Tuesday, August 26, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? August 25th 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

I didn't read as many as I had planned. However it was the last week of my hubby's leave so we tried to keep busy doing other things. Hopefully I can get a few more read this week. I'm hoping. 

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (Review)
Songbird by Jaymin Eve (Review)
Amaranth by Rachael Wade (Review)

Currently Reading 
Skulk by Rosie Best (Goodreads)


Up Next
Omens by Kelley Armstrong (Goodreads)

Rest of the week

Shaken Not Stirred by Alyssa Rose Ivy (Goodreads)

I hope to get a couple more in but not sure. 

What are you reading this week?

Monday, August 25, 2014

Book Blitz: Unrequited


Unrequited
by Emma Grey 
Release Date: 05/26/14

Summary from Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Kat Hartland loathes Unrequited, the world's biggest boy band. Is she the only girl in Sydney who can't be bothered with perfect-looking Angus Marsden?


Give her 5 Seconds of Summer. Now.

Or maybe the seriously-hot med student who rescued her on a train—and who could be Douglas Booth's twin! Perfect formal partner, much?

But when Kat comes face to face with Angus Marsden himself, things start to get complicated. Very. Throw in a deranged female popstar, final exams, a part in the musical and a mum who just doesn't get it—and where is her best friend?

When did life get so crazy? Kat's just an ordinary schoolgirl.

Isn't she?


Excerpt 
She tears away the tissue paper and exposes the music score. Sitting at the piano, she places it on the music stand and takes a deep breath.
The first few bars are hers. Half the song is hers, actually … and then …
Wow.
Wow.
She has to pause while she breathes the melody in for a minute. It’s good. Better than her original. Annoyingly good …
Who wrote this??
There’s no-one around to sing the male part, but she can hear it in her head. It’s perfect. It’s like a professional has picked up her amateurish scribblings and worked magic on them, and that’s both sort of brilliant and sort of sad …
I also wanted to say, you have a beautiful voice.
Yeah. Really?
Believe that and you could be a star one day.
She so could not be a star. Let’s face reality!
If you want to get in touch …
Um … with a random stranger? But the song works. It more than works. It works in a way that makes her think for a second that she could almost be on the brink of something real. But honestly, writing a song—even a good one—is one thing. Performing it? She’s always wanted to compose, but she’s never really wanted the spotlight. Or, maybe if she’s truly honest, she has, but she’s always been terrified of it.
About the Author
Emma Grey has two teenage girls, a three-year-old boy, a couple of businesses and another teen novel in the pipeline. Her first book, 'Wits' End Before Breakfast! Confessions of a Working Mum' was published in 2005.

Author Links:
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GIVEAWAY:
3 - $10 Amazon Gift Cards (INT)

Book Blitz Organized by:

Sunday, August 24, 2014

The Sunday Post

The Sunday Post 
Hosted by:

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. 

School has started back up so the oldest is back in school. The hubby has been on leave the last two weeks so I've not gotten a lot of blogging time or reading time. However he's due to deploy in a few weeks for only 60 days so I will have a couple of months with lots of reading time. I'm hoping to make it through as many books as I can to get ahead of my challenge. I also plan to redesign and update my blog.
So as I write this my husky-mute and blue tick puppy are baying and singing to each other. It's adorable but so loud and my hubby is still sleeping.
We also had a earthquake a 6.0 just down the way. Of course I slept though it but I'm hoping to feel an aftershock over the next day or two.

What happened last week: 

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (Review)
Songbird by Jaymin Eve (Review)
Amaranth by Rachael Wade (Review)
Book Blitz - Fated (Here) + Giveaway ends tonight. 

My book haul for the last week
Physical books
Glimpse by Kendra Leighton

eBooks
Wickedly Magical by Deborah Blake 
The Fire Wish by Amber Lough

Upcoming this week
A few reviews with summer I had to kick it back but I'm going to get back into the swing of things.

