

The Secret by Julie Garwood (Review)
Pride & Popularity by Jenni James (Review)

Werewolf in Denver by Vicki Lewis Thompson (Review)

My Life From Hell Blitz (Here)
My Tethered Soul Giveaway (Here)

 Impervious Giveaway (Here)

My Book haul for the last month 

It's been a month exactly since my last stacking. The last month has been lots of shopping. I had some birthday gift cards so I have lots to share this week.
The big boy was content to cuddle with all my new physical books.                                

Review
New Sight by Jo Schneider (Goodreads)From the publisher Jolly Fish Press
Eleanor by Johnny Worthen (Goodreads) From the publisher Jolly Fish Press
Confessions of the Very First Zombie Slayer (That I Know Of) by F.J.R. Titchenell (Goodreads) From the publisher Jolly Fish Press
The Midnight Spell by Rhiannon Frater (Goodreads) For the upcoming Tour

Purchased
Physical 
Landry Park by Bethany Hagen (Goodreads) I happened across it and had to have a physical copy.
Ebooks

Night Broken by Patricia Briggs (Goodreads)
Pride & Popularity by Jenni James (Goodreads) I've already read and reviewed it (Here)
Evernight by Claudia Gray (Goodreads) I'm reading this one next.

Gilded by Christina L. Farley (Goodreads)
Nil by Lynne Matson (Goodreads)
Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon (Goodreads)

Grimm by Christine Johnson (Goodreads)
Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick (Goodreads)
Only The Good Die Young by Chris Marie Green (Goodreads)

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski (Goodreads)
A Taste Fur Murder by Dixie Lyle (Goodreads)
The Secret by Julie Garwood (Goodreads)

Upcoming this week
A few reviews but other than that it's kind of quiet.

Around the blogosphere 

 Recklessly Royal Review & giveaway (Here)

Inspiring Insomnia has a fantastic review of The Martian (Here)
Daisy Chain Book Reviews has a fun review of Maybe Someday (Here)

I hope all of you have a amazing week!!!!!

Super Six Sunday

Super Six Sunday

Super Six Sunday is an original bookish meme created from Bewitched Bookworms and inspired by "Top Ten Tuesday" from The Broke and The Bookish. 

This week's Super Six is...
Books I'm Excited to see turned into Movies in 2014

This one is tough because I've not read very many books that are becoming movies this year yet. I do have many on my TBR list but just haven't gotten around to them. I linked them all to imdb so you can check out the casts. I decided to use the IMDB cover pictures. 


1. Vampire Academy - I know it's been through the theaters already but I loved the books and enjoyed the movie. I'm looking forward to adding it to my vast bluray collection. 

2. Divergent - I've read the first book in anticipation of the movie. However because my hubby had to go out of town I haven't seen the movie yet. So I'm impatiently looking forward to date night this week as long as the hubby makes it home from his TDY. 

3. The Maze Runner - My hubby just finished the book and I plan to read it next so I'll be ready for the movie. It's a long way off but it sounds good. 

4. Mockingjay - I've not read the series but I loved the movies both the hubby and I can't wait for the next movie. I do however hate that they made it two parts. 

5. The Giver - I read the book when I was a kid, didn't care for the story to be honest but now I think that it's time to read again after seeing the trailer last week for the movie. 

6. Gone Girl - I've been wanting to read this book for a while but now that the movie is coming out this fall I plan to read it before I see the movie. It sounds like a creepy story. 

As you can see I've read a few of them but I also have a few to read before I see the movies. What movies are you looking forward to?

Review: The Secret

Title - The Secret

Author - Julie Garwood

Series - Highlands' Lairds #1

Genre - Historical Romance 

Published - May 1st 1992

Publisher - Pocket Books

Format - Kindle

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

It is the late 12th century and lovely Lady Judith Hampton is making plans to leave her home in England for a dangerous journey to Scotland. She is keeping a childhood promise to attend her dearest friend, Frances Catherine, in childbirth. But Judith has a private reason for visiting the Highlands: to locate the father she has never known. 

Nothing has prepared Judith for the sight of Iain Maitland, Frances Catherine's brother-in-law, the Scottish warlord who comes to escort her to his land. The Laird of his clan, Iain is the handsomest, most compelling man Judith has ever met. 

Though he finds Judith as stubborn as she is enchanting, passion rages between them from their first kiss--and grows into a love so great that he fears for their future together... for her father's identity is a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance and the most glorious of loves!

Review 

Judith & Frances Catherine have been friends since they were four and five years old having met at the border festival. The only issues is Judith is English while Frances Catherine is Scottish but for them it doesn’t matter they are the best of friends. So when Frances Catherine is pregnant due to have a baby she sends for Judith. Her clan isn’t thrilled with the idea but being married to the Lairds brother does have its advantages. When the Laird Iain shows up expecting a fight at bringing Judith to Frances Catherine he’s shocked to see her ready to go.

It’s clear right from the start that Judith trusts Iain with her life, even his men are smitten with her and he can’t deny the attraction to her either. After arriving in the highlands Judith learns that the midwife who is supposed to deliver the baby has been tormenting Frances Catherine who already is worried about the birth afraid she won’t survive. When Judith learns that she’s not the only one with worries about having the midwife handle another wife’s delivery. She agrees to help her as well only to learn that it was up to her. What should have been a happy time is short lived when the midwife claims the birth doesn’t meet the requirements of pain. Thankfully Judith is able to prove the midwife wrong. After that Judith delivers several more babies getting ready to help Frances Catherine. Judith carries a secret that could change everything if the council as well as Iain finds out who her father is. Will Judith stay in the highlands? Will the secret come out?

Oh Judith how I love a strong determine English woman, paired off with a Scottish laird. Judith is the kind of character you can’t help loving, she’s just a good person with a good heart and mind of her own. I also have a soft spot for Scottish Lairds there is just something about the sexy warriors and Iain is no exception as he risks it all for the woman he loves. The supporting characters are great I would love to see more of Brodick he was a great warrior. Plus what’s not to love about Frances Catherine. I love a sassy Scottish lass as much as an English lady.

I’ve had this one my TBR for a while but it’s been ages since I’ve read a historical romance but when the option came up for a challenge I went right to my historical got to Julie Garwood. She did after all write one of my favorite series the Lairds’ Fiancees. The secret was a brilliant story filled with romance, secrets and intrigue. I was captivated right from the start and would have stayed up all night if I didn’t have to be up early this morning but I finished it as soon as I found a chance to read. The story is an original Scottish romance that has it all even a little steamy moment but it doesn’t overwhelm the story.  All the characters are easy to connect, I found myself so vested in what happened to them. The author has done a well job creating characters that steal your heart. I enjoyed every moment of the book it was spellbinding and beautifully written. I honestly can’t say enough about The Secret it might be my new favorite historical romance.  I love the covers they spark the imagination. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series as well as check out the other books by the author. I also can tell you that I'm 100% sure I will be reading this book again. 

5 out of 5 stars