Saturday, October 26, 2013

Review: Shadow Eyes


Title - Shadow Eyes
Author - Dusty Crabtree
Genre -YA Fantasy
Published - July 15th 2012
Publisher - Muse Publishing
Format - Kindle Review Copy

Synopsis

Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.


Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.

As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be.


Review
I received Shadow Eyes in return for an honest review from the author. Iris’s life changed three years early when she developed the ability to see shadows and light. The shadows are these black creatures that attack themselves to people causing them to do bad things. She’s learned to deal with the shadows over the last three years avoiding places where they are stronger feeling safe at home. Iris has dreams that feel real, telling her things about the future. However this year is planning to change her life forever.

When her friend asks her out on a group date the relationship sparks into a relationship. They aren't the only ones from the group date that spark a relationship. As things progress with Josh soon shadows are pushing him to do things out of character. She also has a new teacher Mr. Delaney who is insanely handsome he implies he see’s something special with Iris about her gifts. Iris has a new friend the new girl Kyra who unlike her fellow students is shadow free and even radiates light.

Kyra isn't the only new student in school and this one seems to also have the light like Kyra. Even though Iris has a boyfriend she can’t deny her attraction to him but she’s determine not to fall for his charming smile. As her Computer Apps class pushes them together she’s torn between both the one who she’s been dating and the one who she’s enchanted by. As things at school get more and more bizarre her home-life takes its own downward spiral as her older experiences tragedy. Iris’s world continues to spiral out of control but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Will she learn the truth about who she really is? What’s really going on with the shadows and why Kyra and Patrick both radiate light?

I Love Iris it’s easy to connect with plus she’s bookish just like I am. She reminds me of myself because she gets excited by birthday gifts of books, bookmarks, and book store gift cards only the best gifts ever. She’s had to grow up a lot and learn to deal with her gifts over the last few years and that has caused her to be stronger. I wasn't sure at first how I felt about Patrick but by the end I liked him he’s a good partner for Iris even if he has a dark side.

I found Shadow Eyes captivating right from the start we are pulled into Iris’s life learning about her special gifts. The concept is a good vs. evil but the author has put her own unique spin creating a world of shadows and light. I loved the characters I found them engaging, and easy to connect with I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what would happen next to Iris. The author has created a fantasy story filled with suspense, action, romance and an ongoing battle of good vs. evil. The author has beautifully written a story that flows smoothly from start to finish. I like the way she ended the book with the hint at a possible sequel to the book. For her debut novel I think Shadow Eyes is an excellent novel and look forward to seeing what the author creates next.  
5 out of 5 stars

30 Day Challenge: Day 6

I stumbled across this 30 Day Challenge and just have to participate. 
I got the idea from Ya-Aholic Reviews

A Book that makes you sad. 

I tend to avoid sad books for the fact that I don't enjoy being sad. 
However I did read a fantastic book that was a total tear-jerker that left me sad. 
I love the story but it's super sad but so worth the read. I would read it again. 

Always and Forever
by Karla J. Nellenbach
(Goodreads)

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

Determined to meet death on her own terms, Mia devises scheI love the story but it's super sad but so worth the read. I would read it again. me after scheme to get the job done. A “fall” down the basement stairs, driving her car off a bridge, and even a dance with a train all end in her survival. 

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


What's the last book that made you sad?

Stacking The Shelves

Stacking The Shelves
Stacking The Shelves October 26th 2013

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.
It's been an awesome week for books both received and purchased.

For Review 
ebooks
Via NetGalley
Fall by A.K Morgen (Goodreads) Thank you Curiosity Quills Press
Fates by Lanie Bross (Goodreads) Thank you Random House
Shinobi by Cole Gibsen (Goodreads) Thank you Flux

 Physical Books
Blood Vine by Amber Belldene (Goodreads) Thank you Omnific Publishing
Embrace by Cherie Colyer (Goodreads) Thank you Omnific Publishing
A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano (Goodreads) Thank you Bethany House Publishers
Made to Last by Melissa Tagg (Goodreads)Thank you Bethany House Publishers

Purchases
Willow by Amy Richie (Goodreads)
Teardrop by Lauren Kate (Goodreads)
The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice (Goodreads)
Torment by Jeremy Bishop (Goodreads)
The Sentinel by Jeremy Bishop (Goodreads)

Physical 
My hubby complains when I buy physical books because I've run out of bookshelf so I've been adding more ebooks.
Ever After High by Shannon Hale (Goodreads)
This is a spin-off to monster high and since I have all of those I just had to have this one. I'm going to read it to my daughter she's really excited but would rather have all the dolls.