Around the blogosphere 
A great review @ Polished Page-Turners - Anna and the French Kiss (here) I really need to read this one.
Win a kindle Fire @ I Am A Reader only 7 days left. 

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

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!
Each week a new question, new answer, and new blogs to follow. 
If you want to follow via GFC just in case it goes away I ask you follow a second way, email, Linky, Bloglovin'. Thanks!!!!

This Week's Question: What Book/series do you think would make a better TV show than a movie?

Answer: I think Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich would make a much better TV Show instead of a movie. I know a lot of people didn't enjoy the movie but I did and even own it on blu-ray. I think it would be best on TNT it would fit a little better imo but I think it would be successful


Which book do you think would make a better TV show than movie?

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Stacking The Shelves

Stacking The Shelves
Stacking The Shelves August 23rd 2014
Stacking the Shelves is a meme by Tyngas Reviews that let's bloggers share their new books and swag, whether they are physical or virtual. I'll include books I've been sent, emailed, purchased, won and for review.

I've only added the couple this week. Hubby was on leave so book shopping got pushed aside. I'm also trying to be good at reading what I buy. 


Reviews
None this week being good.

Purchased
Physical books
Glimpse by Kendra Leighton

eBooks
Wickedly Magical by Deborah Blake 
The Fire Wish by Amber Lough

What did you get this week?

Book Review: Catching Jordan

Title - Catching Jordan
Author - Miranda Kenneally
Series - Hundred Oaks #1
Genre - YA Contemporary Romance
Published - December 1st 2011
Publisher - Sourcebooks Fire
Format - Kindle 

Synopsis
ONE OF THE BOYS


What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university.

But everything she's ever worked for is threatened when Ty Green moves to her school. Not only is he an amazing QB, but he's also amazingly hot. And for the first time, Jordan's feeling vulnerable. Can she keep her head in the game while her heart's on the line?


Review
Jordan has always loved football and since pop warner at a kid she’s been playing quarterback. It’s her senior year she wants to play for Alabama but as the season starts everything changes when Ty shows up and joins the team. He’s an amazing quarterback with the prospect of going all the way plus he’s super attractive and distractions Jordon from her priorities. All her life Jordan has been one of the guys the game has been the most important she doesn’t think about guys like the other girls.

However with the arrival of Ty things are changing for Jordan and they aren’t all going to be good. With the arrival of the new quarterback she can’t keep her head in the game, and when her father does finally show’s up she’s not even playing. At home she can’t get her dad to give her the time of day when it comes to football but he’s all about supporting her brother’s college career. All Jordan has dreamed about is going to Alabama and playing football but as the football season starts to end it may not be an option. She’s also has a boyfriend which is new for her and put a strain on her friendship with her best friend. Jordan will need to figure out what she wants before it’s too late and loses it all.

I liked Jordan right from the start a girl playing football with the guys at a high school level it was awesome. I love the way the guys are protective of her on and off the field and that she’s a tomboy not your prissy weak minded girl. She’s also sweet and innocent when it comes to guys I found that refreshing. I loved her fellow football players of course Henry was my favorite but I liked Ty too he’s a good guy with a good heart.

Catching Jordan is a story about a girl struggling to be the best in a guy’s world. I feel like the story is well written it flows from start to finish and I could see it really happening. It’s a clean story that teens as well as adults will be able to relate to Jordan’s story. The characters I found were easy to connect with I loved Jordan by the end she’s just a great character. My only gripe was I didn’t care for the love triangle but it wasn’t as overwhelming as most it was tastefully done which I appreciated. All in all it’s a great story and for my first book by the author I was impressed. I have every intention of checking out the rest of her books because I enjoyed this one.  
4 out of 5 Stars

Friday, August 22, 2014

Book Review: Songbird

Title - Songbird
Author - Jaymin Eve
Series - Sinclair #1
Genre - New Adult Romance Contempoarry 
Published - July 2014
Format - kindle

Synopsis

It took many years but finally Melodee Lee is in control of her life. The twenty-three year old trusts no one, and spends her time nomadically wandering with the underground cage fighting scene. Her innocent looks are an asset and she utilizes them to their fullest extent. Fighting is how she makes her money and she’s damn good at it. Yeah, sometimes she’s lonely, but her set-up guarantees no one screws with her and she doesn’t have to think about the ten ways she knows how to kill a man. Of course, that was before she met the Sinclairs.



