From the Review Pile

From the Review Pile April 18th 2013

From the Review Pile is a meme hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.

The aim of this meme is to showcase books that you've received for review (or if you don't receive review books, any book that you own and really want to read/review) but haven't yet got around to reading, in order to give the book some extra publicity.

I know that a lot of you have a huge pile of books that you want to read/review, but it understandably takes a while to get around to reading them all - here you can give a book (or two!) some of the publicity that it deserves, even if you haven't read it yet!

I wanted to give a little extra publicity to a book that I've had on my review pile for a while. I also received it from a goodreads giveaway and I just haven't gotten around to reading and reviewing it yet. I know I feel really bad too many reviews not enough hours in the day. 

 Dancing at the Chance
by DeAnna Cameron
(Goodreads)

Synopsis

New York City in 1907 is a kingdom of endless possibilities for anyone who dares to dream. The Gilded Age has ended, and immigrants fill the bustling streets. The glamour of Broadway lures those who desire the limelight-but only a few are fortunate enough to thrive in the lights of a city that casts long, dark, and merciless shadows... 

Pepper MacClair and her mother arrived penniless in New York thirteen years ago, and their fortune has not changed. A dancer of fluid grace and motion, Pepper is still only one chorus girl among many, struggling for an opportunity to prove herself worthy of something bigger.

For now, Pepper dances at The Chance, a rundown venue long past its prime. It is not only Pepper's workplace, where she has pushed her physical endurance to its limit, but also her home. And as the larger world changes around her and she is pulled into the intrigues of New York's elite, it is her last hope, not only to fulfill her dream, but to fulfill her heart.

What do you have on your review pile?

Book Tour: Review: Surface

Title - Surface

Author - Tiffany Daune

Series - Surface #1

Genre - YA Mermaids

Format - Ebook Review copy

Publication - February 2013

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

Bound to the water bound to land, a Siren’s soul will never be safe on either side of the ocean’s surface. Hidden beneath the rolling waves lies the secret to Theia’s past and as she unveils each haunting truth, she realizes the last seventeen years of her life have been a lie. Now, drawn into a mysterious new world and with nowhere to turn, Theia must place her trust in Luc, a beautiful boy who stops her heart with each dazzling smile, but even his unearthly charm can’t hide the truth—he has secrets— dark secrets binding him to his world—an underwater world where Theia will never belong—a world determined to destroy her soul.

Review

I received Surface in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Theia is kidnapped from her room one night taken away from the home she shares with her mother having never known her father. Her kidnappers load her on a boat into the water dropping her into the roaring ocean before those chasing her can capture her. It takes all her willpower to survive the oceans powerful currents but she can't last forever and sinks below the surface coming face to face with mermaids. However these aren't your friendly mermaids nope these are blood thirst human haters.

She’s saved from the mermaids by Luc who at first assumes she’s from another tribe of Artagasians but as the questions are asked he learns that she’s one of the siren’s his people have wanted nothing to do with. A siren can walk on land or swim in water while an Artagasian can only spend a few hours on land before they start to die. A siren is the child of a human and Artagaian which means that Theia is part Artagasian. As the secrets revolving around who Theia is come to light she will have to fight for more than just her life. Another character that stuck out is Celeste who’s fallen in love with a human boy which is forbidden for her people upon learning Theia’s true identity she will risk it all in the name of love.  

I found Surface to be an intriguing story. I enjoyed the concept of the Artagasians it’s interesting to see a new take on under water beings and mermaids alike. I think the way the author captures the mermaids is unique it feels real. The way the story flows along is smooth and for me I had a hard time putting Surface down I wanted to know what would happen next. Through the book we have several different points of view from Theia the siren who didn't know who she was to Celeste the Artagasian who’s in love with a human. We also saw the darker side from Hugh the man who’s been hunting the sirens since he was a boy wanting to exploit the oceans. I wasn't too sure at first about Dumas’s team that kidnapped Theia and dump her in the water but as the story progressed and we learned more about him I started to like him. I think Theia and Luc are made for each other I love sweet innocent relationships, plus they deserve to be happy. My heart went out for Celeste even though I found her a little selfish at times she was doing it for love. Overall I really enjoyed Surface. I would love about the Artagasian’s and Sirens, the author gives hints at future book but I’m not sure. I also like that Surface is a clean story that younger teens as well as adults will enjoy getting caught up in the underwater world. 

5 out of 5 stars

AUTHOR BIO

Tiffany Daune doesn't get why people want to grow up or why anyone would ever stop eating candy. Her purse is filled with books, lip gloss and a few pieces of Lego bricks. She writes best with a dish of chocolate chips on hand and finds licorice makes a better straw than plastic.