It was a awesome week or books. What did you get this week?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Blog Tour - Review: Heartbreak Ranch



Title - Heartbreak Ranch
Author - Anastasia Ryan
Genre - New Adult Romance
Published - October 15th 2013
Publisher - Swoon Romance
Format - Kindle review copy

Synopsis

Recent college graduate, Graysen Beaufort, resigns herself to two weeks of boredom at a dude ranch honoring her parents’ wishes for one last family vacation. 

She doesn't plan on meeting Colt McCord, an irresistible cowboy who threatens to bring disorder to Graysen's ordinarily ordered life. 

Dodging an overprotective family, an unwelcome suitor, and certain heartbreak, Graysen struggles to break free of her limitations and submit her heart to Colt’s love. But learning to let go isn't easy, even with a man like Colt. 

Colt McCord, White Pine Ranch’s head horse trainer, loves the busy, back-breaking work of a cattle ranch. 

But when he meets a beautiful and spirited woman from Iowa, she makes him forget everything he'd known before, and he risks everything to be with her. 

Colt is accustomed to breaking horses, but can he tame Graysen’s wild heart before it is too late?

Review

I received Heartbreak Ranch in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours. Greysen’s vacation plans didn't include a long road trip, horses or hot guys. After all she wanted to head to Europe with her friends but thanks to her parents family trip she’s going to spend two weeks in Wyoming. If only they have cell service she may just make it the whole two weeks. After a long car ride with her older brother and teenage sister Greysen is happy to have a real bed to sleep in since the hotels have been awful.

 Arriving at the ranch her family heads up to the main house after settling in but Greysen sneaks off for a walk finding a wild horse with a handsome cowboy. Enchanted by the horse and rider she spies on him around the side of the barn. She returns back to her family and the party only to be introduced to the cowboy when he joins for a brief drink. Neither Greysen or Colt can deny the attraction to each other and what starts off as one crazy night turns into a whirlwind romance. However while Colt may be happy at the ranch Greysen is a city girl and what happens after her two weeks are up?

I really like Greysen she’s a sweet innocent girl who needs to break out of her shell and learn to live. I think Colt is perfect what can I say sexy guy on a black stallion named Pumpkin. Loved it!!!! The chemistry between Greysen and Colt is exactly what I like in my steamy romance.

I was enchanted by the concept right from the start since I’m a horse junky give me a steamy romance with horses I’m sold. The characters are easy to connect with you can’t help falling for Greysen with her unique name. Colt is just amazing he had me sold when we first encountered him on Pumpkin. I love Heartbreak Ranch it’s a fast paced steamy romance that sparks the imagination and leaves you breathless. I will admit the steamy parts make me blush and Heartbreak Ranch is no exception or lacking in the steam department but I think the author wrote them well. The whole book is well written for a debut novel. I would suggest mature teenager to adults will enjoy this book because it is steamy. 
5 out of 5 stars

About the Author

Anastasia Ryan is a native New Yorker, but lives in Iowa with her family. She loves the beautiful chaos of raising six children. She is her husband’s girlfriend, but is also quite smitten with the written word. As the daughter of teachers, she has had a love of both great literature and writing in her blood since she was a baby. At a very early age, you would have found her perched on her father’s lap as he typed out his Master’s thesis for English. She is addicted to great books she can get lost in, finds cooking relaxing, is a sometimes web geek, and loves spending time with family and friends. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Creative Writing.

Anastasia Ryan's debut new adult novel HEARTBREAK RANCH will be released by Swoon Romance in the Fall of 2013. 