Nathan Sinclair; one of the four brothers that dominate the city of Syracuse. Nathan’s a rising basketball star, set to be signed by the NBA and despite the fact his slam-dunk nickname was earned both on and off the court, he’s decided that it’s time for a break. He’s over the drama of college women.

An accident, a baby and unforgettable circumstances bring these two people together when their worlds should never have collided. And the end result have both of them questioning their lives and the choices they've made to be happy.

Note from author - This is a full length, standalone HEA romance. It is recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.


Review
Melodee has been on her own most of her life even before her parents death’s she’s trained and had to take care of herself. Growing up Melodee was trained to be a fighter in case anything went wrong her parents saw the prospect of having an extra fighter a plus. The daughter of trained assassins the only reason they had her was to keep up appearances and not break their cover. In order to survive Melodee has resorted to using her skills as a fighter to her advantage as a cage fighter.

After moving to Syracuse after a fight Melodee is in a tragic car accident after catching a ride home with one of her new neighbors. While the driver and her neighbor don’t survive the crash he’s not the only victim of the snow storm but another car with a baby girl whose mother didn’t survive.  To protect the baby girl Melodee goes with Nathan the owner of the land the accident happened on. Neither one was expecting to find that the other is exactly what they needed a change that will last a life time. Will they be able to make it work with her cage fighting, his basketball and a baby?

I loved Melodee right from the start she’s my ideal NA character there is just something about the tragic past and finding a HEA that I just love. I like the idea that Melodee is tough with a good heart and doesn’t just roll over when things get tough. I also liked Nate he’s a wealthy start athlete who doesn’t let it influence his decisions in life and is willing to risk it all for the right girls. I think the author did a great job giving us a chance to get to know the Sinclair brothers which I think was a great idea for future novels. 

I’ve had Songbird on my kindle since it first came out. I fell in love with the concept and the cover was just a bonus but I never found the time till just now. I can’t believe I waited so long because I really enjoyed the story. I really liked the characters I was able to connect with Melodee she’s a cage fighter and I found her very interesting. Songbird is a happy ever after novel with two people from different worlds who find love after a tragedy. I really loved the chemistry between Melodee & Nate they just worked right from the start. The story does have a lot of steamy moments but it also has a story which I found refreshing. A fast paced novel that I had a hard time putting down I was enchanted with the characters that I had to know how it would end. I really loved the story it was beautifully written and a fantastic first installment. I also liked that we are giving a taste of the Sinclair brothers and look forward to seeing future novels with them. 
4 out of 5 stars 

Month9Books Friday Reveal: Vessel

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
M9B-Friday-Reveal

VESSEL by Lisa T. Cresswell

presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
LCresswell_Vessel_M9B_eCover_1800x2700
The sun exploded on On April 18, 2112 in a Class X solar storm the likes of which humankind had never seen.
They had exactly nineteen minutes to decide what to do next.
They had nineteen minutes until a geomagnetic wave washed over the Earth, frying every electrical device created by humans, blacking out entire continents, and every satellite in their sky.
Nineteen minutes to say goodbye to the world they knew, forever, and to prepare for a new Earth, a new Sun.

Generations after solar storms destroyed nearly all human technology on Earth, humans reverted to a middle ages-like existence, books are burned as heresy, and all knowledge of the remaining technology is kept hidden by a privileged few called the Reticents.