She lives on an island and believes mermaids may be raiding her candy stash, though she hasn't caught them, yet.

Surface is her first novel and pairs well with gummy sharks.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter 

Giveaway

 Tour Grand Prize (INTL)

1 E Reader (Sony or Kindle) I'm going to the states this month and will pick one up.

1 $25 Starbucks Gift Card

1 $15 Amazon Gift Card

5 Digital Copies of Surface

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Diary Entry

Diary Update

April 17th 2013

I love blogging but in the last few months it’s been all work with limited fun and I don’t see much of Mandy. So my new goal is to have a daily post of thoughts, random stuff and anything else I feel like sharing. Most of it will be bookish but I will have the odd random stuff. I love to talk about books so this should be fun and a great outlet for me.

Foodie:

I broke up after moving in with my coffee pot I figured the espresso maker could handle the job but as of late I've just not been getting enough yummy coffee. I crave more than a latte so it seems. So the trusty coffee pot has made its way back onto the counter next to the espresso maker. I found a new recipe for pumpkin biscotti which I hope to make this week if I make it to the store. I’m also on a pie kick because I love crust so I’m hoping to make tarts I guess you could say this weekend I have a recipe for sugar cream pie I’m going to change to work with a strawberry pie and attempt to make it super easy. We will see. I’ll post pictures if and when I do.  

Reading:

I have gotten behind and honestly feel like I’m never going to catch up. It makes it worse I keep adding lots of books I’m dying to read to my collection with no chance of reading any of them in the near future. However I am doing my best to catch up so soon I should be able to dive into my fun pile I like to call them. I have a huge ebook review pile but I’m working my way it’s down to about twenty if I remember right. I’m forcing myself to no sign up for anymore tours till I’m all caught up. However I am making headway so that makes me happy.

Currently Reading:

Dead Radiance by T.G. Ayer I’m really excited so far it’s really entertaining.

Books so far this month:

I've currently read 9 this month and I hope to get at least another 10 by the end of the month. My goal for the year is 200 but I’m at 52 which I think is good but Goodreads says I’m 3% and 6 books behind I think I should read a bunch of novellas to catch up. I’ve read some awesome books this month, and still have a lot of exciting ones to come.

Crafty:

I’m super crafty, be it sketching, making bracelets, crocheting, and jewelry making. I’ve started making a simple bead ring which I think is super cute. Granted they aren’t perfect yet but I’m still learning. I also decided it’s time to get back to making a crochet blanket as well as this quilt and finish some new bracelet patterns.

Puppy Update:

12 Weeks Monday 35lbs looking great. He’s a keeper if only I can teach him what is ok and what’s not ok to bite but he’s learning and getting better every day. Walking almost daily with the puppy longer walks all the time. I need to get back into daily Zumba and I think I'm going to start this program Crys Book Reviews did a few weeks ago (Here)

Challenges:

I'm slacking big time. I need to get on it, however I still have months to catch up. 

I'm thinking of challenging myself fitness wise as well as to write a cookbook. We will see how that goes . 

I also love!!!!! 

Bloglovin' it makes following my favorite blogs so easy. 

W...W...W...

W...W...W... Wednesdays April 17th 2013

W...W...W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Be sure to link up to her so others can see what your reading.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions...

1.What are you currently reading?
2.What did you recently finish reading?
3.What do you think you'll read next?

My list:

1. What are you currently reading? Dead Radiance by T.G Ayer (Goodreads)
2. What did you recently finish reading? The Journals of Kara and Jason by Charlie Wood (Review)
3. What do you think you'll read next? Afterlife Academy by Jaimie Admans (Goodreads)

 What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday April 17th  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 eagerly waiting for:

The Ward 
by Jordana Frankel
Expected Publication April 30th 2013
(Goodreads)

Synopsis 

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure.

However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.

I've been curious for a while about The Ward and after seeing the cover and reading a few reviews I want it. Thankfully I don't have to wait very long.

What's your Wow This week?

Teaser Tuesday!

Teaser Tuesday April 16th 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!

Today I'm reading: 

Dead Radiance 
by T.G. Ayer
(Goodreads)

Teaser 


I was cold, like the roses on Joshua’s casket, like the muddy dark-brown soil waiting to embrace the lifeless remains of the boy who was my friend.
My fingers curled around the stem of a butter-yellow rose, knuckles tight. I blinked away the liquid burn stabbing my eyelids. I had to get out. Give him the rose. Then get the hell away.
I tried to squeeze past the old woman who guarded my route to the center aisle, glaring. Her stares slithered down my neck as I passed. I shuffled by, careful not to touch her. But she huffed, her shoulders stiff and unimpressed with my rudeness. Her disapproval slid down my back.