 GIVEAWAY:
1 ebook of Heartbreak Ranch and $10 iTunes Gift Card (INT)
3 ebooks of Heartbreak Ranch (INT)

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
Featured blogs this week:

The Bibliophilic Nerds

This Week's Question:


Photograph your favorite reading in a funny place. 

Answer:

My three year old was very helpful when it came to putting my choice in funny places. Since it's Halloween soon I went with my favorite zombie book. We put it with the baking stuff in the pantry. Next to the coffee pot & espresso maker which both are a must in this house. Also we tucked it into my hubby's work stuff and we all know he won't read it. Than last my daughter stuck it with her monster high dolls. Now keep in mind I currently have my old iPhone 3 so the quality isn't amazing. I can't decide what to get for a new phone.


Where did you photograph your favorite book this week?

Also last week for the spooktacular giveaway. I'm giving away a $20 gift card hurry and enter (Here)


Thursday, October 24, 2013

From the Review Pile

From the Review Pile October 24th 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 planned to blog this morning but with the hubby home it didn't happen. He will be flying tonight so it's going to be just the kids and I. So hopefully I will get a little reading time done. 

My choice this week is one I've had on the pile but not gotten around to and need too. 

Northern Bites by Nikki Jefford
(Goodreads

The series just recently in the last few weeks had the cover re-done. Beautiful!! I loved the first one looking forward to starting the second. 


Synopsis 

Love bites.
Probation sucks.

Thanks to Dante’s recklessness, Aurora is now partners with Valerie: the redheaded, backstabbing vixen. 

Dante is in full flirt mode. Fane’s tactics are more ruthless. Something carnal has awakened in Aurora and neither boy is helping tame her cravings.

When a member of the unit’s team is found dead, Aurora and Valerie are sent after a vampire in Sitka, but Aurora suspects the killer’s much closer to home.


What do you have on your shelf?


Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

30 Day Challenge: Day 5

I stumbled across this 30 Day Challenge and just have to participate. 
I got the idea from Ya-Aholic Reviews

A book that makes you happy

Anything with a happy ever after. I'm a sucker for a happy romance novel. My favorites are anything by Betty Neels (Goodreads). My grandmother hooked me on her at a early age she always writes these sweet cute short Harlequin romance novels typically set in Europe.

The Quiet Professor
The Girl with Green Eyes
The Convenient Wife
A Suitable Match

What do books make you happy?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

30 Day Challenge: Day 4

I stumbled across this 30 Day Challenge and just have to participate. 
I got the idea from Ya-Aholic Reviews


Well since I picked my favorite series but it only has one book so I'm going with my second favorite. 

I've been such a slacker with this challenge but I'm ready to do it daily for the rest of the thirty days.

Moon Called
by Patricia Briggs
(Goodreads)

I've been reading a lot of first in new series books recently. One of my favorite must reads is the Mercy Thompson series. I can't decide which one of her books is my favorite because I love them all. So maybe the first book because we met Mercy.

What's your favorite book in your favorite series?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

W...W...W... Wednesdays

W...W...W... Wednesdays October 23rd 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?

Books


1.What are you currently reading? Heartbreak Ranch by Anastasia Ryan (Goodreads)
2.What did you recently finish reading? Permanent Shadows by C.E. Wilson (Review)
3.What do you think you'll read next? Shadow Eyes by Dusty Crabtree (Goodreads)

What have you been reading this week?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!

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

Willow 
by Amy Richie
(Goodreads)

It seems like  I love the cover and the synopsis is my kind of book. 


“Being a werewolf is harder than it looks. Everyone thinks it’s just morph at the full moon, kill, morph back. That’s not true. It’s a lot harder than that. Especially if you are seventeen years old.”

Willow has the worst luck. First she has to deal with her narcissistic foster mother, Bella; then of course there’s her horrid little sister Ivy; not to mention the pack of werewolves that belong to Bella. Now, they have to move and start a new school - again.

Just when Willow thinks things can’t get any worse, Blake shows up from a council she never knew existed to name her leader of a pack she never knew existed. How was she supposed to teach a bunch of teenagers how to be wolves when she herself hated everything about her life?


What's on your wishlist?

Spooktacular Hop! Enter to win a $20 amazon gift card plus over 300 other giveaways (here)!!!!