Alana, a disfigured slave girl, and Recks, a traveling minstrel and sometimes-thief, join forces to bring knowledge and books back to the human race. But when Alana is chosen against her will to be the Vessel, the living repository for all human knowledge, she must find the strength to be what the world needs even if it's the last thing she wants.
add to goodreads
Title: Vessel
Publication date: May 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Lisa T. Cresswell
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
Lisa, like most writers, began scribbling silly notes, stories, and poems at a very young age. Born in North Carolina, the South proved fertile ground to her imagination with its beautiful white sand beaches and red earth. In fifth grade, she wrote, directed and starred in a play "The Queen of the Nile" at school, despite the fact that she is decidedly un-Egyptian looking. Perhaps that's why she went on to become a real life archaeologist?
Lisa T. CresswellUnexpectedly transplanted to Idaho as a teenager, Lisa learned to love the desert and the wide open skies out West. This is where her interest in cultures, both ancient and living, really took root, and she became a Great Basin archaeologist. However, the itch to write never did leave for long. Her first books became the middle grade fantasy trilogy, The Storyteller Series. Her first traditionally published work, Hush Puppy, is now available from Featherweight Press.
Lisa still lives in Idaho with her family and a menagerie of furry critters that includes way too many llamas!
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
(Winners will receive their book on release day)


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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Book Blitz: Fated


The Fated 5 have come together to bring you a collection of five steamy new adult urban fantasies about sacrifice, second chances, destiny and love against all odds.
With fan favorites from new adult and urban fantasy bestsellers Rachael Wade, Nikki Jefford, Stacey Marie Brown, Alyssa Rose Ivy and Heather Hildenbrand.

***Available for a LIMITED TIME only!***
Five full-length novels only 99 cents.

Amaranth by Rachael Wade – Camille moves to Southern Louisiana to escape her abusive past, not expecting to fall in love and plummet into the world of Amaranth, a place of exile for reformed vampires.

Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter by Nikki Jefford– Thanks to her rare blood type, Aurora’s forced to hunt vampires in Alaska. Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire.

Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown – Ember has never fit in. After she lands herself in a facility for troubled teens, she meets the darkly mysterious and hot as hell, Eli Dragen who is keeping secrets that can’t stay hidden much longer.

Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy – A summer in New Orleans leads to a chance encounter with the infuriating yet alluring Levi. Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand – Five months after Whisper is released from the Skye View Wellness Center she stumbles upon an unconscious boy at a bonfire party who holds the key to breaking her curse.

I've been able to read three so far. All are fantastic novels. 


Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter
by Nikki Jefford
5 Star Rating
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.


Flight 
by Alyssa Rose Ivy
5 Star Rating
Allie has sworn off after her last relationship ended because even though he doesn’t see it that way.  In the fall she heads off to Princeton so this summer is going to be about working for her dad and spending time with her best friend. She has no intention of getting involved with a guy especially the arrogant Levi who is determined to win her heart. Allie has no intention of falling for Levi but sometimes you can’t always help falling for the charming guy.

What Allie decides will be a little fun with Levi quickly changes when he shows her a part of his world that she didn’t knew even existed. Levi and his friends are part of a secret society of supernatural beings that also happen to be the leaders of. As Allie falls into their world she’s torn between being freaked out and finding it exciting what they can do. Suddenly Levi changes everything with a gift that changes her life forever putting herself and family at risk. Will she survive or be on the run forever?

I loved Allie she’s got her life all planned out even though her childhood wasn’t perfect she’s made the best of it. I’m not sure how I feel about her best friend she’s got issues and I didn’t like the way she just up and left Allie alone. I also loved Hailey right from the start she’s a fun character with a good heart and much better friend for Allie. Oh the guys I can’t even I wanted to dislike Levi but I just loved him for Allie even if she doesn’t see it yet.