To be fair I've just started so this is the start of chapter one and I'm all about opening teasers. 

What's your Teaser today?

Top Ten Tuesdays

Top Ten Tuesday with Mandy!!

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.

This week's topic is:

Rewind:

Mandy's Top Ten books I can't believe I haven't read yet. I feel like this list could go on forever and ever but I'll just stick to ten today. 

1. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (Goodreads)

2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (Goodreads)

3. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (Goodreads)

4. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James (Goodreads)

5. Divergent by Veronica Roth (Goodreads)

6. Fallen by Lauren Kate (Goodreads)

7. The Selection by Kiera Cass (Goodreads)

8. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (Goodreads)

9. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Goodreads)

10. Storm by Brigid Kemmerer (Goodreads)

What's your top ten today?

$50 Book Blast: Moonlit by Jadie Jones

Moonlit
by Jadie Jones
YA Paranormal
Published April 16th 2013

Synopsis 

 Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods. When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t. But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

Amazon Kindle * Amazon * Goodreads

WiDo Publishing * Barnes & Noble

    Praise "Virginia's trees look like they're burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a chokehold on their green. I wish they'd give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they're dying." And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you'll love this novel! ~Author Julie Ford   Prologue The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn't tried to get out of the way. She had just missed. I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word.  

Author Jadie Jones Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went. She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

    Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/5/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Journals of Kara and Jason

Title - The Journals of Kara and Jason

Author - Charlie Wood

Genre - YA Sci fi Paranormal Romance 

Format - Kindle ecopy

Published - March 4th 2013

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis

A different kind of paranormal romance.

Eighth grade is not going well for fourteen-year-old Kara Bridges. Her best friend Stace has suddenly stopped talking to her, and she is having a hard time adjusting to life without her only real friend.

Luckily for Kara, she soon meets Jason, a foreign exchange student from Europe. And though Jason is more than a little awkward, he and Kara quickly form a friendship, bonding over what it's like to feel like an outsider who doesn't belong.

However, when Jason suddenly returns four years later when Kara is a senior in high school, she realizes not everything was what it seemed. Kara's world—and the way she looks at the world—is about to change forever.

THE JOURNALS OF KARA AND JASON is a 40,000-word novel about being young, falling in love, and all the terrible, wonderful feelings that come along with it.

Review

I received The Journals of Kara and Jason from the author Charlie Wood in return for an honest review. The story is about two very different 8^th graders who form a unique connection changing their lives forever. Kara’s been ditched by her best friend, forced to reach out and make new friends which is how she meets Jason. Jason is a foreign exchange student from Europe who’s a little quiet more the observing type where everything is a new experience to him. Kara reaches out to him when she sees him sitting alone, which starts a fast friendship. 

Both Kara and Jason each write daily in a journal detailing the day how they are feeling and their budding friendship. As the school year progresses, they become inseparable at school as well as hanging out together even staying up late talking on the phone. As the last football game comes around everyone is going as couple’s and Kara decides she will be the one to ask Jason thinking he won’t ask her. However Jason is forced to leave the night of the game before he can tell Kara what’s happened leaving her in the dark as much as his host family. Though it won’t be the last time Kara sees Jason as he returns to her four years later ready to risk it all and tell her what really happened.

I’m a fan of Charlie Wood I love his The Strike Trilogy so of course I was thrilled when the chance came up for his new paranormal romance. I found the Journals of Kara and Jason to be a very sweet story about two people from different worlds who conquered their difference to find love. The story is beautifully written giving a point of view from both characters. I love the cover it reminds me of the journals I used to keep as a kid as well as the notebook I use for my blog very cute. I really think both Kara and Jason are great characters they are the kind of kids I would have been friends with in school. What I thought was great is the story is clean which is refreshing because younger teens as well as adults will enjoy the story. I found the concept captivating it sparked my imagination making it hard for me to stop reading. I finished in one after, and I look forward to seeing what Charlie Wood comes up with next. 

5 out of 5 stars 

Cover Characteristic

Cover Characteristic - Butterflies

 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 Butterflies

So many beautiful covers this week.

Switched by Amanda Hocking (Goodreads)
Pure by Julianna Baggott (Goodreads)
Luminous by Dawn Metcalf (Goodreads)
Fairy Love (Fairy Tale) by Cyn Balog (Goodreads)

My Favorite Cover:

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire (Goodreads)

How about you?

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