I’ve been on the fence about this series for a while because I loved her Clayton Falls series. I took the plunge giving Flight a chance by the end of the first chapter I was so hooked I purchased the rest of the series right away. I found the characters easy to connect with I loved Allie as a character she’s great stubborn and not falling all over Levi. Flight is a fast paced on the edge of your seat paranormal romance that has all the aspects I look for in a book. The author has created her own unique world for her characters to live in and I can’t wait to learn more about the supernatural society in future books. This isn’t my first book by this author but her writing style is one of my favorites it just flows along smoothly. I had a hard time putting Flight down if I didn’t have to be up early I would have stayed up late to finish. I really loved Flight everything about the book was amazing I loved it so much. I can’t wait to start the next one. 



Amaranth
by Rachael Wade
5 Star Rating
I received Amaranth in return for an honest review as part of the Fated Release Blitz. Camille is drawn to the wrong guys she takes a vacation off to Paris for her birthday while there she has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger. Returning to the states she relocates to Louisiana to start a new life across the country far away from her ex. Camilla ends up meeting another Mr. Wrong but she can’t seem to get away from the bad guys and ends up in another abusive relationship. With the arrival of her best friend to visit Camille has resorted to casting protection spells.

It’s while at work that Camille meets Gavin who happens to be the handsome guy she met in Paris and agrees to go out later that night. They quickly for a bond spending the next few weeks getting more attached to each other during which Camille doesn’t hear from her recent ex. However after Audrey returns home and Gavin is dropping Camille off for the night do they encounter her ex Andrew who isn’t ready to give her up without a fight. When Camille wakes up from being attacked she learns that Gavin isn’t human but a vampire and that there is a whole world she didn’t know exists. In order to keep Camille safe Gavin will have to risk everything going against the leader of his people and they may not survive.

I wasn’t sure about Camille but as the book progressed on me plus she loves books and wants to be a writer I can’t not help liking her. I loved Gavin right away I knew there was something special about him and a good guy with a good heart. I liked the idea of Gavin being a knight in white showing up to save Camille from her abusive boyfriend. I also liked her friend Audrey but I wasn’t sure about how quickly she connected with Gavin’s friend Gabe and was so willing to join his lifestyle so quickly.

I honestly didn’t even read the synopsis because the cover was screaming read me so the whole story was a pleasant surprise that I enjoyed. I was captivated right from the start drawn into Camille’s world she has a tragic past so finding Gavin was exactly what she needed. Amaranth is filled with suspense, action, and sweet clean romance that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I actually finished the book within just a few hours I couldn’t put it down I had to know what would happen next. I really enjoyed the unique vampire concept with the author’s own twists she created an exciting world. The author has created memorable characters that I was able to connect with and can’t wait to see what happens next in their lives. A very well written story that flows from start to finish that captures the heart. This is my first book by the author Rachael Wade and I can’t believe I waited so long to check her out. 
Enter to win a custom Fated charm bracelet.
Sign-up for a free Fated Bonus Bundle and chance to win a $50 Gift Card and Live Chat with the Fated 5.


Cover Reveal: Captured Love

Title - Captured Love
Author - Juliana Haygert
Genre - Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Publication date - November 2014
SynopsisWarning: strong language, sex scenes

Word count: ~70,000

It’s been four years since twenty-year-old Jessica Hayes has been home, but when she discovers her father is dying, she must return to her hometown in South Carolina and face her past. Jessica thought patching up her relationship with her father would be her biggest challenge, but when she runs into Ryan Dawson—the catalyst of all her problems—she wonders if coming home was a mistake.
Ryan knows he screwed up. Hell, he paid the price…with interest. But when he runs into his best friend’s little sister, Jessica, he’s reminded that his debt will never truly be paid. He may have turned his life around, but he can’t undo the damage. So, he does what he should have done all those years ago. He stays away from Jessica, and all the other personal demons that still haunt him.
Jessica thought she wanted nothing to with Ryan, but something is different about him and she needs to know why. When she discovers the truth behind his change, she puts her troubles aside and tries to help him. But is putting her heart back in the line of fire worth disrupting her stable life back in Ohio, or will the past repeat itself, leaving her brokenhearted once again?
AUTHOR BIO
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Giveaway